Cloud-Based Visitor Access Control for Automatic Grant and Revocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems require manual transfer of physical keys, usernames, or passcodes between homeowners and visitors, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a third-party service cloud database to facilitate access control by receiving opt-in information from a host, assigning access requests to visitors, and granting access to access control devices through a visitor's computing device, which can transmit requests directly to the access control device or a third-party service cloud database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transfer of physical keys, usernames, or passcodes is used, then access control is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical key transfer with an electronic/digital system using cloud-based credentials and mobile devices. The host computing device communicates with a cloud database, which then provides digital credentials to visitor computing devices, eliminating the need for physical handoff of keys or written passcodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud database acts as an intermediary between the host and visitor. Instead of direct credential transfer from host to visitor, the cloud database receives access requests from the host, generates credentials, and distributes them to authorized visitors, streamlining the process and enabling automated access management.
2Productivity
If manual credential transfer is used, then access is granted, but administrative burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service access management where visitors can automatically receive credentials through their computing devices without requiring manual intervention from administrators. The cloud database automatically generates, distributes, and manages credentials based on host requests, reducing the administrative burden of manually distributing keys or passcodes to multiple visitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based system provides universal access management capability that can handle multiple visitors, multiple properties, and various credential types through a single platform. The system can simultaneously manage credentials for numerous visitors across different locations without requiring separate manual processes for each case.
3Reliability
If direct credential sharing between host and visitor is used, then access is granted, but security control and revocation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where the cloud database continuously monitors and manages credential status. When a host needs to revoke access, the revocation request is transmitted to the cloud database, which then updates the credential status and notifies relevant parties, ensuring real-time security control and immediate revocation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud database serves as a secure intermediary that maintains control over credential distribution and revocation. Instead of hosts directly sharing credentials with visitors (which would be difficult to revoke), the cloud database generates and manages credentials, allowing centralized security control and easy revocation by simply updating the credential status in the cloud.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of granting access to a visitor for a secured property including: receiving third-party opt-in information from a host via a first computer application accessed through a host computing device, the third-party opt-in information including an access grant authorizing a third-party service provider to grant access to an access control device that secures the secured property of the host; receiving a third-party service request from the host; assigning the third-party service request to the visitor; and granting the visitor an access to the access control device, wherein the visitor computing device is configured to transmit an access request to actuate the access control device and gain access to the secured property.