Access Control via Beacon RSSI Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems face challenges in providing 'hands-free' functionality with reliable lane or access separation, especially in multi-lane scenarios, due to the limited range of certain communication standards like NFC and the variability of signal emission from mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using data carriers that send beacons with unique identifiers and beacon IDs at regular intervals, allowing for unique identification and localization through RSSI evaluation, enabling valid access authorization checks without physical contact, and optimizing energy usage with geofencing principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NFC or contactless reading of access authorizations using a barcode scanner is used, then access control can be implemented, but the range is very limited and no 'hands-free' functionality is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from short-range NFC/barcode to long-range wireless communication standards (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular), enabling hands-free operation while maintaining secure access control functionality through parameter optimization and selection of appropriate communication protocols
2Ease of operation
If the range of reading facilities is increased to provide 'hands-free' functionality, then data carriers can be read from a distance, but separation and collision problems occur with data carriers of persons or vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into multiple stages: initial long-range detection, intermediate verification, and final authentication. This segmentation allows the system to first identify potential data carriers at a distance, then verify their legitimacy through multiple checks, reducing false positives and collision problems while maintaining hands-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary verification mechanisms including signal strength evaluation, directional antenna selection, and multi-factor authentication protocols that act as mediators between the long-range detection and final access grant, filtering out false signals and ensuring reliable separation of valid from invalid data carriers
3Ease of operation
If mobile phones are used as data carriers with built-in hardware for wireless communication, then contactless access control is enabled, but signal emission varies depending on antenna arrangement and hardware strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic signal strength evaluation that adapts to different mobile device hardware configurations. The system continuously monitors signal characteristics, adjusts evaluation thresholds in real-time, and uses directional antennas to compensate for variations in antenna arrangement and hardware strength, maintaining measurement precision across diverse devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the access control system receives signal strength data from multiple antennas, evaluates it against dynamically adjusted thresholds, and provides feedback to both the authentication decision and the mobile device (for potential repositioning or retry). This feedback loop compensates for hardware variations and ensures reliable access control
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 approach enables efficient, contactless access control with reliable separation and reduced energy consumption, minimizing separation and collision issues while ensuring valid access authorization is granted to the correct data carrier.
Implementation Method 1
Different standards for contactless communication, such as WLAN, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), RFID, NFC, can be used for contact authorizations, whereby the access control devices have at least a reading device or antenna unit, which is contained by an access authorization or an ID that is assigned to access authorization, received.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for access control in an access control system comprising at least one access control device is proposed, wherein each access control device has at least one antenna (2, 3, 4), wherein the verification of an access authorization is carried out by evaluating at least one beacon sent from a data carrier (1) to an access control device via a first standard for wireless communication in an advertising mode, which contains an ID to which at least one access authorization is uniquely assigned and a unique identifier (TID) of the data carrier, wherein the beacons additionally each contain a beacon ID unique for the respective data carrier (1) sending the beacon, wherein the combination of the unique identifier of the data carrier (1) and the unique beacon ID enables a unique identification of each transmitted beacon from each data carrier (1).wherein the identification and localization of the data carriers (1) is carried out by evaluating the RSSIs of the beacons sent by the data carriers (1) at at least one antenna of an access control device, wherein the unique beacon IDs ensure that, within the framework of the RSSI evaluation, the RSSI values of the same beacon of a data carrier (1) are used, wherein the data carrier (1) located closest to an access control device in the access direction is determined by the RSSI evaluation and the ID sent by this data carrier (1) is evaluated in order to grant access if valid access authorization exists.