Electronic-Lock Product Displays With Mobile Digital Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail theft deterrent systems are either inconvenient for customers or require costly internet-connected devices, and they fail to effectively identify thieves without internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A system using electronic locks that can be unlocked with digital keys, dispensed via a QR code or NFC, requiring customer verification through a mobile device to ensure legitimate access without internet-dependent infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical locks and keys are used to secure merchandise, then theft deterrence is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lock-and-key system with an electronic locking mechanism that communicates with a mobile device. The electronic lock receives unlock commands via wireless transmission (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth) from a customer's smartphone, eliminating the need for physical keys and complex key management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies of access credentials stored in mobile devices instead of physical keys. The electronic lock system stores encrypted access codes that can be dynamically generated and transmitted to customers' phones, allowing multiple copies to exist simultaneously without the risks associated with physical key duplication.
2Ease of operation
If digitally controlled distribution systems with IOT devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the internet connectivity requirement from the locking system itself and places it in the customer's mobile device. The electronic lock can operate standalone without internet access, using locally stored access codes transmitted via short-range wireless communication. This removes the complex internet infrastructure from the retail environment while maintaining ease of customer access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customers to independently access locked merchandise through their own mobile devices without requiring store associate assistance. The electronic lock automatically receives unlock commands from authenticated mobile devices, eliminating the need for manual key distribution or associate intervention in the access process.
3Reliability
If everything is secured in theft prevention devices, then theft deterrence is improved, but ease of operation for legitimate customers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic access system where the locked state of merchandise can be dynamically changed from locked to unlocked based on real-time authentication requests from mobile devices. This allows the system to maintain security when no one needs access while enabling quick, convenient access when legitimate customers need to view or purchase items.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure product display system and associated method can include a display secured with a lock, a dispenser including a digital key request code and an input configured to accept entry of a digital key, and an access cloud configured to transmit the digital key to a user device when the digital key is requested using the digital key request code, wherein the lock is unlocked when the digital key, entered with the input, is authentic.