Patent Publication Number: US-10789791-B2

Title: Lock status detection

Description:
FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a method, system and computer program for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are many locks which require a user to use a key to lock the lock. Some examples may include apartment locks or office locks. These locks do not lock automatically. The user may have to manually lock such a lock by using a key. Sometimes, the user may wish to know the state of a lock without being in close proximity to the lock. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of the present invention may include a method, computer system, and computer program product for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock. The strain gauges may be disposed within a key or within a key head sub-system. The key bank system may include receiving a first signal, comparing the first signal with a first or second signatures, and determining a state change of a lock when the first signal matches the first or second signal within a first or second threshold. The key bank system may include receiving a current state of the lock, where the state of the lock is the first state, and changing the current state of the lock to a second state, where the second state is opposite the first state. The current state of the lock may be displayed on a communication device and may be stored in a memory of a communication device or in a memory of a server. The key bank system may include receiving a location of the first key, comparing the location of the first key with a location of the lock, and determining a state change of the lock when the location of the first key matches the location of the lock within a location threshold. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. The various features of the drawings are not to scale as the illustrations are for clarity in facilitating one skilled in the art in understanding the invention in conjunction with the detailed description. The drawings are discussed forthwith below. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating a key head, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a key head coupled with a key, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a key with strain gauges, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram illustrating a database for storing lock information in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating an example method for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating an example method for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating an example method for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram depicting the hardware components of a system for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a functional block diagram depicting a cloud computing environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram depicting abstraction model layers provided by the cloud computing environment of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. 
     The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
     The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, computer program, and computer system for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock. The lock may be a door lock, a safe lock, a file cabinet lock, or any other lock supporting the functionality required by one or more embodiments of the invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, a user may use a key, with strain gauges embedded in its head, to change a state (locked or unlocked) of a lock and store the state change with a key bank system. Alternatively, the user may place a key head, fitted with the strain gauges, onto an existing key and use that key head and key to change the state of the lock and store the state change with the key bank system. Since the strain gauges may be placed in a key head that may then be coupled to an existing key, an advantage of the embodiment disclosed herein is that modifications to the existing lock may not be required. 
     Many times, a user may forget whether the user has locked a lock or not. For example, the user may forget whether the user has locked the house door lock. Further, the user may already be on his or her way to work. This may result in worry on the part of the user, who may want to travel back to the house to ensure that the house door is properly locked. Oftentimes, the user may travel back home to then realize that the house door was locked after all and the worry and effort of traveling back was unnecessary. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may allow the user to remotely check the status of a lock. For example, the user, while traveling to work, may realize that he or she may have forgotten to lock the house door lock. The user may access a key bank system which may allow the user to view the last known status of the house door lock. Therefore, the user may be able to determine whether the user locked the door or not. This in turn may save the user the unnecessary travel back to the house as well as the stress and aggravation associated with the uncertainty of the status of the lock. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may also be useful in situations where there are multiple keys that may be used for the same lock, such as multiple users living together in the same house and each having a front door key. Embodiments of the present invention may allow each user to access the key bank system to find out the state of the front door lock. Further, if one user may leave the house and forget to lock the door, then any of the remaining users may be able to lock the door with their respective keys and update the state of the lock for all users. This may allow the user, who initially may have forgotten to lock the door, to get information pertaining to which user locked the door last. 
     Accordingly, at least some of the embodiments described herein provide a technical solution to the problems described above with respect to detecting the status of a lock. 
     Specifically, some embodiments described herein provide a method of detecting the status of a lock using strain gauges embedded in a key or key head. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to using strain gauges to detect status of a lock. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a system  100  for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an example embodiment, the system  100  may include a plurality of communication devices  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c  and a key bank system  104 , all connected via one or more networks  106 . Communication devices  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c  each comprise communication device computer  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c , respectively. The system  100  may also include a plurality of key heads  108   a ,  108   b  and a key  110 . Each key head  108   a ,  108   b , or key  110  may be connected to its respective communication device  102  via a wireless connection, e.g. via a Bluetooth® connection. For example, communication device  102   a  may be connected to key head  108   a , communication device  102   b  may be connected to key head  108   b , and communication device  102   c  may be connected to key  110 . 
     Although  FIG. 1  shows three communication devices  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c , two key heads, key head A  108   a  and key head B  108   b , and one key C  110 , principles of an embodiment of the present invention are not restricted to this combination. Embodiments of the present invention may use different combinations of key heads and keys  108 , and communication devices  102 . For example, an embodiment of the present invention may include a communication device  102   c  and a key  110 , or a communication device  102   a  and a key head  108   a . Another embodiment of the present invention may include multiple of communication devices  102 , such as  102   a  and  102   b , a key head  108   a , and a key  110 . 
     In the example embodiment, the network  106  is the Internet, representing a world wide collection of networks and gateways to support communications between devices connected to the Internet. The network  106  may include, for example, wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections. In alternative embodiments, the network  106  may be implemented as an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN). In general, the network  106  can be any combination of connections and protocols that will support communications between the communication devices  102  and the key bank system  104 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication devices  102  may be a mobile terminal, such as a smartphone, but is not limited to such. Other examples may include user&#39;s laptop computer, tablet, or a peripheral device such as a smartwatch or other wearable device, or any programmable electronic device supporting the functionality required by one or more embodiments of the invention. The communication device may be installed in close proximity to a lock and may have Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi capability. The communication device computers  112  and the key bank system  104  may be instances of the computer  1010  shown in  FIG. 9 . The key bank system  104  may include a key database  114 , which is described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of the key head  108 . The key head  108  may be any size and shape and may be configured to fit over the top portion of any key. The key head  108  may include, in various embodiments, one or more of the following: a Bluetooth® transmitter  116 , a battery  118 , a micro controller  120 , a memory  122 , strain gauge I  124 , and strain gauge II  126 . The Bluetooth® transmitter  116  may be used to pair the key head  108  with the communication device  102 . The battery  118  may be used to provide power to the Bluetooth® transmitter  116 , the micro controller  120 , the memory  122 , strain gauge I  124 , and strain gauge II  126 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, strain gauge I  124  and strain gauge II  126  may be integrally disposed within the key head  108 . Strain gauge I  124  and strain gauge II  126  may be positioned substantially orthogonally with respect to each other. Strain gauges  124  and  126  may be disposed within the key head  108  such that when the key head  108  is coupled with any key, strain gauges  124  and  126  are disposed on the axis of rotation of the key. In other embodiments, strain gauges  124 ,  126  may be disposed at any location and at any orientation with respect to one another that permits detection of a state change of a lock. 
     Strain gauge I  124  and strain gauge II  126  may be used to determine state changes of a lock. To turn a key head  108  coupled with a key, a user may exert torque force. During the turning of a key coupled with the key head  108  to a first state, strain gauge I  124  may experience tension whereas strain gauge II  126  may experience compression. During the turning of a key coupled with the key head  108  to a second state, where the second state is opposite of the first state, strain gauge I  124  may experience compression whereas strain gauge II  126  may experience tension. Strain gauges  124  and  126  may convert the changes in tension and compression, as a result of the turning of the key coupled with the key head  108 , to a change in electrical resistance. A torque value proportional to the change in electrical resistance may be determined using the micro controller  120 . 
     The micro controller  120  may take the changes in electrical resistance, such as changes in the current and voltage, and translate the change into a digital value. Therefore, the micro controller  120  may take the current and voltage changes, associated with the strain gauges  124  and  126  being in a first state, and convert the changes to a digital value that may be associated with the first state. The digital value associated with the first state may be called a first signature. 
     The micro controller  120  may take the current and voltage changes, associated with the strain gauges  124  and  126  being in a second state, and convert the changes to a digital value that may be associated with the second state. The digital value associated with the second state may be called a second signature. Alternatively, any sensor capable of providing a torque signal to the micro controller  120  may be employed. 
     The micro controller  120  may also send the first signature or the second signature to the Bluetooth® transmitter  116 , and may request the Bluetooth® transmitter  116  to transmit the signatures to the key database  114  for storage. The micro controller  120  may also send the digital value to memory  122 . Memory  122  may store the signatures associated with strain gauges  124  and  126  being in the first and second states. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a key head sub-system  130  which is an example embodiment of the present invention. The key head sub-system  130  may include the key head  108  coupled to a key  128 . The key  128  may be a house door key, safe key, locker key, file cabinet key, or any other key supporting the functionality required by one or more embodiments of the invention. The key head  108  may include the components described herein with reference to  FIG. 2 . The key head  108  with strain gauge I  124  and strain gauge II  126  may be positioned over the key  128  such that the strain gauges  124  and  126  may be on the axis of rotation of the key  128 . 
     Alternative embodiments of the present invention, not shown in the Figures, may include two sets of strain gauges. Each set of strain gauges may include strain gauge I  124  and strain gauge II  126 . One set of strain gauges may be integrally disposed within one side of the key head  108  and the other set of strain gauges may be integrally disposed within the opposite side of the key head  108 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. As described herein with respect to  FIG. 1 , the method  100  may include key C  110  communicating with the communication device C  102   c . The key C  110  of  FIG. 1  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4 . In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the Bluetooth® transmitter  116 , the battery  118 , the micro controller  120 , the memory  122 , strain gauge I  124 , and strain gauge II  126  may be located on the top portion of the key  110  itself. Just as with the key head  108 , strain gauge I  124  and strain gauge II  126  may be integrally disposed within the key  110  on the axis of rotation of the key  110 . Further, the Bluetooth® transmitter  116 , the battery  118 , the micro controller  120 , the memory  122 , strain gauge I  124 , and strain gauge II  126  may operate in the same manner as described herein with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates, in schematic view, different categories of information that may be stored in the key database  114 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the key database  114  may be located in the key bank system  104 . The key database  114  may be a centralized database and may have a remote location. For example the key database  114  may be located on a server. In an alternative embodiment the key database  114  may also be stored in a memory of the communication device  102 . The key database  114  may allow a user to obtain a state of a lock without being in close proximity to the lock. For example, the user may obtain a state of a lock, associated with the user&#39;s apartment door, when the user is located in another city, state, or country. 
     The key database  114  may be associated with one or more locks and may indicate the key head sub-systems  130  or the keys  110  associated with the one or more locks. For example, the key database  114  may be associated with one lock, such as an apartment door lock, and may have a number of key head sub-systems  130  only, keys  110  only, or a combination of both key head sub-systems  130  and keys  110 , associated with that one lock. For example, three users may have access to an apartment, each with its own key head sub-system  130  or key  110 , such as a first key, a second key and a third key. Each user may be able to access the key database  114  to obtain the state of the apartment door lock. Further, the key database  114  may be updated after each user&#39;s use of the user&#39;s key  110  or the key head sub-system  130 . For example, if the first user, user A, was the last to leave the apartment and change the status of the lock using the user&#39;s key head sub-system A  130  or the key A  110 , the key database  114  may display that the last change to the state of the lock occurred with the key head sub-system A  130  or the key A  110 . Further, the key database  114  may display the actual state of the lock  134  as well. Any of the three users may access the key database  114  to obtain the updated information. 
     The key database  114  may also be associated with a plurality of locks, such as a front door lock and a back door lock and may have a different number of combinations of key head sub-systems  130  and/or keys  110  associated with the plurality of locks. 
     The key database  114  may be used to store identifying information respecting the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 , such as which key head sub-system  130  or key  110  was used to change a state of a lock  134 . The key database  114  may also store gauge activity  132 . More particularly, the gauge activity  132  may refer to the strain gauges  124  and  126  being in a first state  140  or a second state  142 . The first state may be associated with strain gauges  124  and  126  generating a change in electrical resistance which may translate to the digital value that corresponds to the first signature. The first signature may be associated with the locking of the lock. The second state may be associated with strain gauges  124  and  126  generating a change in electrical resistance which may translate to the digital value that corresponds to the second signature. The second signature may be associated with the unlocking of the lock. 
     Embodiments of the present invention may be more apparent in the following examples. Referring to  FIG. 5 , line  1 , the key database  114  may indicate that key head sub-system A  130 , or key A  110  may be used to change the state of the lock  134 . More particularly, the gauge activity  132  may register that the strain gauges  124  and  126  of the key head sub-system A  130  or key A  110  may be in the first state  140 . Since the first state  140  may be associated with the locking of the lock, the state of the lock  134  may show that the lock is locked. In another example, as illustrated in line  2  of  FIG. 5 , the key database  114  may indicate that the key head sub-system B  130 , or key B  110  may be used to change the state of the lock  134 . The gauge activity  132  on key head sub-system B  130  or key B  110  may indicate that the strain gauges  124  and  126  may be in the second state  142 . Therefore, the state of the lock  134  may show that the lock is unlocked. 
     The key database  114  may also store information pertaining to an optional location  138  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 . The location  138  may be based on the GPS location of the communication device  102  with which the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is connected with via Bluetooth®. In an embodiment of the present invention, the location  138  may indicate where the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is physical located at the time the gauge activity  132  indicates that the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is in use. For example, if the GPS location of the communication device  102  indicates that the communication device  102  is in the office, then the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  connected to the communication device  102  may also be located in the office. 
     Alternatively, the location  138  may be based on a Wi-Fi signal strength of the communication device  102  with which the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is connected with via Bluetooth®. The use of a Wi-Fi signal strength to determine the location  138  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  may be helpful when the when one key head sub-system  130  or one key  110  may be used to lock or unlock multiple locks, such as a front door lock and a back door lock. Often, the Wi-Fi signal strength may be stronger at one location as opposed to the other. For example, the Wi-Fi signal may be stronger at the front door lock when compared to the back door lock. Therefore, the Wi-Fi signal strength may be used to establish the location  138  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to determine which lock had its state changed. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may use any technology capable of accurately determining the position of the user&#39;s communication device  102 . 
     The optional method for determining location  138  may have a location threshold that may be set by the user of the key database  114 . The location threshold may be a set distance from the physical location of the lock, e.g. about 5 feet of the lock or any other suitable distance. Therefore, if the user is within that location threshold, the key database  114  may recognize that the user is within close proximity of the lock. If the user is outside of the location threshold, the key database  114  may determine that the user is not within close proximity to the lock. 
     The optional location  138  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  may also be used to disregard signals from the gauge that do not correspond with a state change and to display accurate states of the lock  134 . For example, the lock associated with key head sub-systems A, B, and C  130  or keys A, B, and C  110  may be an apartment door lock. When one of the key head sub-systems A, B, and C  130  or keys A, B, and C  110  is used to lock the apartment door, the optional location  138  may indicate that the key head sub-systems A, B, and C  130  or keys A, B, or C  110  is located at the door of the apartment. As a result, the state of the lock  134  may be updated. However, if the key database determines that there is gauge activity  132  but the location  138  indicates that the key head sub-systems A, B, and C  130  or keys A, B, or C  110  is not located at or in close proximity to the door of the apartment, the gauge activity  132  may be ignored and the state of the lock  134  may indicate the last state  134  during which the key head sub-systems A, B, and C  130  or keys A, B, or C  110  was located  138  at the door of the apartment. 
     For example, referring to line  3  of  FIG. 5 , the gauge activity  132  of the key head sub-system C  130  or key C  110  may indicate that the strain gauges  124  and  126  are in the first state  140 , translating to the lock being locked. However, the location  138  of key head sub-system C  130  or key C  110  may indicate that the key head sub-system C  130  or key C  110  is located in an office location, not at or proximate the door of the apartment. Therefore, any gauge activity  132  may be labeled as a false reading and be ignored. As a result, the key database  114  may display the last known state of the lock  134 . In this scenario, the last known state of the lock  134  may be the state of the lock  134  associated with gauge activity  132  of key head sub-system B  130  or key B  110 . Thus, as the third line of  FIG. 5  indicates, even though key head sub-system C  130  or key C  110  may indicate that the strain gauges  124  and  126  are in the first state  140 , the state of lock may not be changed to locked. Rather, the state of the lock  134  may remain as unlocked, as illustrated in line  2  of  FIG. 5 . 
     The key database  114  may optionally store information pertaining to a time of use  136  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 . The time of use  136  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  may be used to determine at what time the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  may have been used to change the state of the lock  134 . The time of use  136  may be configured to the needs and specifications of each user or to the specific requirements for each lock. For example, the time of use  136  may be configured to show the time and date the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  may be used. Optionally, the time of use  136  may be configured to show the date only, or the time only, or any combination supported by one or more embodiments of the present invention. Further, the time of use  136  may also have different configuration for different locks. For example, the time of use  136  of one lock may indicate time only whereas the time of use  136  of another lock may indicate the date only, or both the time and date. 
     The optional time of use  136  may be used to indicate at what time a particular key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  was used to change the state of the lock  134 . For example, referring to the first row of  FIG. 5 , key head sub-system A  130  or key A  110  may be associated with a door lock of an apartment (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). The key database  114  may indicate that key head sub-system A  130  or key A  110  may be used to change the state of the lock  134  to the locked state. The key database  114  may optionally indicate that the time of use  136  of the key head sub-system A  130  or the key A  110  to change the state of the lock  134  was at 8 am, which may correspond to the time, for example when the user locked the apartment door and went to work. 
     In another example, as illustrated in the second row of  FIG. 5 , a user of key head sub-system B  130  or key B  110  may use the key head sub-system B  130  or key B  110  to change the state of the lock  134  to the unlocked state. The gauge activity  132  of the key head sub-system B  130  or key B  110  may indicate that at 4 pm, the strain gauges  124  and  126  may be in the second state  142 , signifying that the lock is unlocked. 
     Embodiments have been described in which the key bank system  104  and the key database  114  are remote from the communication devices  102   a ,  102   b , and  102   c . This configuration is an advantage where two or more keys, for a single lock, are in possession of two or more users: all users may access the remote key bank system  104  to learn when any one user has locked or unlocked the single lock. However, in one embodiment, a single key may be associated with a lock. In this embodiment, the key bank system  104  and the key database  114  may be stored in a communication device or key head. This embodiment provides an advantage in that a user who does not recall whether a lock is locked may check the user&#39;s communication device for the current state of the lock. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a method  300  for using the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to change the state of a lock  134  is depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to operation  310 , a user is asked whether the communication device  102  is paired with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 . The pairing of the communication device  102  with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  allows for the communication device  102  to connect with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  using a Bluetooth® connection. If the communication device  102  is not paired with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 , the user is asked, at operation  312 , to conduct the pairing of the communication device  102  with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 . 
     Referring to operation  314 , if the communication device  102  is paired with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 , the user is asked whether the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is calibrated. If the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is not calibrated, the user is asked, at operation  316 , to calibrate the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 . The calibration of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     If the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is calibrated, the user may use the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 , at operation  318 , to change the state of the lock  134 . The user may change the state of the lock  134  by turning the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  in the lock so as to generate a signal corresponding with the first or second signature. The first state  140  may refer to the locking of the lock and the second state  142  may refer to the unlocking of the lock. Once the state of the lock  134  is changed, the current state of the lock is displayed on the communication device  102 , at operation  320 . The current state of the lock may be displayed on every communication device  102  that is connected with the key database  114  and is associated with that particular lock. For example, user A and user B have access to one lock. User A may use key A  110  or key head sub-system A  130  to change the state of the lock  134  from the locked state to the unlocked state. User B, who has key B or key head sub-system B  130 , may be able to obtain the change in the state of the lock  134 , as a result of user A&#39;s unlocking of the lock, because the key database  114  will display the current state of the lock  134 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a method  400  for calibrating the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to operation  410 , a user is asked, by the key bank system  104 , whether the user wishes to calibrate the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 . If the user does not wish to calibrate, the user is directed back to the start menu. If the user does wish to calibrate the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 , the user is moved to operation  412 . 
     Referring to operation  412 , the user is asked, by the key bank system  104 , to lock the lock. With the key inserted in the lock, the user turns the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  in a first direction to generate a first signature. During the turning of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to the first state, the locked state, the strain gauge I  124  is experiencing tension whereas the strain gauge II  126  is experiencing compression, resulting in a change in the electrical current and voltage. This change in electrical resistance is translated, using a micro controller  120 , to a digital value. This digital value is transmitted, using the Bluetooth® connection, to the key database  114  where it is associated with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  being in a first state and generating the first signature. 
     Referring to operation  414 , the user is asked, by the key bank system  104 , to unlock the lock. With the key inserted in the lock, the user turns the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  in a second direction to generate a second signature. During the turning of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to the second state, the unlocked state, the strain gauge I  124  is experiencing compression whereas the strain gauge II  126  is experiencing tension. The micro controller  120  takes the change in electrical resistance that occurs during the tension and compression of the strain gauges and translates it to a digital value. This digital value is transmitted to the key database  114  where it is associated with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  being in the second state and generating the second signature. 
     As a result of operations  412  and  414 , the key database  114  receives and subsequently stores the digital values associated with the first and second signatures that strain gauge I  124  and strain gauge II  126  generate as a result of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  being used to either lock or unlock the lock, respectively. 
     Referring to operation  416 , the user is asked to repeat the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  turning operations  412  and  414  N number of times. This allows for the generation of N number of first and second signatures associated with the strain gauges  124  and  126  being in the first state and second state, respectively. Therefore, the key database  114  may have a N number of first signatures, associated with the locking of the lock, and a N number of second signatures, associated with the unlocking of the lock. 
     Referring to operation  418 , the key bank system  104  collects, from the key database  114 , the generated first and second signatures, analyzes the signatures, and determines, at operation  420 , whether the key head sub-system  130  or key  110  turning operations generated a sufficient number of first and second signatures. The first and second signatures collected in operations  412 - 416  may vary. The signatures are analyzed using statistical methods to determine a distribution. If the turning of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to the first and second states generated statistically valid distributions of the first and second signatures, then, at operation  422 , the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  calibration data is stored in the key database  114 . However, if the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  turning operations did not generate statistically valid distributions of the first and second signatures, the user is directed back to operation  412  and asked to repeat operations  412  to  420  until statistically valid distributions of the first and second signatures are obtained. The key bank system  104  may determine, based on the statistically valid distributions of the first and second signatures, a threshold level of torque force needed to put the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  in either the first  140  or the second  142  state. Therefore, there may be a first threshold level associated with the turning of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to the first state  140 , and a second threshold level associated with the turning of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to the second state  142 . 
     Machine learning may be utilized to learn the required force and time, in each strain gauge reading, that is needed to turn the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to the first and second positions. When the user is turning the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to either lock or unlock the lock, the user is exerting torque force on the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 . The torque force may vary slightly each time the user is turning the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to lock the door, thus placing the lock in the first state  140 . Likewise, the torque force may vary each time the user is turning the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to unlock the door, thus placing the lock in the second state  142 . Machine learning may take the N number of generated first and second signatures, corresponding to the locking and unlocking of the lock respectively, and determine a threshold level of torque force needed to put the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  in either the first  140  or the second  142  state. Therefore, there may be a first threshold level associated with the turning of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to the first state  140 , and a second threshold level associated with the turning of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to the second state  142 . 
     Machine learning may also be helpful in instances where the turning of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  may take two or more rotations. For example, the user may turn the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  270 degrees, pause, and then turn the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  another 270 degrees. This type of turning may produce two clear changes in electrical resistance and may be translated into a digital value that cumulatively captures the strain required to turn the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  to the first and second states, such as locking and unlocking the lock. Further, the cumulative strain required to lock or unlock the lock may be similar every time. In addition, the first and second signatures, associated with the first and second states respectively, may have a time element. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a method  500  for detecting a change in the state of a lock  134  is depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to operation  510 , the key bank system  104  receives a first signal. The first signal may correspond to the digital value associated with the first signature or the second signature. The first signal may also correspond to an activity unrelated to the first or second signatures. For example, the first signal may be generated as a result of a user playing with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  thus engaging the strain gauges  124  and  126 . 
     Once the first signal is received, the key bank system  104 , at operation  512 , compares the first signal with the first and second signatures that are stored in the key database  114 . If the first signal matches (within a tolerance or threshold) either the first or second signatures, then the key bank system  104 , moves to operation  514 . If the first signal does not match either the first or the second signatures, the key bank system  104  ignores the first signal and returns to the start menu. 
     At operation  514 , the key bank system  104  receives the location  138  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  from the key database  114 . As described herein with reference to  FIG. 5 , the location  138  may be the location of the communication device  102  to which the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  is paired with. The location  138  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  may be determined using the GPS location of the communication device  102 . The location  138  may also be determined using the Wi-Fi signal strength of the communication device  102 . 
     Referring to operation  516 , the key bank system  104  determines whether the location  138  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  matches the location of the lock. If the location of the lock does not match the location  138  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 , the key bank system ignores the first signal and returns to the start menu. If the location of the lock and the location  138  of the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  do match, the key bank system  104  moves to operation  518  where it determines the state change of the lock. The state change of the lock may be a change from the locked to position to the unlocked position or from the unlocked position to the locked position. 
     Referring to operation  520 , the key bank system  104  receives the current state of the lock from the key database  114 . At operation  522 , the key bank system  104  changes the state of the lock if it determines that the current state of the lock is opposite of the state of the lock corresponding with the first signal. If the state of the lock remains unchanged, the key bank system  104  stores the state of the lock in the key database  114 . If the key bank system  104  is unsure whether the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110  has been used to either lock or unlock the lock, the key bank system  104  may prompt the user to confirm whether the user has just locked or unlocked the lock, or whether the user was simply fiddling with the key head sub-system  130  or the key  110 . 
     In embodiments of the present invention, described above, the methods  300 ,  400 , and  500  may be executed using the key bank system  104 . Alternative embodiments of the present invention may also utilize the key head sub-system  130  to execute the operations of methods  300 ,  400 , and  500 . In an alternative embodiment, the key database  114  may also be stored in the key head sub-system  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a system  1000  includes a computer system or computer  1010  shown in the form of a generic computing device. The methods  300 ,  400 , and  500 , for example, may be embodied in a program(s)  1060  ( FIG. 9 ) embodied on a computer readable storage device, for example, generally referred to as memory  1030  and more specifically, computer readable storage medium  1050  as shown in  FIG. 9 . For example, memory  1030  can include storage media  1034  such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), and cache memory  1038 . The program  1060  is executable by the processing unit or processor  1020  of the computer system  1010  (to execute program steps, code, or program code). Additional data storage may also be embodied as a database  1110  which can include data  1114 . The computer system  1010  and the program  1060  shown in  FIG. 9  are generic representations of a computer and program that may be local to a user, or provided as a remote service (for example, as a cloud based service), and may be provided in further examples, using a website accessible using the communications network  1200  (e.g., interacting with a network, the Internet, or cloud services). It is understood that the computer system  1010  also generically represents herein a computer device or a computer included in a device, such as a laptop or desktop computer, etc., or one or more servers, alone or as part of a datacenter. The computer system can include a network adapter/interface  1026 , and an input/output (I/O) interface(s)  1022 . The I/O interface  1022  allows for input and output of data with an external device  1074  that may be connected to the computer system. The network adapter/interface  1026  may provide communications between the computer system a network generically shown as the communications network  1200 . 
     The computer  1010  may be described in the general context of computer system-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The method steps and system components and techniques may be embodied in modules of the program  1060  for performing the tasks of each of the steps of the method and system. The modules are generically represented in  FIG. 5  as program modules  1064 . The program  1060  and program modules  1064  can execute specific steps, routines, sub-routines, instructions or code, of the program. 
     The method of the present disclosure can be run locally on a device such as a mobile device, or can be run a service, for instance, on the server  1100  which may be remote and can be accessed using the communications network  1200 . The program or executable instructions may also be offered as a service by a provider. The computer  1010  may be practiced in a distributed cloud computing environment where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network  1200 . In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices. 
     More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the system  1000  includes the computer system  1010  shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device with illustrative periphery devices. The components of the computer system  1010  may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units  1020 , a system memory  1030 , and a bus  1014  that couples various system components including system memory  1030  to processor  1020 . 
     The bus  1014  represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus. 
     The computer  1010  can include a variety of computer readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by the computer  1010  (e.g., computer system, or server), and can include both volatile and non-volatile media, as well as, removable and non-removable media. Computer memory  1030  can include additional computer readable media  1034  in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or cache memory  1038 . The computer  1010  may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media, in one example, portable computer readable storage media  1072 . In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium  1050  can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media. The computer readable storage medium  1050  can be embodied, for example, as a hard drive. Additional memory and data storage can be provided, for example, as the storage system  1110  (e.g., a database) for storing data  1114  and communicating with the processing unit  1020 . The database can be stored on or be part of a server  1100 . Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus  1014  by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory  1030  may include at least one program product which can include one or more program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the present invention. 
     The methods  300 ,  400 , and  500  ( FIGS. 6,7 and 8 ), for example, may be embodied in one or more computer programs, generically referred to as a program  1060  and can be stored in memory  1030  in the computer readable storage medium  1050 . The program  1060  can include program modules  1064 . The program modules  1064  can generally carry out functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein. The one or more programs  1060  are stored in memory  1030  and are executable by the processing unit  1020 . By way of example, the memory  1030  may store an operating system  1052 , one or more application programs  1054 , other program modules, and program data on the computer readable storage medium  1050 . It is understood that the program  1060 , and the operating system  1052  and the application program(s)  1054  stored on the computer readable storage medium  1050  are similarly executable by the processing unit  1020 . 
     The computer  1010  may also communicate with one or more external devices  1074  such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display  1080 , etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the computer  1010 ; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enables the computer  1010  to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via the Input/Output (I/O) interfaces  1022 . Still yet, the computer  1010  can communicate with one or more networks  1200  such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter/interface  1026 . As depicted, network adapter  1026  communicates with the other components of the computer  1010  via bus  1014 . It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with the computer  1010 . Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers  1024 , redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc. 
     It is understood that a computer or a program running on the computer  1010  may communicate with a server, embodied as the server  1100 , via one or more communications networks, embodied as the communications network  1200 . The communications network  1200  may include transmission media and network links which include, for example, wireless, wired, or optical fiber, and routers, firewalls, switches, and gateway computers. The communications network may include connections, such as wire, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables. A communications network may represent a worldwide collection of networks and gateways, such as the Internet, that use various protocols to communicate with one another, such as Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc. A network may also include a number of different types of networks, such as, for example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN). 
     In one example, a computer can use a network which may access a website on the Web (World Wide Web) using the Internet. In one embodiment, a computer  1010 , including a mobile device, can use a communications system or network  1200  which can include the Internet, or a public switched telephone network (PSTN) for example, a cellular network. The PSTN may include telephone lines, fiber optic cables, microwave transmission links, cellular networks, and communications satellites. The Internet may facilitate numerous searching and texting techniques, for example, using a cell phone or laptop computer to send queries to search engines via text messages (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) (related to SMS), email, or a web browser. The search engine can retrieve search results, that is, links to websites, documents, or other downloadable data that correspond to the query, and similarly, provide the search results to the user via the device as, for example, a web page of search results. 
     The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention. 
     The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire. 
     Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device. 
     Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention. 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions. 
     These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     While steps of the disclosed method and components of the disclosed system and environments have been sequentially or serially identified suing numbers and letters, such numbering or lettering is not an indication that such steps must be performed in the order recited, and is merely provided to facilitate clear referencing of the method&#39;s steps. Furthermore, steps of the method may be performed in parallel to perform their described functionality. 
     It is to be understood that although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed. 
     Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may include at least five characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four deployment models. 
     Characteristics are as follows: 
     On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human interaction with the service&#39;s provider. 
     Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs). 
     Resource pooling: the provider&#39;s computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter). 
     Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elastically provisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time. 
     Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service. 
     Service Models are as follows: 
     Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider&#39;s applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email). The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings. 
     Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting environment configurations. 
     Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls). 
     Deployment Models are as follows: 
     Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. 
     Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises. 
     Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services. 
     Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds). 
     A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure that includes a network of interconnected nodes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , illustrative cloud computing environment  50  is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment  50  includes one or more cloud computing nodes  10  with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone  54 A, desktop computer  54 B, laptop computer  54 C, and/or automobile computer system  54 N may communicate. Nodes  10  may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment  50  to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices  54 A-N shown in  FIG. 10  are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes  10  and cloud computing environment  50  can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a set of functional abstraction layers provided by cloud computing environment  50  ( FIG. 10 ) is shown. It should be understood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shown in  FIG. 11  are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided: 
     Hardware and software layer  60  includes hardware and software components. Examples of hardware components include: mainframes  61 ; RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture based servers  62 ; servers  63 ; blade servers  64 ; storage devices  65 ; and networks and networking components  66 . In some embodiments, software components include network application server software  67  and database software  68 . 
     Virtualization layer  70  provides an abstraction layer from which the following examples of virtual entities may be provided: virtual servers  71 ; virtual storage  72 ; virtual networks  73 , including virtual private networks; virtual applications and operating systems  74 ; and virtual clients  75 . 
     In one example, management layer  80  may provide the functions described below. Resource provisioning  81  provides dynamic procurement of computing resources and other resources that are utilized to perform tasks within the cloud computing environment. Metering and Pricing  82  provide cost tracking as resources are utilized within the cloud computing environment, and billing or invoicing for consumption of these resources. In one example, these resources may include application software licenses. Security provides identity verification for cloud consumers and tasks, as well as protection for data and other resources. User portal  83  provides access to the cloud computing environment for consumers and system administrators. Service level management  84  provides cloud computing resource allocation and management such that required service levels are met. Service Level Agreement (SLA) planning and fulfillment  85  provide pre-arrangement for, and procurement of, cloud computing resources for which a future requirement is anticipated in accordance with an SLA. 
     Workloads layer  90  provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment may be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions which may be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation  91 ; software development and lifecycle management  92 ; virtual classroom education delivery  93 ; data analytics processing  94 ; transaction processing  95 ; and determining state of a lock  96 . 
     The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.