Visible Light Access Credentials for Low-Delay Electronic Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic access control systems face challenges with time-consuming communication methods, high power consumption, and delays in transmitting access control information, particularly for transient or one-time users, which can render systems impractical and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hybrid communication approach that combines unidirectional visible light communication for authentication information with bidirectional communication for voluminous data, allowing for instantaneous and power-efficient exchange of access control information across multiple channels based on the type and urgency of the data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing wireless communication technologies are used to transmit access control information, then the system can provide access control functionality, but the transmission time becomes perceptible and reduces system utility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wireless communication protocols (mechanical/electronic signal transmission) with optical communication using visible light. The access credential is transmitted by modulating the intensity or frequency of visible light emitted from a display device, enabling instantaneous transmission that is imperceptible to users while maintaining security through human-invisible frequency modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium from radio waves to visible light waves, utilizing different physical parameters (light intensity, frequency modulation within the visible spectrum). This parameter change enables faster transmission speeds while keeping the communication imperceptible to human users, thus reducing perceived access delay.
2Reliability
If frequent information exchange is performed between devices, then access control functionality is maintained, but power sources are quickly drained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes energy-intensive wireless radio communication with optical communication using visible light, which can leverage existing display device light sources. This substitution significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable access control functionality, as the light transmission can be integrated into normal display operations without requiring dedicated high-power communication hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the display device serve dual functions: normal visual display and access credential transmission. By encoding access credentials in the visible light already emitted by the display, the system eliminates the need for separate communication hardware and reduces overall power consumption while maintaining reliable access control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If unidirectional visible light communication is used for authentication, then power consumption is reduced, but bidirectional communication is needed for voluminous data exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication into two distinct channels: unidirectional visible light communication for authentication credentials and bidirectional wireless communication for voluminous data. This segmentation allows each channel to use the most appropriate technology for its specific purpose, optimizing both power efficiency for authentication and versatility for data exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different communication qualities to different data types: high-speed, low-power unidirectional optical communication for critical authentication information, and standard bidirectional wireless communication for less time-sensitive voluminous data. This local quality differentiation optimizes overall system performance by matching communication methods to data requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances responsiveness and reduces power consumption by enabling rapid, reliable access control while conserving energy, particularly for transient users, and allows for efficient monitoring and administrative functions without compromising system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter operatively associated with the processor configured to transmit the authentication information by emitting light that modulates the access credential to the photodetector
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector operatively associated with the processor configured to receive the authentication information by detecting the light that modulates the access credential
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, systems, and devices for communication of authentication information in an access control system. The authentication information may be transmitted to an electronic locking device configured to restrict access to an entry point of the access control system. In various embodiments, a smart device comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) and a wireless networking radio for exchanging access control information with a remote server. The smart device may receive information from the remote server that configures the LED to present authentication information as an optical signal. The electronic locking device may comprise a photodetector arranged to confront a user holding the smart device so as to receive an optical signal emitted by the smart device. According to various embodiments, the electronic locking device may be configured to respond to the authentication information conveyed by the optical signal by unlocking the entry point.