Lock Controller Dual Positioning Intent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock control systems using RFID and UHF technologies face challenges in accurately determining user intent and preventing unintended unlocking of multiple locks in close proximity, leading to energy inefficiency and potential security issues.
Innovation Solution
An access control system that employs a dual positioning procedure to accurately determine the intent of a user by using a first positioning method to activate the lock controller only when the portable key device is within the active space, followed by a more accurate second positioning procedure to confirm intent, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RFID is used for lock control, then wireless interface is provided, but relatively large antenna is required and large amount of energy is used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from traditional RFID to UHF band, and implements a sleep/communication state transition mechanism. The lock controller enters a low-power sleep state most of the time and only transitions to communication state when activated by a portable key device, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining wireless functionality.
2Speed
If UHF is used for lock control, then longer range is achieved, but it is difficult to determine intent and unintended unlocking of multiple locks may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized active space around each lock controller where only locks within this specific geographic area can be activated. This spatial differentiation allows UHF's long range to be utilized while preventing unintended activation of distant locks, as each lock controller only responds to portable key devices within its designated active space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the portable key device's position and the lock controller's state to determine whether to unlock. The lock controller receives activation signals, determines if the portable key device is within its active space, and only then proceeds with unlocking, providing a feedback mechanism that ensures intent determination accuracy.
3Speed
If lock controller remains active to receive signals, then responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock controller operates in periodic cycles, alternating between sleep state and communication state. During sleep state, it consumes minimal energy; during communication state, it is fully responsive to activation signals. This periodic operation maintains system responsiveness while dramatically reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is presented a method for controlling a lock configured to control access to a restricted physical space, the method being performed in a lock controller. There is a respective active space associated with each lock. The method comprises the steps of: receiving an activation signal from an activation device, the activation signal being based on the portable key device being located within the active space associated with the lock; obtaining an indication that the portable key device is granted access to the lock; determining a second indication of position of the portable key device using a second positioning procedure, wherein the second positioning procedure is more accurate than the first positioning procedure; determining intent to open based on the second indication of position; and transmitting an unlock signal to the lock associated with the lock controller.