Wireless Electronic Lock Authentication via Cellular Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic lock authentication systems face limitations in efficiency and complexity, particularly in applications requiring network-based authentication and wireless communication, necessitating a more streamlined and wireless access control solution.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock authentication system that utilizes a cellular telephone to communicate with a lock and a network cloud, where the lock advertises its presence in a low power state, and the telephone initiates communication, transmitting encrypted IDs and additional credential information as needed, allowing for real-time access control decisions without wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired connection is used for network-based authentication, then communication reliability is improved, but installation complexity and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The electronic lock communicates with the network cloud through wireless signals (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular) instead of physical cables, eliminating the need for complex wiring installation while maintaining communication capability. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the mechanical connection requirement that caused installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network cloud as an intermediary between the electronic lock and the authentication system. The lock communicates wirelessly with the cloud, which then handles authentication and communicates with the user's device. This intermediary approach enables reliable authentication communication without requiring direct wired connections between all components, simplifying installation while maintaining security and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lock is battery-powered with wireless communication, then ease of installation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic advertising mode where the lock periodically transmits its presence and authentication information through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or similar wireless protocols. Instead of maintaining continuous communication, the lock enters low-power states between advertising cycles, significantly reducing energy consumption while still enabling wireless authentication when needed. This periodic operation resolves the contradiction between wireless convenience and battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the electronic lock to autonomously manage its power consumption by implementing adaptive communication strategies. The lock independently decides when to wake up for advertising, when to enter sleep mode, and how to optimize its wireless communication based on its battery status and environmental conditions. This self-service power management allows the lock to maintain ease of installation while minimizing energy consumption through intelligent, autonomous power control.
3Reliability
If encrypted communication is implemented, then security is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary key exchange and encryption setup during the initial pairing phase between the lock and the user's device. Security credentials, encryption keys, and authentication parameters are established in advance and stored securely. When authentication is needed, the system uses these pre-configured credentials for rapid encrypted communication without the overhead of establishing security protocols in real-time. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by shifting the time-consuming encryption setup to an initial one-time process.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock authentication system and associated method including an electronic lock and a cellular phone in communication with a network and in wireless communication with the electronic lock. The electronic lock has a lock identification and is configured to transmit the lock identification wirelessly to the cellular phone. The cellular phone has a phone identification and is configured to transmit the lock identification and the phone identification to the network. The network is configured to make a decision in real time whether the cellular phone is permitted access to the electronic lock based on the look identification and the phone identification, and is further configured to transmit a grant/deny message to the cellular phone based on the decision, and the cellular phone is configured to transmit the grant/deny message to the electronic lock.