Locking Control Device Using UIM Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking systems, such as those using IC cards or mobile phone numbers, face issues with security and maintenance costs, particularly when the authentication method is lost or compromised, leading to difficulties in reissuing information and maintaining line contracts.

Innovation Solution

A locking control system that utilizes a communication device to receive user identity module information, which is used for mobile communication to authenticate with an authentication server, allowing secure locking and unlocking operations without the need for a dedicated line contract, leveraging short-range wireless communication for device interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a line contract of a mobile communication network is required for the authentication device to receive the call number, then the authentication system can function, but the maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication system functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that bridges the authentication device and the mobile communication network. The mobile device receives calls, extracts caller information, and relays it to the authentication device via short-range wireless communication, eliminating the need for the authentication device to have its own line contract while maintaining authentication functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/telecom-based authentication system (requiring line contracts and telephone networks) with a wireless communication-based system using short-range wireless communication protocols, thereby eliminating maintenance costs associated with line contracts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If an IC card is used for locking and unlocking, then authentication can be performed, but the card cannot be reissued when lost and security risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidsecurity and reissuability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as both the authentication credential (replacing the IC card) and the communication intermediary. The mobile device stores user information and can be reissued by the mobile communication network provider, combining the functions of the IC card with additional communication capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of authentication from static IC card numbers to dynamic mobile device identifiers and caller information. This allows the authentication system to adapt to lost or stolen devices by reissuing mobile device credentials through the mobile communication network, maintaining security while enabling reissuability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3130727B1Locking control device, locking control system, and locking control method
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3130727B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3130727B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3130727B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A locking control device, a locking control system, and a locking control method that can securely perform locking control, reissue an object or information for locking and unlocking when the object or information is lost, and reduce a maintenance cost of a line contract are provided. In a coin-operated locker 10, a short-range wireless communication unit 11 receives UIM information, which is information for connection to a mobile communication network, from a wearable device 20 by short-range wireless communication. A server communication unit 12 communicates with an authentication server 30 that holds authentication-relevant information by mobile communication using the UIM information. The server communication unit 12 receives authentication information from the authentication server 30. An authentication unit 15 performs authentication using the authentication information received from the authentication server 30 and a locking control unit 16 performs locking control on the basis of the authentication result from the authentication unit 15.