Multimodal Electronic Locking With Sequential Access Authentication

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locking devices typically support only a single type of access control modality, limiting integrated access control across different devices and user types, and lack flexibility for various access scenarios.

Innovation Solution

An electronic access control system with a locking mechanism that integrates multiple access modalities, including wireless communications, near-field communications, and electronic key interfaces, allowing for simultaneous or sequential authentication of access requests via different modalities, and enabling configuration of access settings for various user roles and scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic locking devices utilize a single type of primary electronic locking method/modality, then device complexity and cost are constrained, but adaptability and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control modality supportVSAvoidintegrated access control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic locking device integrates multiple access control modalities (keypad, card reader, biometric sensor, wireless communication) into a single device, allowing it to perform multiple functions. The controller is configured to accept and process different types of access requests through different interfaces, enabling the same physical lock to serve diverse access control needs without requiring separate locking devices for each modality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic locking devices support multiple access modalities, then adaptability and integrated access control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control modality supportVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple access control components (keypad, card reader, biometric sensor, wireless module) into a single integrated electronic locking device. Rather than manufacturing and deploying separate locking devices for each access modality, the system merges these functions into one unit with a shared controller and lock mechanism, reducing overall system complexity and potential manufacturing costs despite the increased functionality of individual devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic locking devices support multiple access modalities, then adaptability is improved, but the number of components and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control modality supportVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic locking device integrates multiple access control modalities (keypad, card reader, biometric sensor, wireless communication) into a single device, allowing it to perform multiple functions. The controller is configured to accept and process different types of access requests through different interfaces, enabling the same physical lock to serve diverse access control needs without requiring separate locking devices for each modality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple access control components (keypad, card reader, biometric sensor, wireless module) into a single integrated electronic locking device. Rather than manufacturing and deploying separate locking devices for each access modality, the system merges these functions into one unit with a shared controller and lock mechanism, reducing overall system complexity and potential manufacturing costs despite the increased functionality of individual devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11922744B2Multimodal electronic locking device and system

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

An integrated electronic locking system and electronic locking device configured to enable electronic access control of an integrated electronic locking device via multiple electronic access modalities across multiple user types/roles. An object of the present disclosure is an integrated electronic locking system configured to enable a system administrator to configure different access control parameters for two or more different access control modalities/types across two or more different users and/or use cases. In accordance with certain embodiments, an integrated electronic locking system comprises an integrated electronic locking device communicably engaged with a remote server over a wireless or wireline communications interface to enable one or more operations of an integrated electronic access control method.