ES2906838T3 - Smart lock system with inward-facing display screen - Google Patents

Abstract

An intelligent lock comprising: a processor (202) Y a memory (204); an outward-facing front plate (110) on a first face of a door (102); an inward facing faceplate (111) on a second face of the door (102), wherein the second face of the door (102) faces the interior of a room while the door (102) is in a closed position; and a display screen (150) disposed on said inward-facing faceplate (111), where the display screen (150) is connected to the processor (202), where the display screen is an input device and an output device, where the memory (204) stores instructions for do that the screen of display (150) show a set of functions a a Username Y for implement a characteristic in response a that the Username select a function of set of functions, characterized in that the feature set includes a guest copy card feature, the feature set optionally includes at least one do not disturb feature, a no-clean function, a child lock function, a check-out function, a function of cancellation of card, a privacy function and a lock function, the smart lock further includes a card reading/writing machine (130), and when a user selects a guest copy card self-service feature, the display screen is configured to prompt the user to present a blank writable card and, once the card is presented to you, the card reader/writer is configured to encode the blank card with room access information, allowing the card to grant access to the room.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Smart lock system with inward-facing display screen

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to hotel lock systems, and more specifically to a smart lock system for a hotel or similar building, where the smart lock system includes an inward-facing display screen in each lock. .

BACKGROUND

Hotels and other buildings that use temporary room reservations, such as conference centers, convention centers, and the like, generally prevent unauthorized access to rented or reserved rooms through the use of card locks and similar locking systems. When a user registers or reserves the room, they are presented with an enabled key card that can unlock the door and allow access to the reserved room.

With the proliferation of smart technology, adding extra features to door locks is becoming possible. Some current systems integrate the door lock with a network and allow a user approaching the lock from outside the room to gain entry via short-range mobile access (such as a Bluetooth connection via a mobile phone). ), the entry of a room pin number, or similar systems. The user in such systems is still required to contact concierge services or hang tags outside their door for standard room services such as “do not disturb”, “clean please” and the like.

CN 206209936 U discloses a multifunctional electronic door plate comprising a liquid crystal touch screen, a central processing unit and an electronic door lock. The liquid crystal touch screen includes a first touch screen and a second touch screen located on the back of the room door. The first touch screen is provided with a detection area, and the detection area can detect information identifying the card. The first touch screen inputs detection information to the central processing unit and controls the electronic door lock switch after the detection information is verified by the central processing unit.

CA 2 249 802 A1 discloses an electric lock comprising a locking member releasably movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a movable member, operatively coupled to the locking member and manually operable to applying a load to the locking member in a direction from the unlocked position, fingerprint detection means, including a fingerprint sensor associated with the movable member for producing a control signal in response to an eligible fingerprint, and release means responsive to the control signal for releasing the locking member in the locked position to allow the locking member to move under the load to the unlocked position, whereby the load is obtained by manual manipulation of the mobile member. Document DE 20 2017 006423 U1 discloses an entrance door with integrated control functions for the user, where the entire interior of the door is provided with a touch-sensitive color screen and an integrated electronic control assembly that controls all functions. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to an intelligent lock according to claim 1.

In another example of the smart lock described above, the smart lock is connected to at least one server remote from the door.

In another example of any of the smart locks described above, the feature set includes the privacy feature, and where the processor is configured to set the room status to private in response to activation of the privacy feature.

In another example of any of the smart locks described above, the guest copy card feature further includes a numerical limit, and the processor is configured to prevent the guest copy card feature from being activated after the guest key card feature has been activated. guest copy card has been activated a number of times equal to the numerical limit.

In another example of any of the smart locks described above, the feature set includes a card cancellation function, where the processor is configured to cancel a card interfaced with the card reader/writer in response to the user selecting the function of card cancellation.

In another example of any of the smart locks described above, the feature set includes an auditing feature, where the processor is configured to cause the display to display at least a list of door opening events in response to a user selecting the audit function.

Another example of any of the smart locks described above further includes a microphone input, where the microphone input is connected to the controller and configured to activate at least one function in response to an audible command.

Another example of any of the smart locks described above further includes a second display screen disposed on the exterior faceplate.

In another example of any of the smart locks described above, the processor is configured to limit functionalities prior to entry and validation of a security access code.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for securing a room using an intelligent lock according to claim 8.

In another example of the method described above for securing a room using a smart lock, the guest copy card feature includes a numerical limit, and where the processor in the smart lock is configured to prevent the guest copy card feature is activated after the guest copy card function has been activated a number of times equal to the numerical limit.

In another example of any of the methods described above for securing a room using a smart lock, displaying the set of self-service features on the interior-facing display screen includes displaying a subset of available self-service features before entering a security code. access.

In another example of any of the methods described above for securing a room using a smart lock, activating at least one of the self-service features comprises performing the self-service feature using the smart lock's processor.

In another example of any of the methods described above for securing a room using a smart lock, activating at least one of the self-service features comprises reporting the requested self-service feature to a remote server.

Another example of the above method of securing a room using a smart lock further includes notifying the user that the remote server has performed the requested self-service feature in response to receiving a confirmation from the remote server.

These and other features of the present invention may be better understood from the following specification and drawings, of which the following is a brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]

Figures 1A and 1B schematically illustrate an exemplary door lock system from an outward facing face (1A) and an inward facing face (1B).

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a door lock system that integrates multiple doors.

Figure 3 illustrates a method of operation of a smart lock door system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Figures 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a smart lock 100 for securing a rented room in a hotel, conference center, or similar type of building. Smart lock 100 includes an outward-facing faceplate 110 (FIG. 1A) and an inward-facing faceplate 111 (FIG. 1B). As used herein, inward-facing refers to a surface that faces the interior of a room, and where interior is the area of the room secured by the door. Within each smart lock 100 is a processor 202 and memory 204 (illustrated in Figure 2). Connected to the faceplates 110, 111 is a handle 120 for opening and closing the door 102. Turning the handle 120 causes a linear movement of a latch 122, allowing the door to open. Alternative smart locks 100 may use any alternative opening and unlocking mechanism and the present disclosure is not limited to the handle 120 and latch 122 configuration described in this invention.

Disposed within the exemplary smart lock 100 is a card reader 130 with read/write functionality. The card reader 130 includes a magnetic stripe, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), NFC (Near Field Communications Chip) or similar reader, and is configured to read and write data to an inserted card or to a card that is located. in close proximity to the faceplate 111. Depending on the self-service feature enabled within the given smart lock 100, the card reader 130 may also be configured to perform limited or unlimited card write operations. In alternate embodiments, card reader 130 may be a local wireless signal, such as bluetooth, and communicate with network-enabled access card devices, such as mobile phones that include a designated application.

The inward-facing faceplate 111 includes a deadbolt 140 configured to allow anyone within the room to lock the door regardless of the smart lock feature. Also disposed on or within the inward-facing faceplate 111 is a display screen 150. By virtue of its placement on or within the inward-facing faceplate 111, the display screen 150 is only accessible to someone who has already gained access to the room secured by the smart lock 100. In some examples, the display screen 150 is an input/output device such as a touch screen interface. In alternate examples, display screen 150 may be purely output and is accompanied by an input device such as a keyboard or microphone configured to receive input and selections of items displayed on display screen 150. In the example of a microphone input, the smart lock 100 can be configured to receive and interpret audible commands according to any known protocol. Alternatively, the smart lock 100 may be configured to interface with existing audible command systems and use the command protocols of existing audible command systems.

Accessible through display screen 150 are a set of self-service features 152 that allow a hotel visitor who is authorized to access the room secured by smart lock 100 to perform multiple functions on the door itself. Among the self-service features 152 are functions that previously would have required access to hotel concierge services.

In some example embodiments, outward facing faceplate 110 may further include a display screen 160. Outward facing display screen 160 presents information to staff and visitors.

With continued reference to the example of Figures 1A and 1B, Figure 2 schematically illustrates multiple smart locks 100 in a centralized smart lock system 200. In the illustrated example, each of the smart locks 100 is connected to a centralized remote server 210. over a wireless or wired connection over a network (not shown). In alternate examples, some or all of the smart locks 100 may operate independently of any remote server and are not connected. In addition, a processor 202 and memory 204 are included within each of the smart locks 100. Memory 204 stores instructions to direct the operations of processor 202 and facilitate multiple self-service features 152 (illustrated in Figure 1B). Remote from, and capable of connecting to, any given smart lock 100 are one or more access components 220. Access component 220 may be a magnetic stripe key card, an NFC device, a mobile phone including an access application or any similar device or component.

In addition to access component 220, a staff access component 230 in the hands of one or more authorized staff members may interact with smart locks 100. As with access component 220, staff access component 230 may be a magnetic stripe card, an RFID or NFC device, a mobile phone that includes an access application, or any similar device and is configured to grant access to all, or a subset, of the rooms secured by the smart locks 100.

Referring again to Figures 1A and 1B, the inward-facing display screen 150 of any smart lock 100 can be further protected with an access code or PIN (personal identification number) set by the authorized visitor upon initial access. to the room secured by the smart lock 100. By setting such a security feature, the authorized visitor can prevent hotel staff, housekeeping services, and anyone else who may enter the room for a legitimate reason from accessing the room. to the self-service features 152 of the smart lock 100. Alternatively, access to the self-service features 152 may be blocked until an access component 220 associated with the guest has accessed the smart lock 100. In addition, the self-service features 152 provided may vary depending on whether a component has been provided access component 220, a staff access component 230 has been provided, or no access component has been provided.

With respect to the self-service features 152, the features 152 may include, among other possible features, a do not disturb feature, a do not clean feature, a copy card feature, guest, an audit function, a child lock function, a check-out function, a card cancellation function and a lock function. In some embodiments, additional functions may also be included. Also, depending on the configuration of smart lock 100, some or all of these self-service features 152 may be performed locally on smart lock 100 using memory 204 and processors 202 within smart lock 100. Alternatively, some of the features The self-service feature 152 can be reported to a centralized remote server 210 when requested by the authorized user and the remote server 210 can perform the self-service feature 152 requested.

When in a secure state (e.g., no pin or security code entered on display screen 150), selection of self-service features 152 may be limited to those that are only relevant to home service or similar roles. In addition, controller 202 and memory 204 may store instructions to limit access to self-service features 152 based on the user's authorization level of staff entering the room. As an example, a housekeeper entering the room may be limited to accessing a do not disturb feature and a housekeeping request feature, while a manager-level staff member may have access to more self-service features. 152, including a log-out function, an audit function, and the like.

With continued reference to Figures 1A, 1B, and 2, Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example method 300 for operating a smart lock 100. Initially, upon accessing a reserved room, the user (alternately referred to as an authorized visitor) activates a menu of self-service features displayed on the inward-facing display screen 150 at a "User activates self-service menu" step 310 . Activation may be accomplished through a touch screen interface on display screen 150, a voice activated command interface including a microphone, a keyboard, or any similar activation sequence. Once activated, the user may select a self-service feature from the list of available self-service features in a "User selects self-service feature" step 320 .

After selecting the self-service feature 152, the processor 202 in the smart lock 100 determines whether the selected self-service feature 152 can be performed locally or whether the self-service feature 152 must be performed through a remote server. For services that can be performed locally, such as a copy card service, a do not disturb notification, and the like, the processor 202 performs the selected function in accordance with the instructions stored in the memory 204 in a step 330 of "Smart Lock". performs the function locally.

If the processor 202 determines that the smart lock 100 needs to communicate with the remote server 210 to perform the function, or if the self-service feature 152 needs to be performed through the remote server 210, such as with a check-out function, then the smart lock 100 transmits the requested function to remote server 210 in a "Smart lock transmits function to remote server" step 340 . Once the remote server 210 has received the broadcast function, the remote server 210 performs the self-service feature 152 in a "Remote server performs function" step 350 . Optionally, once the remote server 210 has performed the function, the remote server 210 may transmit a confirmation that the self-service feature 152 has been successfully completed to the smart lock 100 in a "Remote server confirm performance" step 360 . », and the smart lock 100 may provide an audio or visual indication that the function has been performed.

With reference to all Figures, the following is a non-exhaustive description of exemplary self-service features 152 that may be included in and enabled by smart lock 100. A first exemplary self-service feature 152 is a do not disturb feature. When a guest selects the do not disturb feature from the self service features, processor 202 updates the room status to "do not disturb." This status update may include transmitting status to the remote server, altering a display screen 160 on an outward-facing faceplate 110 to indicate do not disturb, or providing a notification to any approaching hotel staff that the guest has selected do not bother. The self-service do not disturb feature 152 can be configured to last until the user leaves, for 24 hours, until the door is opened, or for any designated limit depending on the needs of the administration or the user.

Similarly, when a guest selects a self-service cleaning feature, processor 202 updates the room status to not cleaned, or to indicate specific areas where cleaning is requested, and notification of the updated status is provided to the host. management in the same manner as the do not disturb feature described above on one or both of the display screens 150, 160.

Another exemplary self-service feature 152 according to the invention, facilitated by the smart lock 100, is a guest copy card self-service feature 152. The guest copy card feature allows the guest to create additional room access cards. using the smart lock 100 itself. Memory 204 may include a preset limit on the number of room access cards that can be created during a stay, on the number that can be active at any given time, or any similar limits on the creation of new access cards or credentials. Access cards may be provided inside the room for the convenience of the authorized visitor or the authorized visitor may bring their own card.

When the user selects the copy card self-service feature 152, the display screen 150 prompts the user to present a blank, writable card. The card may be any type of key card corresponding to the card reader 130 readable and writable by the smart lock 100, including an NFC-enabled card and a magnetic stripe card. Once presented with the card, card reader 130 encodes the blank card with room access information, allowing the card to grant room access as with any other key card. Also, just like a standard access key card encoded by concierge services, blank access key cards no longer allow room access when canceled or expired.

In another alternative, the user may select the privacy self-service feature 152. The privacy self-service feature 152 works similarly to the do not disturb self-service feature and updates the remote server 210, as well as any staff members who attempt to do so. accessing the room secured by the smart lock 100, with a notification that the current resident of the room wishes to remain private and access to the room is denied unless staff have access rights configured to override privacy, for example. In some examples, the privacy feature may include an on mode and an auto mode.

When the on mode is activated, the room will be set to privacy until the user activates the smart lock 100 when leaving or entering the room. At that time, if the user wants to keep the privacy mode, he must re-activate the privacy mode self-service feature 152. On the contrary, when the automatic mode is activated, the smart lock 100 remains in the security operations mode. privacy until the user checks out or manually disables privacy mode.

Another exemplary self-service feature 152 is an audit function. During standard operations, the smart lock 100 maintains a list of each credential that has accessed the room and a timestamp of that access. The list may be stored locally in smart lock memory 204 or remotely on remote server 210. When the user selects the self-service audit feature 152, display 150 displays a list of each room access and credential. within a time frame specified by the user. In some examples, the audit function may be limited in access to only the user of a certain room, limited to the length of a stay, or any similar limitation. In alternate examples, the user and management level personnel may have access to the audit function of a given smart lock 100.

Another exemplary self-service feature 152 is a child lock function. The self-service child lock feature 152 activates a child lock mode within the smart lock 100. While in the child lock mode, activation of the handle or other door opening mechanisms from inside the the room does not allow the door secured by the smart lock 100 to be opened. In some instances, the smart lock 100 may further integrate with a fire alarm, security system, or other evacuation notification system and allow it to be overridden. the "child lock" in the event of an emergency evacuation. The interface may be through an internal network, remote server 210, the Internet, or through any other known interface.

Another exemplary self-service feature 152 that can be incorporated into the smart lock 100 is a check-out function. When a user selects the check-out feature, the smart lock 100 communicates with the remote server 210 and completes a check-out procedure that allows the user to check out of the room without the need to visit concierge services. In some exemplary systems, activating the self-service check-out feature 152 will disable credentials from any access cards, mobile device applications, and similar access components as part of the check-out feature. Additionally, in the event that a card or device cannot be actively canceled, activating the self-service check-out feature 152 informs the smart lock 100 that the room is in the checked-out state, and the smart lock 100 can prevent access by any current non-staff access cards until management or staff update the smart lock 100 or encode the cards for the next authorized visitor.

Another exemplary self-service feature 152 is a card cancellation function. The card cancellation function uses the write characteristics of the card reader 130 to cancel or deactivate a card presented by the authorized visitor.

Although described above as including a preselected list of self-service features 152, one skilled in the art will appreciate that some or all of the described self-service features may not be applicable in any given implementation of the smart lock. Similarly, the features Additional self-service features may be desirable in an implementation and may also be included. As an example, a taxi call feature could be added to some systems.

Claims (11)

1. An intelligent lock comprising: a processor (202) and a memory (204); an outward-facing front plate (110) on a first face of a door (102); an inward-facing faceplate (111) on a second door face (102), wherein the second door face (102) faces the interior of a room while the door (102) is in a closed position ; Y a display screen (150) disposed on said inward-facing faceplate (111), wherein the display screen (150) is connected to the processor (202), wherein the display screen is an input device and a display device exit, wherein the memory (204) stores instructions to cause the display screen (150) to display a set of functions to a user and to implement a feature in response to the user selecting a function from the set of functions, characterized because the feature set includes a guest copy card feature, the feature set optionally includes at least a do not disturb feature, a do not clean feature, a child lock feature, a check-out feature, a card cancellation, a privacy function and a blocking function, The smart lock further includes a card reader/writer (130), and when a user selects a guest copy card self-service feature, the display screen is configured to prompt the user to present a blank card that writable, and once the card is presented to you, the card reader/writer is set to encode the blank card with room access information, allowing the card to grant access to the room. 2. The smart lock of claim 1, wherein the smart lock is connected to at least one server (210) remote from the door. 3. The smart lock of claim 1, wherein the feature set includes a privacy feature, and wherein the processor is configured to set the room status to private in response to activation of the privacy feature. 4. The smart lock of any of the preceding claims, wherein the guest copy card feature further includes a numerical limit and wherein the processor is configured to prevent the guest copy card feature from being activated after the feature is activated. guest copy card has been activated a number of times equal to the numerical limit. 5. The smart lock of any of the preceding claims, wherein the set of functions includes a card cancellation function, and wherein the processor is configured to cancel a card interfaced with said card reading/writing machine in response to the user select the card cancellation function. 6. The smart lock of any of the preceding claims, wherein the set of functions includes an auditing function and wherein the processor is configured to cause the display screen (150) to show at least one list of door opening events in response to a user selecting the auditing function. 7. The smart lock of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a microphone input, wherein the microphone input is connected to the controller and configured to activate at least one function in response to an audible command; I further comprising a second display screen (160) disposed on the outward facing plate (110); I where the processor is configured to limit functionalities prior to entry and validation of a security access code. 8. A method of securing a room using the smart lock (100) of claim 1, wherein the method comprises: displaying the feature set on the inward-facing display screen (150); and activating at least one of the features in the feature set in response to a user selecting at least one of the features, characterized because activating at least one of the functions comprises generating an access card by allowing the card reading/writing machine (130) encoding a blank card presented by the user with room access information in response to the user selecting the guest copy card function. 9. The method of claim 8, where the guest copy card feature includes a numerical limit, and where the processor in the smart lock prevents the guest copy card feature from being activated after the guest copy card feature has been activated for a number of times equal to the numerical limit. 10. The method of any of claims 8 or 9, wherein displaying the feature set on the inward-facing display screen (150) includes displaying a subset of available features prior to entering an access code; I wherein activating at least one of the functions comprises performing the function using the smart lock's processor; I where activating at least one of the functions comprises reporting the requested function to a remote server (210). The method of claim 10, further comprising notifying the user that the requested function has been performed by the remote server (210) in response to receiving a confirmation from said remote server (210).