Active RFID Access Device with Wi-Fi Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current access control and payment systems in leisure parks, such as ski resorts and amusement parks, face limitations due to the short range of conventional RFID readers, inconvenience with smartphone-based systems, and the need for separate systems for users without compatible devices, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A personal access control device that uses an active RFID circuit for communication with access control terminals and a wireless interface for payment, allowing location through Wi-Fi signals, enabling access control and payment management with minimal additional infrastructure and supporting both conventional RFID and NFC protocols, while being battery-efficient and compact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional RFID readers are used for access control, then access control function is provided, but the detection range is very limited (a few centimeters or meters)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines conventional RFID technology with Wi-Fi positioning technology into a single access control device. The RFID component handles access control within short range, while the Wi-Fi component enables location tracking across the entire leisure park, merging the advantages of both technologies to resolve the contradiction between limited detection range and reliable user location capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an RFID transponder for access control and as a Wi-Fi enabled positioning device. This universal device can communicate with both RFID readers for access control and Wi-Fi access points for location tracking, eliminating the need for separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If smartphone-based access control systems are used, then access control and payment functions are provided, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need for manual operation with gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The access control device operates autonomously without requiring user interaction. It automatically communicates with RFID readers and payment terminals through proximity-based wireless communication, eliminating the need for users to manually operate interfaces, especially important when wearing gloves in cold environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains compatibility with both smartphones and dedicated access control devices. The infrastructure supports multiple device types, allowing users to choose their preferred device while maintaining ease of operation through automatic proximity-based authentication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate access control systems are provided for different user devices, then compatibility with diverse users is improved, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access control device itself is universal, capable of operating with both RFID-based infrastructure and Wi-Fi positioning systems. This single device design eliminates the need for separate systems for different user types, as the device can function across all access points and payment terminals in the leisure park.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges access control functionality and payment functionality into a single integrated device that uses both RFID and Wi-Fi technologies. This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate systems while maintaining broad compatibility.
4Reliability
If conventional RFID smart cards are used, then access control is provided, but location capability when far from access terminals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges conventional RFID smart card functionality with Wi-Fi positioning capability into a single integrated device. The RFID component ensures reliable access control when near terminals, while the integrated Wi-Fi component extends location coverage throughout the entire leisure park, solving both problems simultaneously.
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
Enables efficient access control and payment processing across a leisure park with wide coverage, allowing user location for navigation and queue optimization, while being compatible with existing infrastructure and supporting diverse user devices, thus enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
comprising an active RFID circuit for communication with access control terminals of various installations of the park
Implementation Method 2
Your location can be determined by triangulation or trilateration
Implementation Method 3
Your device can also be used as a means of payment, thanks to its wireless interface, for example of the nfc type
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A personal access control device in a leisure park, for example in a ski resort or amusement park, comprising: a housing (2); a battery (4); a user identifier (80); an active RFID circuit (10) for receiving an RFID signal at a frequency below 1MHz; a wireless interface (12) for communicating in a frequency band above 10MHz and for exchanging payment data for use of the leisure park with payment terminals (30); a Wi-Fi interface (14) for communicating with Wi-Fi access points (50) in order to locate the device in the leisure park.