NFC Utilization Control Device for Secure Local Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for facilities like hotels and warehouses face issues with user convenience due to geographical distance from reception desks, lack of flexibility for multiple users, and increased security risks from internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A utilization control system using Near Field Communication (NFC) for locking/unlocking or encrypting/decrypting, where a utilization control device verifies user permits with a public key and lifts restrictions only when usage conditions are met, reducing network exposure and eliminating the need for a central key manager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID readers are connected to a server via the Internet for remote management, then the system achieves centralized control and management flexibility, but security risks increase due to network exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the facility into multiple autonomous zones, each with its own server that can operate independently. This segmentation allows centralized control capabilities to be distributed across multiple local servers, reducing the security risks associated with a single centralized Internet-connected server while maintaining management flexibility at each zone level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encryption/decryption mechanism between the RFID readers and the server. The server acts as a mediator that verifies RFID tags through cryptographic protocols, allowing centralized authentication without requiring continuous Internet connectivity, thus reducing security risks while maintaining control capabilities.
2Device complexity
If a representative is entrusted with key management for multiple users, then access control is simplified, but the representative's responsibility and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform their own authentication and access control operations through RFID tags without requiring a representative to manually manage keys. Each user's RFID tag serves as their personal key, allowing them to independently access facilities and perform operations, thereby eliminating the operational burden on representatives while simplifying access control management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of access control from physical key management to RFID-based electronic authentication. This parameter change transforms the system from requiring manual key distribution and management by a representative to an automated system where access rights are encoded in RFID tags, reducing complexity and operational burden.
3Device complexity
If users must visit the reception desk to borrow and return room keys, then key management is centralized, but user convenience decreases due to geographical distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key borrowing and returning system with an RFID-based electronic authentication system. Users no longer need to physically visit the reception desk to borrow or return keys; instead, their RFID tags automatically authenticate them for access, eliminating the need for key management visits while maintaining centralized control through electronic verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions by pre-registering user RFID tags with the server. This preliminary action allows users to gain immediate access without needing to visit the reception desk at the moment of use, as their authentication credentials are already established in the system, thereby improving convenience while maintaining key management control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention reduces security risks while improving convenience in a utilization control technique of a usage target object. A utilization control device (1) can communicate only via Near Field Communication, and is separated from a network. And in the utilization control device (1), a hole data including a public key is set. In a use permit notification device (2), a use permit and signature are registered for each user ID. The signature is generated by using a private key paired with the public key included in the hole data. The use permit notification device (2) sends the use permit and signature in connection with the ID read from an ID card (3) to the utilization control device (1) via the Near Field Communication. The utilization control device (1) verifies the signature received together with the use permit by using the public key included in the hole data, obtains and refers to the transaction information included in the use permit when the verification is successful, and unlocks an entrance (50) of the house (5) if the conditions specified by the transaction information are satisfied.