Electronic Lock Admin Transfer Using Offline Code Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locks face challenges in securely transferring administration privileges to a new mobile device when the original mobile device with privileges is lost or stolen, without requiring physical access to the lock or network connectivity.

Innovation Solution

An electronic lock system that verifies administration privileges by matching codes entered on two mobile devices and optionally includes server verification through cryptographic signatures, ensuring secure transfer of privileges without network access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic lock requires physical access or network connectivity for transferring administration privileges, then the security can be maintained, but the usability and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of privilege transferVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a code as an intermediary element that enables privilege transfer without direct physical access to the lock or network connectivity. The code acts as a mediator between the lost/stolen device and the new device, allowing the administration privileges to be transferred securely through the code verification mechanism stored in the lock's memory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the administration privilege in the form of a code that can be transferred to a new mobile device. This code copy allows the new device to assume the administration role without requiring physical access to the original lock system or network infrastructure, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining security through code verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If the electronic lock uses complex verification mechanisms for privilege transfer, then the security is improved, but the device complexity and operation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomplexity of privilege transfer mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential verification function from complex network-based or physically-access-based systems and isolates it into a simple code storage and comparison mechanism within the lock's memory. This extracted verification mechanism only requires storing and comparing codes, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple code as a disposable verification element that can be easily stored, transferred, and verified. This code acts as a low-cost, short-lived verification mechanism that replaces complex ongoing verification systems, reducing both device complexity and operation time while maintaining adequate security for the privilege transfer process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the electronic lock stores administration privileges locally without verification, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of accessVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by storing the verification code in the lock's memory during the initial administration setup. This pre-stored code enables future verification without requiring complex real-time authentication processes, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring security through the pre-established verification mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3776325B1Managing administration privileges of an electronic lock
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • EP3776325B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3776325B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3776325B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is provided a method for managing administration privileges of an electronic lock. The method is performed in the electronic lock and comprises the steps of: receiving a first signal from a first mobile device, the first signal comprising a first code entered by a user to the first mobile device, and an identifier of the first mobile device; determining that the first mobile device has administration privileges to the electronic lock; storing the first code in memory of the electronic lock; receiving a second signal from a second mobile device, the second signal comprising a second code entered by a user to the second mobile device, and an identifier of the second mobile device; and granting administration privileges to the lock for the second mobile device only when the second code matches the first code.