Multi-functional Wireless Access Device with UWB and NFC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control and ticket validation systems are cumbersome, requiring multiple devices or cards, are prone to wear and tear, and have compatibility and security issues, with high power consumption and costs, limiting user convenience and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional wireless communication device with a robust housing, equipped with Bluetooth, NFC, RF, and UWB communication modules, a secure element, haptic and visualization elements, and a mobile application for secure and efficient access control and ticket validation, operating both online and offline.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If smartphone with NFC capabilities is used for access control and ticket validation, then multiple access functions are consolidated into a single device, but power consumption increases and battery life is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsolidation of access functionsVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential access control and ticket validation functions from the smartphone, creating a dedicated standalone device. This removes the need for power-hungry components like large screens, cameras, and mobile communication modules while retaining NFC and other wireless communication capabilities for access functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a minimalist hardware architecture with lower power consumption components, accepting that the device will have a limited operational lifespan on a single charge. This approach prioritizes power efficiency and cost-effectiveness over extended battery life, using simple visualization elements like LEDs instead of power-intensive displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If smartphone with multiple components is used for access control, then various functions are integrated, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality integrationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential components needed for access control and ticket validation functions, removing unnecessary smartphone features. This results in a simplified device architecture with fewer moving parts and lower complexity while maintaining core functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal access device that can perform multiple functions (ticket validation, access control, parking) through a single NFC interface and communication module, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional physical interaction methods are used, then system infrastructure is simple, but user convenience decreases and wear and tear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddevice durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical interaction methods (swiping cards, inserting coins, physical key insertion) with contactless wireless communication technologies including NFC, Bluetooth, and RFID. This eliminates physical wear and tear on both user devices and system infrastructure while significantly improving user convenience through touchless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices or cards are used for different access services, then service coverage is comprehensive, but user convenience and accessibility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple access control and ticket validation functions into a single standalone device. Users can store multiple digital tickets, access cards, and payment methods in one device, eliminating the need to carry multiple physical cards or devices and significantly improving convenience and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal access device capable of performing various functions (public transportation, parking, building access, garage door control) through a single interface, making the system adaptable to different services while simplifying user interaction to a single device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4459577A1System and multi-functional wireless communication device for access control and ticket validation
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 MARGENTO R&D D O O
  • EP4459577A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4459577A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4459577A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system and a multi-functional wireless communication device for access control and ticket validation, providing a seamless and secure user experience. The robust device combines multiple functionalities, such as public transportation ticket validation, parking payment execution, raising the parking ramp, and garage door opening, into a single, compact form factor. Equipped with communication modules such as Bluetooth, NFC, RF, and UWB, the device communicates with external terminals and a backend system for real time validation and access control operations. The system supports online and offline modes, ensuring reliability and consistency even without internet connectivity. A mobile application on a smart mobile device allows users to manage the device's settings and balance. Additional features, such as motion and orientation detection, usage history tracking, and waterproof housing, further enhance the system's functionality, security, and usability and the multi-functional wireless communication device.