Zone-Based Validation Using Beacon Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional access control systems are inconvenient, costly, and susceptible to human error and hacking, as they require physical card keys or personnel for validation, and lack optimal security, especially in non-gated environments like mass transit systems.

Innovation Solution

A secure short-distance-based communication and validation system using low-powered beacons, mobile devices, and zone computers for proximity detection and validation, enabling secure communication and fare payment without physical card key interaction, with unique identifiers and encryption for secure message exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If physical card keys and readers are used for access control, then access validation can be automated, but users must carry additional devices and physically present them to the reader, which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess validation automationVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to validate their presence automatically by simply entering the area. The mobile device detects the user's presence and automatically communicates with the zone computer to validate access, eliminating the need for users to manually present card keys or interact with readers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical card key insertion system with a wireless communication system using mobile devices and beacons. The physical interaction of inserting card keys into readers is substituted with automatic wireless detection and validation through mobile device sensors and communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If personnel such as security guards or train conductors are used for access control and validation, then human monitoring can be performed, but it is costly and susceptible to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidation accuracyVSAvoidpersonnel requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic validation without human intervention. Mobile devices self-validate by communicating with zone computers, and the system automatically determines access authorization based on pre-configured rules, eliminating the need for human validators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated validation system as an intermediary between users and access control. The zone computer and mobile device communication system serve as intermediaries that automatically validate access based on stored rules, replacing human validators with an automated intermediary system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional access control systems with stored security codes are used, then validation can be performed, but the system is highly susceptible to hacking and creates security vulnerabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidation capabilityVSAvoidsystem security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the security codes from the readers and stores them only on the mobile devices. This eliminates the vulnerability of having codes stored in centralized readers that can be hacked, by removing the security data from potential attack targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from storing security codes in a single location (readers) to distributing them across multiple mobile devices. This dimensional change from centralized to distributed storage enhances security by eliminating single points of failure and making the system more resilient to hacking attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If low-powered beacons and short-distance communication are used for validation, then security is enhanced and cross-talk is minimized, but the validation range is limited to short distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalidation securityVSAvoidvalidation range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local validation zones using beacons that operate in specific geographic areas. Each beacon validates users only within its local zone, providing high security through short-distance communication while maintaining appropriate validation range for each specific location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10074222B2Secure short-distance-based communication and validation system for zone-based validation

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES LTD

AI summary

A secure short-distance-based communication and validation system validates users in a validation area. The system may include multiple zones in the validation area and beacons in each zone. A run-time mobile device identifier and keys that may be location-specific, device-specific and time-specific are generated and utilized for secure communication between mobile devices and a zone computer in a zone. The validation area may be in a vehicle, and validation may include deducting a fare.