Biometric Electronic Key Unlocking via NFC and App Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic lock systems using remote unlocking technologies are vulnerable to signal interception and can be compromised if the electronic key or smart mobile device is lost, lacking robust security and convenience in operation.
Innovation Solution
An unlocking method that combines an electronic key with a biological feature, utilizing a lock control app to authenticate users through a stored account, password, and biological feature, with near-field communication for secure connection, ensuring only authorized access by matching the inputted biological feature with an authenticated one for unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote unlocking technology is used for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to signal interception and device loss risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines near-field communication technology with biological feature recognition to create a multi-layered authentication system. The electronic key uses both NFC proximity verification and biological feature matching, merging two different authentication mechanisms to simultaneously achieve convenience (through contactless NFC) and security (through biological verification that cannot be remotely intercepted).
Solution Approach 2:
The biological feature acts as an intermediary authentication layer between the electronic key and the lock. Even if the electronic key is compromised or lost, the biological feature serves as a mediating security barrier that prevents unauthorized access, thus resolving the contradiction between convenience and security.
2Reliability
If multiple authentication layers are added to improve security, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as the electronic key container, the biological feature scanner, and the authentication processor. By making the mobile device universal and multi-functional, the patent adds security layers without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as these functions are integrated into a single device that users already carry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own biological features (fingerprint, face, iris, etc.) for authentication, eliminating the need for separate physical keys or tokens. The mobile device's built-in sensors and processors handle the biological verification, making the system self-service oriented and reducing the need for additional external authentication components.
3Reliability
If biological feature verification is implemented for security, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The biological feature is verified in advance during the authentication process before the actual unlocking occurs. The system preliminarily checks the biological feature against stored templates, and only after successful verification does it proceed to unlock the door. This preliminary action ensures security while keeping the final unlocking action simple and quick.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key insertion and turning actions with contactless near-field communication and automated biological feature recognition. The user simply brings the mobile device near the lock and provides a biological sample (fingerprint press, facial scan, etc.), eliminating the need for manual key manipulation and simplifying the overall operation despite the added security layer.
Data Source
AI summary
An unlocking method includes using an electronic key to execute a lock control app. An account number and a password are set and stored under guidance of the lock control app. A predetermined biological feature is inputted after login of the lock control app and is used to create an authenticated biological feature. The electronic key is used to match with a lock under guidance of the lock control app which is executed as a background program after matching is successful. An unlocking information is outputted to the lock when the authenticated biological feature matches with a biological feature inputted while the electronic key is connected to the lock. The lock switches to an unlocking state when the unlocking information is identified as being correct. When no biological feature is inputted while the electronic key is connected to the lock, the electronic key is disconnected from the lock.