Virtual Access Codes for Secure Facility Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access control systems face challenges with lost or forgotten ID cards/key fobs, leading to unauthorized access and manual system resets, particularly when employees leave or are temporarily granted access, necessitating a more efficient method for secure facility access.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a mobile device to communicate with servers and reader devices, generating and transmitting readable access codes for physical access to facilities, ensuring secure and authorized entry through virtual identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ID cards or key fobs are used for access control, then physical access can be granted to employees, but the risk of unauthorized access increases when devices are lost, forgotten, or not returned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical ID cards and key fobs with virtual copies stored on mobile devices. The access control system creates digital replicas of authentication credentials that can be dynamically managed, revoked, and updated without physical replacement, eliminating the security risks associated with physical device loss or theft
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static physical access devices to dynamic virtual credentials that can be remotely updated, suspended, or revoked by administrators. The mobile device stores multiple access codes that can be dynamically assigned and revoked based on employee status, providing flexible and responsive access control
2Ease of operation
If physical access devices are distributed to employees, then access control is enabled, but manual system resets are required when devices are lost, forgotten, or not returned
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated credential management where the mobile device automatically stores and manages access codes without requiring manual distribution or collection of physical devices. When an employee leaves or access needs to be revoked, the system automatically updates or suspends credentials remotely, eliminating the need for manual system resets
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where the access control server continuously monitors device status and automatically updates credentials based on employee status changes. This eliminates the need for manual intervention by providing real-time synchronization between HR systems and access control systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single access device is used for multiple access control points, then device portability is improved, but compatibility issues arise with different reader device types
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is designed to function as a universal access controller by storing multiple format-compatible access codes (RFID, NFC, magnetic stripe, barcode). The system automatically selects and presents the appropriate code format based on the reader device type, enabling a single device to access multiple different access control systems without requiring separate physical cards for each system
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described for providing a user physical access to a facility. The system permits access to the facility via the user's mobile device, having a first radio-frequency communication device, by communicating with a reader device at the facility, the reader device having a second radio-frequency communication device. The system receives identifying information and a request to grant access to the facility from the mobile device. After an approval of the request, the system creates a plurality of readable access codes for a web-based browser or dedicated application on the mobile device. The user may then use the first radio-frequency communication device to communicate at least one of the plurality of readable access codes to the reader device. Upon successful communication, the system grants the user physical access to the facility at an access control point.