Smart Door Lock Emergency Unlocking for Timely Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In an aging society, solitary individuals who are injured or ill may be unable to unlock doors, leading to delayed assistance due to locked doors, potentially wasting critical time when help is needed.
Innovation Solution
A door access control method using smart mobile devices with a lock application (APP) allows users to execute an emergency report and unlocking procedure, maintaining the lock in an unlocking state until opened, and sends a report to a manager or receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locked door system is used, then security is maintained, but assistance cannot be provided timely when the user is incapacitated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically unlocking the door and sending emergency notifications before assistance can be physically provided. When the system detects the user is incapacitated (through lack of movement or emergency button press), it proactively unlocks the door and alerts contacts, eliminating the time delay of manual intervention while maintaining security during normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the incapacitated user to trigger the emergency unlock function through a button press or automatic detection, without requiring physical ability to unlock the door manually. The system serves itself by detecting the emergency condition and automatically executing the unlock and notification sequence.
2Loss of time
If the door is kept unlocked to allow immediate access, then assistance can be provided quickly, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The door lock state is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors user conditions and automatically transitions the door between locked and unlocked states based on detected emergency conditions. During normal operation, the door remains locked for security; when incapacity is detected, it automatically unlocks to allow access, then can be re-locked after assistance arrives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of door lock state from a fixed condition to a variable condition based on user status. By monitoring parameters such as movement detection, button press status, or vital signs, the system adjusts the door state parameter dynamically - maintaining locked state for security during normal conditions, and transitioning to unlocked state when emergency parameters are detected.
3Reliability
If the user must physically reach the lock to unlock the door, then security is maintained, but assistance is delayed when the user cannot move
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the incapacitated user to trigger the emergency unlock function through a button press or automatic detection, without requiring physical ability to unlock the door manually. The system serves itself by detecting the emergency condition and automatically executing the unlock and notification sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (emergency button or automatic detection system) that mediates between the incapacitated user and the door lock. Instead of requiring direct physical interaction with the lock, the user can press an emergency button or the system detects incapacity automatically, and the intermediary system handles the unlocking and notification process.
4Ease of operation
If emergency unlock function is always available, then assistance access is easy, but unauthorized access risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door lock state is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors user conditions and automatically transitions the door between locked and unlocked states based on detected emergency conditions. During normal conditions, the door remains locked, preventing unauthorized access; when emergency conditions are detected, it automatically unlocks to allow assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring user status (movement, button press, vital signs) and using this feedback to control the door lock state. The system only unlocks when specific emergency feedback conditions are met, and can provide feedback to authorities about the emergency status, creating a controlled access system that reduces unauthorized access risk while enabling emergency access.
Data Source
AI summary
A door access control method includes obtaining the management authority of at least one lock and dividing the users of the lock into normal users and concerned users. A normal user of a lock can only execute a normal unlocking procedure to unlock the lock, and the lock automatically switches back to the locking state after the lock has been unlocked for a preset period of time. Aside from the normal unlocking procedure, a concerned user is permitted to execute an emergency report and unlocking procedure in which the lock remains in the unlocking state even though the unlocking time expires, and a manager or a report receiver is informed of execution of the emergency report and unlocking procedure. In this case, any person can open the lock, and the manager or the report receiver can know the situation of the concerned user at the first moment.