Conveyor Access Control Using Location-Aware Wireless Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor system access solutions, such as those using physical or wireless keys, require technicians to carry specific keys for unlocking, limiting access flexibility and security.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a wireless key's identity and location to determine access rights dynamically, allowing access control through a network node that communicates with locks and conveyor systems to grant or deny access based on the key's identity and system status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical locks with physical keys are used, then access control is provided, but access flexibility is limited and technicians must carry physical keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical locks and physical keys with an electronic access control system that uses electronic devices (smartphones, tablets) and a network node to manage access. The mechanical key-lock system is substituted with electronic authentication and communication protocols, allowing remote and flexible access control without physical key carriage.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device serving as a key can perform multiple functions including authentication, communication with the network node, and providing access rights. This universal device replaces the single-function physical key, enabling technicians to access multiple entities and perform various operations without carrying different physical keys.
2Ease of operation
If wireless keys with short range communication are used, then access control is improved, but technicians still need to carry the wireless key device
Solution Approach 1:
The network node acts as an intermediary between the wireless key and the locked entities. Instead of direct short-range communication between the key and each entity, the network node receives authentication data from the wireless key, determines access rights, and then communicates with the appropriate entities. This extends the effective range and flexibility of access control beyond the limitations of direct short-range communication.
3Reliability
If access control systems are implemented, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs authentication verification and access right determination without requiring manual intervention. When a wireless key presents authentication data, the network node automatically verifies the data, checks access rights against stored information, and controls access to entities. This automated self-service approach maintains high security while reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining an access right to an entity (120) of a conveyor system (110), wherein it is: received data comprising data representing an identity of a wireless key (160) and data representing a location of the wireless key (160); detected that the wireless key (160) resides in a pre- defined location; identified the conveyor system (110) and the entity (120) on a basis of data representing the predefined location; determined status of an identified conveyor system (110); determined an access right with the wireless key (160) to the entity (120); and generated a control signal to cause one of the following: (i) a grant of an access to the entity (120), (ii) a refusal of an access to the entity (120). The invention also relates to a network node (140), a computer program product and to a conveyor system (110).