Interception Unit for Access Control System Security Upgrade

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems often lack desired security and functionality, making complete replacement costly or impractical, especially when trying to enhance security levels.

Innovation Solution

An interception unit is introduced into the communication channel between the reader unit and the access controller, enabling communication with a mobile handheld device for additional identification verification, using Bluetooth or WLAN, and optionally contacting a central authority for further validation, allowing for enhanced security and reduced need for physical tokens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a completely new access control system is installed to enhance security and functionality, then security level and functionality are improved, but cost and implementation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidsystem replacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an interception unit as an intermediary component that is spliced into the data stream between the token reader and control panel. This intermediary adds biometric verification functionality without replacing the existing access control system, thereby enhancing security while avoiding the complexity and cost of complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The biometric identification system is nested within the existing token-based identification system. The interception unit is wedged in series at a splice in the data stream, allowing the new biometric functionality to be embedded within the legacy system architecture, enabling enhanced security without dismantling the original system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If additional verification methods are added to enhance security, then security level is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control securityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interception unit serves as a mediator that intercepts the data stream from the token reader and adds biometric verification. This approach allows additional security functionality to be integrated without complicating the overall system structure, as the interception unit handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the existing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The access control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the original token reader, the new interception unit with biometric capabilities, and the control panel. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and upgrades without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If biometric verification is integrated into the data stream, then security is enhanced, but data stream processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoiddata stream processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interception unit acts as a specialized intermediary that handles the complex task of biometric verification separately from the main data stream processing. It intercepts the token data, performs biometric matching, and then allows the original data stream to continue to the control panel, thereby enhancing identification accuracy without permanently complicating the data stream processing architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3062294B1Method and devices for upgrading an existing access control system
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 QIBIXX AG
  • EP3062294B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3062294B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for upgrading an existing access control system. The existing access control system comprises at least one access point which is controlled by a reader unit (1) for reading authorization information from a portable token (6) and a corresponding unlocking device (3), the reader unit (1) is in wired connection via at least one 1st control line (4) communicatively connected to an access controller (2), and said access controller (2) is in wired connection via at least one 2nd control line (5) communicatively connected to said unlocking device (3). The said access controller (2) controls the locking state of said unlocking device (3) via said 2nd control line (5) by verifying identification information transmitted via 1st control line (4) from said reader unit (1). The upgrading method comprises the steps of interposing into the at least one 1st control line (4) an interception unit (9), said interception unit (9) adapted to and allowing for receiving and, if needed after temporarily withholding said identification information from said reader unit (1), only transmitting it to the access control unit (2) once said interception unit (9) has verified permission to access independently via a 2nd communication with a holder of said token (6).