System and method of improving security during backup functionality of electronic control key

US11055941B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• NXP B.V. · NL

Inventors

• Wolfgang Eber · Zeltweg, AT
• Dorian Haslinger · Nestelbach bei Graz, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 31, 2020
• Grant date: Jul 6, 2021
• Expiry date: Mar 31, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07C2009/0096
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An electronic control key including security check circuitry used by an inductive system to perform at least one security check to determine whether to enable authorized functions. The inductive system receives power and enables communications via an inductive link for backup operation. The security check circuitry may include battery status circuitry and distance measurement circuitry. The inductive system invokes the distance measurement circuitry to perform a secure distance check when the battery status is good, in which the inductive system enables authorized functions only when the secure distance check passes. The security check circuitry may include a motion detector for performing a motion inquiry. The motion inquiry may include detecting motion of the electronic control key or detecting a predetermined characteristic movement or a programmed motion pattern. The security check circuitry may be a button in which authorized functions are enabled only when the button is pressed.