Access Control System Using Audible Intent Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems do not provide automated actuation for mobile devices and can be difficult for visually impaired individuals to navigate, especially in environments with multiple access control points.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for operating an access control system that includes determining an individual's intent to actuate an access control, transmitting an audible inquiry notification, receiving an audible response, and actuating the access control upon receiving an authorized digital credential from a mobile device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mobile devices are utilized to actuate access controls, then access control functionality is improved, but automated actuation is not achieved and visually impaired individuals may have difficulty finding the access control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control operationVSAvoidautomated actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the mobile device's approach to the access control point before the user actually reaches it. The server determines when a mobile device is approaching an access control point and proactively transmits audible notifications to the device, allowing the system to prepare for access control activation in advance rather than waiting for manual initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical interaction (physically touching or visually locating the access control device) with acoustic field interaction. Audible notifications are transmitted to the mobile device via audio sound waves, and the system receives audible responses through microphones, substituting mechanical contact and visual detection with acoustic communication that is accessible to visually impaired individuals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automated actuation is implemented, then convenience is improved, but navigation assistance for visually impaired individuals is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated actuationVSAvoidnavigation for visually impaired individuals
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device serves as an intermediary between the visually impaired user and the access control system. The server communicates with the mobile device through audible notifications and responses transmitted via audio sound waves, which the user can perceive through hearing rather than sight. This intermediary approach enables both automated actuation and navigation assistance for visually impaired individuals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If audible notifications are used, then accessibility for visually impaired individuals is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device performs multiple functions: it serves as the user interface for visually impaired individuals through audible notifications, acts as a positioning system to detect approach to access control points, and functions as a communication channel between the user and the access control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system enables automated and accessible control of access points, improving navigation for visually impaired individuals by using audible notifications and digital credentials for secure access.

Implementation Method 1

Transmitting an entrance inquiry notification to the individual further includes: generating audio sound waves, wherein the entrance inquiry notification is transmitted to the individual via the audio sound waves. Optionally, a speaker on the mobile device generates the audio sound waves.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

Receiving an entrance inquiry response from the individual further includes: receiving audio sound waves, wherein the entrance inquiry notification response is received via the audio sound waves. Optionally, a microphone on the mobile device receives the audio sound waves.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustoelectric transduction:

Data Source

PatentEP3881569B1Access control system based on positioning
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3881569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3881569B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3881569B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of operating an access control system including: determining that the individual intends to actuate an access control; transmitting an entrance inquiry notification to the individual; receiving an entrance inquiry response from the individual; determining an entrance inquiry response intent in response to the entrance inquiry response; receiving an access request from a mobile device being carried by the individual in response to the entrance inquiry response intent; and actuating the access control in response to access request.