Hybrid Access Control for Network-Connected Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack effective methods for managing temporary access to areas controlled by network-connected endpoint devices such as garage door openers and secure parcel boxes, particularly for facilitating parcel delivery when the recipient is not home.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid system that enables temporary access by enrolling access partners into the endpoint device's account, using a combination of Internet-based and local wireless components, with a unique identifier for authentication and a manually-operable actuator for activation, ensuring secure and controlled access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a purely Internet-based system is used for temporary access control, then remote access capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when the endpoint device disconnects from the Internet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidsystem functionality when disconnected

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a local wireless access device as an intermediary between the endpoint device and the temporary access requestor. This device operates locally without requiring Internet connectivity, enabling temporary access control to function even when the endpoint device is disconnected from the Internet. The local device mediates the authentication and access granting process independently of remote servers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If security features are integrated into the account system, then access security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess securityVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the local wireless access device automatically performs authentication and access control functions using pre-configured security credentials stored in the account system. The device independently validates temporary access requests against stored identifiers without requiring complex real-time verification, thereby maintaining high security while minimizing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If temporary access is granted to access partners, then delivery facilitation is improved, but security risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery facilitationVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic access control where temporary access permissions are automatically granted and revoked based on real-time conditions. The local wireless access device provides access only during designated time windows and automatically terminates access after the specified duration or upon successful delivery, thereby facilitating deliveries while minimizing security risks through time-bound, condition-based access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3559917B1Method, system and software product for providing temporary access to an area controlled by network-connected endpoint devices

Publication Date: 2022.05.11 AUTOMATIC TECH AUSTRALIA

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AI summary

The present invention concerns method for enabling provision of temporary access to an area controlled by a network-connected endpoint device, the method including the steps of: enrolling an access partner in an account for the endpoint device maintained at an access server; receiving from the access partner at the access server, requests for temporary access to the endpoint device; and activating the requests with the endpoint device such that the access partner is provided with temporary access to the area.