Smartphone Access Control via Remote Proximity Network Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access control systems using proximity communication networks, such as Bluetooth, are vulnerable to unauthorized access due to potential infiltration, compromising security.
Innovation Solution
An access control system that uses a smartphone application to directly communicate with a remote computer platform, bypassing the local proximity network, by transmitting a unique smartphone identifier to verify proximity network association with a badge reader, thereby issuing an opening instruction without connecting through the local network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If proximity communication networks (e.g., Bluetooth) are used for badge reader communication, then ease of operation and user convenience are improved, but system security deteriorates due to vulnerability to unauthorized access and infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote computer platform as an intermediary between the smartphone and the local access control system. The smartphone communicates with the badge reader through the remote platform via long-distance communication means, eliminating direct connection to the vulnerable proximity network while maintaining authentication functionality. The remote platform acts as a trusted mediator that verifies proximity network identifiers without requiring the smartphone to join the insecure local network.
2Device complexity
If direct connection through proximity networks is used, then device complexity is reduced and simplicity is maintained, but security vulnerabilities increase allowing unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control system into distinct functional components: a smartphone application for user interaction, a remote computer platform for secure authentication and database management, and local badge readers for door control. This segmentation allows the vulnerable proximity network communication to be isolated to the badge reader-telecommunications module connection, while user authentication occurs through a separate, secure long-distance communication channel with the remote platform.
3Ease of manufacture
If proximity networks are implemented for badge reader communication, then ease of manufacture and deployment are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential system infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication by having the remote computer platform verify the proximity network identifier before granting access. The system pre-configures the badge reader with its proximity network identifier in the remote database, and the authentication process includes a preliminary check where the smartphone receives the identifier, communicates it to the remote platform, and receives verification before door opening is authorized. This preliminary verification step prevents unauthorized access while maintaining the ease of proximity network deployment.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an access control system, of the type implementing: - at least one door (P); - a fleet of badges (1), - at least one badge reader (2); - a telecommunications module (3) capable of communicating with the badge reader via a proximity network (R), - a computer platform (4), the system comprising at least one smartphone (5) including a computer application (50) forming an exchange interface with the computer platform (4), and the computer platform being configured to: - after receiving a smartphone identifier, send a proximity network search request to the smartphone (5); - receive a network identifier from the smartphone (5); - and, if the network identifier is the same as the network name of the proximity network, issue a door opening instruction.