Virtual Residence Interface for Secure Remote Service Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for providing access to residents for service providers are inconvenient, insecure, inefficient, and prone to errors, such as fixing the wrong sink or leaving keys unlocked.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows occupants to create and manage service requests through a virtual environment using a mobile device, associating events with specific locations, granting permissions, and interacting with guests via a virtual interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If residents remain at their residence during service requests to ensure access and understanding, then service accuracy is improved, but resident convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice accuracyVSAvoidresident convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical residence in a 3D virtual environment. This virtual replica allows residents to remotely monitor and manage their home, while service providers can navigate and interact with the virtual space to locate and perform services without needing physical access or resident presence. The virtual environment serves as a digital twin that preserves spatial relationships and object identifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual environment acts as an intermediary between the resident and the service provider. It enables communication and coordination without requiring direct physical interaction or presence. The system transmits information about the residence state, service location, and progress through the virtual interface, allowing both parties to cooperate effectively while separated by distance and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If residents hide keys or leave access points unlocked to provide service provider access, then service provider access is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provider accessVSAvoidsecurity risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key-based access system with a digital permission system. Instead of physical keys being hidden or locks being left unlocked, the system uses electronic permissions stored in a database to control access. Service providers receive digital access credentials that grant them entry rights to specific locations in the virtual and physical environments, eliminating the need for physical key management and reducing security risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If residents rely on handwritten notes or previous communications to provide service information, then communication simplicity is improved, but information accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication simplicityVSAvoidinformation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital copy of all residence information, service requests, and communication history within the virtual environment. This digital replica preserves the accuracy of information while maintaining ease of access and communication. The system stores detailed information about services requested, locations involved, and communication histories, allowing both residents and service providers to reference accurate information without the errors associated with handwritten notes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If service providers work within a broad time window, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but service timing reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidservice timing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic scheduling system where time windows and service schedules can be adjusted in real-time. The virtual environment allows both residents and service providers to view and modify service timing arrangements flexibly. If unexpected changes occur, the system enables quick rescheduling while maintaining communication about timing expectations, balancing flexibility with reliability through continuous coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3884686B1Occupant and guest interaction with a virtual environment
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 LATCH SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3884686B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3884686B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3884686B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Systems and methods for occupant and guest interaction with a virtual environment are provided. Disclosed systems and methods enable occupants to create an event associated with a particular location in an area within a virtual environment. Graphical interfaces and display methods can display interactive event markers overlaying images of the area within the virtual environment.