Mobile Phone IMEI Authentication for Secure Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security and asset management systems rely on specific devices like SIM cards and RFID tags, which require telecommunication systems, have range and battery life limitations, and are not functional in emergencies, necessitating users to carry these devices for identification and authentication.
Innovation Solution
A security and asset management system utilizing consumer devices like mobile telephones for identification, authentication, location, and emergency contact, where the mobile telephone's IMEI is registered and used as a unique ID code, enabling secure communication through various interfaces like Bluetooth, IR, and GSM/GPRS/CDMA frequencies without relying on cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific devices like SIM cards and RFID tags are used for identification and authentication, then security and asset management can be achieved, but users must carry these devices and the system has device complexity and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using mobile telephones, which are universal consumer devices already carried by users, instead of specialized identification devices. The mobile telephone serves multiple functions including identification, authentication, and emergency communication, eliminating the need for separate security-specific devices like SIM cards or RFID tags.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by utilizing the mobile telephone's existing capabilities and infrastructure (cellular networks, Bluetooth, IMEI/ESN identification) rather than requiring users to carry additional dedicated security devices. The mobile telephone itself provides the identification function through its built-in unique identifiers.
2Reliability
If dedicated security devices are used, then authentication can be performed, but the devices have range and battery life limitations and are not functional in emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile telephone provides multi-functionality by serving both as an authentication device and as an emergency communication tool. Since mobile telephones are universally carried and have built-in communication capabilities, they remain functional in emergency situations unlike dedicated security devices that may fail or be inaccessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the authentication function with the emergency communication function into a single device - the mobile telephone. This combination ensures that the same device used for authentication can also be used for emergency contact, eliminating the need for separate emergency communication devices.
3Ease of operation
If specialized identity devices are required, then access control can be implemented, but maintenance costs and device dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using mobile telephones that users already possess rather than requiring specialized, expensive security devices. The mobile telephone industry continuously updates devices, and users already invest in these devices for communication purposes, reducing the need for separate security device investments and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
By using universal mobile telephones instead of specialized security devices, the system reduces device dependency and maintenance costs. The same device serves multiple purposes including communication, identification, and authentication, eliminating the need for separate security device maintenance infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to using consumer devices, such as mobile telephones, to identify, authenticate, locate and contact users of security and asset management systems. Such consumer devices can be used not only with the security systems but also for other uses. A device is initially registered with the security system. As needed, the device is presented to the system for authentication, enabling a person access to a secure area. In addition, the system can determine the person's location in the secure area and can send information messages to the person as well as notifying the person in case of emergency.