Secure Short-Distance Validation Using Visual Object Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional access control systems in areas like parking lots, secured facilities, and mass transit systems are inconvenient, costly, and vulnerable to hacking, as they often require physical presence of cards or personnel, and have suboptimal security.
Innovation Solution
A secure short-distance-based communication and enforcement system using low-powered beacons, zone computers, and mobile devices for on-the-spot validation, allowing users to remain in their pockets and engage in validation processes, with unique mobile device IDs and keys generated for secure communication, minimizing cross-talk and enabling simultaneous validation of multiple users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional card key systems are used for access control, then users can gain access to restricted areas, but users must physically present the card key to the reader which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical card key insertion system with a mobile device-based system using short-distance wireless communication. The mobile device communicates with the reader through electromagnetic signals, eliminating the need for physical card insertion and improving ease of operation while maintaining security through encrypted communication protocols.
2Reliability
If security codes are stored on readers and card keys for validation, then access control can be automated, but the system becomes highly susceptible to hacking and creates security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security code storage from the reader device and relocates it to a centralized server. The reader only holds validation logic, while the actual security codes are stored remotely on the server, reducing the attack surface of individual readers and eliminating the need to store sensitive codes locally on multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile devices and readers. The server acts as a central authority that manages security codes and validates access requests, reducing the complexity and security risks associated with distributed code storage while maintaining automated access control.
3Reliability
If personnel such as security guards or train conductors are employed to control or monitor areas, then access can be monitored, but it is not cost effective and is susceptible to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service access control system where users validate their own access credentials through mobile devices without requiring human intervention. The system automatically validates credentials against server-stored security codes and provides real-time validation status, eliminating the need for manual checking by personnel while maintaining high validation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where the system immediately communicates validation results to both the user and authorized personnel. The server provides instant confirmation of valid credentials, and the system can alert authorities of invalid attempts, creating an automated monitoring system that replaces manual oversight while improving response time and accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprising a mobile device and an enforcement computer comprising a beacon with a short-distance communication interface e.g. for use in fare payment enforcement in public transportation is disclosed. The enforcement computer receives user input for programming a flow of visual objects displayable in a sequence specified in the programming of the flow; store the programmed flow of visual objects in a data storage of the enforcement computer; configure the beacon to transmit an inspection signal via the short-distance communication interface, wherein the inspection signal includes information to prompt displaying of a visual object from the flow on a mobile device receiving the inspection signal in response to a validation of a user of the mobile device for a validation and enforcement area; display the visual object on a display of the enforcement computer; receive an input feed from image capture device, wherein the input feed includes at least one image of a display of the mobile device and a user of the mobile device; determine whether the user of the mobile device is validated for the validation and enforcement area based on the input feed and additional information associated with the validation and enforcement area or the user; and display results of the validation on the display of the enforcement computer.