Access Control Path Determination Using Historical Position Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems require users to repeatedly present their mobile devices to multiple access points along a path, leading to inefficiency and wasted time, as security measures increase and the number of access points grows.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine a path for a user device by analyzing previous positions, access granted information, and space details, allowing for the automatic adjustment of access devices such as door locks and elevator doors based on user authorization and proximity, using a processor and memory with executable instructions to manage access control operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple access points are installed to increase security, then security reliability is improved, but user operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-determines the optimal path through multiple access points by analyzing historical position data and access patterns. Access devices along the path are activated in advance before the user arrives, eliminating the need for users to manually present their devices at each access point during traversal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The access control system automatically manages the activation sequence of multiple access devices along the user's path without requiring continuous user intervention. The system self-coordinates the unlocking/activation of each access device based on the predetermined path and user movement, reducing manual operations while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple access points are installed to increase security, then security reliability is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages the coordination of multiple access devices along the user's path without requiring continuous user intervention. The system self-coordinates the activation sequence based on historical data and real-time position tracking, reducing manual operations while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors user position through tracking devices and adjusts the activation sequence of access devices accordingly. Historical access patterns are analyzed and fed back into the path determination algorithm to optimize future access sequences, creating a self-improving system that reduces operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If automatic path determination is implemented, then user time is saved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple functions into a centralized access control system: path determination, position tracking, historical data analysis, and coordinated activation of multiple access devices. This consolidation manages complexity by providing a unified control architecture rather than distributed independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized control system acts as an intermediary between users and multiple access devices. This mediator receives position data, determines optimal paths using historical information, and coordinates activation sequences, thereby managing system complexity through a single point of control while delivering automated path determination benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3669334B1Method to create a building path for building occupants based on historic information
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 CARRIER CORP
  • EP3669334B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3669334B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of determining a path, the method comprising: determining a next event for the user device; mapping an event location of the next event; obtaining a current position of the user device; obtaining an access list for the user device, the access list including access devices that the user device is authorized to activate; obtaining a path list including one or more paths from the current position to the event location; and selecting a path.