Machine Access System With Encrypted Electronic Keys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access systems for machines lack robust security, particularly in protecting against unauthorized access by allowing only qualified personnel, and require separate systems for different user types, leading to high design and operational costs.

Innovation Solution

An access system utilizing electronic keys with encrypted data areas, where each user has unique encryption codes, ensuring secure access control by allowing only authorized users to access specific data areas, and using a control unit connected via a data connection to manage access permissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different access systems are used for different user types, then security is improved, but device complexity and design effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddesign effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access system uses a single unified interface that can handle multiple user types (end users, service personnel, administrators) through different authentication methods. The system universally processes access requests from various users without requiring separate physical access systems, thereby maintaining high security while reducing design complexity and operational costs.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The access system segments authentication methods by user type rather than requiring separate systems. Different authentication mechanisms (transponder, password, PUK code) are segmented and assigned to different user categories, allowing the single system to securely differentiate between end users, service personnel, and administrators while maintaining a unified architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If transponder-based access systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to lack of confidentiality for access options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess convenienceVSAvoidconfidentiality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different authentication qualities to different user types. End users benefit from convenient transponder-based access, while service personnel and administrators require more secure authentication methods (passwords, PUK codes). This local differentiation of authentication strength maintains ease of operation for regular users while ensuring confidentiality and security for sensitive operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages multiple authentication methods. It mediates between the convenient transponder system and the need for confidential access control by implementing a hierarchy where transponders provide basic access but require additional authentication (passwords, PUK codes) for sensitive functions, thus maintaining both convenience and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If password-protected access systems are used, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to password management issues

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidpassword management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple authentication methods into a unified access control framework. Transponder technology is combined with password and PUK code authentication, allowing the system to leverage the convenience of transponders while incorporating the security of password protection. The control unit integrates these methods so that users experience seamless authentication without the drawbacks of standalone password systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4231256A1Access system to a machine
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 EUCHNER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4231256A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4231256A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4231256A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an access system (1) for a machine (7) controlled by a control unit (6), comprising a control unit (2) and associated electronic keys (3). The control unit (2) has a read unit (5) by means of which data is read from the electronic keys (3). The control unit (2) is connected to the control unit (6) via a data connection (8). The electronic keys (3) have different data areas, each assigned to a user and secured with an encryption code. The encryption codes of the control unit (2) can be read and stored in a memory 9. The control unit (2) reads data from a data area of ​​an electronic key (3) and transmits it to the control unit (6) only if the encryption code of this data area matches an encryption code read into the electronic keys (3).Furthermore, electronic keys (3) with data areas, each encrypted with a user encryption code of a second type, are available. These encryption codes are stored in the memory (10) of the control unit (6). One of these encryption codes can be transferred to the control unit (2).