Mobile Access Credentials for Secure Hands-Free Door Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems require active physical interaction with a credential and reader device for access, limiting convenience and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing wireless access credentials, including asymmetric and symmetric cryptographic keys, enable secure authentication and unlocking of electronic locks through a mobile device without direct physical interaction, allowing for multiple simultaneous Bluetooth connections and credential management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If active physical interaction with credential and reader device is required, then authentication security is maintained, but user convenience and access efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidauthentication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical credential insertion and reader interaction with a wireless electromagnetic field-based authentication system. The credential device communicates with the reader device through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical contact and manual credential handling, thereby improving user convenience while maintaining security through cryptographic authentication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication protocols and cryptographic intermediaries as mediators between the credential device and reader device. Instead of direct physical interaction, the authentication process is facilitated through wireless signal transmission and cryptographic key exchange, reducing the complexity of user actions while preserving authentication integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless communication is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but security risks from unauthorized access increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless access convenienceVSAvoidauthentication security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric cryptography with public and private key pairs to enable secure wireless authentication. The credential device holds the private key while the reader device verifies using the public key, creating an asymmetric security model that allows convenient wireless access while maintaining strong authentication security through mathematical cryptographic relationships

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary cryptographic key exchange and authentication protocol establishment before actual access is granted. The credential device and reader device perform secure handshaking and key verification in advance, ensuring that wireless communication is authenticated and secured before any access control decisions are made, thereby preventing unauthorized access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260113633A1Wireless access credential system

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

An access control system and methods according to at least one embodiment leverage wireless access credentials to allow a user to securely gain access to a secured area using his or her mobile device. As such, a credentialed mobile device may permit access to the secured area without requiring a real-time connection to a credential management system and/or an administrative system.