Patent Publication Number: US-2022237967-A1

Title: Digital Biometric Door Locks

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/142,946, which was filed on Jan. 28, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of door locks. More specifically, the invention relates to a digital door lock capable of receiving a fingerprint to authorize entry. One embodiment includes a fingerprint scanner with a key card system and another embodiment includes a fingerprint scanner with a number pad lock. The door lock of the present invention replaces standard locks with keys and keycards in homes and hotels, thereby maximizing security to prevent unauthorized entry into the area. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     By way of background, door locks are used virtually everywhere to restrict access to a physical location or to a secured system. Door locks such as mechanical locks, keycard systems, key based locks, number pad locks and other similar types of locks are often used at the doors of hotels, residential properties, and more, to prevent any unauthorized access to homes, hotels, etc. The standard door locks in a hotel, home residence, etc. can be easily picked or broken, or tampered with, thereby leading to intrusion and potential injury or theft. Therefore, the standard locks are ineffective at preventing unauthorized entry to a property and cause loss to the users/property owners. 
     With the traditional key or key card-based locks, individuals are required to carry keys or key cards in order to access the locks. The individuals are required to keep the keys or key cards safe while travelling, as in case the key or key card is accidently lost, individuals may be unable to open the lock, and may fail to access their home, hotel room or other property. Further, individuals are required to arrange a duplicate key or key cards. 
     These typical locks are essentially insecure. A fundamental problem with granting access to a secured physical location or to a secured system using such locks is that anyone in possession of the instrumentality of access (a conventional key, an electronic access security card, for example) can be granted access to the secured location or system. 
     Also, in keypad-based locks, individuals need to remember the access code, but these are often forgotten by them. Further, the number of different PINs and passwords a person has to remember seems to increase daily. Therefore, using one or two easy-to-remember passwords for all services becomes the norm. That, in itself, is insecure since PIN codes and passwords that are easy to remember are also more easily obtained surreptitiously. Individuals need a lock that can provide an alternative way of authorization and eliminates need to remember the PIN of the locks. 
     In hotels and resorts, each lock is configured individually which is not only time consuming but laborious. Individuals require an access system that allows them to centrally configure unlocking means of door locks by connecting the locks to an internal network of the hotels and resorts. 
     Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a door lock that replaces standard locks that presently utilize keys and keycard-based authorization. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved door lock that maximizes security to prevent unauthorized entry into an area. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved door lock that obviates the use of keys for unlocking the lock. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a door lock that eliminates the need to remember a PIN to access the locks. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a lock that does not allow anyone in possession of the instrumentality of access to gain access to the secured location or system. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for locks that can be tied to an organization&#39;s network for central configuration and monitoring. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved door lock that offers a much safer method of preventing unauthorized entry into a secured area. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a digital biometric door lock system. The door lock system includes a door lock mounted to a door and the door lock includes a fingerprint scanner configured to obtain a fingerprint sample from a user, and a key card slot configured to receive a key card having an access code from a user. The system also includes a central software module for configuring one or more registered fingerprint samples and one or more registered access codes for unlocking the door lock wherein the one or more registered fingerprint samples and one or more registered access codes are configured on the door lock for a specific time period and for authentication. The obtained fingerprint sample is compared with the one or more registered fingerprint samples and the received access code is compared with the one or more registered access codes for providing access to the user. 
     In this manner, the digital biometric door lock system and the door lock of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with an improved door lock capable of receiving a thumb or fingerprint to authorize entry, thus obviating the need to remember passwords and carry keys. The door lock is tied to the network of the organization using a central software and provides a much safer method of preventing unauthorized entry into a secured area. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a combined fingerprint and key card system door lock. The door lock is configured to replace standard locks operable with keys and keycards. The door lock further comprising a fingerprint scanner configured to obtain a fingerprint sample from a user, a key card slot configured to receive a key card having an access code from a user, control and processing circuitry, coupled to the fingerprint scanner and the key card slot, and configured to verify an identity of the user by comparing the fingerprint sample to one or more registered fingerprint samples stored on integrated memory and by comparing the access code to a registered access code stored on the integrated memory of the lock. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a combined fingerprint and key card system door lock. The door lock further comprising a fingerprint scanner configured to obtain a fingerprint sample from a user, a key card slot configured to receive a key card having an access code from a user, control and processing circuitry, coupled to the fingerprint scanner and the key card slot, and configured to verify an identity of the user by comparing the fingerprint sample to one or more registered fingerprint samples stored on integrated memory. 
     In yet another embodiment, a fingerprint authorization-based door lock is disclosed. The door lock includes a fingerprint scanner configured to obtain a fingerprint sample from a user, an illumination region coupled to a light emitting diode (LED) for illuminating in a specific color indicating authorization status of the obtained fingerprint sample, a key card slot configured to receive a key card having an access code from a user, a rotatable handle or knob for rotating a latch to unlock the lock only when the fingerprint sample is authorized, wherein the authorization is performed by a control and processing circuitry. 
     In yet another embodiment, an access system using a door lock is disclosed. The system includes a door lock mounted to a door wherein the door includes a fingerprint scanner configured to obtain a fingerprint sample from a user, a key card slot configured to receive a key card having an access code associated with a user. The system also includes a central software module for configuring one or more registered fingerprint samples and one or more registered access codes for unlocking the door lock wherein the one or more registered fingerprint samples and one or more registered access codes are configured on the door lock for a specific time period and for authentication. The obtained fingerprint sample is compared with the one or more registered fingerprint samples and the received access code is compared with the one or more registered access codes for providing access to the user. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a combined fingerprint and keypad door lock. The door lock further comprising a fingerprint scanner configured to obtain a fingerprint sample from a user, an illumination region coupled to an LED for illuminating in a specific color indicating authorization status of the obtained fingerprint sample, a keypad configured to receive a PIN from a user, a control and processing circuitry coupled to the fingerprint scanner and the keypad configured to verify an identity of the user by comparing the fingerprint sample to one or more registered fingerprint samples stored on integrated memory and by comparing the PIN to one or more registered PIN stored on integrated memory of the lock. 
     In yet another embodiment, the combined fingerprint and keypad door lock includes a display for displaying the received PIN from the keypad. 
     In yet another embodiment, the combined fingerprint and keypad door lock is configured to couple to a door lock software application using a wireless channel. 
     Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a digital biometric door lock of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic view showing a complete security system using the digital biometric door lock of  FIG. 1  with a central software for registration of a fingerprint in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the digital biometric door lock of the present invention made for homes and personal use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic view showing connection of the door lock of  FIG. 3  with a door lock software application installed in an electronic device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a door lock that replaces standard locks that presently utilize keys and keycards-based authorization. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved door lock that maximizes security to prevent unauthorized entry into an area. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved door lock that obviates the use of keys for unlocking the lock. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a door lock that eliminates the need to remember a PIN to access the locks. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a lock that does not allow anyone in possession of the instrumentality of access to gain access to the secured location or system. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for locks that can be tied to an organization&#39;s network for central configuration and monitoring. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved door lock that offers a much safer method of preventing unauthorized entry into a secured area. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel and combined fingerprint and key card system door lock. The door lock is configured to replace standard locks that presently utilize keys and keycards. The door lock further comprising a fingerprint scanner configured to obtain a fingerprint sample from a user, a key card slot configured to receive a key card having an access code from a user, a control and processing circuitry coupled to the fingerprint scanner and the key card slot and configured to verify an identity of the user by comparing the fingerprint sample to one or more registered fingerprint samples stored in integrated memory and by comparing the access code to a registered access code stored in integrated memory of the lock. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the digital biometric door lock of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The biometric door lock  100  of the present embodiment is configured, in one exemplary arrangement, for hotels and resorts for maximizing security by preventing unauthorized entry into an area. The door lock  100  includes a front surface  102  and an opposite rear surface  104  with the door lock  100  adhered to a door using the rear surface  104  such that the front surface  102  is accessible to a user for using the door lock  100 . 
     More specifically, the door lock  100  includes a fingerprint scanner  106  disposed on the front surface  102  and is used for scanning a fingerprint of a thumb or finger of a user for authentication. The fingerprint scanner  106  is surrounded by an illuminating surface  108  that illuminates in a specific color indicating the status of the fingerprint authentication of a user. The illuminating surface  108  includes an LED light  110  that can illuminate in red color when fingerprint authentication is unsuccessful and can illuminate in green color indicating a successful fingerprint authentication of a user. During the process of fingerprint authentication, the LED light  110  can illuminate in yellow color to signal that the battery may be running low. The fingerprint scanner  106  is designed to scan a fingerprint in less than three seconds for a safe and quick authentication process. The fingerprint scanner  106  eliminates opening of the door on which the lock  100  is mounted by an unauthorized person as the registered fingerprint acts as a key for the lock  100  to open. The door lock  100  includes an integrated memory  112  for storing one or more registered fingerprints that are used for comparison with the scanned fingerprint for authentication of a user for unlocking the lock  100 . The comparison is performed by the control and processing circuitry  122  of the door lock  100 . The fingerprints are registered using a central software controlling the door lock  100  as described best in  FIG. 2 . 
     The door lock  100  can further include a key card slot  114  for receiving and scanning a hotel magnetic strip card (key card) for allowing access to a user. The key card slot  114  is configured for recognizing access credentials for the door lock  100  using the control and processing circuitry  122 . The integrated memory  112  stores the registered access code or credentials for unlocking the door. It should be appreciated that the key card slot  114  can be a swipe slot which requires the key card to be swiped in the slot  114  or an insert slot which requires the key card to be inserted in the slot  114 . 
     The fingerprint scanner  106  and the key card slot  114  eliminate use of a traditional key into a lock for gaining access. Further, the key card slot  114  recognizes the access credential that can be in the form of an access code and the fingerprint scanner  106  recognizes the authorized fingerprint for access. 
     The door lock  100  includes a rotating handle or knob  116  configured for rotating a latch  118  positioned on a rear surface  104  of the lock  100 . The manual rotation of the handle or knob  116  is only possible when a fingerprint scanner  106  is successfully authenticated or an access code is correctly recognized by the key card slot  114 . The latch  118  is connected internally to both the fingerprint scanner  106  and the key card slot  114 . The door lock  100  includes a battery  120  for operating the LED  110  and other components such as the fingerprint scanner  106 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic view showing a complete security system  200  using the digital biometric door lock  100  of  FIG. 1  with a central software  202  for registration of a fingerprint in accordance with the disclosed architecture. A central software module  202  is configured to be used with the door lock  100  of the first embodiment of the present invention for registering authorized fingerprints for a specific door lock  100 . More specifically, a communication channel or an Internet of Things (IoT) communication channel  204  can be used for communication between the door lock  100  and the software module  202 . The software module  202  also includes an associated hardware module such as a fingerprint scanner  208  that is used for scanning a fingerprint for registration for a specific door lock. 
     The software module  202  is preferably accessible at the front desk of a hotel or resort where the fingerprint scanner  208  is used for scanning the fingerprint of a user or customer. Along with the fingerprint of the user, room details  206  including room number, floor number, and other information can also be included. The software module  202  tags one or more fingerprints to a door lock for a limited duration, thereby providing access to a user for a limited time. This is useful in cases where a room is simultaneously allocated to more than one user, or when a room is sequentially allocated to another user after the room has been vacated by a first user(s). A virtual clock  210  can be used for setting or correlating fingerprints with an authentication time duration. The authentication time duration can range from few hours to few months. 
     A notification module  212  is used for notifying hotel authorities when a threshold number of incorrect attempts are made to unlock a door lock. This helps authorities to take an appropriate action and also helps in recording incorrect access attempts. The software module  202  is used for generating access codes that are used for encoding key cards for unlocking door locks using the access code generation module  214 . 
     The communication channel  204  can be of any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network and the like, or any combination thereof In addition, the wireless network can be, for example, a cellular network and can employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, Wi-Fi Direct, wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) and the like, or any combination thereof. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the digital biometric door lock of the present invention made for homes and personal use in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the keypad and biometric based door lock  300  of the present embodiment includes a front surface  302  and a rear surface  302 ′. The door lock  300  includes a fingerprint scanner  304  that can be used for scanning a fingerprint of a thumb or finger of a user for authentication. The fingerprint scanner  304  is surrounded by an illuminating surface  306  that illuminates in a specific color indicating the status of fingerprint authentication of a user. The illuminating surface  306  includes an LED light  308  that can illuminate in red color when fingerprint authentication is unsuccessful and can illuminate in green color indicating a successful fingerprint authentication of a user. During the process of fingerprint authentication, the LED light  308  can illuminate in yellow color signaling, for example, that the battery is running low. The fingerprint scanner  304  is designed to scan a fingerprint in less than five seconds for a safe and quick authentication process. 
     The door lock  300  includes a keypad  310  that is used for entering an access code or PIN for unlocking the lock  300 . The PIN entered by a user using the keypad  310  is compared with a preconfigured PIN or access code for unlocking the lock  300 . The keypad  310  can include an Enter button  312  that is enabled for submitting the entered PIN and a clear button  314  erases the entered PIN, thereby enabling a user to enter the correct PIN in case a wrong PIN is entered. 
     The door lock  300  includes a digital display  316  for displaying the entered PIN  318  and also for displaying an optional message such as “Successful” or “Unsuccessful”. In cases where an incorrect PIN is entered for a specific number of times such as five times, the door lock  300  can be subsequently unlocked only using the fingerprint scanner  304 . 
     The door lock  300  includes a rotating handle or knob  320  configured for rotating a latch (not shown) positioned on the rear surface  302 ′ of the lock  300 . The manual rotation of the handle or knob  320  is only possible when the fingerprint scanner  304  is successfully authenticated or a PIN is correctly entered. The door lock  300  includes a memory  322  for storing one or more registered PINs and fingerprints used for authentication by a control circuitry of the lock  300 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic view showing the connection of the door lock  300  of  FIG. 3  with a door lock software application installed in an electronic device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The door lock  300  can be coupled to a smartphone application  402  installed in an electronic device  404  through a Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Zigbee, Bluetooth or any other wireless connection  406 . The smartphone application  402  can be used for configuring an access code or PIN that can be used for unlocking the door lock  300 . 
     The smartphone application  402  can be designed to control and monitor more than one door lock  300  and receives notifications when an incorrect attempt of access is made on the door lock  300 . Further, the application  402  can be used for registering an authorized fingerprint that can be used for matching with a fingerprint scanned by the fingerprint scanner  304  of the lock  300 . 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “door lock”, “digital biometric door lock”, “biometric door lock”, “lock”, and “keypad and biometric based door lock” are interchangeable and refer to the digital biometric door lock  100 , 300  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, the digital biometric door lock  100 , 300  of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the digital biometric door lock  100 , 300  as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the digital biometric door lock  100 , 300  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the digital biometric door lock  100 , 300  are important design parameters for user convenience, the digital biometric door lock  100 , 300  may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.