Temporary Passcode Synchronization for Secure Physical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sharing static passcodes for access to secured physical spaces poses a security risk and is inconvenient due to frequent changes needed to manage access for multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating and managing temporary passcodes with synchronized validity times, allowing secure and convenient access by aligning passcode generation and verification times between a passcode provider and electronic locks, enabling secure sharing without constant online connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a static passcode is shared with multiple users for access to secured physical spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to the risk of unauthorized access and inability to control individual access validity
Solution Approach 1:
The passcode system is segmented into multiple individual passcodes, each assigned to a specific user with a defined validity period. Instead of using one shared static passcode for all users, the system generates separate passcodes (e.g., passcode1, passcode2, passcode3) with different expiration times, allowing individual tracking and control of each user's access rights while maintaining ease of use.
2Reliability
If the passcode is changed frequently to maintain security, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience for residents and service providers
Solution Approach 1:
The passcode system transitions from static to dynamic by implementing passcodes with different validity periods. Each passcode is assigned a specific expiration time, creating a dynamic access control system where passcodes automatically become invalid after their designated period. This eliminates the need for manual frequent changes while maintaining security through time-based expiration.
3Reliability
If a temporary passcode with longest remaining validity time is selected from multiple valid passcodes, then reliability is improved by ensuring maximum security coverage, but device complexity increases due to the need to track and compare validity times
Solution Approach 1:
The passcode provider system automatically manages the complexity of tracking multiple passcode validity times without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by generating passcodes with embedded expiration information and automatically determining which passcode has the longest remaining validity time, eliminating the need for manual passcode management while ensuring optimal security coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a method for enabling access, using a temporary passcode (25. 25a-f), to a physical space (16) secured by an electronic lock (12). The method is performed in a passcode provider (1). The method comprises: synchronising (40) with the electronic lock (12) to align times for temporary passcode generation; receiving (42) a signal to provide a temporary passcode for unlocking the electronic lock; determining (44) a temporary passcode, the temporary passcode being valid only until an end time at the electronic lock (12); and providing (46) the temporary passcode for forwarding to a temporary passcode recipient.