Electronic Key System for Lock Control via Mobile Terminal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic key systems require additional devices for operation and lack flexibility in permission assignment and authentication, making it inconvenient to lend or send keys over long distances and vulnerable to illegal use or duplication.

Innovation Solution

An electronic key system using smart devices with communication modules (infrared, RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks) for controlling lock systems, incorporating user authentication and permission assignment based on preset parameters like time, GPS, and environmental conditions, allowing secure and flexible key management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an additional portable device is used for the electronic key, then the electronic key function is available, but the convenience of use deteriorates due to the need to carry an additional device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic key function availabilityVSAvoidconvenience of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electronic key function with a mobile communication terminal that the user already carries. The mobile terminal integrates both communication capabilities and electronic key functionality, eliminating the need for a separate portable electronic key device. The mobile terminal's processor and memory are used to store and execute electronic key applications, while its communication modules handle both general communication and key authentication signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile communication terminal is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a general communication device and an electronic key device. The terminal's processor can execute different applications including messaging, browsing, and electronic key authentication. The communication modules can handle various protocols including general network communication and specialized key authentication protocols.

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

2Device complexity

If the electronic key is created only by checking access permissions, then the system is simple, but the flexibility in permission assignment and key delivery deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidflexibility in permission assignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic permission assignment where access rights are not fixed but can be adjusted based on various parameters. The system allows setting different permission levels for different users, different time periods, and different locations. Permissions can be granted temporarily or permanently, and can be modified or revoked as needed. The mobile terminal can receive and process dynamic authentication requests that include location data, time stamps, and user identity information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multiple parameters to control access permissions including time of day, location coordinates, user identity, and authentication level. These parameters can be combined to create complex access control rules. For example, a user may have access only during specific hours, or only from specific locations, or only after providing additional verification. The system can also differentiate between types of access such as unlocking versus starting the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the electronic key is tied to a fixed device, then security is maintained, but the ability to lend or send keys over long distances deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidability to lend or send keys
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the creation and transmission of electronic key copies through the communication network. The authentication data and permission information can be replicated and sent to multiple mobile terminals. When a user needs to lend their key, they can generate a copy that contains the necessary authentication credentials and send it electronically to the recipient's mobile device. The system can create temporary copies with limited permissions or permanent copies with full access rights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The communication network serves as an intermediary that enables key delivery without physical transfer of the original device. The system uses the network infrastructure to transmit authentication data securely between users. The server acts as a mediator that verifies and manages key copies, ensuring that only authorized users receive valid authentication credentials. This allows long-distance key delivery while maintaining security through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If common smart devices are used for the electronic key system, then installation cost is reduced, but the risk of illegal use or duplication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation costVSAvoidrisk of illegal use
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms including authentication verification and activity monitoring. Before granting access, the system verifies the user's identity through authentication protocols. The system continuously monitors key usage patterns and can detect suspicious activities such as unauthorized copying attempts or unusual access patterns. Authentication feedback is provided to users confirming successful verification or denying access when verification fails. The system can also provide feedback about key status such as whether a key is active, suspended, or expired.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary actions to prevent illegal use before it occurs. Authentication requirements are imposed before access is granted, and security measures are built into the key creation and distribution process. The system can detect and block attempted duplications before they succeed by verifying authentication credentials against centralized databases. Security protocols are activated in advance to prevent unauthorized access, and the system can suspend or revoke permissions proactively when suspicious patterns are detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3103689B1Electronic key system for controlling operation of a lock system
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 KIM E E
  • EP3103689B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3103689B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3103689B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an electronic key device capable of wirelessly controlling a lock system and transmitting control authentication of a lock system, a system therefor, and a method therefor, which are presented in the present invention, an operation of the lock system is controlled by communicating with the lock system, and an electronic key can be simply transmitted and rented, at a long distance through a communication network, by communicating with another electronic key device and granting operation control authority of the lock system to the other electronic key device.