Abstract:
A kind of method for electronic lock system making the key-following password tidy up immediately after use, in which: a. establish human characteristic sensor and temporary password memory on the main body of the electronic key and data transmission unit of the lock password, lock controlling unit and user&#39;s database on the lock main body; b. firstly, human characteristic sensor gathers every user&#39;s human characteristic information that can be changed into corresponding authentification code in the producing unit for the password and deposited into the temporary password memory temporarily, meanwhile transported into data transmission unit of the lock password through data transmission unit of the key password; secondly, the password is deposited into the user&#39;s database after being registered and confirmed; c. when the human characteristic sensor leaves the human body or the authentification code is conveyed successfully, the temporary password memory is tidied up.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    This present inventing relates to an electronic controlled lock, and more particularly to an instant clearing electronic lock system after key-following cipher is used and realizing method. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Arts 
         [0004]    In current technique most electronic locks are using different kinds of IC cards to unlock. Recently some technology uses human characteristic information gathered from the user to unlock electronic locks. For example, the Chinese patent number 03147915 disclosed a method named “Electronic Lock Device” which can open an electronic lock by comparing user&#39;s finger print. This technique improved the operability and reduced cost. This electronic lock device comprises finger print input unit and comparison unit, the comparison unit compares the inputted finger print with the registered finger print to verify the user&#39;s identification, if the user is identified, the lock will be opened. The disadvantage of this lock is that every lock needs a finger print sensor. If there are multiple locks are used by the user, many finger print sensors are needed to be installed on the locks, it is wasting. Moreover, current technique is using nonvolatile cipher key, and is not safe. 
         [0005]    Another example, the Chinese patent number 00133249 disclosed a method named “A smart lock which can self set key and allow one key apply to multiple locks with key and the setup tool”, the lock of this invention doesn&#39;t need battery, the power for opening the lock is supplied by the battery from the key. The cipher in the key is stored after setting, if the key is lost, the key can be used by other person. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0006]    An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an electronic lock system which can avoid the disadvantage of current technology by instant clearing electronic lock system after key-following cipher is used. In this present invention, the key comprises a human characteristic sensor. Every time when the key is used to open a lock, it will collect user&#39;s physical feature information by the sensor, and generate a cipher by a determined encryption algorithm. A same user&#39;s same physical body will generate a same cipher. This cipher is then sent to the lock and is compared with the record in the lock&#39;s database. If an authorized user is identified, the lock will be opened, otherwise, the lock will not be opened and warning message will be delivered. 
         [0007]    In order to accomplish above object, the present invention provides a method of instant clearing the memory of the electronic lock after the cipher key is used, based on a system which comprises electronic key main body, lock main body, and lock operation element, comprising the steps:
       a. providing a human characteristic sensor, a key microprocessor unit, a cipher generating unit, a cipher temporary storage unit, and a key cipher data transmission unit on the electronic key main body;   b. providing a lock cipher data transmission unit, a lock controlling unit, and a user database on the lock main body;   c. collecting every user&#39;s human characteristic information by the human characteristic sensor first, generating according cipher by the cipher generating unit, storing the cipher in the cipher temporary storage unit temporarily, transmitting the cipher data to the lock cipher data transmission unit by the key cipher data transmission unit, verifying the cipher&#39;s registration, saving in the user database, clearing the temporary cipher storage unit after the human body is disconnected from the human characteristic sensor;   d. collecting user&#39;s human characteristic information when the registered user is using the electronic key to open the lock, generating the cipher again by the cipher generating unit, storing the cipher temporarily in the cipher temporary storage unit, transmitting the cipher data to the lock cipher data transmission unit through the key cipher data transmission unit, checking the cipher data on the user database by the lock controlling unit to confirm if there is a same record; and   e. sending command to the lock operation element to open the lock if a same record is found in the database by the lock controlling unit, or delivering a warning message and saving an error message by the lock controlling unit if no same record is found.       
 
         [0013]    The cipher generating unit comprises a main cipher arithmetic unit and an additional cipher arithmetic unit, to generate the cipher, the step c also comprises:
       a. processing human characteristic information to generate multiple bytes main cipher by the main cipher arithmetic unit;   b. recalling additional cipher from the additional cipher arithmetic unit by the key microprocessor unit, combining the main cipher and the additional cipher, storing the combined cipher in cipher temporary storage unit; and   c. checking if the physical body is disconnected with the human characteristic sensor or the cipher is transmitted successfully according to the process of operation by the key microprocessor unit, clearing the cipher temporary storage unit.       
 
         [0017]    The electronic key main body also comprises a key keypad, and a key display unit. 
         [0018]    Controlled by the key microprocessor unit, the key keypad collects the additional cipher, stores it in the additional cipher arithmetic unit nonvolatilely. According to the application, the additional cipher can be skipped. The key display unit is controlled by the key cipher microprocessor unit to display the operational information. 
         [0019]    The lock main body also comprises a lock keypad, a lock display unit, and a network communication interface unit. The lock keypad is controlled by the lock microprocessor of the lock controlling unit to input operation command; the lock display unit is controlled by the lock controlling unit to display operation results and warning message; the network communication interface unit is controlled by the lock controlling unit to accept command from the network and exchange data with the network. 
         [0020]    The transmission of the cipher data from the key cipher data transmission unit to the lock cipher data transmission unit is realized by the contact between the contact set installed on the electronic key main body and the contact set installed on the electronic lock main body. 
         [0021]    The transmission of the cipher data from the key cipher data transmission unit to the lock cipher data transmission unit is realized by wireless communication between the transceiver installed on the electronic key main body and the transceiver installed on the electronic lock main body. 
         [0022]    The human characteristic sensor includes finger print sensor, body temperature sensor, sweat sensor, iris sensor, or sensors combination. 
         [0023]    In order to accomplish above object, the present invention provides an electronic lock system which clears cipher key instantly after the cipher key is used. The electronic lock system comprises an electronic key main body, a lock main body, and a lock operation element. The electronic key main body also comprises a human characteristic sensor, a key microprocessor unit, a cipher generating unit, a cipher temporary storage unit, a cipher data transmission unit, and a key power; the human characteristic sensor is electrically connected with the key microprocessor unit and the cipher generating unit, the cipher temporary storage unit is electrically connected with the cipher generating unit and the key cipher data transmission unit. 
         [0024]    The lock main body comprises a lock cipher data transmission unit, a lock controlling unit, and a user database; the lock controlling unit is electrically connected with the lock cipher data transmission unit, the user database, and the lock operation element. 
         [0025]    The electronic key main body also comprises a key keypad, and a key display unit. The key keypad is electrically connected with the key microprocessor unit, the key display unit is electrically connected with the key microprocessor unit. 
         [0026]    The lock main body also comprises a lock keypad, a lock display unit, and a network communication interface unit. The lock keypad is electrically connected with the lock microprocessor of the lock controlling unit; the lock display unit is electrically connected with the lock controlling unit. The network communication interface unit connects the electronic lock into a centralized controlling network which is controlled by a central microcontroller. The center microcontroller can establish LAN with other micro computer, and form a larger electronic lock network system. 
         [0027]    The electronic key main body comprises a key contact set which is electrically connected with the key cipher data transmission unit, and the lock main body comprises a lock contact set which is electrically connected with the lock cipher data transmission unit. 
         [0028]    The electronic key main body comprises a key transceiver which is electrically connected with the key cipher data transmission unit, and the lock main body comprises a lock transceiver which is electrically connected with the lock cipher data transmission unit. 
         [0029]    The human characteristic sensor includes a finger print sensor, a body temperature sensor, or a sweat sensor. 
         [0030]    Compared with current technology, in the present invention, the electronic key provides a human characteristic sensor which collects different physical information from different users, and generates different cipher data. The cipher data is registered in the lock database beforehand. Every time when the lock is being unlocked, the cipher data on the key will be transmitted to the lock and compared with the lock database. If there is a same record, the lock will be opened, other wise a warning message will be delivered. Every time the cipher data generated in the electronic key will be cleared automatically when the physical body is disconnected with the electronic key, this will avoid security disaster if the key is lost. Further more, one key can be used for multiple users and multiple locks which can save the system cost. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the instant clearing electronic lock system after key-cipher use and realizing method; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the electronic key cipher generating unit of this invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram of the electronic key of this invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the lock of this invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a circuit diagram of the lock of this invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram of the lock network communication interface unit of this invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram of the lock operation unit of this invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of the method of authorizing a user of this invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  illustrates the electronic lock based control system of this invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  illustrates the contact transmission of the cipher data of this invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  illustrates the wireless transmission of the cipher data of this invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is the flow diagram of the method of cancel a user of this invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  illustrates the application in car remote control of this invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0044]      FIGS. 1 and 4  illustrate a method of instant clearing electronic lock after key-cipher use. Based on a system which comprises an electronic key main body  20 , a lock main body  80 , a lock operation unit  120 , a preferred embodiment of the method comprises:
       a. providing a human characteristic sensor  21 , a key micro processing unit  21 , a cipher generating unit  30 , a cipher temporary storage unit  34 , and a key cipher data transmitting unit  40  on the electronic key main body  20 ;   b. providing a lock cipher data transmission unit  90 , a lock controlling unit  100 , a user database  110 , and a lock operation element  120  on the lock main body  80 ;   c. collecting every user&#39;s human characteristic information by the human characteristic sensor  21  first, generating according cipher by the cipher generating unit  30 , storing the cipher in the cipher temporary storage unit  34  temporarily, transmitting the cipher data to the lock cipher data transmission unit  90  by the key cipher data transmission unit  40 , verifying the cipher&#39;s registration, saving in the user database  110 , clearing the temporary cipher storage unit  34  after the human body is disconnected from the human characteristic sensor  21 ;   d. collecting user&#39;s human characteristic information by the human characteristic sensor  21  when the registered user is using the electronic key main body  20  to open the lock, generating the cipher again by the cipher generating unit  30 , storing the cipher temporarily in the cipher temporary storage unit  34 , transmitting the cipher data to the lock cipher data transmission unit  90  through the key cipher data transmission unit  40 , checking the cipher data on the user database  110  by the lock controlling unit  100  on the lock main body  80  to confirm if there is a same record;   e. sending command to the lock operation element  120  to open the lock if a same record is found in the database by the lock controlling unit  100 , or delivering a warning message and saving an error message by the lock controlling unit  100  if no same record is found.         
         [0050]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the cipher generating unit  30  comprises a main cipher arithmetic unit  31  and an additional cipher arithmetic unit  33 , to generate the cipher, the step c also comprises:
       a. processing human characteristic information to generate 4˜6 bytes main cipher by the main cipher arithmetic unit  31 ;   b. recalling additional cipher from the additional cipher arithmetic unit  33  by the key microprocessor unit  26 , combining the main cipher and the additional cipher, storing the combined cipher in cipher temporary storage unit  34 ;   c. checking the physical body is disconnected with the human characteristic sensor  21  or the cipher is transmitted successfully according to the process of operation by the key microprocessor unit  26 , clearing the cipher temporary storage unit  34 .       
 
         [0054]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the electronic key main body  20  also comprises a key keypad  22 , and a key display unit  23 . The key keypad  22  is controlled by the key microprocessor unit  26  to collect the additional cipher, stores it in the additional cipher arithmetic unit  33 . The key display unit  23  is controlled by the key cipher microprocessor unit  26  to display the operational information. 
         [0055]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in an preferred embodiment, the additional cipher arithmetic unit  33  comprises a EEPROM chipset U 2 , the function of the main cipher arithmetic unit  31  is performed by the microprocessor U 1 . 
         [0056]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lock main body  80  also comprises a lock keypad  81 , a lock display unit  82 , and a network communication interface unit  83 . The lock keypad  81  is controlled by the lock microprocessor U 21  of the lock controlling unit  100  to input operation command; the lock display unit  82  is controlled by the lock controlling unit  100  to display operation results and warning message, in a preferred embodiment, the LCD driver U 27  is EA V-D2004 OAR. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the network communication interface unit  83  is controlled by the lock controlling unit  100 , the TXD and RXD serial communication port in the lock microprocessor U 21  is connected with the network communication interface unit  83 . In a preferred embodiment, it is using RS485 communication. In alternative embodiments, CAN bus or other bus technique can also be used. After establishing the network control, very lock accepts the command from the network system, and transmits its product data to the main computer of the control network. 
         [0057]    A backup battery and external power  85  is electrically connected with the lock main body  80  through an interface. When the external power  85  is out of order, the backup battery will automatically supply power. 
         [0058]    An external feed contact  86  is a power contact installed on the lock main body  80 , in unexpected situation, the lock can be opened using the feed current from the key. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a lock operation unit of a preferred embodiment. M 1  is a two-way DC motor. The OPEN DOOR and CLOSE DOOR signal input is directly connected with two inputs of the P 1  port on the lock microprocessor U 21 , when one input is high level an another input is low level, the DC motor M 1  rotates in one direction, when one input is low level and another input is high level, the DC motor M 1  rotates in another direction, when the two inputs are the same level, the DC motor M 1  stops. The operation is controlled by the software embedded in the lock microprocessor U 21 . In the lock main body  80  there are multiple position switches connected with the input of P 1  port of the lock microprocessor U 21 , the lock microprocessor U 21  check the status of the switches to decide the DC motor M 1 &#39;s operation. 
         [0060]    Of course, the system can select to electrically open the lock, or electrically open the pins and exert force through the key to open the lock. The mechanical structure of the lock is using well known technology. 
         [0061]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the transmission of the cipher data from the key cipher data transmission unit  40  to the lock cipher data transmission unit  90  is realized by the key contact set  28  on the key main body  20  and the lock contact set  88  on the lock main body  80 . 
         [0062]    As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the transmission of the cipher data from the key cipher data transmission unit  40  to the lock cipher data transmission unit  90  is realized by the key transceiver  29  on the key main body  20  and the lock transceiver  89  on the lock main body  80 . 
         [0063]    In the preferred embodiment, the lock is using contact method with a key hole. The key hole includes different shapes, for example, square, triangle, rectangular, or like. In an alternative embodiment, the lock can also use non-contact method without key hole. Both contact and non-contact data transmission can use currently well known technology to realize, such as IC card reading method, infrared transmission, Maxim-Dallas&#39; i-Button single bus contact method or like. 
         [0064]    In the preferred embodiment, the human characteristic sensor  21  is a finger print sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the human characteristic sensor  21  can be a body temperature sensor or a sweat sensor. 
         [0065]      FIG. 8  illustrates the cipher authorization function and authorized cipher management function of the present invention. The cipher storage is using encrypt storage method, so the decryption algorithm must be utilized to recall the right cipher or recover the right cipher from recalled data. The cipher has three levels: super level (first level), manager level (second level), and user level (third level). The lock doesn&#39;t have any cipher initially. The first cipher used becomes the super cipher automatically. When setup other cipher which is not used in group, besides applying the super cipher, it also needs to apply the non-contact switches, buttons, switches combination, buttons combination, or two combinations together under the locking statuse.
       The super cipher can authorize or cancel manager cipher and user cipher, can open locks and receive information form locks. If necessary, super cipher can authorize multiple equal super ciphers.   The manager cipher can authorize or cancel user cipher, can open locks and receive information form locks, but can&#39;t authorize or cancel super cipher and manager cipher.   The user cipher can only open locks and receive information form locks.         
         [0069]    The lock doesn&#39;t need manager cipher if it is not connected with a network. Super cipher and manager cipher can access the list of authorized users. No operation can check the user cipher. 
         [0070]      FIG. 12  illustrates the flow diagram of the method of cancel a user. 
         [0071]    An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , an electronic lock system which clears cipher key instantly after the cipher key is used is provided. The electronic lock system comprises an electronic key main body  20 , a lock main body  80 , and a lock operation element  120 . The electronic key main body also comprises a human characteristic sensor  21 , a key microprocessor unit  26 , a cipher generating unit  30 , a cipher temporary storage unit  34 , a cipher data transmission unit  40 , and a key power  50 ; the human characteristic sensor  21  is electrically connected with the key microprocessor unit  26  and the cipher generating unit  30 , the cipher temporary storage unit  34  is electrically connected with the cipher generating unit  30  and the key cipher data transmission unit  40 . 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lock main body  80  comprises a lock cipher data transmission unit  90 , a lock controlling unit  100 , and a user database  110 ; the lock controlling unit  100  is electrically connected with the lock cipher data transmission unit  90 , the user database  110 , and a lock operation element  120 . In a preferred embodiment, the lock microprocessor U 21  is ATMEL89C52. 
         [0074]    The electronic key main body  20  also comprises a key keypad  22 , and a key display unit  23 . The key keypad  22  is electrically connected with the key microprocessor unit  26 ; the key display unit  23  is also electrically connected with the key microprocessor unit  26 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the lock main body  80  also comprises a lock keypad  81 , a lock display unit  82 , and a network communication interface unit  83 . The lock keypad  81  is electrically connected with the lock microprocessor of the lock controlling unit  100 ; the lock display unit  82  is electrically connected with the lock controlling unit  100 . In the preferred embodiment, the lock keypad  81  comprises digital circuit chipset U 25  and U 26 , the key command is transmitted to the U 21  through the data bus AD 0 ˜AD 7 . 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , in the preferred embodiment, the electronic key main body  20  comprises a key contact set  28  which is electrically connected with the key cipher data transmission unit  40 , and the lock main body  80  comprises a lock contact set  88  which is electrically connected with the lock cipher data transmission unit  90 . 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , in an alternative embodiment, the electronic key main body  20  comprises a key transceiver  29  which is electrically connected with the key cipher data transmission unit  40 , and the lock main body  80  comprises a lock transceiver  89  which is electrically connected with the lock cipher data transmission unit  90 . 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the network communication interface unit  83  is controlled by the lock controlling unit  100 , the TXD and RXD serial communication port in the lock microprocessor U 21  is connected with the network communication interface unit  83 . In a preferred embodiment, it is using RS485 communication. In alternative embodiments, CAN bus or other bus technique can also be used. After establishing the network control, very lock accepts the command from the network system, and transmits its product data to the main computer of the control network. 
         [0079]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , through the network interface, the system can be managed by multiple terminals; it can also be remote managed through Internet. Well known technology in this field can be used to connect the server or integrated terminal with the lock, such as different kinds of bus and network technology based on twisted-pair cable (for example, RS485). This kind of system is generally used in group management such as in hotel. Resident house can also use it if necessary, for example, used in central management and alarm of resident door locks and furniture locks. 
         [0080]    In the preferred embodiment, the human characteristic sensor  21  is a finger print sensor. In other alternative embodiments, a body temperature sensor, or a sweat sensor can also be used. 
         [0081]    The lock main body  80  can comprise a warning device. In an alternative embodiment, the lock main body  80  doesn&#39;t comprise a warning device, warning message can be delivered by communication channel. In one embodiment, the system can automatically call the property owner, the building/distribute manager or security department through an interface. 
         [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is a finger print electronic key utilizing a mobile phone  200 . The additional cipher can be inputted but the key buttons on the mobile phone, the user puts the fingers for authorization on the finger print exam area of the human characteristic sensor  21 , place the data transmitting port close to the receiving port of the lock cipher data transmission unit  89  on the lock main body  80 , and press sending key. Then the cipher data is sent to be verified, at the same time the system clears the cipher data and waits for the next operation. The system can also provide client  24  hours anti-theft monitoring through specialized network, for example, monitoring cars and authorizing to remote shut down the circuit, gas supply of the alarmed car, locating the car with the positioning system. 
         [0083]    The first level user can check the user&#39;s status by plugging in the key, inputting the cipher and pressing view button. 
         [0084]    Because the electronic key doesn&#39;t have any cipher, if it is lost, there is no other damage except the cost of the device. Any substitutive key (the key and the shape of the lock hole should be matched in electrical mechanical opening) of the present invention, for example borrowed from neighbor or security department, can open the target lock. The lender doesn&#39;t need to worry about releasing his own cipher, same as the borrower. As a form of service, the building manager, security department, and other department can all provide public cipher key service. 
         [0085]    Practice shows, in the present invention, the electronic key comprises a human characteristic sensor, collects different physical feature information from different user, and generates different cipher data. This cipher data is registered in the database of the lock beforehand. Thereafter when the lock needs to be open, the cipher data collected by the key will be transmitted to the lock and compared with the record in the database. If the same data is found, the lock will be open, if not, warning message will be delivered. The cipher data generated in the electronic key will be automatically cleared when the physical body is disconnected from the electronic key. This will avoid further security damage when the key is lost. More over, a key can be shared by multiple persons and for multiple purposes; this reduces the system cost, and is helpful to establish a large arrange electronic lock/access control monitoring system, develop more functions. 
         [0086]    One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. 
         [0087]    It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.