Combination Lock Password Control via Mobile Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combination lock systems face security issues due to exposed password input apparatuses, which can be easily peeked and have tracks that are easily recorded and cracked, resulting in low security.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a combination lock pre-allocates a network address to a mobile terminal, allowing users to input and send unlock passwords through a network, enhancing security by using a device that is not exposed and can be carried independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an external keyboard or fingerprint collector is used for password input, then the lock system can be operated, but the password input apparatus is exposed and easily peeped, reducing security

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassword input capabilityVSAvoidpassword security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary device between the user and the lock system. The mobile terminal displays the password input interface and transmits the input password to the lock through wireless communication, preventing direct exposure of the password input apparatus and eliminating physical tracking risks associated with traditional keyboards or fingerprint collectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a traditional password input apparatus is used, then the lock can be unlocked, but tracks are left that are easily recorded and cracked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlock functionalityVSAvoidtracking and recording risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal serves as a secure intermediary that handles password input and transmission. It establishes a wireless communication channel with the lock, allowing password transmission without physical contact or visible tracks, thereby eliminating the tracking and recording vulnerabilities inherent in traditional password input devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If password input is done through exposed apparatuses, then the system is simple to use, but the security of entering passwords is relatively low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpassword entry security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal acts as a secure intermediary that maintains user convenience while enhancing security. It provides a familiar interface for password input that users already possess and are accustomed to using, while simultaneously protecting the password transmission process through wireless communication, thus improving security without sacrificing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2658302B1Method, apparatus, and system for password control
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP2658302B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2658302B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2658302B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, an apparatus, and a system for password control, and relate to the field of password technologies. The method includes: receiving, by a combination lock, an unlock password that is sent by a mobile terminal through a network; matching, by the combination lock, the unlock password with an unlock password preset for the mobile terminal; when the unlock password matches the unlock password preset for the mobile terminal, executing, by the combination lock, an unlock operation. Embodiments of the present invention enhance the security of entering passwords.