Virtual Intercom Access Control for Privacy-Safe Visitor Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional intercom systems are expensive, require difficult installation, and compromise occupant privacy by revealing personal information to visitors.
Innovation Solution
A virtual intercom system using a mobile app, computer program, or website facilitates secure communication between occupants and visitors, limiting information disclosure and requiring visitors to be within a predetermined boundary before contact is allowed, with options for occupants to choose communication methods and grant access remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional intercom system is installed, then communication between occupants and visitors is enabled, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical intercom system with a software-based virtual intercom application running on mobile devices. The communication functionality is achieved through networked software rather than physical hardware installation, eliminating the need for complex wiring and device mounting while maintaining two-way communication capabilities between occupants and visitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual intercom system leverages existing multi-functional mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) that occupants and visitors already possess. These devices serve multiple purposes including communication, identification, and access control, eliminating the need for dedicated intercom hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional intercom system is installed, then communication between occupants and visitors is enabled, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive, widely-available mobile devices that occupants and visitors already own rather than requiring expensive dedicated intercom hardware. The software application can be distributed at low cost through digital download, eliminating manufacturing and installation expenses associated with physical intercom systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing physical intercom hardware with software running on existing devices, the system eliminates costs related to manufacturing, installing, and maintaining dedicated intercom equipment while achieving the same communication functionality through network-based solutions.
3Productivity
If visitor information is fully disclosed to occupants, then communication efficiency is improved, but occupant privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective information disclosure where different levels of visitor information are provided to different users based on their needs and authorization. Visitors can see occupant information necessary for delivery or communication purposes, while occupants receive only the information needed to verify visitor identity, maintaining privacy while enabling efficient communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual intercom application serves as an intermediary that mediates information exchange between visitors and occupants. It selectively reveals information to each party based on privacy settings and communication needs, allowing efficient identification and communication while protecting sensitive occupant data from unnecessary exposure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for a virtual intercom. In some implementations, a request from a visitor device to communicate with an occupant of a particular unit of the facility is received. A location of the visitor device is received. Based on the received location, it is determined that the visitor device is within a predetermined bounded area. An occupant profile is identified based on the received request. Information associated with the occupant profile is obtained. Based on the obtained information, it is determined the occupant has registered a profile. Based on the obtained information, a communication path to an occupant device is identified. The request from the visitor device is sent, using the communication path, to an occupant device belonging to the occupant. A response from the occupant device is received. Based on the response, an action is performed.