Vending machines with field-programmable locks

• US 20030234719A1
• Filed: 12/26/2002
• Published: 12/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/27/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Micro Enhanced Technology Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Micro Enhanced Technology Incorporated
• Inventors: Denison, William D., Silvers, Bradley S., Brownfield, Lawrence D.
• Granted Patent: US 6,900,720 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.23
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00388 code verification carried out according to the challenge/response method
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00412 the transmitted data signal being encrypted
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/005 whereby the code is a random code
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00849 programming by learning
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/04 Access control involving a hierarchy in access rights
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00817 where the code of the lock can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/62 in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 5/26 Interlocks, e.g. for locking the doors of compartments other than that to be used
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/001 Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/56 Financial cryptography, e.g. electronic payment or e-cash
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2209/80 Wireless
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3226 using a predetermined code, e.g. password, passphrase or PIN network architectures or network communication protocols for supporting authentication of entities using passwords in a packet data network H04L63/083
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3271 using challenge-response
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7079 Key rotated [e.g., Eurocylinder]

Abstract

A vending machine uses a field-programmable electronic lock that learns a key code from a corresponding electronic key. The electronic lock has a learning process activation device that is accessible only when the door of the vending machine is in the open position. Using the learning process activation device, a service person activates the electronic lock to perform a key code learning operation, in which the electronic lock receives a key code transmitted from an electronic key and stores the key code in a non-volatile memory for future access control of the vending machine. Data encryption is employed in the communications between the key and the lock to ensure the security of the communications. Customized access limitations and a list of lock IDs are programmed into the electronic key to restrict when and how it can be used to access the vending machines. Access history data of the vending machines are collected for audit purposes by uploading the data from the vending machines to an electronic key. A communication device installed in the vending machine for communicating with a home base computer allows the operation of the electronic lock to be remotely controlled for access control and auditing purposes.

Claims

1. A vending machine comprising:

a door openable to access contents of the vending machine;

an electronic lock for locking and unlocking the door of the vending machine, the electronic lock comprising a control circuit including a microcomputer, a non-volatile memory, a wireless communication interface for receiving wireless communications, and a learning mode activation device, the microcomputer being programmed to receive a learning mode activation signal from the learning mode activation device and, in response to the learning mode activation signal, receiving a first key code via the wireless communication interface, and storing the first key code in the non-volatile memory.

2. A vending machine as in claim 1, wherein the wireless communication interface receives communications over an infrared band.

3. A vending machine as in claim 2, wherein the wireless communication interface includes an infrared receiver disposed behind an item selection button on the vending machine.

4. A vending machine as in claim 3, wherein the infrared receiver is also an infrared transmitter.

5. A vending machine as in claim 1, wherein the first key code is received by the communication interface in a form of encrypted data, and the microcomputer is programmed to decrypted the received encrypted data using an encryption code stored in the non-volatile memory of the electronic lock.

6. A vending machine as in claim 1, wherein the communication interface is also for transmitting wireless communications, and wherein the microcomputer of the electronic lock is programmed to carry out a bi-directional challenge-response process using encrypted communications with an electronic key to receive a second key code from the electronic key and unlocking the door of the vending machine when the second key code matches the first key code stored in the non-volatile memory.

7. A vending machine as in claim 1, wherein the microcomputer of the electronic lock is further programmed to transmit access event data regarding access attempts directed to the electronic lock to the electronic key after a match is found between the first and second key codes.

8. A vending machine as in claim 1, wherein the vending machine further includes an electrical switch operable by a mechanical lock operable by an associated mechanical key, wherein the microcomputer of the electronic lock is further programmed to receive a trigger signal from the electrical switch when the microcomputer is set in a learning mode using the learning mode activation device and, in response to the trigger signal, enter an operation mode in which the microcomputer unlocks the door of the vending machine upon receiving a subsequent trigger signal generated by the electrical switch.

9. A vending machine as in claim 1, further including a communication device external to the electronic lock for wirelessly communicating with a control computer at a remote location, and a lock controller for controlling operation of the electronic lock in response to control commands received from the control computer via the communication device.

10. A vending machine as in claim 9, wherein the lock controller forwards data received from the electronic lock to the communication device for transmission to the control computer.

11. A vending machine as in claim 8, wherein the data received from the electronic lock include access event data regarding access attempts directed to the electronic lock of the vending machine.

12. A vending machine as in claim 1, further including a state indication device operable by the microcomputer to indicate operation status of the electronic lock.

13. A vending machine as in claim 1, wherein the microcomputer of the electronic lock is programmed to receive an encrypted transmission through the wireless communication interface, decrypt the received encrypted transmission to retrieve a second key code, compare the second key code with the first key code stored in the non-volatile memory, and unlock the door of the vending machine when the second key code matches the first key code.

14. A vending machine comprising:

a door openable for accessing contents of the vending machine; and

an electronic lock for locking the door of the vending machine, the electronic lock comprising an electronic control circuit including a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory, and a wireless communication interface for transmitting and receiving wireless communications, the microcomputer being programmed to perform a bi-directional challenge-response process with an electronic key using encrypted communications through the wireless communication interface, wherein during the challenge-response process the microcomputer receives a key code transmitted from the electronic key, compares the received key code with a key code stored in the non-volatile memory of the electronic lock, and unlocks the door of the vending machine if the received key code matches the key code stored in the non-volatile memory.

15. A vending machine as in claim 14, wherein the wireless communication interface includes an infrared transceiver for transmitting and receiving infrared signals.

16. A vending machine as in claim 14, wherein the infrared transceiver is disposed behind an item selection button on the vending machine.

17. A vending machine as in claim 14, wherein the non-volatile memory has an encryption code stored therein for use by the microcomputer in data encryption and decryption during the bi-directional challenge-response process.

18. A vending machine as in claim 14, wherein the non-volatile memory has multiple key codes stored therein.

19. A vending machine as in claim 14, wherein the microcomputer of the electronic lock is further programmed to transmit access event data regarding access attempts directed to the electronic lock to the electronic key if the received key code matches the key code stored in the non-volatile memory.

20. A vending machine as in claim 14, further including a communication device external to the electronic lock for wirelessly communicating with a control computer at a remote location, and a lock controller for controlling operation of the electronic lock in response to control commands received from the control computer via the communication device.

21. A vending machine as in claim 20, wherein the lock controller forwards data received from the electronic lock to the communication device for transmission to the control computer.

22. A vending machine as in claim 21, wherein the data received from the electronic lock include access event data regarding access attempts directed to the electronic lock of the vending machine.

23. A vending machine as in claim 14, further including a state indication device operable by the microcomputer to indicate operation status of the electronic lock.

24. An electronic key comprising:

a clock;

a microcomputer;

an infrared communication interface for transmitting and receiving communications over an infrared band;

a non-volatile memory having stored therein a key code, a power-up counter, and a clock data back-up buffer; and

an activation device connected to the microcomputer and operable for generating an activation signal for triggering the microcomputer to initiate a key code transmission operation in which the infrared communication interface is used to transmit the key code stored in the non-volatile memory,

wherein the microcomputer is programmed to perform a bi-directional challenge-response process during a key transmission operation with an electronic lock on a vending machine using encrypted communications through the infrared communication interface.

25. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the microcomputer is further programmed to increment the power-up counter each time the electronic key is powered up by insertion of a battery, determine whether the power-up counter has reached a pre-selected number, and select not to initiate a key code transmission operation in response to an activation signal from the activation device if the power-up counter has reached the pre-selected number.

26. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the microcomputer is further programmed to read clock data from the clock in response to receiving an activation signal from the activation device, and store the clock data into the clock data backup buffer in the non-volatile memory, and to reset the clock using the clock data stored in the clock data backup buffer when the electronic key is powered up by insertion of a battery.

27. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the microcomputer is further programmed to store an access event record in the non-volatile memory when the key code is transmitted in response to receiving an activation signal from the activation device, and wherein the access event record includes a flag that is set when the power-up counter is non-zero.

28. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the non-volatile memory further includes at least one operation limit register for storing an operation limit of the electronic lock, and wherein the microcomputer is programmed to terminate a key code transmission operation if the operation limit is reached.

29. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the non-volatile memory further has an encryption code stored therein, and the microcomputer is programmed to use the encryption code to encrypt communications for transmitting the key code in the bidirectional challenge-response process.

30. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the microcomputer is further programmed to receive audit data from an electronic clock on a vending machine accessible by the electronic key and storing the received audit data in the non-volatile memory of the electronic lock.

31. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the activation device is a button switch.

32. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the non-volatile memory further has a key identification number of the electronic key stored therein.

33. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the microcomputer is further programmed to continuously use the infrared communication interface to transmit the key code for a preselected period of time in response to each activation signal from the activation device.

34. An electronic key as in claim 24, wherein the infrared communication interface includes an infrared transceiver having a transmission pattern with a transmission angle and a transmission power range set such that an effective width of the transmission pattern at the transmission power range is substantially identical or less than a width of the vending machine.

35. A combination of a vending machine with an electronic lock mounted therein and an electronic key for accessing the electronic lock, the electronic key having a wireless transmitter and being programmed to use the wireless transmitter to transmit a key code to the electronic lock on the vending machine, the wireless transmitter having a transmission pattern with a transmission angle and a transmission power range set such that an effective width of the transmission pattern at the transmission power range is substantially identical or less than a width of the vending machine.

36. A combination as in claim 35, wherein the transmitter is an infrared transmitter.

37. A combination as in claim 36, wherein the transmitter is also an infrared receiver.

38. A combination as in claim 36, wherein the vending machine has at least one item selection button, and the electronic lock has an infrared receiver disposed behind the item selection button for receiving infrared transmission from the transmitter of the electronic key.

39. A combination as in claim 38, wherein the infrared receiver of the electronic lock and the infrared transmitter of the electronic key are both transceivers, and wherein the electronic lock and electronic key are programmed to perform a bi-directional challenge-response process in which the key code of the electronic key is transmitted to the electronic lock.

40. An electronic security system for vending machines, comprising:

a home base computer;

an electronic lock accessible using an associated electronic key, a communication device for communication with the home base computer, and a lock controller in each of the vending machines, the electronic lock controlling access to a door of said each vending machine, the lock controller being connected to the electronic lock for controlling operation of the electronic lock in response to commands received from the home base computer through the communication device.

41. An electronic security system as in claim 40, wherein the communication device in said each vending machine communicates wirelessly with the home base computer.

42. An electronic security system as in claim 40, wherein the communication device in said each vending machine communicates wirelessly with the home base computer over a RF band.

43. An electronic security system as in claim 40, wherein the electronic lock in said each vending machine is further programmed to perform, during the key transmission operation, a bidirectional challenge-response process with the associated electronic key using encrypted communications, the challenge-response process including receiving a key code from the electronic key and comparing the received key code with a key code stored in the electronic lock.

44. An electronic security system as in claim 43, wherein the electronic lock in said each vending machine is further programmed to send data concerning access attempts directed to the electronic lock through the communication device to the home base computer.