Directional BLE Antenna for Selective Access Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional security systems using access control readers require direct physical interaction or proximity to access cards, which can be inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A portable device equipped with a directional antenna system and a commodity user device, such as a smartphone, that receives and processes wireless signals from user devices to authorize access, allowing for selective validation and deactivation of user accounts using facial recognition and stored video identification information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional access control readers require direct physical contact or close proximity (2-3 inches) for card authentication, then security validation can be performed reliably, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based card reader system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based authentication system. The access control reader uses an antenna to transmit and receive wireless signals from access cards, eliminating the need for direct physical contact or close proximity while maintaining authentication reliability through electromagnetic communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If access control readers use omnidirectional antennas to receive wireless signals from all directions, then coverage area is improved, but the ability to selectively validate specific user devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reception coverageVSAvoiddevice identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a directional antenna system that can dynamically adjust its beam direction and focus. The antenna can be oriented toward specific user devices to selectively receive their wireless signals while ignoring others, enabling precise device identification and validation. This dynamic directional control allows the system to maintain wide coverage capability while achieving high precision in selecting specific devices for authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables convenient and selective access control by processing wireless signals from user devices, reducing the need for direct interaction and improving the efficiency of access validation processes.

Implementation Method 1

a directional antenna system for receiving the user information broadcast from the target user devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3298592B1Portable device having directional BLE antenna

Publication Date: 2024.07.24 JOHNSON CONTROLS TYCO IP HLDG LLP

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AI summary

A system and method for a portable device analyzing user information broadcast from target user devices is disclosed. The portable device includes a commodity user device (e.g. iPhone, smart phone) and a directional antenna system fastened to the commodity user device for receiving the user information broadcast from the target user devices. An application program executing on the portable device can then be used to disable a user account on an access control system, for example.