Intelligent Delivery System Access Control with Segmented Key Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing delivery systems face challenges in optimizing security and usability, with electronic access control systems compromising security and practicality.

Innovation Solution

An access control system featuring stationary receptacles with location-based security modules, mobile authorization key supply devices, and a remote computer system for generating and transmitting authorization keys, allowing for secure and flexible operation in both online and offline modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronic access control systems are used to improve usability, then ease of operation is improved, but security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides access control into two independent parts: a stationary security module containing the security key stored in the container, and a mobile authorization key delivery device that provides authorization keys temporarily. This segmentation ensures that even if the mobile device is lost, the security key remains secure in the container, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing authorization keys in the mobile device before delivery, and by having the container continuously generate and store security keys. This allows the delivery person to access the container immediately upon arrival without requiring real-time communication or complex authentication procedures, improving ease of operation while maintaining security through pre-established key pairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If mechanical locking systems are used to ensure security, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical locking systems with an electronic access control system. The container includes an electronic locking mechanism that can be unlocked by receiving a signal from the authorization module after successful key comparison. This substitution eliminates the need for physical keys and mechanical locks, improving ease of operation while maintaining security through electronic authentication.

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

3Ease of operation

If authorization keys are stored in the mobile device to improve usability, then ease of operation is improved, but security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the key storage function: the mobile device stores only temporary authorization keys that are valid for specific containers and expire after use, while the container itself stores the permanent security key. This segmentation limits the impact of key theft to only the temporary authorization keys, which can be regenerated, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides beforehand cushioning by implementing multiple security layers: the authorization keys in the mobile device are encrypted, have expiration times, and are tied to specific container identification features. The container's security key remains independent and cannot be compromised by theft of the mobile device. This cushioning against potential security breaches allows the system to maintain ease of operation without sacrificing security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2991045B1Intelligent delivery system
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 PARCELLOCK GMBH
  • EP2991045B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2991045B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2991045B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is an intelligent delivery system using an access control system that electronically supports a variety of fixed containers (1) for the delivery of shipments. The access control system uses an authorization key input device that is capable of communicating with a remote computer system. The authorization key input device can be used selectively in an online mode and an offline mode.