Electronic Key Validation by Priority and Connectivity Status
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic key systems face increased theft risk and management challenges when multiple electronic keys are used due to the potential for battery depletion or device failure, as they lack robust security measures to manage and prioritize valid keys.
Innovation Solution
An electronic key system with a communication unit that periodically checks device connectivity, a storage unit managing electronic key lists with priority levels and status information, and a lock device management unit assigning keyhole data to ensure secure and efficient locking/unlocking operations using validated keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of electronic keys is increased to provide backup options, then reliability is improved, but security deteriorates due to increased theft risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key validation by periodically checking communication status with electronic devices and automatically updating the validity state of electronic keys. The system transitions from a static key management approach to a dynamic one where key validity changes based on real-time communication status, ensuring that only currently accessible devices can function as active keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the management server continuously monitors communication status with electronic devices and sends updates regarding key validity. This feedback loop allows the system to respond to changes in device availability and automatically adjust which electronic keys are considered valid, creating a responsive security system.
2Ease of operation
If multiple electronic keys are managed without priority levels, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when keys need to be validated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assigning priority levels to electronic keys during the key registration phase. This preliminary classification allows the system to automatically determine which key should be validated first without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus maintaining both operational simplicity and validation reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electronic keys are validated based on communication status, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by leveraging the existing communication capabilities of electronic devices for key validation. Rather than requiring separate monitoring hardware or complex verification systems, the solution uses the device's own communication interface to establish connectivity status, thereby achieving security enhancement without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic key system includes a communication unit repeatedly performing communication at intervals with electronic devices, each having a respective electronic key assigned, to check whether each electronic device is not able to communicate with a key management server. A storage unit stores an electronic key list for each piece of lock identification information for identifying a lock device. The list includes management target electronic keys, priority levels differing for each of the electronic keys, and status information indicating whether the electronic key is valid. A status information management unit writes that one electronic key based on the priority level is valid among the electronic keys assigned to the electronic devices on the basis of a result of communication performed by the communication unit. A lock device management unit assigns keyhole data for enabling at least one of locking and unlocking operations using the validated electronic key to the management target lock device.