English:
[0001] Embodiments are generally related to Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and techniques. Embodiments are also related to RFID key switch. Embodiments are additionally related to directly incorporating RFID processing circuitry within key operated system housing.
[0002] Radio frequency identification systems (RFID) can be used to detect and prevent inventory shrinkage and to perform inventory management functions in a variety of retail establishments, apparel and mass merchandisers, supermarkets, libraries, video stores, and the like. RFID technology provides an inexpensive and simple way to mark and identify physical objects using machine-readable information.
[0003] RFID systems can identify objects at greater distances than optical systems, store information into read/write tags, operate unattended, and read tags hidden from visual inspection for security purposes. RFID technology can be applied to identify electronic components, devices, and systems to provide functions such as, for example, security of the assets, inventory tracking of the assets, identification of the assets, and short distance communication between the assets.
[0004] RFID tags are currently integrated into electronic components, devices and systems at the component level (i.e., circuit chip circuit board etc.), the asset level (i.e., box, computer, etc.) or system level (i.e., network system, computer system, etc.). Often RFID tags are used in conjunction with key operated switches to add an enhanced security feature beyond that of the cut or shape of the key.
[0005] One of the problems with such prior art techniques is that circuitry involved in the processing of the RFID signal transmitted from RIFD tags is typically housed in a separate module from the key switch housing. The separate module adds to overall system package size, installation real estate, parts count, and assembly steps involved in the manufacturing and installation processes.
[0006] Based on the foregoing, a need exists to solve the multiple, separate module issue by incorporating all RFID processing circuitry directly into the housing of the key switch assembly itself, thereby enhancing security and limiting space requirements for the overall system.
[0007] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.
[0008] It is, therefore, one aspect of the present invention to provide for an improved RFID key switch assembly.
[0009] It is another aspect of the present invention to incorporate RFID processing circuitry into the housing of the key switch system.
[0010] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide for an RFID- enhanced, key operated switch for enhanced security.
[0011] The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can now be achieved as described herein. The invention includes an RFID key switch which can be used in any application where a typical key operated switch is employed. The RFID key assembly includes four subassemblies. The Key/Tumbler Assembly is the first main subassembly enables the insertion of key into the keyed switch, providing a means to rotate internal switch contacts. The second main assembly can be RFID Processing Circuitry which operates to read transmitted RF signals from an RFID tag associated with a key. Rotating and stationary switch contacts make up the third subassembly, which provide the function of opening and closing contacts within the switch, which ultimately serve to inactivate or activate equipment usage. The fourth subassembly is an electrical connection interface which enables the switch to be coupled to associated equipment and enables the transmission of closed circuit status and/or RFID code information from the processing circuitry to the equipment upon which the switch is installed to be utilized. The RFID processing circuitry is directly incorporated into the key switch housing itself, thereby eliminating the need for separate modules and simplifying installation.
[0012] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments disclosed herein.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the four main modules that comprise a RFID- enabled key switch assembly, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the RFID-enabled key switch assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 , but further illustrating operating components within the RFID- enabled key switch assembly, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
[0017] The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1 , what is illustrated is an RFID-enabled key switch assembly 100 in accordance with features of the present invention. An RFID-enabled key switch assembly 100, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment, includes four main subassemblies. The four main components includes an RFID key and tumbler assembly module 101 , rotating and stationary contact assembly module 102, RFID processing circuitry module 103 and an electrical connection interface 104.
[0019] As is well known in the art, key and tumbler assemblies allows for the insertion of the key into the assembly to provide a means for rotating the internal mechanism. Referring to FIG. 2, across-sectional view 200 of the RFID-enabled key switch assembly shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2, a key 201 including an embedded RFID tag 202 is inserted into the key and tumbler assembly module 101 wherein a tumbler 205, which is coupled to rotating switch and contact assembly 210 located within rotating and stationary contact assembly module 102, can be rotated by rotation of a valid key 201 and thereby enable the rotation of the rotating switch contact assembly 210 so that rotating contacts 212 located thereon can come into electrical contact with stationary contacts 213. After installing the key 201 into the switch 103, the RFID signals transmitted from the RFID tag 202 embedded in the key 201 can be read by the RFID processing circuitry 203. If rotation of the key 201 within the tumbler assembly module 101 is successful, an electrical circuit is closed contact between rotating contacts 212 and stationary contacts 213. Assuming that the RFID tag is authenticated/validated by the RFID processing circuitry 203, then signals can be passed into equipment (not shown) though contacts 221 , 222 and 223 assuming a coupling with the equipment via the electrical connection interface 104.
[0020] It can be appreciated that the electrical connection interface 104 can comprise of wire leads, an integral connector, or screw terminals (not shown in figure), having the purpose of transmitting the RFID code from the processing circuitry 203 to the equipment upon which the switch assembly 200 can be installed.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a high-level flow chart of logical operational steps of a method 300, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment. As depicted at block 301 , the process can begin. Next, as indicated at block 302, a key switch assembly incorporating RFID processing circuitry within its housing is provided, thereby eliminating the need for a separate module. Thereafter, as described at block 303, an RFID tag key's insertion into the key and tumbler assembly of the key switch is enabled. Next, as indicated at block 304 and RFID signal is read from the key by RFID processing circuitry located within the switch after the key's insertion into the switch. Thereafter, as illustrated at block 305, the RFID circuitry validates the key's authenticity concurrent with manual key operation. Then, as shown in block 306, concurrent manual key operation and key authenticity validation enables use of equipment on which the switch is installed. Thereafter, as described at block 307, the access process terminates.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a high-level flow chart of alternative operational steps for a method 400 of using the invention, which can be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In this case RFID authentication enables operation of the key's rotation. The process begins as shown in block 401 . Then, as depicted at block 402, a housing of a key switch is provided with RFID processing circuitry incorporated therein. Then as shown in block 403, RFID tag key insertion into the key and tumbler assembly of the key switch is enabled. Thereafter, as shown in block 404, an RFID signal is read from the key by RFID processing circuitry. Then, as shown in block 405, the RFID circuitry validates the key's authenticity. Then, as shown in block 406, authentication of the key enables functions of opening and closing circuits of the switch by the rotating and stationary contacts. Thereafter, as shown in block 407, circuits of the switch are closed by contact between rotating and stationary switch contacts thereby enabling use of equipment on which the switch is installed. The process then terminates as shown in block 408.
[0024] It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

中文:
[0001]实施例总体上涉及射频识别(RFID)系统和技术。实施例还涉及RFID钥匙开关。此外,实施例还涉及将RFID处理电路系统直接结合到钥匙操作型系统外壳内。
[0002]可以采用射频识别系统(RFID)检测和避免存货损耗,以及在各种零售机构、服装批发市场(apparel and mass merchandiser)、超市、图书馆、音像商店等当中执行库存管理功能。RFID技术利用机器可读信息提供了一种简单廉价的对物理对象进行标记和识别的方法。
[0003]与光学系统相比,RFID系统能够识别处于更远的距离处的对象,RFID系统还能够将信息存储到读/写标签内,在无人监管的情况下运行,以及出于安全的目的读取目测检查看不到的标签。可以采用RFID技术识别电子部件、装置和系统,以提供诸如资产安全、资产的库存跟踪、资产识别和资产间的短距离通信的功能。
[0004]当前,在部件级(即电路芯片电路板等)、资产级(即,箱子、计算机等)或系统级(即网络系统、计算机系统等)上,将RFID标签集成到电子部件、装置和系统内。经常将RFID标签与钥匙操作型开关结合使用,从而添加超过钥匙的切口或形状的安全特征的增强的安全特征。
[0005]这样的现有技术的问题之一在于,对RIFD标签发射的RFID信号的处理所涉及的电路系统通常包含在与钥匙开关外壳独立的模块内。所述独立模块增加了整个系统封装尺寸、安装“基板面”(real estate)、零件数量以及制作和安装过程所涉及的组装步骤。
[0006]基于上述考虑,存在这样一种需求,即,将所有的RFID处理电路系统直接结合到钥匙开关组件本身的外壳内,从而提高安全性,并限制对整个系统的空间要求,由此解决所述多个独立模块的问题。
[0007]通过提供下述发明内容促进对所公开的实施例所特有的创新特征中的一些创新特征的理解,其并非旨在成为完整说明。通过将整个说明书、权利要求、附图和摘要作为整体对待,能够获得对所述实施例的各个方面的全面认识。
[0008]因此,本发明的一个方面在于提供一种改进的RFID钥匙开关组件。
[0009]本发明的另一方面在于将RFID处理电路系统结合到所述钥匙开关系统的外壳内。
[0010]本发明的另一方面在于提供一种用于增强安全性的RFID增强钥匙操作型开关。
[0011]现在,如文中所述那样能够实现前述方面以及其他目标和优点了。本发明包括能够应用于任何采用典型的钥匙操作型开关的应用的RFID钥匙开关。所述RFID钥匙组件包括四个分组件。所述钥匙/转臂组件是第一个主要分组件,其能够实现将钥匙插入到所述钥匙开关内,从而提供旋转内部开关接触的手段。第二个主要组件能够是RFID处理电路系统,其作用在于读取从与钥匙相关的RFID标签发射的RF信号。旋转和固定开关接触构成了所述第三分组件,其提供了断开和闭合开关内的接触的功能,其最终的作用在于停止或激活设备使用。第四个分组件是电连接接口,其使所述开关耦合至相关设备,并实现从所述处理电路系统向其上安装了所要利用的所述开关的设备传输闭合电路状态和/或RFID代码信息。将所述RFID处理电路系统直接结合到所述钥匙开关外壳本身内,从而消除对独立的模块的需求,并简化安装。
[0012]附图对实施例给出了进一步的图解,附图和具体描述一起用来解释文中公开的实施例,在附图中,各幅图都采用相同的附图标记表示等同或功能类似的元件,因而将附图合并到说明书内并形成说明书的一部分。
[0013]图1是包括能够根据优选实施例实现的RFID启动的钥匙开关组件的四个主要模块的图示;
[0014]图2是图1所示的RFID启动的钥匙开关组件的截面图,但是其还示出了能够根据优选实施例实现的RFID启动的钥匙开关组件内的操作部件;
[0017]这些非限制性例子中讨论的具体值和配置可能存在变化,引用其的目的只是对至少一个实施例进行举例说明,而不打算限制其范围。
[0018]参考图1,其示出了根据本发明的特征的RFID启动的钥匙开关组件100。能够根据优选实施例实现的RFID启动的钥匙开关组件100包括四个主要分组件。所述四个主要部件包括RFID钥匙和转臂组件模块101、旋转和固定接触组件模块102、RFID处理电路系统模块103以及电连接接口104。
[0019]本领域公知,钥匙和转臂组件允许将钥匙插入到组件内,以提供用于旋转内部机构的手段。参考图2,其示出了图1所示的RFID启动的钥匙开关组件的截面图200。如图2所示,将包括嵌入的RFID标签202的钥匙201插入到钥匙和转臂组件模块101内,其中,能够通过有效钥匙201的旋转使耦合至位于旋转和固定接触组件模块102内的旋转开关和接触组件210的转臂205旋转,并由此使旋转开关接触组件210发生旋转,从而使位于其上的旋转接触212能够与固定接触213发生电接触。在将钥匙201安装到开关103内之后,能够通过RFID处理电路系统203读取由嵌入到钥匙201内的RFID标签202发射的RFID信号。如果转臂组件模块101内的钥匙201的旋转是成功的,那么电路在旋转接触212和固定接触213之间发生闭合接触。假设,RFID标签通过了RFID处理电路系统203的鉴定/验证,那么就能够采取经由电连接接口104与设备的耦合而将信号通过接触221、222和223传送至所述设备(未示出)。
[0020]能够认识到,电连接接口104可以包括引线、集成连接器或螺旋端子(该图未示出),其具有将来自处理电路系统203的RFID代码传输至能够在其上安装开关组件200的设备的作用。
[0021]参考图3,其示出了能够根据优选实施例实现的方法300的逻辑操作步骤的高级流程图。如图所示,所述过程能够在框301中开始。接下来,如框302中所示,提供了钥匙开关组件,其将RFID处理电路系统结合到了其外壳内,从而消除了对独立模块的需求。尔后,如框303中所述,实施RFID标签钥匙向所述钥匙开关的钥匙和转臂组件内的插入。接下来,如框304中所述,在将所述钥匙插入到所述开关内之后,通过位于所述开关内的RFID处理电路系统从所述钥匙读出RFID信号。尔后,如框305中所示,在人工钥匙操作的同时,所述RFID电路系统验证所述钥匙的可靠性(authenticity)。之后,如框306所示,同时的人工钥匙操作和钥匙可靠性验证能够启动对安装了所述开关的设备的使用。尔后,如框307中所述,所述访问过程结束。
[0022]参考图4,其示出了能够根据优选实施例实现的采用本发明的方法400的可替换操作步骤的高级流程图。在这种情况下,RFID鉴别能够启动所述钥匙的旋转操作。如框401中所示,所述过程开始。之后,如框402中所示,为钥匙开关的外壳提供结合于其内的RFID处理电路系统。之后,如框403中所示,实施将RFID标签钥匙插入到所述钥匙开关的钥匙和转臂组件内。尔后,如框404中所示,通过RFID处理电路系统从所述钥匙读出RFID信号。之后,如框405中所示,所述RFID电路系统验证所述钥匙的可靠性。之后,如框406中所示,对所述钥匙的鉴别将启动通过所述旋转和固定接触使所述开关的电路断开和闭合的功能。尔后,如框407所示,通过旋转和固定开关接触之间的接触使所述开关的电路闭合,由此启动对其上安装了所述开关的设备的使用。之后,如框408中所示,所述过程结束。
[0024]应当认识到,可以根据希望将上述公开的以及其他的特征和功能或其可替换方案的变型结合到很多其他的不同系统或应用当中。而且,接下来本领域技术人员可能在其中实施各种当前无法预见或者无法预料的可替换方案、修改、变型或改进,而下面的权利要求则旨在将这些都涵盖于其中。