ELECTRONIC KEY CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR VENDING MACHINES AND THE LIKE

• US 20090051486A1
• Filed: 10/30/2008
• Published: 02/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/27/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Micro Enhanced Technology Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Micro Enhanced Technology Incorporated
• Inventors: Roatis, Calin V., Myers, Gary L., Denison, William D.
• Application Number:
  US12/261,843
• Publication Number:
  US 20090051486A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.250
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0096 Mechanical aspects of locks whose actuation is dependent on geographical location, e.g. by means of a GPS system electronic locks G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24206 Identification by portable memory in a key
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25062 Detect physical location of field device
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2613 Household appliance in general
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6209 to a single file or object, e.g. in a secure envelope, encrypted and accessed using a key, or with access control rules appended to the object itself
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/77 in smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2101 Auditing as a secondary aspect
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2105 Dual mode as a secondary aspect
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2111 Location-sensitive, e.g. geographical location, GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2117 User registration
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2149 Restricted operating environment
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/18 involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/327 Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00865 remotely by wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/0088 centrally
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/08 With time considerations, e.g. temporary activation, valid time window or time limitations
• 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: G07C 9/00857 where the code of the data carrier can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 5/18 : specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 5/26 : Interlocks, e.g. for locking the doors of compartments other than that to be used
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 : by keys or other credit registering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/001 : Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 : Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 : for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty

Abstract

A mobile electronic control device, such as an electronic key, is used to access or otherwise control the operations of a field device, such as an appliance, power tool, shipping container, etc. In a control event in which the mobile control device interacts with the field device via wired or wireless communications, the control device obtains the current location and the field device ID. The communications between the mobile control device and the field device may be secured with encryption. The location information is used by the mobile control device to determine whether the field device should be accessed or enabled. Alternatively, the location information may be stored separately in a location sensing device, and the control event data recorded by the key and the location information recorded by the location sensing device are later combined when they are downloaded into a management system for auditing.

Claims

1. A key management system for management of electronic keys used to access electronic locks, comprising:

an electronic key including operation limit parameters for determining if the key shall be rendered disabled in accessing the electronic locks, and a memory for storing audit trails data collected from electronic locks accessed using said key;

a computer employing an operating system for operating a plurality of tasks, wherein at least one task being a software program for key management functionality;

a database containing key management data; and

a cradle communicating with the computer for interfacing the computer with an electronic key;

the software program having computer-executable instructions for performing a key refreshing operation, said operation consisting of one of the plurality of tasks operating with the steps of;

receiving a transmission from a key through the cradle and receiving a key identification number from the key through the cradle;

receiving the audit trails from the key and storing the received audit trails data into the database;

retrieving from the database operation limit parameters based on the key identification number; and

sending the operation limit parameters through the cradle to the key.

2. A key management system as in claim 1, wherein the database contains a unique authorization number.

3. A key management system as in claim 1, wherein the computer receives an initial transmission from a key through the cradle, the initial transmission initiating the key refreshing operation.

4. A key management system as in claim 1, wherein the key and cradle engage in encrypted challenge-response communication.

5. A key management system as in claim 1, the software program further comprising computer-executable instructions for allowing a user to modify key operation limit parameters during a first operation mode, and for restricting a user from modifying key operation limit parameters during a second operation mode.

6. A key management system as in claim 1, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for prompting an authorized user to set operation limit parameters for an electronic key, and saving the operation limit parameters for the electronic key into the database.

7. A key management system as in claim 6, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for a system administrator to add or delete a user having authority for setting operation limit parameters for electronic keys.

8. A key management system as in claim 1, wherein the database is at a location remote from the computer and accessible by the software program via a network.

9. A key management system as in claim 8, wherein the network is the Internet.

10. A key management system as in claim 8, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing key management data downloaded from the database.

11. A key management system as in claim 8, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing audit trails data downloaded from the electronic key.

12. A key management system as in claim 1, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for retrieving operation limit parameters for electronic key from the database, performing a calculation to formulate a new limit parameter, and store the new limit parameter in the electronic key.

13. A key management system as in claim 1, wherein the electronic lock is placed in a learning mode, an access code is transferred to the electronic lock, and the access code is written into a memory of the electronic lock.

14. A key management system for management of electronic keys used to access electronic locks, comprising:

an electronic key including operation limit parameters for determining if the shall be rendered disabled in accessing the electronic locks, and a memory for storing audit trails data collected from electronic locks accessed using said key;

a computer having a software program for key management functionality;

a database containing key management data; and

a cradle communicating with the computer for interfacing the computer with an electronic key;

the software program having computer-executable instructions for allowing a user to modify key operation limit parameters and store key operation limit parameters in the database during a first operation mode, and for restricting a user from modifying key operation limit parameters and storing key operation limit parameters during a second operation mode, and for performing a key refresh operation with the steps of;

receiving a transmission from a key through the cradle and receiving a key identification number from the key through the cradle;

receiving the audit trails from the key, and storing the received audit trails data into the database;

retrieving from the database operation limit parameters based on the key identification number; and

sending the operation limit parameters through the cradle to the key.

15. A key management system as in claim 14, wherein the database contains a unique authorization number.

16. A key management system as in claim 14, wherein the computer receives an

initial transmission from a key through the cradle, the initial transmission initiating the key refreshing operation.

17. A key management system as in claim 14, wherein the key and cradle engage in encrypted challenge-response communication.

18. A key management system as in claim 14, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for prompting an authorized user to set operation limit parameters for an electronic key, and saving the operation limit parameters for the electronic key into the database.

19. A key management system as in claim 14, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for a system administrator to add or delete a user having authority for selling operation limit parameters for electronic keys.

20. A key management system as in claim 14, wherein the database is at a location remote from the computer and accessible by the software program via a network.

21. A key management system as in claim 20, wherein the network is the Internet.

22. A key management system as in claim 20, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing key management data downloaded from the database.

23. A key management system as in claim 20, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing audit trails data downloaded from the electronic key.

24. A key management system as in claim 14, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for retrieving operation limit parameters for electronic key from the database, performing a calculation to formulate a new limit parameter, and store the new limit parameter in the electronic key.

25. A key management system as in claim 14, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for obtaining a lock identification number from the database and transferring the lock identification number to the electronic key.

26. A key management system as in claim 14, wherein the electronic lock is placed in a learning mode, an access code is transferred to the electronic lock, and the access code is written into a memory of the electronic lock.

27. A key management system for management of electronic keys used to access electronic locks, comprising:

an electronic key including operation limit parameters for determining if the key shall be rendered disabled in accessing the electronic locks, and a memory for storing audit trails data collected from electronic locks accessed using said key;

a plurality of key management stations including at least first and second key management stations, each key management station having a computer with a software program for key management functionality and a cradle communicating with the computer for interfacing the computer with an electronic key, the first and second key management stations both having access to a shared database containing the key management data, the first key management station having a first database address pointer and the second key management stations having a second database address pointer that is the same as the first database address pointer;

the software program on the computer of either key management station having computer-executable instructions for;

receiving the audit trails from the key, and storing the received audit trails data into the shared database;

receiving operation limit parameters designated to a key identification number from the shared database, sending the operation limit parameters to the electronic key.

28. A key management system as in claim 27, wherein the database contains a unique authorization code.

29. A key management system as in claim 27, wherein the computer receives an

initial transmission from a key through the cradle, the initial transmission initiating the key refreshing operation.

30. A key management system as in claim 27, the software program further comprising computer-executable instructions for allowing a user to modify key operation limit parameters during a first operation mode, and for restricting a user from modifying key operation limit parameters during a second operation mode.

31. A key management system as in claim 27, wherein the key and cradle engage in encrypted challenge-response communication.

32. A key management system as in claim 27, wherein the computer further employs an operating system for operating a plurality of tasks, wherein at least one task comprising the software program for performing the key refreshing operation.

33. A key management system as in claim 27, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for prompting an authorized user to set operation limit parameters for an electronic key, and saving the operation limit parameters for the electronic key into the database.

34. A key management system as in claim 27, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for a system administrator to add or delete a user having authority for setting operation limit parameters for electronic keys.

35. A key management system as in claim 27, wherein the database is at a location remote from the computer and accessible by the software program via a network.

36. A key management system as in claim 35, wherein the network is the Internet.

37. A key management system as in claim 35, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing key management data downloaded from the database.

38. A key management system as in claim 35, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing audit trails data downloaded from the electronic key.

39. A key management system as in claim 27, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for retrieving operation limit parameters for electronic key from the database, performing a calculation to formulate a new limit parameter, and store the new limit parameter in the electronic key.

40. A key management system as in claim 27, where the software program includes computer-executable instructions for obtaining a lock identification number from the database and transferring the lock identification number to the electronic key.

41. A key management system as in claim 27, wherein the electronic lock is placed in a learning mode, an access code is transferred to the electronic lock, and the access code is written into a memory of the electronic lock.

42. A key management system for management of electronic keys used to access electronic locks, comprising:

an electronic key including a plurality of unique lock identification numbers for determining if the key shall be authorized in accessing the electronic locks, and a memory for storing audit trails data collected from electronic locks accessed using said key;

a plurality of key management stations including at least first and second key management stations, each key management station having a computer with a software program for key management functionality and a cradle communicating with the computer for interfacing the computer with an electronic key, the first and second key management stations both having access to a shared database containing the key management data, the first key management station having a first database address pointer and the second key management stations having a second database address pointer that is the same as the first database address pointer;

the software program on the computer of either key management station having computer-executable instructions for;

receiving the audit trails from the key, and storing the received audit trails data into the shared database;

obtaining a plurality of lock identification numbers from the shared database;

send the lock identification numbers to the electronic key, whereby the lock identification numbers are stored in a memory of the electronic key.

43. A key management system as in claim 42, wherein the database contains a unique authorization code.

44. A key management system as in claim 42, wherein the computer receives an initial transmission from a key through the cradle, the initial transmission initiating the key refreshing operation.

45. A key management system as in claim 42, wherein the key and cradle engage in encrypted challenge-response communication.

46. A key management system as in claim 42, wherein the computer further employs an operating system for operating a plurality of tasks, wherein at least one task comprising the software program for performing the key refreshing operation.

47. A key management system as in claim 42 wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for a system administrator to add or delete a user having authority for setting operation limit parameters for electronic keys.

48. A key management system as in claim 42, wherein the database is at a location remote from the computer and accessible by the software program via a network.

49. A key management system as in claim 48, wherein the network is the Internet.

50. A key management system as in claim 48, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing key management data downloaded from the database.

51. A key management system as in claim 48, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for selecting and displaying operation limit parameters for a plurality of electronic keys.

52. A key management system as in claim 42, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for retrieving operation limit parameters for electronic key from the database, performing a calculation to formulate a new limit parameter, and store the new limit parameter in the electronic key.

53. A key management system as in claim 42, wherein the electronic lock is placed in a learning mode, an access code is transferred to the electronic lock, and the access code is written into a memory of the electronic lock.

54. A key management system for management of electronic keys used to access electronic locks, comprising:

an electronic key including a plurality of unique lock identification numbers for determining if the key shall be authorized in accessing the electronic locks, and a memory for storing audit trails data collected from electronic locks accessed using said key;

a computer employing an operating system for operating a plurality of tasks, wherein at least one task being a software program for key management functionality;

a database containing key management data; and

a cradle communicating with the computer for interfacing the computer with an electronic key;

the software program having computer-executable instructions for performing a key refreshing operation, said operation consisting of one of the plurality of tasks operating with the steps of;

receiving a transmission from a key through the cradle and receiving a key identification number from the key through the cradle;

receiving the audit trails from the key and storing the received audit trails data into the shared database;

obtaining from the database, a plurality of lock identification numbers,

sending the lock identification numbers to the electronic key, whereby the lock identification numbers are stored in a memory of the electronic key.

55. A key management system as in claim 54, wherein the database contains a unique authorization code.

56. A key management system as in claim 54, wherein the computer receives an initial transmission from a key through the cradle, the initial transmission initiating the key refreshing operation.

57. A key management system as in claim 54, wherein the key and cradle engage in encrypted challenge-response communication.

58. A key management system as in claim 54, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for a system administrator to add or delete a user having authority for setting operation limit parameters for electronic keys.

59. A key management system as in claim 54, wherein the database is at a location remote from the computer and accessible by the software program via a network.

60. A key management system as in claim 59, wherein the network is the Internet.

61. A key management system as in claim 59, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing key management data downloaded from the database.

62. A key management system as in claim 59, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing audit trails data downloaded from the electronic key.

63. A key management system as in claim 54, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for retrieving operation limit parameters for electronic key from the database, performing a calculation to formulate a new limit parameter, and store the new limit parameter in the electronic key.

64. A key management system as in claim 54, wherein the electronic lock is placed in a learning mode, an access code is transferred to the electronic lock, and the access code is written into a memory of the electronic key.

65. A key management system for management of electronic keys used to access electronic locks, comprising:

an electronic key including a plurality of unique lock identification numbers determining if the key shall be authorized in accessing the electronic locks, operation limit parameters for determining if the key shall be rendered disabled in accessing the electronic locks, and audit trails data collected from vending-machines accessed using said key, and;

a computer having a software program for key management functionality;

a database containing key management data; and

a cradle communicating with the computer for interfacing the computer with an electronic key;

the software program having computer-executable instructions for performing a key refresh operation with the steps of;

receiving a transmission from a key through the cradle and receiving a key identification number from the key through the cradle;

receiving the audit trails from the key, and storing the received audit trails data into the database,

obtaining from the database, a plurality of lock identification numbers,

sending the lock identification numbers to the electronic key, whereby the lock

identification numbers are stored in a memory of the electronic key;

retrieving from the database operation limit parameters based on the key identification number, and

sending the operation limit parameters through the cradle to the key.

66. A key management system as in claim 65, wherein the database contains a unique authorization code.

67. A key management system as in claim 65, wherein the computer receives an

initial transmission from a key through the cradle, the initial transmission initiating the key refreshing operation.

68. A key management system as in claim 65, the software program further comprising computer-executable instructions for allowing a user to modify key operation limit parameters during a first operation mode, and for restricting a user from modifying key operation limit parameters during a second operation mode.

69. A key management system as in claim 65, wherein the key and cradle engage in encrypted challenge-response communication.

70. A key management system as in claim 65, wherein the computer further employs an operating system for operating a plurality of tasks, wherein at least one task comprising the software program for performing the key refreshing operation.

71. A key management system as in claim 65, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for prompting an authorized user to set operation limit parameters for an electronic key, and saving the operation limit parameters for the electronic key into the database.

72. A key management system as in claim 65, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for presenting a user interface screen for a system administrator to add or delete a user having authority for setting operation limit parameters for electronic keys.

73. A key management system as in claim 65, wherein the database is at a location remote from the computer and accessible by the software program via a network.

74. A key management system as in claim 73, wherein the network is the Internet.

75. A key management system as in claim 73, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing key management data downloaded from the database.

76. A key management system as in claim 73, wherein the computer includes a local data buffer for storing audit trails data downloaded from the electronic key.

77. A key management system as in claim 65, wherein the software program includes computer-executable instructions for retrieving operation limit parameters for electronic key from the database, performing a calculation to formulate a new limit parameter, and store the new limit parameter in the electronic key.

78. A key management system as in claim 65, wherein the electronic lock is placed in a learning mode, an access code is transferred to the electronic lock, and the access code is written into a memory of the key.