Smart Key Card Wireless Communication and Facility Management Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key cards lack advanced functionality for interacting with facility management systems, limiting user access and communication capabilities within facilities like hotels or office buildings.
Innovation Solution
A smart key card equipped with a wireless transceiver, input device, and output device, or capable of communicating with a mobile communication device to interact with facility management systems, enabling users to send requests and receive messages through a key card application, which includes authentication and authorization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional key cards are used for access control, then basic lock opening functionality is provided, but user interaction and communication capabilities with facility management systems are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The key card is transformed into a multi-functional device that not only provides access control but also enables communication with facility management systems, sends service requests, receives messages, and interfaces with mobile devices. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple functions including authentication, communication, and information exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by embedding a wireless transceiver, input device, and output device within the key card structure. Additionally, the key card can store application code that interfaces with mobile communication devices, creating nested functional layers that expand capability without proportionally increasing external complexity.
2Ease of operation
If advanced functionality is added to key cards for facility management interaction, then user access and communication capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile communication devices as intermediaries between the user and the facility management system. The key card contains application code that interfaces with the mobile device, which then handles complex communication protocols and user interface interactions. This mediator approach simplifies the key card's operational complexity while enhancing user interaction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The key card system enables self-service functionality where users can independently send service requests, receive messages, and interact with facility management systems without requiring manual intervention from staff. The automated communication and authentication processes allow users to manage their own access and service needs.
3Reliability
If wireless transceivers and communication devices are integrated into key cards, then message exchange and service request capabilities are enabled, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions including wireless transceiver, input device, output device, and authentication logic into a single key card unit. By combining these components that would traditionally be separate systems into one integrated device, the patent streamlines manufacturing processes and reduces the number of separate components that need to be produced and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The key card system uses parameter changes in the form of digital authentication codes, wireless communication protocols, and software-based security measures. These parameter-based solutions replace more complex physical security mechanisms, allowing for easier manufacturing while maintaining or enhancing security and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A key card device may include a memory device storing a digital signature for activating a lock, an input device, an output device, and a wireless transceiver. The key card device may further include logic configured to receive input via the input device; generate a first message based on the received input; wirelessly transmit the generated message to facility management system associated with the lock; receive a second message from the facility management system; generate output based on the received second message; and provide the generated output to the output device.