Temporary Access Codes for Secure Door Entry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional access control systems face challenges in managing access for large numbers of users, particularly in ensuring that terminated employees cannot access secure areas without cumbersome deprogramming procedures, and the high costs associated with fully connected systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses temporary access codes, which are pseudo-random and time-dependent, managed by an external server, allowing authorized users to access secure areas through RF communication, such as NFC or Bluetooth, eliminating the need for permanent credentials and reducing security costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional permanent access codes are used, then users can access protected areas indefinitely, but terminated employees retain access indefinitely and require cumbersome deprogramming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static permanent access codes into dynamic temporary access codes that automatically expire after a predetermined period. This dynamic approach allows the system to automatically revoke access for terminated employees without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between maintaining security and ease of management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of access codes from indefinite (permanent) to limited (temporary with expiration dates). By modifying this parameter, the system achieves both improved security (automatic revocation) and improved ease of operation (no manual deprogramming needed).
2Reliability
If fully connected doors with secure pipes are used, then cryptographic security is maintained, but the cost of installation and maintenance becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cryptographic verification function from the door controller and relocates it to a remote server. The door controller retains only the essential function of receiving and validating access codes, eliminating the need for expensive secure connections while maintaining security through server-based cryptographic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the door controller and the access control database. This intermediary handles all cryptographic operations and database queries, allowing the door controller to remain simple and disconnected while security is maintained through the intermediary's secure communications.
3Ease of manufacture
If disconnected smart doors are used, then installation costs are reduced, but terminated employees can still access using remembered PINs without automatic revocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the door controller automatically generate and send notifications to the remote server when an access code is entered. The server then proactively checks the code's validity and expiration status, enabling automatic revocation of access for terminated employees without requiring manual updates at each door.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the door controller sends access attempts to the remote server, which responds with validation results and expiration status. This feedback mechanism enables the disconnected door to automatically enforce access revocation decisions made by the centralized server.
4Ease of operation
If permanent access codes are used, then users have continuous access, but the system remains vulnerable indefinitely requiring continuous security updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by automatically renewing access codes at predetermined intervals. The system periodically validates and reissues access codes to authorized users, maintaining continuous access for legitimate users while automatically expiring codes for unauthorized users, thereby eliminating the need for manual security updates.
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
This solution reduces the risk of unauthorized access and minimizes the need for continuous connectivity, as temporary access codes expire, thereby limiting the impact of theft and simplifying user management by eliminating the need for frequent updates and costly secure connections.
Implementation Method 1
The access code may be provided using RF communication from a device. The RF communication may NFC, Bluetooth, or Bluetooth Smart.
Data Source
AI summary
Managing access by a user includes requesting an access code from an external server, the external server providing the access code to the user only if the user is authorized for access, the access code being provided to an input unit, and the user being granted access by a security component if the access code is valid. The input unit may be a keypad. The access code maybe provided using RF communication, such as NFC, Bluetooth, and/or Bluetooth Smart. The device may request the access code from the external server. The device may be a mobile device. Managing access by a user may also include the user entering a PIN in addition to the access code. The pin may be entered by the user's device. The access may be to a physical area and the user may be granted access by having a door open.