Smart Building Access Hub for Unified Credential and Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional access control systems lack integration with smart building and home devices, leading to inefficiencies in credential management and security, as well as increased energy costs due to the inability to coordinate access across multiple systems.
Innovation Solution
A centralized smart building access and device system that utilizes a cloud-based computing platform to manage credentials and integrate access control, smart devices, and monitoring systems, allowing for unified control and management through a single interface, including NFC, RFID, and beacon technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional access control systems are used, then access management is implemented, but integration with smart building devices is lacking and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines access control systems with smart building device systems into a unified platform. The access control device communicates with smart devices (thermostats, lighting, appliances) through a centralized server, enabling integrated control where access events automatically trigger device actions, thereby reducing energy consumption in unoccupied areas while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control device is enhanced to serve multiple functions beyond traditional access management. It acts as a communication hub that can identify users, authorize access, and simultaneously control smart building devices based on access events. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate systems and enables energy-saving automation.
2Reliability
If multiple separate systems are used for access control and smart devices, then each system can function independently, but credential management becomes complex and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges access control credentials and smart device control credentials into a single unified credential system. The centralized server manages all credentials, and the access control device uses the same authentication mechanism to control both physical access and smart devices, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple credential systems and reducing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized server acts as an intermediary between the access control device and smart building devices. This mediator handles credential verification, user identification, and device control authorization in a single coordinated process, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate credential systems.
3Productivity
If access control and smart devices are integrated through a centralized system, then operational efficiency increases and energy costs decrease, but system architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The access control device is designed as a universal controller that handles both traditional access control functions and smart device control through a single interface. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into one device, improving operational efficiency while minimizing the increase in architectural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system enables automated self-service operations where access events automatically trigger appropriate device responses without manual intervention. For example, when a user gains access to a building or room, the system automatically adjusts thermostats, lighting, and appliances based on pre-configured rules, improving operational efficiency while requiring minimal additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are generally directed to systems, devices, methods, and techniques to control devices via a mobile device platform in a smart building system. Embodiments further include techniques to determine a device of the smart building system and an action to perform by the device. The techniques include establishing, a connection with a smart lock of the smart system, and communicating a request to perform the action to the smart lock of the smart system.