Dual Mode Wireless Secure Lock Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless locks lack secure and efficient methods for authentication and power transfer, particularly in scenarios where precise alignment and battery presence are concerns, leading to potential unauthorized access and operational limitations.

Innovation Solution

A dual-mode wireless secure lock system utilizing magnetic induction for power transfer and near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) and radio frequency (RF) communication for authentication, where an electronic key with integrated circuits and a lock with a battery-powered inductor coil exchange authentication codes and power wirelessly, ensuring secure and efficient operation without the need for key alignment or battery presence in the key.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If magnetic induction is used for power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dual-mode authentication system that operates across two different communication dimensions: NFMI (near-field magnetic induction) for secure authentication and RF (radio frequency) for keyless operation. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to achieve both high power transfer efficiency through magnetic induction and relaxed alignment requirements through alternative communication paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an intermediary authentication mechanism using NFMI communication that mediates between the power transfer system and the authorization system. This intermediary layer verifies credentials before enabling operation, allowing the magnetic induction system to operate at optimal efficiency without requiring precise alignment, as the authentication occurs through the magnetic field coupling regardless of exact positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If NFMI and RF communication are used for authentication, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication system into two distinct communication modules: NFMI for secure credential verification and RF for keyless access. Each module operates independently with its own protocol and security layer, allowing the system to achieve enhanced security through multiple authentication paths while managing complexity through modular design. The key controller contains separate processing logic for each communication type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal key controller that can operate across multiple communication protocols (NFMI and RF) and multiple operation modes (authenticated and keyless). This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate systems into a single integrated device, achieving high security through protocol diversity while reducing overall system complexity through component consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If dual mode authentication is implemented, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized access preventionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing authentication credentials (passcodes, encrypted keys) in the key's memory before the authentication event occurs. When authentication is required, the system retrieves and compares these pre-stored values against received signals, significantly reducing processing time compared to real-time computation. The heavy cryptographic work is performed in advance during key provisioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action through timeout mechanisms and structured authentication sequences that limit the time window for each authentication attempt. The system uses defined time intervals for credential verification, keyless operation validation, and session management, ensuring that while security checks are thorough, the overall processing time remains bounded and predictable through periodic operation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The system provides secure and efficient authentication and power transfer, preventing unauthorized access by ensuring reliable communication and operation even without a battery in the key, enhancing security and usability.

Implementation Method 1

A dual-mode wireless secure lock system utilizing magnetic induction for power transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) and radio frequency (RF) communication for authentication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field magnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10789792B2Dual mode, passcode storage, wireless secure lock
Publication Date: 2020.09.29 RENESAS ELECTRONICS AMERICA INC
  • US10789792B2 patent drawing
  • US10789792B2 patent drawing
  • US10789792B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dual mode, passcode storage, wireless secure lock is disclosed. In one embodiment, a key is provided that includes a key coil, a first key data processing device (DPD), a second key DPD, and a key radio transceiver. The first key DPD is configured to receive a first authentication code (AC) from a lock via the key coil. The first key DPD is configured to compare the first AC with data in memory of the key DPD. The first key DPD is configured to activate the second key DPD in response to response to determining the first AC compares equally to data in memory of the first key DPD. The second key DPD is configured to transmit a second AC to the lock via the key radio transceiver after the second key DPD is activated.