Patent Description:
In construction machinery such as an excavator, a smart key system may be provided, so that an operational function such as vehicle door unlock, vehicle door lock, engine ignition, etc. may be performed while a user holds a smart key. However, when the user operates or manages a plurality of construction machines, it may be inconvenient to carry all of a plurality of smart keys for controlling the construction machines, and in this case, there is a problem in that the probability of losing the smart key becomes high. <CIT> describes an access control system for work vehicles. <CIT> describes a device and a method for authorizing access to a service on a first device upon detection of a second device located in near proximity. <CIT> describes methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for wireless user interface projection for vehicles.

An object of the present invention provides a method of registering a smart key in a construction machine in order to manage a plurality of construction machines with at least one smart key.

According to example embodiments, in a method of registering a smart key for construction machinery, a first password is generated in a smart key module mounted in a construction machine. A user setting graphic interface through which a user can input a password, in the smart key module or a user terminal, is provided to the user. The password inputted by the user is compared with the first password in the smart key module, to authenticate. An authentication code of a near smart key that is recognized by the smart key module is registered as a new registration authentication code when the inputted password is authenticated.

In example embodiments, generating the first password may include creating cryptographic variables by combining construction machinery information, date and time.

In example embodiments, generating the first password may include creating cryptographic variables using AES algorithm or RSA algorithm.

In example embodiments, the method may further include, when the user setting graphic interface in the smart key module is provided, generating and providing a second password identical to the first password, in the user terminal, to the user.

In example embodiments, generating the second password may include creating cryptographic variables by combining construction machinery information, date and time.

In example embodiments, generating the second password may include creating cryptographic variables using AES algorithm or RSA algorithm.

In example embodiments, the method may further include, when the user setting graphic interface in the user terminal is provided, transmitting the password inputted by the user to a server by the user terminal, and receiving the password inputted by the user from the server in the smart key module.

In example embodiments, receiving the inputted password from the server in the smart key module may include receiving the inputted password through a remote management device which communicates wirelessly with the server.

In example embodiments, registering the authentication code of the near smart key that is recognized by the smart key module as a new registration authentication code may include transmitting an authentication signal in the smart key module to an area around the construction machine, and receiving a response signal in response to the authentication signal to register an activated authentication code of the near smart key.

In example embodiments, registering the activated authentication code of the near smart key may include storing a plurality of authentication codes in the smart key, and activating any one of the authentication codes.

According to example embodiments, identical passwords may be generated in a smart key module and a user terminal respectively and the generated password may be inputted through another device (user terminal or smart key module) and authenticated, to thereby allow the user to easily register the smart key at the smart key module mounted on the construction machine using the user terminal such as a mobile phone while maintaining security. Security may be enhanced using AES encryption. Further, regardless of whether the communication of the user terminal is available or not, the smart key registration may be performed while maintaining security thoroughly.

However, the effect of the invention may not be limited thereto, and may be expanded without being deviated from the concept and the scope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferable embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of components or elements may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments.

Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a control system for construction machinery in accordance with example embodiments. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the control system for construction machinery in <FIG>. <FIG> is block diagram illustrating a smart key module of the control system for construction machinery in <FIG>. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a smart key of the control system for construction machinery in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the smart key in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a control system for construction machinery <NUM> may include at least one smart key (FOB) <NUM> configured to selectively control a plurality of construction machines 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F and smart key modules <NUM> respectively installed in the construction machines 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F to communicate wirelessly with the smart key <NUM>. Additionally, the control system for construction machinery <NUM> may further include a user terminal <NUM> configured to provide a graphic interface for performing user settings for the construction machine.

In example embodiments, the construction machine may include an excavator, a wheel loader, a forklift, etc. Hereinafter, it will be explained that example embodiments may be applied to the excavator. However, it may not be limited thereto, and it may be understood that example embodiments may be applied to other construction machine such as the wheel loader, the forklift, etc. The smart key module <NUM> may be installed in the construction machine, and may communicate with the smart key <NUM> to perform a smart key function.

The smart key (FOB) may store a plurality of authentication codes FIB <NUM>, FID2, FID3, FID4, FID5, FID6 and may be operable of activating any one of the authentication codes. Each of the construction machines 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F may include the smart key module <NUM>. Each of the smart key modules <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with the smart key <NUM> and may include registration authentication codes which match with the registration authentication codes respectively (in one to one correspondence).

The smart key <NUM> as the fob key of a smart key system may transmit and receive information with the smart key module <NUM>. The transmissions of the information may be performed using at least one of wireless signals such as a low frequency (LF) signal, a radio frequency (RF) signal, etc. When the smart key <NUM> receives a search signal from the smart key module <NUM>, the smart key <NUM> may be configured to transmit a response signal in response to the search signal. For example, the search signal may be an LF (low frequency) signal (for example, <NUM>), and the response signal may be a RF (radio frequency) signal (for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc). The search signal may include information requesting the authentication code, and the response signal may include information on the authentication code corresponding to the search signal.

When the smart key module <NUM> receives a control signal for controlling the construction machine, the smart key module <NUM> may transmit the search signal for searching a smart key <NUM> near the smart key module <NUM> and may receive the response signal from the smart key <NUM>. The smart key module <NUM> may authenticate whether or not a registration authentication code included in the response signal matches with a pre-stored registration authentication code. If the registration authentication code included in the response signal matched with the pre-stored registration authentication code, the smart key module <NUM> may perform an operational function such as vehicle door unlock, vehicle door lock, engine ignition, etc. corresponding to the received control signal.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the construction machine 100A may receive a control signal from the smart key <NUM> or a remote control server <NUM>, and may perform an operational function corresponding to the received control signal. For example, the construction machine 100A may include a GPS module <NUM>, a remote management device <NUM>, a user interface device <NUM> and a smart key module <NUM>.

The GPS module <NUM> may include a GPS (global positioning system) receiver. The GPS module <NUM> may receive a signal transmitted from a GPS satellite to calculate a current location of the construction machine 100A and to generate construction machine location information.

The remote management device <NUM> may communicate directly with an external device, for example, the remote control server <NUM> or through a network connected to the remote control server <NUM> in order to remotely control the construction machine 100A. The network connected to the remote control server <NUM> may include at least one of a conventional wireless communication network and a wired communication network. The remote management device <NUM> may transmit the construction machine location information to the remote control server <NUM>. Additionally, the remote management device <NUM> may receive a remote control signal from the remote control server <NUM>. As described later, the smart key module <NUM> may receive a password, which is inputted to the user terminal <NUM>, from the remote control server <NUM>. For example, the remote management device <NUM> may include a TMS (Tele-Management System) module.

The smart key module <NUM> may receive the control signal such as an engine ignition signal to perform the operational function corresponding to the received remote control signal. Additionally, as described later, the smart key module <NUM> may be connected to the remote management system <NUM> to receive the password which is inputted to the user terminal <NUM>. The GPS module <NUM>, the remote management device <NUM> and the smart key module <NUM> may communicate with each other using CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. The smart key module <NUM> may be provided integrally with a vehicle control unit (VCU) or an engine control unit (ECU) for an overall control of the construction machine or may be provided as a separate control unit. When the operational function of the construction machine corresponding to the received remote control signal is required to be performed, the smart key module <NUM> may transmit a signal requesting the operational function of the construction machine to the vehicle control unit or the engine control unit. In case that the smart key module <NUM> is provided integrally with the vehicle control unit to perform the function of the vehicle control unit, the smart key module <NUM> may directly output the control signal to a driving portion for the required operational function.

The user interface device <NUM> may be configured in the form of an information output device for outputting information to the user and an information input device for allowing the user to inputting information, and a display device and the information input device may be provided integrally with each other to be in the form of a display unit of an instrument panel that can provide user setting graphic interface. The user interface device <NUM> may be connected to an input portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> through CAN network, and may be provided integrally with the input portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the smart key module <NUM> may include a communication portion <NUM>, an input portion <NUM>, a module controller <NUM> and a module storage portion <NUM>.

The communication portion <NUM> may include at least one information transceiver module configured to search for a smart key <NUM> near the smart key module <NUM> and to certificate. In example embodiments, the information transceiver module may include an LF communication module having an LF antenna and a RF transceiver module having a RF antenna. In case that the LF antenna and the RF antenna are included, the LF antenna may transmit the search signal (LF signal) and the RF antenna may receive the response signal (RF signal).

The input portion <NUM> may be a port connected to the user interface device <NUM> which is used to register the authentication code of the smart key <NUM> activated by a user to the smart key module <NUM>, and may be the user interface device <NUM> itself. The user may select a registration mode for registering the user's activated authentication code of the smart key <NUM> through the user interface device <NUM>, and may input a password that is required to be inputted for registration of the authentication code. The input portion <NUM> may receive the mode selection information and the information related to the password from the user interface device <NUM> and may transmit to the module controller <NUM>.

The module controller <NUM> may be a central control device of the smart key module capable of executing a control program for general smart key operation. The module controller <NUM> may execute a control program for smart key registration for registering an activated authentication code of the smart key <NUM>. In particular, the module controller <NUM> may include a first password generation portion <NUM> for generating a first password in the smart key registration mode and an authentication portion <NUM> for comparing the generated first password with the password which is inputted through the input unit <NUM>. In example embodiments, the first password generated by the first password generation portion <NUM> by the selection of the user in the smart key registration mode may be provided to the user through the user interface device <NUM>.

The module storage portion <NUM> may include a program region for storing the control program for the general smart key operation and the control program for the smart key registration and a temporary region for storing data generated during the execution of the control program. Additionally, the module storage portion <NUM> may include a registration authentication code data area <NUM> for storing the activated authentication code of the smart key <NUM> as a new registration authentication code when authenticated by the authentication portion <NUM>. A plurality of the authentication codes of the smart key <NUM> may be stored in the registration authentication code data area <NUM>. Thus, a plurality of smart keys for which an authentication procedure, which will be described later, is completed, may be registered to one construction machine, thereby providing conveniences for management when each construction machine is managed by a plurality of personnel.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the smart key <NUM> may include a communication portion <NUM>, an input portion <NUM>, a smart key controller <NUM> and a smart key storage portion <NUM>.

The communication portion <NUM> may include at least one information transceiver module configured to transmit and receive information with the smart key module <NUM> installed in the construction machine. The information transceiver module may include an LF communication module and a RF transceiver module.

The input portion <NUM> may include an operation selection portion for smart key operation and smart key activation. As illustrated in <FIG>, the input portion <NUM> may include a selection button <NUM> for authentication code selection, a first operation selection button <NUM> for vehicle door unlock, a second operation selection button <NUM> for vehicle door lock, etc..

The user may select and activate any one of the authentication codes stored in the smart key <NUM> by clicking the selection button <NUM>. The construction machine including the smart key module <NUM> having a registration authentication code which matches with the activated authentication code installed therein may be controlled by the smart key <NUM>. In example embodiments, each time the selection button <NUM> is clicked, the stored authentication codes may be sequentially activated, and the repeated click of the selection button <NUM> may be continued until the authentication code corresponding to the construction machine which the user wants is activated.

When the user selects any one of the stored authentication codes (e.g., FID1) through the selection button <NUM>, an alarm device (lamp or horn) of the construction machine (e.g., 100A) that matches with the activated authentication code may operate for a predetermined time.

The smart key controller <NUM> may execute a control program for general smart key operation. The smart key controller <NUM> may execute a control program for smart key registration for registering an activated authentication code of the smart key <NUM>. In particular, the smart key controller <NUM> may include an authentication code processor <NUM> configured to activate an authentication code signal activated by the selection button and transmit through the communication portion <NUM>.

The smart key storage portion <NUM> may include a program region for storing the control program for the general smart key operation and the control program for the smart key registration and a temporary region for storing data generated during the execution of the control program. Additionally, the smart key storage portion <NUM> may include an authentication code data area <NUM> for storing a plurality of authentication codes and an authentication code activated by the authentication code processor <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the user terminal <NUM> may generate construction machine control information for remotely controlling the construction machine. The user terminal <NUM> may provide a user with a graphic interface for registering the activated authentication code of the smart key <NUM>. For example, the user terminal <NUM> may include a smart phone, a smart pad, PDA, etc. In some embodiments, the user terminal <NUM> may include a construction machine control application (APP) <NUM>.

The construction machine control APP <NUM> may provide a user with an interface for generating the construction machine control information. The construction machine control APP <NUM> may provide the user with a smart key registration interface for registering the smart key.

In particular, the user terminal <NUM> may include an input portion and a terminal controller. The input portion of the user terminal <NUM> may be configured in the form of an information output device and an input device that can provide user setting graphic interface, and may transmit information corresponding to user's manipulation of the input device based on the information outputted from the information output device to a terminal controller. Similarly to the user interface device of the smart key module as described above, the input portion of the user terminal <NUM> may be configured that the terminal controller is connected to a display device that can provide information output and input. The terminal controller may include a second password generation portion for generating a second password. The second password may be identical to the first password which is generated by the first password generation portion <NUM>. The second password generated by the second password generation portion may be provided to a user through the input portion of the user terminal <NUM>.

In example embodiments, the first and second password generation portions may create cryptographic variables using AES (advance encryption standard) algorithm or RSA (Rivest Sharmir Adleman) algorithm. The first and second password generation portions may generate the passwords by combining construction machine information, date and time.

In example embodiments, a user may select the smart key registration mode and then input a password, and information of the password may be inputted to the terminal controller through the input portion. In this case, the user terminal <NUM> may transmit the inputted password to the remote control server <NUM>, and the remote control server <NUM> may transmit the password inputted to the user terminal <NUM> to the smart key module <NUM> through the remote management device <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling the construction machine using the control system for construction machinery in <FIG> will be explained.

<FIG> is a flow chart illustrating a control method for construction machinery in accordance with example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, first, a plurality of authentication codes FID1, FID2, FID3, FID4, FID5, FID6 may be stored in the smart key <NUM> (S10), and registration authentication codes which match with the authentication code respectively may be registered respectively in the smart key modules <NUM> which are installed in a plurality of construction machines 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F (S20). Then, any one of the authentication codes of the smart key <NUM> may be selected (S30), and the construction machine corresponding to the selected authentication code may be controlled with the smart key <NUM> (S40).

In example embodiments, a plurality of the authentication codes FID1, FID2, FID3, FID4, FID5, FID6 may be stored in the smart key storage portion <NUM> of the smart key <NUM>. Stages of registering the registration authentication codes which match with the authentication codes respectively in the smart key modules <NUM> of a plurality of the construction machines 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F will be described later.

Then, a user may select and activate any one of the authentication codes of the smart key <NUM> by clicking the selection button <NUM>. The construction machine including the smart key module <NUM> having the registration authentication code which matches with the activated authentication code may be controlled by the smart key <NUM>.

When the user clicks the selection button <NUM> of the smart key <NUM> again to select another one of the stored authentication codes (e.g., FID2), an alarm device (lamp or horn) of the construction machine (e.g., 100B) that matches with the activated authentication code may operate for a predetermined time.

As mentioned above, a plurality of the authentication codes FID1, FID2, FID3, FID4, FID5, FID6 may be stored in the smart key <NUM> and the smart key may be operable that any one of the authentication codes may be activated. A plurality of the smart key modules <NUM> installed respectively in a plurality of the construction machines 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F may have the registration authentication codes which match with the authentication codes respectively. When the user activates any one of the authentication codes of the smart key <NUM>, the construction machine including the smart key module <NUM> having the registration authentication code which matches with the activated authentication code installed therein may be controlled by the smart key <NUM>.

Accordingly, several construction machines 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F may be selectively and remotely controlled by one smart key <NUM>. Thus, in case that the user operates or manages a plurality of the construction machines, by carrying one smart key, it may be possible to eliminate the inconvenience of carrying a plurality of smart keys or losing the smart key. Further, since a plurality of the registration authentication codes can be stored in each of the construction machines 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, the use of multiple smart keys may be possible. Therefore, a plurality of personnel can easily operate or manage the construction machine.

Hereinafter, a method of registering the smart key at the smart key module which is installed in any one of a plurality of construction machines in the control system for construction machinery in <FIG> will be explained.

<FIG> and <FIG> are flow charts illustrating a registration method of a smart key for construction machinery in accordance with example embodiments. <FIG> are screens provided through an input portion of a smart key module in a smart key registration mode. <FIG> are views illustrating screens provided through an input portion of a user terminal in a smart key registration mode.

Referring to <FIG>, first, a smart key (FOB ID) registration mode is entered in the smart key module (SMK) <NUM> installed in the construction machine 100A (S100), and a smart key (FOD ID) registration mode is entered in the user terminal (APP) <NUM> (S102).

In example embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the user interface device <NUM> of the construction machine and the user terminal <NUM> may provide the user with a user menu for inquiring whether or not to enter the smart key (FOB ID) registration mode. If the user's entry request of the smart key registration mode is selected, the smart key (FOB ID) registration mode may be switched.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the smart key registration mode is started, the user interface device <NUM> of the construction machine and the user terminal <NUM> may provide the user with a user menu for inquiring whether or not to proceed with the smart key registration (S110, S112).

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the user chooses to proceed with the smart key registration through the user interface device <NUM> of the construction machine (FOB REGISTRATION AT SMK), the module controller <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> may generate a first password (S120). Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the user terminal <NUM> may generate and provide a second password identical to the first password to the user (S122).

In example embodiments, the first password generation portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> and the user terminal <NUM> may create cryptographic variables using AES algorithm or RSA algorithm. The first password generation portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> and the user terminal <NUM> may generate the passwords by combining construction machinery information, date and time. In this case, the user terminal <NUM> may perform the smart key registration mode in a state in which security is maintained through AES encryption even in a situation where communication is not available.

Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the user interface device <NUM> of the construction machine may ask the user to input a password the same as the second password provided by the user terminal <NUM> (S130), and the smart key module <NUM> may compare the password inputted through the input portion <NUM> to authenticate (S140).

The authentication portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> may compare the first password generated by the first password generation portion <NUM> and the password which is inputted through the user interface device <NUM> of the construction machine each other to authenticate.

Then, when the inputted password is authenticated, the authentication code of the near smart key <NUM> that is recognized by the smart key module <NUM> may be registered as a new registration authentication code (S170).

In particular, the communication portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> may transmit a search signal (LF signal) (S150), and the communication portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> may transmit a response signal (RF signal) in response to the search signal (S152). In order to increase the accuracy of the RF information transmission and reception, the transmission of the response signal may proceed by contacting the smart key <NUM> with a specific position within a cabin of the construction machine. An RF transceiver which is connected to be capable of transmitting and receiving information with the smart key module <NUM> and transmitting and receiving an RF signal of the smart key <NUM> may be disposed at the specific location. In example embodiments, the RF transceiver may be a button type start key provided in the cabin.

In example embodiments, the response signal may include authentication information of the smart key <NUM>, that is, the activated authentication code of the authentication codes stored in the smart key <NUM>. The smart key module <NUM> may store the activated authentication code of the smart key <NUM> as a new registration authentication code when authenticated by the authentication portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the user chooses to proceed with the smart key registration through the user terminal <NUM> (FOB REGISTRATION AT SERVER), as illustrated in <FIG>, the smart key module <NUM> may generate and provide a first password to the user (S121).

In example embodiments, the first password generation portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> may create cryptographic variables using AES algorithm or RSA algorithm. The first password generation portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> may generate the password by combining construction machinery information, date and time.

Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the user terminal <NUM> may ask the user to input a password the same as the first password provided by the smart key module <NUM> (S132), and the user terminal <NUM> may transmit the inputted password to the remote control server <NUM> (S160), the remote control server <NUM> may transmit the password to the smart key module <NUM> through the remote management device <NUM> (S162). Then, the smart key module <NUM> may compare the password inputted through the remote management device <NUM> to authenticate (S141).

The authentication portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> may compare the first password generated by the first password generation portion <NUM> and the password which is inputted through the user terminal <NUM> each other to authenticate.

In particular, the communication portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> may transmit a search signal (LF signal) (S151), and the communication portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> may transmit a response signal (RF signal) in response to the search signal (S153).

When the activated authentication code of the smart key <NUM> is registered, the input portion <NUM> of the smart key module <NUM> and the construction machine control APP of the user terminal <NUM> may provide the user with a user menu for inquiring whether or not to exit the smart key (FOB ID) registration mode, and by confirming by the user, the smart key (FOB ID) registration mode may be terminated.

As mentioned above, identical passwords may be generated in the smart key module <NUM> and the user terminal <NUM> respectively and the generated password may be inputted through another device (user terminal or smart key module) and authenticated, to thereby allow the user to easily register the smart key at the smart key module mounted on the construction machine using the user terminal such as a mobile phone while maintaining security. Security may be enhanced using AES encryption. Further, regardless of whether the communication of the user terminal is available or not, the smart key registration may be performed while maintaining security thoroughly.

Claim 1:
A method of registering a smart key (<NUM>) for construction machinery, the method comprising:
generating a first password in a smart key module (<NUM>) mounted in a construction machine (100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F);
providing a user setting graphic interface through which a user can input a password, in the smart key module (<NUM>), to the user;
generating and providing a second password identical to the first password, in a user terminal (<NUM>), to the user;
comparing the password inputted by the user with the first password in the smart key module (<NUM>) to authenticate; and
registering an authentication code (FIB1, FID2, FID3, FID4, FID5, FID6) of a near smart key (<NUM>) that is recognized by the smart key module (<NUM>) as a new registration authentication code (FIB1, FID2, FID3, FID4, FID5, FID6) when the inputted password is authenticated,
wherein generating the first password comprises creating cryptographic variables by combining construction machinery information, date and time; and
generating the second password comprises creating cryptographic variables by combining construction machinery information, date and time.