Wireless Lock Control Using Signal Strength Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock control methods require user operations such as using a key, entering a password, or providing a fingerprint, imposing additional burden and disturbance on users.

Innovation Solution

A first wireless communication apparatus near a lock is used to establish a connection with a second wireless communication apparatus carried by the user, monitoring signal strength changes to determine the user's distance and movement relative to the lock, automatically unlocking or locking the lock based on this change without requiring user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic lock control based on signal strength monitoring is implemented, then user convenience is improved by eliminating manual operations, but device complexity increases due to wireless communication apparatus and signal monitoring requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock system automatically monitors signal strength changes and determines user proximity without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by using the wireless communication apparatus to detect when the user approaches or leaves, automatically triggering lock or unlock actions without user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with a wireless communication-based detection system. Instead of mechanical key insertion or physical interaction, the system uses signal strength monitoring to detect user presence and automatically control the lock state

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

2Reliability

If manual lock control operations are required, then security is maintained through user authentication, but user burden increases due to repeated operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication by binding control permissions to the user's wireless communication apparatus in advance. When the user approaches, the system has already established the authorized connection and can immediately execute lock control actions without requiring additional authentication steps at the moment of use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If wireless communication apparatus is added for automatic detection, then automation is improved, but cost increases due to additional hardware components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidhardware cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication apparatus serves multiple functions: it establishes communication connections for data transmission, monitors signal strength changes for proximity detection, and provides the basis for automatic lock control decisions. By making the wireless communication module multi-functional, the patent avoids needing separate dedicated sensors or detectors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables lock control that is imperceptible to the user, eliminating the need for manual operations and reducing user burden, while ensuring security and convenience through automated lock management.

Implementation Method 1

monitor a signal strength change trend of a communication connection in response to that the communication connection is established between the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus; determining a distance change trend of the second wireless communication apparatus relative to the first wireless communication apparatus based on the signal strength change trend

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal strength attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4715768A1Lock control method and apparatus, medium, and device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 ALIPAY (HANGZHOU) INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
  • EP4715768A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4715768A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4715768A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Embodiments of the present specification disclose a lock control method and apparatus, a medium, and a device. This solution can be applied to a trusted execution environment for execution. A first wireless communication apparatus is disposed in an adjacent area of a lock, a user carries a second communication apparatus, and control permission for the lock is bound to the second communication module. Once the user enters a signal sensing range of the first wireless communication apparatus, the first wireless communication module is triggered to establish a communication connection with the second wireless communication module. Signal strength of the communication connection changes with movement of the second wireless communication apparatus carried by the user. Therefore, a distance change trend of the second wireless communication apparatus relative to the first wireless communication apparatus is determined based on a monitored signal strength change trend. If it is determined that the user is moving close to the lock, the lock can be controlled to be in an unlocked state. If it is determined that the user is moving away from the lock, the lock can be controlled to be in a locked state.