Web-Based Smart Lock Access via SMS Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with non-smartphone devices or those without internet connectivity face challenges in accessing and securing structures equipped with smart locks, as they cannot download or interact with smart lock applications, leading to access and security issues.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing text-based and web-based authentication protocols allows users to access and secure smart locks via SMS or web interfaces, using a service provider to generate guest profiles and access codes, perform multi-factor authentication, and send instructions to smart locks for locking/unlocking, without requiring smartphone apps or internet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart lock applications are used for access control, then security and convenience are improved, but users without smartphones or internet connectivity cannot access the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that uses SMS text messages as a mediator between the user and the smart lock. Instead of requiring direct communication between a smartphone app and the lock, the system uses a centralized server that receives SMS messages from any mobile device, processes authentication, and sends commands to the lock. This intermediary approach allows users with basic mobile devices to access the structure without needing smartphone-specific applications or continuous internet connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the authentication process into distinct components: (1) SMS-based user authentication, (2) server-side verification and processing, and (3) lock execution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the SMS interface works on any mobile device, the server handles complex authentication logic, and the lock receives simple execution commands. This modular approach resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different device capabilities while maintaining reliable access control.
2Reliability
If multi-factor authentication protocols are implemented, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized server acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multi-factor authentication. Instead of distributing complex authentication logic across multiple devices, the server consolidates the processing of SMS verification, access codes, and authentication decisions. This centralization improves security through comprehensive verification while containing complexity within the server infrastructure rather than requiring complex user-side implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service authentication where users independently complete SMS verification and provide access codes without requiring assistance from administrators or other users. The automated server processes these inputs and makes authentication decisions, reducing the operational complexity of managing security protocols while maintaining high security standards through consistent automated verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A first user associated with a structure (e.g., a home, a building, etc.) may authorize a second user to access the structure when the first user is not present. The second user may request to access the structure via a website associated with a URL that was previously provided. The second user may be verified/authenticated based on an access code input via the web site, a proximity of a device to the structure, and/or times in which the second user is authorized to access the structure. The second user may indicate, via the website, a desire to lock/unlock a structure entrance (e.g., a door) to the structure that contains a smart lock. Upon receiving a selection to lock/unlock the structure entrance, a service provider sends an instruction to the smart lock, causing the structure entrance to become locked/unlocked, and allowing the second user to access or secure the structure.