High Level Design

What is a motion-controlled lock? Why make one?

Our project began looking at two main concepts: trusted devices and the common phenomena of multitasking. It is the hope of our group that we are able to extend the protocol for “trusted devices,” which are essentially Bluetooth devices that are given special access to known devices almost immediately, to create an even safer lock/key. Combining the concept of a pattern Android lock with “trusted devices”  could open a new realm of possibilities for how we lock and unlock things from houses to safes to even cars. The user could draw a pattern in free space, and the accelerometer can communicate the passcode to the locked device via a bluetooth connection. While we built a prototype to test the possibility of an accelerometer-based key, the end goal we have in mind would be to eventually apply this concept to the accelerometer found in bluetooth-enabled smartphones, using a phone as the key, essentially creating an app to replace this proof of concept. This would not only decrease the likelihood of losing keys, since a user could leave the house with just one item, but also could be a game-changer for forgetful and busy users. For example, imagine a parent coming home from grocery shopping, balancing a child in one arm and groceries in the other, fumbling trying to get their keys into the lock while trying to balance eggs in one arm and a kicking child in another, all the while already gripping their phone in their other hand. Why have to struggle to have the key physically entered into the lock with constantly advancing technology, and, furthermore, why have to carry keys and a phone when there could be an all-in-one device, possibly a smartphone or wearable, to unlock your front door.  

Background

When developing our idea, we came across a few bluetooth locks but none that had the added security of having a motion-based password. MasterLock has a bluetooth padlock that simply connects to your phone via an app to be unlocked [1]. There are several deadbolts with similar technology, such as Kwikset Kevo, where an app can unlock a door or even allow certain persons access when the homeowner is away [2]. Recently Starwood hotels has begun a pilot program to replace key cards with a smartphone app [3]. The one aspect all of these current products are missing is the added security of the motion control which our design includes. If the smartphone is stolen and hacked into, all of the locks are now able to be controlled. With passwords dependent on a motioned pattern, the phone app / key device is nothing more than a paperweight if stolen.

Logical Structure of the Design

When designing the proof of concept device, it was obvious we would have two separate devices created, one to represent the lock and another to represent the accelerometer-based key. The key acts as the master device, reading motions and sending them to the lock. The lock, receiving the determined movement, determines whether or not this password matches the stored password. Additionally, all user interface elements are part of the lock device, including LED notification of incorrect/correct password attempts as well as LCD display of possible options such as locking device or resetting password.

Current Patents, Copyrights, and Trademarks

There is no item currently on the market or known to be in development that does exactly what we are proving with this device. There are a few patents that have some similar aspects, but none that would make our design illegal to produce. Below are some of closest patents we came across:

  • US7500917 B2 : Magical wand and interactive play experience
    • Purely for entertainment purposes, not security
  • US9087246 B1 : RFID-to-bluetooth selective adapter
    • Does have an accelerometer but lock device has RFID and bluetooth capabilities
  • US20150102902 A1: Bluetooth Remote-Control Electronic Lock
    • Does not have any password detection based on motion

 

References

[1] http://www.masterlock.com/bluetooth
[2] http://www.kwikset.com/kevo/default
[3] https://www.spgpromos.com/keyless/faqs
United States Patents US7500917 B2, US9087246 B1, US20150102902 A1