Set-Back Box BLE Entry for Automatic Hotel Room Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems require active action, such as using a physical key, to enter a hotel room even after a mobile device-based check-in process, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a keyless entry system using a set-back box that registers a mobile device's Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) address upon check-in and automatically unlocks the door when the device is in proximity, utilizing signal strength detection to verify presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical magnetic key is used for room entry, then security and reliability are maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for active user action
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic door unlocking by detecting the mobile device's presence through BLE signal strength measurements. The set-back box autonomously determines when to unlock the door based on RSSI thresholds, eliminating the need for manual key insertion or button pressing. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring device proximity and automatically triggering the unlock sequence when conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-lock system with a wireless electronic system. Instead of physically inserting a magnetic key into a lock, the system uses Bluetooth Low Energy communication between the mobile device and set-back box to trigger an electronic unlock command to the smart lock, eliminating mechanical interaction.
2Ease of operation
If automatic proximity detection is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the mobile device and compares it against predefined thresholds. This feedback mechanism allows the set-back box to dynamically adjust its decision-making process, confirming that the device is genuinely within the authorized proximity range before triggering the unlock command, thereby reducing false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device's Bluetooth address is pre-registered and associated with the specific room during check-in. This preliminary action creates a whitelist of authorized devices, so the system only considers signals from registered devices when making unlock decisions, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
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
Enables seamless and convenient entry into hotel rooms without the need for physical keys, enhancing guest experience through automated and secure access.
Implementation Method 1
measuring signal strengths to or from the mobile device
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for keyless entry to a structure (e.g., hotel room) utilizing a set-back box. Registrants (e.g., hotel guest) may scan a barcode from their mobile device to check-in to the structure. Upon scanning the barcode or by other means, a mobile device identifier (e.g., a Bluetooth low-energy address (BLE)) is registered and associated with the checked-in structure. Receiving the registered mobile device identifier, the backend server pushes such to the set-back box associated with (e.g., resides in) the checked-in structure. The set-back box is enabled (e.g., BLE enabled) to actively scan addresses of nearby mobile devices. When the registered mobile device identifier is detected within a predetermined signal strength range (e.g., by using received signal strength indicator (RSSI) levels), the set-back box transmits a command to a smart lock (e.g., via BLE or Wifi or other radio) or to a lock controlling backend processor, to open the lock.