Optical Code Access Control for Instant Low-Power Authentication

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems face challenges with time delays and power consumption issues due to reliance on high-bandwidth communication protocols, which can render systems impractical for instantaneous access and efficient power management, especially in facilities with transient or one-time users.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multi-channel communication system that uses unidirectional optical communication channels for authentication information and bidirectional channels for voluminous data, reducing power consumption and eliminating configuration delays, allowing for instantaneous access and efficient data exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-bandwidth communication protocols are used for access control information exchange, then data exchange capability is improved, but power consumption increases and time delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication into two distinct channels: a low-bandwidth unidirectional optical channel for authentication information and a high-bandwidth bidirectional wireless channel for voluminous data. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific purpose, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the authentication information transmission function from the high-bandwidth wireless communication system and places it in a separate unidirectional optical communication channel. This extraction eliminates the need for bidirectional protocol handshaking and configuration for authentication, reducing power consumption and time delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If high-bandwidth communication protocols are used for access control information exchange, then data exchange capability is improved, but time delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidtime delays

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication into two distinct channels: a low-bandwidth unidirectional optical channel for authentication information and a high-bandwidth bidirectional wireless channel for voluminous data. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific purpose, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by transmitting authentication information through the unidirectional optical channel before establishing the bidirectional wireless communication channel. This preliminary authentication eliminates the need for time-consuming bidirectional handshaking and configuration protocols, enabling instantaneous access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If unidirectional optical communication channel is used for authentication information, then power consumption is reduced and time delays are eliminated, but data exchange capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata exchange capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication into two distinct channels: a low-bandwidth unidirectional optical channel for authentication information and a high-bandwidth bidirectional wireless channel for voluminous data. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific purpose, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a multi-channel communication system where different communication protocols serve different functions. The unidirectional optical channel provides power-efficient authentication, while the bidirectional wireless channel provides high-capacity data exchange, creating a universal system that handles multiple communication needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If bidirectional communication channels are used for data exchange, then data exchange capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication into two distinct channels: a low-bandwidth unidirectional optical channel for authentication information and a high-bandwidth bidirectional wireless channel for voluminous data. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific purpose, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by activating the high-power bidirectional wireless communication channel only after successful authentication via the low-power unidirectional optical channel. This periodic activation ensures the high-power channel is used only when necessary for data exchange, minimizing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach enhances responsiveness and power efficiency in access control systems by using unidirectional channels for authentication and bidirectional channels for data exchange, ensuring timely access and reducing power consumption, particularly in systems with depletable power sources.

Implementation Method 1

The display screen generates visible light signals to transmit authentication information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The photodetector detects incoming light signals and converts them to corresponding electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10991240B2Electronic access control based on optical codes

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 VIDEX INC

AI summary

Methods and systems relating to administration of authentication information for electronic access control are disclosed. Authentication information is conveyed to an electronic locking device configured to restrict access to an entry point. In various embodiments, a smart device comprises a display screen for presenting a machine-readable optical code comprising encoded authentication information. An image sensor of the electronic locking device can decode the machine-readable optical code to obtain the authentication information. The electronic locking device is configured to permit access to the entry point in response to the image sensor detecting a machine-readable optical code corresponding to an access credential. A server device can provide authentication information to the smart device based on an access criterion. Conveying authentication information to the locking device may include rendering a webpage comprising the machine-readable optical code corresponding to the access credential.