Multi-Tenant Wireless Access Control Bridge Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-tenant environments, installing and managing wireless electronic locking systems is challenging due to competition for physical and wireless space, and potential wireless interference, making it difficult to provide effective access control for both common and private areas.

Innovation Solution

A wireless electronic locking system with a bridge device that connects access control devices to a remote server, allowing for centralized storage and distribution of access control information, enabling a single system to manage access for multiple tenants while avoiding space limitations and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless electronic locking systems are installed in a multi-tenant environment, then access control for multiple tenants can be provided, but physical space and wireless spectrum competition occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control coverageVSAvoidphysical space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple access control systems into a single unified system that serves multiple tenants. A single access control device manages access for multiple tenants by receiving credentials and determining access rights based on tenant-specific information, eliminating the need for separate physical locking systems for each tenant while maintaining comprehensive access control coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The access control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle access control for multiple tenants simultaneously. It can process different tenant credentials, apply tenant-specific access rules, and control different door locks within a single device, making the system universally applicable across multiple tenants without requiring dedicated infrastructure for each.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireless electronic locking systems are installed in a multi-tenant environment, then access control for multiple tenants can be provided, but wireless interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control coverageVSAvoidwireless interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple access control communications into a single wireless communication channel between the access control device and the door locks, the system eliminates wireless interference that would occur with multiple separate systems. The single device manages all access control operations without the spectrum congestion caused by multiple independent wireless systems operating simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If a single wireless electronic locking system is installed to serve multiple tenants, then physical space is saved, but the system must manage complex multi-tenant access control information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical spaceVSAvoidaccess control information management

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access control information is segmented into tenant-specific portions, with each tenant having their own set of access credentials and access rules stored and managed within the single access control device. This segmentation allows the device to efficiently retrieve and apply the appropriate tenant information without processing unnecessary data, reducing the effective complexity despite handling multiple tenants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If traditional mechanical locking systems are used, then simple key-based access is provided, but enhanced security measures and access control rules cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess operationVSAvoidaccess control security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with an electronic access control system. Instead of physical keys, the system uses electronic credentials (such as RFID cards, mobile devices, or biometric data) that can be programmatically managed. This substitution maintains ease of operation for authorized users while enabling enhanced security features including credential validation, access logging, time-based restrictions, and the ability to remotely revoke or update access rights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11620865B2Access control in a multi-tenant environment

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 DELPHIAN SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

An access control system may be deployed at a location in a multi-tenant environment. The access control system may store access control information at one or more of an access control device, an access control bridge device, or an access control server. Tenant-specific access control information may be respectively stored at tenant-specific access control devices to control access to tenant-specific areas of the location. Shared access control information may be stored at shared access control devices to control access to common areas of the location. The access control system may be selectively configured such that an access device, an access control bridge device, or the access control server processes requests for access that are received at the location.