Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for accessing a room that is capable of managing access to shared spaces like a room by enabling secured identification of a user, guiding users through availability selection, and automatically dispensing key to access the selected room, thus reducing manual effort, and effectively managing room access.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In shared-use or restricted-access environments such as hotels, institutions, corporate offices, or research labs, managing room entry and tracking physical keys is essential for both operational efficiency and security. These systems often require assigning specific rooms to users based on availability, time, and purpose, while also ensuring that only authorized users can access them. In such setups, the placement and retrieval of keys must be organized to avoid confusion or misplacement. A reliable method is needed to not only store and dispense the keys but also to maintain real-time access data, availability status of rooms, and user interactions. Additionally, monitoring whether keys remain within a defined boundary or are carried out of designated areas is a growing concern.

[0003] Traditionally, room access has been managed through manual processes such as logbooks, basic lock-and-key systems, or staff-controlled handover of keys. In some upgraded facilities, digital key cards or keypad locks are used, but these still often require manual updating of room status or supervision by staff. Users typically inquire about room availability from reception or administration, and key handover is often recorded by hand or in spreadsheets. Keys are stored in cabinets or boards with labeled hooks, which do not provide any feedback on their use or track who last accessed them. Such conventional systems lack integration between access control, key storage, and room availability data, which leads to inefficiency, confusion, and potential security issues. They also fail to assist users in navigating to their assigned rooms, and do not provide alerts or location data if a key goes missing.

[0004] US11758619B2 discloses a control node is disclosed for operating in a network with shared spectrum. The control node may include one or more processors configured to execute program code to identify a spectrum allocation policy; implement a rejection strategy for managing contention-based access to a shared channel by one or more transmitters based on the identified spectrum allocation policy; and transmit or trigger transmission of a transmission request rejection in response to a transmission request by a first transmitter of the one or more transmitters according to the rejection strategy.

[0005] US20140265359A1 discloses an intelligent door lock system is provided with a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft and assists in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine is provided with a memory coupled to the positioning sensing device. A circuit is coupled to the engine and an energy source is coupled to the circuit. A device converts energy into mechanical energy and is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed in order to manage room access, key allocation, and user authentication through electronic locking arrangements or access control systems. However, the existing systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to the lack of automated key dispensing, checking real-time room availability, and post-access key tracking. Most existing systems do not assist users in locating rooms or alert them when a key moves beyond a defined area.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be capable of automatically managing access to a room by automating the physical management of keys, ensuring real-time monitoring of available room and autonomously store and retrieve keys in an organized manner. Moreover, the developed system also needs to assist users in navigating to their assigned rooms and provide alerts when keys are moved beyond a predefined boundary.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that provides a secure and convenient method for users to access rooms by automating the process of issuing and returning keys, thereby reducing dependency on manual handling and increasing efficiency in key management.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to enable real-time tracking of a key’s location after it has been issued to a user, and to ensure that the key remains within a designated area, thus preventing loss or unauthorized removal of the key from the premises.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to allow users to view and select from available rooms based on stored data such as occupancy, time slots, and preferences, ensuring that room allocation is done accurately and without manual intervention.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to assist users in locating and reaching their selected room by providing navigational support and feedback, helping avoid confusion in large or complex building layouts.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to ensure that all issued keys are systematically organized, stored, and dispensed in a reliable manner, reducing the risk of misplacement and improving the overall management of physical access to rooms.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention relates to a system for accessing a room that is developed for controlled room access through reliable verification of user identity, facilitates interactive selection of available spaces, and manages automated retrieval and return of access keys, thereby improving access efficiency, and maintaining organized control over shared environments.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for accessing a room is disclosed, comprising a touch-enabled board equipped with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to authorize users and a display panel to show available rooms, the board is operably connected to a microcontroller that generates signals once a user selects a room, the key-box is connected to the microcontroller and comprises a housing with three interconnected walls and an opening at the bottom for key exit, a tray to receive the dispensed key, and multiple key holders attached to the housing walls, where each key holder consists of at least two links, a tilting member, and a hydraulic arrangement that autonomously moves the first link to release the key onto the tray, the key-box also includes a compartment for placing keys and a robotic arm fixed to the inner wall to pick keys from the compartment and place them onto the key holders, further the system incorporates a geofencing unit linked to the microcontroller to create a virtual perimeter around the key to monitor its presence, the key itself includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) module for live location tracking and a vibratory unit that provides haptic alerts if the key moves outside the virtual boundary, the microcontroller connects to a database storing room availability, capacity, and time slots, with added features such as a speaker and LED integrated into the key bow to assist users in locating their assigned rooms.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a system for accessing a room;
Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged view of a key holder in stowed state; and
Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the key holder in a deployed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a system for accessing a room for managing entry to shared rooms, which enables secure user validation, allows selection of available spaces through an interactive interface, and providing the unlocking token, and tracking the token’s location to ensure token is within a defined perimeter, ensuring easier, faster, and more organized access management.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a system for accessing a room is illustrated, comprises of a system 100 including a touch enabled board 101 mounted externally, a radio frequency identification reader 102 operably coupled to the touch enabled board 101, a display panel 103 installed onto the touch enabled board 101, a key-box attached to the board 101 comprising a housing 104 made of three interconnected walls, a robotic arm 105 disposed within the housing 104 and attached to an inner wall of the housing 104, a tray 106 operably coupled to the bottom opening of the housing 104, a compartment 107 attached to the housing 104 for placing the key, a plurality of key holders 108 108 coupled to an inner wall of the housing 104 including a first link 108a and a second link 108b, a tilting member 108c coupled between the first and second links 108a, 108b, a hydraulic arrangement 108d operably coupled to the tilting member 108c, key holders 108 are attached to the wall via a ball and socket joint 108e, a key 109 is associated with the system 100 that consists of a bow 109a, a shoulder 109b, and a blade 109c, a speaker unit 110 integrated within the bow 109a of the key 109, a LED 111 (light emitting diode) integrated within the bow 109a of the key 109.

[0024] The present invention includes a touch-enabled board 101 that serves as the primary user interface to facilitate the booking or allocation of available rooms by a user.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, a user is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the board 101 to activates the system for associated processes of the system. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering a microcontroller is operably connected to the board 101 for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0026] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. The microcontroller receives the data from various electronic units and generates a command signal for further processing.

[0027] The board 101 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 102 which authorizes the user by reading RFID tags associated with that user. The microcontroller receives the data from push button and generates a command signal for further processing, including activating RFID reader. RFID reader 102 operates by emitting radio waves through its built-in antenna to detect nearby RFID tags, which are typically embedded in cards carried by users. When an RFID tag enters the reader 102’s range, it receives the radio signal and responds by transmitting its stored identification data back to the reader 102. The RFID reader 102 captures this data and sends it to the microcontroller, which verifies the information against stored records to authenticate the user.

[0028] In an embodiment if the present invention, the system 100 also includes an AI (artificial intelligence)-based camera integrated with a facial recognition protocol to work in parallel with RFID reader 102. This provides an additional layer of security and convenience for verifying the identity of the user.

[0029] The board 101 also includes a display panel 103, which visually presents available room information to the user. Upon successful identification, the microcontroller activates the display panel 103 to allow the user to select the appropriate room based on the displayed options. The display panel 103 functions by allowing users to interact directly with the screen through touch input. The display panel 103 is typically made up of a display and a touch-sensitive layer. The touch-sensitive layer uses capacitive or resistive technology to detect touch by the user, which then sends signals to the panel 103’s processor.

[0030] In an embodiment if the present invention, the user also provides input regarding specific room requirements, detailing available resources like a projector or a particular number of seats.

[0031] Based on the user’s inputs, the panel 103’s processor relays the signals to the microcontroller to efficiently process the data and then suggest the most suitable room. The microcontroller accesses a linked that is stored with pre-defined information about room capacities, availability time-slots, room locations, and conditions for access. Based on this data, the microcontroller ensures optimal room allocation and initiates a command for key dispensing.

[0032] The key dispensing is handled by a key-box integrated into the system 100 and operably linked to the microcontroller. The key-box comprises a housing 104 formed by three interconnected walls that collectively create an opening at the bottom to allow a key 109 to exit during dispensing. These walls are arranged in such a way that there is an opening at the bottom of the housing 104. This opening serves as the exit point for a key 109 when it is released or dispensed from the key-box. The key-box is connected to the microcontroller, which controls when and how the key 109 is dispensed, ensuring that the key 109 only exits through this designated opening when authorized. A tray 106 is operably coupled to this housing 104 on the bottom portion to receive the key 109 as it is dispensed.

[0033] Inside the housing 104, there exists a plurality of key holders 108 mounted on one of the walls. Each key holder 108 is associated to a specific room number that facilitates easy allotment and returning of the key 109 in an organized manner. Referring to Figure 2, an enlarged view of the key holder 108 in stowed state is illustrated. Each key holder 108 comprises at least two links, including a first link configured to hold the key 109, and a second link for structural support. A tilting member 108c is connected between the two links to enable motion. A hydraulic arrangement is operably coupled to the tilting member 108c to facilitate autonomous tilting of the first link.

[0034] When activated, the hydraulic arrangement tilts the first link downward, thereby releasing the held key 109 into the tray 106. Referring to Figure 3, an enlarged view of the key holder 108 in deployed state is illustrated. The hydraulic arrangement is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the titling member 108c to move the key holder 108.

[0035] The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder; the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the first link and due to applied pressure the first link tilts downward to dispense the key 109 into the tray 106 from where the user is able to pick up the key 109.

[0036] The key holders 108 are attached to the wall via a ball and socket joint, allowing for angular adjustments to support smooth dispensing motion. The ball and socket joint provides a 360-degree rotation to the key holder 108 for positioning the key holder 108 at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint are a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the key holder 108. The ball and socket joint are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the

[0037] The key 109 itself is specifically configured for tracking the perimeter around the predefined area and provide feedback. The basic structure of the key 109 consists of a bow 109a, a shoulder 109b, and a blade 109c. The bow 109a includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) module operably connected to the microcontroller that provides real-time location data of the key 109. The GPS module receives signals from multiple satellites in the GPS constellation. Each satellite transmits a signal that includes its position and the precise time of the signal. The GPS module uses these signals to calculate the distance from each satellite based on the time it took for the signal to reach the module. By receiving signals from multiple satellites, the module performs trilateration and calculates the exact position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the platform.

[0038] The microcontroller receives the GPS coordinates and determines the current location of the key 109. If the key 109 is moved beyond the defined boundary, the system 100 is triggered to alert the user. The bow 109a is integrated with a vibratory unit, which generates haptic alerts to inform the user if the key 109 is carried outside the virtual perimeter.

[0039] The bow 109a of the key 109 includes a speaker unit 110 that provides audible directions or notifications to guide the user to the selected room. The speaker unit 110 works by converting electrical signals from the microcontroller into sound waves that the user is able to hear. When the microcontroller sends audio instructions, these electrical signals are transmitted to the speaker unit 110, which vibrates a diaphragm to produce audible sounds.

[0040] The speaker unit 110 in the bow 109a of the key 109 works in sync with the GPS module by receiving location-based instructions from the microcontroller, which processes real-time position data provided by the GPS module. As the GPS module tracks the key’s 109 current location, the microcontroller compares it with the destination coordinates of the selected room. The speaker unit 110 promptly notifies the user if they move out of the geofencing.

[0041] Additionally, a LED 111 (light-emitting diode) is also incorporated into the bow 109a to visually signal that the user has arrived at the correct room. The LED 111 (Light Emitting Diode) is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light is corresponding to the energy of the photons and is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor to notify the user regarding reaching of the selected room.

[0042] The light-emitting diode (LED) incorporated into the bow 109a works by receiving a signal from the microcontroller, which continuously monitors the key’s 109 location via the GPS module. When the GPS data indicates that the key reached the predefined coordinates of the selected room, the microcontroller activates the LED. The LED 111 then lights up or blinks to provide a clear visual confirmation to the user that they have arrived at the correct room.

[0043] To facilitate returning of the key 109 by the user, the key-box also includes a compartment 107 mounted externally where the user places the key 109 and to temporarily hold the key 109 there.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, a proximity sensor is integrated with the compartment 107 to detect the presence of the key 109 by emitting an electromagnetic field or beam and measuring the reflection. These sensors are connected to the microcontroller, which continuously monitors the compartment 107. Once the sensor detects that the key 109 has been placed in the compartment 107, it sends a signal to the microcontroller.

[0045] A robotic arm 105 is disposed within the housing 104 and is attached to an inner wall. The microcontroller then activates the robotic arm 105 to pick the key 109 and return it to the correct key holder 108 based on the stored room allocation data. The robotic arm 105 comprises, motor controllers, arm, end effector and sensors. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow 109a is at the middle section of the arm 105 that allows the upper part of the arm 105 to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm 105 and attached to the end effector thereby the end effector works as a hand to pick the key 109 and return it to the correct key holder 108.

[0046] The database connected to the microcontroller is also designed to store contextual information, including room allocations based on weather conditions, thereby allowing room availability to adapt to external environmental factors. Moreover, the database maintains location data of each key holder 108 within the key-box housing 104, mapped relative to specific rooms. This allows the robotic arm 105 to efficiently retrieve and place key 109 based on their room associations.

[0047] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 is deployed within an educational campus to manage access to classrooms. The touch-enabled board 101 is installed at key campus locations such as building entrances and academic blocks. A faculty member 108c scans their RFID card using the integrated RFID reader 102, the display panel 103 immediately presents a real-time digital dashboard 101 showing available and booked classrooms. The data is fetched from a database linked to the microcontroller, which holds updated room availability, capacity, and time-slot information. The faculty member 108c selects a suitable classroom from the touch panel 103. Upon selection, the system 100 checks for conflicts or overlaps in schedule. If the selected room is available, the microcontroller generates a signal to dispense the associated key 109 from the key-box. Simultaneously, the dashboard 101 updates the room’s status to “booked,” ensuring no duplicate assignments occur. The key 109 assists the faculty member 108c to quickly identify and navigate to their assigned rooms using integrated location assistance, ad alert from LED 111 and speaker.

[0049] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the present invention includes the touch-enabled board 101, the RFID reader 102, the AI-based camera with facial recognition, and the display panel 103 to facilitate secure booking or allocation of rooms. The RFID reader 102 reads user identification tags, while the AI camera verifies the user's face, adding the extra layer of security. Upon successful authentication, the display panel 103 presents available rooms, and based on user input, sends signals to the microcontroller, which accesses the database containing room capacity, time-slots, locations, and conditions. The microcontroller processes the data and commands the key-box to dispense the assigned key 109. The key-box includes the housing 104 with three walls forming the bottom exit, the tray 106 to receive dispensed keys 109, and multiple key holders 108 mounted via the ball and socket joints for multidirectional movement. Each holder 108 includes the tilting member 108c, the hydraulic arrangement, and links to securely hold and release the key 109 into the tray 106. The key 109 comprises the bow 109a, the shoulder 109b, and the blade 109c, and houses the GPS module, the vibratory unit, the speaker unit 110, and the LED, which together offer live tracking, haptic alerts, audio navigation, and visual confirmation when reaching the selected room. The proximity sensor in the external compartment 107 detects key 109 return, triggering the robotic arm 105 to retrieve the key 109 and return it to the correct key holder 108, guided by room allocation data stored in the database. The geofencing unit ensures the key 109 stays within the defined boundary by interacting with the GPS module.

[0050] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A system for accessing a room, comprises:

i) a touch enabled board 101, comprising:

a) a radio frequency identification reader 102, operably coupled to the board 101 to authorize a user to access the options available for rooms,
b) a display panel 103 installed onto the board 101 to display an information of available rooms to the user;

ii) a microcontroller operably connected to the board 101, and generates a signal after the room is selected by the user through the touch enabled board 101;

iii) a key-box disposed in the system 100 and operably connected to the microcontroller for holding and dispensing a key 109, wherein the key-box, comprising:

a) a housing 104 made of three interconnected walls to form an opening at bottom of the housing 104 to provide exit of the key 109,
b) a tray 106 operably coupled to the housing 104 to receive the key 109 from housing 104,

iv) plurality of the key holders 108 disposed in the housing 104, and operably coupled to a wall of the housing 104, wherein the key holder 108, includes:

a) at least two links, wherein first link is for holding the key 109,
b) a tilting member 108c coupled to the first link and second link,
c) a hydraulic arrangement operably coupled to the tilting member 108c for facilitating an autonomous motion to the first link over the wall to drop the held key 109 in the tray 106,
d) a compartment 107 attached to the key-box to place the key 109,
e) a robotic arm 105 disposed in the housing 104, and attached to an inner wall of the housing 104 for picking the placed key 109 in the compartment 107 and placing onto the key holder 108; and

v) a geofencing unit disposed in the system 100 and operably coupled to the microcontroller to create a virtual perimeter for presence of the key 109.

2) The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein a key 109 having a bow 109a, a shoulder 109b, and a blade 109c, wherein a bow 109a of the key 109 comprises:
i) a GPS (Global Positioning System 100) module operably connected to the microcontroller to share live location of the key 109; and
ii) a vibratory unit operably coupled to the microcontroller for giving haptic alarm to the user if the user moves out of the virtual perimeter.

3) The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is linked with a database having pre-stored information about capacity, time-slot for availability and location of the room.

4) The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the key holders 108 are coupled to the wall of the housing 104 by means of a ball and socket joint.

5) The system 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bow 109a is integrated with a speaker unit 110 to assist the user for reaching the selected room.

6) The system 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bow 109a is integrated with a light emitting diode to get a signal if the user reached to the selected room.

7) The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the database stores information about rooms based on a weather condition.

8) The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein database stores the location of the key holder 108 in the housing 104 relative to the key 109 for a specific room.