Guest Device Gateway for Secured Premises Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for secured premises are costly and require dedicated communication lines, as well as functional display devices, making them inefficient for granting guest access.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a guest's communication device acts as a gateway between the guest and owner devices, allowing communication for identity confirmation and sending authorized signals to access control devices without the need for dedicated communication lines, utilizing mobile devices and existing communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated telephone connection and access control device with display are installed, then secure guest access can be granted, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a third-party communication platform (such as a mobile app or web service) as an intermediary between the access control device and the visitor. This intermediary handles the communication over existing telecommunication networks, eliminating the need for dedicated telephone lines while maintaining secure access control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control system integrates with universal communication devices (smartphones, tablets) that visitors already possess. Instead of requiring dedicated hardware, the system uses the visitor's existing device to communicate with the access control system, making the solution applicable to any visitor regardless of their personal equipment.
2Reliability
If a dedicated access control device with display and keypad is provided, then identity verification can be performed, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows visitors to initiate the access request process using their own smartphones or tablets. The visitor can navigate the interface, provide their information, and communicate with the host using their personal device, eliminating the need for the host to maintain and operate complex dedicated access control hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication intermediary (mobile application or web interface) mediates between the visitor's device and the access control system. This intermediary handles the complexity of communication protocols, data transmission, and interface management, allowing the access control device to remain simpler while maintaining secure identity verification.
3Device complexity
If existing communication devices are used as gateways, then installation costs are reduced, but communication reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the access control device communicates the status of access requests and communication reliability to the visitor's device. The system can detect communication issues and provide feedback to both the visitor and the host, allowing for real-time adjustment and resolution of potential reliability problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks and establishes reliable communication channels before granting access. The access control system verifies the visitor's identity and communication capability in advance, ensuring that the communication path is secure and reliable before the actual access event occurs, thus preventing potential communication failures.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally speaking, and pursuant to these various embodiments, a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium is provided that allows a guest to contact an owner or operator of a secured premises or area to gain access to the secured premises. An access control device initiates contact with a guest device and provides a resource to contact an owner device. If the owner decides to grant access to the guest, the owner selects a suitable input on the owner device so that the owner device sends an authorized signal to the guest device. The guest device acts as a gateway and forwards the authorized signal to the access control device. The access control device operates in response to reception of the authorized signal to grant the guest access to the secured premises.