Mobile Device Access Control Identification Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems for mobile devices often result in long wait times and complexity due to disparate management and functionality across different devices, leading to delays in determining user authorization and processing access requests at access control points.

Innovation Solution

The system obtains an access control identification associated with a user on a mobile device and sends it to an access control system when the device is in proximity to the access control point, eliminating the need for additional transponders or tags by granting access based on the access status, thus optimizing access control and enhancing user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional access control systems use multiple different devices with disparate management and functionality, then access control capability is provided, but device complexity and management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions including access control identification storage, communication with access control systems, and user authentication. By making the mobile device universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate access control devices like transponders or tags, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining access control capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines access control functionality with the mobile device that users already carry. Instead of requiring separate access control devices, the system merges authentication capabilities into the mobile device, which already handles communication and data storage, thereby reducing the number of discrete devices needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional access control systems process authorization requests at access control points, then access authorization is determined, but user wait time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization accuracyVSAvoiduser wait time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The access control identification is obtained and stored in the mobile device in advance, before the user reaches the access control point. This preliminary preparation of authentication data eliminates the need for real-time device retrieval or complex on-site authentication processes, thereby reducing user wait time while maintaining authorization reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or physical access control methods (such as card readers, transponders, or manual authorization) with wireless electronic communication between the mobile device and the access control system. This substitution enables faster, contactless authentication that reduces processing time while maintaining security and authorization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional transponders or tags are used for access control, then access control functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and user convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device serves as a universal access control solution that eliminates the need for additional specialized devices like transponders or tags. By integrating access control functionality into the mobile device that users already possess, the system enhances access control capabilities while simultaneously improving user convenience.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the access control identification functionality from separate physical devices (transponders, tags, cards) and integrates it directly into the mobile device. This extraction eliminates the need for users to carry or manage additional access control devices, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining full access control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4332926A1Systems and methods for access control
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 APPLE INC
  • EP4332926A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4332926A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4332926A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods described herein provide access control. In one implementation, an access control identification is obtained. The access control identification is associated with at least one user. An access control point controlling access is identified. The access control identification is sent from the mobile device to an access control system associated with the access control point.