Patent ID: 12260689

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. While specific implementations are described, this is done for illustration purposes only. Other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Systems configured as disclosed herein allow users to power electronic locks using their smartphones, tablets, and/or other mobile computing devices. The power transfer from the smartphone to the electronic lock preferably occurs via a wireless power exchange (i.e., using induction), though in some configurations the power transfer can occur through a wired connection (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, a Firewire/IEEE1394 connection, etc.).

Preferably, the electronic lock does not have a battery or other power supply capable of providing constant power to the electronic lock electronics. Instead, all power used by the electronic lock is provided by the user's non-integrated power supply, such as a smartphone or other mobile computing device, or a battery which is not integrated into the electronic lock. It is noted that all discussion herein with respect to a smartphone can likewise apply to other mobile computing devices, such as, but not limited to: tablet computers, speakers, headsets, laptops, earbuds, etc. Likewise, a power supply can include smartphones or other mobile computing devices, as well as a standalone power storage device such as a battery or other system capable of retaining a charge for extended periods of time (i.e., not a capacitor). Upon receiving the power from the smartphone or power supply, that power can be used to power one or more internal processors and can perform an authentication check, thereby verifying that the smartphone (or, preferably, the owner/user of the smartphone) is authorized to operate the electronic lock. Upon authenticating the user, the electronic lock can then use power received from the smartphone/power supply to power one or more actuators, allowing a deadbolt or other locking mechanism (such as, but not limited to, a latch) to turn.

The transfer of power from the smartphone to the electronic lock can occur wirelessly using induction and/or magnetic resonance. An inductive power transfer depends on close proximity between the generator of the magnetic field (in this case the smartphone or power supply) and the receiver of the magnetic field (in this case, the power receiving unit of an electronic lock). Inductive power generation relies on an inductor receiving electrical current, which results in a magnetic field. An inductor in the receiving device is placed within the magnetic field being generated, thereby creating current in the receiving device. In some configurations the generating inductor and the receiving inductor have equal impedance, whereas in other configurations the impedance can vary as needed. Magnetic resonance is the absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation by electrons in response to application of certain magnetic fields, and may likewise be used to provide wireless power.

The transfer of power from the smartphone/power supply to the electronic lock can also occur through a wired connection. For example, upon approaching a door with an electronic lock which transfers power via a wired connection, the user may connect their phone or other device to a connector, through which the power may be transferred. Non-limiting examples of such connector can include USB-A, USB-C, Firewire/IEEE1394 connection, or other cables. In some configurations, the phone/power supply can be placed into a docking station on the door, where the wired power connection is established when the phone/power supply is successfully docked. In other configurations, the wired power connection can be a retractable cord, where the cord is coiled or otherwise stored within the door or a storage portion of the electronic lock until the user approaches. Upon approaching the door, the user can press a button, twist a knob, or otherwise interact with a connection release which allows the cable to be released. Upon finishing the power transfer and opening the door, the user may disengage the phone/power supply and initiate retraction of the cable (e.g., by pressing the button, twisting the knob, or otherwise engaging with the connection release again). In yet other configurations, there may be separate buttons (or other mechanisms) for releasing the coiled cord before usage and for initiating retraction of the cord after usage.

Regardless of whether the power transfer is wireless or wired, it is preferable that the electronic lock and its machinery/processing equipment be out of sight to the extent possible. For example, in a wireless configuration, it may be that a point on the door is identified (e.g., by a circle or other designation) as the power transfer point where a user should hold their phone (and therefore visible). If not on the door, the power transfer point could be next to the door (e.g., less than 1 meter away), such as on a wall next to the door. Other than the door handle, the other components of the lock may be located within the door frame. For a wired configuration, it may be that a docking station with a cable connection and/or a cable release point is located on the door (and therefore visible), while other components are located within the door frame. Likewise, the wired docking station could be next to the door (e.g., less than 1 meter away), such as on a wall next to the door.

Authentication that the user of the phone should be able to unlock a door can use any form of authentication known to those of skill in the art. In some configurations, a phone may be required to be unlocked (using facial identification, fingerprint identification, a pin, a password, or other form of phone identification) before an application/computer program on the phone transmits identification data to the electronic lock. In some cases, the transfer of power can be dependent upon the electronic lock verifying/authenticating the user. For example, in some cases a 1stportion of power can be transferred from the phone to the electronic lock, the 1stportion of power being sufficient to power one or more processors in the electronic lock and allow those one or more processors to authenticate the user. Once the electronic lock verifies the user attempting to use the electronic lock as authenticated, the electronic lock can send a signal to the phone indicating that a 2ndportion of power, sufficient to power the motors, gears, electric, and/or electromagnetic system of the lock (for example, a solenoid), should be sent. Upon receiving that signal, the phone can generate an additional magnetic field which transfers power to the electronic lock. The electronic lock can use this additional power to open the lock.

If not using a phone, a power supply can power the system, then the user can enter a combination, PIN (personal identification number), or other identifying data onto a series of buttons, access pad, or other input device to authenticate that the user is authorized to enter into the locked location.

The lock is, preferably, a deadbolt or a latch, though other forms of locks are within the scope of systems configured according to this disclosure.

FIG.1illustrates an example system embodiment for wireless power transfer. As illustrated, a door102has a handle104which turns a locking device106. However, the door102also has a lock108embedded therein which controls a deadbolt110(or a latch or other locking device). A power receiving unit112is electrically coupled118to the lock. The power receiving unit112has one or more inductors which, upon contact with a magnetic field, can convert the magnetic field into power for one or more processors located in the lock. The power can also be used, when directed by the processor, to move the deadbolt110, such that the deadbolt no longer locks the door102in place. When a smartphone114or other mobile computing device, or other wireless power supply, is placed near the power receiving unit112, the smartphone114generates a magnetic field which is converted by the power receiving unit112into current which is sent to the lock108, thereby transferring power116from the smartphone114to the lock108.

FIG.2illustrates an example circuit enabling wireless power transfer. Such a circuit can be used for wireless transfer of power, though in some configurations the design or specifics of the circuit can vary as needed. As illustrated and in the context of the systems disclosed herein, the left side ofFIG.2represents a mobile computing device (or other wireless power supply) generating a magnetic field210, which is received by the power receiving unit of the door. In this case, a signal is generated202, which is transformed by an inductor206into a magnetic field210. One or more capacitors204(as well as resistors, loads, or other circuit elements) can also be present. On the receiving side, another inductor208receives the magnetic field, then uses a combination of capacitors212,216, bridges214, regulators218, and loads220to transform the magnetic field210into usable power.

FIG.3illustrates an example system embodiment for wired power transfer. In this example, the door102again has a handle104and a locking mechanism106, with a lock108and deadbolt110. However, in this example, the door is configured with a docking station202, such that when the user places their smartphone (or power supply) in the docking station202a wired power transfer occurs, sending power from the smartphone to the lock108. More specifically, in this example, the user can twist a knob206, extending an electrical connector202into the docking station204, the electrical connector202preferably being a USB connector that plugs into the smartphone or other power supply. The electrical connector202allows the transfer of power from the smartphone to the lock via a wired connection208. Upon completing the power transfer and/or opening the door102, the user can again twist the knob206, thereby retracting the electrical connector202and decoupling the smartphone.

FIG.4illustrates an example method embodiment. As illustrated, a method performed as disclosed herein can include: receiving, at a power receiving unit of a locking system, power from a mobile computing device (402) and converting the power into an electrical current (404). The method continues by powering at least one processor of the locking system using the electrical current (406) and transmitting, from the at least one processor to an electromagnetic device of the locking system, instructions to move at least one of a deadbolt and a latch of the locking system (408). The method can then include moving the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch via the electromagnetic device in response to the instructions (410). That is, the electricity generated from, or directly provided by, the phone or other mobile computing device to the locking system can be used by the electromagnetic device to unlock the door. In some configurations, the power receiving unit can include at least one inductor configured to receive a magnetic field generated by the mobile computing device, wherein, upon receiving the magnetic field at the at least one inductor: the at least one inductor converts the magnetic field into the electrical current.

The electromagnetic device to unlock the door can be any form or number of electric and/or electromagnetic devices, such as (but not limited to) a motor and/or a solenoid device.

In some configurations, the power receiving unit can include at least one wired electrical connector which can be electrically coupled to the mobile computing device. In such configurations, the at least one wired electrical connector can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. Similarly, the locking system can further include a docking station configured to hold the mobile computing device in place while the at least one wired electrical connector couples to the mobile computing device. Likewise, the locking system can further include a connector release which, when physically manipulated, releases a predetermined amount of wire which connects the at least one processor and the at least one wired electrical connector. The physical manipulation of the connector release can include at least one of a button press or a twist.

In some configurations the locking system is associated with a door, such that moving the deadbolt causes the door to lock or unlock.

In some configurations, all electrical power for the locking system comes from the power provided by the mobile computing device.

In some configurations, the at least one power receiving unit is located on an exterior surface of a door; and wherein the deadbolt, the at least one motor and the at least one processor are embedded within the door such that the at least one motor and the at least one processor are not visible when the door is installed.

In some configurations, the method can further include, upon the receiving of the power at the at least one power receiving unit from the mobile computing device: a data receiver receiving an authentication signal from the mobile computing device; and the at least one processor verifying the authentication signal prior to the at least one processor sending the instructions to the electromagnetic device to move the deadbolt.

With reference toFIG.5, an exemplary system includes a computing device500(such as a general-purpose computing device), including a processing unit (CPU or processor)520and a system bus510that couples various system components including the system memory530such as read-only memory (ROM)540and random access memory (RAM)550to the processor520. The computing device500can include a cache of high-speed memory connected directly with, in close proximity to, or integrated as part of the processor520. The computing device500copies data from the system memory530and/or the storage device560to the cache for quick access by the processor520. In this way, the cache provides a performance boost that avoids processor520delays while waiting for data. These and other modules can control or be configured to control the processor520to perform various actions. Other system memory530may be available for use as well. The system memory530can include multiple different types of memory with different performance characteristics. It can be appreciated that the disclosure may operate on a computing device500with more than one processor520or on a group or cluster of computing devices networked together to provide greater processing capability. The processor520can include any general-purpose processor and a hardware module or software module, such as module1562, module2564, and module3566stored in storage device560, configured to control the processor520as well as a special-purpose processor where software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. The processor520may essentially be a completely self-contained computing system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memory controller, cache, etc. A multi-core processor may be symmetric or asymmetric.

The system bus510may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. A basic input/output (BIOS) stored in memory ROM540or the like, may provide the basic routine that helps to transfer information between elements within the computing device500, such as during start-up. The computing device500further includes storage devices560such as a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, tape drive or the like. The storage device560can include software modules562,564,566for controlling the processor520. Other hardware or software modules are contemplated. The storage device560is connected to the system bus510by a drive interface. The drives and the associated computer-readable storage media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computing device500. In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particular function includes the software component stored in a tangible computer-readable storage medium in connection with the necessary hardware components, such as the processor520, system bus510, output device570(such as a display or speaker), and so forth, to carry out the function. In another aspect, the system can use a processor and computer-readable storage medium to store instructions which, when executed by a processor (e.g., one or more processors), cause the processor to perform a method or other specific actions. The basic components and appropriate variations are contemplated depending on the type of device, such as whether the computing device500is a small, handheld computing device, a desktop computer, or a computer server.

Although the exemplary embodiment described herein employs the storage device560(such as a hard disk), other types of computer-readable media which can store data that are accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, cartridges, random access memories (RAMs)550, and read-only memory (ROM)540, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment. Tangible computer-readable storage media, computer-readable storage devices, or computer-readable memory devices, expressly exclude media such as transitory waves, energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per sc.

To enable user interaction with the computing device500, an input device590represents any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech and so forth. An output device570can also be one or more of a number of output mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. In some instances, multimodal systems enable a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with the computing device500. The communications interface580generally governs and manages the user input and system output. There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardware arrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily be substituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.

The technology discussed herein refers to computer-based systems and actions taken by, and information sent to and from, computer-based systems. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a great variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components. For instance, processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memory, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel.

Use of language such as “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y, or Z,” “at least one or more of X, Y, and/or Z,” or “at least one of X, Y, and/or Z,” are intended to be inclusive of both a single item (e.g., just X, or just Y, or just Z) and multiple items (e.g., {X and Y}, {X and Z}, {Y and Z}, or {X, Y, and Z}). The phrase “at least one of” and similar phrases are not intended to convey a requirement that each possible item must be present, although each possible item may be present.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. Various modifications and changes may be made to the principles described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, the steps of a process or method may be performed in an order other than the example embodiments discussed above. Likewise, unless otherwise indicated, various components may be omitted, substituted, or arranged in a configuration other than the example embodiments discussed above.

Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

A system comprising: at least one processor; at least one of a deadbolt and a latch; at least one electromagnetic device physically connected to the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch, the at least one electromagnetic device electrically connected to the at least one processor; and at least one power receiving unit, the at least one power receiving unit configured to receive power from a mobile power supply, the at least one power receiving unit electrically connected to the at least one processor, wherein, upon receiving the power at the at least one power receiving unit from the mobile power supply: the at least one power receiving unit converts the power into an electrical current; the electrical current powers the at least one processor; the at least one processor sends instructions to the at least one electromagnetic device to move the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch; and the at least one electromagnetic device in response to the instructions, moves the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch.

The system of any preceding clause, wherein the mobile power supply is a mobile computing device.

The system of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one power receiving unit comprises at least one inductor configured to receive a magnetic field generated by the mobile computing device, wherein, upon receiving the magnetic field at the at least one inductor: the at least one inductor converts the magnetic field into the electrical current.

The system of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one power receiving unit comprises at least one wired electrical connector which can be electrically coupled to the mobile power supply.

The system of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one wired electrical connector comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector.

The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: a docking station configured to hold the mobile computing device in place while the at least one wired electrical connector couples to the mobile computing device.

The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: a connector release which, when physically manipulated, releases a predetermined amount of wire which connects the at least one processor and the at least one wired electrical connector.

The system of any preceding clause, wherein physical manipulation of the connector release comprises at least one of a button press or a twist.

The system of any preceding clause, wherein the system is associated with a door, such that moving the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch causes the door to lock or unlock.

The system of any preceding clause, wherein all electrical power for the system comes from the power provided by the mobile power supply.

The system of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one power receiving unit is located on an exterior surface of a door; and wherein the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch, the at least one electromagnetic device, and the at least one processor are embedded within the door, such that the at least one electromagnetic device and the at least one processor are not visible when the door is installed.

The system of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one power receiving unit is located on a surface next to a door, the surface being within one meter of the door; and wherein the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch, the at least one electromagnetic device, and the at least one processor are embedded within the door, such that the at least one electromagnetic device and the at least one processor are not visible when the door is installed.

The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: a data receiver; and wherein, upon the receiving of the power at the at least one power receiving unit from the mobile computing device: the data receiver receives an authentication signal from the mobile computing device; and the at least one processor verifies the authentication signal prior to the at least one processor sending the instructions to the at least one electromagnetic device to move the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch.

The system of any preceding clause, further comprising: a keypad; and wherein, upon the receiving of the power at the at least one power receiving unit from the mobile power supply; the keypad receives a manually entered authentication signal; and the at least one processor verifies the authentication signal prior to the at least one processor sending the instructions to the at least one electromagnetic device to move the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch.

A method comprising: receiving, at a power receiving unit of a locking system, power from a mobile computing device; converting the power into an electrical current; powering at least one processor of the locking system using the electrical current; transmitting, from the at least one processor to an electromagnetic device of the locking system, instructions to move at least one of a deadbolt and a latch of the locking system; and moving the at least one of the deadbolt and the latch via the electromagnetic device in response to the instructions.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the power receiving unit comprises at least one inductor configured to receive a magnetic field generated by the mobile computing device, wherein, upon receiving the magnetic field at the at least one inductor: the at least one inductor converts the magnetic field into the electrical current.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the power receiving unit comprises at least one wired electrical connector which can be electrically coupled to the mobile computing device.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one wired electrical connector comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the locking system further comprises a docking station configured to hold the mobile computing device in place while the at least one wired electrical connector couples to the mobile computing device.

The method of any preceding clause, wherein the locking system further comprises a connector release which, when physically manipulated, releases a predetermined amount of wire which connects the at least one processor and the at least one wired electrical connector.