Wireless Lockset Proximity Authentication via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless electronic locksets face challenges in accurately determining the location of a user's mobile device relative to a door, leading to potential unauthorized access and difficulties in convenient operation, especially in conditions like darkness or cold temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electronic lockset system that uses a processing unit, motor, and wireless communication protocols (such as NFC and Bluetooth) to authenticate users by sending a value to their mobile device for validation through a key server, ensuring secure and convenient actuation based on proximity and intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If proximity-based authentication is used, then convenience is improved, but security deteriorates due to inability to determine user location accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional proximity detection to three-dimensional location determination by incorporating vertical position data from barometric pressure sensors. This additional spatial dimension enables the system to distinguish between devices near the door at ground level versus devices elevated inside the residence, thereby resolving the security-convenience contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple intermediary sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometric pressure sensor, ambient light sensor) that mediate between the mobile device's proximity signal and the lockset's authentication decision. These intermediaries provide additional contextual data layers that enable secure location verification while maintaining convenient operation.
2Measurement precision
If complex multi-antenna systems are used, then location detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mobile device's existing sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometric pressure sensor) as intermediaries to infer location information. This approach avoids the need for complex multi-antenna systems in the lockset, achieving accurate location detection through data from the user's device rather than through complex receiving hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the lockset actively detect and analyze signal characteristics from multiple antennas to determine location, the patent inverts the approach by having the mobile device passively provide location context through its sensor data. This reversal simplifies the lockset hardware while maintaining location accuracy.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conductive touch surfaces are used, then user activation detection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates in dark or cold conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary authentication through proximity detection and sensor-based location verification before requiring physical touch. By the time the user needs to interact with the lockset, authentication is already complete or nearly complete, eliminating the need for precise touch in difficult conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ambient light sensors and other sensors to provide feedback about environmental conditions and user presence. This feedback enables the system to adapt its operation mode, potentially using alternative detection methods when conditions are unfavorable for touch-based activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless electronic lockset comprising a processing unit, a locking bolt, a motor, a wireless communication tag, and a wireless interface is disclosed. The lockset is capable of connecting to a mobile device via a first communication protocol and/or a second communication protocol. The lockset sends a value to the mobile device via the first communication protocol and receives an actuation command via the second communication protocol if the mobile device has been verified by a server. The actuation command causes the lockset to lock or unlock the door.