Mobile Augmented Reality Unlock Code Delivery for Self-Service Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for physical locks, such as those used in self-storage facilities, are burdensome and costly due to the need for manual intervention by attendants for lock placement and removal, and electronic locks face issues with power consumption, malfunction, and compromised codes, leading to delayed access and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a mobile communications device to detect lock-related indicia via a camera, generating an augmented reality display with unlock codes, eliminating the need for on-site attendants and enabling remote, efficient lock management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual lock placement and removal by attendants is used, then security control is maintained, but operational costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service access control where customers can obtain unlock codes automatically through mobile devices without requiring attendant intervention. The lock management system autonomously generates and transmits unlock codes based on account status, eliminating the need for manual lock placement and removal by facility staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of physical lock installation and removal with an automated electronic system. Mobile communication devices capture images of locks, and the system automatically processes and transmits unlock codes, substituting human manual labor with automated image recognition and code transmission technology.
2Ease of operation
If electronic locks with automated locking/unlocking are used, then manual labor is reduced, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces mobile communication devices as intermediaries between the customer and the lock. Instead of the lock being directly controlled by electronic power systems, the unlock code is transmitted through the mobile device which then manually unlocks the lock, reducing the power requirements of the locking mechanism itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control function is segmented into separate components: the lock mechanism remains simple and low-power, while the control and communication functions are separated and performed by the mobile device. This divides the system so that the lock itself requires minimal power, while the automated functionality is handled by the customer's existing powered device.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard combination locks are reused, then cost is reduced, but security is compromised when codes become known
Solution Approach 1:
The unlock code becomes dynamic rather than static. Instead of a fixed combination that remains on the lock, the system generates and transmits unlock codes that can change based on account status, payment timing, and security requirements. This dynamic code transmission through mobile devices ensures that even if one code is compromised, new codes can be issued without physical lock replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of the unlock code from a permanent physical marking on the lock to a temporary transmitted value. Unlock codes are transmitted dynamically based on account status and payment events, allowing the security parameter to be adjusted without changing the physical lock itself.
4Reliability
If physical locks are manually removed by facility personnel, then access control is maintained, but customer access delay occurs when facilities are closed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically transmitting unlock codes to customers' mobile devices as soon as their account status allows access, without waiting for facility personnel to be available. This preliminary transmission of access information eliminates delays caused by facility closing hours or staff availability.
Solution Approach 2:
Customers receive unlock codes automatically through their mobile devices based on their account status, enabling them to access their units without requiring facility personnel intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures immediate access regardless of facility operating hours or staff availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device and method for displaying an unlock code for a lock upon lock related indicia being detected by a mobile communications device. The lock related indicia can be captured via a camera of the mobile communications device. In various embodiments, the unlock code can be revealed via an augmented reality display of the mobile communications device.