RF Key Lock Communication via Server Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key and lock systems lack efficient methods for secure remote communication, especially when the key and lock are not in proximity, leading to difficulties in unlocking mechanisms without physical presence.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the key and lock with emitters and receivers for radio frequency signals, allowing for communication via radio frequency signals, with the option to transmit encoded bit streams through a server or portable devices using near field communication, enabling secure and remote unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radio frequency signals are used for remote communication between key and lock, then communication distance is extended, but signal security and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between the key and lock. The key communicates with the server via portable device, and the server relays authenticated commands to the lock. This mediator architecture enables secure remote communication by centralizing authentication and command verification, preventing direct exposure of cryptographic keys over wireless channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct radio frequency communication between key and lock with an electronic/digital communication system. Instead of transmitting raw RF signals directly, the system uses encoded bit streams, cryptographic authentication, and server-mediated communication protocols, substituting physical RF signal transmission with structured digital data exchange.
2Device complexity
If direct radio frequency communication is used between key and lock, then communication is simple and direct, but remote unlocking without physical proximity is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal and spatial dimension to the communication architecture by introducing a server-mediated communication path. Instead of direct point-to-point RF communication requiring physical proximity, the system enables communication across different locations and times through the server infrastructure, allowing key holders to unlock locks remotely without being in the immediate vicinity.
3Ease of operation
If trusted parties need to access lock remotely, then convenience is improved, but security requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The server provides self-service authentication and command relay functionality. The system automatically manages authentication credentials, verifies command authenticity, and relays commands between key and lock without requiring manual intervention or complex local authentication mechanisms in the key or lock devices themselves.
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
Facilitates secure and simple remote communication between key and lock, allowing trusted parties to unlock the lock without physical proximity, enhancing security and convenience through bi-directional communication and challenge-response algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the lock and the key is equipped with an emitter for emitting radio frequency signals and at least the other one of the lock and the key is equipped with a receiver for receiving this radio frequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
Method to facilitate communication, between a lock and a key, with at least one of the lock and the key being equipped with an emitter for emitting radio frequency signals and at least the other one of the lock and the key being equipped with a receiver for receiving this radio frequency signal, comprising the steps of: a) receiving the radio frequency signal from the emitter; b) recovering a bit stream encoded in the radio frequency signal; and d) transmitting the bit stream to a server for the bit stream to be transmitted from the server to an electronic device for transmitting a second radio frequency signal to the receiver, wherein the second radio frequency signal encodes the bit stream.