Electronic Lock Key Positioning Using CIR Front-Back Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic lock systems using RFID or other short-range wireless communication methods face challenges in securely determining the position of a portable key device relative to the lock, leading to potential unauthorized access when the device is inside the secured area.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a channel impulse response (CIR) analysis from ultra-wideband signals to differentiate between the portable key device being on the front side or back side of the electronic lock, employing multiple antennas and machine learning models to determine the correct position, ensuring secure access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RFID or short-range wireless communication is used for access control, then the portable key device can stay in a pocket or handbag, but the electronic lock may unintentionally unlock when a person walks past on the inside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from simple presence detection to spatial dimension analysis by using multiple antennas to determine whether the key device is on the front side or back side of the barrier. This dimensional differentiation allows the system to distinguish between authorized access attempts and unauthorized presence inside the secured area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from simple signal presence to channel impulse response characteristics. By analyzing CIR parameters such as signal strength, time of arrival, and multipath patterns across multiple antennas, the system can reliably determine the spatial position of the key device and prevent false unlocking.
2Ease of operation
If the communication range is increased to allow the key device to stay in a pocket, then convenience is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access when the device is inside the secured area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication space into distinct regions by using multiple antennas to detect the front side or back side position of the key device. This spatial segmentation allows the system to maintain convenient long-range communication while preventing unauthorized access by identifying when the device is in the restricted interior zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary position determination mechanism that acts as a mediator between the key device and the locking mechanism. Before unlocking occurs, the system verifies the spatial position of the key device using CIR analysis from multiple antennas, preventing direct unlocking when the device is inside the secured area.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are used to determine position, then position determination reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple antennas serve multiple functions: they enable both communication with the key device and position determination through CIR analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning hardware, mitigating the complexity increase while maintaining high position determination reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing communication infrastructure (the same antennas and signal exchanges used for access control) to simultaneously perform position determination. The CIR data required for positioning is obtained as a byproduct of the normal communication process, eliminating the need for additional dedicated positioning hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enhances the reliability of determining the key device's position, preventing unintentional unlocking when the user is inside the secured area, thus maintaining secure access control.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a channel impulse response, CIR, based on an impulse signal transmitted from the portable key device, the CIR being based on a plurality of samples of the impulse signal as received by an antenna
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a method for determining when a portable key device is located on a front side or on a back side in relation to a barrier secured by an electronic lock. The method is performed in a location determiner and comprises the steps of: obtaining a channel impulse response, CIR, based on an impulse signal transmitted from the portable key device, the CIR being based on a plurality of samples of the impulse signal as received by an antenna being fixedly mounted in relation to the electronic lock; and determining, based on the CIR, whether the portable key device is located on the front side or on the back side.