Wireless Access Control via Trusted Tag Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physical access control systems have high installation costs due to the need for dedicated wiring and communication infrastructure, making them costly and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A proximity-based access control system that uses a trusted tag server with a processor, communication interface, and memory to receive and analyze tag information from mobile devices, determining unique interactions and transmitting door information to an access control server to enable secure access decisions without the need for traditional access control readers or extensive wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional access control readers and dedicated wiring are used, then reliable access control is achieved, but installation cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring-based access control system with a wireless communication system. Mobile devices communicate with tags via wireless signals (Bluetooth, NFC, or other proximity-based protocols), eliminating the need for physical wiring between readers and central servers. This substitution maintains access control functionality while dramatically reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediary components between users and the access control system. Instead of direct wired connections between readers and servers, the system uses mobile devices to carry authentication credentials and communicate wirelessly with tags, serving as a flexible mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If dedicated wiring is installed for access control devices, then communication reliability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical wiring infrastructure with wireless communication protocols. Mobile devices and tags exchange authentication data through wireless signals, eliminating the need to install cables through buildings. This approach maintains communication reliability through protocol-level error handling and retransmission mechanisms while dramatically improving installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal wireless communication capabilities already present in modern mobile devices. Instead of requiring specialized wired readers at each access point, the system uses the ubiquitous wireless interfaces (Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC) that users already possess, making the system easier to deploy without extensive infrastructure changes.
3Reliability
If wired access control readers are deployed, then authentication security is maintained, but cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces resource-intensive wired reader hardware with software-based authentication on mobile devices. The authentication credentials are stored and processed in the mobile device's existing security enclave, eliminating the need for dedicated reader hardware at each access point. This substitution maintains security through cryptographic protocols while reducing overall resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies of authentication credentials stored on mobile devices instead of physical access cards or keys. These digital credentials can be replicated and managed remotely through software, eliminating the need for physical security infrastructure while maintaining authentication security through cryptographic verification.
Data Source
AI summary
An access control system and method are described. In an example, an access control system includes a tag that interacts with a mobile device and communicates door information to the mobile device. The mobile device provides at least some of the information obtained from the tag to a trusted tag server that is configured to analyze whether or not the information was obtained from a valid and trustable tag. The trusted tag server may then forward along the door information to an access control server for analysis in connection with making an access control decision for the mobile device or a holder thereof. Results of the access control decision can be communicated to a mechanism that actuates and controls a protected asset that is within a predetermined proximity of the tag, thereby enabling access control without a dedicated access control reader deployed on or near the protected asset.