Universal hands free key and lock system
First Claim
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;
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 between the first PCB and the direction from which the secured resource is capable of being accessed by the key unit and having a planar conductive layer (i.e. a “
director”
) provided on the side of the second PCB accessible by the key unit;
wherein at least one of the lock units is configured to respond to RF signals in a directionally preferential basis;
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; and
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.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
143 Citations
59 Claims
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1. An access control system, comprising:
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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; 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 between the first PCB and the direction from which the secured resource is capable of being accessed by the key unit and having a planar conductive layer (i.e. a “
director”
) provided on the side of the second PCB accessible by the key unit;wherein at least one of the lock units is configured to respond to RF signals in a directionally preferential basis; 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; and 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59)
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Specification