Mobile Device Visitor Access Control Without Intercom Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for visitor access control in buildings are costly, require dedicated wiring, and impose layout restrictions, with outdated nameplates and intercom systems needing frequent maintenance and updates.

Innovation Solution

A method using a mobile device to receive entrance identification information, send it to a remote server, and communicate with a resident's device for access control, eliminating the need for nameplates and intercom systems, and allowing for rapid, flexible, and cost-effective deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fixtures (nameplates, bell buttons, intercom system) are installed for visitor access control, then access control functionality is provided, but installation cost and maintenance cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fixture system (nameplates, bell buttons, intercom hardware) with a mobile software-based system. The mobile device's camera, processor, and communication modules substitute for dedicated access control hardware, eliminating the need for physical nameplates and bell buttons while maintaining visitor identification and notification functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves multiple functions: it displays visitor information, provides building directory access, enables resident communication, and controls access authorization. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple dedicated fixtures (nameplates for identification, bell buttons for notification, intercom for communication) with a single universal device, reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated wiring and intercom systems are installed for visitor access control, then communication between visitor and resident is enabled, but building layout flexibility is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidbuilding layout flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired communication infrastructure with wireless communication technology. The mobile device and resident device communicate via wireless networks (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), eliminating the need for dedicated intercom wiring throughout the building. This allows building layouts to be modified without constriction from fixed communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional nameplates and bell buttons are installed at building entrance, then visitor identification and notification is provided, but space requirements at entrance increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisitor identification and notificationVSAvoidentrance space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification and notification functionality from physical fixtures at the entrance and relocates it to the visitor's mobile device. The mobile device's display and processing capabilities replace the need for physical nameplates and bell buttons at the entrance location, freeing up entrance space while maintaining visitor identification and notification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If fixed intercom systems are installed for access control, then resident authorization is enabled, but system updates and resident information maintenance become complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorization controlVSAvoidinformation maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic, software-based system where resident information and authorization data can be updated remotely through software updates. The mobile device and server communicate via network connections, allowing real-time updates to resident databases, access permissions, and building information without requiring physical system modifications or technician intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3227864B1Method for providing a visitor controlled access into a building

Publication Date: 2020.02.05 INVENTIO AG

Figure 1

AI summary

The present invention proposes a method for providing a visitor (2) controlled access into a building (1). Initially, entrance identification information is provided to a mobile device (3) of the visitor (2) when the mobile device (3) is in close proximity of an entrance (4) of the building (1). The mobile device (3) then sends the entrance identification information to a remote server (5). In response the server (5) sends back a list of residents of the building (1) to the mobile device (3) based on the entrance identification information, and the mobile device (3) presents the list of residents to the visitor (2). The visitor (2) then selects a resident (6) from the list, and subsequently a link is established between the mobile device (3) and a remote device (7, 7') associated with the selected resident (6), Finally, access grant information is provided to an access control means (8) adapted to control access of the visitor (2) into the building (1) via the entrance (4).