Wireless Access Control System Cloud Credential Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current access control systems require wired networking infrastructure and do not offer multiple access methods, limiting their efficiency and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A wireless access control system that uses RFID cards and mobile devices, allowing users to access control points via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular connections, with a cloud-based server managing credentials and eliminating the need for wired connections between readers and controllers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional wired access control system is used, then the system provides reliable access control, but the infrastructure cost and device complexity increase due to required wiring between readers and controllers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control reliabilityVSAvoidwired networking infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. Access control readers communicate with the cloud server via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular connections, eliminating the need for physical wiring between readers and controllers. This substitution maintains access control functionality while removing the mechanical infrastructure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cloud server as an intermediary between access control readers and the central management system. The cloud server receives authentication requests from readers wirelessly, processes credentials, and returns authorization decisions. This intermediary enables wireless communication while maintaining system reliability through centralized security management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a wired access control system is deployed, then the system provides stable access control, but the installation cost and time increase due to networking infrastructure requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wiring installation with wireless communication setup. Readers connect to the cloud server through existing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks, eliminating the need for trenching, cable installation, and physical connectivity configuration. This dramatically reduces installation time and cost while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If RFID key cards are used for access control, then the system provides simple user authentication, but the system requires storing large numbers of card credentials locally at each reader

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication simplicityVSAvoidstored credential data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the credential storage function from local readers and relocates it to the cloud server. Readers only store minimal local credentials for offline operation, while the cloud server maintains the comprehensive database of all user credentials. This extraction reduces the quantity of data stored at each reader while maintaining authentication simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions credential storage from a distributed local model (each reader stores all credentials) to a centralized cloud model (server stores all credentials). This dimensional shift in data architecture reduces local storage requirements while maintaining fast authentication through cloud-based verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If mobile device access control is implemented, then the system provides multiple access methods, but the system requires cloud-based authentication and Bluetooth key transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess method diversityVSAvoidcloud authentication system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal access control system that supports multiple authentication methods (RFID cards, mobile devices with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections) through a single cloud-based platform. The cloud server handles all authentication types uniformly, enabling versatile access methods without requiring separate systems for each method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11546774B2Methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for controlling access to an access control location

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 DU JAMES ZHENG

AI summary

A method for controlling access to a restricted resource is provided. The method may include receiving, by a cloud server, an identifier from a user device over a long range wireless channel. Further, the method may include comparing the identifier with a plurality of identifiers registered with an access control device. Further, the method may include authenticating the user device based on the comparing and subsequently transmitting a code to the user device upon successful authenticating. Thereafter, the user device may transmit the code to the access control device over a short range wireless channel. Further, the access control device may be configured to provide access to the restricted resource based on receiving of the code. Further, the method may include transmitting the code to the access control device over a long range wireless channel so that the access control device may authenticate the user device.