SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR LOCKING AND DOCKING
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A modular system for securing goods or services, the modular system comprising:
- a primary lock control board that includes a network adapter coupled to a communications network;
a lock control board located remote from the primary lock control board, wherein the lock control board is configured to receive instructions from the primary lock control board through the communications network; and
a sensory daughter board coupled to the lock control board, the sensory daughter control board including user-perceivable indicators;
a lock daughter board coupled to the lock control board, the lock daughter board including a locking mechanism that selectively releases and secures a tangible item; and
an ID daughter board coupled to the lock control board and located proximate to the lock daughter board, the ID daughter board configured to obtain and transmit to the primary lock control board via the lock control board identification information obtained from the tangible item;
wherein the lock control board is further configured to control the sensory daughter board in order to selectively activate and deactivate the user-perceivable indicia; and
wherein the primary lock control board is configured to instruct the lock control board to selectively release and secure the tangible item via the lock daughter board.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a modular system for facilitating automated transactions. Specifically, in some embodiments a modular system includes a plurality of lock modules that are controlled by one or more primary lock control boards. The lock modules control access to products or services through one or more daughter boards.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A modular system for securing goods or services, the modular system comprising:
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a primary lock control board that includes a network adapter coupled to a communications network; a lock control board located remote from the primary lock control board, wherein the lock control board is configured to receive instructions from the primary lock control board through the communications network; and a sensory daughter board coupled to the lock control board, the sensory daughter control board including user-perceivable indicators; a lock daughter board coupled to the lock control board, the lock daughter board including a locking mechanism that selectively releases and secures a tangible item; and an ID daughter board coupled to the lock control board and located proximate to the lock daughter board, the ID daughter board configured to obtain and transmit to the primary lock control board via the lock control board identification information obtained from the tangible item; wherein the lock control board is further configured to control the sensory daughter board in order to selectively activate and deactivate the user-perceivable indicia; and wherein the primary lock control board is configured to instruct the lock control board to selectively release and secure the tangible item via the lock daughter board. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A modular locking system for controlling access to a variety of goods and services, the modular locking system comprising:
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a kiosk configured to receive transaction information from a user, wherein the kiosk includes a primary lock control board and the transaction information includes a desired tangible good; a first docking module that includes a first lock control board, a first lock daughter board, and a first ID daughter board; a second docking module that includes a second lock control board, a second lock daughter board, and a second ID daughter board; wherein the first lock daughter board and the second lock daughter board are each configured to selectively lock and release a tangible good at the first and second docking module, respectively, wherein selectively locking and releasing the tangible good includes selectively locking and unlocking a portion of the tangible good; wherein the first ID daughter board and the second ID daughter board are each configured to identify the tangible good locked at the first and second docking modules, respectively, using the portion of the tangible good; and wherein the primary lock control board at the kiosk is configured to; receive identification information from the first ID daughter board and the second ID daughter board that identifies a tangible good secured at their respective docking modules; use the identification information to determine at which docking module the desired tangible good is secured; and transmit instructions to the lock control board at the docking module at which the desired tangible good is secured to operate the connected lock daughter board to release the desired tangible good. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A docking module for use in a modular locking system, the docking module comprising:
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an outer casing that defines an aperture in a surface of the outer casing, the aperture configured to receive a latch head of a latching body of a tangible item; a locking mechanism within the outer casing, the locking mechanism configured to move into locking and unlocking positions with respect to the latch head of the latching body; a locking daughter board configured to selectively operate the locking mechanism into the locking and unlocking positions; an ID daughter board configured to interact with a communications module incorporated into the latch head of the latching body in order to generate identification information regarding the tangible item; wherein the ID daughter board is configured to transmit the identification information to a remote computer; and wherein the locking daughter board is configured to receive instructions from the remote computer regarding whether to selectively move locking mechanism into the locking and unlocking positions. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification