Electronic Key Provisioning via Point-of-Sale Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing electronic locks on mobile devices lack efficient methods for initializing and provisioning electronic access codes, particularly in scenarios involving multiple users and ownership transfers, which complicates secure and convenient locking and unlocking processes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a point-of-sale terminal and a trusted service manager to read electronic lock identification information, obtain confidential user information, and transmit electronic access codes to mobile devices via near-field-communication, allowing these devices to lock and unlock electronic locks, with options for over-the-air provisioning and manual entry of codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electronic access codes are manually entered into mobile devices, then provisioning can be performed without additional transmission infrastructure, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical entry of access codes with automated electronic transmission through point-of-sale terminals and trusted service managers. The system uses electronic communication channels to transmit access codes directly to mobile devices, eliminating the need for users to manually type codes and reducing provisioning time from several minutes to seconds.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access codes are stored for different users, then ownership transfer and multi-user access are enabled, but system complexity and security management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted service manager as an intermediary between the point-of-sale terminal and mobile devices. This intermediary manages the complexity of storing and distributing multiple access codes by maintaining a centralized database that tracks which codes are assigned to which devices and users. The trusted service manager handles ownership transfer logic and code regeneration, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling multi-user support.
3Reliability
If confidential information is transmitted through point-of-sale terminals, then secure provisioning is achieved, but the requirement for trusted infrastructure increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the point-of-sale terminal multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its traditional retail function and as a secure provisioning device. The terminal uses existing secure communication channels and authentication mechanisms already present in retail environments to transmit confidential information. This approach leverages existing infrastructure capabilities rather than requiring entirely new specialized hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
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
Facilitates secure and convenient management of electronic locks by enabling multiple access codes for different users and allowing seamless ownership transfers, enhancing security and usability through near-field-communication technology.
Implementation Method 1
Transactions can be completed using near-field-communications between the mobile electronic device and a point-of-sale device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for method of initializing an electronic lock is disclosed. The method comprises a point-of-sale terminal reading electronic lock identification information from the electronic lock and the point-of-sale terminal receiving confidential information from a mobile electronic device. The method also comprises an inventory control system that is coupled to the point-of-sale terminal and that transmits an electronic lock registration message, wherein the registration message contains at least some of the confidential information and at least some of the identification information. When the inventory control system receives an electronic access code in response to the electronic lock registration message, the point-of-sale terminal transmits the electronic access code to the mobile electronic device. The electronic access code is operable to lock and unlock the electronic lock when transmitted, using near-field-communication technology, to the electronic lock.