Mobile Device Tap Authentication for Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical access control systems require manual and unintuitive manipulation, such as rotating or pocketing a Bluetooth-configured phone, which complicates the user experience and increases the number of wired components.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a mobile device with sensors like cameras, microphones, and accelerometers to transmit access control signals when recognizing patterns of physical measurements or optical images, allowing doors to open upon viewing or tapping the device, reducing the need for complex manual operations and wired components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional Bluetooth access control systems are used, then wireless communication is achieved, but complex manual manipulation and more wired components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical manipulation sequences (rotating phone, pocketing, patting) with simple mechanical actions (tapping or viewing the device). The sensor package detects these simplified mechanical inputs through accelerometers, gyroscopes, and cameras, translating them into authentication signals without requiring the previous complex manual sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the mobile device to automatically perform authentication by detecting the tap or view action and autonomously transmitting the access control signal. The sensor package and processor work together to self-initiate the authentication process without requiring the user to manually configure Bluetooth connections or follow complex manipulation sequences.
2Device complexity
If conventional Bluetooth access control systems are used, then wireless communication is achieved, but more wired components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device's sensor package (accelerometer, gyroscope, camera, microphone) serves multiple functions: detecting tap actions, recognizing patterns, capturing images, and initiating authentication. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate wired components dedicated to each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through the robustness of modern mobile device sensors.
3Ease of operation
If pattern recognition with sensor package is implemented, then intuitive user interaction is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sensing where the sensor package is activated only when specific conditions are met (e.g., when the device is tapped or brought into proximity with the portal). The processor selectively triggers pattern recognition algorithms based on detected events rather than continuously operating, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining intuitive interaction capabilities when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies user interaction by enabling doors to open intuitively with a communication device, reducing the complexity of manual manipulations and wired components, while maintaining secure authentication through pattern recognition.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor package may be enabled by light energy; sound energy; kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
A sensor package may be enabled by light energy; sound energy; kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
A sensor package may be enabled by light energy; sound energy; kinetic energy; accelerations from squeezing the device
Data Source
AI summary
A door opens for an authenticated user by being tapped by a communication device. A physical access control system actuates upon receiving a wireless request triggered by a pattern of indicia in the vicinity of a portal. A hand-held communication device transmits a portal access control signal when it recognizes a pattern of bursts in signal amplitude. A mobile device has a sensor package, communication circuits, and a processor. Upon determining proximity to a controlled portal, the sensor package enables a pattern recognition circuit. Upon receiving a success indicia from the pattern recognition circuit, the communication circuits authenticate with the controlled portal, e.g. causing a door to open. A sensor package may be enabled by accelerations from bumping the device; tapping the device against a door, wall, or table. A pattern may be related to a number, or a sequence, or combination of slows, pauses, and quicks, or a single acceleration.