Electronic Lock Control With Signed Proximity Unlocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locks lack enhanced security and convenience in unlocking methods, particularly in wireless sensing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A control system for an electronic lock that includes a processing unit and storage, which verifies a digital signature and request identifier using a key to switch the lock state, ensuring secure and convenient unlocking through proximity detection and asymmetric cryptography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic locks use password or biometric unlocking methods, then basic security is provided, but security and convenience can still be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or simple electronic unlocking methods with a cryptographic verification system using digital signatures and asymmetric cryptography. The control module verifies digital signatures from portable devices, substituting physical keys or biometric systems with a more secure mathematical verification mechanism that enhances both security and convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the verification parameter from simple password matching or biometric comparison to cryptographic signature verification. By using public-key cryptography where the control module holds private keys and portable devices hold public keys, the system achieves higher security levels while maintaining user convenience through contactless authentication
2Reliability
If digital signature verification is implemented, then security is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing public keys and corresponding request identifiers in the control module's storage unit before actual unlocking operations. This preconfiguration allows the system to perform quick signature verifications without complex real-time key management, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where portable devices generate and send digitally signed unlock requests containing request identifiers. This intermediary layer separates the authentication logic from the lock control logic, making the system more modular and easier to manage despite the cryptographic complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an electronic lock includes a control module. The electronic lock has a locked state and an unlocked state. The control module is configured to communicate with a portable device for receiving an unlock request 5 that includes a digital signature and a request identifier therefrom. The control module includes a processing unit and a storage electrically connected to the processing unit. The storage stores a key and a registered identifier. The processing unit is configured to, in response to receipt of the unlock request, verify the digital signature using the key, in response to successfully verifying the digital 10 signature, determine whether the request identifier matches the registered identifier, and in response to determining that the request identifier matches the registered identifier, control the electronic lock to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state.