Beacon-Based Door Access Control for Faster Secure Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional access management systems require separate authentication devices for door access, leading to inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities, such as long authentication times and the risk of unauthorized access when authentication means are lost.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using beacon signals transmitted by beacons near doors, allowing users to authenticate access using their terminals, which determine door access based on proximity and user identification, enabling convenient and secure access management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate authentication device is used for door access, then authentication can be performed, but it takes a long time and requires users to always carry separate authentication means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the authentication function with the user's terminal device (smartphone, tablet, or computer). The terminal stores authentication credentials and communicates with the authentication device, eliminating the need for separate physical authentication means like magnetic cards. This integration allows users to authenticate using their existing terminal, reducing authentication time while maintaining security through encrypted communication and multiple authentication methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system is designed to work with various terminal devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) rather than requiring a dedicated authentication device. The system supports multiple authentication methods including magnetic cards, smart cards, non-contact wireless cards, and biometric information, all accessible through the terminal. This multi-functionality allows users to authenticate using whichever method is most convenient, reducing authentication time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate authentication means is carried, then authentication can be performed, but there is a risk of unauthorized access when the authentication means is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication convenienceVSAvoidaccess security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device serves as an intermediary between the user and the authentication system. Instead of directly using a magnetic card or smart card, the terminal mediates the authentication process by storing credentials securely and communicating with the authentication device through encrypted channels. This intermediary layer adds security features such as device locking, authentication app verification, and the ability to remotely deactivate lost terminals, preventing unauthorized access even if the terminal is lost or stolen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the security parameters by implementing multiple layers of protection. Rather than relying on a single magnetic card, the system uses encrypted digital credentials stored in the terminal, combined with device-level security measures. The authentication device can detect and respond to abnormal access patterns, and administrators can remotely change authentication parameters (such as deactivating a lost terminal) to maintain security while preserving user convenience through contactless authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple visitors need authentication, then access control is maintained, but it takes a long time to authenticate each visitor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidauthentication speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering multiple users in the authentication database before they need to authenticate. When users approach the door, their terminal devices are already recognized by the authentication system, allowing for rapid verification. The system can also pre-authorize multiple credentials (magnetic cards, smart cards, or biometric profiles) in advance, enabling quick sequential authentication of multiple visitors without manual intervention, thus maintaining access control while significantly improving authentication speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3355281B1Method and system for managing door access by using beacon signal
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SUPREMA INC
  • EP3355281B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3355281B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3355281B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and system for managing access to a door using a beacon signal. An access control method of a user access authority determination unit that controls access of a user, who carries a terminal that approaches a plurality of beacons installed near a door and acquires a signal including beacon data from each of the plurality of beacons, to a target door corresponding to the plurality of beacons may include identifying the target door corresponding to the plurality of beacons using identification information of the plurality of beacons extracted from the beacon data, determining whether the user enters an inner side from an outer side with respect to the target door or exits the inner side to the outer side with respect to the target door; and determining an access authentication process to be performed to unlock the target door according to whether the user enters or exits through the target door.