Locating Device for Offline Electronic Key Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic keys that lack direct communication with a central server pose challenges for location and management, especially when lost or stolen, as existing systems cannot effectively track or invalidate them.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize short-range wireless interfaces and a central server to locate and invalidate lost electronic keys, even when they cannot communicate directly with the server, by using locating devices that can detect and respond to queries, and transmit invalidation commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If electronic keys are made offline without direct communication ability with a central server, then power consumption and system complexity are reduced, but the ability to locate and manage lost keys is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces locating devices as intermediaries between offline electronic keys and the central server. These locating devices continuously monitor the physical space and can detect electronic keys when they enter the monitored area, enabling location tracking without requiring the keys to have direct communication capabilities with the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic key is equipped with both access control functionality and location tracking capability through integration with the locating device network. The same electronic key used for access control also serves as a trackable object, eliminating the need for separate tracking devices and reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If electronic keys lack direct communication with a central server, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to invalidate lost keys is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device acts as a mediator that receives invalidation commands from the central server and relays them to the electronic key. When a key is reported lost, the server sends an invalidation command to the locating device, which then transmits the command to the electronic key, enabling remote invalidation without direct key-server communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the locating device confirms receipt of invalidation commands and reports back to the central server. This feedback loop ensures that invalidation operations are successfully executed and tracked, maintaining system reliability.
3Device complexity
If offline electronic locks are used, then system complexity and power requirements are reduced, but the ability to track lost keys is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device serves as an intermediary monitoring system that continuously tracks the positions of electronic keys within its coverage area. When a key is lost, the system can query the locating device to determine the key's last known position, preventing information loss without adding complexity to the electronic key itself.
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
Enables the effective location and invalidation of lost or stolen electronic keys, preventing unauthorized access, even in offline scenarios, by using a network of locating devices that communicate with the central server and the electronic key.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic key 2 is provided with a short range radio interface 5 for communication with the access control device 13 and/or the locating device 1
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
It is presented a method for locating an electronic key for access to a physical space. The method is performed in a locating device and comprises the steps of: receiving a location query from a central server, the location query comprising an identifier of an electronic key; discovering a presence of the electronic key over short range radio; and transmitting a location response to the central server indicating that the electronic key has been located. A corresponding locating device, computer program and computer program product are also presented.