Managed Access System for Unauthorized Device Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in secure facilities, such as correctional facilities, is the difficulty in preventing the smuggling and detection of contraband mobile wireless devices due to advancements in technology and various smuggling methods, which pose security risks and require costly and resource-intensive detection systems.

Innovation Solution

A managed access system utilizing a network of directional antennas and radio equipment, coupled with monitoring devices, to detect and block unauthorized mobile wireless devices within a facility by disrupting their access to the commercial wireless network while allowing authorized devices to communicate through alternative networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed, portable and handheld detection systems are deployed to detect and locate contraband devices, then detection capability is improved, but system cost and operational expenses increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables unauthorized devices to self-detect and self-report their presence by attempting to register with the managed access system. The device's own registration attempt serves as the detection mechanism, eliminating the need for external detection equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from device registration attempts to identify unauthorized devices. When a device attempts to register and is denied authorization, this feedback information is used to flag and report the unauthorized device's presence and location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If more personnel and training are invested to improve operational efficacy of detection systems, then detection effectiveness is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficacyVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system automates the entire detection and identification process, requiring no human intervention for operation. Unauthorized devices automatically attempt registration, and the system automatically denies and reports them, eliminating personnel costs entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual detection methods requiring personnel with an automated electronic system that uses radio frequency signals and automated decision-making algorithms to detect and report unauthorized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If physical security measures are strengthened to prevent smuggling of mobile devices, then prevention capability is improved, but the system cannot stop determined smugglers using various methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention capabilityVSAvoidsmuggling method variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and identification of unauthorized devices as soon as they attempt to access the network, before they can be used for criminal purposes. This early detection occurs regardless of how the device entered the facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The managed access system acts as an intermediary between unauthorized devices and the commercial wireless network. It intercepts registration attempts and prevents access to the external network while maintaining internal communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If jammer technologies are used to disrupt communications of unauthorized devices, then access denial is improved, but authorized devices may also be affected and communication services are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess denial effectivenessVSAvoidcommunication disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different treatment to different devices based on their authorization status. Authorized devices receive full network access while unauthorized devices are specifically denied access, creating localized quality differences rather than blanket disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of actively disrupting all communications as jammers do, the system inverts the approach by selectively permitting only authorized communications while silently denying unauthorized ones, achieving access denial without broad disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS9736706B2Managed access system with monitoring device to determine system operability

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 HARRIS CORP

AI summary

A managed access system for mobile wireless devices (MWDs) in a facility that is geographically within a wireless communications network includes a plurality of antennas arranged at the facility and at least one MWD monitoring device. Radio equipment is coupled to the antennas. A management access controller cooperates with the radio equipment to communicate with a given MWD within the facility, block outside communications via the wireless communications network when the given MWD is an unauthorized MWD, and provide outside communications when the given MWD is an authorized MWD. The management access controller cooperates with at least one MWD monitoring device to determine whether the radio equipment and at least one MWD monitoring device both detect the given MWD.