Beacon-Based Access Control for Poor Cellular Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for facilities face challenges in areas with inadequate cellular coverage, such as underground garage entrances, where users cannot rely on cellular data links for authentication, and may require undesirable Wi-Fi login for access.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method using low-energy wireless beacon modules that determine the location and authenticate users based on received signal strength indications, allowing access without cellular data links and without requiring Wi-Fi login, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy technology for communication between handsets and beacon modules, and optionally employing strong authentication methods like PKI or Symmetric Encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellular data link is used for authentication, then secure access control is achieved, but access fails in areas with inadequate cellular coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacon modules as intermediary devices that establish a local wireless communication network at the facility entrance. These beacons act as mediators between the mobile device and the authentication server, enabling authentication to proceed via local WiFi connectivity rather than relying on cellular data links, thus resolving the contradiction between secure authentication and adaptability to poor cellular coverage areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authentication process from dependence on cellular network infrastructure by implementing a standalone local beacon system. The beacon modules and authentication server create an independent communication pathway that operates autonomously from cellular coverage, allowing the system to function in areas where cellular service is inadequate
2Reliability
If Wi-Fi login is required for access, then network security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication through the mobile application before the user reaches the facility entrance. The beacon modules automatically detect and authenticate the mobile device in advance, completing the security verification process before physical access is needed, thereby eliminating the need for manual Wi-Fi login while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where the mobile device automatically communicates with the beacon modules and completes the authentication process without requiring manual user intervention. The user simply needs to have the authentication app installed and enabled, and the system handles the security verification automatically
3Measurement precision
If multiple handsets are detected, then accurate user identification is challenging, but location determination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual user identification processes with automated signal strength-based detection. The system uses received signal strength indication (RSSI) measurements from the beacon modules to automatically determine which mobile device is closest to the entrance, substituting mechanical judgment with electronic measurement and calculation
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 secure and efficient access control in areas with poor cellular coverage by accurately determining user location and authorization, providing seamless access without the need for Wi-Fi login, while maintaining security through encryption and optional strong authentication methods.
Implementation Method 1
sending a first signal from a handset to a plurality of beacon modules using a low energy wireless technology
Implementation Method 2
determining received signal strength indication from each of the plurality of beacon modules and determining an average received signal strength indication
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling access to a facility including: sending a first signal from a handset to a plurality of beacon modules using a low energy wireless technology, the signal comprising an identification of the handset or a user; determining received signal strength indication from each of the plurality of beacon modules and determining a time averaged received signal strength indication from each of the plurality of beacon modules. The method also includes determining the location of the handset based on the pattern of the received time-averaged signal strength indications from the plurality of beacon modules, sending a second signal from the beacon modules to an authentication server, the second signal comprising (i) the identification of the handset or a user and (ii) the time-averages received signal strength indication or individual received signal strength indication from each of the plurality of beacon modules and determining at the authentication server the nearest user or handset to an access controlled gate of the facility if a signal from more than one handset is received. The method also includes determining if the handset or user is authorized to enter the facility and opening a gate to allow access to the facility if the handset or user is authorized.