Bluetooth Access Control with Visual Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems are complex, costly, and vulnerable to cyberattacks, requiring extensive cabling, dedicated user support, and central computer intervention for each locking device, with high energy consumption and risk of electromagnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

A Bluetooth-based radioelectric system with visual identification codes and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals for short-range communication, eliminating the need for direct central computer interaction and cabling, using portable transceivers with microprocessors and optical readers to manage access rights independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a central computer with dedicated wireless communication is used to manage access control, then security and centralization are improved, but device complexity, vulnerability to cyberattacks, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the access control functionality from the central computer and relocates it to the portable transceiver. The transceiver stores access rights locally and autonomously determines authorization, eliminating the need for continuous central computer intervention and dedicated wireless communication infrastructure. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining security through distributed authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable transceiver performs self-service by autonomously managing access control decisions. It locally stores authorized user information, independently verifies access requests, and controls locking devices without requiring real-time central computer processing. This self-service approach reduces dependency on complex centralized systems and minimizes wireless communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If dedicated wireless communication channels are established for each locking device, then access control functionality is improved, but power consumption and vulnerability to cyberattacks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-loading access control data and authentication information into the portable transceiver before use. The transceiver stores a copy of access rights information locally, enabling it to make authorization decisions without establishing continuous wireless communication with the central computer. This preliminary data loading eliminates the need for persistent power-intensive wireless connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If identification media are programmed for each user, then access control precision is improved, but initial investment cost and operating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control precisionVSAvoidinitial investment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The portable transceiver serves multiple functions: it acts as an identification medium, an authentication device, and a communication interface. Instead of requiring separate programmed identification cards for each user, the system uses a universal transceiver that stores access control data locally. This multi-functionality reduces the need for expensive dedicated identification media while maintaining precise access control through local authentication.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of wireless signals are transmitted for access verification, then access control coverage is improved, but electromagnetic interference and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control coverageVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the signal transmission function from the locking device and relocates it to the portable transceiver. The transceiver generates and transmits authentication signals locally without requiring continuous communication with the central computer or other locking devices. This extraction minimizes the number of wireless signals in the environment while maintaining comprehensive access control coverage through distributed authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Simplifies access control management, reduces costs and energy consumption, enhances security by minimizing wireless signals and eliminating reliance on central computer intervention, and allows easy installation and extension of the system.

Implementation Method 1

said visual identification code of a locking device is read by said optical reader

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical reading: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

its Bluetooth transmitter emits an opening signal, which, after being received by said Bluetooth receiver of said locking device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4075398A1Access control system
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 VAUBAN SYST SAS
  • EP4075398A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4075398A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4075398A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Radio-electric access control system (1), comprising locking devices (10), portable transceivers (20) and a remote central computer (40), characterized in that: - each locking device (10) has a unique visual identification code (11) and a Bluetooth receiver (12) configured to communicate with said portable transceivers (20), - each portable transceiver (20) has a microprocessor (24) configured to communicate with an optical reader (21), a Bluetooth transmitter (22) and a memory unit (23) located in said transceiver (20), said portable transceiver (20) being configured to communicate wirelessly with said remote central computer (40) and with the Bluetooth receiver (12) of said locking devices (10),said system (1) being configured to perform a process in which: - said visual identification code (11) of a locking device (10) is read by said optical reader (21), - said portable transceiver checks whether it is authorized to unlock said locking device (10), - if the portable transceiver (20) determines that it has this authorization, its Bluetooth transmitter (22) emits an opening signal, which triggers the unlocking of said locking device (10).