Patent Grant
7908896
1. Technical Field
Aspects of this disclosure relate to deadbolt locking systems with a fingerprint sensor, an electronically coupled engagement, a manual rotary actuator, and a failsafe.
2. Background Art
Deadbolt locks are a standard part of both commercial and residential security. When a lock with a key is used, there is danger that a key may be lost, stolen, or forgotten. Electronic panels have been used in connection with a door lock to provide automated, keyless operation of the lock. The electronic panel mounted on a door allows users to enter a code, and will unlock the door for a correct entry. The electronic panels allow for entry with out need for a key, but there are security problems with codes as a user may forget the code or tell the code to someone who is not authorized to operate the lock. The code may also be discovered if it is written down, or through visual surveillance when a user is entering the code. Though distinct from deadbolt locks, some door handles have been modified to include a fingerprint sensor.
In electronic locking devices power consumption is a concern. Locks that automatically unlock the deadbolt mechanism instead of manually moving it through a key often use a powered motor to actuate the movement of the lock. Power consumption can be a problem, particularly in battery powered locks. In a battery powered lock, the lock typically no longer works when the batteries can no longer supply sufficient power. If the battery runs out when the mechanism is locked, the lock cannot be automatically unlocked or opened. Therefore, extending the life of the battery by operating the lock with less power is desirable to reduce the chance of a battery failure, and to increase the number of operations of the lock before the battery must be replaced. Many systems compensate for high power use by adding additional or larger batteries. Additional or larger batteries make the control portion of the electronic lock larger and more expensive to produce.
Implementations and aspects of a biometric deadbolt lock with a fingerprint sensor are disclosed. Various aspects of a deadbolt lock included in this disclosure that may be applied to particular implementations individually or in combination include a biometric sensor incorporated into a deadbolt lock mechanism, an electronically coupled engagement, a manual rotary actuator, a battery incorporated within the deadbolt lock mechanism, a failsafe mechanism for potential power loss and mechanical failure, and an alternate power source adapter.
In particular implementations, a deadbolt lock includes a deadbolt locking mechanism coupled to a manual actuator, such as a rotary actuator, for manual operation of the deadbolt locking mechanism. The manual actuator interacts with a controlled actuator to allow manual movement of the deadbolt locking mechanism when the controlled actuator is activated. The controlled actuator may be controlled by a controller coupled to a fingerprint sensor. When an authorized fingerprint is sensed by the fingerprint sensor, the controlled actuator may be activated to allow manual operation of the deadbolt lock. In particular implementations, a biometric deadbolt lock mechanism may also include a battery for powering the controller, fingerprint sensor and controlled actuator. In particular implementations, a biometric deadbolt lock's mechanisms, electronics and battery are sized and arranged to fit within a housing configured to fit into a conventional deadbolt lock opening.
A biometric deadbolt lock assembly includes data storage in association with a controller for storing data from one or more authorized fingerprint scans. The biometric deadbolt lock may receive data input in one or many ways including: through the fingerprint sensor and/or through an external device communicating through a direct or wireless communication connection. In particular implementations, data may be transferred from a remote location to authorize a person to operate the deadbolt. The authorization may be for a limited time period, for a limited number of operations of the deadbolt lock, or may be limited to other conditions.
In an example method of data input for a biometric deadbolt lock assembly, a user may enter a code which changes modes for the controller to a data acquisition mode. The data may be input by passing a finger or thumb over the fingerprint sensor. The data representing the fingerprint may be stored and then the user may change modes of the controller to an operation mode. In operation mode, the user may pass a finger or thumb over the fingerprint sensor. The controller may then compare the stored data with the data from the fingerprint in operation mode. If the controller determines that the data sets match, then a signal may be sent to the controlled actuator to couple the exterior manual actuator with the deadbolt mechanism and the user may operate the deadbolt mechanism by manually moving the outer connecting actuator. An exact match of data sets may not be necessary to authorize a user.
Various implementations of a biometric deadbolt lock assembly may store additional data other than data from fingerprint scans including, for example, a log recording the use of the biometric deadbolt lock. The log may include the time and date of each time the lock was operated. The log may also include which authorized fingerprint was scanned, and data from fingerprint scans that were not authorized. The log may be transferred to an external device, such as a personal computer, which may contain additional data about the authorized users such as their name, address, phone number, company, notes, pictures and other information commonly in a database of personal information.
Data for multiple users may be input in a similar manner described above. An additional user may be added in the following manner. An authorized user may enter a code to change the mode of the controller. The code may be entered through buttons on the deadbolt lock assembly or through an external device. The code may include the authorized user passing a finger or thumb over the fingerprint sensor. A user may be authorized for purposes of operating the lock, and not authorized for purposes of adding another authorized user. Data may also be input for multiple users by having the users scan a finger or thumb on a fingerprint sensor which is external to the biometric deadbolt lock assembly. The data from the fingerprint scan may then be transferred into a biometric deadbolt lock assembly and included to identify an authorized user.
The biometric deadbolt lock assembly may include one or more indicators to indicate one of several different states. Examples of what the indicator may be indicating include but is not limited to: indicating that the fingerprint sensor is on and ready to scan; indicating that a fingerprint scan was authorized or not authorized; indicating that the battery is low and needs to be replaced; and indicating conditions when transferring data to or from the biometric deadbolt lock. The indicator may be a visual indicator such as one or more light emitting diodes, the indicator may be an audio indicator such as a speaker, or the indicator may use some other means to communicate conditions such as vibrations or brail.
A biometric deadbolt lock assembly may contain a controlled actuator that enables manual operation of the deadbolt mechanism through a manual actuator. The controlled actuator may allow the manual actuator to turn without operating the lock when the controlled actuator is not engaged. Alternatively, the controlled actuator may restrict or otherwise hinder movement of the manual actuator when it is not activated so that until a user is authorized, they cannot operate the manual actuator.
The actuator of a biometric deadbolt lock assembly may include two portions; one portion, an inner actuator, being coupled to the deadbolt mechanism, and a second portion, an outer actuator, being operated by the authorized person. The inner actuator, when activated, enables the inner and outer portion of the actuator to operate together so that operation of the outer portion of the actuator moves the inner portion of the actuator and operates the deadbolt mechanism. The actuator may be attached to the inner actuator or the outer actuator. The outer portion of the actuator may have an actuator engagement pin or teeth that extend when activated and engage the inner portion of the actuator, enabling the inner and outer portions of the actuator to move as one unit.
A biometric deadbolt lock assembly according to particular implementations that include an actuator for manual operation of the deadbolt mechanism, may thereby have the advantage of conservation of power compared to biometric deadbolt locks where the movement of the deadbolt is through an electric device or motor. By using a small amount of energy to simply engage a manual actuator, such as a knob, with the internal deadbolt mechanism rather than the larger amount of energy required to move the deadbolt mechanism itself, less energy is used and movement of the deadbolt mechanism is enabled. The energy needed to move the internal deadbolt mechanism is provided by the user. This also gives the user a tactile response to the deadbolt lock being moved to its locked or unlocked position. Particular implementations may also include a sensor to sense when the actuator may move the pin without resistance, resulting in additional reduction in power usage, thereby allowing for smaller or fewer batteries, and longer battery life. This may also reduce or eliminate the chance that the actuator would meet resistance and use excess battery power.
An external power source may also be used with particular implementations of a deadbolt lock to provide temporary power. The same electrical port used to couple the external power source may also, in some implementations, be used for external data communication with the biometric deadbolt lock assembly. Alternatively, where external data communication is desired, the assembly may be configured to include wireless data communication.
In particular implementations, the actuator having a portion with a groove structure may be able to move along the direction of the groove so that an outer actuator engagement structure may be near a first end or a second end of an inner engagement structure when activated. The outer or inner engagement structure may be spring loaded such that the engagement structures of the inner and outer portions of the actuator do not align until the portion of the actuator with the groove is manually depressed against the spring. The groove may have a slope at the second end so that when the spring returns the portion of the actuator with the groove to a rest position, the slope returns the actuator engagement structures to the non-activated position. Alternatively, where inner and outer engagement teeth or other engagement structure are used, one or both of the engagement structures may be spring loaded such that the engagement structures of the inner and outer portions of the actuator do not align until the actuator portions are engaged.
In other particular implementations, the actuator may include a manual actuator portion and a controlled actuator portion that may be selectively engaged through an annular engagement ring activated to engage when the fingerprint sensor senses an authorized fingerprint. The annular engagement ring, like the groove and slope implementation, may be configured with a failsafe feature. A visual indicator of actuator engagement status may also be included in various implementations and may include a manual disengagement mechanism. The actuator in any of the implementations may also comprise an alignment spring coupled to the manual actuator or to the outer portion of the actuator, with a rest position which aligns one portion of the actuator with another corresponding portion of the actuator for activation.
The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.
Aspects and implementations of biometric deadbolt locks will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:
a and 9b are cross sectional views of the engagement mechanism of the implementation shown in
This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intended biometric deadbolt lock assemblies and/or assembly procedures for a biometric deadbolt lock will become apparent for use with implementations of deadbolt lock assemblies from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations of biometric deadbolt lock assemblies are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in the art for such implementations and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation of biometric and other deadbolt lock assemblies.
Reference will now be made in detail to particular example implementations of biometric deadbolt lock assemblies as illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which drawings like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the inventions in their broader aspects are not limited to the specific details, representative devices, and illustrative examples shown and described in this section in connection.
Basic operation of a particular implementation of a biometric deadbolt lock assembly works as follows: A user approaches the assembly and taps a fingerprint sensor to activate the sensor and then swipes a fingerprint across the sensor. When the user receives an indication from the lock assembly that the fingerprint is authorized, the user can depress an exterior manual actuator and turn the housing of the lock approximately 90 degrees to unlock the deadbolt mechanism. The same process may be followed to lock the deadbolt mechanism but the lock would be turned approximately 90 degrees in the opposite direction. When the fingerprint is authorized and the user depresses the actuator, the housing is operably coupled to the deadbolt mechanism so that manipulation of the actuator and housing results in manipulation of the deadbolt mechanism. If the fingerprint is not authorized, the actuator and housing may turn freely, or turn 90 degrees and be biased back to its rest, and properly aligned, position but the deadbolt mechanism will not unlock. This is because without authorization, the exterior manual actuator is not operably coupled to the deadbolt mechanism. In other implementations where the actuator does not include an exterior manual actuator similar to a button, the manual actuator may be engaged by the controlled actuator automatically, without manual depression of any portion of the actuator.
The lock assembly 1 illustrated in
An exterior manual actuator comprising a depressible actuator 6 and a cover 8 is shown, with the depressible actuator 6 extending through the cover 8. The cover 8 may be able to move relative to the deadbolt mechanism 2. The cover 8 is also sometimes called all or part of a knob. The face plate 3 also has openings for a first indicator 10 and a second indicator 12. The indicators communicate to the user different conditions, such as whether an attempt to gain authorization is successful or unsuccessful. The indicators may, of course, be used in any of the implementations shown herein and those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand how to implement the indicators into any related design in light of the description provided herein.
The optional indicators 10 and 12 shown in
In this example implementation and with further reference to
A controller 18 may also be coupled to the controller housing 14 and the face plate 3. The fingerprint sensor 4 may be mounted on the controller 18, on the face plate 3, or elsewhere on the assembly housing (which includes the externally exposed portions of the deadbolt lock assembly). The controller may contain memory and a separate battery to prevent loss of data in the event that the main battery fails, or during times when the main battery is changed. The controller is configured to compare data from a sensed fingerprint from the fingerprint sensor 4 with stored data from authorized fingerprints to determine if the current user is authorized to operate the lock. The controller may be electronic only, or electromechanical.
The controller 18 may also have a method of communicating with an external device such as a computer. The communication may be through an electrical port 20, or communication may be wireless through a wireless communication device associated with the controller 18.
This particular implementation of the biometric lock includes at least one internal battery 22 for powering the controller 18, the fingerprint sensor 4 and other devices. The controller 18 in this particular implementation also includes an electrical port 20 configured for connection to a portable, external power source. Electrical port 20 may be configured to receive communication data in addition to power, or there may be separate connections for communication and power. One advantage of an external power source is to provide power to operate the deadbolt lock in the event that the battery fails when the door is locked. In this situation an external power source coupled to a power port, like electrical port 20, may enable an authorized user to operate the lock, gain entry and change the battery 22.
In implementations where an internal battery is used, the inner side of the lock may include a removable battery cover 24 so that the battery 22 can be removed when the battery needs to be replaced. The controller may be configured so that the indicators 10 and 12 give an indication that the battery needs replacement, such as a light emitting diode turning on briefly at a regular interval or flashing in a predetermined pattern when a user attempts to operate the lock.
Some of the various implementations of a biometric lock shown and described herein are operated using cooperative operation of a manual actuator and a controlled actuator. In the implementation shown in
In the particular implementation illustrated by
The electronic actuator 28 may be directly coupled to the connector arm 26 as shown in this example implementation, or alternatively may be directly coupled to the depressible actuator 6 with the connector arm 26 having an actuator groove. The electronic actuator 28 may alternatively be attached to the controller housing 14 or the mounting plate 16.
An alignment spring may be included to align the manual actuator with the controlled actuator through a bias. For the implementation shown in
In an alternative example implementation of an alignment feature, a biometric deadbolt lock assembly is configured where the actuator has an inner and outer portion, the controlled actuator and manual actuator may each include a magnet. The magnets in this particular implementation would use magnetic force to align a portion of the controlled actuator with the manual actuator so that the electronic actuator can extend the actuator engagement pin into the connecting actuator groove.
In a particular alternative implementation, a biometric deadbolt lock assembly includes, instead of the interior manual actuator 44 and the interior plate 46 shown in
The actuator groove 34 as illustrated by the example implementation of
One advantage of using a small-sized implementation of a biometric deadbolt lock assembly is that the door does not need to be modified, drilled or otherwise changed from a standard configuration. Further, in many implementations, a biometric deadbolt lock assembly may be removed and replaced with another standard lock without leaving holes, uneven fading of wood or other externally visible marks.
In another particular implementation of a biometric deadbolt lock assembly, an example of the particular implementation being illustrated in
As illustrated by
For the implementation of
If, for some reason, the push-type solenoid 89 gets jammed or does not retract, or the second engagement mechanism 92 does not disengage from the first engagement mechanism 90, pushing on the internal visual indicator 98 will cause the external manual actuator 84 to manually disengage from the deadbolt mechanism. Alternatively, if the second engagement mechanism 92 does not disengage from the first engagement mechanism (as may happen if the batteries run low), twisting the knob 88 in a direction opposite the direction it was previously twisted, will cause the disengagement ramps 96 of the engagement mechanisms 90 and 92 to push the first and second engagement mechanisms 90 and 92 apart from each other. As illustrated in
Separate from the deadbolt assembly housing, or equivalently incorporated into the deadbolt assembly housing, an additional shield or cover may be incorporated into particular implementations to provide protection and/or aesthetic affect to the fingerprint sensor.
Software configured for tracking may further be configured for enabling or disabling particular authorized fingerprints during certain hours. For example, an exterminator or house cleaner may be given access once during a short period of time to allow for particular work to be done, or particular employees may be granted access only during working hours.
In a particular implementation, an apartment complex is configured to include a biometric deadbolt lock on each of a plurality of apartment doors in the complex and on the pool house. Each time a tenant changes, rather than being required to change the locks on the doors, the apartment manager needs only to reprogram the lock with a different set of authorized fingerprints, either remotely by wireless connection or by direct connection through the electrical port on the lock assembly. The software can readily be configured to track such data. For the pool house, because the apartment manager already has a set of authorized fingerprint scans for each tenant, those same data files can be associated with the pool house lock for providing access during authorized times.
The biometric deadbolt lock assembly 1 shown in
A biometric deadbolt lock assembly includes data storage in association with a controller for storing data from one or more authorized fingerprint scans. The biometric deadbolt lock may receive data input in one or many ways including: through the fingerprint sensor and/or through an external device communicating through a direct, such as through the external power source data port, or wireless communication connection. In particular implementations, data may be transferred from a remote location to authorize a person to operate the deadbolt lock. The authorization may be for a limited time period, for a limited number of operations of the deadbolt lock, or may be limited to other conditions. The biometric deadbolt lock controller may be programmed or have settings established through this external device communication.
In an example method of data input for a biometric deadbolt lock assembly, a user may enter a code which changes modes for the controller to a data acquisition mode. The data may be input by passing a finger or thumb over the fingerprint sensor. The data representing the fingerprint may be stored and then the user may change modes of the controller to an operation mode. In operation mode, the user may pass a finger or thumb over the fingerprint sensor. The controller may then compare the stored data with the data from the fingerprint in operation mode. If the controller determines that the data sets match, then a signal may be sent to the actuator to activate the controlled actuator to thereby couple the manual actuator with the deadbolt mechanism so that the user may operate the lock by rotating the manual actuator. An exact match of data sets may not be necessary to authorize a user.
Various implementations of a biometric deadbolt lock assembly may store additional data other than data from fingerprint scans including, for example, a log recording the use of the biometric deadbolt lock. The log may include the time and date of each time the lock was operated. The log may also include which authorized fingerprint was scanned, and data from fingerprint scans that were not authorized. The log may be transferred to an external device, such as a personal computer, which may contain additional data about the authorized users such as their name, address, phone number, company, notes, pictures and other information commonly in a database of personal information.
Data for multiple users may be input in a similar manner described above. An additional user may be added in the following manner. An authorized user may enter a code to change the mode of the controller. The code may be entered through buttons on the deadbolt lock assembly or through an external device. The code may include the authorized user passing a finger or thumb over the fingerprint sensor. A user may be authorized for purposes of operating the lock, and not authorized for purposes of adding another authorized user. Data may also be input for multiple users by having the users scan a finger or thumb on a fingerprint sensor which is external to the biometric deadbolt lock assembly. The data from the fingerprint scan may then be transferred into a biometric deadbolt lock assembly and included to identify an authorized user.
The implementations and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain various aspects relating to biometric deadbolt lock assemblies and their practical applications, and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions. Nevertheless, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only, and not for restriction in any way. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventions to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims. All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
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