UWB Entry Control Using Intent-Based Mobile Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems require active physical interaction from users to grant access, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A UWB-based system that uses Bluetooth communication to authenticate a mobile device and UWB ranging to determine the device's location and intent, allowing for automatic lock mechanism control without user input based on predefined criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional credential-based access control is used, then security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to requiring active physical interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing Bluetooth connection and exchanging credentials before the user actually needs access. The access control device proactively detects the mobile device's approach via UWB ranging and prepares authentication in advance, so that when the user arrives at the passageway, access can be granted automatically without requiring manual credential presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs self-service by automatically detecting the access control device via Bluetooth, initiating the ranging session, and providing credentials without user intervention. The system serves itself by using the mobile device's own sensors and processing capabilities to complete the authentication and access granting process autonomously.
2Extent of automation
If automatic access control is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple communication protocols and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The access control process is segmented into distinct phases: Bluetooth discovery and connection establishment, credential exchange over Bluetooth, UWB ranging for location detection, intent determination based on location and criteria, and final access granting. Each phase uses a specific communication protocol optimized for that function, making the overall complex system manageable through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the credential carrier and the UWB ranging initiator, while the access control device performs both Bluetooth authentication and UWB location detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, thereby managing system complexity while achieving automation.
3Measurement precision
If UWB ranging is used for location detection, then access precision is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous UWB signal transmission, the system uses periodic action by initiating UWB ranging only after Bluetooth connection is established and credential exchange is complete. The access control device periodically checks the mobile device's location during the authentication process and only activates intensive UWB measurement when necessary to determine access intent, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining precision when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method according to an embodiment includes discovering, by a mobile device, an access control device via Bluetooth communication, authenticating, by the access control device, a credential of the mobile device over a Bluetooth communication connection established between the mobile device and the access control device, receiving, with a UWB subsystem of the access control device during a UWB ranging session between the mobile device and the access control device, UWB data indicative of a location of the mobile device relative to the access control device, determining, by the access control device, whether a user of the mobile device intends to access a passageway secured by the access control device based on the UWB data and satisfying one or more intent criteria, and performing, by the access control device, a predefined function in response to determining that the user of the mobile device intends to access the passageway.