GSM-Based Door Access Control with Database Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote door and gate opening systems lack a secure and user-friendly method for authentication and authorization, relying on key closures or basic electronic remote controls, which can be insecure and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A GSM-based apparatus with a central unit and peripheral units connected via a database and application software, allowing secure remote access through SMS messages or GPRS calls, where users authenticate with passwords stored in the database and receive authorization for door/gate opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If key closures or basic electronic remote controls are used for door access, then the system is simple to implement, but security and user convenience are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central control unit as an intermediary between the user's mobile phone and the door locking mechanism. This mediator receives authentication requests, verifies credentials against stored databases, and coordinates the unlocking action, thereby enhancing security without requiring complex modifications to the existing door hardware or user devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The access control system is divided into separate functional modules: a mobile phone terminal for user interaction, a central control unit for authentication and coordination, and peripheral units for actual door control. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while the integrated system provides enhanced security through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If advanced authentication systems are implemented, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to authenticate themselves using their existing mobile phones and personal identification data, which they already possess and are familiar with. The automatic verification process against the central database eliminates the need for users to manually present physical keys or remember complex codes, thereby maintaining high security while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If centralized control with database authentication is used, then authorization security is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization securityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The central control unit serves multiple functions: it stores authentication databases, receives and processes authentication requests from multiple users, coordinates with various peripheral units controlling different doors or gates, and manages authorization validation. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single dedicated device rather than distributing it across multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2174303B1Apparatus for remote opening of doors or gates of a building
Publication Date: 2010.10.06 BUSINESS GATES
  • EP2174303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2174303B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

There is disclosed an apparatus for remote opening of doors or gates of at least a building (A, A1..An). The apparatus comprises a unit (B, B 1..Bn) located in the building (A, A1..An) and accessible from a plurality of external terminals (C1..Cn) provided with a GSM module; the unit (B, B1..Bn) is connected to electromechanical means (50) suitable for opening and closing said doors or gates and comprises a database (2) containing the list of the telephone numbers of said plurality of external terminals (C1..Cn), a GSM interface (3) for connecting to the external terminals (C1..Cn) and means (4) for managing said interface (3) and said database (2). The managing means (4) is interrogatable by the external terminals (C1..Cn) and is suitable for commanding the electromechanical means (50) for opening gates or doors if the telephone number of the interrogating external terminal is on the list of telephone numbers of the external terminals (C1..Cn) of the database.