Remote Programming System And Method For Replacement Vehicle Keys
Patent No. US11232661 (titled "Remote Programming System And Method For Replacement Vehicle Keys") was filed by Ikeyless Llc on Apr 7, 2020.
What is this patent about?
’661 is related to the field of vehicle security systems, specifically those that use electronic keys. The background is that modern vehicles use engine control units (ECUs) programmed with unique identifiers of authorized keys. Replacing a lost key traditionally requires a locksmith to physically access the vehicle and reprogram the ECU, which can be time-consuming and expensive. This creates problems for vehicle owners, repossession companies, and auction houses needing to manage and verify key replacements.
The underlying idea behind ’661 is to enable remote reprogramming of a vehicle's ECU to accept a replacement key. This is achieved by establishing a communication link between the ECU and a remote server, allowing the server to securely transmit the necessary programming information to the ECU without requiring a technician to be physically present at the vehicle.
The claims of ’661 focus on a system and method for remotely programming an ECU to accept a replacement key. This involves communicatively linking an onboard diagnostic interface device (OBD) with the ECU and a remote back-end programming machine, communicating vehicle identifying information to the programming machine, determining the necessary programming information, and sending that information to the ECU to enable the replacement key.
In practice, the system uses a standard OBD-II port to connect an interface device to the vehicle's ECU. This device then communicates, either directly or via a handheld device like a smartphone, with a remote server. The server, after authenticating the request and verifying vehicle information, sends the specific data needed to reprogram the ECU to recognize the new key. The system can also provide instructions to a user on actions to perform on the vehicle to complete the key programming process.
This approach differs from traditional methods by eliminating the need for a locksmith to be physically present. The remote server maintains a database of vehicle-specific programming routines, allowing for a streamlined and scalable key replacement process. Furthermore, the system can log and verify successful key programming events, addressing the problem of uncertainty and potential fraud in vehicle repossession and resale scenarios. The remote verification aspect is a key differentiator.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the late 2010s when ’661 was filed, vehicle engine control units (ECUs) were commonly programmed using specialized tools and knowledge, often requiring a locksmith to be physically present at the vehicle. At a time when vehicle security systems commonly relied on proprietary protocols and hardware interfaces, remotely programming an ECU presented technical challenges related to secure communication, authentication, and data integrity. When systems commonly relied on wired connections for diagnostic and programming interfaces, enabling remote access required integrating wireless communication technologies and addressing potential security vulnerabilities.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner allowed the claims because the prior art of record, specifically Nishidal and Wadhwani, did not teach or suggest a method comprising an engine control unit programmed to accept a tangible first key for starting the vehicle, communicating identifying information about the vehicle and communication networks by obtaining the identifying information from the engine control unit using the interface device, the identifying information including at least a vehicle identification number; determining and programming the engine control unit of the vehicle to accept the replacement key for starting the vehicle using the one or more actions and programming information, as presented in the claimed invention. The examiner stated that none of the prior art of record, either taken by itself or in any combination, would have anticipated or made obvious the invention.
Claims
This patent includes 20 claims, with independent claims numbered 1, 10, and 16. The independent claims focus on methods and a system for programming a vehicle's engine control unit to accept a replacement key. The dependent claims generally elaborate on and refine the elements and steps recited in the independent claims.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
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Date
Description
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US11232661
- Application Number
- US16842426
- Filing Date
- Apr 7, 2020
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Feb 14, 2038
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents