Initiating a communication using a wireless security key device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems require recipients to disclose their private contact information to initiators, compromising privacy and not addressing issues like secure delivery communications where recipients are not present.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with a security component that verifies an input security key against a set of stored keys, allowing only authorized individuals to initiate communications events, maintaining recipient privacy by ensuring the initiator does not know the recipient's contact details.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the recipient provides their telephone number to the delivery service provider to arrange delivery, then the delivery driver can contact the recipient prior to delivery, but the recipient's private telephone number is divulged to the initiator and delivery driver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery arrangementVSAvoidrecipient privacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a doorbell button with control unit as an intermediary device between the delivery driver and the recipient. The control unit establishes two-way voice connection without requiring the recipient to disclose their telephone number. The button acts as a mediator that enables communication while preserving the recipient's privacy by not exposing their contact information to the delivery driver or service provider.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large secure mailbox is provided for package delivery, then packages can be delivered to premises when the occupant is away, but the boxes are unsightly and cannot receive all packages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery capabilityVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The doorbell button is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a traditional doorbell and a communication device that can initiate two-way voice connections. This multi-functionality allows it to replace the need for large secure mailboxes while maintaining delivery capability. The device can handle various delivery scenarios without requiring physical infrastructure changes that affect aesthetics.

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

3Ease of operation

If the doorbell button initiates two-way voice connection, then the owner can communicate with the visitor when not at the premises, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The doorbell button system is designed to be self-service in operation. When pressed, it automatically establishes two-way voice connection without requiring the owner to manually answer or initiate the call. The control unit handles the connection establishment autonomously, reducing the operational complexity for the user while maintaining advanced communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2820832B1Initiating a communication using a wireless security key device
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 LANSDOWN CLOSE SERVICES LTD
  • EP2820832B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2820832B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2820832B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication system is described. The communication system includes a communications device that is arranged to conduct communications via a communications network to a first communications address, and a security component arranged to receive input security keys. The communications device is arranged to initiate a communications event to a first communications address in response to the security component determining that an input security key matches any one of a plurality of security keys available to the security component. By initiating the communications event in response to determining that the input security key matches any one of a plurality of security keys available to the security component, the communication system provides a secure method of initiating the communications event.