Mobile Door Access Control Without Card Readers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems require substantial hardware, such as access card readers and video cameras, which can be cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device running an access control application that communicates via multiple wireless protocols to control access to secure areas, utilizing a wireless gateway and door lock module, and optionally a server for access rights management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional access control systems use access card readers and video cameras, then access control reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the access control system by implementing access control logic within the mobile device itself. Instead of relying on external card readers and cameras, the mobile device contains a virtual access controller that emulates traditional access control functionality, eliminating the need for substantial external hardware while maintaining access control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the user authentication credential (replacing access cards) and the access control decision-making system (replacing card readers and controllers). This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate hardware components into a single universal device, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If access control systems use substantial hardware like card readers and cameras, then access control functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is fully self-sufficient in performing access control operations. It independently stores access rights, identifies doors, determines access authorization, and communicates with door locks without requiring external hardware assistance. This self-service capability simplifies operation while maintaining comprehensive access control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of access credentials, access control decision-making, and door lock communication into a single mobile device. This consolidation eliminates the need for users to carry multiple items (cards, keys) and interact with multiple devices (card readers, cameras, controllers), greatly easing operation while preserving full access control functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a door lock module for locking and unlocking a door and a mobile device running an access control application that is configured to receive access rights from a server and store the access rights in the mobile device. The access control application identifies a door ID of the door to the secure area and determines whether the access rights stored in the mobile device grant the user assigned to the mobile device access to the secure area of the facility. If so, the access control application sends a door access request to the door lock module to unlock the door, and if not, no door access request is sent. The access control application is configured to send a log entry corresponding to each door access request initiated by the mobile device to the server.