NFC Mobile Phone Electronic Key for Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locking systems require physical connection of electronic keys to a card reader and complex wiring or wireless networks for programming, limiting flexibility and convenience in managing access to locks.
Innovation Solution
A locking system utilizing mobile phones with NFC devices as electronic keys, connected via the cellular network, allowing remote management and programming of access rights through a central Locking-System-Management (LSM) for both connected and unconnected locks, using card emulation mode to mimic RFID cards for unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic keys are programmed locally by physical connection to card reader, then programming can be performed, but flexibility and convenience are limited due to required physical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection system (card reader requiring direct contact with electronic key) with a wireless communication system using NFC technology. The mobile phone with NFC device communicates with the electronic lock wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical connection to card reader for programming and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary server that facilitates remote programming and management of electronic keys. The server acts as a mediator between the administrator and the mobile phone, enabling key distribution and programming without direct physical connection between the administrator and the electronic key.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic locks are connected to locking system management via complex wiring or wireless networks, then individual programming is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wiring or wireless network connections between electronic locks and locking system management with direct NFC communication. The mobile phone with NFC device can program and manage electronic locks through close proximity wireless communication, eliminating the need for infrastructure network connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone with NFC device serves as a self-contained programming tool that can directly program electronic locks without requiring connection to central locking system management. The key distribution and programming functionality is embedded in the mobile phone application, enabling autonomous key management.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and convenient remote management of electronic locks without the need for physical reconfiguration, enhancing security and reducing the complexity of network connections, while maintaining compatibility with existing RFID-based locking systems.
Implementation Method 1
Data is preferably transferred from the transponder to the locking cylinders or SmartRelays inductively at a frequency range of 25 kHz
Implementation Method 2
Radio communication between the electronic locks and the electronic keys takes the place of a key turning in a lock
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking system for managing access of an electronic key to an electronic lock. The system comprises at least one electronic lock (2) which may be unlocked by means of a RFID card; at least one mobile phone (1) with an NFC device, wherein said mobile phone (1) is adapted to install an mobile key application such that the mobile phone can be uses as electronic key for the electronic lock (2); a locking system management (201) for managing the access of the mobile phone (1) to the electronic lock (2) by means of a key data set; and an OTA key server (201) for storing and distrusting encrypted key data sets, wherein said locking system management (201) is adapted to encrypt the key data set and to push said encrypted key data set to the OTA key server (201). The mobile phone (1) is adapted to download by means of the mobile key application the appropriate encrypted key data set from the OTA key server (201) via the cellular mobile network, to decrypt the downloaded key data set and to store said decrypted key data set in a secure element of the NFC device, wherein said NFC device is further adapted to switch in a card emulation mode and to transmit the key data set during said card emulation mode to the electronic lock to be unlocked.