Access system for smart locker and access method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart lockers face high construction costs and setup limitations due to the need for network and power capabilities, and remote updates are not feasible without increasing labor costs.
Innovation Solution
An access system for smart lockers that utilizes a portable device to read a unique identification code from the locker, which is verified by a remote host to generate a trigger signal for unlocking, eliminating the need for network and power capabilities at each locker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a smart locker is equipped with network capabilities, power supply, and computing resources for verification, then automated storage and retrieval service is provided, but construction cost and setup limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network capability, power supply, and computing resources from the locker itself and relocates them to a remote host. The locker is reduced to basic components (cabinet, door lock, identification code storage), while the remote host performs all verification operations. This extraction eliminates the contradiction by providing automated service through remote infrastructure rather than embedded locker components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable device as an intermediary between the user and the locker. The portable device communicates with the remote host to obtain verification results, which are then used to control the locker. This intermediary approach allows the locker to remain simple while still providing automated service through the mediating portable device and remote host.
2Reliability
If encryption algorithm is executed at each smart cabinet, then authentication is performed, but management complexity increases when updates are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the encryption algorithm execution from individual smart cabinets and concentrates it in the remote host. Each cabinet only stores its identification code locally, while all authentication computations are performed remotely. This eliminates update management complexity since the remote host can be updated independently without affecting individual cabinets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the identification code stored in each cabinet as a local copy or reference that works with the centralized authentication system. The cabinet doesn't need to execute complex algorithms; it simply provides its identification code which the remote host uses for verification. This copying approach maintains authentication security while simplifying individual cabinet functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If remote host verifies user identity and generates trigger signal, then unlocking is enabled without network at locker, but portable device connection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the portable device as an intermediary that bridges the user and the locker. The portable device establishes a temporary connection to the locker to read the identification code, communicates with the remote host for verification, and then returns to control the unlocking process. This intermediary role enables cost-effective deployment without embedded network hardware while managing the connection requirement through the user's existing portable device.
Data Source
AI summary
An access system for smart locker and an access method thereof are disclosed. In the system, a portable device reads a unique identification code of a locker, and then transmits the unique identification code and its own identification message to a remote host, the remote host verifies whether a user identity matches the designated locker, when the user identity matches the locker, the remote host generates and transmits a trigger signal to the portable device, the portable device triggers an electronic door lock of the locker to enter an unlocked state from a locked state, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing the cost and setup limitations of a smart locker.