GB2375137A

GB2375137A - Security locking system with printer

Info

Publication number: GB2375137A
Application number: GB0110971A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lynette Sheree Brennan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-05-04
Filing date: 2001-05-04
Publication date: 2002-11-06
Also published as: GB0110971D0

Abstract

This invention is a security locking system device that comprises a battery operated waterproof digital unit with alpha-numeric keypad 12, LED display 4, a printer and a means for recognising the closure and release of a locking mechanism. A correctly entered multi-digit numerical code entered via the keypad 12 allows access to a specified area or space (eg to allow household delivery of articles) through the release of a linked locking mechanism 9. When closure of the locking mechanism has been recognised, the unit automatically produces a printed document from the dispenser 3 on the unit that can be used as a proof of delivery notice. The unit requires the code to be entered to allow both the release and closure of the locking system. The unit has a memory storage capacity as part of the microprocessor unit, which records any access, usage or attempted usage. A 'user reference number' is produced with every transaction on the unit for verification and confirmation. The unit is programmed with multiple digital functions that allow personalised usage of the unit.

Description

SECURITY lOCKING SYSTEM SPECIFICATION This invention relates to a waterproof digital unit, externally mounted onto any free standing, self-supporting accessible structure that connects to a locking mechanism which may be through either physical connection (wires) or wireless technology that may be put anywhere convenient. The digital unit provides a detailed printed and electronic report at the time of closure after the lock mechanism has been released using a digit access code. It will allow an individual access to an area or space for whatever purpose it was intended to have access for, and provide proof of the access in both printed and digitally stored format. One example of this usage may involve that of a delivery request to a home address where the occupant or intended recipient does not need to be home to receive or sign for the item being delivered.

Not every household has a resident on site 24 hours a day, and even for those who do, actually getting to the door in a short response time can be impossible or difficult.

Not all packages intended to be delivered (particularly once packaged) are small enough to fit through a letter-box. Every package delivered to a household should be treated with the greatest of value and hence not left anywhere unsecured. Each and every delivery should not be considered made unless a valid supporting document is received as proof of delivery and either kept by the deliverer or passed to the company responsible for that delivery for verification.

At present, this does not take place in any thorough manner. Delivery companies require a signature from a person receiving goods at a specific address, however the person receiving those goods at that address may not be the intended recipient. This may happen in a shared house arrangement, apartment building where there is one entrance to a block of multiple flats.

Residents or home-owners may often have people conducting works on a property who may sign at the time, however do not have access to the building at all ie gardener, handyperson. Furthermore, some parcels are being left or partially hidden at a front door, which is not deceptive to a passer by who may be on the lookout for any encouraging signs.

Alternatively, deliverers must retain the item and return on another occasion to make another attempt. Consecutive failed attempts result in items either being returned to the sender/manufacturer, lost or handed over to anyone who will sign that will allow the deliver to confirm delivery and hence the parcel goes missing. This cost of failed deliveries is once again incorporated into the price for the consumer to pay, which raises the question of whether consumers are actually paying less for products through home shopping networks by excluding the'middlemen'at the shops, or whether consumers are being nconvenienced unnecessarily. I The industry of home shopping & delivery is growing every day due to the busy and hectic lifestyles that restrict the amount of time available to go to the shops to make purchases. A fast track way of shopping out of the shops ie catalogue/internet has developed, but similarly the ability to receive goods whilst away from home has not progressed.

This invention intends to solve this problem by allowing access to a specific secured area at any time by the means of a pass code to release and reengage a locking mechanism, so that either a safe & secure delivery or access alone can be made, and a receipt obtained for verification or proof of delivery. This may involve attaching the unit to a door for access to a garage/storage room for larger deliveries, or onto a storage box of any size.

In regards to an organisation or company, access can be restricted and monitored as necessary.

Accordingly, this invention is a device that comprises of a battery operated waterproof digital unit with alpha-numeric keypad, LED display, printer, a means for recognising the closure & release of a locking mechanism, which is made possible by an independent micro-processor unit and either a wire or wireless technological component to allow the transfer of information between the unit and the locking system in either direction. All information stored in the unit is made possible via a circuit board and memory processor.

Preferably this product is made of plastics materials in a combination or range of colours to suit the existing design features around the home, or the item or object it may be attached to.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which :-

Figure 1 shows in perspective, the digital box attached to the locking device from the frontal view.

Figure 2 shows in perspective, the digital box attached to the locking device from the rear view.

Figure 3 shows the side perspective & access to printer & battery compartments.

Figure 4 shows the plate for mounting unit to secure supporting surface and the unit to be attached to it.

Figure 5 shows the variation of the unit with wireless technology.

Referring to the drawing, the digital box comprises of a set of twelve alphanumeric keys (12) located on the face of the unit body (11). These keys enable personalised information in both alphabetical and numerical form to be entered into the unit and seen via the LED display (4), which remain programmed into the system until changed by the owner at any time.

For this unit to be functional, it is programmed with either A) the option for multiple codes to be created that may be changed at any time by the owner; or B) system generated random unique codes which can be provided with the unit or be retrieved from an independent source through any means of communication, and not be duplicated in their usage with one specific machine; that is the unit allows one release and one closure to occur with the same security pass code.

These multiple codes when selected and entered correctly into the unit, are intended to allow the user to make use of either the primary or secondary functions of the unit.

The primary function involves the process of opening the lock mechanism to gain access to the secure area or space, for example ; which is where a delivery of any sort may be stowed. The unit generates a printed receipt acknowledging delivery upon closure of the lock mechanism.

The secondary function allows the primary function to be performed in the same manner, however it also prompts the user to access multiple advanced options that the unit comes programmed to perform.

To perform the primary function, a security code must be entered. When selected & entered correctly, the unit allows the locking mechanism to be released. Once it is then re-engaged, a receipt is automatically produced to confirm that access was enabled and or the delivery has been made. The unit can be programmed to have the security code re-entered in order to make the lock re-engage. This unique code that is to be used in conjunction with the unit, is to be disclosed upon request or instruction of access from one individual to another. For example; this could be at the time of placing an order for a purchase or requested delivery in the same process as one would disclose any standard personal details including name, address or payment details along with identifying the selected item being requested.

The secondary functions of the unit can only be accessed through one security code, which should not be made public or disclosed to any one who does not require access to the secondary functions. It must be a unique code, ie unlike any other code used with the unit. The secondary functions refer to any additional feature that the unit is able to make, but also includes that of the primary function.

When the correct security code is entered on the keypad (12), followed by the Enter Key (5) being pressed, an electrical signal travels along the wiring loom (8) attached to the lock (9) or by any other appropriate means of wireless technology (20a & 20b), which activates the release or closure of the locking mechanism. If the code entered (12) was incorrect or the Enter Key (5) not pressed, the signal will not be sent to release the mechanism. At any time, the Clear Key (7) may be pushed to reset the unit and the process of entering the code repeated.

The unit will produce a receipt printed onto the printer roll paper (14) through the dispenser (3) after a short time delay from the time of closure of the lock, detailing the personal information found on the display (4) and also prints out a multiple digit reference/receipt number for that transaction for security purposes. This ensures that the printed receipt cannot be forged in any way.

This multiple digit number cannot be found on the display whilst performing the primary function as it is automatically and systematically produced at random by the unit. It can only be found and retrieved by the user who can perform the secondary function. This reference is associated with the transaction in it's entirety and may be recalled on the unit for verification of access and all associated details.

Once access has been successful, that is the security code entered, lock mechanism released, item stowed safely and securely in area or space provided or task performed in the secured area, the lock re-engaged (with or without re-entering the code), and the printed receipt received; the unit will ask to verify or acknowledge this by entering a response ie. yes or no via the appropriate keys on the keypad (12). If the response is yes ie all procedures were carried out successfully then a courteous message, which can be programmed in to the unit via the secondary functions, may appear on the screen which concludes the transaction.

If a delivery is unsuccessful, that is either an unsuccessful attempt made in succession to enter the security code, a printed receipt not produced or the lock not released or disengaged then the unit will automatically default to the option to enter the yes or no to confirm the response. If no is selected a systematically produced error code will appear on the screen (4) and this must be recorded for verification at a later date by the person or individual attempting to make the delivery. This error code will appear if the no feature is selected when prompted for confirming either a successful or unsuccessful delivery. If the user selects the no option when the unit considers the delivery to be successful, the unit will re prompt the user to confirm either way. If the no option is still selected then the unit will accept.

If the delivery has been made-there is no problem to the intended recipient, however if there has been a problem the unit will identify this to the owner with all relevant details regarding the input/usage once the secondary feature code is activated which will identify why the delivery was not successful.

Whilst in the secondary function the unit is able to duplicate a copy of any printed information through the dispenser (3) on to the printed roll paper (14), since the last access and any previous access that may have occurred.

Alternatively if the user does not wish to have a print out of the information, the information can be read from the display (4) as a selected option. This information will be stored in the unit until deleted manually by the owner, or may be deleted automatically after a designated period of time has lapsed which is selected by the user under one of the function key (6) options.

Upon successfully entering the secondary access security code, the user is also able to make changes/alterations to the information referring to that of the address, name and greeting/message, time and date, which is displayed continuously on the display (4). Each of these variables are prompted to the user on the display (4) when pressing the Function Key (6)

and each is separately selected by using the appropriate key on the key pad (12) to move up or down pressing the Enter Key (5) to make selection.

Changes may then be made using the alpha numeric keys (12) and confirmed at the completion with the Enter Key (5) or errors corrected by entering the Clear Key (7) repeatedly to proceed backwards to then overwrite or leave blank. All recorded usage of the unit is kept in the circuit board and memory processor (19) which includes a previous history folder which may either be read from the display or be printed if requested. It is possible to delete any stored information at any time through the secondary function options.

All usage of the unit is made possible by the continued power generated from the lithium watch battery (15) and replaced when necessary. A power back up of fifteen seconds exists in order to replace the battery without having to re-programme the information into the unit. Access to the battery is possible by the release of the side cover on the unit (16), which exposes both the battery (15) and printer roll (14). The unit is programmed to identify the battery life through a symbol on the display (4), which reduces in size as the life of the battery depletes. The printer roll (14) can be accessed for the replenishment of the receipt roll and or the correction of jamming should it occur. The unit is programmed to identify when the amount of paper remaining on the roll is reduced to a certain diameter. This is shown on the display (4) until the printer roll (14) is replaced. The release of the door (16) is available through the function key (6) when using the secondary functions to promote additional security.

The unit has a clear lid that covers the entire front of the unit secured via top fastener (1) and bottom fastener (10) and is attached to the unit at the top by a hinge joint (13).

The unit is attached to any supporting surface via the rear casing (18) which is initially fixed to the intended surface. Guide holes (17) are located on the rear casing (18) to assist in the process of mounting the unit onto a surface.

The body of the unit (11) then fits firmly into rear casing (18), which is sealed with a synthetic gasket or o-ring It must be understood that the drawings are designed for purpose illustration only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits and scope of the invention disclosed.

Claims

1. A security locking system that comprises of a battery operated waterproof digital compact unit with alpha-numeric keypad, LED display, printer, a means for recognising the closure & release of a locking mechanism, which is made possible by an independent micro-processor unit and either a wire or wireless technological component to allow the transfer of information between the unit and the locking system in either direction.

2. A security locking systems which has all information stored in the unit as in claim 1, which is made possible via a circuit board and memory processor.

3. A security locking system as in claim 1, wherein the first device is the unit and the second device is a locking mechanism.

4. A security locking system as in claim 1, which is operated by a microprocessor unit which analyses & processes information, and which executes instructions to generate information to be received.

5. A security locking system where information generated to be entered as in claim 4, can be used to identify multiple users of the unit and allows a distinction between primary and secondary user functions.

6. A security locking system wherein both the primary & secondary functions as claimed in claim 5 involve receiving data and executing data, relevant to the identified user.

7. A security locking system as claimed in claim 1, which allows for information to be entered into the unit via an alpha numeric keypad, and is processed by the microprocessor as claimed in claim 4.

8. A security locking system where information entered into the unit via the keypad as in claim 7 is a personal identification number that identifies the user as being either a primary or secondary user as in claim 5.

9. A control number is generated in response to data that is entered into the unit via keypad as in claim 7, and recognised as being either correct or not by the microprocessor as in claim 4, and this determines whether the user functions are to be accessed as in claim 5.

10. This control number as in claim 9 is automatically produced at random and remains with each transaction for verification and validation.

11. The method of the user functions as in claim 5 & 6, involves the transfer of information from the unit to the locking mechanisms as in claim 2, and will allow for the release of the locking mechanism should information entered into the unit be correct for the appropriate functionality.

,

12. The release of the locking mechanism as in claim 11, is made possible by information being transferred to the locking mechanism from the unit which is confirmed and verified by the user identity as in claim 8.

13. A security locking system as in claim 1 that has a memory which stores computer executable instructions as in claim 4, whereby this information is stored in a user file and a temporary file, and can then be automatically deleted from the temporary file after a predetermined period of time has lapsed.

14. Information in the user file as in claim 13 contains information regarding specific details of the usage or attempted usage, and is only deleted or altered through the secondary function options as in claim 5.

15. A security locking system as claimed in claim 1 which has a waterproof body or casing which contains the internal functional parts of the unit.

16. The face of the waterproof casing as in claim 16 can be raised through the hinge joints at the top of this waterproof casing.

17. A security locking system as claimed in claim 1, with an LED display on the unit where by the keypad as claimed in claim 7 allows information to be entered for processing by claim 4 the microprocessor, which allows information to be configured and viewed in a variety of languages using alpha numeric symbols.

18. A security locking system with a printer that allows information to be entered, processed, and displayed as in claims 7,4, 17 and for it to be printed in a format using alpha numeric symbols onto paper which is then dispensed through the outlet.

19. The print out from the printer as in claim 18 also includes the control number that is produced at random which validates & verifies the transaction as in claim 9.

20. A security locking system that allows for information to be printed as in claim 18, which identifies a range of specific details that is programmed through the microprocessor unit as in claim 4.

21. A security locking system that is connected either by wire or wireless means to a locking device which allows the transfer of information between the locking mechanism and the unit as in claim 3, and to trigger the release and closure of a lock, which is recorded by the microprocessor as in claim 4, displayed on the LED display as in claim 17 and can be printed onto paper and then ejected through the dispenser as in claim 18.

22. The security locking system can operate an unlimited number of locking mechanisms from one unit either by the wire or wireless means as in claim 21, and allows for alterations to be recognised & managed through the secondary user functions as in claim 5.

23. A security locking system as in claim 1 that is powered by battery.

24. A security locking system as in claim 1 that can be mounted to any supporting structure.

25. A security locking system as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.