Remote Lock Time-Based Codes With Clock Resynchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack an efficient method for managing access rights and credentials across multiple remotely deployed locks and changing personnel.

Innovation Solution

An access-control system utilizing an access management server and time-based codes, where locks adjust their clocks to resync with the server clock upon mismatch, implement soft matching, and use multiple parallel time-based code instances for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If time-based codes are used for access control across multiple locks and personnel, then access management efficiency and security are improved, but clock synchronization issues and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock device automatically detects clock mismatches and performs self-correction by adjusting its internal clock to match the server time, eliminating the need for manual intervention and simplifying operations for users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the lock compares its generated time-based code with the server-issued code, detects discrepancies, and automatically adjusts its clock to maintain synchronization, ensuring continuous secure operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If strict time-based code matching is implemented, then security is improved, but false rejections due to clock drift increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidfalse rejection rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively adjusts the lock's clock when a mismatch is detected, preventing future false rejections by maintaining time synchronization before problems occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the time parameter by modifying the lock's internal clock to match the server time, resolving synchronization issues while maintaining security requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parallel time-based code instances are used, then access control flexibility is improved, but computational overhead and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control flexibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides time-based code generation into separate independent instances, each handling specific access scenarios, allowing selective activation based on operational needs to reduce unnecessary computational overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and activates only the necessary time-based code instances based on current access requirements, adjusting the number of active instances to balance flexibility with energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250356704A1Time-based codes for remotely deployed locks

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 RPH ENGINEERING LLC

AI summary

An access-control system comprises using an access management server, a lock, and multiple instances of time-based codes. A time-based code may be input to a lock by physical presses on a keypad; radio communication (Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, WiFi); a sound or audio signal; touch or vibration pattern; light pattern of intensity or contrast); and/or a sequence/pattern of temperature changes.