The present invention generally relates to an automatic unlock device and method, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an automatic unlock device and method for unlocking a door in range.
Automatic unlock devices may be used to unlock for example a door based on presentation of a ranged credential. Some existing devices have various shortcomings relative to certain applications. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique automatic unlock device. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for automatically unlocking a door for example. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and FIGURES provided herewith.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
The lock includes a long range capability.
The lock also includes a close proximity range capability.
In one embodiment, when the credential is fully authenticated and any other activity is complete, the range at which the lock's close proximity range capability can unlock the door can be reduced. In a further embodiment, the time between the initial presentation of the credential and the credential's close proximity range to the lock is used to authenticate, update, and pass audits, for example. In still another embodiment, the time between unlocking of the door and loss of communication between the lock and credential may be used for continuing such updates.
In another embodiment, the lock delays auto-unlock from the time of initial credential presentation until the credential is at the close proximity range to the lock. Thus, access is restricted until the time for the user to use the door. In one embodiment, the longer the connection between the initial credential presentation and the door unlocking, the more time is provided for computation, authentication, and encryption, for example.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected.
It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item. unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/684,118 filed on Aug. 16, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61684118 | Aug 2012 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13968662 | Aug 2013 | US |
Child | 15670345 | US |