Design Article
Fob functionality goes beyond the car
Rick DeMeis
8/25/2010 4:58 PM EDT
True remote keyless entry and immobilizer systems, which let drivers access, start, and secure their cars without removing a key fob from pocket or purse, are seeing wider and wider adoption.
But for payment use, security technology is paramount, involving not only safe links but the use of crypto co-processors. Early technology demonstrations are underway by BMW, Continental, and NXP Semiconductors.
Here's a full report on such security technology development from Dirk Wenzel and Huanyu Gu, two managers for Car Access and Immobilizers at NXP Semiconductors.
Report courtesy of Automotive Designline Europe.
Logically then, expanded applications using wireless RFID technology (for low current draw on a fob's battery) are being developed to link key fobs with smart phones and other personal electronics. Future functions could then include GPS-based location of one's car in a parking lot and use of the key to pay parking fees or even retail purchases.
But for payment use, security technology is paramount, involving not only safe links but the use of crypto co-processors. Early technology demonstrations are underway by BMW, Continental, and NXP Semiconductors.
Here's a full report on such security technology development from Dirk Wenzel and Huanyu Gu, two managers for Car Access and Immobilizers at NXP Semiconductors.
Report courtesy of Automotive Designline Europe.
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Rich Krajewski
8/26/2010 1:14 AM EDT
Pretty neat. You can use your car key to buy drinks at the pub, then when you go to the car (and based on how many drinks you had), it can automatically lock you in and call the police. Or even better, your angry computer-expert spouse can program it to show you recently purchased six large "Bahama Mama" cocktails, and THEN have the fob lock you in your car and call the police.
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Dr. Phil
8/26/2010 9:52 PM EDT
Ain't tech great...The more we design, the more we have to figure out how to protect ourselves from it. I am still waiting for the day my CC's, Debit cards say I'm broke at the register and don't exist.
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ReneCardenas
8/27/2010 4:02 PM EDT
Advances on ID biometrics, RFID, GPS and other implementation of commodity detection, it is starting to make me feel uneasy and concern that we may loose our identity and individual rights of self determination.
It does not look too far away when we may loose the ability, like it is mentioned above, to drive our own vehicles. Not just because of your state of sobriety, but your expired insurance or exceeded / unpaid fines and fees, parking tickets, etc.
I can see local, state and federal entities may have an interest in forcing compliance to their regulations and fees by that type of high tech mechanism. Many metropolitan areas around the country already have automatic readers that bill you directly for toll fees. What is missing so far is the enforcing arm to forces to pay, by not letting you to start your car engine or dispatch a tow truck to collect your vehicle for non-payment, but that day is not too far my friends.
I am all for the cracking on the privilege to drive, on those people that have not demonstrated the common sense, and have been caught more than one once while DWI.
Call me paranoid, but the world of iApps may appeal to the masses now, but is not too far when will be used against ourselves. If identity theft is a problem now, I can start to visualize the nightmares that wait for us. Shield proof your wallet!
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lifewingmate
8/31/2010 1:06 AM EDT
I agree with Mr. Cardena's legitimate fear of the loss of autonomy and identity when it comes to our vehicular rights. I also marvel at the comments poking jest at the situations that could arise if any malfunctions or hacking that occur. But, what about the dangers of a new kind of car theft or malfunctions that could be due to identity theft?
On the other hand, let us consider the benefits. What does this fob technology mean for baby boomers and gray technologies (see Intel's ethnographic research)? What does it mean for those with handicaps or special needs? What does it mean for large families even? This kind of technology is actually already available all over Europe where the SmartChips are used and trusted far more than it is currently in the US.
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lifewingmate
8/31/2010 1:08 AM EDT
In addition, this technology could place an extra burden or would it lighten the burden of the departments of transportation across the nation? How would it help or hinder our law enforcement. Also, how much will it cost governments that are already struggling to pay for basics such as education? This is neat technology, but we will have to regulate its usage, tighten security and find ways to make it cost-effective.
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Rick DeMeis
8/30/2010 12:05 AM EDT
Let's not forget that some current automotive ECUs record several seconds of data which can be used in accident analysis if there is an impact.
How long before such information might be requested by insurance companies or law enforcement to determine fault, etc?
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eewiz
8/30/2010 2:02 AM EDT
There are already too many smartcards that can be used to pay for retail purchases in most of the developed Economies. To be used as a e-purse, the auto manufacturers need to tie up with a bank or companies like visa/master to facilitate payment. Definitely this feature will be interesting, if integrated in mobile phones , but for a car key, I would say this feature may be an overkill.
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lifewingmate
8/31/2010 1:09 AM EDT
I agree...too many functions on one fob. It could be dangerous. If you lose it, you're compromising not only your vehicle but also accounts linked to your identity. This article is also very brief and doesn't explain all of the specifics of security. In addition, will marketing companies get a hold of the information transmitted from travel and retail purchases? We'll be moving closer and closer to minority report...
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Rick DeMeis
8/30/2010 10:53 AM EDT
What if the car key fob functions (including those actually used for the car) could be smart phone apps?
Then if you lose or drop your phone even more of your existence is disrupted!
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micro123
8/31/2010 12:07 PM EDT
I think the question shouldn't be "What can we do?"
I think it should be "What is the right thing to do?" Society doesn't really need more ways to follow us around and control us. A FOB should open the doors, period! There would be no need for security if we stopped trying to make everything talk to everything. Pretty soon my grass will be telling the sprinklers to turn on, and my house will notify the town I am using water during the drought.
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