TW201816668A - Passive RFID door lock - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic or non-electronic lockset with a passive RFID tag operating methods and system is described herein. The passive RFID tag is affixed to or near the lockset. Using an application on a mobile device, a user can leverage the mobile device to enable features such as user notifications, home automation control, and home security control. A visitor to a home uses an application on their mobile device to scan the passive RFID to gain entry to a home through verification by a remote homeowner.

Description

Passive radio frequency identification door lock

The present invention is directed to a locking device; in particular, the present invention relates to an electronic locking device that can be operated with a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached thereto.

Locking and security systems are widely used in the residential and commercial markets. The lockout and security system controls access to the security area (such as a building or other security space) through the door by requiring specific authorized credentials. Existing security systems may include electronic locks that control the mechanical locking assembly, such as the movement of a deadbolt between its extended and retracted positions. Existing security systems that include RFID solutions in the form of radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag readers are not incorporated into passive RFID tag solutions.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a system including a lock for use with a mobile device. The system includes a locking device, a passive radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag, and a mobile device. The locking device is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The passive RFID tag is attached to one of the housings of the locking device. The mobile device includes a reader and is configured to scan the passive RFID tag, automatically transmit one or more notifications, and update a cloud service. According to another aspect, the present invention provides a system having a locking device, a passive radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag, and a mobile device. The locking device is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The passive RFID tag is attached to one of the housings of the locking device. The mobile device includes a reader and is configured to scan the passive RFID tag and issue one or more commands to a home automation controller.

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the present disclosure. The drawings and the description herein are provided to illustrate the aspects of the present invention, and the invention may be omitted, and other aspects found in typical devices, systems, and methods are omitted for clarity. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements and/or operations may be desired and/or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Because such elements and operations are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, one of these elements and operations may not be discussed herein. However, the present invention is to be considered as being inclusive of all such elements, variations and modifications of the embodiments described. In the description of the "invention", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", and the like, the described embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment This particular feature, structure, or characteristic may or may not be included. Furthermore, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that the skilled artisan skilled in the art will be able to carry out this feature, structure, or feature in combination with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. In addition, it should be understood that items included in a list in the form of "at least one A, B and C" may mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C) ; (B and C); or (A, B and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of "at least one of A, B or C" may mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B And C); or (A, B and C). In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in a particular configuration and/or order. However, it should be understood that such specific configurations and/or rankings may not be required. In fact, in some embodiments, such features may be configured in a manner and/or order that is different than shown in the illustrative drawings. In addition, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not intended to suggest that this feature is required in all embodiments, and in some embodiments this feature may not be included or may be combined with other features. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a door lock (electronic or non-electronic) that incorporates a passive RFID tag. The door lock provides the advantage of not having to use an RFID tag that incorporates an RFID tag reader. For example, a passive RFID tag can utilize a user's mobile device (such as a smart phone), a configurable application ("app"), and the Internet (or "cloud"). Passive RFID tags can be in the form of stickers, printed circuit boards ("PCB") or other configurations. Embodiments are contemplated in which the computing processing capabilities of a user's device can be utilized to implement features that would otherwise be unavailable in the case of more advanced wireless electronic devices without the entry lock. The term "door lock" is intended to be interpreted broadly to encompass any hardware associated with a door, including but not limited to a lock, a door handle, a door handle, a hinge, and the like. In some embodiments, the passive RFID tag can be mounted on a door that is separate from the door lock (such as in a nearby location). FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system configuration 100 for at least one exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated example, the system includes a cloud server 102, a home automation controller (HAC) 104, a user device 106, a tag 110, and a lock 108. The cloud server 102 can further include or be part of a network such as a regional network, a wide area network, the Internet, or the like. The HAC 104 can be a home security system or an automated system (wired or wirelessly) connected to one of the other devices surrounding the residence associated with the lock 108. The HAC 104 can control the lock 108 and/or other devices (not shown). Such devices may include, but are not limited to, lights, entertainment devices, kitchen appliances, and the like. User device 106 can be a portable user device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, tablet or the like. 2 shows an exemplary lock 200 (electronic or non-electronic) mounted to a door 202. In the illustrated example, the lock 200 includes an inner assembly 204 having a battery holder 206, a torsion member 208, a latch 210, a latch plate 212, a user input 214, and an outer assembly 216. , a mechanical locking assembly 218 and a key 220. The external assembly 216 can further include a passive RFID tag or the like in the form of a sticker. In some cases, credentials and/or commands may be provided wirelessly to the lock 200, such as US Pre-Provisional Publication No. 2014/0250956 and "March 10, 2014" filed as "Electronic Deadbolt" on February 25, 2014. U.S. Patent No. 9,024,759, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 3 is a simplified flow diagram showing one of an exemplary notification procedure using a software application on user device 106 to use a door. A user of the device can initiate the program via the software application. In this example, method 300 begins at block 302 where a user scans a passive RFID tag attached to or in close proximity to the door lock. At decision block 304, the software application determines if the tag is recognized. If "No", the program ends. If YES, the method moves to block 306 and the notification is automatically sent. The notifications sent include, but are not limited to, SMS text messages, emails, or the like. Notifications can also include social network status updates, such as one of the "tweets" on Twitter® or one status update on Facebook®. The update can be a status update or the like such as "Finally home!". The notification to be sent can be pre-configured by the device user via a software application or the like. The program then moves to block 308 and a lock label scan can be notified to a cloud service (i.e., cloud 102 of FIG. 1). A cloud service can be configured to track scanned locks and other information (such as time scanned, check trace information updates, etc.). Even further, the cloud service can trigger and/or issue other commands (such as one of the commands to a home automation controller (ie, HAC 104 of Figure 1)). The door usage notifier is then considered complete and the program ends. 4 is a simplified flow diagram showing one example of an exemplary home automation trigger based on the use of a software application on the user device 106. A user of the device can initiate the program via the software application. In this example, method 400 begins at block 402 where a user scans a passive RFID tag attached to or in close proximity to the door lock. At decision block 404, the software application determines if the tag is recognized. If "No", the program ends. If "yes", the method moves to block 406 and the command is fired, issued, or triggered. Commands may be issued to the home automation controller (ie, HAC 104 of FIG. 1) via the user device or cloud service 102. The issued commands may include, but are not limited to, deactivating the burglar alarm, setting the home automation scene to "night" and/or opening or starting one of the appliances in the home (such as a coffee maker to brew a pot of coffee). These non-limiting examples are considered to be examples of a number of different commands that can be issued to a home automation controller, as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the different capabilities of home automation controllers used today and in the future. The home automation trigger is then considered complete and the program ends. 5 is a simplified flow diagram showing one exemplary home automation door unlocking procedure based on the use of a software application on a user device 106 by a visitor. A user of the device can initiate the program via the software application. In this example, method 500 begins at block 502 where a user scans a passive RFID tag attached to or in close proximity to the door lock. At block 504, a command is issued to the cloud service by the software application. At decision block 506, the cloud service determines if the account of a homeowner is linked to the scanned RFID tag. If "No", the program ends. If "yes", the program moves to block 508 and sends a message to the homeowner. The message indicates that a visitor is present at the door. Messages can be sent via text message, email or similar. The message may include information identifying the visitor and the homeowner issues verification information. At decision block 510, if a user does not authenticate the visitor and does not authorize access or unlock the door, then "NO" and the process ends. If the user authenticates and therefore decision block 510 is "YES", then the program moves to block 512 and the door is unlocked via the home automation controller 104. The homeowner can send the verification via a return message, such as via a text message, email or the like. The unlock message may be sent via the cloud service 102 and may include further commands, such as deactivating an anti-theft alarm or the like. At block 514, the visitor can scan the lock tag as it leaves the premises. At block 516, the command can be triggered via the software application. Commands include, but are not limited to, relocking the door, re-enabling the alarm system, and/or transmitting a verification message to the homeowner. The home automation door unlocking program is then considered complete and the program ends. Referring now to Figure 6, a simplified block diagram of one exemplary computing environment 600 of an apparatus 106 in which a door lock application is implemented is shown. The illustrative embodiment 600 includes a device 106 that can communicate with one or more other computing systems or devices 626 via one or more networks 102. As shown, device 106 includes storage medium 610. The illustrative device 106 includes at least one processor 602 (e.g., a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, etc.), memory 604, and an input/output (I/O) subsystem 606. Although not specifically shown, it should be understood that I/O subsystem 606 can include, inter alia, an I/O controller, a memory controller, and one or more I/O ports. Processor 602 and I/O subsystem 606 are communicatively coupled to memory 604. Memory 604 can be embodied as any type of suitable computer memory device (e.g., volatile memory, such as various forms of random access memory). The I/O subsystem 606 is communicatively coupled to a plurality of components, including one or more user input devices 608 (eg, a touch screen, keyboard, virtual keypad, microphone, etc.), including one of the software applications 612 or A plurality of storage media 610, one or more output devices 614 (eg, speakers, LEDs, etc.), one or more sensing devices 616, 618, 620, one or more cameras, or other sensor applications 622 (eg, , software-based sensing control) and one or more network interfaces 624. Storage medium 610 may include one or more hard disk drives or other suitable data storage devices (eg, flash memory, memory cards, memory sticks, and/or the like). In some embodiments, portions of system software (eg, an operating system, etc.), framework/intermediate software (eg, API, destination library, etc.) can be stored in storage medium 610. Portions of the system software or framework/intermediate software may be copied to memory 604 during operation of computing device 106 for faster processing or for other reasons. One or more network interfaces 624 can communicatively couple computing device 106 to a network (eg, such as a regional network, a wide area network, a personal cloud, an enterprise cloud, a public cloud, and/or the Internet). Thus, network interface 624 can include, for example, one or more wired or wireless network interface cards or adapters as required in accordance with the specifications and/or design of a particular computing system 600. The network interface 624 can provide short range wireless or optical communication capabilities using, for example, near field communication (NFC), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared (IR), or other suitable technology. In addition, wireless communication can use the Zigbee or Z-Wave protocol. The (several) other computing system 626 can be embodied as any suitable type of computing system or device, such as any of the foregoing types of devices or other electronic devices or systems. For example, in some embodiments, other computing system 626 can include one or more server computers for storing portions of data stored in storage medium 610. Moreover, computing device 626 can further include an application 628 for providing an embodiment for displaying the stated invention to one of a user. Computing system 600 can include other components, sub-assemblies, and devices that are not depicted in FIG. 6 for clarity of description. In general, components of computing system 600 are communicatively coupled by electronic signal paths as shown in FIG. 6, which may be embodied as any type of wired or wireless capable of facilitating communication between respective devices and components. Signal path. EXAMPLES An illustrative example of a passive RFID lock disclosed herein is provided below. One embodiment of a passive RFID lock can include any one or more of any of the examples described below, as well as any combination. Example 1 is a system that includes a lock that is used in conjunction with a mobile device. The system includes a network, a locking device, a passive radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag, and a mobile device. The locking device is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The passive RFID tag is attached to one of the housings of the locking device. The mobile device includes a reader and is configured to scan the passive RFID tag, automatically transmit one or more notifications, and update a cloud service. In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured to include a home automation device communicatively coupled to the mobile device and configured to perform one or more based on receiving a message from the mobile device action. In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured to automatically transmit the one or more notifications in response to recognizing the passive RFID tag by a software application of the mobile device. In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 is further configured such that the one or more notifications comprise a text message or an email. In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 3 is further configured such that the one or more notifications include a social network status update. In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 1 was further configured such that the cloud service tracked the scan time. In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 1 was further configured such that the cloud service tracked the trace information. In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured such that the cloud service issues one or more additional commands based on the lock scan. In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 is further configured such that the one or more additional commands include a command issued to a home automation controller. In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 1 was further configured such that the reader was a near field communication (NFC) reader. Example 11 is a system that includes a lock that is used in conjunction with a mobile device. The system includes a network, a locking device, a passive radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag, and a mobile device. The locking device is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The passive RFID tag is attached to one of the housings of the locking device. The mobile device includes a reader and is configured to scan the passive RFID tag and issue one or more commands to a home automation controller. In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 is further configured to issue the one or more commands via a cloud service. In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 11 is further configured such that the one or more commands cause one or more appliances to perform one or more operations. In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configured such that the one or more appliances are communicatively coupled to the home automation controller. In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 11 was further configured such that the reader was a near field communication (NFC) reader. Example 16 is a system that includes a lock that is used in conjunction with a mobile device. The system includes a network, a locking device, a passive radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag, and a mobile device. The locking device is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The passive RFID tag is attached to one of the housings of the locking device. The mobile device includes a reader and is configured to scan the passive RFID tag and transmit a command to a cloud service. Responding to receiving a verification from the owner of the locking device via the cloud service to unlock the locking device. In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 is further configured such that the verification is authorized by one of the users of the mobile device. In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 16 is further configured such that the locking device is locked and transmits a notification to the owner in response to subsequent scanning of one of the passive RFID tags by the mobile device. In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 16 was further configured to receive the verification via a text message. In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 16 was further configured such that the reader was a near field communication (NFC) reader.

100‧‧‧System configuration

102‧‧‧Cloud Server/Cloud Service/Network

104‧‧‧Home Automation Controller

106‧‧‧User device/computing device

108‧‧‧Lock

110‧‧‧ label

200‧‧‧ lock

202‧‧‧

204‧‧‧Internal assembly

206‧‧‧Battery Holder

208‧‧‧Twist parts

210‧‧‧Latch

212‧‧‧Lock plate

214‧‧‧User input

216‧‧‧External assembly

218‧‧‧ mechanical locking assembly

220‧‧‧ key

300‧‧‧ method

302‧‧‧ squares

304‧‧‧ Decision Block

306‧‧‧ squares

308‧‧‧ squares

400‧‧‧ method

402‧‧‧ square

404‧‧‧ Decision Block

406‧‧‧ square

500‧‧‧ method

502‧‧‧ square

504‧‧‧

506‧‧‧ Decision Block

508‧‧‧ square

510‧‧‧ Decision Block

512‧‧‧ squares

514‧‧‧ squares

516‧‧‧ squares

600‧‧‧ computing environment

602‧‧‧ processor

604‧‧‧ memory

606‧‧‧Input/Output (I/O) Subsystem

608‧‧‧User input device

610‧‧‧Storage media

612‧‧‧Software application

614‧‧‧ Output device

616‧‧‧Sensing device

618‧‧‧Sensing device

620‧‧‧Sensor

622‧‧‧Sensor app

624‧‧‧Internet interface

626‧‧‧ computing system

628‧‧‧Application

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary system for operating a lock hardware in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the present invention. One of the electronic locks and a side view of the corresponding hardware, the electronic lock and the corresponding hardware are mounted on a door and the door is shown in dashed lines; FIG. 3 is one of the exemplary methods of at least one embodiment of the present invention Figure 4 is a flow chart of one exemplary method of at least one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a flow chart of one exemplary method of at least one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a combination One of the exemplary computing environments of one of the at least one embodiment of the lock assembly of FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram.

Claims (20)

A system comprising: a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; a passive radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag attached to one of the housings of the locking device; A mobile device of the reader configured to: scan the passive RFID tag; automatically transmit one or more notifications; and update a cloud service. The system of claim 1, further comprising a home automation device communicatively coupled to the mobile device and configured to perform one or more actions based on receiving a message from the mobile device. A system of claim 1, wherein the one or more notifications are automatically transmitted in response to recognizing the passive RFID tag by a software application of the mobile device. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more notifications comprise a text message and/or an email. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more notifications comprise a social network status update. The system of claim 1, wherein the cloud service tracks the scan time. The system of claim 1, wherein the cloud service tracks the trace information. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cloud service issues one or more additional commands based on the scan of the RFID tag. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more additional commands comprise a command issued to a home automation controller. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reader is a near field communication (NFC) reader. A system comprising: a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; a passive radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag attached to one of the housings of the locking device; A mobile device of the reader, the mobile device configured to: scan the passive RFID tag; issue one or more commands to a home automation controller. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more commands are issued via a cloud service. A system of claim 11, wherein the one or more commands cause one or more appliances to perform one or more operations. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more appliances are communicatively coupled to the home automation controller. The system of claim 11, wherein the reader is a near field communication (NFC) reader. A system comprising: a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; a passive radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag attached to one of the housings of the locking device; a mobile device of the reader, the mobile device configured to: scan the passive RFID tag; and transmit a command to a cloud service; wherein the unlocking is performed in response to receiving a verification from the owner of the locking device via the cloud service The locking device. The system of claim 16, wherein the verification is authorized by one of the users of the mobile device. A system of claim 16, wherein the locking device is locked and transmits a notification to the owner in response to subsequent scanning of one of the passive RFID tags by the mobile device. The system of claim 16, wherein the verification is received via a text message. The system of claim 16, wherein the reader is a near field communication (NFC) reader.