Digital Reservation Certificates for Offline Door Lock Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an efficient method for reserving and accessing hotel rooms or rented homes through a web-based platform, where a digital token or certificate can be transferred from a cellular telephone to an access device like a room lock for authorization.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows reservation and activation of access devices via a website, where a digital token or certificate is sent to a cellular telephone or smartphone, which then communicates with the access device using short-range wireless technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, enabling secure access and charging parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a web-based reservation system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between the website and access devices, managing digital certificate issuance and validation. The server receives reservation requests, generates cryptographic certificates, and communicates them to mobile devices, thereby isolating the complexity of certificate management from both the website interface and the access devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of authorization credentials in the form of certificates that can be transmitted electronically. Instead of physical keys or paper reservations, the system uses cryptographic certificate copies that can be securely generated, transmitted, and validated across multiple devices without physical manipulation.
2Reliability
If digital certificates are transmitted to mobile devices, then reliability of access authorization is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary actions by generating and signing digital certificates before they are needed for access. The certificates are created in advance with embedded expiration times and access parameters, so that when transmitted to mobile devices, they are already validated and ready for immediate use, reducing the need for real-time verification communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital certificates contain time-based parameters and expiration data that automatically change their validity state. The certificates are designed with built-in expiration times and access conditions, allowing the system to control access reliability through parameter validation rather than continuous communication, thereby reducing information loss risks during transmission.
3Ease of operation
If short-range wireless communication is used between mobile device and access device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device application automatically performs self-service functions by detecting nearby access devices and initiating certificate transmission without user intervention. The system handles device discovery, connection establishment, and data exchange automatically, making the complex wireless communication process transparent to the user while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The access devices perform preliminary actions by broadcasting their identification and readiness status before actual access is needed. Mobile devices can pre-detect and pre-connect to access devices, establishing communication channels in advance so that when access is required, the complex wireless negotiation has already been completed, simplifying the user experience.
4Loss of energy
If continuous network connectivity is eliminated, then loss of energy is reduced, but reliability of access control may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary validation and certificate issuance before disconnecting from the mobile device. All access authorization decisions are made in advance, with certificates containing embedded validation logic that allows the access device to independently verify credentials without requiring continuous network connectivity, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital certificate acts as an intermediary that carries authorization information from the server to the access device. Once issued, the certificate enables offline validation by embedding all necessary authorization data and validation rules within it, allowing the access device to verify credentials locally without needing continuous communication with the server, thus eliminating the need for continuous network connectivity while maintaining access control reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An access device is provided for use in an access control system. The access device includes a processor having control of a door lock, and a communication module connected to the processor. The processor is able to receive a reservation certificate presented by a portable terminal through the communication module. The processor activates the door lock when the current reservation certificate has been presented and disables an alarm system when the current reservation certificate has been presented.