Tri-angled Antenna Array for Intent-Based Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current access control systems require active physical interaction from users, such as swiping or tapping credentials, which can be inconvenient and may not accurately determine user intent to access a passageway.

Innovation Solution

An access control device equipped with a tri-angled antenna array that determines user intent by analyzing signal strengths from a mobile device, automatically unlocking the mechanism when the device is within a specific distance and angular threshold relative to the door, allowing for autonomous access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If active physical interaction is required for access control, then security verification is ensured, but user convenience and access speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity verificationVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical credential presentation system (swiping, tapping, or holding physical credentials against a reader) with a wireless electromagnetic signal-based system. The mobile device communicates access credentials and location information wirelessly to the access control device, eliminating the need for physical contact or proximity placement of credentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic access control where the mobile device automatically transmits credentials and the access control device automatically verifies them without requiring user action beyond approaching the door. The tri-angled antenna array automatically determines user intent based on signal strength patterns, enabling hands-free access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If credential reader interaction is required, then access authorization can be verified, but access time and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess authorizationVSAvoidaccess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by continuously monitoring wireless signals from mobile devices in the vicinity. When a user approaches, the credentials are already transmitted and verified in advance, so authorization is immediately available when the user reaches the door, eliminating wait time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication system replaces the mechanical credential reading process, enabling simultaneous transmission of multiple data packets including credentials, location information, and intent determination, all processed in parallel rather than sequential mechanical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If physical credential presentation is required, then user intent can be confirmed, but system complexity and interaction steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser intent confirmationVSAvoidinteraction steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses wireless signal strength analysis from a tri-angled antenna array to determine user intent, replacing the need for mechanical interaction steps such as credential presentation, reader activation, and verification sequences. The system infers intent from the spatial pattern of wireless signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication signal acts as an intermediary that carries multiple types of information (credentials, location, intent) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate interaction steps. The tri-angled antenna array processes these signals to derive user intent without requiring additional user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables convenient and accurate autonomous access control by inferring user intent through wireless signal strengths, eliminating the need for physical interaction and improving access management efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna array secured within the housing and including a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna, wherein each of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna radiates away from the exterior side of the door

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10885733B2Tri-angled antenna array for secure access control

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

An access control device according to one embodiment includes an access control mechanism, a housing, an antenna array secured within the housing and including a first, second, and third antenna adapted to radiate away from the exterior side of the door, a processor, and a memory. The memory includes a plurality of instructions that, when executed, causes the access control device to determine signal strengths of signals received by the first, second, and third antennas from the mobile device, determine whether a location of the mobile device relative to the access control device is indicative of the mobile device user's intent to access the passageway based on the signal strengths, and automatically unlock the access control mechanism in response to the location being indicative of the user's intent to access the passageway.