Wireless Access Point Mediates Mobile Device Lock Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems for buildings, particularly those requiring variable access, face challenges in efficiently using mobile devices due to power consumption issues in battery-operated locking devices and the need for proprietary hardware.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes a server to manage and communicate with mobile devices, allowing them to transmit access credentials via wireless signals to a wireless access point, which then controls locking devices, minimizing power usage and eliminating the need for special hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mobile devices communicate directly with battery-operated locking devices via wireless signals, then access control functionality is achieved, but power consumption of the locking device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption of locking device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives wireless signals from mobile devices and generates commands for locking devices. This mediator architecture allows mobile devices to communicate with locking devices without requiring the locking devices to continuously receive and process complex wireless signals, thereby reducing their power consumption while maintaining full access control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary electronic keys are used for access control, then variable access management is achieved, but hardware complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable access managementVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables universal access control by allowing standard mobile devices with existing wireless communication capabilities to function as access keys. The system achieves variable access management through software-based credential verification on the server side, eliminating the need for proprietary hardware keys and making the system compatible with any mobile device that can communicate wirelessly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional check-in procedures with physical or electronic keys are used, then access control is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service access control system where users can independently request and receive access credentials through mobile devices without requiring staff intervention. The server automatically processes access requests, validates credentials, and manages locking devices, eliminating the need for traditional check-in procedures while maintaining secure access control and significantly improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2888855B1Systems and methods for lock access management using wireless signals

Publication Date: 2018.12.19 ONITY INC

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AI summary

A system for access management is disclosed. A server (100) can receive a request for access to a locking device (140) from a mobile device (110). The server (100) can transmit access credentials to the mobile device (110). The mobile device (110) can transmit, via wireless signal, the access credentials and a lock command for the locking device (140) to a wireless access point (130) capable of communicating with the locking device (140). The wireless access point (130) can transmit the lock command to the locking device (140).