Remote Access Control via Mobile Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Access control systems requiring dual authentication can disrupt operations when the supervisor or assigned approval personnel is unavailable, preventing urgent access to secured areas.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows personnel to request access through a mobile application, where credentials are verified by a remote server and approved by a supervisor's mobile device, enabling secure access even when the supervisor is not physically present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dual authentication is required for access control, then security is improved, but access speed and operational efficiency deteriorate when supervisor is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile application as an intermediary between the access control system and the supervisor. The mobile app enables remote authentication and approval processes, allowing supervisors to authorize access from any location without being physically present at the access point. This intermediary solution maintains the security requirement of dual authentication while eliminating the time loss associated with supervisor unavailability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical supervisor presence is required for approval, then authentication security is maintained, but operational flexibility and accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidaccess flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical supervisor presence with an electronic/digital authentication system. The mobile application enables supervisors to provide approval remotely through electronic communication channels, substituting the mechanical constraint of physical co-location with a flexible digital process that maintains authentication security while dramatically improving access flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If traditional access control systems are used with fixed authentication points, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to remote and mobile scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidremote access capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the access control system universal by enabling authentication and approval processes to occur through mobile devices in addition to traditional fixed access points. The mobile application layer adds remote access capability while maintaining compatibility with existing access control infrastructure, allowing the system to function in both traditional and mobile/remote scenarios without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3200161B1Remote application for controlling access
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3200161B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3200161B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3200161B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dual authentication access control system for controlling access to a secured area is disclosed, wherein a supervisor is allowed to approve access requests by a person wanting to gain access to the secured area from a remote location. In some cases, the person requesting access to the secured area enters his credentials and submits an access request. If the person's credentials are verified, an access approval request is forwarded to a mobile device of a supervisor. If the supervisor elects to approve access, the supervisor enters his credentials via the supervisor's mobile device. If the supervisor's credentials are verified, the person is granted access to the secured area.