Smartphone Key Surface Capture for Remote 3D Key Duplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current key copying methods require visiting a locksmith with the original key and are inconvenient, especially for rental apartments where tenants cannot obtain replacement keys without a security card, leading to high costs and environmental strain.
Innovation Solution
A method using instructional video/image sequences on a smartphone to guide users in positioning their key with reference aids, capturing images/videos, and transmitting data for 3D modeling to produce key copies without the original key or security card, allowing remote ordering of replacement keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If key copying is done at a locksmith using mechanical scanning, then accurate key reproduction is achieved, but the user must travel to the locksmith which consumes time and creates environmental strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key scanning system at the locksmith with a mobile imaging system using smartphone cameras and image processing algorithms. The 3D key data is captured optically through multiple images taken by the smartphone camera, processed to create a digital 3D model, and used for key reproduction, eliminating the need for physical travel to a locksmith.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital intermediary layer between the physical key and the copying process. Instead of directly scanning the physical key at a locksmith, the system uses intermediate steps of photographing the key with a smartphone, processing images to create 3D digital models, and transmitting data electronically to produce key copies, thereby enabling remote key duplication.
2Reliability
If key copies for rental apartments are ordered from the locking system manufacturer, then secure key reproduction is achieved, but the process is monopolized and expensive requiring a security card
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the key copying system universal by enabling any smartphone user to capture key images and order replacements without needing proprietary security cards or manufacturer-specific equipment. The imaging and processing system works with standard smartphones and can handle various key types, democratizing access to key replacement services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of key geometry through image capture and 3D modeling instead of relying on proprietary manufacturer systems. The 3D digital model created from smartphone images serves as a universal copy that can be used to produce replacement keys for any locking system, breaking the monopoly of manufacturer-controlled key duplication.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple images and videos are captured from different positions, then complete 3D key data is obtained, but the complexity of the capture process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the smartphone's built-in sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, camera) automatically perform functions that would otherwise require complex external equipment. The system guides users through automated capture sequences, uses sensor data to determine device orientation and position, and automatically processes images into 3D models, simplifying what would otherwise be a complex measurement task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the key and reference object in advance by placing them together in a known geometric relationship before image capture. This preliminary arrangement of the key on top of a reference object with known dimensions allows the system to automatically calculate scale and perspective, simplifying the subsequent image processing and 3D reconstruction without requiring complex real-time adjustments during capture.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for recording the surface of a key (10), the following steps are to be carried out: - Playing instructional video sequences on the display (33) of a recording device (30) - Displaying positioning graphics (32, 32", 32‴, 32ʺʺ) on the display (33) of the recording device (30) - Aligning the key (10), the reference aid object (20), the fixing aid object (40, 42), the lock cylinder (25), the recording device (30) - Recording the surface of the key (10), the reference aid object (20), the fixing aid object (40, 42), the lock cylinder (25) by the camera (31) of the recording device (30).