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Wyze’s New Door Lock Unlocks With Your Fingerprint

Amber Nelson — Thu, 12 May 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Door lock technology is quickly catching up to cell phone advancements, with fingerprint unlocking available in several new models. One new option, the Lock Bolt from smart tech company Wyze, is a very affordable version that allows users to unlock a door in under a second.

We break down all the Lock Bolt’s best and worst features here:

Fast

While many other smart door locks take several seconds to fully release, the Wyze version boasts an impressive half-second response time. That equates to a greater feeling of security knowing you won’t have to hang out on a dark porch waiting for the door to open.

Added Security

With the ability to store up to 50 fingerprints, the Lock Bolt can easily identify all authorized users. It can also accommodate up to 20 different keypad codes and has an anti-peep feature that lets you add random digits to the beginning or end of your code to throw off anyone trying to spy out your secret numbers.

The lock does not, however, have the option to use a traditional key.

Automatic Locking

Although not truly programmable, the device has an auto lock feature that will lock the door after a specified period of time. This makes sure the door stays secured during the night even if someone comes in late and forgets to manually bolt it. However, because there are no door sensors to tell the lock if the door is open or closed, it would still turn to the locked position even if the door was open.

Limited Connectivity

The Wyze Lock Bolt uses Bluetooth to connect to an accompanying smartphone app instead of Wi-Fi, which limits the range of remote features. Users can only lock and unlock the door via the app within the 16-foot radius of the lock’s Bluetooth 5.0 radio, and no smart home integration is possible. That means you can’t control the door when you’re away from home, set schedules, or operate it with Alexa or Siri voice commands.

User History

When logged on to the Wyze app (which must still be within Bluetooth range of the door), users can access records of how and when people have opened the lock, allowing you to monitor traffic in and out of the house.

Long-Lasting Battery

One benefit of being Bluetooth only is that the battery life of of the Lock Bolt’s included four AAs is much longer than it is for Wi-Fi versions. The Wyze Lock Bolt can go 10 to 12 months on one set of batteries, compared to just three to six months for Wi-Fi connected locks.

If the batteries happen to run out before you get a chance to change them, you can always just recharge the Lock Bolt with the USB-C port at the base of the lock, juicing it up enough to enter a code and unlock the door.

Affordable

While most smart door locks range from $150 to $300, the Wyze fingerprint model is offered for just $69.99. For example, the Lockley Flex Touch with Biometric 3D Fingerprint is a similar Bluetooth version but sells for more than double the price at $159, while the eufy Security Smart Lock Touch goes for even more at $169. The price point for the Wyze definitely makes the drawbacks more palatable. For an even better deal, Wyze Cam Plus subscribers can score another $10 off the regular price.

The post Wyze’s New Door Lock Unlocks With Your Fingerprint first appeared on Dornob.

Lifepack HUSTLE: Solar Bag with Anti-Theft Lock

dornob — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 18:21:10 +0000

Virtually theft-proof and capable of charging your gadgets on the go, the Hustle Collection backpack and shoulder bag offer some stylish solutions for carrying your essential belongings around. Solgaard Design, the company behind the Hustle campaign, previously released a backpack called the “Lifepack” on Kickstarter in 2016, raising over half a million dollars and shipping 15,000 bags out to customers around the world. Now, they’re back with a wider variety of upgraded products, and the public couldn’t be more excited about them.

Lifepack HUSTLE provides a great base for people to build their mobile offices around, fitting an impressive amount of objects in its sturdy, compact interior. Plus, each bag has been equipped with the Solarbank 2-in-1: a portable photovoltaic system and power bank that can be charged using the sun’s rays or a micro-USB cable. It’s got 2 USB ports of its own for quick charging, a 10,000 mAh battery that can power up to five smartphones, and fourth generation solar technology that generates enough electricity to juice up your devices after just four hours of exposure to sunlight.

Each Hustle bag also boasts an integrated combination anti-theft lock that fixes it to one spot and prevents it from opening. For extra security, the backpacks have all been outfitted with quick & easy magnetic closure and a double-reinforced hexagon latch, the buckle of can also be used as a bottle opener. Did we mention that all of these features can be utilized with a single hand? Anyone who’s ever tried working at a coffee shop only to worry about leaving their possessions unsupervised when going to the bathroom is sure to appreciate these handy safety additions. The lock’s compressed coil cable can extend up to 39 inches, but that’s as far as any potential thief would ever get with your stuff without having to steal an entire cafe chair or park bench!

Inside the bag, a fleece-lined computer sleeve can safely store any laptop with a display of 15 inches or less. The backpack’s inner lid features a dedicated cable storage compartment and a special pocket for the Solarbank. Each bag has been designed to stand up on its own at all times, even when it’s empty, and you’ll find a USB charging port in one of its air-cushioned straps. If all of that isn’t enough, you’ll be happy to hear that the Lifepack HUSTLE also offers two more hidden pockets, plenty of back padding, and a hip-holster USB port for easy-access charging. The backpack is available in a range of colors, including stealth black, steel, and “vintage” gray with a brown leather finish.

If you’re looking for something with business-casual look, we’d recommend going with the Hustle shoulder bag. These beauties are made from quality vegan leather and posess many of the same features as the backpack. A comfortable luggage strap makes these bags particularly easy to travel with.

The Hustle collection’s Kickstarter campaign just launched, but it’s already surpassed its initial goal of $100,00 by over $60,000! Backing the project now will earn you a nice discount on any one of the company’s individual products. If you’re feeling especially generous, you can pledge enough to score a bundle, which includes both bag types and a pair of Solarbanks!

The post Lifepack HUSTLE: Solar Bag with Anti-Theft Lock first appeared on Dornob.

Knob-Free Doors with Built-In Handles

dornob dornob — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 17:39:56 +0000

Designers prefer to think about a whole composition than a single piece, yet the way home hardware works does not always lend itself to this approach. Take the classic dichotomy of door+handle, for example – no matter how classic or modern, these are generally considered separate objects.

Albed has taken a slightly different approach, dispensing with knobs altogether and building the opening-and-closing functionality straight into the cores of doors themselves. Now if only they could do something about those hinges, too (so cleverly concealed but no doubt still there when the doors are opened). Handle-free doors might sound strange, but they operate in a cool way.

From recessed pull handles (and push buttons) to curved built-in handles that seem to fold out of the surface, these designers have developed a line of (both real working and concept models) that illustrate various other ways to reconsider the age-old relationship of major opening and minor fixture. Fad, trend or timeless design? Hard to say – we will see how people feel about getting so closely in touch with their everyday door.

“Venturing beyond the limits of imagination: RING is INNOVATION capable of surprising us once again; the handle is a circular hole hiding a SOPHISTICATED opening technology.”

“Habits are hard to lose, but when faced with the ELEGANCE of the BLOW door, one is faced with the essence of simplicity. The vertical grip of the handle becomes a natural operation. The door panel is no longer fl at, its form shapes into a wave and the handle is its inside groove.”

“Albed was founded in 1964 with the idea of making high-quality design aluminium complements. It has developed its style and its own production skills, while maintaining its original goals. Our products are made entirely in italy, with raw materials that comply with all environment and safety criteria.”

“A wide ranging production of doors, room dividing systems and walk-in wardrobes. These solutions can adapt to any space, to furnish rooms while creatively optimising every area of the home and office in a refined, thoughtful and innovative manner. Technology, know-how and our production cycle that is entirely an internal process, allows us to make products and offer a “tailor-made” service for every furnishing need.”

The post Knob-Free Doors with Built-In Handles first appeared on Dornob.

5 Cool Bike Locks

Joanne Camas — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:00:26 +0000

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini

Let’s face it: This bike lock’s a winner from its great name on down. Kryptonite has long been a leader in bike locks, and this “New York” version certainly lives up to the company’s reputation. It has a super-secure disc-style cylinder that’s resistant to picks and drills and a hardened double deadbolt to frustrate thieves who try to cut it. The company’s patented steel sleeve provides even more security coverage, and the shackle itself is also made of 18-millimeter hardened steel. We love the yellow “police tape” warning color, too. The only downside is that it weighs in at a hefty 4.55 pounds.

Bisecu: The Smart Bike Lock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5r5FCIDvO4
If someone tries to take your bike when you use the Bisecu smart lock, you’ll hear about it. So will everyone within a decent range, as this lock boasts a 100-decibel loud alarm and sends push notifications directly to your mobile device. The Bisecu’s LED light also blinks to warn thieves that it’s got your bike covered, too. The company says the lock is “impossible to cut from outside,” and for all its strength — thank you, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy — it still weighs less than a cup of coffee. You can lock it with your smartphone or by using a preset password on the lock itself.
Bonus: Since the Bisecu is mounted on the bike all the time, the designers incorporated real-time ride analysis features into it, which you can access via the accompanying mobile app.

Abus Bordo GRANIT X Plus 6500

This is one heavy lock, and it comes with a heavy price tag, too. It’s worth looking into if you own a top-of-the-line bike or an expensive e-bike, though. The lock rests compactly on your bike and unfolds when it needs to swing into action. Abus’ Link-Protection-Shield provides protection against thieves wielding saws, and the company’s “X Plus” cylinder offers “extremely high protection against manipulation,” such as lock-picking. The whole shebang is made of hardened steel.

Ellipse Smart Bike Lock

The Ellipse uses technology wisely. For starters, you can tap your phone to lock or unlock it, and the lock also features a built-in solar panel to recharge its battery (but you can also charge it with a micro-USB cable). One thing we’re particularly intrigued by is the fact that the lock allows you to set up your own bike share network. “Simply select the friend you want to share your bike with and send them an invitation with a secure code,” the company says. “All they need to do is to enter the code in the Ellipse app to unlock the bike when they’re in range.” What a cool twist: a lock that’s designed to help people take your bike!
Of course, it does stop miscreants, too. The Ellipse’s 17-millimeter-thick steel shackle and dual-locking mechanism are powerful deterrents, and the company says it uses “bank-level” encryption to stop hackers in their tracks.

Altor Apex

If you don’t mind waiting, the Altor Apex series of locks might be worth a look. The company is putting the finishing touches on its stylish new line of compact locks. They’ve been independently tested and certified “to be unbreakable by bolt cutters, hacksaws, and other common theft tools,” the company reports. You can opt for a hardened steel (2.5 pounds) or ultra-lightweight aerospace titanium (1.5 pounds) body. Inside, there’s a “disc-detainer” locking mechanism to thwart lock-pickers.

The post 5 Cool Bike Locks first appeared on Dornob.

Product Review: Dog & Bone LockSmart

Dornob Staff — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:00:55 +0000

Smart devices are everywhere nowadays, but when it comes to security, many still prefer the simple reliability of a mechanical device that can’t be tinkered with. However, Dog & Bone has decided to tackle an old staple: the common padlock. It’s a straightforward design that hasn’t been significantly altered since the 1800s, and while Dog & Bone’s version looks mostly the same on the outside, everything else is fine-tuned for life in the modern age. We decided to take a look at their LockSmart line to see if this innovative lock was something worth trading up for.

We received an original LockSmart padlock and a slimmer blue LockSmart Mini to try out. Both had a very modern and sleek look with one interesting feature: no key hole. Many smart devices we’ve tried in the past have come with a contingency plan just in case the power goes out or a battery is running low. These locks, however, are supposed to last for two years in their default power modes and will ping your phone if their power starts to drain. While we weren’t able to test the full timetable for this, we tested them during three months of regular use and only saw the reported battery power drop six percent.

Original LockSmart

The original LockSmart is a weighty, sturdy lock. It boasts an 8mm-stainless steel shackle and a die-cast Zamak-3 zinc alloy body. This solid design gives the lock a high tensile and impact strength that won’t break easily. However, the red silicon ring around the front and back keep this tough lock from scuffing your surfaces. Since it doesn’t need to be charged very often, the USB recharge port next to the power button on the bottom has been capped with a silicon seal. It’s also completely weatherproof and has been tested in rain, hail, snow, and heat from -4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

The lock weighs about 13 ounces, which is quite heavy but can be attributed to the high-quality materials used to make it and the parts it requires for digital functionality.

LockSmart Mini

This lock was perfect for quick security needs, like locking luggage or a locker. Its design is much slimmer than that of the original and is made from lighter materials. While the lock’s mechanical hardware has been downgraded, it’s still a tough construction: the Mini features a hardened steel shackle and a die-cast alloy body.

The entire exterior has a silicon cover, and while ours came in a nice light blue, the cover also comes in black and red. This lock definitely gives off a casual vibe while maintaining the high standards of its bigger cousin.

Performance

As this is a smart device, there is the danger of cyber-attacks to your lock, and we were impressed with Dog & Bone’s precautionary measures to keep your belongings safe. Every lock features 128-bit advanced encryption and a 256-bit cloud generated private key.

To actually access the lock, users go through their LockSmart app. Set up was simple for us and the locks were connected to our phones within a couple of minutes. The app has a very intuitive layout, and each lock can be personalized with images and names so you know exactly which one you’re controlling if you own more than one. We were also immediately prompted to update the lock’s firmware, which is a good indicator that the company continues to support and improve its products long after we purchase them.

As we were testing on an iPhone, we were given three options to unlock the device: tap to unlock, passcode, and through our phone’s Touch ID function. The app also features a map so you can track your lock’s location, and it will notify you if the lock is ever moved (perfect for catching a bike thief).Hands down the best feature for this lock is something you can’t easily do with

Hands down the best feature for this lock is something you can’t easily do with your everyday mechanical padlock: share access. Without needing to hand over a physical key, the app allows you to invite users through your phone contacts. You can give anyone unlimited access, restrict them to a certain schedule (like if you have gardeners or a pet walker that needs access), or assign a limited amount of unlocks. It was easy to share; once we sent an invite, the new user received a text message prompting them to download the app and join our lock. Every time they accessed the device, we were given a push notification and it was recorded on the lock’s activity page.

Unfortunately, we did encounter one issue when we were testing the share access feature. If one person was connected to the lock on their phone, everyone else would be denied access and couldn’t take over control. It’s not unusual to deny two users access to a device at the same time, but the language in the app confused us at first. It stated we weren’t connected and suggested turning the lock on, which wasn’t the issue. Not a deal breaker, but good to know if the situation ever arises again.

Actually opening the lock was pretty fun. Once we touched our Touch ID sensor, the lock sprang open so fast it startled us. The shackle moved very precisely, jolting open just enough so we could remove the lock, but not enough that the device falls off whatever it’s attached to. The shackle fits perfectly into the main body, a secure fit with none of the jiggling you might be used to from cheaper products.

Overall

Both locks worked amazingly. They were highly responsive and unlocked instantly when prompted. A lot of smart devices eventually become troublesome to use and therefore not much more convenient than their ”dumb” counterparts. However, we were pleasantly surprised with how quick and easy it was to unlock this padlock, and how we were even able to unlock it in about the same amount of time as a traditional padlock. We were also impressed with how clean, stylish, and user-friendly the app was. It stood out in all the right ways and made personalizing our lock set a fun experience.

The locks are priced higher than the quick-fix padlock you’d find at a convenience store, but when compared to ones of equal strength we saw no significant price difference (at the time of writing). Currently, their website prices the original LockSmart at $90 while the Mini is $70, but prices varied on other stores we checked.

The Dog & Bone LockSmart series is a great way to swap some of your practical items out for their smart tech counterparts. The lock’s features were useful, the company clearly paid attention to the strength of its physical design, and it was super easy to operate.

The post Product Review: Dog & Bone LockSmart first appeared on Dornob.

Five Favorite Winners of the CES Asia Innovation Awards

Joanne Camas — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 07:00:32 +0000

Inventors and design visionaries alike were out in full force at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Shanghai. Booths displayed a variety of groundbreaking gadgets and tech, including robots, audio equipment, drones, and virtual reality experiences. Among the highlights were the products that took home the show’s prestigious innovation awards. Here are a few of our favorite winners.

The H-MEX, short for Hyundai Medical Exoskeleton, is a wearable robot that helps people with lower spinal cord injuries walk on their own. Its designers explain, “by utilizing a wireless clutch with on-board motion control system, the equipment gives paraplegics the ability to sit, stand, move, turn and even walk up or down stairs.” H-MEX automatically adjusts to an individual’s gait by tailoring itself to their average walking speed, the length of their strides, and the tilt of their torso via an internal smart device. The entire frame is lightweight and runs on a rechargeable battery.

Ecolife is a clever, unobtrusive product that provides an in-depth analysis of its user’s immediate air quality. This little unit is capable of detecting both in and outdoor pollution and monitors the air’s particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, temperature, and humidity. Eventually, the company aims to connect users by sharing air quality readings across several regions. We suspect people with medical issues and concerned parents will be especially eager to get their hands on Ecolife, and since it won the “Green Technologies” category at this year’s CES Asia, it’s also sure to make waves among the environmentally conscious.

The igloohome Smart Lock Deadbolt 02 is a home technology device that offers additional safety, peace of mind, and accessibility. This digital smart lock allows you to enter time-sensitive PINs or Bluetooth keys in place of physical ones. Plus, the device works offline, meaning you won’t need a constant Wi-Fi signal to feel secure. There’ll be no more fumbling for keys at the bottom of your backpack, and if you get locked out by mistake, it won’t be a big deal!

MEDELI Electronics’ Yodrum is an interactive drum instructor that will set you on the path to fulfilling your dreams of rock stardom. The device teaches using a screen mounted to an electronic drum kit, on which the user plays and attempts to master its daunting 300 levels. Yodrum combines the interactive nature of music lessons with the convenience of electronic drum pads, so you’ll be able to practice at any time of day. It’s a nifty tool for both beginners looking to pick up percussion and experienced players keen on honing their craft.

Your new favorite six-legged friend? Probably HEXA, the all-terrain hexapod robot that can walk, climb, traverse jagged terrain, sense, and see — even at night. HEXA’s mobility and 360-degree rotating head make it an agile addition to the smart technology market, and its talents take “smart” to the next level. The creators at Vincross explain: “It supports image, video, face, voice recognition, and machine learning algorithms that deliver the unique ability to intelligently adapt to almost any situation.” HEXA will even send images straight to your phone.

The post Five Favorite Winners of the CES Asia Innovation Awards first appeared on Dornob.

Key-Free Lock with Smartphone Access

dornob — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:00:44 +0000

No need to swap out your existing deadbolt with a newfangled device – this circular switch slots right over your locking mechanism, but shifts the method of unlocking to entirely new territory.

Designed by Jason Johnson and Yves Behar, the August Smart Lock can sense your approach automatically, saving you the trouble of taking out your virtual ‘key’, or can be activated remotely for house guests or a forgetful child or spouse.

Further settings include the ability to allow certain persons to key in codes at particular times or on particular days, so a delivery can be made, dog can be walked or house can be cleaned, all without handing over a full-time means of access.

From the creators: “Have you ever lost your keys? I am willing to bet that 99% of us have. In the last year, 20% of Americans have been locked out of their homes at least once. Humanity has been carrying keys, sharp pieces of metal in our pockets, for 200 years… it’s time we think of something else.”

“At a time when we easily use technology for our banking, retail or lifestyle tracking, it is logical to transform the way we access our home. The August Smart Lock works with your existing deadbolt, and allows you to send a virtual key to guests or contractors to gain entry into your home without the need for a physical exchange of keys. You can specify the number of guests, how long the keys are virtually active for and disable them at any time – making access simpler and more secure. As the homeowner, or a guest, arrives at the door it will auto-unlock without the need to pull ones phone out of the pocket, and auto-lock behind the user.”

“Once installed on your existing deadbolt, August simply uses a Bluetooth LE connection with your smartphone to lock and unlock the door. Whether a guest comes to stay, the dog walker is scheduled, or a delivery is expected, the August app can be used to send a virtual key that will open the door at your specified time, tailoring access according to the person. Once this time window expires, guests lose access privileges and you can be assured they no longer have access to your property – and with encrypted security, your virtual key can never be copied.”

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Secret Drawer Hidden in Bookshelf

dornob — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:00:30 +0000

Picture the process of thieves rummaging through your home. Would they find your stash of valuables taped to the bottom of a drawer or under a floorboard (film cliches), or would they be baffled by something in plain sight?

Few would think to examine such a slender element as a floating shelf, and, even if they did, it has no handles or apparent hidden panels. In fact, you need a magnet to unlock its secrets, which themselves look innocuous and could be kept either on your key chain or in another nearby drawer.

A simple and elegant product of Torafu, this secret hidden shelf is a great mix of subtle and accessible, putting your valuables wherever you want to set the shelf, including just inside your door … but at the same time protecting them from all but the most ingenious of would-be robbers.

From the designers:

“One open shelf protruding from the wall. With a thickness of 34 mm and a solid wood-like shelf, it is made up of delicate aluminum parts. By kneading the veneer into a thin structure, a space was created within the thickness of the shelf.”

“When you pull out the mouth with the key of the magnet, a secret drawer with an effective thickness of 23 mm appears, which is the minimum thickness for storing important things such as seals and passbooks. The hidden aluminum space emerges from the opening of the open shelves, changing the impression of the shelves.”

“* About inquiries:
Since this product was made as a plot type, it is not currently available as a product. However, we have received a lot of inquiries from both inside and outside Japan, and we are currently in the process of commercializing it. We will inform you on this page when it is finally commercialized.“

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Simple & Safe 45-Degree Catch Hinge

dornob — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:36 +0000

They get bent by use, flip, flop and flap around in the wind, get in the way and sometimes even hurt people by sticking out. Surely, there had to be a better way to keep doors and gates latched securely — and now someone has found it. It’s refreshingly simple, yet it may just be the best door hardware idea since the invention of the lock.

The change is simple: get rid of the orientation that tends to hang open in the open doorway, getting snagged and potentially causing injuries.

YankoDesign explains, “The traditional door catch is still being used in many countries. Although simple to use, the design has two major flaws. Because of its orientation, the catch tends to get in the way and hurt people and as a result, it bends and gets deformed. The simple solution is to change the vertical hinge to a 45° angle. This ways the moving latch hangs down flush with the door (thanks to gravity) and doesn’t come in the way. And like the design team puts it, ‘Safety is ensured and the lifespan of the latch is extended.'”

And while this type of latch is not often found indoors, it is frequently used outside — which, in many ways, makes them even more subject to abuse by weather, strangers and so forth.

The genius of this update on the design is not just in identifying the problem, or even solving it as such, but the incredibly easy resolution that requires essentially no more time, work or material than the original. A modest twist in orientation extends functionality, durability and safety. The extensive design team of Liu Xiangyu, Prof. He Xiaoyou, Ma Xiaodong, Geng Tao, Tang Xiaobo, Yu Lu, Zhang Ye, He Fang, Han Ya & Tang Hui are quite worthy of their Red Dot award.

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Mobile Office Pods to Create Instant Co-Working Spaces

dornob — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:43 +0000

Few spaces need as much flexibility as offices, where scaling is crucial and change is frequent. Thus future-thinking creations like the BEEBOX, an all-in-one system for turning empty rooms into instant work areas.

Fold it open to reveal a desk and cupboards for storage, but also acoustic panels to help keep the noise down from your office neighbors. Plug it in at a single point to supply electricity for your devices and for the built-in lights – no further integration or interface needed to make this mobile office pod fit anywhere.

And if security is an issue, with various pods of workers in the same warehouse, for instance, they can be closed and locked as easily as they are opened and deployed at the end and beginning of each day.

“Beebox Mobile Office reimagines and redesigns the workplace. We do that as affordable, accessible and innovative as we can with a hart and mind for self-care, work environment, safety, independence and comfort. It can be an uncomfortable and uneasy experience dealing with workplaces that discourage people from mixing work with the other moments of their daily work and lives. Instead of letting work aspects rule your everyday life, we want to fuse them altogether with a new kind of work experience.”

“We designed the Beebox Mobile Office for Growth, privacy, mobility, safety, change, plug and play, all in one, space saving, personalisation of the workspace, comfort and beauty. Beebox Mobile Office is Dutch Design from Amsterdam and also made in the Netherlands. Beebox Mobile Office has been designed by Bart de Groot and Christoph Veen.”

“We started designing and making workplaces and interiors for co-working spaces 10 years ago. Three years ago we decided to take all that experience and create a new workspace for the future of working.” “We still own a few co-working spaces in Amsterdam. And we are working in one of these our selves.”

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Fast & Secure: Sleek Fingerprint-Scanning Door Handle Lock

Loef — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:00:30 +0000

Opening a door is usually done in a single motion – we take for granted that this is just not possible when it comes to one with a locking mechanism, whether it be low-tech like a key or high-tech like an iris scanner.

Most fingerprint-reading door locks require that you depress an area, listen for a click or maybe look for a light, then grab the handle and go – not a big deal, but definitely one more step than necessary.

Donguk Seo proposes a simpler model that works with a single motion – just grab, press and push or pull all in the same simple motion, while an LED on the end lets you know if there is any issue with your first try.

The post Fast & Secure: Sleek Fingerprint-Scanning Door Handle Lock first appeared on Dornob.

Key Inventions: Built-In Carabiner Keys & Split-Ring Blanks

Loef — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:00:33 +0000

From unique car-accessing electronics to LED microlights built right into the grip, keys are evolving in new ways for the first time in centuries. These two crafty designs add another layer of functionality (helping you keep keys and attachments Invhandy) without messy moving parts, replacement-requiring batteries or other accessories.

Need to clip your key onto something? Just snap back a section of the top on this one, like you would a climbing carabiner, and latch it onto a zipper, flashlight or … another key entirely.

Still have enough keys to require a split ring to hold them all? How about having it built right into the key blank of, say, your primary key – this has the subtle added benefit of making one key (say, your front door, or whatever is most important or used) stand out from the pack as well.

Unlike some of the more fanciful industrial designs and inventions of Amron Experimental (some of which are shown above), these are in actual test and pre-production phases: “The Carabiner [and Split Ring] Key Blank[s] can link independently to keyrings, keychains, belt loops and shoelaces. Have [each] key cut at your local hardware store or lock shop to match your key and fit your lock. It is a real working key blank.”

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Dial-a-Door: Key-Free Home Entry via Built-In Handle Locks

Loef — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 20:00:48 +0000

The problem with keypad-based entry systems is simple: power. And being locked out on top of an outage may just compound the issue. Whether this secure enough for a front or back door is debatable, but as an alternative to physical-key or electronic systems from room to room inside, it seems like quite an ingenious idea indeed.

This elegant, simple, built-in mechanical solution by Jess Han lets you spin the dials to four preferred numbers, then push down the handle and open the door. Behind you, the tumblers are re-jumbled to prevent another person for simple re-opening it later on. For dark days (or nights) when the numbers might be too hard to read, a simple backlight for the white digits would be a big help as well.

The best application would seem to be storage closets to at least slow down would-be thieves, or individual bedrooms (or private areas) within a multi-unit apartment spaces and so forth. With remote code-changing systems, they would be an interesting backup system for hotels, perhaps as a failsafe for when magnetic key cards fail.

The post Dial-a-Door: Key-Free Home Entry via Built-In Handle Locks first appeared on Dornob.

Private Home, Public Key? Scan, Copy & Print Real 3D Keys

dornob — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:00:47 +0000

So-called ‘public-key’ cryptography involves passing ‘digital keys’ in plain site and creating codes that can move as bits (rather than atoms), securing communication between two parties separated in time and/or space. But what if you could do something similar with a physical house, garage or car key – ship a non-physical version to yourself or someone else that they can then print out into a real metal object on their end?

The catch, of course, is that balance between public and private – it becomes tricky once you let the cold, hard reality of your private key get close to the public realm.?Before we get to the security risks and other complications of this design by Oscar Diaz, however, it is worth looking at what this idea would enable: super-fast key replication, perfect digital copies that do not degrade from one generation to the next (losing ‘data’ with each copy of a copy) and universal accessibility without that associated risk of always having to carry keys on your person.

Different heads can be used to differentiate each key in a set from the next, and a central hole-and-lock system lets you conveniently carry a set in flat-pack form and fold out the keys in a clever and easy way … while also using standard metal rings with your existing key sets. In fact, this physical innovation would be useful even for keys that not made to work with this new 3D-printed, digitally-stored keys concept.

However, all of this means easy-to-make copies for would-be thieves – they can swipe and scan your keys, bringing them back (as they do sometimes in films) only to strike later with their perfect copy of your home key. And then there is the data transmission process: you have to make sure your ‘private’ key does not become a ‘public’ one as it moves through the internet. However, on the plus side, at least if someone finds your dropped keys in the parking lot there will not be anything identifiable on them that, for example, identifies your brand of vehicle and lets them more quickly find and steal your car!

The post Private Home, Public Key? Scan, Copy & Print Real 3D Keys first appeared on Dornob.

Easy V-Shaped Lock for Dark Nights

Dornob Staff — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:00:36 +0000

Locking and unlocking the front door when it is well-lit is as simple as stick and twist, but trying to find that little key hole in the dark can be a real pain – and what good are secure entry doors if you cannot get in and hide behind, close and lock them?

This is one of those so-simple-and-obvious designs that you almost have to wonder why no one has thought of it: not only does it provide a simple channel for sliding your key down into the lock each and every time, but its distinct shape makes the entire lock housing easier to find in the first place while groping around in poor lighting. Now if only its inventor Junjie Zhang also made it light up on contact to help you while you are fumbling with your keys to figure out which one will actually fit.

Of course, technology has provided a few new ways to get around the problem of a dim entryway as well. New high-tech fingerprint scanning door handles make accessing a home, office or place of business as easy as can be — you literally just have to lift a finger.

On the other hand, try fumbling around in the dark or with slightly less motor function than usual with this “dial-a-door” mechanical keypad entry featuring rings of numbers built into the handle. Far more difficult to use than a standard keypad entry, it requires you to spin each individual wheel to find the right number. It doesn’t help that the wheels are black and the numbers are so tiny, they’re arguably pretty hard to read.

If you’re a real glutton for punishment, you can make leaving your house just as hard with a labyrinth chain lock that requires a minimum of brainpower to figure out. Yeah yeah — make your jokes about keeping yourself out of the refrigerator at midnight.

The post Easy V-Shaped Lock for Dark Nights first appeared on Dornob.

Secure Your Cube: Lock-and-Leave-It ‘Safe Desk’ Design

Dornob Staff — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:00:46 +0000

You know that feeling: the need to stand up and go somewhere coupled with the worry about leaving your laptop computer or other personal items at the table or desk where you are sitting. This clever industrial ‘Desk Guard’ design concept by Choi Minaa promises simple flip-down security while you are away from your work.

While it would be great for offices of course, the same design ideas could equally well be applied in all kinds of public places and private establishments where strangers congregate – from libraries to coffee shops and more. Aside from security, this designer desk serves the dual function of making it easy to spot open seating versus working spaces already in use – if the top is flipped up it is available, folded down means the desk is occupied.

Keyed into a secure card, the top of the desk folds down to enclose everything on top within a secure internal envelope. Beyond computers, you could leave the rest of your things where they sit as well – instead of taking your wallet, keys and cell phone with you and wondering if something will happen to the rest of your belongings.

The post Secure Your Cube: Lock-and-Leave-It ‘Safe Desk’ Design first appeared on Dornob.