Remote Key Device Certificate Exchange for Locking Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote control systems for properties require physical interconnection of key and locking devices for pairing and do not allow for flexible allocation of operational rights or changes in control relationships between locking devices, limiting remote access and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where the key device's certificate is transferred over a data network, signed with a valid private PKI key, to establish trusted relationships and alter operational rights between locking devices, enabling remote access and virtual private network establishment between locking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical interconnection is required for pairing key device and locking device, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for physical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pairing process (physical connection between key device and locking device) with an electronic/cryptographic process. The key device and locking device establish trust through certificate exchange and digital signatures over a network connection, eliminating the need for physical USB connection while maintaining security through cryptographic verification of device identities.
2Reliability
If physical connection is required for adding new key devices, then security is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to travel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical travel requirement by implementing a remote pairing mechanism. The new key device can be paired with the locking device through network communication without requiring the user to physically travel to the property. The cryptographic certificate exchange process occurs remotely over the network, maintaining security while enabling rapid deployment of new key devices anywhere in the world.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed control relationships between locking devices are enforced, then system stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control relationships by allowing the master-slave configuration between locking devices to be changed remotely. The system transitions from a static, fixed hierarchy to a dynamic one where operational rights can be reassigned. The key device can send reconfiguration commands over the network to alter which locking device serves as master and which serves as slave, enabling the system to adapt to changing operational requirements while maintaining overall system stability through controlled authorization changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
In the method and system of establishing a trusted relationship, first a virtual private network is established between a key device and at least one locking device. Thereafter, in order to establish a trusted relationship the key device sends a message encrypted with its private cryptographic key to at least one locking device. The message comprises the certificate of the trusted key device and the certificate of some other device, with which the locking device that received the message shall establish a new trusted relationship. By using the established trusted relationship either a trusted relationship between the locking device and a new key device or a trusted relationship between two or more locking devices is established, whereby a virtual private network can be established between the locking devices.