Portable Key Image Matching for Offsite Attack-Resistant Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locks are vulnerable to offsite attacks and hacking, which can compromise access control to physical spaces.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize image and movement data from a portable key device to verify the user's proximity to a lock, combined with encrypted template matching and additional security measures like face recognition and light codes, to ensure secure access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic locks are network connected to enable remote access control, then flexibility and control capabilities are improved, but vulnerability to offsite attacks and hacking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access control capabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to offsite attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification system that checks multiple conditions (image matching, movement data, light code) before granting access. This intermediary layer prevents direct remote exploitation while maintaining network connectivity for authorized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary verification of multiple security conditions (image template matching, movement data validation, light code verification) before allowing access control operations. This preliminary action ensures that even if networked, the lock cannot be opened without satisfying all security criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional mechanical locks are used, then geographic limitation provides security, but flexibility and control capabilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against offsite attacksVSAvoidremote access capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical lock verification with a multi-factor verification system involving image recognition, movement sensing, and light code validation. This substitution maintains security while enabling flexible remote access control through portable key devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds new dimensions of verification beyond physical proximity - using image matching, movement data analysis, and light code validation. These additional verification dimensions provide security comparable to geographic limitation while enabling remote operation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple verification methods (image matching, movement data, light code) are implemented, then security against offsite attacks is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity verification accuracyVSAvoidnumber of verification components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple verification functions (image capture, movement sensing, light detection, template matching) into an integrated portable key device and security system. This merging reduces the complexity burden by consolidating components rather than distributing them separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable key device performs multiple functions - capturing images, sensing movement, detecting light codes, and communicating with the lock. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each verification method, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high security verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3853751B1Matching an user taken image with access control apparatus references for physical access control
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • EP3853751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3853751B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3D
  • EP3853751B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

It is provided a method for enabling access control for access to a physical space secured by a lock device. The method is performed in a security device and comprises the steps of: obtaining at least one image captured using a first camera of a portable key device, the at least one image being captured in a vicinity of the lock device; receiving a template decryption key from a lock device over a short-range communication link; obtaining a credential associated with the lock device; matching the at least one image with a plurality of templates, each template being associated with a lock device, which comprises obtaining the plurality of templates by decrypting encrypted templates using the template decryption key; and wherein a positive match is a necessary condition for opening the lock device.