Cloud-Based Locking System for Common Access Entry Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional common access entry point locking systems are outdated, costly, and difficult to maintain, often requiring specialized resources and providing an undesirable user experience due to their reliance on hard-wired systems and outdated communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based common access entry point locking system that utilizes a network-connected server with programmable instructions, including a configuration database, host configuration manager, guest request manager, location manager, security manager, and communication manager, allowing for mobile device integration to control locking devices via proximity and communication protocols like Bluetooth, iBeacon, and NFC, enabling user-friendly and efficient access management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cloud-based system with mobile device integration is implemented, then user-friendliness and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity and initial installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based server as an intermediary between mobile devices and locking devices. The server hosts a web portal that mediates access requests, allowing users to interact with the system through familiar web browsers on their mobile devices without requiring complex local infrastructure at each access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based access systems and hard-wired intercom systems with electronic mobile device-based authentication. Users authenticate through mobile applications or web portals, and access is granted electronically via the cloud server, eliminating the need for physical keys and complex wiring infrastructure.
2Productivity
If cloud-based proximity detection and automatic unlocking is implemented, then access efficiency is improved, but system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting mobile device proximity through location services before the user actually attempts to access the entry point. The cloud server continuously monitors device locations and prepares unlock commands in advance, so that when the user approaches, access is granted automatically without requiring manual interaction at the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the cloud server continuously receives location data from mobile devices, processes this information against access control rules, and automatically sends unlock commands back to the locking devices when appropriate conditions are met. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic unlocking based on proximity detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud-based locking system and method, comprising a network-connected server comprising at least a memory and a processor and further comprising programmable instructions stored in the memory and operating on the processor, the instructions adapted to a system for locking and unlocking a common access entry point comprising, at least, a lock control interface, a relay, and a communication manager, is disclosed. The lock control interface is operably connected to a relay wherein the relay is electrically connected to a locking system of a common access entry point and able to lock and unlock a locking device thereon. The communication manager is configured to receive a request to lock or unlock the locking device from a network wherein the communication manager is operably connected to the lock control interface to issue commands to the lock control interface based on the request.