Digital Lock Master Nested Key Authorization System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack the ability to remotely and securely control access to digital locks without physical presence, requiring users to be present or share keys, which limits flexibility and control over access times.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a master key and nested key combination, where the master key transmits authorization data to the nested key or digital lock, allowing the nested key to unlock the digital lock, and enabling options for limited duration access and notification mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical presence or key sharing is used to control access, then access control is achieved, but flexibility and remote control capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access control capabilityVSAvoidphysical presence requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a digital lock system with master key and nested key as an intermediary between the user and the protected resource. The master key can remotely authorize nested keys without physical presence, while the digital lock acts as the mediating device that enforces access control policies. This resolves the contradiction by enabling remote authorization while maintaining security through the intermediary lock system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key sharing and physical presence requirements with an electronic/digital authorization system. Instead of physically handing over keys or being present to grant access, the system uses digital authorization data transmitted between master key, nested key, and digital lock devices. This substitution enables remote control while maintaining access security.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If master key transmits authorization data to nested key, then flexible access control is achieved, but security risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authorization process into distinct components: master key holds authorization data, nested key receives and transmits this data, and digital lock verifies and executes access control. This segmentation allows flexible authorization while maintaining security through distributed verification. The master key can grant access remotely without compromising the overall security architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the digital lock provides status information about access attempts and authorization verification to the master key and nested key. This feedback loop ensures that authorization data is properly verified and that access control decisions can be monitored and adjusted, maintaining security reliability while enabling flexible access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If nested key stores second portion of key data in memory, then access control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidkey device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested key structure where the nested key device contains embedded memory and processing components within a compact form factor. The nested key is designed to be carried by the user while containing sophisticated functionality including memory for storing key data portions, processing logic for authorization verification, and communication capabilities. This nesting of functionality within a portable device enables access control functionality without excessive complexity or size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11373470B1Systems and methods for unlocking a digital lock
Publication Date: 2022.06.28 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US11373470B1 patent drawing
  • US11373470B1 patent drawing
  • US11373470B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for unlocking a digital lock. A system may include a master key and a nested key. The master key may be configured to transmit authorization data to the digital lock or the nested key. The nested key may be configured to unlock the digital lock upon the digital lock or the nested key receiving the authorization data. The nested key may be configured to transmit the authorization data to the digital lock to unlock the digital lock if the master key is configured to transmit the authorization data to the nested key. Alternatively, the nested key may be configured to transmit key data to the digital lock to unlock the digital lock if the master key is configured to transmit the authorization data to the digital lock.