Blockchain Digital Key Verification for Smart Lock Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart lock systems face security challenges due to the need for high security standards and confidence in the integrity of the lock system, with existing solutions lacking robust verification and historical record-keeping mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A blockchain-based system that records grant transaction data, assigns digital keys to mobile devices, and uses a blockchain application to verify these keys for access control, ensuring secure and tamper-proof access management through a distributed ledger.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If blockchain technology is implemented for verification, then security and trust are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a blockchain network as an intermediary verification layer between the lock assembly and the digital key system. Instead of requiring complex verification algorithms within the lock itself, the system uses blockchain as a trusted mediator that validates digital keys and records access transactions. This resolves the contradiction by externalizing the complex verification logic to a distributed network, maintaining security while managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements digital copies of physical keys in the form of cryptographic tokens stored on the blockchain. These digital key copies contain all necessary authentication information without requiring complex physical security mechanisms. The blockchain maintains verified copies of access rights and transaction histories, providing security through cryptographic verification rather than complex hardware security modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If digital keys are used for access, then ease of operation is improved, but security confidence deteriorates due to manipulation concerns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess convenienceVSAvoidsecurity confidence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key systems with cryptographic digital keys verified through blockchain technology. Instead of relying on physical key uniqueness and security, the system uses mathematical cryptography and distributed ledger verification. This substitution maintains ease of operation through contactless digital access while improving security confidence through transparent, immutable verification records that prevent manipulation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the blockchain network continuously verifies digital key validity and records all access transactions. Each access attempt triggers a verification process that provides immediate feedback on authentication status. The immutable transaction ledger provides ongoing feedback about system integrity, allowing users to confirm that access rights have not been manipulated, thereby maintaining security confidence while preserving operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11568694B2Realestate as tradable digital assets through blockchain integration
Publication Date: 2023.01.31 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US11568694B2 patent drawing
  • US11568694B2 patent drawing
  • US11568694B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assignable realestate system includes a processor, a storage medium, a wireless device including a digital key, a lock assembly for access to realestate, a data file, and a blockchain application. The data file is stored in the medium, and includes a plurality of linked blocks. Each block includes a respective asset transaction data of a plurality of asset transaction data with each data being time stamped. The blockchain application is stored in the medium and executed by the processor. The blockchain application is configured to apply the data file to determine a current asset transaction data of the plurality of asset transaction data and output an authorization signal to the lock assembly associated with the device for access to the realestate.