Electronic key system and method

The present invention provides an electronic key system including an electrical/electronic key-like device and an electrical/electronic key receptacle capable of receiving a contactless type, contact type, or both types of key-like devices. The present invention further provides an electronic key system including an electrical/electronic key-like device and an intelligent electrical/electronic key receptacle wherein the system is capable of performing a transaction between the key-like device and the key receptacle after the key-like device is inserted into the key receptacle and moved to a predetermined position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an electronic information system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic key system comprising an electrical/electronic key-like device and a key receptacle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic key systems have been used in many applications and have proven to be a source for portable data solutions. For example, electronic key systems have been used in data logging applications wherein a portable electrical/electronic key-like device stores user and/or other information for transport of data to/from a remote station; in access control applications where a portable key-like device stores information to be verified by an access control program or system; in cashless vending or cash token applications wherein a portable electrical/electronic key-like device stores a value (e.g. cash value or number of credits, etc.) that is decremented after vending a product or being served, and can be recharged with additional value; and in security applications wherein a portable electrical/electronic key-like device stores personal identification information that is valid only when the electrical/electronic key-like device is being used by the owner or authorized personnel of the electrical/electronic key-like device.

The above referenced electronic key systems disclose electrical/electronic key-like devices and receptacles. In general, an outside circuit or electrical operation system is activated by use of a portable key-like device which is inserted into a receptacle or the like, to make electrical contact or connection with the outside circuit or the electrical operation system. Such electrical contact or connection is generally made by rotating a key-like device after the device is fully inserted into a receptacle, whereby a plurality of spring contact pins of the receptacle mate with contacts of the key-like device. Electrical pathways or wires/traces in the receptacle electrically connect the spring contact pins to an interface of the receptacle. The interface carries electrical signals from the key-like device to the outside circuit or electrical operation system.

It has been noted that the contacts of the key-like device and the receptacle are subject to wear and tear not only because of the mechanical contact, but also because the contacts of a key-like device are exposed to an outside environment without protection. Therefore, it is desirable to have a contactless electronic key system.

Further, it is desirable to have a receptacle that is capable of receiving contactless or both contact and contactless key-like devices. Also, it is desirable to have an intelligent receptacle which is capable of performing a transaction between the key-like device and the receptacle, for example, providing embedded functional applications using a key-like device and providing an interface between the key-like device and an outside operation system.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved electronic key system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To solve the above and the other problems, in one embodiment, the present invention provides an electronic key system comprising a key-like device and an intelligent receptacle. In some embodiments, the key may be a contactless key; and in other embodiments, the key may be a contact key. For a contactless key-like device, the contacts are within or covered by a housing or enclosure which eliminates the problem of exposure of contacts to an outside environment. The intelligent receptacle of the present invention is capable of receiving both contact and contactless key-like devices. Also, in some embodiments, the intelligent receptacle of the present invention includes a circuit for embedded functional applications and an interface between the key-like device and an external operation system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic key system comprises an electrical/electronic key-like device; and a key receptacle for receiving the electrical/electronic key-like device. The key receptacle includes a housing having an opening configured and arranged to receive the electrical/electronic key-like device, the opening having an inside end and an outside end; a circuit mounted in the housing, the circuit having at least one electrical trace and at least one embedded application operable with the electrical/electronic key-like device; and in the case of contactless, a transceiver antenna member disposed proximate the inside end of the opening or a suitable position along the opening.

In one embodiment, the electrical/electronic key-like device is a contactless electrical/electronic key-like device. The contactless electrical/electronic key-like device comprises a generally key-like enclosure having a distal end and a proximal end; a circuit disposed in and supported by the enclosure; and a magnetic coupling member disposed in the enclosure proximate the distal end of the enclosure or a suitable position inside the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure is molded plastic, but other materials and suitable forming methods may be used as well. In some embodiments, the circuit and the magnetic coupling member are contained substantially or completely within the enclosure, i.e. are not exposed to an outside environment.

In one embodiment, when the key-like device is inserted into the opening, the magnetic field of the magnetic coupling member is disposed substantially orthogonal to the magnetic field of the transceiver antenna member. There is no coupling between the magnetic field, and there is no transaction between the key-like device and the key receptacle. When the key-like device is fully inserted into the receptacle and turned to a predetermined position at which the magnetic field of the magnetic coupling member and the magnetic field of the transceiver antenna member are substantially aligned with each other, the magnetic field of the magnetic coupling member is coupled to the magnetic field of the transceiver antenna member so as to enable a transaction between the circuit of the key-like device and the circuit of the key receptacle.

In some embodiments, when the key-like device is turned into a predetermined position, such as the predetermined position mentioned in the immediately proceeding paragraph, a feedback, such as a tactile, audible, or visual feedback, is generated. The key-like device is configured in a shape, such as a cylindrical shape, such that it prevents devices which do not physically “fit” from being inserted and turned into the predetermined position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical/electronic key-like device includes a key-like enclosure having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one groove disposed on each side of the enclosure between the distal end and the proximal end; a circuit disposed in and supported by the enclosure; and at least one electrical contact electrically connected to the circuit via at least one trace, the at least one electrical contact being disposed in the corresponding groove and exposed to the outside environment.

In another embodiment, the key receptacle further includes a plurality of contact pins. The contact pins make contact with the electrical contacts of the key-like device when the key-like device is fully inserted into the opening of the key receptacle and turned to a predetermined position.

The present invention further provides a method of operating an electronic key system. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing an electrical/electronic key-like device, the electrical/electronic key-like device storing information and having a first circuit; inserting the electrical/electronic key-like device into a key receptacle, the key receptacle having a second circuit; moving the electrical/electronic key-like device into a predetermined position with respect to the key receptacle to enable a transaction between the first circuit of the electrical/electronic key-like device and the second circuit of the key receptacle.

In one embodiment, the transaction is a data logging operation to read/write data between the key-like device and the key receptacle for transport of data to/from a remote station.

In another embodiment, the transaction is an access control operation to verify data stored in the key-like device and provide access to an external operation system that the key receptacle is interfaced with.

In yet another embodiment, the transaction is a vending operation whereby the data stored in the key-like device is an amount of value (e.g. cash value or number of credits, etc.) and is decremented after each vending operation.

In yet an additional embodiment, the transaction is a cash token recharging operation whereby the data stored in the key-like device is increased by an amount of value.

One advantage of the present invention is that the contactless key-like device does not have contacts or other electronics exposed to the environment, and wear and tear on the contacts are thus substantially reduced.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the contactless system allows the electrical components/electronics to be sealed against corrosion, such as galvanic decay, or other hostile environments, such as salt air/spray or chemicals, etc.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the key receptacle is capable of receiving both contact and contactless types of key-like device, such that it allows for continued use of existing contact type of key-like devices.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the key receptacle is intelligent so that an external reader/writer or other hardware device can be eliminated. Additional functions can also be programmed on the circuit of the key receptacle.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention, including best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an electronic key system having an electrical/electronic key-like device and an intelligent key receptacle, wherein the system is capable of performing a transaction between the electrical/electronic key-like device and key receptacle after the electrical/electronic key-like device is inserted into the key receptacle and moved to a predetermined position. In some embodiments, the key receptacle is capable of functionally receiving either a key-like device with exposed contacts or a key-like device with embedded circuits which are not exposed.

FIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of an electronic key system40in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The system40includes an electrical/electronic key-like device generally designated42and referred to hereinafter simply as the “key”, and a key receptacle generally designated44.FIG. 1is a pictorial view of one embodiment of the key system40. The key42can be a contactless type of key or a contact type of key. In the present invention, the term “contactless key” is intended to encompass key-like devices having electrical contacts or other electronics wherein the electrical contacts or other electronics of the key do not physically contact the electrical contacts or electrical components of the key receptacle. The term “contact key” is intended to encompass key-like devices having electrical contacts or components wherein at least some of the electrical contacts or components of the key-like device physically contact electrical components of the key receptacle. Contact type of keys have been disclosed in prior patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,679, mentioned herein above, and incorporated herein by reference. The description hereinafter will be, therefore, focused on contactless type of keys.

Also, it is appreciated that the electronic key system of the present invention is not limited by the term “key” or its definition. The system of the present invention may also be referred to as an electronic lock or locking system, data logging system, cashless vending system, data decrementing system, or data access control system, etc. For simplification and explanation, the system40described below is referred to as “electronic key system”.

The system40shown inFIG. 1is a panel mount type of electronic key system. The body of the key receptacle44is generally inserted into a structure, such as a panel. It is appreciated that the key receptacle can be mounted on other types of structure, such as a circuit board.FIG. 8illustrates one embodiment of a board mount type of electronic key system40′ wherein the parts are designated by the same reference numerals except with a prime symbol.

Still referring toFIG. 1, the key receptacle44includes a housing46having a slot or opening48configured and arranged to receive the key42. The opening48has an inside end50(shown inFIGS. 6 and 7) and an outside end52.

As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the key receptacle44also includes a circuit54. The circuit54is configured and arranged to be mounted in the housing46. The circuit54includes electrical traces or pathways, a processor (e.g. a suitable CPU), and at least one embedded application, addressable I/O lines and/or communication bus/interface, that are operable with the electrical/electronic key-like device. The CPU, addressable I/O lines, and electrical traces or pathways can be any suitable CPU, addressable I/O lines and/or communication bus/interface, and electrical wires known in the electrical and computer art. The at least one embedded application can be any type of user application, such as reader/writer modules, etc., that are known in the electrical and computer art.

The key receptacle44further includes a transceiver antenna member56. The transceiver antenna member56is disposed in the housing46near the inside end50of the opening48as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7.

Also as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, in some embodiments, the key receptacle44may include an interface58for interfacing an external operation system60. As shown inFIG. 2A, the interface58is disposed within the housing46. It should be appreciated that the interface58can also be disposed outside the housing46and electrically connected to the circuit54of the receptacle44via wires, electric cords62or other equivalent means.

The interface58may provide a standard interface protocol, such as RS-232, RS-485, etc., at least one input/output line, and power/ground. It should be appreciated that the interface58may provide other types of interface protocols, such as wireless communications, MDB (Multiple Drop Bus), USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention. By using the standard RS-232 interface protocol, the system significantly speeds up the integration cycle and eliminates chip-level interfacing, which is one of the advantages over the earlier systems. This eases the migration to new key technologies and applications and handling of sophisticated memory security algorithms. By using the standard RS-485 interface protocol, the system not only provides the above advantages, but also provides Daisy Chain networking with relatively inexpensive twisted pair cables and long range communications (up to 1 km or more with repeaters). By using RS-485 interface protocol, the system also allows each receptacle to have a unique, programmable ID and provides access to the at least one remotely addressable logic-level outputs in case of multiple receptacle systems/configurations

FIG. 3illustrates one embodiment of the contactless key42in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Key42includes a non-conductive key-like or generally key-shaped enclosure64(which may also be thought of and referred to as the “body” of the key42) having a distal end66and a proximal end68. The key42is configured and arranged for insertion into the opening48of the key receptacle44as shown inFIGS. 4–5and6–7.

With further reference toFIGS. 3 and 2A, the key42includes a circuit70disposed in and supported by the enclosure64. The circuit70may be configured the same as a circuit in contact type of keys disclosed in prior patents, such as the keys of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,752,679 and 4,578,573 mentioned above, and incorporated herein by reference. For example, the contactless or contact type of key may include a non-volatile, re-programmable memory.

Also as shown inFIG. 3, the key42may include a magnetic coupling member72disposed in the enclosure64near the distal end66of the enclosure64. It should be appreciated that the member72may be located anywhere suitable with respect to the key42.

In one exemplary implementation of the circuit54, the transceiver antenna member56, the circuit70, and the magnetic coupling member72, a suitable integrated circuit, such as model EM4056, made by EM Microelectronic-Marin SA, can be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The EM4056 product/data information can be found on EM Microelectronic-Marin SA's website, at www.emmicroelectronic.com, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 4 and 6illustrate that, in use, the key42is fully inserted into the opening48whereby the distal end66of the key42is disposed at or adjacent to the inside end50of the opening48. The magnetic coupling member72is disposed adjacent to the transceiver antenna member56. As shown, the magnetic field74of the magnetic coupling member72is orthogonal to the magnetic field76of the transceiver antenna member56. No energy is coupled between the magnetic field74and the magnetic field76. Once the key42is turned a certain amount, such as 90° degrees, to a predetermined position, the magnetic field74of the magnetic coupling member72and the magnetic field76of the transceiver antenna member56are substantially aligned with each other and are fully coupled. RF signals forming a communication pathway are thus generated in the transceiver antenna member56to enable a transaction between the circuit70of the key42and the circuit54of the receptacle44.

The position at which the key42is capable of generating sufficient energy is predetermined by the mechanical alignment between the key42and the receptacle44and by the distance between the alignment of the magnetic fields74and76. Accordingly, a key external to the panel in which the receptacle44is mounted cannot “talk” with the transceiver antenna member56, i.e., not enough energy is coupled or flows between the magnetic coupling member72and the transceiver antenna member56. This prevents “accidental” or “casual” activation by authorized keys and also prevents those keys that do not conform with the mechanical alignment of the receptacle, i.e. unauthorized keys, from becoming active or causing false triggering.

In some embodiments, the key42and the key receptacle44are configured and arranged such that a tactile feedback is generated when the key-like device is turned into the predetermined position. Other types of feedback can also be generated within the scope of the present invention, for example, an audible feedback by a buzzer or a visible feedback by a LED.

As shown inFIG. 6, the key42may be inserted in a vertical direction and turned to a horizontal direction to activate a transaction. It should be appreciated that the key can be arranged such that it can be inserted and turned in other directions to activate a transaction without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The enclosure64of the key42is preferably molded plastic. The circuit70and the magnetic coupling member72are housed inside the enclosure64and are not exposed to the outside environment. Accordingly, key detection and communication of the present invention are performed without physical contact between the electrical components/electronics of the key and the electrical components/electronics of the key receptacle. This substantially reduces the wear and tear on the key and the key receptacle. Another advantage is that the contactless system allows the electrical components/electronics to be sealed against corrosion, such as galvanic decay, or other hostile environments, such as salt air/spray or chemicals, etc.

To operate an electronic key system in accordance with the present invention, a user simply fully inserts a key into a key receptacle and turns the key to a predetermined position to enable a transaction between the key and the key receptacle. In some embodiments, a user will feel a feedback when the key is turned to this predetermined position. In other embodiments, a user simply inserts a key into a key receptacle until the user senses a feedback, in which case no rotation of the key is necessary.

The present invention can be used in many applications, for example, a data logging application for transport of data to/from a remote station, an access control application, and a cashless vending operation, etc. In a data logging operation, the system reads/writes information from/to the key, and the user transports data to/from a remote station via a key receptacle. In an access control operation, the system determines whether the key is one of the permitted keys. If so, the system outputs logic command, such as a user-specified length of time, etc. This application can be used for locks and gates, etc. In a cashless vending operation, the system stores an amount of value (e.g. cash value, or number of credits, etc.) on the key and decrements the value on the key after each vending operation. Once the cash is used up, additional cash can be recharged onto the key in a similar operation. During a cashless vending operation, a user and/or the system may also activate a dispenser, open a control, and activate the control for a length of time.