Universal hands free key and lock system and method

• US 20060164208A1
• Filed: 01/14/2005
• Published: 07/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Secureall Corporation
• Original Assignee: Secureall Corporation
• Inventors: Hill, Robert J., Gall, Jay K., Schaffzin, Richard A., Schaffzin, Jeffrey D., Candee, David A., Massa, John A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,446,644 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.640
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/101 Bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/105 Radio frequency identification data [RFID]
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/64 using a proximity sensor
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/181 due to failing power supply

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for a universal key that enables a user to have access to any type of secured portal, both physical and electronic, in a wireless, hands-free, distance-independent manner without requiring contact or line of sight access between the key and the secured portal. The universal key is not distance-dependent, and each secured portal can be provided with its own prescribed activation range, if desired. Some portals may be provided with long range activation, such as 50 feet, while other portals may be provided with short range activation of a few feet or less. The type of portal being secured and the range of activation may be selected by the user and is not limited by the universal key. In addition, the universal key will provide access to the secured portals in a hands-free fashion so that the user need not push any buttons or take any other action in order to obtain access to the portal. The user need only carry the universal key somewhere on their person in order to access the portal.

Claims

1. An access control system, comprising:

a key unit comprising an antenna and a transmitter configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal over the antenna, the RF signal containing an identification (ID) code identifying the key unit;

a plurality of lock units, each lock unit comprising;

an antenna for receiving the RF signal from the key unit; and

a reader coupled to the antenna for receiving the RF signal from the key unit, identifying the ID code contained in the RF signal, comparing the received ID code with a list of one or more authorized ID codes, and if the received ID code is included in the list of authorized ID codes, granting access to a secured resource;

wherein a first lock unit has a first activation range and a second lock unit has a second activation range different from the first activation range.

2. The access control system of claim 1, wherein each lock unit is adapted to receive the RF signal from the key unit without line-of-sight access.

3. The access control system of claim 1, wherein each lock unit has an activation range for receiving the RF signal greater than 10 cm.

4. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the first lock unit provides access to a first type of portal and the second lock unit provides access to a second type of portal different from the first type of portal.

5. The access control system of claim 1, wherein each lock unit is adapted to receive the RF signal from the key unit without line-of-sight access.

6. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said granting access to the secured resource comprises instructing an actuator to unlock a mechanical locking mechanism.

7. The access control system of claim 6, wherein said mechanical locking mechanism comprises a dead bolt, a lever latch, or a padlock.

8. The access control system of claim 6, wherein said mechanical locking mechanism comprises a lock on a physical portal.

9. The access control system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the lock units further comprises an alignment sensor and the reader is configured to automatically close the lock on the portal after the alignment sensor senses that the portal has been closed and the key unit is beyond activation range.

10. The access control system of claim 8, wherein said mechanical locking mechanism enables manual unlocking of the mechanical locking mechanism from the interior side of the portal.

11. The access control system of claim 8, wherein said mechanical locking mechanism unlocks the lock unit after receipt of an authorized ID code from the key unit positioned on an exterior side of the portal.

12. The access control system of claim 8, wherein said mechanical locking mechanism comprises a lever latch and a locking pin for locking the lever latch, said locking pin being actuated by a solenoid after the portal is closed and an alignment sensor indicates that the lever latch is properly seated.

13. The access control system of claim 8, wherein said mechanical locking mechanism comprises an override button for disabling the reader.

14. The access control system of claim 8, wherein said mechanical locking mechanism comprises a keyhole for receiving a physical key to unlock the lock unit.

15. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the antenna of the key unit has a meandering shape.

16. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said granting access to the secured resource comprises granting access to an electronic system.

17. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said key unit transmits the ID code on a periodic basis.

18. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said key unit comprises a motion detector, said key unit having a sleep mode during which the key unit does not transmit the ID code and an active mode during which the key unit transmits the ID code on a periodic basis, wherein the key unit enters the sleep mode when no motion is detected for a predetermined period of time and the key unit enters the active mode when motion is detected.

19. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the key unit further comprises an on/off switch.

20. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the key unit further comprises a battery and a visual or audible battery indicator for indicating a status of the battery.

21. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said key unit further comprises a battery and an on/off switch, said on/off switch configured to disengage the battery when in an off state and connect the battery when in an on state.

22. The access control system of claim 21, wherein the on/off switch comprises a rotatable battery compartment cover such that the on/off switch is in the off state when the battery compartment cover is partially rotated and is in the on state when the battery compartment cover is fully rotated.

23. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the key unit further comprises a battery and an on/off switch, said on/off switch comprising a reed-relay and a positionable magnet.

24. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said key unit comprises:

a primary battery for powering the transmitter to transmit the RF signal; and

a secondary battery for powering an alarm configured to activate when the primary battery reaches a predetermined minimum charge.

25. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said key unit is enclosed within a metal housing, wherein said antenna is provided on an exterior of the metal housing.

26. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the key unit further comprises a receiver and at least one of the lock units includes a reader having a transmitter.

27. The access control system of claim 26, wherein the transmitter is configured to encrypt the ID code in the transmitted RF signal.

28. The access control system of claim 26, wherein:

at least one of the lock units is configured to transmit an interrogation signal; and

the key unit has a sleep mode during which the key unit does not transmit the ID code and an active mode during which the key unit transmits the ID code on a periodic basis, wherein the key unit enters the active mode upon receipt of the interrogation signal.

29. The access control system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the lock units is configured to respond to RF signals in a directionally preferential basis.

30. The access control system of claim 29, wherein at least one of the lock units is configured to only open in response to RF signals received from a first side of a door.

31. The access control system of claim 29, wherein the lock unit configured to respond to RF signals in the directionally preferred basis comprises an RF signal shield positioned on one side of the antenna.

32. The access control system of claim 31, wherein the lock unit further comprises:

a first printed circuit board (PCB) having a reflector provided on a first side and a driven element provided on a second side opposite the first side; and

a second PCB positioned adjacent to the first PCB and having a director provided on a first side of the second PCB opposite the first PCB.

33. The access control system of claim 30, wherein at least one of the lock units comprises a first antenna provided on a first side and a second antenna on a second side and is configured to compare a signal strength received by the first antenna with a signal strength received the second antenna to determine the location of the key unit.

34. The access control system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the lock units is configured to only respond to RF signals when the key unit is a predetermined distance from the lock unit.

35. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the reader further comprises a programmable microcontroller.

36. The access control system of claim 35, wherein the reader further comprises a communications interface coupled to the microcontroller.

37. The access control system of claim 36, wherein the microcontroller is configured to receive updates to the list of authorized ID codes via the communications interface.

38. The access control system of claim 36, wherein the communications interface comprises a modem, a network port, or a wireless communications adapter.

39. The access control system of claim 36, wherein the communications interface comprises a wireless communications adapter compliant with IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, or Bluetooth.

40. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the reader is configured to grant access to the secured resource if the received ID code is included in the list of authorized ID codes during a predetermined access time period.

41. The access control system of claim 1, wherein the reader of at least one of the lock units is configured to grant access to the secured resource only if a plurality of authorized ID codes are simultaneously received.

42. The access control system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the lock units further comprises a memory, wherein the reader is configured to store information regarding ID codes received from key units in the memory.

43. The access control system of claim 42, wherein at least one of the lock units is provided in an automobile parking garage and the reader is configured to store information regarding time of entry and exit of each key unit into the automobile parking garage.

44. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising a meter comprising:

a meter antenna; and

a meter reader coupled to the meter antenna for receiving the RF signal from the key unit, storing information regarding a length of time the key unit is within operational range of the meter.

45. The access control system of claim 44, wherein the meter further comprises an indicator for indicating that the RF signal is being received from the key unit.

46. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising:

a business machine coupled to one of the plurality of lock units, wherein said granting access to the secured resource comprises granting operational access to the business machine.

47. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising:

an elevator controller coupled to one of the plurality of lock units, wherein said granting access to the secured resource comprises calling an elevator to a location of the received ID code.

48. The access control system of claim 47, further comprising:

wherein the lock unit coupled to the elevator controller further comprises a memory for storing default floor preferences corresponding to each ID code, wherein the lock unit is configured to transmit a destination floor to the elevator controller based on the ID code.

49. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising:

a building utility control system coupled to one of the lock units positioned in a room, wherein the building utility control system deactivates a utility service in the room when an ID code is not being received by the lock unit.

50. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising an alarm system coupled to one of the lock units, the alarm system configured to deactivate when an authorized ID code is received or activate in when an authorized ID code is not being received.

51. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising a payment system coupled to one of the lock units, the payment system configured to record an ID code as payment for a service or product.

52. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising a water valve control system coupled to one of the lock units, the water valve control system being configured to shut off a water valve if an authorized key unit is not detected within a predetermined range.

53. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising a kitchen appliance control system coupled to one of the lock units, the kitchen appliance control system being configured to deactivate a kitchen appliance if an authorized key unit is not detected within a predetermined range.

54. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising an automation control system coupled to one of the lock units, the automation control system being configured to activate one or more devices to a predetermined setting based on the received ID code.

55. The access control system of claim 54, wherein the one or more devices comprise a light, an HVAC system, a video device, or an audio device.

56. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said key unit is hands-free and transmits the RF signal omnidirectionally.

57. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said key unit comprises a water-resistant and shock-resistant key fob.

58. The access control system of claim 1, wherein said reader is configured to provide an audible or visible indication that the lock unit has locked.

59. The access control system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of tracking readers configured to monitor key units that pass within an operational range of the tracking reader.

60. An access control system, comprising:

a key unit comprising an antenna and a transmitter configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal over the antenna, the RF signal containing an identification (ID) code identifying the key unit;

a door having a first side and an opposing second side; and

a lock unit comprising;

an antenna for receiving the RF signal from the key unit, said antenna being configured to receive the RF signals from the first side of the door and not from the second side of the door;

a lockset; and

a reader coupled to the antenna for receiving the RF signal from the key unit, identifying the ID code contained in the RF signal, comparing the received ID code with a list of one or more authorized ID codes, and if the received ID code is included in the list of authorized ID codes, opening the lockset.

61. The access control system of claim 60, wherein the lock unit comprises an RF signal shield positioned on one side of the antenna.

62. The access control system of claim 60, wherein the lock unit further comprises an actuator for unlocking and locking the lockset.

63. A method of providing access control, comprising:

receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal from a key unit using an antenna configured to receive RF signals in a directionally preferential basis, the RF signal containing an identification (ID) code identifying the key unit;

identifying the ID code contained in the RF signal;

comparing the received ID code with a list of one or more authorized ID codes; and

if the received ID code is included in the list of authorized ID codes, granting access to a secured resource.

64. A method of providing access control, comprising:

carrying a key unit configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal containing an identification (ID) code identifying the key unit; and

bringing the key unit within an activation range of a plurality of secured portals such that at each secured portal, a lock unit in the secured portal identifies the ID code contained in the RF signal, compares the received ID code with a list of one or more authorized ID codes, and if the received ID code is included in the list of authorized ID codes, grants access to a secured resource, wherein a first secured portal has a first activation range and a second secured portal has a second activation range different from the first activation range.