Optical Code Building Access System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building access systems are costly due to the need for specialized equipment like name tags, bell buttons, and intercom systems, which also require complex cabling and are inflexible with building design and resident updates.
Innovation Solution
A building communication system that uses a visitor's mobile phone to scan an optical code, such as a QR code, to contact residents without the need for traditional access control equipment, allowing for wireless communication and flexible system updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional access control equipment (nameplates, bell buttons, intercom systems) is installed, then building access control function is achieved, but system cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it displays resident information, enables communication with residents, and provides access control functionality. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment (nameplates, bell buttons, intercom systems), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable access control function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of installing physical intercom systems and communication equipment in the building, the patent uses digital copies of resident information displayed on visitors' mobile devices. The optical code serves as a digital copy that contains building identification, and the mobile device acts as a universal interface for communication and access control, replacing complex physical infrastructure.
2Reliability
If traditional access control equipment is installed, then building access control is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive physical equipment with digital information copies. Optical codes containing building identification and resident information are displayed on mobile devices, eliminating the need for costly installation and maintenance of physical intercom systems, nameplates, and bell buttons while maintaining reliable access control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical and electrical systems (physical intercom equipment, wiring, bell buttons) with software-based solutions running on mobile devices. This replacement eliminates installation costs associated with specialized wiring and equipment mounting, and reduces maintenance requirements to software updates rather than hardware repair.
3Reliability
If specialized wiring and equipment are installed for access control, then building access control function is achieved, but building design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical wiring systems with wireless communication through mobile devices, the patent eliminates constraints on building design. The access control function is achieved through software-based optical code recognition and mobile device communication, allowing flexible building designs without requiring pre-installed specialized wiring or fixed equipment locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static physical infrastructure (fixed intercom equipment, wired connections) to dynamic software-based solutions that can adapt to different building configurations. The optical code and mobile device interface can be implemented in various building designs without requiring fixed installation points or specialized wiring routes, enhancing design flexibility while maintaining access control reliability.
4Loss of information
If traditional nameplates and equipment are used, then building identification is provided, but information privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective information disclosure where different levels of identification information are provided in different contexts. The optical code contains building identification that is only fully revealed when scanned by authorized mobile devices, and resident information is selectively displayed based on verification status. This localized control over information quality protects privacy while maintaining necessary identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the building identification system and the visitor. Instead of directly exposing resident information through physical nameplates, the system uses optical codes that require active scanning and verification. The mobile device mediates the information flow, displaying only appropriate identification levels based on system verification, thereby protecting privacy while providing necessary building identification.
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 reduces costs and complexity by eliminating the need for specialized hardware, allows for easy updates and flexibility in system design, and enhances resident privacy by controlling the display of personal information.
Implementation Method 1
An optical code assigned to the building can be read by a visitor's mobile device while the visitor is outside the building or in a public zone within the building
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In a building communication system for a building (1), a server device (12) is provided, having a processor device (8) and a connected storage device (14), wherein the storage device (14) stores data sets in which display information that is predetermined for visitors (2) is stored. An optical code (10) is provided on the building (1), which can be read by a mobile radio device (4) of a visitor (2). In order to make contact with a resident (6) of the building, the visitor (2) scans the optical code with a mobile radio device (4). If the visitor (2) is known in the system, the server device (8) sends the display information that is predetermined for the visitor (2) to their mobile radio device (4), which displays the personalised display information on a display of the mobile radio device (4).