Mobile App Guest Access Control via Wireless Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for secured premises are costly and require dedicated infrastructure, including installation and maintenance, and are not efficient for granting guest access without a functional display device.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device application that allows guests to contact owners via a communication network to gain access by determining their location and facilitating communication to send authorized control signals to access control devices, eliminating the need for dedicated infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated access control system with display, speaker, microphone, and telephone connection is installed, then secure guest access is enabled, but installation cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile device as an intermediary between the guest and the access control system. The mobile device runs a application that communicates with the access control device via wireless signals, eliminating the need for dedicated telephone lines and display devices at the access point. The mobile device serves as the intermediary communication and control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the access control system universal by allowing any mobile device with a compatible application to function as the access interface. Instead of requiring a dedicated access control terminal, any smartphone or tablet can be used to grant access, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different users and scenarios.
2Reliability
If a dedicated access control system with telephone connection is installed, then guest access control is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the mobile device automatically handles communication with the access control device. The application on the mobile device manages the access control protocols, location determination, and signal transmission without requiring maintenance personnel intervention. The system serves itself by using wireless communication infrastructure that is already maintained by carriers.
3Reliability
If a dedicated access control system is installed, then secure entry is provided, but the system requires dedicated phone line infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/dedicated infrastructure (physical telephone lines, dedicated access control terminals) with wireless communication mechanisms. The mobile device uses standard wireless networks and communication protocols to interface with the access control device, substituting the need for dedicated physical infrastructure with software-based wireless communication.
4Ease of operation
If the display device must be fully functional at all times, then access control operation is ensured, but system reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary that does not require continuous functionality of a dedicated display at the access point. The mobile device's display and communication capabilities are sufficient to facilitate access control operations, eliminating the requirement for a permanently functional dedicated display system at the premises.
Data Source
AI summary
Application software for a mobile utilizes a functionality of the mobile device to determine a location and determine whether the location is within a predetermined area surrounding an access control device that controls access to the secured premises. In response to determining that the mobile device is located within the predetermined area, the application software can display identification information for owners or tenants of the secured premises. Upon receipt of a selection received from a user input of the mobile device, the mobile device can communicate with a device of the owner over any suitable communication network in order to be granted access to the secured premises by operation of the access control device.