Softbadge Access Control via Low Throughput Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access control systems require physical badges or NFC-enabled devices for temporary or short-term access, leading to operational overhead and inefficiencies, especially for large populations or temporary visitors.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a mobile user device, access control device, and server communicating over a Low Throughput Network (LTN) to provide virtual access control through a 'softbadge' mechanism, which uses Bluetooth and/or WiFi for authentication and authorization, eliminating the need for physical badges or NFC devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical badges or NFC-enabled devices are used for access control, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical badges and NFC hardware with a software-based solution running on mobile devices. The access control functionality is implemented through an application that communicates via Low Throughput Networks, eliminating the need for specialized physical access credentials while maintaining authentication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that manages authentication credentials and communicates with both the mobile device and the access control system. This server-mediated approach simplifies the client devices while maintaining secure authentication through centralized credential management.
2Ease of operation
If physical badges are delivered and managed, then access control functionality is provided, but loss of time and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to self-provision access credentials through a mobile application without requiring physical badge distribution. Users can independently manage their access rights, request new credentials, and update their access permissions digitally, eliminating the need for administrative personnel to physically distribute and track badges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and credential verification through the mobile application before physical access is granted. This pre-validation process automates the authorization workflow, eliminating manual badge verification steps and reducing operational overhead at access points.
3Reliability
If NFC-enabled devices are required, then secure authentication is achieved, but adaptability and ease of operation worsen due to device requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal access control solution that works across multiple device types and operating systems through a standardized mobile application. The system is not limited to specific hardware platforms like NFC-enabled devices but can operate on any mobile device with appropriate communication capabilities, greatly enhancing adaptability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the technical parameters of the access control system from hardware-dependent (NFC chips, specific device requirements) to software-based with flexible communication protocols. This allows the system to adapt to various device configurations and network conditions while maintaining secure authentication through cryptographic methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for access control, said system comprising a plurality of mobile user devices, an access control device and an access control server, wherein said access control server is configured to send configuration data to said access control device by communicating over a Low Throughput Network, said configuration data comprising a distinct data element (RN-AP) and an authorization code (XRES-AP) for the access control device; said access control device is configured to receive said configuration data from said access control server by communicating over the Low Throughput Network; each mobile user device is configured to establish a communication channel with the access control device and to receive said distinct data element (RN-AP) over said communication channel; and to send a request containing the distinct data element in order for the access control device to receive a further authorization code (XRES-AP) determined by the access control server; and said access control device is configured to compare the received further authorization code with the authorization code previously received at the access control device from the access control server and to validate the access based on the result of the comparing.