Blockchain Access Control for Shared Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for reserving and controlling access to shared spaces often require human intervention, leading to inefficiencies, errors, and security issues such as tampering and unauthorized access, especially in automated and proprietary systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a blockchain-based system that uses smart contracts to manage reservations, where entities agree to terms and conditions stored on the blockchain, allowing for automated and secure access control through internet-enabled devices without the need for physical personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human personnel are used to manage reservations and monitor use of shared spaces, then access control can be flexibly managed, but the system becomes prone to errors, absences, and security issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated reservation management where the shared space system automatically handles booking requests, validates credentials, and grants access without requiring human personnel intervention. The system monitors its own usage and manages reservations autonomously, eliminating the need for staff to oversee bookable spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual human operations with an automated electronic system that uses blockchain technology and smart contracts to manage reservations and control access. The mechanical system of human personnel is substituted with an automated digital infrastructure that processes reservations and validates access credentials automatically.
2Productivity
If basic automated reservation systems are implemented, then the reservation process is streamlined, but the systems remain vulnerable to hacking, errors, and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer between the reservation system and the underlying data storage. This blockchain intermediary provides a decentralized, tamper-proof ledger that records all reservation transactions and access events, preventing hacking and tampering while maintaining efficient automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates immutable copies of reservation data and access records on the blockchain ledger. Each reservation and access event is replicated across the distributed blockchain network, creating redundant, tamper-proof copies that protect against data corruption, hacking, and unauthorized modifications.
3Reliability
If proprietary systems with access controls are used, then security is maintained, but the systems lack wide availability for multiple forums
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal blockchain-based platform that can be applied across multiple different forums and shared space types. The same blockchain infrastructure and smart contract mechanisms work for various bookable spaces, making the system highly versatile and adaptable while maintaining consistent security controls across all applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reserving access to a shared space through use of a blockchain and smart contracts includes: storing a blockchain including a plurality of blocks, each block including a block header and one or more blockchain data values, wherein one of the one or more blockchain data values included in one of the plurality of blocks includes a smart contract including at least an identifier and one or more terms; receiving a reservation request, wherein the reservation request includes at least the identifier, a reservation time, a public key of a cryptographic key pair, and a digital signature generated using the private key of the cryptographic key pair; validating the digital signature using the public key; executing the smart contract using the public key and the reservation time; and transmitting one or more data values to an internet-enabled device as part of the execution of the smart contract.