Top Reading Keypad Assembly with Randomized Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic keypads for secure containers are difficult to visualize and require frequent combination changes due to wear, leading to user confusion and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A top-reading keypad assembly with a microprocessor-controlled display and input keys that randomly generate characters, allowing users to input a combination by changing displayed numbers, reducing the number of keys needed while maintaining high security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electronic keypads with multiple keys are used, then security is maintained through frequent combination changes, but key wear increases and user confusion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the combination input function from traditional multiple physical keys and relocates it to a display interface. Instead of wearing physical keys, the system displays combination digits on a screen and uses a single input key to enter each digit, separating the display function from the input function to eliminate key wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the keypad from having multiple physical keys to having a display interface with dynamic content. The combination is presented as displayed parameters on the screen rather than fixed physical key positions, allowing the system to adapt to different combinations without physical wear.
2Device complexity
If the keypad is positioned in a vertical plane parallel to the door, then the structure is simple, but the user has difficulty visualizing the display at an angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension to the display by incorporating a reflective surface at an angle to the vertical plane. This angled reflective surface redirects light from the display to the user's eyes, allowing the display to remain structurally simple while improving visibility from above.
3Ease of operation
If a reflective surface is added to improve display visibility, then user visualization is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element between the display and the user's eyes. This intermediary redirects light paths to improve visibility without requiring complex optical systems or multiple components, maintaining relative simplicity while enhancing the display function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of inputting a user input access combination in order to gain authorized entry into a secure location comprises providing an input device having first and second input keys as well as a display, randomly generating a first character and a second character on the display, inputting the user input access combination into the input device, and comparing the user input access combination with an authorized access combination. The user input access combination includes a first user input character and a second user input character. The step of inputting the user input access combination comprises pressing the first input key to change the first randomly generated character to the first user input character, and pressing the second input key to change the second randomly generated character to the second user input character.