Wireless Lock Challenge-Response Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access control systems with autonomously operating lock devices face challenges in updating lock access data, particularly when new key devices need to be added or existing authorized key devices are replaced, leading to delayed access and security concerns due to the reliance on trusted ambassador key devices for data distribution.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces a challenge-response mechanism where lock devices generate a challenge code and request a response from key devices, verified by a remote administration server, allowing for secure and flexible distribution of updated lock access data without relying solely on pre-known key devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If lock devices operate autonomously with locally stored lock access data, then the lock devices can provide access control without continuous external communication, but updating lock access data becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces key devices as intermediaries that can receive updated lock access data from the central server and forward it to lock devices. This mediator approach allows the autonomous lock devices to receive updates without requiring direct connection or manual intervention at the lock device location, thus reducing update time while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring lock devices with initial lock access data during manufacturing or installation. This preliminary setup enables immediate autonomous operation without requiring subsequent manual configuration or updates, reducing the time needed to get the system operational.
2Reliability
If lock access data is updated through trusted ambassador key devices, then security is maintained, but access rights changes are delayed and frequent visits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses key devices as intermediaries that can receive updated lock access data from the central server and forward it to lock devices. This eliminates the need for frequent visits by trusted personnel while maintaining security, as the key devices act as secure conduits for updating access rights information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the central server receives status information from lock devices and automatically pushes updates when changes are needed. This feedback loop enables timely access rights changes without requiring manual initiation or frequent visits, improving productivity while maintaining security through automated verification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new key devices are added to the system, then access flexibility is improved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces key devices as intermediaries that simplify the addition of new key devices to the system. Instead of directly configuring each new key device with lock access data, the system uses existing key devices as mediators to receive updates from the central server and forward them to new lock devices, reducing the complexity of onboarding while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes key devices universal by enabling them to perform multiple functions: acting as access control keys, serving as data carriers for lock access information, and functioning as communication intermediaries between the central server and lock devices. This multi-functionality simplifies the addition of new devices by leveraging existing infrastructure.
4Reliability
If lock devices require wiring to surroundings for operation, then reliable communication is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with wireless communication technology. Lock devices communicate with key devices and the central server through wireless protocols, eliminating the need for physical wiring to surrounding infrastructure. This substitution maintains communication reliability while dramatically improving ease of installation and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An access control method is disclosed in which a lock device provides conditional access to a protected environment by short-range wireless communication with a key device having a key device identifier (KD_ID). In the method, the lock device requests the key device to provide a challenge response to a challenge generated by the lock device based on a challenge code kept by the lock device. The lock device receives the challenge response from the key device. The challenge response is generated by a remote administration server and is based on the key device identifier of the key device. The generated response is sent to the key device and forwarded from the key device to the lock device. The lock device then verifies the received challenge response based on the challenge code and on the key device identifier of the key device.