Remote Lock Unlock via Mobile Relay and Secure Credential Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locks with remote access control require expensive and complex online communication paths, which are costly and vulnerable to security risks.
Innovation Solution
A server-based method that enables remote unlock by authenticating users through a third-party service, establishing an end-to-end secure channel, and relaying access data via a mobile device, without storing credentials on the server, allowing locks to operate offline and reducing security vulnerabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If online locks with remote access control are used, then remote unlocking capability is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates between the mobile device and the lock. The server stores credential data and manages authentication, while the lock itself remains simple and can operate offline. This intermediary approach enables remote unlocking capability without requiring the lock to have complex online communication infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between remote access functionality and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If online locks with continuous connectivity are used, then remote access control is enabled, but security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into three distinct components with separated functions: the mobile device for initiating access requests, the server for storing credentials and managing authentication logic, and the lock for executing unlocking actions. This segmentation allows the lock to operate offline with minimal attack surface, while the server handles security-sensitive operations. The credential data is stored on the server rather than the lock, reducing security vulnerabilities associated with continuous online connectivity at the lock level.
3Ease of operation
If credentials are stored on the server for remote access, then remote unlocking is enabled, but security risk of credential theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a secure intermediary that stores credential data and manages authentication without requiring the lock to be continuously online. The system uses a challenge-response mechanism where the server verifies credentials and communicates only with the mobile device and lock through secure channels. This approach enables remote unlocking functionality while reducing credential theft risk by eliminating the need for the lock to maintain continuous internet connectivity and by implementing secure communication protocols between all components.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is provided a method for enabling remote unlock of a lock securing access to a physical space. The method is performed in a server and comprises the steps of: receiving, from a first mobile device, an access request to unlock a lock, wherein the request comprises an identifier of the lock and a user identifier associated with an access requester, being a user of the first mobile device; finding a remote credential device being associated with the lock; and transmitting an access request to the remote credential device, the access request comprising an identifier based on the user identifier.