Access Control Communication Device for Real-Time Key Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems face challenges in efficiently updating access rights across lock devices, particularly when key devices are lost, due to the cumbersome nature of current key update devices, leading to security compromises from delayed propagation of updates.

Innovation Solution

An access control communication device equipped with a short distance radio communication module and a cellular radio communication module, allowing for secure and efficient communication of access rights between key devices and access control devices over a cellular network, enabling real-time updates and improved security through a compact, user-carried device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated key update devices connected to laptop computers are used to update access rights, then updated access rights can be provided to key devices, but the key update devices are large and cumbersome, leading to infrequent updates and compromised security

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidconvenience of key update
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/cumbersome dedicated key update devices connected to laptops with a mobile communication terminal that uses wireless communication (cellular and short-distance radio) to transmit access rights data. This substitution eliminates the physical bulk and operational complexity of previous update devices while maintaining the ability to provide updated access rights to key devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If dedicated key update devices are used to update access rights, then access rights can be updated, but significant time passes between operator updating and propagation to lock devices, compromising security

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtime delay in access rights propagation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary action by allowing the mobile communication terminal to store and prepare access rights data in advance. When a key device is present and authenticated, the updated access rights can be immediately transmitted without waiting for operator intervention or physical device connection, significantly reducing the time delay in propagation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile communication terminal serves as an intermediary between the access control system and key devices. It receives, stores, and transmits access rights data wirelessly, enabling rapid propagation of security updates without requiring direct connection between the operator's laptop and each key device, thus eliminating significant time delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If lock devices are installed without power supply to simplify installation, then installation is easier, but the devices cannot independently communicate access rights updates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcommunication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile communication terminal acts as an intermediary that provides communication capabilities to powerless lock devices. It wirelessly transmits access rights data to key devices, which then communicate with the lock devices, enabling update propagation without requiring the lock devices themselves to have power supplies or independent communication modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2821970B2Access control communication device, method, computer program and computer program product
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • EP2821970B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2821970B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2821970B2 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

It is presented an access control communication device comprising: a short distance radio communication module; a cellular radio communication module; and a controller arranged to communicate access rights associated with a key device, using the cellular radio communication module, with an access control device over a cellular communication network upon the access control device being in communication with the key device using the short distance radio communication module. A corresponding method, computer program and computer program product area also presented.