Smartphone-Based Door Access Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door access control systems are costly due to the need for multiple readers and continuous electrical power, and users often face inconvenience when forgetting their access cards.
Innovation Solution
A wireless access control system that uses smartphones or PDAs to read unique codes, such as 2D barcodes, associated with doors, eliminating the need for door-mounted readers and simplifying authorization control circuits, with an interface unit acting as a bridge for door accessories and locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If door-mounted readers are installed at each door for access control, then access authorization can be controlled, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reader functionality from the door structure and relocates it to the mobile device. Instead of having door-mounted readers, the mobile device itself performs the reading function by scanning codes on door labels, eliminating the need for expensive door-mounted hardware while maintaining access control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the access credential (replacing key cards) and the reader (replacing door-mounted readers). This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and cost while maintaining access control capabilities
2Loss of time
If door-mounted readers are continuously active to immediately respond to key cards, then access response time is reduced, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the system uses periodic action through on-demand scanning. The mobile device activates the camera and processing only when the user intends to access a door, scanning the code label at that moment. This eliminates continuous energy consumption while maintaining immediate response capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device uses its own built-in camera and processing capabilities to scan and verify codes, eliminating the need for externally powered door-mounted readers. The device serves itself by providing both the credential and the reading function, reducing overall system energy requirements
3Reliability
If traditional access key cards are used, then access control is enabled, but users experience inconvenience when forgetting their cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the access credential function with the mobile device that users already carry for communication purposes. Instead of requiring a separate key card, the mobile device itself becomes the credential through its unique identifier and scanning capability, eliminating the need to remember or carry additional access items
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs multiple functions including communication, entertainment, and now access control. By integrating access control into an already-ubiquitous device, the system improves user convenience while maintaining reliable access control functionality
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
This solution reduces initial and operational costs by eliminating the need for door-mounted readers and access cards, while ensuring convenient access by allowing users to simply remember their wireless device, and allows for more complex and cost-effective enterprise-wide installations.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless access control system that uses smartphones or PDAs to read unique codes, such as 2D barcodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A door access control system associates a unique passive identifier with each one of a plurality of doors for which controlled access is desired. Each of the identifiers can be attached to a location adjacent to each respective door. A smartphone with a predetermined scanning app can scan, or read a respective identifier of a door for which access is desired. A representation of the door identifier along with an identifier of the smart phone can be transmitter to an access control unit. A data base of the access control unit can be interrogated to determine if that smartphone identifier is authorized to open the designated door. If authorized, an access command can be transmitted to a local access control module which can release a locking mechanism for the respective door.