Optical Access Control Using Beam Directionality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF-based access control systems face issues with RF interference, limited data bandwidth, and inadvertent interactions, leading to security risks and inefficiencies in managing access to restricted areas.
Innovation Solution
A wireless optical communication link using a high data rate bidirectional optical communication protocol (BOCP) between a reader and a wearable access device (WAD), employing a predetermined optical beam width and boresight direction to selectively initiate and continue access control interactions, thereby reducing interference and improving security and data transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF-based communication is used for access control, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but RF interference and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RF-based wireless communication with optical communication (visible light or infrared) for transmitting access control signals. This substitution eliminates RF interference and security vulnerabilities associated with traditional radio frequency systems while maintaining wireless communication capabilities through light-based transmission between the access control reader and wearable device.
2Ease of operation
If conventional RF communication is used, then wireless access control is enabled, but data bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of communication from radio frequency to optical frequency, enabling significantly higher data bandwidth. Optical communication operates at much higher frequencies than RF, allowing for faster data transmission rates that can handle complex access control data, biometric information, and multiple simultaneous communications without the bandwidth limitations of conventional RF systems.
3Reliability
If optical communication with beam width control is implemented, then security against inadvertent access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by controlling the spatial distribution of optical energy through specific beam width and boresight direction parameters. The optical communication system uses directed beams with defined angular spread to ensure that communication signals are concentrated in specific spatial zones, allowing the reader to selectively communicate only with WADs within the intended area while preventing inadvertent access from unauthorized locations.
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
The solution enhances security by minimizing inadvertent access and improves data transfer rates, enabling reliable and high-speed communication for access control, even with biometric data, thus addressing the limitations of RF-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transceiver (404) in the reader (108) and an optical transceiver (204) in the WAD (114)
Data Source
AI summary
System for controlling access comprises a reader unit (108) which is disposed at a portal (102) to a controlled access area (118) and a wearable access device (WAD) (114) which is worn by a user (116). The reader and the WAD implement a bidirectional optical communication protocol (BOCP) to communicate digital data. The WAD receives an interrogation signal from the reader for initiating an access control interaction. At least one of the reader and the WAD uses a predetermined optical beam width (142, 308) and a boresight direction (140, 306) of an optical beam associated with the wireless optical communication link to facilitate a selective determination as to whether the WAD will respond to the interrogation signal with a reply signal to continue with the access control interaction.