Offline Lock Access Control via Near-Field Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for locks, especially in home automation, require an internet connection for secure data management and configuration, which is impractical and insecure for distributed or mobile locks without a permanent internet connection.
Innovation Solution
A lockable container with a near-field data transmission device, a processor, and a memory unit that allows for offline access control and data management using a mobile terminal, eliminating the need for a fixed internet connection and enabling secure, centralized management of multiple locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock is equipped with a permanent internet connection for secure data management and configuration, then centralized management and security are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality between the lock device (local processing, near-field communication) and the mobile terminal (internet connection, data management). The lock is segmented into essential functions only, removing the need for built-in internet hardware while maintaining security through local authorization verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary between the lock and the internet. It establishes the internet connection, manages configuration data, and communicates with the lock via near-field communication. This mediator approach allows the lock to benefit from centralized management without requiring direct internet connectivity.
2Productivity
If a lock is equipped with a permanent internet connection for centralized management, then configuration updates are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous internet connectivity, the system uses periodic near-field communication when the mobile terminal is physically present near the lock. Configuration updates occur periodically when triggered by the presence of an authorized mobile device, rather than requiring constant network connection and power.
Solution Approach 2:
The internet connection functionality is extracted from the lock and placed in the mobile terminal. This removes the energy-intensive network hardware from the lock, allowing it to operate on battery power for extended periods while still enabling centralized configuration through the mobile device's internet connection.
3Device complexity
If manual individual configuration of distributed locks is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but time consumption and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data and authorization information are copied from the mobile terminal to the lock device during near-field communication. This allows rapid deployment of identical or differentiated configurations across multiple locks without manual programming of each device, significantly reducing setup time while keeping individual lock complexity low.
4Use of energy by moving object
If local configuration of locks is performed without internet connection, then energy consumption is reduced, but security and monitoring capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the mobile terminal, which retrieves status information, access logs, and sensor data from the lock via near-field communication. This allows centralized monitoring and security management without requiring the lock to maintain continuous internet connectivity or high energy consumption.
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 secure, centralized management of locks without an internet connection, allowing for granular access control and data recording, reducing costs and energy consumption while ensuring secure operation in areas with no internet access.
Implementation Method 1
a near-field data transmission device (14) is provided for receiving data from at least one mobile terminal (16) while the at least one mobile terminal (16) is temporarily located in a defined distance range from the container (1) and for sending data to the at least one mobile terminal (16) that is temporarily located in the defined distance range from the container (1)
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and system for opening a container having a lock device, a mobile terminal exchanges data with the lock device using near-field data transmission and exchanges data with a server using far-filed data transmission. The mobile terminal stores container reconfiguration data and container operating data, which include at least time data and access data. The server generates new container reconfiguration data in response to receiving the container operating data from the mobile terminal and transmits the new container reconfiguration data to the mobile terminal using the far-field data transmission. The new container reconfiguration data are then transmitted from the mobile terminal to the lock device using the near-filed transmission.