Intelligent electronic systems in home furnishing will not surprise anyone. The era of digital lock devices began long ago and today it is only evolving into new, more technological forms. The modern smart lock, on the one hand, has become more compact, optimized and ergonomic, and on the other, it has gained new functionality and added to the degree of reliability.
Device design
The user controls the system wirelessly through a computer, tablet or smartphone, so the basis is formed by electronic filling. Physically, the device is a small metal device, usually with an original stylish design. To make the appearance of the device concise, many manufacturers use anodized aluminum in the construction. As for the locking mechanics, the smart door lock provides for special adapters that connect to the blocking elements. That is, the lock itself does not have a shutter in the basic design - it only controls its position through electronic components. Power supply is provided by ordinary AA and AAA batteries or the battery pack.
Principle of operation
As already noted, the system is controlled from a distance - both via Internet channels and via Bluetooth. The lock is unlocked by reading the electronic key, which is transmitted at a distance from the user's device to the lock. Again, to synchronize the locking system and a smartphone, for example, a special application is required, which will send the corresponding signal with an encoded message.
How to unlock a smart lock?
Physical keys are not always provided for in this system, so the following question may arise: what to do if the same smartphone is exhausted? How to open a smart lock in this situation? There can be two options for overcoming the situation:
- Use the emergency unlock method, which may require direct contact with the lock. For example, you can do without an electronic key in some systems by scanning fingerprints or by entering a code through a special keyboard.
- Use another mobile device. The system does not imply binding only to a specific list of gadgets from which it will be possible to transmit a signal with an electronic key. You can ask a friend’s smartphone and send a signal to unlock through it by first logging into your application’s online account.
Functional
Actually, the main advantage of modern locks with intelligent control is a wide range of functions and system management capabilities. The list of tools may vary depending on the model, but the basic list of functions of mid-level devices includes the following:
- Contactless control of the mechanism.
- Remote direction of teams.
- Support for Bluetooth 4.0.
- Fingerprint scanner function (fingerprinting). For example, a smart Xiaomi door lock with a fingerprint scanner allows you to store about 30 templates, and the sensor only responds to real fingers without models. According to the manufacturer, the percentage of false positives is 0,0005%.
- Temporary prohibition of key activation. That is, even a genuine electronic key or a successful finger scan will not open the door until the ban on unlocking is lifted.
- Keeping statistics of passes.
- The presence of sound and video intercoms.
Xiaomi Aqara ZigBee Smart Lock
The model appeared on the market in 2017 and today is almost a reference example of an intelligent door lock. It’s worth starting with the fact that the developers have provided 4 options for opening the mechanism:
- Through a finger scan.
- By entering a digital password.
- Using a contactless NFC tag.
- Directly through a physical key. This is more of a way to unlock in case the batteries are dead.
The power base of the Xiaomi Aqara ZigBee smart door lock includes a pin group that integrates with a preset shutter mechanism. The inside of the device contains a battery compartment, which houses 8 AA batteries. Moreover, for the full functioning of the device, 4 batteries are enough.
Of course, work with the application is also provided. To do this, a special MiHome service is connected, through which the gateway plug-in is launched to add a control device (tablet, smartphone, etc.). The lock plug indicates the opening sensor, from which the status of the door is read - closed or open. Depending on the current position, when a signal is sent through the mechanics triggering log, one or another action will be performed. In the Unlocking mode system menu, the user can make various settings for the operation of the lock, including entering fingerprints, passwords, electronic keys, etc.
Model August Smart Lock
A fairly simple, but at the same time safe and reliable lock, the operation of which is fully focused on remote control without physical keys and codes. A security feature of the system is two-layer encryption with support for two-factor authentication. The owner can control access around the clock or provide only temporary windows for passes according to the schedule - in the morning, at lunch, in the evening, etc. The device is connected to an existing shutter mechanism, which allows it to be used in temporarily leased facilities without compromising privacy. The very installation of a smart lock from August involves only replacing the inside of the existing mechanism without changing its design. Installation is carried out with a special Philips screwdriver in just 5-10 minutes. If we talk about the functionality, the device is synchronized via Bluetooth 4.0, allows you to connect video intercoms, a numeric keypad and connectors for direct access to the Network.
Lockitron Model
Lockitron is a pioneer in the smart security segment, and in particular smart door locks. Today, the development of the Bolt-device, which is intended for the exchange of information between the Internet and the castle, is relevant. The system can be connected to the mobile device via the Bluetooth LE protocol, which allows you to fully control the door locking mechanism. A combination of the Lockitron Internet, control device and bridge also makes it possible to send action commands at a remote distance. It is worth noting that the creators of the smart Bolt door lock emphasized the mechanical stability of the system. If the first versions of the model were made of 40 elements, which caused some problems with reliability, then modern modifications underwent serious optimization, as a result of which all details except the cell were processed. This modernization has made the design simpler, more reliable and more convenient to use.
Model Kwikset Kevo
Another variation of the lock with intelligent control from a mobile device. The plug-in application starts in the background, constantly monitoring the status of the door position. On command, a special eKey encrypted key is transmitted, which can also be sent to another person who has access to an organized digital infrastructure. In case if for one reason or another electronic access is not possible, you can use the complete keychain. The physical part of the Kevo smart lock is implemented on the basis of SmartKey technology with a high degree of security. Moreover, the external unit is presented in several color options - polished brass, nickel and bronze. AA batteries are also used for power supply. According to manufacturers, one set of batteries is enough for a year of operation of the lock with an average load.
Conclusion
Intelligent access controls certainly provide a host of operational benefits. These include the flexibility of the control system and preventing unauthorized access, the convenience of managing the lock and a simplified approach to its installation. But there are also weaknesses in such devices that do not yet allow them to completely replace mechanical systems. Disadvantages relate to the sensitivity of digital technology to signal quality and power supply. For example, Xiaomi smart door lock operates on a 220 V network, consuming 800 watts. Even if you eliminate the cost of electricity, serious voltage failures will disrupt the device’s performance, which will force the user to turn to alternative means of unlocking the lock. Nevertheless, many models of smart locks today are equipped with special fuses against network surges. Wireless modules are also being improved, which makes it possible to improve the quality of reception of signals with electronic keys.