Offline Electronic Key Invalidation via Intermediary Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic keys that are lost or stolen pose a security risk when electronic locks are offline, as there is no straightforward method to invalidate them, preventing unauthorized access to restricted spaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a mobile phone or dedicated invalidation device to receive a central invalidation command, discover the electronic key via short-range radio, and transmit a local invalidation command to invalidate the key, with confirmation messages sent to the central server to ensure successful invalidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the electronic lock is offline to save power and complexity, then power consumption and system complexity are reduced, but the ability to invalidate lost electronic keys is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary invalidation device that acts as a mediator between the central server and the offline electronic lock. This device receives invalidation commands from the central server via wide area network, discovers the electronic key using short range radio, and transmits the invalidation command locally to the key, enabling key invalidation without requiring the lock to be online.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into separate functional components: a central server for managing invalidation commands, an invalidation device for local key discovery and command transmission, and the offline electronic lock. This segmentation allows the lock to remain offline while still enabling key invalidation through the dedicated invalidation device.
2Device complexity
If the electronic lock is offline without communication ability with a central access control system, then device complexity is reduced, but the method to send black list to the electronic lock is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invalidation device serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the central server and the offline electronic lock. It receives black list information from the central server and transmits it locally to the electronic key using short range radio communication, enabling black list functionality without requiring the lock to have direct communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic key performs self-validation by checking its identity against the black list information received through the invalidation device. The key can invalidate itself by receiving the local invalidation command, eliminating the need for the lock to actively manage key validity.
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 the secure invalidation of lost or stolen electronic keys even when the lock is offline, preventing unauthorized access by directly communicating with the key and confirming successful invalidation through the central server.
Implementation Method 1
The step of discovering may comprise discovering the presence of the electronic key using Bluetooth low energy, BLE.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is provided a method for invalidating an electronic key for access to a physical space. The method is performed in an invalidation device and comprises the steps of: receiving a central invalidation command from a central server, the central invalidation command comprising an identifier of an electronic key; discovering a presence of the electronic key over short range radio; and transmitting a local invalidation command to the electronic key.