Mobile Device Access Control via Local Mesh Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems for multi-unit buildings are costly, insecure, and inefficient, particularly in managing interactions between occupants, guests, and service providers, with issues related to key management, security risks, and the need for persistent internet connections.

Innovation Solution

A secure access control management system utilizing mobile devices, a local mesh network, and a unified credential system, where access control devices with wireless transceivers communicate with mobile devices to control locking mechanisms, forming a dynamic network that eliminates the need for physical keys and central internet connections, allowing for secure, efficient, and flexible access management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical key management systems are used, then access control can be provided, but installation cost and ongoing maintenance cost become high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoidinstallation cost and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical key management systems with a digital mobile device-based access control system. The mechanical system of physical keys and keypads is substituted with electronic credentials stored on mobile devices that communicate wirelessly with access control points, eliminating the need for physical key distribution and management infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital credentials on mobile devices as copies of traditional physical keys. Instead of managing multiple physical keys, the system creates and distributes digital access credentials that can be replicated and managed remotely through software, significantly reducing installation and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If numeric keypads and card readers are deployed locally, then access control can be provided, but security risks increase due to code sharing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoidsecurity risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces numeric keypads that rely on shared codes with mobile device-based authentication. Instead of users entering codes that can be observed and shared, the system uses secure credentials stored in mobile devices that communicate through encrypted wireless protocols, eliminating the security vulnerability of code sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If biometric identifiers are used for authentication, then security can be improved, but cost becomes prohibitive and data storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidcost and data storage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses mobile devices as portable credential repositories that contain access permissions. Instead of storing sensitive biometric data in centralized databases requiring expensive security infrastructure, the system distributes access credentials to user-controlled mobile devices, maintaining security while reducing infrastructure costs and data storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If mobile devices are used as physical identifiers, then access control can be simplified, but persistent internet connection is required which is problematic for multi-unit buildings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoidinternet connection requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access control system into locally autonomous units. Each access control point can verify credentials and control access independently without requiring continuous communication with a central server. The system divides the network into independent nodes that can operate autonomously, eliminating the requirement for persistent internet connections while maintaining simplified mobile device-based access control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Ease of operation

If Bluetooth technology is used for tracking and key distribution, then access management can be provided, but central updates are required which create security risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess managementVSAvoidsecurity risks from central updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a distributed network where access control points and mobile devices can communicate and verify credentials locally without requiring central server updates. The system segments the authentication process into independent verification steps that can be performed locally, eliminating the security vulnerability of central update mechanisms while maintaining ease of access management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9437063B2Methods and systems for multi-unit real estate management

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 LATCH SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for access control management designed for multi-unit buildings are provided. The disclosed systems can use mobile devices, a local mesh network, access control devices, and wireless communication to facilitate multi-unit real estate management. Mobile devices can download and use credentials to access appropriate areas and units in a building through local wireless communications with access control devices.