Electronically-controlled locker system

An electronically-controlled locker system that utilizes distributing processing to control access to, and assignment of, a plurality of lockers in a school, workplace, fitness center, etc. The system uses a plurality of locker control units that control access to a corresponding set of lockers based on user inputs and on user/locker authorization data that is provided from a central administrator workstation. This administrator workstation communicates with a system control unit that is in communication with every locker control unit and which allows cross-communication between locker control units.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to electronically-controlled lockers, and more particularly, to a system for remotely-controlling access to a plurality of lockers such as those found in schools, fitness clubs, employee lockers, airports, resorts, shopping malls, and law enforcement.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

There are now increased security needs in schools and commercial buildings. There is also a high degree of computer literacy among educators, and property managers. Furthermore, there is increasing use of ID cards, coded with intelligence for recording of activities and the trend now is towards large school construction budgets with more funds being allocated to security issues. It is now common place for new construction to include extensive pre-wiring for data transmission systems. As a result, there remains a need for an electronically controlled locker system for use, especially in schools. For example, school administrators can spend up to 240 man hours setting up lockers and locks for the new school year, which does not even include the time and effort involved in handing out and returning of padlocks, combination locker assignments and accompanying paperwork.

However, in view of the above, there still remains a need for an electronically-controlled locker system that provides system administrators, especially school administrators, with locker management capabilities that are not possible with conventional locker systems that enhance security and reduce operating costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of authorized users (e.g., school students, employees at a workplace, patrons at a fitness center, airport, etc.,) and managed by an administrator. The system comprises: a first plurality of lockers wherein each locker comprises a respective electronically-activated lock; at least one input device (e.g., a card reader, keypad, proximity reader, biometric, display and/or touch screen, etc.) for allowing the plurality of authorized users to communicate with the system; at least one locker control unit, in communication with each electronically-activated lock and with the at least one input device wherein the at least one locker control unit controls the activation of the electronically-activated locks; a computer, controlled by the administrator, for maintaining a database of authorized user and locker information; a system control unit, in communication with the at least one locker control unit and with the computer, wherein the system control unit provides the at least one locker control unit with the authorized user and locker information; and wherein the at least one locker control unit uses data from the at least one input device and the authorized user and locker information to provide access to corresponding lockers for the plurality of authorized users.

A method for controlling access to a plurality of lockers for a plurality of authorized users (e.g., school students, employees at a workplace, patrons at a fitness center, airport, etc.,) by an administrator. The method comprises the steps of: storing and maintaining information about the plurality of authorized users and the plurality of lockers, referred to as predetermined data, at a first location; providing an electronic lock at each one of the plurality of lockers; assigning a respective locker control unit to a respective subset of the plurality of lockers, wherein each of the locker control units communicates with every electronic lock in the subset and each of the locker control units is located in the vicinity of a respective subset; coupling at least one input device to each of the locker control units for permitting the authorized users in that subset to request access to their respective lockers; loading each of the locker control units with the predetermined data from the first location; controlling access to each of the lockers in a subset by a respective locker control unit based on the predetermined data and the access request by the authorized users.

An electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of authorized users (e.g., school students, employees at a workplace, patrons at a fitness center, airport, etc.,) and managed by an administrator. The system comprises: a first plurality of lockers wherein each locker comprises a respective electronically-activated lock; at least one input device (e.g., a card reader, keypad, proximity reader, biometric, display and/or touch screen, etc.) for allowing the plurality of authorized users to communicate with the system; at least one locker control unit, in communication with each electronically-activated lock and with the at least one input device, and wherein the at least one locker control unit controls the activation of the electronically-activated locks; a computer, controlled by the administrator, for managing at least one database of authorized user and locker information, and wherein the computer is in communication with the at least one locker control unit for providing the at least one locker control unit with the authorized user and locker information; and wherein the at least one locker control unit uses data from the at least one input device and the authorized user and locker information to provide access to corresponding lockers for the plurality of authorized users.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in detail to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown at20inFIG. 1an electronically-controlled locker system (hereinafter the “ECLS”) of the present invention. The ECLS20basically comprises a system administrator computer22(SAC, e.g., a personal computer having Windows-95 capability, Apple Macintosh capability, etc.), a system control unit (SCU)24, a plurality of locker control units (LCUs)26, a plurality of input devices (IDs)28that control access to another plurality of electronic locks30for respective lockers32. Although the ECLS20is primarily designed for use in schools, the ECLS20can be easily adapted for use in other environments such as fitness clubs, employee lockers, workplaces, airports, resorts, shopping malls, law enforcement, etc., or any environment where it is desirable to control access to banks of lockers from a remote location. The ECLS20provides the ability to search locker availability and to dynamically assign (seeFIG. 8) lockers, e.g., in gymnasium and health club settings.

It should be understood that the ECLS20allows for the use of various types of IDs28such as card readers128, keypads228, proximity readers328, biometrics428, display screens60(including touch screen, not shown) or any other type of individual input/output device that permits the individual to provide an input into, and obtain output from, the ELCS20at the locker level and obtain access, if proper, to his/her corresponding locker32. Thus, as used throughout this Specification, the terminology “ID28, ID28A, ID28B, ID28C, and ID28D (see FIG.3)” includes all of these various input/output means and is not limited to any particular one of them. Where card readers128are used, and depending on the environment,FIG. 4depicts exemplary electronic access key cards129A (for use in a school ECLS20),129B (for use in a fitness center ECLS20) and129C (for use in a workplace ECLS20). Furthermore, as used throughout this Specification, the term “biometric” includes any technology that identifies or verifies individuals based upon an individual's unique physical or behavioral characteristics. Devices employing these technologies match patterns of live individuals in real time against pre-stored records. Examples of biometric technologies are, but are not limited to, those that recognize and authenticate faces, hands, fingers, signatures. Irises, voices, fingerprints, etc. The use of RS-485 ports in the LCUs26support the interface of “smart” input devices and allow for virtually any type of input device to the LCUs26.

In particular, the SAC22provides the system administrator with a non-dedicated, user interface to the ECLS20and maintains a database of ECLS20information. The SAC22is typically provided by the customer. The SAC22utilizes administrative/electronic locker software that runs on the personal computer. The software running on the personal computer manages information about the lockers32, the electronic hardware (e.g., the SCU24, LCUs26), the users, passwords, locker assignments, etc., and stores this in a database. The software that runs on the SAC22may be coded using the JAVA programming language, or other programming languages, to provide portability to Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems.FIGS. 13A-13Bprovide a flowchart of SAC22operation. The SAC22communicates with the SCU24via a communications medium, e.g., standard RS-232C serial interface. The SCU24is a custom-made electronic with microprocessors or micro-controllers and communication interfaces, e.g., RS-232 and/or RS-485 Interfaces. The SCU24device comprises firmware, specific to the operation of the ECLS20, encoded onto chips on internal hardware boards.

The SCU24sends data and control information to each LCU26. The SCU24acts like a “master control” for the ECLS20and facilitates communication between LCUs26and uploads activity logs from each LCU26. In particular, the SCU24downloads user information to each LCU26, provides a communication link from any ID28to any LCU26in the ECLS20, executes administrative commands throughout the ECLS20, performs diagnostic checks on each LCU26and provides system alarm monitoring capability. Both the SCU24and the LCUs26may include respective battery back-up provisions (see FIGS.9and11, respectively) to ensure reliable access for users even in the event of power failure. The battery back-up for these devices provides operation for a predetermined period of time (e.g., up to four hours) with no external power. The SCU24has small onboard batteries (e.g., battery S46; seeFIG. 9) to provide back-up of user information but does not have full functionality without battery back-up.

In particular, as shown most clearly inFIG. 9, the SCU24accepts input from the SAC22and distributes the information to the LCUs26and other devices. The SCU24comprises UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) S31which allows an internal processor S33input data for transmission on different media. UART S31is used for communications to the LCUs26. The processor S33is the main component of the SCU24. Through embedded firmware, the processor S33handles all communications between the SAC22and the LCUs26, memory access. The processor S33handles all communications between the SAC22and the SCU24. The information/data is then stored in memory at the SCU24and is sent to the appropriate LCU26. The processor S33also handles the communication between the SCU24and LCU26. The processor in the LCU26then takes the data that was sent by the SCU24and stores it in the LCU's26own memory. An exemplary processor is a Motorola 6809 but other processors could be used. The SCU controller board includes a High Speed128K CMOS RAM chip S34. This chip S34is used for storing tenant access codes, configuration setups and other information. UART S35allows the processor S33to output data for transmission on different media and is used for communications to the SAC22. Communications circuitry S36allows for communications on different types of media (Power Line, RS-485, Network, etc.,). This circuitry S36interfaces between UART S35and the appropriate communications media. Communications circuitry S36is used for communications to the SAC22. Communications circuitry S38allows for communications also on different types of media (e.g., Power Line, RS-485, Network, etc.,). Communications circuitry S38interfaces between UART S31and the appropriate communications media and is used for communications to the LCUs26. The SCU24controller board has a normally-opened or normally-closed relay output S39. The relay S39is rated at 10 A/28 VDC or 10 A20 VAC. This relay S39can be configured to interface with a siren or alarm panel. In normal situations, the relay S39is configured to energize for a specified period of time after an alarm condition occurs. The SCU24includes supervisory hardware S40to automatically restart the microprocessor S33should it encounter power fluctuations sufficient to cause erratic operation or lock the processor S33up but insufficient to trigger a power-on restart. The SCU24requires a power supply connected to the ECLS20. The power is then distributed to appropriate places on the SCU24circuit board through a power input/bus. S41. In addition, the SCU24can have an optional battery backup device S43which allows for the SCU24to operate in the event of a power failure and also operates through the power input/bus S41which routes the power from the battery S43to the appropriate places on the circuit board. The system controller includes a system bus port, also referred to as relay expansion board S44, which allows for expansion to other relay boards and other devices to be connected directly to the SCU24. All ECLS20data is stored in nonvolatile memory powered by a lithium battery S46. In addition, the battery S46provides power for the real time clock circuit. The SCU24circuit board retains all configurations and access codes as well as keeps the ECLS20time current for approximately thirty days. This allows the ECLS20to resume operation after an extended power outage. Although not shown, the SCU24controller board has an onboard parallel printer output which allows for a PC-compatible printer to be connected directly to the ECLS20; the printer allows for the user to have a real time, hard copy record of site activity.FIG. 10provides a flowchart of SCU24operation.

The LCUs26are also custom-made electronics with microprocessors or micro-controllers and communication interfaces, e.g., RS-232 and/or RS-485 interfaces. The LCU26devices also comprise firmware, specific to the operation of the ECLS20, encoded onto chips on internal hardware boards and includes flash memory to provide back-up of user information. Each LCU26is hardwired to the electronic lock mechanism30in each locker32and consequently includes the necessary electronics to supply power to the locks30. The LCUs26also contain circuitry to determine if a locker door is open or closed and also includes means to detect an unauthorized entry condition and to set an alarm accordingly. Thus, the ECLS20is a distributed processing system since each LCU26has onboard processing and stores essential locker control data while logging locker activity.

In particular, as shown most dearly inFIG. 11, each LCU26comprises a processor L45for handling communications between the LCU26and the SCU24and for performing locker32opening and locker sensing (e.g., door open/closed), as will be discussed in detail later. An exemplary processor Motorola MC68HC908GP32. The LCU26board contains circuitry L46that allows the ECLS20to interface with the IDs28. The LCU contains input device circuitry L46and firmware to control four IDs28(as will be discussed in detail later) to be connected directly to LCU26circuit board. Each LCU26also includes a LCD (liquid crystal display) port L47capable of interfacing with LCD displays60up to eighty characters from several different manufacturers. The LCD port L47provides required power, data and contrast control. Each LCU26comprises a UART L48that allows the processor L45to output data for transmission on different media. UART L48is used for communications to the LCU26. Communication circuitry L49allows for communications on different types of media (e.g., Power Line, RS-485, Network, etc.) interfaces between UART L48and the appropriate communications media. Circuitry L49is used for communications to the SCU24. Communication circuitry L50allows for communications on different types of media (e.g., Power Line, RS-485, Network, etc.,) and interfaces between UART L51and the appropriate communications media. Communications circuitry L50is used for communications to other devices that are connected directly the LCU26board. UART L51allows the processor L45to output data for transmission on different media and is used for communications to other devices that are connected directly to the LCU26board. UART L51allows for communication to other remotely located devices. Each LCU26also contains an RS232 port L52that allows for field programming of the LCU26firmware. Each LCU26board includes a flash chip L53which is used for storing tenant access codes, configuration setups and other information. A power input L54routes the power from a power supply and/or a battery to the appropriate places on the LCU26circuit board. The LCU26board also contains an input point L55that allows the ECLS20to be connected to a button B. The button B (adjacent the LCD display60) can be used for user input (e.g., reserving a locker). As will be discussed next, each LCU26has the ability to control a predetermined number (e.g., 48) of lockers32. The LCU26control circuitry L56handles the energizing of the actuator61(e.g., solenoid, motor, etc.,) in each locking mechanism30. The LCU26control circuitry also handles the sensing of the current status of the locker32door (e.g., whether the door is open or closed). Locker control circuitry L56in each LCU26connects to each locking mechanism30with two wires W1and W2. The two wires W1/W2allow for control of the locking mechanism30(e.g., open the lock30) and also allows for sensing of the current status of the door (e.g., is the locker32door opened or closed).FIG. 12provides a flowchart of LCU operation.

As mentioned previously, each LCU26controls access to a predetermined number of lockers32(e.g., forty-eight lockers) based on user input from a corresponding input device ID28. These lockers32/input devices28can be distributed over different areas of the school, fitness center, etc., as desired by the customer into locations known as locker access stations (LASs). As shown most clearly inFIG. 3, four LASs25A-25D are shown under the control of one LCU26. For example, users having lockers at LAS25A would communicate with the corresponding input device28A and, if access is granted, the user would be able to go to his/her corresponding locker32at LAS25A and insert or remove contents from the locker32. The particular input device ID28for a LAS is located in the vicinity of the lockers32(e.g., In the middle of, or at the end of, the bank of lockers32at the LAS; these lockers32having the ID28are also known as a “cluster”) to permit users to communicate with the ECLS20and then to proceed to the particular locker32in that LAS; the LCU26itself can be located within one of the four LASs25A-25D. Therefore, in its broadest sense, an LAS may not even comprise the LCU26. As a result, in its broadest sense, an LAS defines the location where a user provides input to the ECLS20in order to gain access to a particular locker32.

If the lockers30are operating in an “assign-on-demand” mode (e.g., in a locker room or health club) as opposed to the mode where each user has a pre-assigned “permanently” assigned locker (e.g., as in a school corridor), then the LAS contains the input device28(e.g., the card reader128which includes an LCD display, not shown).

When the user activates the card reader128(e.g., a magnetic card reader that meets the ISO Specification 7810ID-1,7811/2) by swiping his/her card (e.g., seeFIG. 4, card129B), the ECLS20verifies that the card is valid, searches for an available locker, and then opens the electronic lock30corresponding to that locker32. On subsequent swipes of the card129B (e.g., 30-mil PVC laminated card, in accordance with the ISO specification, and wherein each card comes encoded with a respective user ID), the LCD display60provides a message asking if the user wants to keep the locker32. The user then pushes the button B to indicate that the locker32is to be kept; or, in the alternative, the user takes no action at all. This cycle is repeated until the user takes no action at which point the locker32then becomes available after a time-out period.FIG. 8provides a flowchart of this locker assignment process in more detail.

As mentioned earlier, each lock30is an electronic lock mechanism and it should be understood that the ECLS20may use any locking mechanism that can be activated electrically (seeFIG. 5A, e.g., solenoid-operated; a motor-operated mechanism may be used as an alternative, etc.,); thus, each locker32is devoid of handles, knobs or other hardware devices; seeFIGS. 6A-6Cwhich depict exemplary lockers configurations whereFIG. 6Adepicts a single tier locker configuration,FIG. 6Bdepicts a two-tier locker configuration andFIG. 6Cdepicts a three-tier locker configuration, all by way of example only.

Also, by way of example only, the ECLS20incorporates a lock design that comprises a pin34that is float-mounted to the locker door33(FIG. 5A) and a lock portion35(FIG. 5A) that is mounted to the locker body37and whereby the lock portion35captures and releases the pin34. This arrangement provides for easy concealment of wiring used to connect the locking device30to the LCU26. The locking mechanism30allows the locker door33to latch automatically when the locker door33is closed. Once activated, the lock mechanism30releases and the locker door33pops open. The locking mechanism30is a multi-function device. When the user pushes the locker door33closed, it automatically latches. No signal from the LCU26is required to accomplish this action. As shown inFIGS. 5A-5B, the lock mechanism30incorporates an actuator61(e.g., a solenoid, a motor, etc.,) that latches upon command from the LCU26. The automatic latch mode of operation supports environments where the locker32is normally closed. The latch on command mode of operation supports environments where the locker32is in a normally open condition (e.g., a gymnasium or health club locker room where lockers are not permanently assigned).

In particular, the pin34is float-mounted in a receiver portion36that is mounted on a bracket39to the locker door33. The pin34comprises a head68that gets trapped against a latching plate65whose movement is controlled by the actuator61and a spring66. When the locker door33is closed, the underside70of the head68is trapped against surface71of the latching plate65; the latching plate65can move in the direction of the arrow72(right) or in the direction of the arrow73(left). With the door33closed, the head68compresses a driver member69against the action of a coaxial spring64. Additionally, in this position, the head68also closes a contact62of a switch63. As can be seen most clearly inFIG. 5B, closure of the contact62/switch63completes a circuit74comprising electrical conductors W1, W2and W3.

When the LCU26commands a locker door33opening using a current pulse (e.g., 7 amps @ 0.25 seconds) into the circuit74, the actuator61momentarily moves the latching plate65in the direction of the arrow73, thereby permitting the driver member69(under the action of the coaxial spring64) to forcefully drive the head68through a hole67in the latching plate65and “pop” the locker door33open; this action also “opens” the switch63since the contact62is no longer closed and therefore “opens” circuit74. This movement of the latching plate65in the direction of the arrow73causes another spring66to compress. Following the LCU command pulse duration, the actuator61is de-activated and the spring66is free to drive the latching plate65in the direction of the arrow72which moves the hole67slightly out of alignment of the head68movement. Conversely, when the user closes the door33, the head68“finds” a portion of the slightly mis-aligned hole67and pushes the latching plate65in the direction of the arrow73, against the action of the spring66. Once the head68passes through the hole67, the spring66is free to move the latching plate65in the direction of the arrow72until one side of the hole67contacts the shank76of the pin34; this action traps the underside70of the head68against the surface71of the latching plate65, while simultaneously dosing the contact63of the switch62.

The circuit74also provides the LCU26with the means for detecting the open or closed condition of the locker door33. The/LCU26polls all of the locker doors33using another current pulse (e.g., 36 mA @ 1 ms) and can determine if the circuit74is open or closed. An “open” circuit (e.g., no return pulse to the LCU26) indicates that the locker door33is open since the contact62/switch63is not closed; a “closed” circuit (e.g., return pulse detected by the LCU26) indicates that the locker door33is closed since the contact62/switch63is closed. It should be noted that the LCU26can poll all of the locker doors33in less than a second. As a result, the function of detecting locker door33condition (open/closed) and supplying power to the actuator61are both accomplished using the circuit74. This is in contrast to the common approach or running two wires to a locker door sensing device and another two wires to a lock actuator. Thus, this electronic configuration between the LCUs26and lockers32allows the system administrator to open each locker32door as well as detect when each locker door has been opened or closed. Each time the locker32door is opened, the user, locker number and time and date are recorded in the central database.

Information from the database required for system function is downloaded from the SAC22to the SCU24. The SCU24downloads portions of this information to each LCU26. Each LCU26stores data related to inputs, lock openings and closings, and alarm conditions for its corresponding lockers32and uploads this information to the SCU24. The SCU24then reports this information back to the SAC22. The SCU24also sends each LCU26the access codes for each locker hooked directly to a corresponding LCU26. Each LCU26also stores transaction information. Furthermore, all LCUs26in the ECLS20communicate with each other through the SCU24. Thus, the SCU24and LCUs26can be disconnected and the user can gain access to his/her locker from any LAS. Under normal operation the access code is verified at the LCU26for lockers and IDs28wired directly to the LCU26. If the ID28is attached to a different LCU26, then the LCU26requests verification from the SCU24and, if verified, passes the open command through the SCU24to the appropriate LCU26. If the connection to the SCU24were severed, then this functionality would be severed but users can still gain access to the locker32from a LAS attached to the LCU26that his/her locker is attached to. The SCU24maintains the access codes for each locker32and also stores transaction information. The SCU24does not need to be connected to the SAC22for system operation.

The SCU24and LCU26are in constant communication so that if the connection between the two is severed, system function can continue.

The SCU24can operate without connection to the SAC22for long periods of time even if new or changed information has not been sent to the SCU24.

The SCU24, LCUs26, IDs28and electronic locks30are all connected via low voltage wiring. The SCU24and LCU26connections can be over a variety of communication interfaces, such as a standard RS-485 interface specification by way of example only. Furthermore, the LCUs26may even be connected in a daisy chain configuration to reduce the number and length of wiring runs. As shown inFIG. 7, the ECLS20provides the ability to communicate between the SCU24and the LCUs26over different media, e.g., wireless technology200, RS 485 Daisy Chain300, modulated power line400, etc. The wireless technology200eliminates the need to run wiring required by the RS485 communication protocol. Where modulated power line400communication is utilized, the SCU22and the LCU24can be equipped with power line modem modules that are selectable for use with 110 VAC or 240 VAC systems.

It should further be noted that it is within the broadest scope of the present invention20to include an ECLS20that operates over the Internet. In particular, every component, or a select group of components, of the ECLS20may comprise an Internet address and wherein control and monitoring of the ECLS20is accomplished using a TCP/IP network.

As mentioned earlier, the system administrative user is a user that has access to and periodically uses the administrative software to configure, control and assign users to (students, members, etc.) the system20. The system administrative user can possibly have limited access to the software depending on the security level that he/she has been assigned. The system administrative user of the ECLS20has management capabilities and more privileges and can lock out a particular locker. The administrator may deny access to one or all (selectable by various groups); the administrator may open one or all (selectable by groups). The administrative user is provided with a set of tools for setting up and controlling the system. Several reports are available to the administrator as well. The administrator can add, change, and delete individual users and can organize and identify individual users by various groupings. Access to lockers by individual users can also be restricted to specific time periods. The administrator can assign identification and location information to each locker and can also track maintenance needs for each locker. A card management feature gives the administrator full control over the management of individual user cards and is highly automated to make management of cards a simple task. Reports provide the administrator information on locker inventory, available lockers, users not assigned, repairs required, and various activity reports.

The administration software and database allows the administrator to assign each locker32to several different user-defined groups. (e.g., Area-Upper Campus; Building-Student Center; Hall A; etc.) Likewise, each user (e.g., student, member) can be assigned to one or more user-defined groups (e.g., sophomore, junior, senior; football team; drill team, band; Mrs. Thompson's home room, Mr. Green's home room; etc.). This ability to assign both lockers32and users to groups (also referred to as “virtual grouping capabilities”) gives the administrator a powerful tool to manage lockers and users in the system. For example, the administrator can select all members of Mr. Green's home room class and automatically assign them lockers32in Hall A with a very minimal amount of input. Lockers32can be locked down, unlocked, or opened based on their group assignment (e.g., geographical location).

The software allows the administrator to create an unlimited number of time zone assignments that grant access to the user during specific day and time periods. Using the virtual grouping capabilities the administrator can apply these time zone assignments to groups of students instantly giving the administrator tremendous control over locker use. For example, the administrator can grant nominal access to the lockers32around standard school hours (e.g., Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) but allow members of the football team and drill team to have access to lockers following a late Friday night game.

Since the groups are user-defined, the ECLS20can be readily configured to meet the needs of any facility or organization.

As mentioned earlier, the administrative software comprises a central database. This database may comprise several databases (e.g., Tables 1-16) that are discussed next by way of example only and are not limited in any way to only those shown.

A “user database” is used to store locker user information. Depending on the environment that the software is used in, a user may be a student if the software is used in a school setting, or a client if the software is used in a health club setting. The following user information is stored in this database.

The administrative software allows for the configuration of the institution name, address and telephone number. The system administrator creates this information during initial setup and customization of the software:

The administrative software also allows the system administrator to define certain security levels. These security levels allow the system administrator to designate others as “administrative users” and which limits these administrative users to access of certain functions and options.

The administrative software also allows for the creation of user names, passwords and security levels. The user name and password is used to log onto the administrative software and perform functions. Depending on the security level that is selected for the individual, user functionality within the software is limited. Each administrative user can also be assigned a card number that they can use with the ECLS20.

The administrative user creates the locker database during Initial setup and customization of the software. The locker database records information about every locker32in the ECLS20. The locker database is used to assign locker users to specific databases.

The administrative user creates a holiday database during initial setup and customization of the administrative software. The holiday database is used in conjunction with the time zone database to determine the hours of access a user may have on a holiday.

The administrative user creates the locker status database during initial setup and customization of the administrative software. The locker status database contains descriptions of locker status. The locker status database is referenced by the status field in the locker database. The default options for this database are “available, occupied, need repair, not available.” The administrative user may also define other locker status descriptions.

The administrative user creates the locker location database during Initial setup and customization. This database allows for segregation of lockers into different locations.

The administrative user creates a locker cluster database during initial setup and customization. This database allows for segregation of lockers into different clusters.

The administrative user creates a locker zone database during initial setup and customization. This database allows for segregation of lockers into different zones.

The administrative user creates a locker building database during Initial setup and customization. This database allows for segregation of lockers into different buildings.

The administrative user creates a locker area database during initial setup and customization. This database allows for segregation of lockers into different areas.

The administrative user creates a user group database during initial setup and customization. This database allows for segregation of lockers into different groups.

The administrative user creates a home room database during initial setup and customization. This database allows for segregation of lockers into different home rooms.

The administrative user creates a time zone database during initial setup and customization. This database allows for the ability to give specific locker users limited times during the day for access to their lockers.

This database is used to track when and what an administrative user has done in the software.

TABLE 16Administrative Transaction Log DatabaseField NameDescriptionLengthTypeCommentsRecordNumUnique IDAutomaticrecord IDAdministrator4AlphanumericAdministratorIDid whoperformed theactionUser ID20AlphanumericUser ID actionperformed onUser Name20AlphanumericUser nameactionperformed onLocker ID6AlphanumericLocker actionperformed onDateDateDate actionperformedTimeTimeTime actionperformedAction2AlphanumericActionPerformed
The ECLS20also includes an option for importing/exporting data using a comma separated file (CSF) format. The data import/export option also processes the following formats:Administrative Software Interface: The Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) is an industry standard designed to provide data integration and maintain data accuracy across various K-12 educational administrative and curriculum systems. Programs that are SIF compliant allow for data to be entered once and automatically updated in all connected systems;Another option provides for an ASCII file transfer option between the administrative software and the electronic locker software. This option provides a linked, interactive interface to other software packages, such as a school administration software package. Using this option, when data is updated in one program, the related field in the other program is automatically updated as well. This option eliminates the need for data import/export (i.e., it operates this function dynamically) and eliminates the need for inputting the same information in two different programs. This saves work and improves data integrity and enhances accuracy, since the data needs to be maintained in one place only.Furthermore, the ECLS20also provides means to download data from the locker control software to a Palm Pilot® device and can even provide the system administrator with the ability to perform all administrative functions remotely via the Internet: where the ECLS20is used in a fitness center setting, a software option is available that meets the specific requirements of the health club industry.

As mentioned earlier, the ECLS20includes monitoring and alarm functionality. In particular, the lock mechanism30contains a sensor device (not shown) to determine when the locker32door is opened. If the door is opened without, e.g., the user card129A (129B or129C) being swiped through the card reader128, or without an administrative command being issued, an alarm is detected on the locker30. A visible and audible signal will sound the SAC22when an alarm condition is triggered. Furthermore, it is possible to interface other security devices to the ECLS20such as cameras, and alert devices. These can be integrated to selectively activate when an alarm condition is triggered.

Where electronic access keys are used (e.g., such as the cards129A-129C shown in FIG.4), these cards can be used in the particular ECLS20for a variety of functions. For example, in a school setting, the card can not only be used for opening a locker32, but also for tracking attendance at school, as a library card, and in a lunch program; similarly, in a work place setting, these cards can be used for building access, time keeping, locker access, and equipment check-out. In a fitness center, these cards can be used for admission, assigning and opening lockers, workout schedule and for purchasing refreshments, etc. Furthermore, with regard to the computer records of locker activity, these locker records can be unified with user records such as a student's class schedule.

The ECLS20provides quick, accurate and safe locker administration in that:it provides for the re-assignment of lockers and access thereto which can be accomplished instantly by computer control.it is compatible with current database software packages;it uses computerized records of electronic locker locations and users that can be integrated with existing administration software;its central administrative SAC22has complete control of locker opening parameters and access;it provides for unified user and locker assignment records;it provides for instant user re-populations;it provides for recorded history of locker usage;it alerts the administrator of attempted locker intrusions and records location, date and time.during times when there is no user activity or when a manager or administrator does not want a user or users to access lockers (e.g., off-hours, sporing events, night school and vacations) any locker user can be locked out by the system administrator;individual locations, or groups of lockers, can be opened for inspections, cleaning or maintenance.all of the information in the administration software is password protected. Managers or administrators can choose who has access to locker information and how much information each user can view.

Thus, as described, the ECLS20provides secure storage with easy access for individual users and simple but powerful management tools for the system administrator. The ECLS20provides a safe, secure, convenient, accountable, centralized and time saver locker control system.

It should be understood that it is within the broadest scope of the present invention to include an ECLS20that combines the functionality of the SCU24within the SAC22.FIG. 14illustrates such an ECLS20that does not require a SCU24and wherein a modified SAC22′ comprises the functionality of the SCU24therein. One of the advantages of having the SCU24is that the SAC22may comprise any type of conventional PC (as mentioned earlier) that is not dedicated to the ECLS20. In other words, the SAC22may administer the ECLS20while supporting other normal business functions. On the other hand, where the ECLS20does not utilize a SCU24, the SAC22′ is dedicated to ECLS20operation. However. In all other respects, the ECLS20that does not include the SCU24(FIG. 14) operates similarly to the ECLS20that does include the SCU24(FIG. 1) and provides all of the operations regarding locker access control, locker monitoring and virtual grouping, administrator control, etc., discussed earlier.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate our invention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, readily adopt the same for use under various conditions of service.