UWB Access Reader Module for Secure Ranging and Intent Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current access control systems face challenges in providing robust and efficient authorization and authentication methods, particularly in environments where traditional RFID and Bluetooth-based systems may be vulnerable to interference and multipath fading, and lack advanced localization capabilities for intent detection.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an ultra-wideband (UWB) module within access control systems, utilizing UWB technology for secure ranging and intent detection, which enables more robust communication and localization, and includes a battery-powered module for independent operation, reducing reliance on external power sources and enhancing system reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional RFID and Bluetooth-based systems are used for access control, then the system structure is simple and ease of manufacture is good, but the system is vulnerable to interference and multipath fading, reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional RFID and Bluetooth frequency bands to ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency spectrum, changing the fundamental communication parameter to achieve superior resistance to interference and multipath fading, thereby improving communication reliability in access control applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate functional modules including a reader device with processing unit and a UWB device with ranging capabilities, allowing independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall system reliability through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If UWB technology is integrated for secure ranging and intent detection, then authorization and authentication robustness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization robustnessVSAvoidmodule complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UWB device is designed to perform multiple functions including secure ranging, intent detection, and authentication within a single integrated module, reducing the need for separate components and thereby managing complexity while enhancing authorization robustness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a credential device as an intermediary component that stores and manages authorization data, mediating between the UWB device and the access control system to simplify the overall architecture and manage complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a battery-powered UWB module is used for independent operation, then system reliability is enhanced and maintenance is simplified, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmodule energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery-powered UWB module operates in periodic measurement cycles rather than continuous operation, performing ranging and intent detection only when needed, which reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining system reliability through on-demand functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11900750B2Ultra-wide band device for access control reader system
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 ASSA ABLOY AB
  • US11900750B2 patent drawing
  • US11900750B2 patent drawing
  • US11900750B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device connectable to a reader of an access control system includes an antenna, an ultra-wide band (UWB) front end circuit, a controller, and a communication link. The (UWB) front end circuit is connected to the antenna to facilitate UWB communication with a credential device. The controller is connected to the UWB front end and configured to perform ranging for the credential device using the UWB communication. The communication link is configured to interface with the reader.