Electronic Lock Authentication Through Encrypted Mobile Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic lock systems face challenges in securely pairing and unpairing mobile computing devices with locks over large areas without exposing locks to hacking risks and increasing energy consumption, and users carry multiple transponders for different access systems.
Innovation Solution
A nested data package system using encrypted communication channels between an administrative controller, a mobile computing device, and an electronic lock, where pairing information is encrypted and decrypted by the lock's private key, ensuring secure and localized data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locks are connected to a non-locally constrained data network (e.g., internet) to enable remote pairing information transmission, then pairing can be performed remotely over large areas, but the lock becomes exposed to hacking attempts and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary between the administrative controller and the lock. The mobile device establishes a localized communication channel (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC) with the lock, acting as a mediator that enables remote pairing initiation while maintaining physical proximity security. This resolves the contradiction by allowing remote operation without direct internet connectivity to the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The pairing process is segmented into multiple stages: (1) administrative controller sends pairing information to mobile device over network, (2) mobile device establishes localized connection with lock, (3) pairing information is transmitted through the mobile device to lock. This segmentation isolates the lock from direct network exposure while enabling remote pairing functionality.
2Ease of operation
If locks are connected to a non-locally constrained data network to enable remote pairing, then pairing information can be transmitted remotely, but hardware costs and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for locks to have direct network connectivity hardware. The administrative controller maintains network connectivity, while the mobile device provides the communication bridge, reducing hardware requirements for battery-powered locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the user's existing mobile device with its built-in communication capabilities (Bluetooth, NFC, etc.) to perform the pairing function. This self-service approach eliminates the need for specialized pairing hardware in the lock, reducing complexity and maintenance requirements.
3Reliability
If traditional transponder systems are used for each access system, then authentication can be performed, but users must carry multiple transponders for different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device serves as a universal key that can pair with multiple locks across different locations through the standardized pairing process. A single mobile device can authenticate with various locks by receiving their respective pairing information, eliminating the need for location-specific transponders and providing multi-functional access control.
Data Source
AI summary
A nested data package issued by an administrative controller and configured to enable paring an electronic lock with a mobile computing device. A method for generating such nested data package.