Mobile Device Door Access Control via Digital Credentials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional door access control systems rely on costly and obsolete hardware, such as physical access cards and biometric sensors, which are cumbersome and vulnerable to misuse, and require complex installation and maintenance, while also being difficult to upgrade.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mobile device-based access control system that uses multi-factor authentication, including biometric validation, GPS location determination, and digital identifiers, to streamline user interaction and enhance security by allowing the mobile device to act as a secure access token, with multiple layers of authentication and a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical access cards are used for door access control, then user identification can be verified, but the system becomes vulnerable to card theft and misuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control securityVSAvoidcard theft and misuse

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical access cards with digital copies stored on mobile devices. The mobile device contains a digital representation of the access credential that can be presented to the reader without physical contact, eliminating the risk of physical card theft while maintaining authentication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical/physical access card systems with electronic/digital authentication. The mobile device uses electronic storage and wireless communication to present credentials, replacing the physical card insertion/swiping mechanism with electronic verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If hardware access control devices are deployed at perimeter locations, then access verification is enabled, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess verification capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile device universal by enabling it to function as an access credential without requiring location-specific hardware. The same mobile device can access multiple locations by presenting digital credentials, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware at each access point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the authentication capability from fixed hardware devices and relocates it to the mobile device. The access control reader remains minimal, but the intelligence and credential storage are removed from the perimeter and placed in the user's mobile device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If physical access cards are required for entry, then access control is enforced, but users may be locked out if they forget to carry the card

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control enforcementVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of the access credential on the mobile device that is always accessible to the user. Unlike physical cards that can be forgotten or left at home, the digital credential is stored on a device the user carries continuously, ensuring uninterrupted access capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary authentication by having the user unlock their mobile device and authenticate themselves before the access attempt. This preliminary action ensures the credential is verified and ready for presentation, eliminating the uncertainty of whether the physical card is present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If traditional hardware access control systems are implemented, then door access can be controlled, but the systems become obsolete and difficult to upgrade

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionVSAvoidsystem upgradability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the access control system dynamic by moving the credential storage and presentation capability to the mobile device. The system can be upgraded by updating software on the mobile device or changing authentication protocols, without requiring hardware replacement at access points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal access system where the mobile device can serve multiple functions across different locations and time periods. The same device can be upgraded to support new authentication methods or access additional locations through software updates rather than hardware replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11721149B2Door access control via a mobile device

Publication Date: 2023.08.08 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods for door access control via a mobile device are described herein. One mobile device for providing door access control, includes a processor and memory, coupled to the processor, wherein the memory includes instructions executable by the processor to provide a specific user identity, assigned to the mobile device, and a digital identifier, that is associated with an application stored in memory on the mobile device, to a door access controller, wherein the application includes a locking mechanism for the application that must be renewed at a first particular time period and wherein the mobile device includes a locking mechanism to lock the device after a second particular time period.