SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A LOCKING MECHANISM USING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

• US 20120280783A1
• Filed: 05/02/2012
• Published: 11/08/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Apigy Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: Apigy Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Inventors: Gerhardt, Paul Michael, Robertson, Charles Cameron
• Application Number:
  US13/462,765
• Publication Number:
  US 20120280783A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.6
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00365 in combination with a wake-up circuit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00412 the transmitted data signal being encrypted
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/64 using a proximity sensor
• 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: H04L 63/0428 wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0492 by using a location-limited connection, e.g. near-field communication or limited proximity of entities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72415 for remote control of appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/50 Secure pairing of devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/64 using geofenced areas
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/77 Graphical identity

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for operating a remotely operable lock. In an example embodiment, a method comprises providing a first web service for receiving credentials or a command from a portable electronic device having a software application installed thereon, issuing a command for receipt by the lock from the web service, and providing an application programming interface at the first web service for integrating a second web service or the software application with the first web service to allow the portable electronic device to communicate with the lock or web service.

Claims

1. A method of operating a remotely operable lock, the method comprising:

providing a first web service for receiving credentials or a command from a portable electronic device having a software application installed thereon;

issuing a command for receipt by the lock from the web service; and

providing an application programming interface (API) at the first web service for integrating a second web service or the software application with the first web service to allow the portable electronic device to communicate with the lock or web service.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the software application is a third party software application.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the integration is performed in response to a request for access to the first web service or lock from a user.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising authenticating the credentials received at the web service, and based on a successful authentication, issuing the command for receipt by the lock.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the received credentials relate to the lock.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the received credentials relate to the portable electronic device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the received credentials relate to a third party user or second web service requesting access to the first web service or the lock.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the command for receipt by the lock is received by the lock via the second web service.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein the integration is performed in response to a request for access to the first web service or lock from an unauthenticated user.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the received credentials relating to a third party user or second web service are authenticated by an authenticated user of the lock.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the third party or second web service may seamlessly issue a command to or receive data from the lock.

12. The method of claim 2, wherein the third party application automatically requests access to the lock on behalf of a user based on the occurrence of an outside event.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the outside event is an event selected from the group comprising:

booking a room for use at a certain time;

requesting access to secure premises;

delivery of a parcel;

inspection of premises;

entry into a motor vehicle; and

use of a bicycle.

14. A system for operating a remotely operable lock, the system comprising:

a first web service to receive credentials or a command from a portable electronic device having a software application installed thereon, and to issue a command for receipt by the lock from the web service; and

the first web service having an application programming interface (API) to integrate a second web service or the software application with the first web service to allow the portable electronic device to communicate with the lock or web service.