Wireless Access Control Key Programming via Central Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems require direct access to locking units for changing access authorizations, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially in systems where networking is not feasible or desirable.

Innovation Solution

Access authorizations are managed and updated via a central processing unit using a wireless telecommunications network, allowing authorization information to be sent to a mobile device and then to a key, enabling remote programming and autonomous operation of locking units without the need for direct network connection or physical access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If access authorizations are changed by directly accessing locking units, then programming precision is maintained, but operation complexity and time loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of changing access authorizationsVSAvoidTime required for reprogramming keys
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central processing unit as an intermediary between the key administrator and the locking units. This mediator receives programming data for electronic keys, stores it temporarily, and enables remote programming without direct access to locking units. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by allowing fast, convenient key reprogramming through centralized data management while maintaining the security and precision of authorization changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If locking units are networked for remote access control, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRemote programming capabilityVSAvoidNetworking infrastructure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the programming function from the locking units themselves and concentrates it in a separate central processing unit. This separation allows remote programming capability to be achieved without networking the actual locking units, thus improving ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of distributed networking infrastructure. The central unit handles all programming operations centrally, eliminating the need for complex point-to-point or mesh networking of individual locks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If access control data is stored in locking units, then reliability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRemote access controlVSAvoidData distribution and synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access control system into two functional parts: a central processing unit for data management and locking units for execution. The programming data is separated into authorization information (stored centrally) and lock-specific identification data (stored in locking units). This segmentation allows remote programming operations while maintaining reliability, as the central unit manages data distribution without requiring complex synchronization protocols across all locking units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2238576B1Method and device for regulating access control
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 EVVA SICHERHEITSTECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP2238576B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2238576B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In a method for regulating access control with a locking unit, particularly locks, and electronic keys, wherein access authorizations are stored and managed in a central processor, the keys are programmed in keeping with the respective access authorization with authorization information for a predetermined selection of locking units, in the event of an access request the authorization information is wirelessly sent from a key to a locking unit, and in the locking unit the access authorization is determined as a function of the authorization information received, the programming of a key comprises the sending of the authorization information via a wireless telecommunication network to a wireless mobile telecommunication device and the transmission of the authorization information received from the mobile telecommunication device to a memory of the key.