Emergency Access Proxy for Smart Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency responders face delays in accessing emergency situations due to smart objects like locked doors and security systems, which can hinder timely medical assistance, potentially worsening the condition of individuals in need.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow emergency responders to receive temporary access and control of smart objects without user authorization, by proxying access commands and alerting responders, even if the user is unable to provide access due to their emergency condition, ensuring timely emergency services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart objects (locked doors, security systems) maintain normal access control protocols, then security and privacy are preserved, but emergency responders experience delays in accessing emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting emergency conditions (through sensors, emergency buttons, or automated systems) and proactively granting access to emergency responders before they even arrive at the location. This allows the system to prepare access credentials, unlock doors, or disable security systems in advance, eliminating delays that would occur during the actual emergency response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (access control controller or smart building management system) that acts as a mediator between emergency responders and smart objects. This intermediary receives emergency notifications, validates responder credentials, and automatically manages access to multiple smart objects (doors, locks, security systems) without requiring manual intervention from occupants or security personnel.
2Reliability
If manual authorization is required for smart object access, then unauthorized access is prevented, but individuals unable to provide authorization (due to emergency conditions) experience delays in receiving assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where the access control system automatically detects emergency conditions and grants access without requiring manual authorization from occupants. The system serves itself by monitoring emergency indicators, validating responder credentials autonomously, and executing access decisions based on pre-configured emergency protocols, eliminating the need for human intervention when occupants are incapacitated.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization mechanism dynamically adapts its requirements based on detected emergency conditions. Under normal conditions, the system maintains strict authorization protocols requiring manual approval. When emergencies are detected (through sensors, emergency buttons, or automated monitoring), the system dynamically relaxes authorization requirements to enable rapid access for verified emergency responders while maintaining security through credential validation.
3Loss of time
If emergency access is granted automatically without user authorization, then response time is improved, but potential security risks and unauthorized access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor emergency conditions, responder credentials, and access events. Sensors detect emergency situations and provide feedback to the access control system, which then validates responder credentials in real-time. The system provides feedback loops that track access decisions, log events, and allow for post-incident review, ensuring that automatic emergency access is both effective and secure through continuous monitoring and verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in order to assist with the provision of timely emergency services. In the context of a method, an indication of an emergency condition is received and, following receipt of the indication of the emergency condition, a request is then received for temporary access to and control of the one or more smart objects. Following receipt of the request for temporary access and in response to a determination that temporary access is authorized, the method includes proxying access commands to the one or more smart objects.