Temporary Guest Code for Home Automation Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation and security systems lack a method for guests to easily set up preferred settings before arrival and have secure, automated access to home automation and security systems in vacation rentals, with existing solutions requiring manual intervention and posing security risks.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows guests to receive a temporary guest code for automated access to home automation and security systems, enabling them to set preferences such as thermostat, Wi-Fi, security, and lighting settings, with automatic revocation upon departure, and optional extension requests through a dedicated application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a homeowner provides a physical key to a guest, then the guest can access the home, but security risks increase if the guest loses or fails to return the key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical keys with digital access codes that can be generated and distributed electronically. The system creates virtual copies of access authority without physical duplication risks, allowing guests to access the home through coded entry systems while maintaining security through centralized code management and tracking capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a homeowner provides an access code to a guest, then the guest can access the home, but security risks increase if the guest retains or distributes the code
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements monitoring and tracking capabilities that provide feedback on code usage and guest access patterns. This allows homeowners to detect unauthorized distribution or retention of codes and take corrective action, while still maintaining convenient access for authorized guests throughout their stay.
Solution Approach 2:
The access codes are made dynamic rather than static - they can be automatically generated, updated, and revoked based on guest stay duration. The system transitions from permanent physical keys to time-limited digital codes that automatically expire or can be remotely deactivated, reducing security risks while maintaining convenience.
3Ease of operation
If a home security system allows creation of guest access codes, then guest access is enabled, but manual activation and deactivation by the homeowner is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where guest access codes are automatically generated and distributed based on reservation data. The system autonomously manages code creation, activation timing, and expiration based on guest stay duration, eliminating the need for manual homeowner intervention while maintaining security and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
Access codes are generated and activated in advance based on pre-scheduled reservation information. The system performs preliminary actions of code creation and guest notification before the guest arrives, and automatically handles deactivation upon departure, saving homeowner time and effort.
4Ease of operation
If guest access codes are provided, then access to the home is enabled, but access to home automation and security system components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The digital access code system is designed to provide universal access not only to the home entrance but also to integrated home automation and security system components. A single authentication mechanism grants guests comprehensive control over lighting, temperature, entertainment, and other smart home features, enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for security and/or automation systems. In some embodiments, the method may include retrieving a predefined list of user preferences associated with a guest. The method may further include updating a status of one or more devices associated with the security and/or automation systems at a home based at least in part on the predefined list of user preferences, and determining a change in the status of the one or more devices associated with the security and/or automation systems at the home. The method may further include updating the predefined list of user preferences based at least in part on the determined change. The method may further include communicating, to the guest, a request for a feedback associated with the determined change.