Access Control Reader with Presence Detection for Secure Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In secure spaces with multiple access control readers in close proximity, users may inadvertently connect to the wrong access control reader due to overlapping scanning zones, leading to unintended lock state changes and security breaches, as existing methods fail to automatically disconnect from the incorrect reader when the user moves to the correct one.

Innovation Solution

The access control method incorporates a presence detection device, such as a radar and/or camera, in the access control reader to detect the user's distance and movement, allowing automatic disconnection from the incorrect reader when the user moves away and reconnection to the correct reader, ensuring secure and correct access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple access control readers are deployed in close proximity to provide coverage for multiple access points, then the coverage area and accessibility are improved, but the risk of users inadvertently connecting to the wrong reader increases due to overlapping scanning zones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidconnection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the user's position relative to the access control reader using presence detection means (camera, radar, or ultrasonic sensor). When the user moves away from the reader, the system detects this change and automatically disconnects the portable device from the reader, preventing unintended access. This feedback loop ensures that connections are maintained only when the user is in the correct position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The connection state between the portable device and the access control reader is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically establishes connection when the user approaches and automatically disconnects when the user moves away. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to the user's movements in real-time, ensuring that overlapping scanning zones do not cause connection conflicts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Extent of automation

If the system uses signal strength measurement to determine the nearest reader for connection, then the connection process is automated, but the user may still connect to the wrong reader if they inadvertently approach it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection automationVSAvoidaccess control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system supplements signal strength measurement with active presence detection using camera, radar, or ultrasonic sensor technology. This additional feedback mechanism verifies that the user is intentionally at the correct access point before allowing connection, even if multiple readers detect the portable device. The presence detection provides a second layer of verification that prevents accidental connections to the wrong reader.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The presence detection means acts as an intermediary between the portable device and the access control reader. Before finalizing the connection based on signal strength, the intermediary verifies the user's presence and intent through additional sensing modalities. This intermediary layer prevents direct connection based solely on signal strength, adding a safety check that eliminates accidental access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the access control reader maintains continuous connection with the portable device for convenience, then the user experience is improved, but security vulnerabilities arise when the user moves away from the intended access point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection state is made dynamic and conditional rather than continuous and static. The system automatically maintains connection when the user is present at the correct access point but automatically disconnects when the user moves away. This dynamic connection management provides convenience during legitimate access attempts while automatically preventing security vulnerabilities when the user is not at the intended location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The presence detection means provides continuous feedback about the user's position relative to the access control reader. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust the connection state in real-time, maintaining connection for convenience when appropriate and disconnecting for security when the user moves away, without requiring manual user action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution prevents unwanted lock state changes and ensures secure access by automatically disconnecting from the incorrect access control reader when the user approaches the correct one, enhancing user experience and security by eliminating the risk of security breaches due to incorrect connections.

Implementation Method 1

The access control reader includes a presence detection device, preferably including a radar and/or a camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

The access control reader includes a presence detection device, preferably including a radar and/or a camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3627459B1Access control method and access control device suitable for implementing said method
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 SEWOSY
  • EP3627459B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3627459B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3627459B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling access in at least one secure area closed by at least one access point (1) equipped with a locking device. This method consists of performing, using an access control device comprising at least one portable communicating device intended to be worn by a user (4) and at least one access control reader (3) dedicated to said access point and intended to be connected to the corresponding locking device, a search step, a connection step, and an authentication step. Furthermore, following the connection step, as soon as the device detects that the user has moved away, it automatically and substantially instantaneously disconnects the access control reader (3) from the portable communicating device. It also relates to an access control device enabling the implementation of the method.