Access Control System Using Short-Range Communication for Visitor Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems in restricted environments face high workload due to visitor registration and management, particularly in handling access devices like elevators and doors, which can lead to inefficiencies and security concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing short-range communication, such as Bluetooth, between a visitor's mobile phone and a designated communication device to grant access rights, allowing for automated unlocking of access devices along a pre-defined route, with options for direct communication between devices to reduce system involvement and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the access control system handles visitor registration and manages access devices centrally, then access control is comprehensive and secure, but the system workload and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides access control into two segments: pre-arranged access handled automatically by the access control system, and walk-in access handled by the communication device. This segmentation reduces the workload on the access control system while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Access rights are predetermined and stored in the access control system before visitors arrive. When a visitor with a pre-arranged appointment arrives, their access is automatically granted without requiring real-time system intervention, thus reducing system workload while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If the access control system manages all access devices and visitor routes, then access security is maintained, but the system becomes a bottleneck and reduces processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device performs self-service by autonomously determining whether to grant access based on pre-stored access rights information. This eliminates the need for the access control system to process each access request in real-time, thereby improving visitor handling efficiency while maintaining security through predetermined authorization.
3Reliability
If the system requires central access control system involvement for every access decision, then security is ensured, but response time and visitor experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Access decisions for pre-arranged visitors are made in advance and stored in the system. When these visitors arrive, access is granted immediately based on pre-stored information without requiring real-time central system involvement, thus eliminating access decision delays while security is maintained through prior authorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device independently makes access decisions by checking pre-stored access rights, eliminating the need for time-consuming central system communication for each access event. This self-service approach reduces access decision time to near-instantaneous while maintaining security through predetermined authorization rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling access in an environment, including the use of an access control system to lock/unlock access devices in the environment, which control system is configured to communicate via a short range communication system with at least one first mobile phone of a first user wanting to get access to at least one access-restricted area of said environment, and which control system is configured to communicate with a second communication device of a second user located in said environment and holding access rights to said area. After the first user enters the environment, the control system initiates the first mobile phone via the short range communication system to send an access request to the second communication device, which access request includes a unique ID of the first mobile phone. The control system is initiated via the second communication device to grant access rights to the holder of the first mobile phone by the second communication device forwarding access data to the control system comprising the unique ID of the first mobile phone and/or by the second communication device sending unlock data directly to the first mobile phone via a public communication network, which enables the first mobile phone to unlock at least those access devices which are located on a route between the location of the first mobile phone and the location of the second communication device. The unlocking is based on a short range communication of the first mobile phone with short range communication devices located in the vicinity of the access devices.