IoT Lock Proximity Authentication Blockchain Auditing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing access to secure equipment and safes, such as Self-Checkout and ATM top boxes, rely on physical keys and independent digital lock solutions, leading to inefficient auditing and discrepancy resolution across multiple organizations.
Innovation Solution
An IoT-enabled lock system with a management platform that employs proximity-based authentication, one-time codes, and a shared Blockchain for maintaining audit records, allowing for connected access management across disparate systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical keys are distributed to multiple organizations for accessing secure equipment, then access management is simplified, but auditing and tracking access becomes challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-based access system with an electronic IoT-enabled lock system that uses digital authentication methods (proximity authentication, one-time codes, biometric authentication). This substitution enables automated tracking and auditing of access events without requiring physical key distribution, thereby maintaining ease of access while solving the audit tracking problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system implements feedback mechanisms by automatically recording and reporting access events to a central platform. Each access attempt, successful or failed, is captured and stored, providing continuous feedback on system access status. This enables real-time monitoring and comprehensive audit trails without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If each organization manages independent digital lock solutions, then access control is maintained, but auditing and discrepancy resolution becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent digital lock systems into a unified IoT-enabled lock platform that serves multiple organizations simultaneously. The system consolidates access control for different organizations (owners, service providers, media replenishment) into a single manageable system with centralized authentication and unified audit logging, thereby maintaining reliable access control while dramatically improving auditing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple organizations and purposes through a single system. It supports different authentication methods (proximity, one-time codes, biometric), accommodates multiple user types, and provides a unified interface for all access control needs, eliminating the need for separate independent systems for each organization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent access management systems are used, then each organization maintains control, but systems are not connected and discrepancies are difficult to resolve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central management platform as an intermediary that connects multiple organizations to the IoT-enabled lock system. This platform mediates between different user groups (owners, service providers, etc.), coordinating access requests, managing authentication, and consolidating audit data. It enables connected access management while preserving organizational control through role-based permissions and centralized policy management.
Data Source
AI summary
An Internet-of-Things (IoT)-enabled lock is provided to control access to a secure physical asset. Disparate authorized systems make requests for an access and receive authorization to access the asset. An authorized user with an authorized mobile device is dispatched to the asset pursuant to a request. Proximity-based mobile device authentication is performed when the mobile device is in a configured proximity of the asset and the mobile device establishes a wireless connection to the lock. A second factor authentication is performed on the user that operated the mobile device. A One-Time Code (OTC) is generated and provided to either the lock or the mobile device for access to the asset. Access events and service information for the asset are stored in a shared data repository. Each system has access through to the shared data repository to all auditing information associated with the asset.