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Key sensing door
Locked yourself out? Not anymore
  (+5, -2)
(+5, -2)
  [vote for,
against]


A lot of people seem to find themselves locked out of their own homes. I imagine that this is caused by key in knob latches, which are set to lock before the door closes. Mechanical solutions [link] seem to have left something to be desired, and while keyless entry, and double cylinder locks can serve the purpose, I would like to propose a truely halfbaked... or maybe three quarter's baked idea.

Evil RFID technology is already used in doorways at stores, in order to beep angrily at customers who are trying to redistribute wealth, as well as at unwitting characters with lawfully purchased goods that have not been properly de-RFIDed. Not quite so Evil RFID techhnology allows implants to be left in various animals for decades.

I propose that we develop a new RFID tag, which can be installed in a key cover, such as those on car keys. A sensor can then easily be set into the door of the home.

The RFID can then detect when someone is leaving the hosue without the key, and beep angrily at them... much like how my car beeps angrily at me when the passenger door is opened while the car is running, lest I should clamber over the seats, leave, and lock myself out of the car with the engine still running.

The door could be equipped with powered locks, which it would not lock unless the homeowner left with a key, or it might be equipped to use them only after a set amount of time, after which it might be able to send a call, page, or other communication to yourself, or a neighbor who has been entrusted with a key.

Certain refinements could be made to prevent unnecessary beeping. The homeowner might get an implanted RFID device (also known as "THE MARK OF THE BEAST"), so the door knows when it is the homeowner leaving, rather than a guest showing themselves out... Or the door might be made as a double cylinder lock, and would only beep when the key was not in one side or the other... Or the homeowner could keep a key at all times, and see the guests away personally. The door would then sense the key, and not get all uppity.


ye_river_xiv, Jul 26 2006

Double bang lock double_20bang_20lock
Nobody likes to get locked out. [ye_river_xiv, Jul 26 2006]

Remote operated garage door lock http://www.elocksys.com/
wish I'd halfbaked that one. [ye_river_xiv, Jul 26 2006]

[link]






       /RFID sensors get really mad when you walk out on them/   

       [+]

tcarson, Jul 26 2006
  

       Nice one. [+]

kuupuuluu, Jul 26 2006
  

       Having a door that alerts you you've forgotten your keys is only working around the problem, not solving it. Go to keyless entry, and never have to forget your keys again.

DrCurry, Jul 26 2006
  

       I prefer to have keys. No electronic keyless entry BS should get between me and my home.

ye_river_xiv, Jul 27 2006
  

       [river], keys only provide an illusion of security. tumbler locks have worked off of the same principles for ages, and thieves with a little bit of talent have developed a pretty effective way of opening them up without the benefit of keys. for a lock with real security value, i'd suggest nailing all your doors and windows shut.

tcarson, Jul 27 2006
  

       [tcarson] I tried that but the neighbours complained when I fired up the chainsaw to get in. It seems there was some sort of "noise bylaw" or something.   

       Anybody know of a reliable moat-builder?

Canuck, Jul 27 2006
  

       When you walk outside and forget your keys... and the door beeps at you to remind you that you've forgotten them...   

       How does the door know your identity and that you're not actually your granny, having just visited?

Jinbish, Jul 27 2006
  

       [-] for yet another idea that relies on the dreaded RFID.   

       This is becoming like magic - it seems mention RFID and hey presto, it's a valid idea.

webfishrune, Jul 27 2006
  

       "How does the door know your identity and that you're not actually your granny, having just visited?"   

       Hmm, good point. I'm guessing that since the beeping goes off if you lock the door from the outside, it will quiet down of you lock the door from the inside too.   

       Or you can keep your key with you as you see granny to the door.   

       Or you can install a RFID device on granny. This may also be of some use if she suffers from alzheimers, and has a tendency to get lost.

ye_river_xiv, Jul 27 2006
  

       Sad to see your doors moving away from malevolence, but bun for the specializtion.

pigtails_and_ponies, Jul 27 2006
  

       Why not just have one of those door knobs that cannot be locked without the key? You know, the ones with a keyhole on both sides? Seems a lot simpler that RFID this, beeping that.

Texticle, Jul 27 2006
  

       ...Or just hide a spare key in the garden somewhere, should you ever be locked out.

Texticle, Jul 27 2006
  

       ...with an RFID tag, in case you forget where you hid it?

DrCurry, Jul 27 2006
  

       Just put an RFID tag on everything but the key. That way, the item that is conspicuous by it's absence of beeping (i.e. the key) will draw your attention.

Texticle, Jul 27 2006
  

       [Dang! The dog just swallowed the RFID sensor!]

DrCurry, Jul 27 2006
  

       [canuk], chainsaws shouldn't be used on metal. it's noisy, sure. you should use the right tools. say a plasma or oxy/acetelyne torch. much quieter, plus, molten metal is cooool. by the way, i'm currently taking commissions on moat digging in northern california.

tcarson, Jul 27 2006
  

       [bigsleep], you'd better look out for the anti-bigbrother police!

tcarson, Jul 28 2006
  

       "Why not just have one of those door knobs that cannot be locked without the key? You know, the ones with a keyhole on both sides?"   

       Well texticle, mainly because those are already baked.   

       Anybody know a good moat builder that can install inside appartments?

ye_river_xiv, Jul 28 2006
  

       Brilliant idea! I love it and would buy one for my home. The best part is that it trains you to remember your key.

James Newton, Jul 31 2006
  
      
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