Access Control Reader with LCD for Dynamic Visitor Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic guidance systems for directing individuals in defined areas, such as buildings or events, are often confusing, require users to be in range of visual indicators, and can be disrupted or require costly repositioning of indicators, necessitating a more efficient and user-friendly solution.

Innovation Solution

An automatic guidance system utilizing an access control device with a selectively encoded readable element and a reader that allows or denies access while providing visual or verbal directions to a predetermined location, using a card with a magnetic strip or proximity reading, and a microprocessor-controlled display for guiding users through a facility without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If visual indicators are physically moved to new locations, then the system can adapt to floor plan changes, but time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to floor plan changesVSAvoidrepositioning time and labor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic direction signs that can change their displayed information electronically rather than requiring physical repositioning. The system uses a processor to receive location data and dynamically update the direction indicators, allowing the floor plan to change without physical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically moving visual indicators with an electronic display system. The direction signs are implemented as electronic displays controlled by a processor, eliminating the need for manual repositioning when floor plans change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If portable devices communicate with visual indicators, then directional information can be provided, but signal disruption or malfunction can occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional information deliveryVSAvoidsignal disruption and malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary between the portable device and the visual indicators. The processor receives location information from the portable device, processes it, and generates appropriate direction commands, thereby mediating the communication and reducing direct signal vulnerability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If users must be in range of mounted visual indicators, then the system can provide directions, but user mobility is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional guidance provisionVSAvoiduser mobility freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the system from a location-fixed indicator model to a user-following indicator model. The visual indicators are moved to dimensions that follow the user's position, using portable device location data to dynamically position the direction signs wherever the user is located within the facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7600679B2Automatic guidance of visitor in new facility through access control system integration with LCD display

Publication Date: 2009.10.13 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An automatic guidance system and method directs a person in a defined area. An access control device includes a selectively encoded readable element. An access control device reader is adapted to read the element of the access control device and selectively deny or allow a user access to a predetermined location. A communication device included in the access control device reader directs the user to the predetermined location.