Virtual Key Wireless Access for Locked Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack efficient methods for secure, remote access and customization of locked objects, such as vehicles, without physical keys, and fail to enforce usage restrictions dynamically based on attributes.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses virtual keys transmitted wirelessly between endpoints to unlock physical locks and manage access, allowing attributes to define usage conditions, with notifications and permission modifications upon breach, utilizing a communication network and target management system to enforce restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical keys are used to access locked objects, then access security is maintained, but remote access capability and convenience are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual key that is a digital copy or representation of the physical key functionality. This virtual key can be transmitted electronically to remote devices, enabling remote access while maintaining security through cryptographic validation. The virtual key contains encoded access credentials that authenticate the user without requiring physical presence of the original key.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-lock system with an electronic/digital system. Instead of inserting a physical key into a mechanical lock, the system uses wireless communication to transmit virtual key data to a lock management system, which then actuates the lock electronically. This substitution enables remote access while maintaining security through digital authentication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If unrestricted access is provided to locked objects, then ease of access is improved, but usage control and security management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where usage restrictions are not fixed but can be modified in real-time. The lock management system can dynamically adjust permissions, time windows, geographic boundaries, and other usage parameters based on current conditions, user behavior, or administrative decisions. This allows the system to adapt access conditions without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the lock management system monitors usage patterns, location data, time stamps, and other parameters to determine whether usage restrictions are being violated. When breaches are detected, the system can trigger notifications, log events, or automatically revoke access permissions. This feedback loop enables continuous enforcement of usage restrictions while maintaining ease of access for authorized users.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, providing an endpoint access to a locked target includes receiving a virtual key at a grantee endpoint through a wireless link. The virtual key results from a permission from a grantor endpoint, and is operable to unlock a physical lock of the target. The virtual key is wirelessly transmitted to a management system of the target to unlock the lock.