NB-IoT/LTE-M Key Electronics for Centralized Access Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key systems require local access control devices for authorization verification, limiting their flexibility and security, and centralized management is not feasible without continuous radio connection.
Innovation Solution
A key system with integrated key electronics and radio communication that connects directly to the internet via NB-IoT or LTE-M, enabling centralized management and flexible functionality through a server, including wireless data exchange and energy-efficient communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a local access control device is used to verify key authorization, then security is improved, but device complexity and the need for local infrastructure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access control verification function is extracted from local access control devices and transferred to a centralized server. The key device no longer needs to communicate with local access control infrastructure, but instead connects directly to the internet to verify authorization status on the server, thereby eliminating local infrastructure requirements while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an internet connection as an intermediary between the key device and the centralized server. This intermediary enables direct communication without requiring local access control devices, allowing the system to verify authorization remotely through the internet while maintaining the same security level
2Ease of operation
If centralized management is implemented without local access control devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to dependency on internet connection
Solution Approach 1:
The key device establishes and stores authorization data before actual use. The authorization status is pre-verified and cached in the key device, allowing it to operate independently when internet connection is unavailable. The device can perform preliminary actions like storing authorization tokens or credentials that enable offline operation
Solution Approach 2:
The key device is designed to autonomously verify its authorization status by directly communicating with the centralized server via internet connection when available, without requiring intermediate local access control devices. The device independently manages its own authorization verification and can fallback to stored credentials for self-service operation when disconnected
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous internet connection is required for centralized management, then adaptability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of maintaining continuous internet connection, the key device establishes periodic or event-triggered connections to the centralized server. The device connects only when authorization verification is needed or at scheduled intervals, rather than maintaining a persistent connection, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining centralized management capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the internet connection requirement from being a continuous necessity to an on-demand resource. The key device can store authorization data locally and only connects to the internet when needed for initial setup, authorization verification, or firmware updates, eliminating the need for continuous connectivity while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a key with a key bow (22) and a key shaft (21) for actuating a locking cylinder (5), comprising key electronics (24) arranged in the key bow (22), which transmit an opening signal or a coded opening signal to the locking cylinder (5), and comprising a radio communication device (242) that connects the key (2) to the Internet via a mobile radio network (68). In order to be able to use the key (2) in the most versatile way possible, the radio communication device (242) connects the key (2) directly and wirelessly to the Internet via NB-IoT or LTE-M in order to exchange either a locking authorization list, and/or parameterization, and/or firmware with a server (63) connected to the Internet.