GB2617406A - User authentication to operate a power tool - Google Patents
User authentication to operate a power tool Download PDFInfo
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- GB2617406A GB2617406A GB2205236.9A GB202205236A GB2617406A GB 2617406 A GB2617406 A GB 2617406A GB 202205236 A GB202205236 A GB 202205236A GB 2617406 A GB2617406 A GB 2617406A
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- Prior art keywords
- power tool
- wireless communication
- user identifier
- mobile device
- signal
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 103
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 43
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000015895 biscuits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010200 validation analysis Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25F—COMBINATION OR MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DETAILS OR COMPONENTS OF PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS NOT PARTICULARLY RELATED TO THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B25F5/00—Details or components of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operations performed and not otherwise provided for
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/10009—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
- G06K7/10366—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications
- G06K7/10376—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications the interrogation device being adapted for being moveable
- G06K7/10386—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications the interrogation device being adapted for being moveable the interrogation device being of the portable or hand-handheld type, e.g. incorporated in ubiquitous hand-held devices such as PDA or mobile phone, or in the form of a portable dedicated RFID reader
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Portable Power Tools In General (AREA)
Abstract
A power tool processor receives a user identifier (e.g. biometric identifier) from a paired mobile device via one or more wireless communication devices (e.g. short-rage wireless device) and compares the identifier to an identifier stored in a tool memory. The tool is enabled or disabled based on whether the user is authorised or unauthorised, respectively. A mobile device includes an input device which receives a user identifier and transmits the user identifier to a paired power tool. An override signal may be received via one or more of the wireless communication devices (e.g. a long-range wireless device) to enable the tool when the user is not authorised. A second aspect provides a power tool which receives a signal from a mobile device to enable the tool and disables the tool when no signal is received. The tool may comprise location determining means and send location data to the mobile device. A mobile device determines if a user has permission and transmits an enabling signal to a power tool. A system comprises a mobile device, power tool, battery and charger. The charger receives an enabling and/or disabling signal from the mobile device and relays the signal to the tool.
Description
Intellectual Property Office Application No GI322052369 RTM Date M 2022 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: "Android" on page 12, line 7; "i0S" on page 12, line 7; "Bluetooth" on page 12, line 17, and page 13, line 25; "ZigBee" on page 12, line 18; "Wi-Fi" on page 12, line 18; "Wimax" on page 12, line 19; and "AirTag" on page 13, line 24.
Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo User Authentication to Operate a Power Tool
FIELD
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for authenticating a user to operate a power tool.
BACKGROUND
Power tools used in the field of construction generally include equipment such as drills, electric screwdrivers, hammer drills, impact drivers, concrete breakers, concrete cutters, reciprocating saws, angle grinders, circular saws, jig saws, sanders, biscuit joiners, polishers, planers, routers and nail guns. The most common types of power tools use electric motors, internal combustion engines and compressed air. At present, such power tools do not have authentication control functions. Power tools having these kinds of functions would be desirable, for example to deter tool theft.
SUMMARY
Embodiments provide a mobile device platform and authentication method. In some embodiments, a mobile device may communicate with a power tool to enable a drive unit/motor of the power tool to operate following successful authentication. Some embodiments provide wireless authentication for power tools to enable normal operation of the tool, for example an APP platform tool authentication means.
A particular embodiment of the present invention provides the following technical scheme: A wireless control APP platform system that is characterized in that a user is able to authenticate via the APP platform and send control data wirelessly to the tools which will then operate in the normal mode of operation following successful authentication from mobile device, while the real-time location of the power tool will appear on the APP platform software allowing the user to identify the tools physical location on site.
The wireless control APP platform system has the advantages that it allows the user following successful authentication to operate the tool normally, this is particularly useful to deter tool theft. The tool location information is also useful for identifying where the power tool is located physically on site. In addition, the power tool on receiving a disable signal from the APP platform on mobile device can send a signal to a plurality of paired power tools in so that all paired power tools will be disabled until enabled by an authorised user via the APP platform on the mobile device.
A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a power tool, comprising: a working element that is driven by an electro mechanical component; one or more wireless communication devices; a processor and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a user identifier from a paired mobile device via the one or more wireless communication devices, compare the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, determine that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool when the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory, enable the power tool by permitting the electro mechanical component to drive the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool, and/or disable the power tool by preventing the electro mechanical component from driving the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is not associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a power tool, wherein one or more wireless communication devices comprise a short-range wireless communication device, and the user identifier is received via the short-range wireless communication device.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a power tool, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive an override signal via the wireless communication device, wherein the override signal is configured to instruct the processor to enable the power tool even when it is determined that the user does not have permission to use the power tool.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a power tool, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices comprise a long-range wireless communication device, and the override signal is received via the long-range wireless communication device.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile device, comprising: an input device; a wireless communication device; a processor and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a user identifier via the input device, and transmit the user identifier to a paired power tool via the one or more wireless communication devices.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile device, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices comprise a short-range wireless communication device, and the user identifier is transmitted via the short-range wireless communication device.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile device, wherein the user identifier is a biometric identifier.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a power tool, comprising: a working element that is driven by a by an electro mechanical component; one or more wireless communication devices; a processor and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a signal from a paired mobile device via the one or more wireless communication devices, wherein the signal is configured to instruct the processor to enable or disable the power tool, enable the power tool by permitting the electro mechanical component to drive the working element when the signal is received from the mobile device, and/or disable the power tool by preventing the electro mechanical component from driving the working element when the signal has not been received from the mobile device.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a power tool, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices comprise a short-range wireless communication device, and the signal is received via the short-range wireless communication device.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a power tool, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive an override signal via the one or more wireless communication devices, wherein the override signal is configured to instruct the processor to enable the power tool even when the signal has not been received from the mobile device.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a power tool, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices comprise a long-range wireless communication device, and the override signal is received via the long-range wireless communication device.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a power tool, further comprising an input device configured to receive a user identifier, wherein the processor is further configured to compare the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, and enable the power tool when it is determined that the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides, further comprises location determining means to determine the location of the power tool, wherein the processor is further configured to send location information indicative of a physical location of the power tool to a paired mobile device.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile device, comprising: an input device one or more wireless communication devices; a processor and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a user identifier via the input device, compare the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, determine that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool when the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory, and transmit a signal to the paired power tool via the one or more wireless communication devices when it is determined that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool, wherein the signal is configured to enable the power tool.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method performed by a power tool having a working element that is driven by a electro mechanical component, one or more wireless communication devices, a processor, and memory, the method comprising. receiving a user identifier from a paired mobile device via the one or more wireless communication devices, comparing the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, determining that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool when the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory, permitting the electro mechanical component to drive the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool, and/or preventing the electro mechanical component from driving the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is not associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method performed by a mobile device having an input device, one or more wireless communication devices, a processor, and memory, the method comprising: receiving a user identifier via the input device, and transmitting the user identifier to a paired power tool via the one or more wireless communication devices.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method performed by a power tool having a working element that is driven by a electro mechanical component, one or more wireless communication devices, a processor, and memory, the method comprising: receiving a signal from a paired mobile device via the one or more wireless communication devices, wherein the signal is configured to instruct the processor to enable the power tool, permitting the electro mechanical component to drive the working element when the signal is received from the mobile device, and/or preventing the electro mechanical component from driving the working element when the signal has not been received from the mobile device.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method performed by a mobile device having an input device, one or more wireless communication devices, a processor, and memory, the method comprising: receiving a user identifier via the input device, comparing the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, determining that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool when the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory, and transmitting a signal to the paired power tool via the one or more wireless communication devices when it is determined that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool, wherein the signal is configured to enable the power tool.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system comprising a power tool and a mobile device mentioned above.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system, comprising: a mobile device; a power tool, comprising a working element that is driven by an electro mechanical component, and a battery that supplies power to the electro mechanical component; and a charger configured to be connected to the battery of the power tool, wherein the charger includes one or more wireless communication devices configured to receive a signal originating at the mobile device using a long-range wireless communication protocol, and to relay the signal to one or more power tools that are paired with the charger using a short-range wireless communication protocol, wherein the signal is configured to enable or disable operation of the one or more power tools.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices of the power tool are configured to transmit a signal to one or more other power tools that are paired with the power tool using a short-range wireless communication protocol, wherein the signal is configured to enable or disable the operation of the one or more other power tools.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices of the power tool are configured to relay the signal to one or more other power tools that are paired with the power tool using a short-range wireless communication protocol.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods as mentioned above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1: shows a schematic of a mobile device; Figure 2: shows a schematic of a power tool; Figure 3: shows a flow diagram of a method of receiving authentication information via a mobile device in Figure 1 and sending enable signal to a power tool in Figure 2; Figure 4: shows a flow diagram of a method of the power tool in Figure 2 receiving enable signal from a mobile device in Figure 1; Figure 5: shows a flow diagram of a method of receiving authentication information via a mobile device in Figure 1 and sending enable signal to a power tool in Figure 2 including an override signal to enable the tool in the event the user cannot authenticate; Figure 6: shows a flow diagram of a method of receiving enable signal from a mobile device in Figure 1 to power tool in Figure 2 with option to send and receive an override signal to enable the tool in the event the user cannot authenticate; Figure 7: shows an alternative schematic of a mobile device; Figure 8: shows an alternative schematic of a power tool; Figure 9: shows an alternative flow diagram of a method of receiving authentication information and sending enable signal to a power tool in Figure 2; Figure 10: shows an alternative flow diagram of a method of receiving enable signal from a mobile device in Figure 1 to power tool in Figure 2; Figure 11: shows a flow diagram of a method of receiving the physical location on the power tool in Figure 2 and transmitting the location to the mobile device in Figure 1; Figure 12: shows a flow diagram of a method of receiving the physical location from the power tool in Figure 2 on the mobile device in Figure 1; Figure 13: is a flowchart of a control method of the power tool in Figure 2 transmitting an enable or disable signal to all power tools paired with a first wireless enabled power tool via a base station.
Figure 14: is a flowchart of a control method of a wireless enabled power tool battery charger transmitting an enable or disable signal to all power tools paired to the power tool battery charger.
Figure 15: shows a network arrangement of the mobile device sending an enable or disable signal via a base station to a first wireless enabled power tool that relays a disable signal to the remaining power tools in range and paired to the first power tool.
Figure 16: shows a network arrangement of the mobile device sending an enable or disable signal via a base station to a first wireless enabled power tool charger that relays a disable signal to the remaining power tools in range and paired to the power tool charger.
Figure 17: shows an alternative schematic of a power tool with an I/O capabilities such as a keyboard or biometric reader.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In general terms, a wireless controlled APP platform may authenticate users and enable tools to operate in normal mode of operation following successful user authentication/validation. Wireless communication devices/circuits may be embedded in the tools, and furthermore APP platform software for authenticating and validating the user is installed on a mobile device. Wireless communication circuits may be embedded in the tool for sending and receiving authentication and control signals such as to enable the power tool by permitting the motor to drive the working element when it is determined that the user has permission to use the power tool, and/or disable the power tool by preventing the motor/electro mechanical component from driving the working element when it is determined that the user does not have permission to use the power tool. The power tool may be enabled or disabled by the mobile device so that the user can operate the tool in its normal mode of operation. The wireless communication circuits in the tool may be paired with the wireless mobile device eg. a mobile phone, PC or tablet. The tool APP platform may allow real-time communication in a process in which an operator transmits user authentication data via the mobile device APP for enabling/disabling the tool; and furthermore the mobile device APP may automatically receive location data and power tool identifier transmitted from the tool to the mobile APP platform identifying the tools physical location. The power tool identifier provides information relating to a particular tool such as the type, serial number and brand and physical location.
More specifically, Figure 1 -17 relate to the embodiments of the present invention, an APP platform system and wireless communication circuits are added to a power tool (Figure 2) the wireless controlled APP platform on the mobile device (Figure 1) allows a user to authenticate via the APP platform on the mobile device (Figure 1) by entering authentication data which is transmitted to enable tools (Figure 2). The APP platform on the mobile device (Figure 1) also receives location information transmitted from the wireless communication devices embedded on the tool (Figure 2). The real-time location will appear on the APP platform on the mobile device (Figure 1).
Referring to Figure 1, a mobile device 100 comprises a processor 102 and memory 104. The processor 102 is configured to control the mobile device 100 and execute processing operations. As referred to herein, a processor may include one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. The processor may also include one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. In one or more embodiments, a processor is configured to execute instructions for performing the operations and steps discussed herein.
The memory 104 may include a computer readable medium, which term may refer to a single medium or multiple media configured to carry computer-executable instructions and/or have data structures stored thereon. Thus, the term "computer-readable storage medium" may also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the present disclosure. The term "computer-readable storage medium" may accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical media and magnetic media. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory devices (e.g., solid state memory devices).
Computer-executable instructions may include, for example, a mobile operating system 106 such as an Android or i0S, and applications 108 run by the mobile operating system 106. In figure 1 these are shown as being executed by the processor 102. Examples of data structures stored in the memory 104 include user identifiers and data associated with the applications 108.
The mobile device 100 also includes at least one wireless communication device. As shown in figure 1, the mobile device 100 includes a short-range wireless communication device 110 and a long-range wireless communication device 112 Although there is no detailed classification for short-range wireless communication, it generally refers to communication distances on the level of wireless personal area networks (WPANs) and wireless local area networks (WLANs). Some examples of a short-range wireless communications includes Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), ZigBee, and Wi-Fi. On the other hand, examples of long-range wireless communications include cellular wireless technologies such 4G, 5G, Wimax, and LTE.
The mobile device 100 also includes an output device such a display 114. The display 114 may also serve as an input device (i.e., a touchscreen). Alternatively, a separate input device in the form of a keyboard 116 may be provided. The mobile device 100 may also include a biometric device 118.
A power source 120, such as a battery, provides sufficient power to operate the various components of the mobile device 100 described above.
The mobile device 100 may "pair" with a power tool (described subsequently). This generally refers to wirelessly and communicatively coupling to the mobile device 100 to the power tool. This wireless communication between the computing device and the peripheral devices may be accomplished using the short-range wireless communication device 110. However, the pairing may be established via the long-range wireless communication device 112. The wireless coupling of the power tool to the mobile device may be accomplished by broadcasting a communication request from the mobile device to the power tool and allowing the power tool to be coupled to the mobile device via, for example, a user selecting an option to allow the power tool to be communicatively coupled to the mobile device (or vice versa with the power tool broadcasting the communication request). In some examples, once "paired" (connected) the power tool remains connected to the mobile device until the connection is deliberately severed.
The location determining means are used to determine the location of the power tool by providing location information that is indicative of the determined location of the power tool and includes a tracking unit 122 of power tool 100 having one or more antennas for communication with a satellite, cellular network antenna, wireless router, and/or other wireless communication networks and devices. The tracking unit 122 utilises a Global Positioning System/GPS that works via a technique called trilateration that is used to calculate location, velocity and elevation. Trilaterafion collects signals from satellites to output location information of the power tool 100. In other embodiments an AirTag can be used to determine location of the power tool 100 by transmitting a Bluetooth signal that is detected by nearby devices that send location determining information to a wireless device connected to a network of wireless devices.
Referring to Figure 2 Power tool 210 comprises a control system 212 which allows a user to control one or more functions of the power tool. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the control system is configured to connect to a source of electrical power 214 to start and stop an electo mechanical component such as electrically-driven motor 216 which drives a working element 218 like a cutting tool or moves a chuck to rotate a drill piece located in the chuck to drill holes. The electrical power source is typically provided by electrical wiring connecting the power tool to a local source of power, indicated at 214, such as an electric utility, an electric generator, a battery, or any other power source. The motor may be any of the well-known types of motors suitable for use in a power tool including, induction motors, universal motors, DC motors, brushless motors, or any other electro mechanical component. An electro mechanical component is one that uses an electrical signal i.e. electrical power/voltage/current to cause mechanical movement such as a motor. The working element cutting tool may be any of the well-known components adapted for cutting material such as blades, bits, shapers, etc. Control systems for power tools may be as simple as an ON/OFF switch to connect and disconnect electrical power to the motor. The switch can be in any of a number of forms including buttons, levers, triggers, etc. Alternatively, the control system may be configured to allow the user to control other functions such as motor speed, cutter speed, motor direction, torque, etc. Where multiple functions are controllable through the control system, the power tool may include multiple components such as buttons, knobs, switches, keypads, keyboards, etc. with which the user can operate the power tool. Control systems may include one or more electrical circuits to sense, monitor and or control the various conditions and functions of the power tool. In some embodiments, the control system may include one or more processors that are programmed with software or code to manage and/or assist in the operation and control of the power tool.
According to one embodiment, control circuit 222 includes at least one electrical switch 224 which is adapted to transfer or conduct electrical power to motor 216. The control circuit may be configured to conduct electrical power from the electrical power source to the motor. Alternatively, the control circuit may change or condition the electrical power as suitable prior to conducting it to motor 216. In any case, the control circuit is configured to open and close switch 224 in response to authentication signals received via wireless circuit 228. Alternatively, the control circuit will enable the power tool by permitting the electro mechanical component/motor to drive the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool in response to authentication signals received via wireless circuit 228. Alternatively, the control circuit will disable the power tool by preventing the electro mechanical component/motor from driving the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is not associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool in response to authentication signals received via wireless circuit 228 The working principle of the invention is that the wireless devices/circuits are added to tool (Figure 2) and the APP Platform software for sending and receiving authentication data to tool (Figure 2) is installed on the mobile device (Figure 1). The wireless circuits in tool (Figure 2) receive control signals from the APP platform to enable the device to operate normally.
Figure 3 is a flowchart of a control method of the mobile device (Figure 1) which illustrates the user entering the authentication information via the mobile device (Figure 1) and the authentication information is verified to match that stored in memory( locally or on a secure server) if the user authentication matches a transmit enable signal is sent from the mobile device (Figure 1) to the power tool (Figure 2).
Figure 4 is a flowchart of a control method of the power tool (Figure 2) receiving the enable signal and enabling the tool to operate in normal operation otherwise the tool will remain disabled.
Figure 5 is a flowchart of a control method of the mobile device (Figure 1) which illustrates the user entering the authentication information via the mobile device (Figure 1) and the authentication information is verified to match that stored in memory (locally or on a secure server) if the user authentication matches a transmit enable signal is sent from the mobile device (Figure 1) to the power tool (Figure 2). In the condition a user is unable to authenticate via the mobile device in (Figure 1) an override signal can be sent via a mobile device to the tool (Figure 2) to enable the tool to function as normal.
Figure 6 is a flowchart of a control method of the power tool (Figure 2) receiving the enable signal and enabling the tool to operate in normal operation otherwise the tool will remain disabled. In the condition a user is unable to authenticate via the mobile device in (Figure 1) an override signal can be received to the tool (Figure 2) to enable the tool to function as normal.
Figure 7 shows an alternative schematic of a mobile device.
Figure 8 shows an alternative schematic of a power tool.
Figure 9 is a flowchart of a control method of the mobile device (Figure 1) which illustrates the user transmitting authentication information directly to the power tool (Figure 2).
Figure 10 is a flowchart of a control method of the power tool (Figure 2) receiving the authentication information and processing the information such that the tool will be enabled or remain disabled depending on the authentication information received by the tool (Figure 2).
Figure 11 is a flowchart of a control method of the tool (Figure 1) transmitting physical location information directly to the mobile device (Figure 1).
Figure 12 is a flowchart of a control method of the mobile device (Figure 1) receiving physical location information and updating the location information.
Figure 13 is a flowchart of a control method of the tool in (Figure 2) transmitting a disable signal to all tools paired with a first wireless enabled power tool via a base station..
Figure 14 is a flowchart of a control method of a wireless enabled power tool battery charger transmitting a disable signal to all tools paired to the power tool battery charger.
Figure 15: shows a network arrangement of the mobile device sending a disable signal via a base station to a first wireless enabled power tool that proceed to transmit a disable signal to the remaining power tools in range and paired to the first power tool.
Figure 16: shows a network arrangement of the mobile device sending a disable signal via a base station to a first wireless enabled power tool charger that proceed to transmit a disable signal to the remaining power tools in range and paired to the power tool charger.
Figure 17: shows an alternative schematic of a power tool with an I/O capabilities such as a keyboard or biometric reader that allows the authentication to take place via the I/O device bypassing the need for the mobile device to send the authentication signal to cover instances where there is no wireless device present and an authenticated user can still use enable the tool to operate.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above-described exemplary embodiments and that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and is therefore intended to be within the scope of the claims and all changes which come within the scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
In addition, it should be understood that while this specification is to be described in terms of embodiments, not every embodiment includes only one independent technical solution, the description of which is merely for the sake of clarity, and that one skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in the embodiments may also be suitably combined to form other embodiments which will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims (24)
- CLAIMS1. A power tool, comprising: a working element that is driven by an electro mechanical component; one or more wireless communication devices; a processor and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a user identifier from a paired mobile device via the one or more wireless communication devices, compare the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, determine that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool when the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory, enable the power tool by permitting the electro mechanical component to drive the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool, and/or disable the power tool by preventing the electro mechanical component from driving the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is not associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool.
- 2. The power tool of claim 1, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices comprise a short-range wireless communication device, and the user identifier is received via the short-range wireless communication device.
- 3. The power tool of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive an override signal via the wireless communication device, wherein the override signal is configured to instruct the processor to enable the power tool even when it is determined that the user does not have permission to use the power tool.
- 4. The power tool of claim 3, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices comprise a long-range wireless communication device, and the override signal is received via the long-range wireless communication device.
- 5. A mobile device, comprising: an input device; a wireless communication device; a processor and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a user identifier via the input device, and transmit the user identifier to a paired power tool via the one or more wireless communication devices.
- 6. The mobile device according to claim 5, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices comprise a short-range wireless communication device, and the user identifier is transmitted via the short-range wireless communication device.
- 7. The mobile device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the user identifier is a biometric identifier.
- 8. A power tool, comprising: a working element that is driven by a by an electro mechanical component; one or more wireless communication devices; a processor and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a signal from a paired mobile device via the one or more wireless communication devices, wherein the signal is configured to instruct the processor to enable or disable the power tool, enable the power tool by permitting the electro mechanical component to drive the working element when the signal is received from the mobile device, and/or disable the power tool by preventing the electro mechanical component from driving the working element when the signal has not been received from the mobile device.
- 9. The power tool of claim 8, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices comprise a short-range wireless communication device, and the signal is received via the short-range wireless communication device.
- 10. The power tool of claim 8 or 9, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive an override signal via the one or more wireless communication devices, wherein the override signal is configured to instruct the processor to enable the power tool even when the signal has not been received from the mobile device.
- 11. The power tool of claim 10, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices comprise a long-range wireless communication device, and the override signal is received via the long-range wireless communication device.
- 12. The power tool of claim 8, further comprising an input device configured to receive a user identifier, wherein the processor is further configured to compare the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, and enable the power tool when it is determined that the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory.
- 13. The power tool of claim 8, further comprising location determining means to determine the location of the power tool, wherein the processor is further configured to send location information indicative of a physical location of the power tool to a paired mobile device.
- 14. A mobile device, comprising: an input device; one or more wireless communication devices; a processor and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a user identifier via the input device, compare the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, determine that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool when the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory, and transmit a signal to the paired power tool via the one or more wireless communication devices when it is determined that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool, wherein the signal is configured to enable the power tool.
- 15. A method performed by a power tool having a working element that is driven by a electro mechanical component, one or more wireless communication devices, a processor, and memory, the method comprising: receiving a user identifier from a paired mobile device via the one or more wireless communication devices, comparing the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, determining that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool when the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory, permitting the electro mechanical component to drive the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool, and/or preventing the electro mechanical component from driving the working element when it is determined that the received user identifier is not associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool.
- 16. A method performed by a mobile device having an input device, one or more wireless communication devices, a processor, and memory, the method comprising: receiving a user identifier via the input device, and transmitting the user identifier to a paired power tool via the one or more wireless communication devices.
- 17. A method performed by a power tool having a working element that is driven by a electro mechanical component, one or more wireless communication devices, a processor, and memory, the method comprising: receiving a signal from a paired mobile device via the one or more wireless communication devices, wherein the signal is configured to instruct the processor to enable the power tool, permitting the electro mechanical component to drive the working element when the signal is received from the mobile device, and preventing the electro mechanical component from driving the working element when the signal has not been received from the mobile device.
- 18. A method performed by a mobile device having an input device, one or more wireless communication devices, a processor, and memory, the method comprising: receiving a user identifier via the input device, comparing the received user identifier to a user identifier stored in the memory, determining that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool when the received user identifier matches the user identifier stored in the memory, and transmitting a signal to the paired power tool via the one or more wireless communication devices when it is determined that the received user identifier is associated with a user who has permission to use the power tool, wherein the signal is configured to enable the power tool.
- 19. A system, comprising: the power tool of claim 1; and the mobile device of claim 5.
- 20. A system, comprising: the power tool of claim 8; and the mobile device of claim 14.
- 21. A system, comprising: a mobile device; a power tool, comprising a working element that is driven by an electro mechanical component, and a battery that supplies power to the electro mechanical component; and a charger configured to be connected to the battery of the power tool, wherein the charger includes one or more wireless communication devices configured to receive a signal originating at the mobile device using a long-range wireless communication protocol, and to relay the signal to one or more power tools that are paired with the charger using a short-range wireless communication protocol, wherein the signal is configured to enable and/or disable operation of the one or more power tools.
- 22. The system according to claim 19, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices of the power tool are configured to transmit a signal to one or more other power tools that are paired with the power tool using a short-range wireless communication protocol, wherein the signal is configured to enable or disable operation of the one or more other power tools.
- 23. The system according to claim 20, wherein the one or more wireless communication devices of the power tool are configured to relay the signal to one or more other power tools that are paired with the power tool using a short-range wireless communication protocol
- 24. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of claim 15, 16, 17 or 18.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2205236.9A GB2617406A (en) | 2022-04-10 | 2022-04-10 | User authentication to operate a power tool |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2205236.9A GB2617406A (en) | 2022-04-10 | 2022-04-10 | User authentication to operate a power tool |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB202205236D0 GB202205236D0 (en) | 2022-05-25 |
| GB2617406A true GB2617406A (en) | 2023-10-11 |
Family
ID=81653176
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2205236.9A Pending GB2617406A (en) | 2022-04-10 | 2022-04-10 | User authentication to operate a power tool |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2617406A (en) |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
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| GB202205236D0 (en) | 2022-05-25 |
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