Industrial Development Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs

With the support of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Industrial Development Bureau (IDB), the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has helped a domestic manufacturer to develop a mobile biometric lock, which is a keyless electronic lock compatible with cellphones. The development not only satisfies the current customer demand for lock functionality, but also provides future extensibility and integration with other technologies to meet the needs of electronic and biometric functions for international bids. This invention is expected to help domestic manufacturers tap into the global high-end lock market.

The latest electronic locks available on the market already feature biometrics (including fingerprint or facial recognition) to strengthen security through users' unique physical characteristics. However, biometric or keyless lock settings have to be made via the lock, and a door can only be opened by sensing or authentication within a distance of around three centimeters. This does not provide convenient access control for hotels or commercial buildings.

In an effort to meet users' needs, ITRI has supported a manufacturer to develop a smart lock with a remote access control application. Group and hierarchy management functions can be performed by sending an electronic lock certificate through the Internet without getting near the lock. Wireless transport encryption is applied to avoid interception and unauthorized use, thereby achieving the Keyless and Touchless goal. The facial recognition system built in the cellphone identifies access owners and prevents anyone else from using the phone if it is lost, which means enhanced lock security.

In addition to advanced lock functions, surface processing technology and non-ferrous materials are used for the lock body (cover), which can reduce manufacturing cost and improve durability in order to deliver a great user experience with a sophisticated user interface design.