Key Bitting Code Recognition Using Backlit Non-Contact Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing key tooth profile code recognition technologies rely on mechanical methods, leading to low recognition efficiency and potential key loss.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a back light source and/or side light sources to capture key images without mechanical contact, enabling efficient and accurate recognition through image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mechanical equipment is used to contact and measure key tooth profile parameters, then measurement can be obtained, but recognition efficiency is low and key loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey tooth profile parametersVSAvoidrecognition efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using mechanical equipment to contact and measure key tooth profile parameters, the invention uses image collection devices (cameras) with light sources to capture images of the key, and then uses image processing algorithms to extract the tooth profile parameters from the images. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact, improving both efficiency and preventing key wear/loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the key tooth profile instead of physically measuring it. The image collection device captures a visual representation of the key, and processing devices analyze this copy to determine tooth profile parameters. This copying approach allows multiple measurements without physical contact, thereby improving recognition efficiency and preventing key loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If mechanical equipment is used to contact the key tooth profile area, then parameters can be measured, but the key is prone to loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey tooth profile parametersVSAvoidkey retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement with non-contact optical imaging. The image collection device captures images of the key using light, and processing devices extract parameters from these images. This eliminates the need for mechanical contact, thereby preventing key wear and loss while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the measurement system and the key. Instead of mechanical probes directly contacting the key, light serves as the medium to carry information about the key's tooth profile from the key to the image sensor. This intermediary approach enables parameter extraction without physical contact, improving key retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If image collection device is used to capture key images, then recognition efficiency improves, but lighting conditions must be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition efficiencyVSAvoidlighting system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the lighting system with multiple light sources that can serve different functions: some light sources illuminate the front surface of the key, while others illuminate the rear surface. This multi-functional lighting system can adapt to different key types and measurement requirements, optimizing image quality for various scenarios while maintaining a unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds the dimension of rear-side illumination to the lighting system. By placing light sources on both the front and rear sides of the key, the system captures images from multiple perspectives and depth planes. This multi-dimensional lighting approach improves image quality and parameter extraction accuracy without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves recognition efficiency and accuracy while preventing key wear, requiring simple manual operations without professional skills.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a back light source and/or side light sources to capture key images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4092569B1Method and apparatus for recognizing bitting code of key, and storage medium and image collection device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SHENZHEN SHUMA ELECTRONICS TECH
  • EP4092569B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4092569B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4092569B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for recognizing a bitting code of a key. The method comprises: using a back light source and/or a lateral light source to collect an image of a key to be recognized; and recognizing, on the basis of the image, a bitting code of the key to be recognized. Further disclosed are an apparatus for recognizing a bitting code of a key, and a storage medium and an image collection device. The present disclosure can improve the efficiency of recognizing a bitting code of a key and reduce the wear of the key during a recognition process.