MOBILE KEY DEVICES SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROGRAMMING AND COMMUNICATING WITH AN ELECTRONIC PROGRAMMABLE KEY
First Claim
1. A mobile key interface device for communicating with an electronic programmable key, the mobile key interface device comprising:
- a first distal end having an opening for receiving the electronic programmable key, the electronic programmable key having a microcontroller, a key body and a shaft, wherein a first contact pin is positioned on the key shaft;
a second distal end substantially opposite the first distal end wherein an elongated hollow interior portion extends from the first distal end towards the second distal end, the hollow interior being shaped so as to substantially encase the key body; and
a key port proximate to the second distal end, wherein the key port has a second contact pin located such that it is coupled to the first contact pin when the electronic programmable key is inserted into the mobile key interface device;
wherein upon coupling the first contact pin to the second contact pin, the mobile key interface device;
retrieves information from the electronic programmable key, alters access rights of the electronic programmable key, or transfers power to the electronic programmable key, and provides on-demand access to the electronic programmable key in near real-time.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for communicating information, altering access rights, and transferring power to and from an electronic programmable key are disclosed. A mobile key interface device is configured to couple to a contact pin of the electronic programmable key to establish a channel of communication. Using the channel of communication, the mobile key interface device may communicate information, alter access rights, and transfer power to and from the electronic programmable key. The mobile key interface device may also communicate with a mobile communication device. Using the mobile communication device'"'"'s network connection, the mobile key interface device may further establish a channel of communication from a control center to the electronic programmable key.
18 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A mobile key interface device for communicating with an electronic programmable key, the mobile key interface device comprising:
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a first distal end having an opening for receiving the electronic programmable key, the electronic programmable key having a microcontroller, a key body and a shaft, wherein a first contact pin is positioned on the key shaft; a second distal end substantially opposite the first distal end wherein an elongated hollow interior portion extends from the first distal end towards the second distal end, the hollow interior being shaped so as to substantially encase the key body; and a key port proximate to the second distal end, wherein the key port has a second contact pin located such that it is coupled to the first contact pin when the electronic programmable key is inserted into the mobile key interface device; wherein upon coupling the first contact pin to the second contact pin, the mobile key interface device; retrieves information from the electronic programmable key, alters access rights of the electronic programmable key, or transfers power to the electronic programmable key, and provides on-demand access to the electronic programmable key in near real-time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for establishing communication between a mobile key interface device and an electronic programmable key, the electronic programmable key having a key shaft with a first contact pin, and a microcontroller, the mobile key interface device comprising a first distal end having an opening for receiving the electronic programmable key, a second distal end substantially opposite the first distal end, an elongated hollow interior portion extending from the first distal end towards the second distal end, the hollow interior being shaped so as to substantially encase the key body, a key port for receiving the electronic programmable key and a power source, the key port positioned proximate to the second distal end, wherein the key port has a second contact pin located at a position such that it is coupled to the first contact pin when the electronic programmable key is inserted into the mobile key interface device, the method comprising:
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in response to coupling the first contact pin to the second contact pin, initializing the electronic programmable key; transmitting a polling signal from the electronic programmable key to the first contact pin; querying the mobile key interface device at the second contact pin from the electronic programmable key for identification information; authenticating the mobile key interface device based on the identification information; and establishing a connection to the mobile key interface device to facilitate the exchange of communication and transfer of power to the electronic programmable key, based on the step of authentication, wherein the connection to the mobile key interface device provides on-demand access to the electronic programmable key in near real-time. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification