Digital Key System Power Supply and Authentication via Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital key systems face challenges with battery-powered locks, particularly in inaccessible locations where battery replacement is difficult, and complex structures for power and authentication management, leading to power loss and increased management costs.
Innovation Solution
A digital key system with a non-contact memory storing unlocking authority information and an electromagnetic induction coil for authentication, using a microcomputer and near-field communication to simplify the structure and enable power supply and authentication between the digital key and lock through a high-frequency signal and DC current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery-powered digital lock is used, then the lock can operate autonomously, but battery replacement becomes difficult in inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is extracted from the lock and transferred to the key. The key now contains both the authentication authority information and the power supply (battery), while the lock only contains the authentication verification function. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for battery replacement at the lock while maintaining autonomous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The key acts as an intermediary that carries both power and authentication information. Instead of the lock having its own power supply, the key serves as a mobile power source and authentication carrier, transferring both functions to the user rather than the fixed lock location.
2Device complexity
If external power is provided to the lock, then power management is simplified, but external power availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The key is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an authentication credential and a portable power supply. This universal design allows the system to operate without external power infrastructure, making it adaptable to various locations including those without electrical access.
3Device complexity
If authentication and power supply are integrated in the key, then the system structure is simplified, but the key must handle both power transmission and data communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic induction with specific frequency characteristics to transmit both power and data through the same physical connection (contactless interface). By utilizing electromagnetic field characteristics and frequency differentiation, the system can separate power transmission from data communication despite using the same interface, resolving the difficulty of signal detection and measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as frequency and signal characteristics to differentiate between power transmission and data communication modes. By modulating the electromagnetic signals with distinct parameters, the lock can distinguish and process power reception separately from authentication data reception.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for a simplified digital key system that can operate without a power supply in the lock, reducing power management needs and preventing unauthorized access, while maintaining efficient authentication and access management.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic induction coil configured to read information from the non-contact memory in a non-contact manner
Implementation Method 2
a near field communication unit configured to perform communication with the digital key
Implementation Method 3
configured to provide an electric circuit when the digital key and the digital lock are connected to each other through the respective two terminals, the electric circuit being configured to superimpose and separate a high-frequency signal and a DC current
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a digital key system (1), each of a digital key (11) and a digital lock (12) include two terminals and an electric circuit (EC) to superimpose and separate a high-frequency signal and a DC current. A microcomputer (62) is operated by DC current supplied from a battery (31) of the digital key (11) through the electric circuit (EC) when the digital key (11) is connected to the digital lock (12), thereby causing an NFC unit (61) to perform communication by the high-frequency signal with the digital key (11) through the electric circuit (EC), read unlocking authority information from a non-contact memory (35), and authenticate the read unlocking authority information.