Optical Token Presence Sensor for Low-Power Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wire-based access control systems are costly to install, prone to reliability and security failures, and inefficient in power management, particularly for remote locking modules in wireless access systems.
Innovation Solution
A low-power consumption token reader system that uses an optical token presence sensor to detect tokens and activate the reader only when necessary, minimizing power usage and extending battery life in battery-operated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the token reader is continuously active to detect tokens, then the detection speed and response time are improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor performs preliminary detection of token presence before activating the full token reader system. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for token reading in advance while maintaining low power consumption during the detection phase, only consuming higher power when actually needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic sampling of the optical sensor to detect token presence at intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic detection maintains adequate response time while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the token reader is activated only when a token is detected, then the power consumption is reduced, but the detection response time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor continuously or periodically monitors for token presence in advance, so when a token is detected, the system is already prepared to activate the token reader immediately, minimizing the actual detection time while maintaining low power consumption during the monitoring phase.
3Reliability
If wire-based connections are used between access control module and locking module, then the system reliability and security are improved, but the installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based connection system with a wireless communication system using radio frequency (RF) signals. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wire installation between the access control module and locking module, reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining system reliability through robust wireless communication protocols.
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
Significantly reduces power consumption and extends battery life, enhancing the operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of wireless access control systems by activating the token reader only when a token is presented, while maintaining robust communication and security.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor to detect tokens
Data Source
AI summary
An access control system having an energy-saving optical presence sensor system is provided. The access control system includes a relatively lower operating power object presence sensor system for optically sensing the presence of a token as well in addition to a relatively higher operating power token reader for reading the token. The token reader remains unpowered until a token is detected by the object presence sensor system, which is preferably always powered. Once an object is detected by the object presence sensor system, power is supplied to the token reader and the token is read. After the token has been read, power ceases to be applied to the token reader, although the object presence sensor remains powered.