Lock Controller Hub for Integrated Access and Smart Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current property management systems (PMS) do not integrate keycard-based access with home automation systems, requiring hotel upgrades to replace all door locks for smartphone-based access solutions, and lack control over smart devices within properties.
Innovation Solution
An integrated lock management and smart device control system that uses a lock management system (LMS) with a database and mobile app to generate credentials for both lock access and smart device control, allowing guests to manage access and automation through a single interface, including token encoding and credential management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-keycard-based PMS with smartphone app access is implemented, then home automation control is enabled, but all keycard-based door locks must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines keycard-based access control with smartphone app control and home automation into a single integrated system. The lock controller receives commands from both physical keycards and smartphone apps, eliminating the need to choose between legacy keycard systems and new smartphone-based systems. This merging allows hotels to maintain existing lock infrastructure while adding smart home capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock controller is designed as a universal device that can accept multiple types of access commands - both traditional keycard signals and smartphone app commands. This multi-functional approach allows a single lock system to serve both legacy guests who prefer physical cards and tech-savvy guests who want smartphone control and home automation features.
2Ease of operation
If keycard-based door locks are replaced with smartphone-based access, then access control is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hub device as an intermediary between the existing keycard lock system and the new smartphone app ecosystem. This hub acts as a translator that receives commands from both keycards and smartphones, allowing the hotel to keep existing locks while adding smartphone control capability without replacing the entire access control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular components - a central server that manages both keycard and smartphone access, a hub device that handles local command translation, and the existing lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the hotel to implement smartphone functionality without replacing the proven keycard lock hardware, reducing installation costs.
3Reliability
If physical keycards are used for access, then security is maintained, but home automation control is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges physical keycard access with smartphone-based home automation control into a unified system. The lock controller is configured to accept both keycard signals for traditional access and smartphone commands for both access control and smart home device control, allowing guests to enjoy both security reliability and automation versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock controller serves as a universal interface that handles multiple functions - it processes keycard commands for secure access, receives smartphone app commands for access control, and forwards commands to control smart home devices. This multi-functionality allows a single physical lock to provide both traditional security and modern automation capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If a single credential system is used for both lock access and smart device control, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of the single credential system. It receives a single credential from the smartphone app, validates it against both the keycard database and smart home system requirements, and then distributes appropriate commands to the lock and smart devices. This intermediary handles the system integration complexity automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to handle the complexity of integrating multiple access methods and device controls automatically. The server and hub devices self-manage the credential validation and command routing between different systems, so the user simply needs to provide a single credential without being aware of the underlying system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated lock management and smart device control system comprises lock controllers configured to authenticate lock management system (LMS) credentials and also act as a hub for a collection of smart devices. The system also comprises a guest app that can receive and store an LMS credential or a functional derivative thereof and use the credential to unlock an entrance. The guest app also provides smart device controls. When these are selected, the guest app issues a command to the lock controller or an Internet gateway, backed by the LMS credential. After authenticating the LMS credential, the lock controller or gateway transmits a command to the smart device that is backed by a configurable smart device credential. Guest control of the smart devices is terminated by disabling the LMS credential.