Key Identification Scanner Using Shadow Detection and Photodetector Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic key identification systems are expensive and complex to manufacture, making them unfeasible for mass market adoption, as they require advanced camera imaging and electronic components, and users often struggle to identify keys due to their similar appearances and the likelihood of carrying orphan keys.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost key identification system using a simple scanner with an internally illuminated plate and a matrix of photodetectors to generate a unique electronic signal indicative of the key's shadow, compared to stored signals in a memory to determine the key's purpose, with a processor and display for accurate identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex camera imaging and electronic components are used for key identification, then identification accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for key identification - capturing the shadow pattern of the key - rather than using full camera imaging systems. By removing unnecessary complex components and keeping only the critical shadow-detection capability, the system achieves accurate key identification at low cost and simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If complex camera imaging and electronic components are used for key identification, then identification accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive photodetector arrays and simple lighting components instead of expensive camera systems. These low-cost components are sufficient to capture key shadow patterns accurately, enabling mass production at affordable price points while maintaining identification precision.
3Device complexity
If users manually identify keys by sight, then no additional equipment is needed, but time is lost and errors occur due to similar-looking keys
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic key identification by having the key itself provide the identification information through its shadow pattern. The photodetectors capture the unique shadow profile of each key, and the system automatically matches it against stored patterns, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and reducing identification time.
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
The system provides an affordable, accurate method for identifying keys by generating a digital signal from the key's shape, allowing users to easily determine the purpose of a key, thereby reducing the need for trial-and-error and minimizing waste of orphan keys.
Implementation Method 1
Within the scanner, a plate is internally illuminated by at least one LED
Implementation Method 2
The matrix of photodetectors generates an electronic signal that is indicative of light from the plate that passes across the key in the slot
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying a key to a lock. The system uses a simple scanner. Within the scanner, a plate is illuminated by at least one LED. Opposite the plate is positioned a matrix of photodetectors. The plate and the matrix of photodetectors are separated by a slot that is sized to receive the key. The matrix of photodetectors generates an electronic signal that is indicative of light from the plate that passes across the key in the slot. A memory is provided that stores known key signals. A processor is provided that compares the newly generated electronic signal to the known key signals in the memory to find a match. A display is provided for displaying information about which the key signals from memory is a match. In this manner, a person can identify the key.