Bluetooth Access Controller Pre-Connection for Fast Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems using Bluetooth connections are cumbersome and slow due to inefficient connectivity and authentication processes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves detecting Bluetooth advertisements from mobile device applications, establishing separate connections, enumerating services, authenticating credentials, and detecting user intent to engage access controllers, thereby expediting the actuation process by pre-connecting and maintaining Bluetooth connections before intent is known.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional Bluetooth connection process is used for access control, then authentication security is maintained, but access time is excessive and system efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess speedVSAvoidconnection establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting Bluetooth advertisements and establishing connections with mobile devices before the user actually needs access. The access controller proactively connects to authenticated devices and maintains these connections in a standby state, so when the user approaches, the authentication and connection steps are already completed, reducing access time significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically manages Bluetooth connections by continuously detecting mobile devices in the area, establishing connections as they enter range, and maintaining multiple active connections simultaneously. The system adapts connection states based on user presence and intent detection, transitioning from disconnected to connected to activated states dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mobile devices are connected simultaneously, then access flexibility is improved, but connection management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device supportVSAvoidconnection management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments connection management by creating separate, independent Bluetooth connection channels for each mobile device. Each connection is managed independently with its own authentication and status tracking, allowing multiple devices to be handled simultaneously without interference. The access controller divides the user base into individual connection segments that can be managed separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses credential copying where the mobile device's authentication credentials are validated and stored temporarily in the access controller's memory. This allows the access controller to recognize and authenticate the same user across multiple sessions without requiring repeated full authentication protocols, simplifying multi-device management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3897004B1Method of adjusting bluetooth connectivity for expediting access controls
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 CARRIER CORP
  • EP3897004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3897004B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3897004B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of controlling access through a Bluetooth connection, the method comprising: detecting Bluetooth advertisements of one or more mobile device applications (80) using an access controller (16); determining whether to connect to the Bluetooth advertisements using the access controller; connecting the access controller to each of the one or more mobile device applications using separate Bluetooth connections; enumerating services of each mobile device application using the access controller; authenticating each mobile device application by transferring a credential; detecting intent of a specific mobile device application to engage the access controller; and activating a lock actuator (22) within the access controller (16).