Unified Mobile Access Control for Multi-Vendor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the electronic access control industry, users face challenges with multiple vendor-specific systems requiring different credentials, leading to the need for multiple software applications and complex credential management for service technicians accessing secured sites.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote server, electronic access control devices, and mobile devices that process authorization data to enable secure access across multiple vendor systems using a single mobile application, allowing for unified management and encryption of authorization data for seamless access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor-specific access control systems are used, then system versatility and coverage are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal access control system that can interface with multiple vendor-specific electronic access control devices through a single mobile application. The system uses standardized communication protocols and authentication mechanisms that work across different vendors (e.g., Assa Abloy, High Security, etc.), allowing one application to control multiple device types without requiring separate vendor-specific applications for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server-based intermediary layer that mediates between the mobile application and various vendor-specific access control devices. This server acts as a translation and communication hub, receiving authentication requests from the mobile app, validating credentials, and forwarding appropriate commands to the target access control device while handling protocol conversions and data formatting requirements of different vendors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor-specific applications are required, then system compatibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a single universal mobile application that can operate with multiple vendor-specific access control systems. Instead of requiring users to install and switch between different vendor applications, the system provides a unified interface that automatically detects the target system and applies the appropriate authentication and communication protocols, significantly simplifying the user experience while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the concept of copying by creating virtual representations of different access control systems within the single mobile application. The application maintains multiple configured system profiles that replicate the interface and authentication mechanisms of different vendors, allowing users to access different systems through a consistent, familiar interface without needing to learn multiple different application ecosystems.
3Reliability
If centralized authentication is implemented, then security and reliability are improved, but loss of time for authentication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring and pre-validating authentication credentials and communication parameters on the server before actual access attempts. User authentication information, device identifiers, and communication protocols are established and cached in advance, allowing rapid verification during actual access without requiring real-time authentication from scratch, thus reducing perceived user wait time while maintaining secure centralized validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-customer electronic access control (EAC) system comprising a mobile electronic device communicably engaged with at least one EAC server via a first communications protocol and communicably engaged with at least one EAC controller and lock via a second communications protocol. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, the mobile electronic device comprises an end user application comprising an application data store configured to store a plurality of embedded and encrypted authorization data for two or more separate EAC systems. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, the end user application is configured to enable a consistent user experience and single sign-on functionality for the two or more separate EAC systems.