Location-Based Access Control Using Digital Credentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keyless entry systems (KES) face challenges such as easy transferability of credentials, requirement for advanced and expensive hardware, and inability to customize access ranges due to limitations like frequency and obstacles, necessitating an improved access control system.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a server connected to both a portable device and an access point device, which determines user authorization based on credentials and location, allowing access only when the device is within a pre-defined geographical region, enabling customizable access ranges and secure transfer of access rights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keyless entry systems use fobs or keycards for access control, then user convenience is improved by eliminating physical keys, but security deteriorates because credentials can be easily transferred to unauthorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copies of credentials stored in cloud servers rather than physical fobs or keycards. Each user has a unique digital credential that can be securely stored and transmitted, eliminating the ability to physically transfer access credentials while maintaining convenient access through mobile devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based server as an intermediary between the access control system and user devices. The server authenticates users by verifying digital credentials before granting access, adding a security layer that prevents unauthorized credential transfer while maintaining user convenience
2Adaptability or versatility
If keyless entry systems use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled devices for access control, then access range flexibility is improved, but hardware cost increases due to requirement for advanced/expensive hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing mobile devices universal access control tools by utilizing their built-in location services (GPS, Wi-Fi positioning) rather than requiring specialized Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled access control hardware. This approach provides access range flexibility while avoiding additional hardware costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the location determination capabilities that are already built into most mobile devices, allowing users to access controlled areas without requiring specialized hardware. The device uses its own existing sensors and services to provide access control functionality
3Device complexity
If keyless entry systems use fixed frequency and power for access control, then system simplicity is maintained, but access range customization is lost due to finite range limitations from frequency and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed frequency and power transmission with dynamic location-based access control. The system dynamically determines access eligibility based on real-time location data from mobile devices, allowing customizable access ranges that can be adjusted without changing physical system parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the access control parameter from physical transmission characteristics (frequency, power) to logical parameters (geographical region, location coordinates). This allows unlimited customization of access ranges through software configuration rather than being constrained by physical transmission limitations
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes an electronically controllable access point device and a server. The server includes one or more processors, which are communicatively coupled to the access point device and a portable device. The one or more processors are configured to determine whether a user of the portable device is authorized to access the access point device based on one or more credentials received from the portable device and retrieve a location of the portable device. The one or more processors are further configured to determine whether the location of the portable device is within a pre-defined geographical area. Upon determination of user authorization to the access point device and that the location of the portable device is within the pre-defined geographical area, the one or more processors direct the access point device to provide access to the user.