Shared Lock Access Control With Unified Owner-Tenant Credentials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic access control systems face challenges in managing access credentials across multiple types/makes of EAC equipment, requiring users to download and manage disparate applications for each system, and there is a need for seamless access control with minimal administrative overhead and confidentiality in sharing access information.

Innovation Solution

An owner-tenant wireless shared omnibus access control system that enables users to access locks across different systems with configurable permissions, audit trails, and minimal administrative overhead, using a unified account system with separate logs for owners and tenants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple disparate EAC applications are used for different owner and tenant systems, then access control can be maintained for multiple systems, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate as users must download and manage multiple applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control across multiple systemsVSAvoidnumber of applications to manage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple disparate EAC applications into a single unified omnibus application that can access multiple different EAC systems. The application uses a universal authentication mechanism and single sign-on capability to provide access to both owner and tenant systems without requiring separate applications for each system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The omnibus application is designed as a universal interface that can interact with multiple different EAC systems through standardized protocols. It provides multi-functional capabilities including authentication, authorization, and access control for various systems (e.g., Genetec, Micros, Access Control Panels) without requiring system-specific applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If access credentials are shared across different users for different systems, then productivity improves by reducing the number of credentials to manage, but security and reliability deteriorate due to increased complexity in credential management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessing multiple systemsVSAvoidaccess control security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication server that mediates between different EAC systems and users. This server handles credential verification, token generation, and permission validation centrally, allowing users to access multiple systems through a single authentication process without directly sharing credentials across systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic access control where permissions are determined in real-time based on user roles, system configurations, and contextual factors. The omnibus application dynamically adjusts access rights and authentication requirements based on the specific EAC system being accessed and the user's authorized permissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If tenant users are provided with full access rights and audit trail information, then adaptability and ease of operation improve, but loss of information occurs as tenant confidential information must be shared with owners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidtenant confidential information exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by providing different levels of information access to different user groups. Tenant users receive full access rights and detailed audit trail information within their system, while owner users receive summarized audit information that does not expose tenant confidential data. The system tailors information granularity based on user roles and permissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The audit trail information is segmented into different visibility levels. The system separates detailed operational data (visible to tenants) from summarized access control data (visible to owners). Tenant-specific confidential information is isolated in separate data structures that are not accessible to owners, while still maintaining overall system visibility for administrative purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12554827B2Wireless shared omnibus access control method and system

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

An owner-tenant wireless shared omnibus access control system configured to enable owners and tenant users of an electronic access control system to seamlessly access a lock that is shared between remote site owners and one or more tenants, while maintaining access control and audit trail with minimal administrative overhead. An owner-tenant wireless shared omnibus access control system may be operably configured to enable expanded or limited access and audit trail information based on different user roles and permissions comprising an owner user and a tenant user.