Wireless Credential Proximity Intent Confirmation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Security management systems face challenges in determining user intent when credential devices automatically communicate authorization information, leading to potential unauthorized access due to the omni-directional nature of communications, which can result in unlocked doors and susceptibility to tailgating.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that prompts the credential device and/or user to provide a response or perform actions to confirm intent to access a controlled opening, with intent confirmation events evaluated before or after credential information is communicated, and using signal strength changes to determine user proximity and intent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If credential device automatically transmits authorization information to lock device, then access control convenience is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to potential unauthorized access and tailgating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control convenienceVSAvoidsecurity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting credential device proximity and initiating intent confirmation sequences before granting access. The lock device monitors for credential presence and proactively requests intent confirmation through the credential device, ensuring authorization is verified in advance rather than reactively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the lock device receives credential information, sends intent confirmation requests back to the credential device, and only proceeds with unlocking after receiving affirmative confirmation. This feedback mechanism ensures that automatic transmission of authorization information is coupled with verified user intent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If credential device communicates authorization from various positions, then ease of access is improved, but measurement precision of user intent deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of accessVSAvoiduser intent detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by implementing direction-aware communication where the lock device determines the relative position of the credential device and adjusts its response accordingly. Different confirmation requirements or communication protocols may be applied based on the credential device's position relative to the controlled opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a spatial dimension to intent detection by using the relative positioning information between credential device and lock device. Instead of treating all credential detections equally, the system considers the spatial context (which side of the opening, distance, approach direction) to better infer genuine user intent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If lock device remains unlocked after credential passes through, then access control functionality is improved, but security vulnerability increases due to tailgating susceptibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidtailgating susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic re-verification where the lock device continuously monitors for credential device presence and sends periodic intent confirmation requests during the access window. Rather than a single static unlock state, the system periodically checks whether the credential device still intends to access, allowing it to re-lock if the credential moves away without passing through

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock device transitions from a static unlocked state to a dynamic state where the unlocked condition is continuously contingent on active credential presence and confirmed intent. The system dynamically adjusts the lock state based on real-time monitoring of credential device position and communication responses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11562608B2Wireless credential proximity control

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application generally relate to controlling ingress/egress through entryway devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present invention relate to attaining confirmation of intent relating to access to a controlled opening. According to certain embodiments, the credential device and/or the user of the credential device is prompted to provide a response, or otherwise is to perform certain actions, that can demonstrate a confirmation of intent to gain access to the controlled opening. Such responses and/or actions can be evaluated to determine authority to gain access to the controlled opening. Further, such intent confirmation events may, depending on the embodiment, be performed before or after credential information is communicated from the credential device and/or before or after pairing of the access control device and the credential device. According to other embodiments, intent may be confirmed, at least in part, based on changes in the characteristics of signals communicated from the credential device.