Access Control System Using Approved and Presented Lists

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems for restricted areas rely on blacklists, which can be inefficient as they deny access to valid users if their card numbers are mistakenly marked, and do not account for first-time presentations of access cards.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using an approved list and a presented list, where access is granted if the card number is on the approved list and not on the presented list, and denied if it is not on the approved list but is on the presented list, with card readers capable of optical, magnetic, or radio frequency data reception, and a central controller for list updates and transaction clearing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a blacklist system is used for access control, then unauthorized access is blocked, but valid users may be mistakenly denied access if their card numbers are incorrectly marked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control accuracyVSAvoidfalse denial of access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional blacklist approach by implementing an approved list system. Instead of maintaining a list of denied card numbers that risks false positives, the system maintains a list of explicitly approved card numbers. This inversion fundamentally resolves the contradiction by making the default state one of denial for unapproved cards while ensuring that approved users are never mistakenly blocked, as the approved list serves as a positive confirmation mechanism rather than a negative exclusion mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification process between card presentation and access decision. The system uses a presented list as a mediator that tracks cards currently being processed, creating a buffer that prevents premature or duplicate access decisions. This intermediary mechanism ensures that card numbers are properly verified against both the approved list and presented list before access is granted or denied, eliminating false denials caused by processing errors or system state inconsistencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If only an approved list is used, then access security is maintained, but first-time presentations of access cards cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess securityVSAvoidfirst-time card presentation handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-populating the approved list with authorized card numbers before actual access events occur. This allows the system to recognize and process first-time card presentations efficiently, as the approval status is already determined and stored. The presented list further supports this by pre-tracking cards in the processing pipeline, ensuring that first-time presentations are handled seamlessly without compromising security, as each card's approval status is verified against the pre-established approved list.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If card numbers are repeatedly checked against the approved list, then access accuracy is maintained, but system efficiency decreases due to redundant comparisons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess decision accuracyVSAvoidaccess processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates the verification logic into two distinct lists: an approved list for authorization status and a presented list for processing state tracking. This extraction allows the system to perform highly efficient operations by checking the presented list first (which is typically smaller and contains only currently active cards), and only performing full approved list verification when necessary. This separation eliminates redundant comparisons by maintaining different list structures optimized for their specific purposes, thereby improving processing speed while preserving access decision accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach ensures secure and efficient access control by distinguishing between first-time and repeat presentations, preventing unauthorized access while allowing valid users to enter and exit restricted areas effectively.

Implementation Method 1

The card number may be received by optically reading the card number from the access card

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reading:

Implementation Method 2

by reading a magnetic stripe on the access card

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic stripe reading:

Implementation Method 3

or it may receive the card number by radio frequency waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency waves:

Data Source

PatentUS8919645B1System and method for granting or denying access

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 JPMORGAN CHASE BANK NA

AI summary

A system and method for granting access to an electronic device is disclosed. The method may include (1) receiving, from an electronic device, a unique identifier that identifies the electronic device; (2) using at least one computer processor, determining if the unique identifier is on an approved list of approved devices; and (3) granting the electronic device access to a network if the unique identifier is on the approved list of approved devices.