Smartphone-Mediated Electronic Lock Data Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing information to reader devices, such as access control systems, face limitations in efficient data management and update mechanisms, particularly in scenarios where direct contact between devices is not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system utilizing a mobile device as a conduit for 'viral data' that can transmit and receive information, including updates, alarm information, and audit histories, between a server and reader devices via Bluetooth or NFC, allowing for real-time data synchronization without user intervention and eliminating the need for direct device contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct contact between reader device and server is required for data updates, then data security and direct control are improved, but system complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary component between the reader device and the server. The mobile device receives updates from the server via wireless communication and then transmits these updates to the reader device through direct contact (e.g., NFC tap). This intermediary approach maintains data security by requiring authenticated contact for updates while avoiding the complexity of direct server-reader device communication infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If manual device tours are used for updates, then system simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the mobile device receive and store update information from the server before the actual update is needed at the reader device. When the user brings the mobile device into contact with the reader device, the update is already prepared and ready for immediate transmission, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual device tours while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as a mediator that bridges the server and reader device, enabling efficient update delivery without requiring physical device tours. The intermediary collects updates in advance and delivers them through quick contact-based communication, dramatically improving update efficiency while keeping the overall system architecture simple.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication alone is used between mobile device and reader device, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of data transmission decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two communication methods: wireless communication (for initial data exchange and commands) and direct contact communication via NFC or similar technology (for critical data transfer). This combination allows the system to enjoy the ease of wireless operation while ensuring reliable data transmission through the authenticated, secure direct contact channel. The mobile device coordinates both communication modes to achieve both convenience and reliability.
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
Enables efficient, real-time data management and updates for reader devices, such as electronic locks, by using mobile devices to transmit and receive 'viral data' from servers, ensuring near real-time performance and reducing the need for manual updates or device tours.
Implementation Method 1
communicate with the reader device via Bluetooth or NFC
Implementation Method 2
communicate with the reader device via Bluetooth or NFC
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock may transmit advertising that the electronic lock is available for communication. A smartphone may establish communication with the electronic lock in response to the advertising. The electronic lock may transmit an encrypted lock identification to the smartphone. The smartphone may transmit the lock identification and a smartphone identification to a cloud. In response, the cloud transmits to the smartphone an encrypted update such as the user database, time and date, and lock configuration. The smartphone may transmit the encrypted update to the electronic lock.