Method for recording the surface of a key

Abstract

In a method for recording the surface of a key (10), the following steps are to be taken: - Playing instructional video sequences on the display (33) of a recording device (30) - Displaying positioning graphics (32, 32'', 32'''', 32'''') on the display (33) of the recording device (30) - Aligning the key (10), the reference aid object (20), the fixing aid object (40, 42), the locking cylinder (25), the recording device (30) - Recording of the surface of the key (10), the reference aid object (20), the fixing aid object (40, 42), the lock cylinder (25) is carried out by the camera (31) of the recording device (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method according to the features of the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] If you need a copy of a key, you'll need to take the original key to a locksmith. There, the original key is mechanically scanned using copy milling machines, and the scanned contour, in the form of notches or dimples, is milled into a key blank with a prefabricated profile. It's also possible to mechanically scan the key profile and mill it into a semi-finished product. The disadvantage of this process, given the current state of technology, is that you always have to take an original key to the locksmith. This takes time and pollutes the environment. Furthermore, the key can only be copied there if a blank with the appropriate profile or a profile milling machine is available.

[0003] Another method, based on the current state of the art, addresses the high demand for key copies for locking systems, for example, in rental apartments. Key copies for such locking systems can only be ordered directly from the locking system manufacturer. The manufacturer requires the presentation of a plastic order card, which they call a "security card." This plastic order card is usually held by the property management company. The disadvantage of this method is that tenants cannot purchase replacement keys for their rental apartments on the open market because they don't have the plastic order card. Replacement keys for rental apartments are therefore very expensive because the cylinder manufacturer can set the monopolized price, and the property management often adds additional fees. Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and to create a way to conveniently order replacement keys from home without having to travel to a locksmith with the original key. The present invention should also make it possible to conveniently order replacement keys for locking systems from home without having to present the plastic order card, thus enabling tenants, for example, to obtain inexpensive replacement keys without a monopoly. Solution to the task

[0005] The features of the characterising part of claim 1 lead to the solution of the problem.

[0006] In a method according to the invention, instructional video / image sequences are played on the display of a recording device, preferably a smartphone, explaining to the user how to position their original key on a reference object, for example a banknote. The instructions also show how the user can correctly fix their key using a fixing object, preferably a toilet paper roll. In the next step, a semi-transparent positioning graphic is shown on the display, superimposed on the image preview from the camera built into the recording device. The outlines of a fictitious key, reference object, and fixing object are schematically depicted on this positioning graphic. The user can now easily adjust the position and distance of their recording device until the outlines of the positioning graphic coincide with the image preview.This gives the camera the optimal position and distance from the key. The user can then manually take photos / videos, or the sensors built into the recording device can automatically trigger the image capture. The entire process is then repeated to capture the other sides of the key. The images can be captured using individual images, image series, and / or videos. In addition, additional data can be collected from the sensors typically built into smartphones. The resulting images / videos / data are then transmitted via general data transmission, e.g., over the internet, to a processing center where a 3D object of the key is created from this data. This object can then be used to create key copies. Character description

[0007] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows, in an oblique view from above, the key 10, with its key side 11 facing upwards. Visible are the key tip 14, key profile 16, key teeth 17, key dimples 18, and key profile cut 19. The reference auxiliary object 20, with imprint 21, is formed here, for example, by a banknote. The recording device 30, for example, a smartphone, contains a display 33 that shows a positioning graphic 32 with the key graphic 34 and the reference auxiliary object graphic 35. A camera 31 is arranged on the underside of the recording device 30. Fig. Figure 2 shows, in an oblique view from above, the key 10, with its key side 11' facing upwards. Visible are the key tip 14, key profile 16', key teeth 17, key dimples 18', and key profile cut 19'. The reference auxiliary object 20, with imprint 21, is formed here, for example, by a banknote. The recording device 30, for example, a smartphone, contains a display 33 that shows a positioning graphic 32' with key graphic 34' and reference auxiliary object graphic 35. A camera 31 is arranged on the underside of the recording device 30. Fig. 3 shows, in an oblique view from above, the key 10, with the key teeth 17 sitting on the key face 12. The key back 13 rests on the fixing aid 40, for example formed from a toilet paper roll, with the key head 15 inserted in the leaf gap 41. The reference aid 20 with the imprint 21 rests on the fixing aid 40. The recording device 30 has a camera 31 on its underside. A positioning graphic 32'' can be seen on the display 33. This shows a key graphic 34'', a reference aid graphic 35, and a fixing aid graphic 36. Fig. 4 shows, in an oblique view from above, the key 10 with the key tip 14 and the key profile 16. The key head 15 is completely recessed into the blade gap 41 of the fixing auxiliary object 40. The reference auxiliary object 20 bears an imprint 21. The recording device 30 with the camera 31 is shown in two further positions 30' and 30''. The positioning graphic 32''' shows the fixing auxiliary object graphic 36 and the key graphic 34'''. Fig. 5 shows, in a view obliquely from the front, a locking cylinder 25 with the cylinder profile 26. The recording device 30 with the camera 31 shows the positioning graphic 32'''' on the display 33. Fig. 6 shows the key 10 with the key head 15 and the key breast 12. The fixing auxiliary object 42 here consists, for example, of a clothespin. Example

[0008] The operation of the present invention is as follows: To order a key copy online without sending in the original key, it is necessary to take a photograph of the surface of the original key, preferably from all sides. To simplify the various steps of this process for the customer, they can install an app on their recording device, preferably a smartphone or tablet, or launch an application via their internet browser.

[0009] For the first step of the method according to the invention, an animated instruction video sequence is played on the display 33 of a recording device 30, preferably a smartphone or tablet, which shows how a reference auxiliary object 20, represented here by a banknote, and the key 10 are positioned. At the end of the instruction video sequence, as shown in Fig. 1, a semi-transparent positioning graphic 32 together with the image preview of the camera 31 is shown on the display 33. The outline of the positioning graphic 32 overlays the image preview of the camera 31. This makes it easy to change the position and distance of the recording device 30 until the outline of the reference auxiliary object 20 coincides with the reference auxiliary object graphic 35, and the key 10 coincides with the key graphic 34. The recording device 30 is now in the optimal position and the user can take one or more photos and / or videos of the key 10 together with the reference auxiliary object 20. It is also conceivable that the sensors built into the recording device 30 detect the optimal positioning and trigger the camera 31 fully automatically.These photos and videos now show the key 10, the key side 11, the key tip 14, the key head 15, the key profile 16, the key teeth 17, the key dimples 18, and the key profile cut 19 in optimal quality and size. The reference auxiliary object 20 and its imprint 21 are also shown in the images. Since the size of the generally common reference auxiliary object 20 and its imprint 21, preferably a banknote in this case, are known exactly, the images can later be easily scaled to their actual size. The key 10 shown in the images is then automatically shown in actual size. Since the key 10 is positioned in the center of the reference auxiliary object 20, it obscures parts of the imprint 21. This allows the key teeth 17 to be determined particularly precisely, because the finely rasterized imprint 21 is obscured in the images exactly where the key teeth 17 run.This makes it easy to determine the position and size of all surface features of the key.

[0010] In the second step of the method according to the invention, an animated instruction video sequence on the display 33 of the recording device 30 shows how the key is turned to its second side. Fig. Figure 2 shows the semi-transparent positioning graphic 32' with the reference auxiliary object graphic 35 and the key graphic 34', which now shows a key outline from the other side. The image preview on the display also shows the key 10 and the reference auxiliary object 20. This makes it easy to align the key 10 with the key graphic 34', and the reference auxiliary object 20 with the reference auxiliary object graphic 35, and to position the recording device 30 in the ideal manner. The subsequently recorded photos / videos now show the following features of the key 10: the key side 11', the key tip 14, the key profile 16', the key teeth 17, the key dimples 18', and the key profile cut 19'.In addition, the reference auxiliary object 20 with the imprint 21 can be seen on the images, whereby the imprint 21, due to the covering of the key 10 lying on it, provides precise information about the contour of the key 10.

[0011] In the next step of the method according to the invention, an instruction video sequence is again played on the display 33 of the recording device 30. Here, as in Fig. 3, the following handling instructions can be seen: A fixing aid 40 is used to position the key 10 in a stable manner so that the key face 12 points upwards. In the preferred application example, a roll of toilet paper or kitchen paper is used as the fixing aid 40. However, other objects that are used in a normal household are also conceivable and make it possible to fix the key 10 in such a way that it stands on its edge and does not fall over. The paper layers of the fixing aid 40 are pressed apart with the fingers or with the aid of the key 10 so that a gap 41 is created. The key 10 can now be inserted with its key head 15 into this gap 41 so that the key spine 13 rests on the surface of the fixing aid 40.The sheets of the paper roll automatically want to return to their original position, thereby exerting lateral pressure on the key 10, which fixes the key 10 in the correct position. The reference auxiliary object 20 with its imprint 21 is placed on the fixation auxiliary object 40 next to the key 10. The recording device 30 with the camera 31 underneath can now be positioned until the outline of the fixation auxiliary object 40 coincides with the fixation auxiliary object graphic 36 on the display 33. The key graphic 34" shows the preferred position of the key 10, and the reference auxiliary object graphic 35 shows the preferred position of the reference auxiliary object 20. Once all objects are optimally positioned, the camera 31 takes photos / videos of this scene. By reducing / enlarging the positioning graphic 32" the user is guided to place the recording device 30 closer or further away from the key 10.Further photos / videos from these positions make it possible to better identify and evaluate the key teeth 17 in the key breast 12 and other surface structures of the key 10.

[0012] Fig. 4 shows the next step of the method according to the invention. First, the correct positioning of the key 10 is explained in an instructional video on the display 33. The key head 15 is inserted into the blade gap 41 of the fixing aid 40 until only the key tip 14 protrudes vertically from the fixing aid 40. The reference aid 20 with the imprint 21 lies next to the key 10. The positioning graphic 32''', formed from the fixing aid graphic 36, the key graphic 34''', and the reference aid graphic 35, once again shows how to position the key 10, the reference aid 20, the fixing aid 40, and the recording device 30. The photos / videos recorded by the camera 31 provide information about the key profile 16 and the key tip 14 of the key 10. As an example, the recording device 30 is shown in two other positions and angles, designated 30' and 30''.The various recording perspectives of camera 31 result in photo series and videos suitable for capturing the key profile 16 at a precise right angle and / or generating a 3D model of the surface structure of the key 10. The individual recordings are triggered programmatically by the recording device 30 as soon as the position sensors installed in the recording device 30 have detected the desired position.

[0013] Fig. Figure 5 shows the locking cylinder 25 matching the key 10, installed in a door, with the cylinder profile 26. The recording device 30 with the camera 31 is positioned vertically in front of it so that the positioning graphic 32"" exactly aligns with the locking cylinder 25. Position sensors in the recording device 30 determine the position and trigger photos or videos when the recording device 30 is in a precisely vertical position. From these images, the cylinder profile 26 can be determined, which in turn provides information about the key profile 16 of the key 10.

[0014] Fig. Figure 6 shows another inventive option for securing the key 10, standing vertically on its edge. A standard clothespin serves as the securing aid 42.

[0015] In the method according to the invention, software, either internally in the recording device 30 or externally via a computer connected via the Internet, can calculate on the basis of the recorded photos / videos whether further recordings of the key 10 are necessary, or can terminate the process prematurely as soon as sufficient surface data about the key 10 is available.

[0016] At the end, all captured images of key 10 are sent to a production center, which can generate a 3D model of key 10 from these images in order to produce key copies. List of reference symbols 10 keys 11, 11' key side 12 key chest 13 key backs 14 Key tip 15 key head 16, 16' key profile 17 key prongs 18, 18' key dimples 19, 19' key profile cut 20 Reference auxiliary object 21 print 25 locking cylinders 26 cylinder profile 30, 30', 30'' recording device 31 Camera 32, 32', 32'', 32''',32'''' Positioning graphic 33 Display 34, 34', 34'', 34''' Key graphic 35 Reference auxiliary object graphics 36 Fixation auxiliary object graphics 40 Fixation aid object 41 leaf gap 42 Fixation aid object

Claims

[1] Method for recording the surface of a key (10), characterized by the steps: - Playing instructional video / image sequences on the display (33) of a recording device (30) - Display of positioning graphics (32, 32'', 32''`, 32'''') on the display (33) of the recording device (30) - Aligning the key (10), the reference auxiliary object (20), the fixing auxiliary object (40, 42), the locking cylinder (25), the recording device (30) - Recording the surface of the key (10), the reference auxiliary object (20), the fixing auxiliary object (40, 42), the locking cylinder (25) by the camera (31) of the recording device (30). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that a smartphone, tablet or a comparable electronic device is used as the recording device (30). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fixing aid object (40) is formed by a toilet paper roll, kitchen paper roll, clothespin, or other common household objects which make it possible to fix the key in the correct position, upright. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the reference auxiliary object (20) consists of a banknote, a credit card, a coin, an identity document, or comparable everyday objects with a fixed size and a fixed print. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the key (10) is positioned on the reference auxiliary object (20) in such a way that parts of the print (21) are covered by the key (10). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the key (10) is recorded together with the reference auxiliary object (20) by the camera (31). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the positioning graphics (32, 32'', 32''', 32'''') and / or the image preview of the camera (31) are shown on the display (33). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that on the display (33) the positioning graphics (32, 32'', 32''', 32'''') overlay the image preview of the camera (31). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the instruction video / image sequences shown on the display (33) of the recording device (30) are suitable for showing the user how to position the key (10), the reference auxiliary object (20), the fixing auxiliary object (40, 42) in the correct position. [10] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the photo / video recordings are triggered manually by the user, or automatically by software on the recording device (30) as soon as the photo sensors and / or position sensors installed in the recording device (30) have detected the optimal position of the camera (31). [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the key (10), the reference auxiliary object (20), the fixing auxiliary object (40) and the recording device (30) are positioned in different arrangements to enable the camera (31) to image the different surfaces of the key (10), including the key side (11, 11'), key face (12), key back (13), key tip (14), key head (15), key profile (16, 16'), key teeth (17), key drilling recesses (18, 18'), profile cut (19, 19'), without disturbing coverage. [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cylinder profile (26) of the locking cylinder (25) is recorded by means of the camera (31) of the recording device (30). [13] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the recorded photos, videos, sensor data are transmitted to a production site in order to produce key copies of the key (10). [14] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that software in the recording device (30) or a connected computer monitors / evaluates the recordings from the camera (31).

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