Smart switch device and switching method based on QR codes. It stores a plurality of QR codes, the camera is able to read QR codes, and processes whether the read QR code corresponds to one of the QR codes stored in the media storage, in this case, it will trigger the relay (a “tilt” sound is generated after each read, voice confirmation message and LED bulbs are swapped) for a certain period of time which is associated to that QR code, then the QR code is removed.
For example, a QR code “A” enables the relay for 30 minutes, a QR code “B” enables the relay for 4 hours, but if the QR code “A” is read again it will not enable the relay since the codes are deleted once used. Finally, if an invalid (not existing) QR code “X” is read, the relay will not be enabled.
The device can provide a variety of time-based switching by reading codes without the need of any telecommunications (WIFI, 3G, 4G…) and therefore, it can work in isolated areas such as underground areas, mountains or ships.
The device does not require any “payment module” for its usage:
• No cash is stored for preventing vandalism, and size of the device is considerably reduced.
• No sensitive data is used (credit card, personal data…) for avoiding privacy/security issues.
• Easy and fast to use: it only requires to read QR code from any screen or printed in paper.
Due to its reduced dimensions, it can be integrated into the existing urban infrastructures such as phone cabins, street lights or semaphores.
It is “low-cost” since it uses very few components, not industrial and not pricey (from low-end smartphone with speaker and camera, relay, PIC board and x2 LED bulbs).
It is installed like “plug-and-go”, no technician is needed, the system will boot automatically right after receiving the electric current, seconds after, a bulb LED is ON and the system is ready for reading QR codes (after a voice welcome message).
It is not possible to “crack” the QR codes since they were created with a random string generator, not following any pattern that could enable reverse engineering for generating QR codes.
Since the QR codes are previously assigned in the initial installation, and each particular code is removed after it use, the number of these must be enough elevated for preventing the need to replenish the codes.
For instance, the prototype installed at the University of Jaen has 16.000 codes, which means it may serve up to 16.000 services for charging electric cars until the need to replenish the codes, but it would be possible for instance to install 160.000 codes instead, since modern SmartPhones can handle that amount of data, and therefore it may not require maintenance.
• Energy or services management: using a small low-cost device based on Smartphone for managing time-based switch sub-systems such as bulbs, electric panels, pumps and other infrastructures for tourism, construction, shopping, illumination or accommodation.
• Security and robotics: locks, gates and doors without compromising sensitive information.
• Automatic vending machines and ATM for safe, fast and easy usage.
• Electric mobility: charging station for electric vehicles in order to dispatch time-based the electric charges, working in areas isolated from telecommunications and without any payment module.
