Smart Lock Wake-Up Command for Hands-Free Bluetooth Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart locks with Bluetooth connectivity require significant power and are typically not always active, leading to a cumbersome user experience as users need to manually open their phone application to unlock doors.
Innovation Solution
A smart lock system that receives a wake-up command from a control system, activates its communication means to send and receive radio signals, authenticates a user's mobile device, and instructs the lock to open only when access is allowed, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the Bluetooth connection is always on to enable hands-free unlocking, then the user experience is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The smart lock employs periodic action by activating the Bluetooth radio connection only during specific periods when a user is detected approaching the lock, rather than keeping it continuously active. The controller activates the communication means temporarily upon detecting a user, performs authentication, and then deactivates the radio connection, thereby reducing overall power consumption while enabling hands-free unlocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the user's approach before activating the full authentication sequence. The controller first detects whether a user is approaching the lock, and only then activates the Bluetooth connection and initiates the authentication process with the mobile device, avoiding unnecessary power consumption when no user is present.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the Bluetooth connection is deactivated to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the user experience deteriorates as manual phone application opening is required
Solution Approach 1:
The smart lock performs self-service by automatically detecting the user's approach and initiating the authentication process without requiring manual intervention from the user. When a user approaches the lock, the controller automatically activates the Bluetooth connection, identifies the user's mobile device, and initiates authentication without requiring the user to manually open a phone application, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining low power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the communication means is activated frequently to enable access, then accessibility is improved, but the battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic action by activating the communication means only during specific time windows when user approach is detected, rather than maintaining continuous activation. This periodic activation pattern enables the lock to maintain access capability for authorized users while significantly extending battery life by minimizing the duration the radio connection remains active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the communication means' operational state adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the activation state of the Bluetooth connection based on real-time detection of user presence, transitioning between active and inactive states as needed to balance accessibility requirements with battery conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is provided which comprises a controller and an interface. The controller is configured to detect at least one user permitted to use at least one smart lock, and send a wake-up command via the interface to the at least one smart lock by which the at least one smart lock is instructed to activate a radio connection for a mobile device of the at least one user.