The present teachings relate to the field of access-control systems for automating the locking and unlocking of single-cylinder deadbolts of doors of rooms and buildings. More particularly, the present teachings provide a portable electronic device for securely automating functions of an already-installed deadbolt mechanism.
Traditional single-cylinder deadbolts are common locking mechanisms used worldwide to secure areas such as houses, buildings, rooms, and the like. The majority of such deadbolts are mechanical (non-electrical) and generally require a user to manually rotate the lock cylinder to secure a door. Typically, the lock cylinder can be rotated from one side of the door, e.g., from within the interior of a room or hallway, by revolving a turn-thumb. Similarly, the cylinder can be rotated from the other side of the door, e.g., from outside of a building or exterior to a room, by manually turning a removably-insertable key. Over the years, electronic locking devices have been developed that can automate the locking and unlocking of a deadbolt mechanism for a door. However, these devices typically require the complete replacement of an old or existing deadbolt apparatus. Further, such devices that have generally utilized only one or two authentication methods (e.g. RFID reader, keypad) that are locally present on the apparatus and thus is not convenient to switch to another authentication method.
The known electronic locking devices that can automate the locking and unlocking of a deadbolt mechanism for a door are generically referred to in the industry and among end-users as “smart locks”. These devices have grown in popularity over recent years. Typically, a smart lock is regarded as an electromechanical lock that can perform locking and unlocking operations on the deadbolt mechanism of a door when it receives commands from an authorized mobile device using a wireless protocol and a cryptographic key. Such devices usually function with two main parts: A physical lock and an electrical system for user authentication. Wireless protocols that are commonly used for such applications include WIFI and BLUETOOTH. These protocols are used to authenticate users and communicate information between a smart lock and a portable device (e.g., smart phone, PDA, tablet, etc.). Smart locks are a key element of the ongoing wave of innovative smart-devices for homes, offices, and the like. It is notable that most smart locks in the current market are typically dependent on a user's smartphone. The user's smartphone typically communicates with a smart lock for authentication or configuration reasons. Unfortunately, without a smartphone, a Smart lock's functionality can be limited and, sometimes, even cease to operate.
Many smart lock devices today are able to lock and unlock a door through the command of a mobile device that possesses the same wireless compatibility and a preconfigured cryptographic key. A mobile device can acquire a particular cryptographic key through a mobile application designed for the smart lock which can look up a user on a database on the worldwide web. If the cryptographic key sent from the mobile device matches the preconfigured key on a smart lock, the deadbolt will either toggle to the lock or unlocked position. This implementation will work if a user has a mobile device with access to the internet as well as a cryptographic key assigned to the user in a database. Users without a cryptographic key assigned to a particular smart lock are not able to access the lock.
It is also notable that most if not all of the known smart locks require physical installation that involves complete replacement or half replacement of an old or existing deadbolt. This can be inconvenient for the owner since the old deadbolt must be removed and the new smart lock installed in its place. There are many types of deadbolts in the world. However, most smart locks sold commercially in the United States are only compatible with standard American deadbolts and they require installation. Additionally, if the old deadbolt is being replaced with a new smart lock, the user may not keep his/her physical keys. There have been a few exceptional instances of smart locks that allow the user to keep his/her existing keys. This was done, for example, by only replacing the inner half of the deadbolt, leaving the exterior intact. After the lock was installed, the user could still use existing keys while having smart lock functionality. However, even if the user was able to continue using his/her key, the user had to exert force to physically override the smart lock's motor mechanism. Unfortunately, there is no known solution for a smart lock that attaches on an existing deadbolt without prior installation. Unless specifically noted or clearly apparent otherwise in context, the term, “installation-free smart lock”, as used herein, refers to an apparatus for use in combination with a pre-installed, existing deadbolt mechanism (e.g., a deadbolt mechanism already in-place in a door, “as is”), with the combination operable for smart lock-like functionality. That is, physical alteration or removal of a pre-installed, existing deadbolt mechanism of a door need be affected in order to achieve Smart lock-like functionality, such as previously mentioned.
Furthermore, if a user was to lock or unlock the deadbolt from the interior (e.g. inside a room or hallway), he/she would have to physically turn the deadbolt with his/her hand. Smart locks currently do not offer any means to automate the smart lock in the action of locking and unlocking from the interior. Many known smart lock devices are also unable to sense and automatically lock the door when the user leaves the premises.
Current smart locks usually run on alkaline or lithium batteries, both which can consume resources from the environment. Additionally, when these batteries fail, the user is locked out. The use of such batteries mandates the complete replacement of the batteries after the power is depleted. Smart locks that utilize energy from storage that can be replenished through USB charging or certain energy harvesting methods are not present in smart locks in the current market.
A non-limiting summary of various embodiments of the present teachings is set forth next.
According to various embodiments, with all mentioned features being present, operational, and/or able to function, simultaneously, in any combination, or alone, the present invention provides solutions to an installation-free keyless entry system for single-cylinder deadbolt locks. In various embodiments, solutions of the present teachings can be employed with a majority of the know deadbolt mechanisms, and at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, and in some embodiments, with substantially 100%, of the known single-cylinder deadbolt locks.
In various embodiments, the present teachings provide methods for a smart-lock apparatus to authenticate one or more users. In some embodiments, methods are provided for a smart-lock apparatus to identify another similar apparatus in a predefined proximity. Authentication performed by a smart-lock apparatus according to the teachings herein, can be supported, for example, by modular peripheral sources, wireless protocols, and the like. In addition to securing a door, in various embodiments, a user can configure the smart-lock device to monitor a variety of activities, such as temperature and occupancy through the modular peripheral sources, and to trigger preprogrammed events.
In accordance with various embodiments, the compatibility of this system is scalable, as it can be configured to support the external addition of various electrical modules with wireless protocols or modular peripheral sensing functionality. A user is not confined to no more than one or two authentication protocols, as with the known devices, but can use alternate protocols. In some embodiments, the user need not physically alter or replace his/her deadbolt lock to gain smart lock functionality. The smart-lock apparatus of the present teachings can be mounted over a pre-installed deadbolt lock, for example, using releasable attachment devices, such as magnets, e.g., neodymium magnets. In various embodiments, the smart-lock apparatus can include a responsive feature, sometimes referred to herein as “key assistance,” which comprises an algorithm to detect micro-movements of the deadbolt so that the user also can readily lock and unlock the door with his/her existing physical key. The key assistance feature can propel the smart lock's motor to move in the same direction as the user's key. In various embodiments, this feature can detect the difference between whether the deadbolt lock is being picked or if a genuine key is being used. In a situation in which the deadbolt is being picked, in some embodiments, the smart-lock apparatus can be configured for one or more protective actions, such as shutting down the device, stopping the motor, alerting the owner, and/or emitting a siren or flashing a light. If the genuine key is being used, this feature can assist the user in the action of rotating the deadbolt in the desired direction. In various embodiments, the smart-lock apparatus can allow emergency access, for example, via an SMS text or email message containing an appropriate cryptographic key. In some embodiments, the smart-lock apparatus can unlock to a mobile device with a specific phone number. In this way, a user who needs urgent access is need not register for an active account on a smart lock web server and request for access rights. Instead, one-time access can be administered without any registration. In various embodiments, the smart-lock apparatus can be configured to lock the deadbolt when a user leaves the premises, and/or to automatically lock the deadbolt when the door is closed and/or upon being idle for a predefined amount of time. In a variety of embodiments, the smart-lock apparatus can be accessible to the visually impaired through, for example, an audible chime emitted when the door is locked or unlocked, and can be accessible to the hearing impaired, for example, through a glass-lit capacitive touch button. In accordance with various embodiments, the smart-lock apparatus can include a rechargeable power solution, for replenishing an energy-storage unit, e.g., battery, without removal or disposal of non-rechargeable devices, e.g., batteries. Moreover, the device can be recharged, for example, through a USB port or equivalent power supply. In various embodiments, the smart-lock apparatus can be recharged by plugging in a USB power supply, by using environmentally friendly methods such as solar, radio waves, and the like.
Some aspects of the present teachings relate to various embodiments of methods for a smart-lock apparatus, mountable, or mounted, alongside or adjacent to a dead-bolt apparatus. In various embodiments, for example, the smart-lock apparatus can be mounted adjacent to a dead-bolt mechanism that already-exists (i.e., has been pre-installed) in a door of a room or building. The smart-lock apparatus, in some embodiments, can be removably mounted against the door, using any suitable means. In various embodiments, for example, magnetic forces can be employed to secure the smart-lock apparatus adjacent to the dead-bolt mechanism of the door. In a variety of embodiments, magnets are formed in, or affixed to, the enclosure of the smart-lock apparatus, for use with a door comprising a metallic material to which the magnets will naturally adhere by way of magnetic forces (e.g., a door comprising a ferromagnetic material.) In other embodiments, the smart-lock can be used with a door comprising a material to which the magnets will not adhere by way of magnetic forces. In the latter instance, a relatively thin, planar ferromagnetic template, or medallion, can be attached to the door, as by way of screws, glue, or adhesives, in the vicinity of (e.g., about the perimeter of) the deadbolt mechanism. The magnets of the smart-lock apparatus can then adhere by magnetic forces to the ferromagnetic template or medallion. In various other embodiments, magnets can be secured to the door, such as by glue, adhesives, or double-sided tape, such that they present their ends of opposing polarity in a dispositional layout like the disposition of the magnets of the smart-lock apparatus. Upon bringing the magnets of the smart-lock apparatus in proximity to the magnets attached to the door, the two sets of magnets will naturally be attracted to one another. In this way, with the magnets sticking to each other in a sturdy fashion, a means is provided for attaching the smart-lock apparatus closely adjacent to, or against, the door for use with the dead-bolt mechanism.
In accordance with a variety of embodiments, a method is provided for locking and unlocking a door, using a smart-lock apparatus that includes a microcontroller, and a memory associated with the microcontroller. The microcontroller can be programmed for entering, and exiting, a so-called “configuration mode.” When entered into the configuration mode, identifiers held in the memory for one or more peripheral devices used for authentication are permitted to be viewed, added, modified, and/or removed. In accordance with various embodiments, such a method can include the steps of: (a) setting the microcontroller into the configuration mode, (i) connecting a first peripheral device for electrical communication with the smart-lock apparatus; (ii) connecting a second peripheral device for data communication with the smart-lock apparatus; and then, (iii) using at least the second peripheral device, transmitting one or more registration authentication keys for storage in the memory. Subsequently, the method can further comprise the steps of: (b) exiting the microcontroller out from the configuration mode, (i) connecting a third peripheral device for data communication with the smart-lock apparatus; (ii) transmitting a login-in key to the third peripheral device; (iii) forwarding the transmitted log-in key, using at least the third peripheral device, to the microcontroller in the smart-lock apparatus; (iv) retrieving the one or more registration keys stored in the memory into the microcontroller; (v) comparing the transmitted log-in key against the one or more retrieved registration keys, looking for a match; and then, (vi) based upon the results of the comparing step, upon finding a match, unlocking the dead-bolt mechanism; and, optionally, opening the door.
In various embodiments of the foregoing method, at least two of the first, the second, and the third peripheral devices are no more than a single peripheral device (i.e., at least two of the three are one and the same device.) In a variety of embodiments, of the foregoing method, all of the first, the second, and the third peripheral devices are no more than a single peripheral device (i.e., they are all one and the same device.)
In various embodiments of the forgoing method, a further step of transmitting the registration authentication keys to a web server for publication.
In various embodiments of the forgoing method, wherein one or more of the peripheral devices is internet-enabled; and further comprising, responsive to a request by a user for the smart-lock apparatus to unlock an adjacent deadbolt apparatus, the step of transmitting to any one or more of the internet-enabled peripheral devices, via an SMS or email message, a time-limited, authorized login-key, then providing the login-key to the microcontroller, whereby the smart-lock device is operated for unlocking the deadbolt apparatus. In various embodiments of the forgoing method, further comprising, responsive to a request by a user for the smart-lock apparatus to unlock an adjacent deadbolt apparatus, the step of defining full access rights for a unique alpha-numeric string corresponding to the user or a portable device comprising an internet-enabled proxy for the user, which is operable by the user, in the database of a web-enabled server; transmitting to the user or the internet-enabled proxy for the user, via an SMS message, a time-limited, authorized login-key; and receiving, at the microcontroller, from the user via a peripheral device or from the internet-enabled proxy for the user, via the SMS message, the time-limited, authorized login-key, whereby the smart-lock device is operated for unlocking the deadbolt apparatus.
In various embodiments of the forgoing method, further comprising: automatically detecting the state of a selected deadbolt-lock mechanism, as being (i) “locked” or (ii) “unlocked,” and, if the detected state is not the desired state, automatically changing the deadbolt-lock mechanism from the detected state to the desired state.
In various embodiments of the forgoing method, further comprising: within a defined range, detecting(a) the distance between a selected door and the location of a person; and (b) the side of the door facing the location of the person.
In various embodiments of the forgoing method, wherein the smart-lock can authenticate users under the absence of one or more of the following: Central server, Mobile phone, Accessory Attached.
In accordance with a variety of embodiments, a smart-lock apparatus is provided for tool-free mounting adjacent a turn-thumb, in which turn-thumb is rotatable about a first axis, of an already-installed deadbolt lock of a door, comprising of: (i) a housing, comprising plural sidewalls defining an internal chamber; wherein at least one of the sidewalls defines an opening and wherein at least one of the sidewalls defines at least one aperture; and further wherein a volume of a respective geometric shape defined by the perimeter of each aperture is less than a volume of a geometric shape defined by the perimeter of the opening; (ii) one or more magnets disposed at one or more respective positions of the sidewall that defines the opening; (iii) a microcontroller, and a memory associated with said microcontroller, supported within the housing; (iv) an accessory port, disposed for communication with the microcontroller, and accessible from outside the housing via said at least one aperture; (v) a motor supported within the housing, disposed for electrical communication with the microcontroller; and, (vi) a gripper mechanically linked to the motor for causing bi-directional rotation of the gripper about a second axis, as desired; wherein the gripper is disposed for engaging said turn-thumb, upon mounting said smart-lock apparatus, for inducing rotation of the turn-thumb, via rotation of the gripper by the motor.
In various embodiments of the forgoing apparatus, the magnets are neodymium magnets, can further comprise a double-sided adhesive on at least a portion of each neodymium magnet, and can further wherein the double-sided adhesive renders the neodymium magnets adherable to a surface of a selected door.
In various embodiments of the forgoing apparatus, the motor can be a servo motor, and can further comprise an auto-calibration subsystem for automatically calibrating the servo motor wherein the auto-calibration subsystem includes one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of rotational sensors, pressure sensors, or a combination thereof.
In various embodiments, the forgoing apparatus may comprise one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of rotational sensors, pressure sensors, or a combination thereof; wherein one or more sensors monitor rotation of the turn thumb for substantially constant rotational speed and smoothness, indicative that an authorized physical key is being manually employed for operation of the deadbolt mechanism, and further wherein said one or more sensors also monitor turn thumb, but for a lack of substantially constant rotational speed and smoothness, indicative that an unauthorized physical tool is being employed for picking the lock; wherein upon initially sensing rotation of the turn thumb for a short period in a fashion characterized by substantially constant rotational speed and smoothness, the motor can be actuated for facilitating or assisting with the manual rotation of the key; and further wherein upon initially sensing rotation of the turn thumb for a short period in a fashion characterized by a lack of substantially constant rotational speed and smoothness, means for defending the deadbolt against successful picking can be initiated.
In various embodiments, the forgoing apparatus further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries for receiving, storing, and supplying electrical power, within the housing; and an energy harvester comprising circuitry for harvesting energy from one or more energy sources, selected from the group consisting of: solar energy, radio frequency energy, kinetic motion energy, or any combination thereof; and wherein said energy harvester is configured for receiving energy for harvesting from one or more energy collection devices selected from the group consisting of: solar panel, radio frequency antenna, kinetic motion generator, or any combination thereof; and, further comprising charging circuitry configured to provide harvested energy to the one or more rechargeable batteries, whereby, in use, the one or more rechargeable batteries are maintained in a properly charged state.
In various embodiments, the forgoing apparatus further comprises one or more trigger mechanisms for activating a lock-state-change subsystem for causing the deadbolt mechanism to change between its “locked” and “unlocked” states; wherein said one or more trigger mechanisms are selected from the group consisting of: a capacitive button, a tactile button, a reed switch, a reed magnetic sensor, a digital compass, or any combination thereof.
Other aspects of the present teachings relate to systems including a smart-lock apparatus. In accordance with a variety of embodiments, one such system can be provided for the automated control of one or more target electrical appliances. In various embodiments, such a system can comprise, for example: (i) a smart-lock apparatus comprising housing, and a microcontroller supported in the housing, a memory associated with the microcontroller, and an energy storage unit for receiving, storing, and supplying electrical power, within the housing; (ii) a first peripheral device connectable for electrical communication between the peripheral device and the energy storage unit; and, (iii) a second peripheral device and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is supported by the peripheral device, and further wherein the transceiver is disposed for data communication with the memory; and, (iv) a programmable control subsystem for learning operational signal data for one or more appliances, wherein the subsystem comprises, for example, at least the transceiver, the microcontroller, and the memory associated with the microcontroller.
In various embodiments of the forgoing system, the first peripheral device and the second peripheral device can be the same peripheral device.
In various embodiments of the forging system, at least the first and second peripheral devices are connectable, simultaneously.
In various embodiments, the system can include a wireless modular peripheral or sensor connected to the smart-lock apparatus to recognize a particular user and send alpha-numeric messages to a separate wireless device such as a wireless appliance, vehicle, alarm system, garage door, and the like.
In various embodiments, a peripheral device, such as the second peripheral device, can comprise a wireless radio unit (e.g., WIFI radio unit) for internet connectivity and access. The peripheral device, in turn, can be configured for connecting the smart-lock apparatus (e.g., at the microcontroller board) to the internet; e.g., to send and receive data/information, and carry out various operations and functions. In this way, the smart-lock apparatus can integrate into an “Internet of Things” (IoT) and issue commands based upon defined parameters, upon certain triggering events, and the like.
In various embodiments, the system can comprise at least one aperture defined by the housing; an accessory port, disposed for communication with the microcontroller, and accessible from outside the housing via the aperture; an accessory port duplicator, connected to the accessory port; and one or more home-automation devices; wherein the port duplicator is adapted for communication with a respective controller for each of the one or more home-automation devices.
In various embodiments, the system can further comprise one or more additional smart-lock apparatus, each mounted at a respective pre-installed deadbolt mechanism of a respective door; and a communicator disposed in each of the smart-lock apparatus adapted for transmitting and receiving data signals; whereby any one of the smart-lock apparatus can communicate with any one or more of the other smart-lock apparatus.
The present teachings will be illustrated by the following description in conjunction with the included drawings, in which:
Reference will now be made to various embodiments. While the present teachings will be described in conjunction with various embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present teachings to those embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings are intended to cover various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
In various embodiments, and with reference to
As can be seen in
One or more magnets provides for magnet attachment, and ready detachment, as by hand or via a prying device, of housing 92 to a door 98 that includes an existing, pre-installed deadbolt mechanism 122 with which the smart lock 100 is intended for use. As shown, for example, in the side plan view of
As best seen in
Microcontroller board 110 can include, for example, at least one microcontroller, or control unit, as well as a plurality of electronic parts, which can vary depending upon the specific functionality of any given smart lock, in accordance with the present teachings. A variety of standardized, off-the-shelf electronic parts can be employed with microcontroller board 110. Of course, custom-made parts can be utilized, as well. A person of ordinary skill in the art can determine appropriate electronic parts for accomplishing particular desired results, and can assemble them appropriately upon microcontroller board 110. In accordance with various embodiments, such electronic parts can include, for example, one or more of the following: resistors, capacitors, regulators (e.g., voltage regulators), and the like. In a variety of embodiments, alternatively, or in addition, such electronic parts can include, for example, one or more of the following: crystals, piezoelectric devices, switches, ports (e.g., USB ports, FIREWIRE ports, and the like), custom connector pins (herein referred to as an “accessory port”), serial drivers, wireless radios, and the like. In further embodiments, alternatively or in addition, such electronic parts can include, for example, one or more of the following: a microcontroller, capacitors, resistors, crystals, voltage regulators, switches, USB or other ports, one or more custom connectors, e.g., a 4-8 pin connector, serial driver(s), wireless radios, and the like. Further, in various embodiments, one or more serial communication integrated circuits (IC) can be supported within housing, such as the IC that can be seen in
According to various embodiments, a charging/energy harvesting circuit, as shown at 112 in
In relative proximity to both charging/energy harvesting circuit 112, and microcontroller board 110, a source for receiving, storage and retrieval of electrical power 118, can be supported within housing 92. In various embodiments, the charging/energy harvesting circuit 112 can be disposed for electrical connectivity to such source for receiving, storage and retrieval of electrical power 118, which can comprise a rechargeable energy source, such as one or more rechargeable batteries, as depicted at 118. The rechargeable battery 118 can be adapted for electrical communication with, for example, the microcontroller board 110 to provide power. In a variety of embodiments, power source 118 is rechargeable in place (i.e. does not require removal from the unit.) For example, source for storage and retrieval of electrical power 118 can comprise one or more Lithium-Ion and/or Lithium-Polymer batteries.
With continuing reference to
Also shown in
Referring now to
It will be appreciated that smart lock 100 can include components and features to make it user-friendly for persons with disabilities, such as the hearing impaired and/or the visually impaired. With particular reference to
In a variety of embodiments, the smart lock includes a circular opening, designated generally by the reference numeral 94. The opening 94 is dimensioned and configured to maximize compatibility of the smart lock with the known deadbolt mechanisms. In various embodiments, for example, the circular opening 94 comprises a diameter selected within a range of from about 60 millimeters to about 70 millimeters. In some embodiments, the circular opening 94 comprises a diameter of about 65 millimeters. Of course, other, custom (i.e. non-universal), diameters and configurations can be employed, depending upon the particular deadbolt mechanism with which the smart lock is intended to be used.
Referring primarily to
According to various embodiments, and with primary reference now to
Upon mounting smart lock 100 for operation, open-ended knob 104 can partially or fully envelope the turn-thumb 122a of deadbolt 122, as can be seen in the partial sectional view of
The partially sectional view of
In various embodiments, the smart lock can be manually mounted over a deadbolt lock, pre-installed in a door, by way of one or more magnets, such as neodymium magnets, attached to the smart lock, such as at 102 as shown in
In a variety of embodiments, the smart lock can be mounted on top of a single cylinder deadbolt through its circular opening (with, e.g., a diameter of about from 60 millimeters to about 70 millimeters). As depicted in
With the intention that position tracking of a deadbolt's position may be advantageous, the position reported by the rotary potentiometer 116b can be logged by the microcontroller board 110 to determine the locked/unlocked status of the deadbolt. Pressure or force sensors 124, which vary proportionally in resistance when pressure is applied, can be attached to the inner sidewalls of the open-ended knob 124 (shown in
In a variety of embodiments, the smart lock apparatus can include a responsive feature, sometimes referred to herein as “key assistance,” wherein an algorithm can detect micro-movements of the deadbolt so that the user also can easily lock and unlock the door with his/her existing key. In some embodiments, the key assistance feature can employ the previously-mentioned sensors (rotary potentiometer 116b, and pressure sensor 124) to detect pressure applied to the turn-thumb of a deadbolt. The sensors onboard (124 and 116b) can have capabilities such as rotational sensing, e.g., to the nearest degree. Key assistance can propel the smart lock's motor to move in the same direction as the user's physical key after it is inserted in the deadbolt and gently turned. In various embodiments, the microcontroller 110 can differentiate between unauthorized picking and use of a genuine key by detecting the sensed pattern of movement. For example, a valid key-turn can be detected in less than a second when the microcontroller collects over 50 samples of information and checks the rotation data for directional consistency. If the rotation data is not consistent and passes a threshold, the smart lock assumes the deadbolt is being lock-picked. In a situation in which the deadbolt is being lock-picked, according to various embodiments, the smart lock 100 can take protective actions such as shutting down the device, stopping the servo motor 116, alerting the owner through an attached modular accessory 134, and/or emitting a siren 136, flashing a light 114, and the like. If a genuine key is being used, the feature can assist the user in the action of revolving the deadbolt in the desired direction.
In various embodiments, the smart lock apparatus can include a rechargeable battery 118, operating, for example, in the range of 3-9 volts, such as lithium-polymer or lithium-ion as a power source. Rechargeable battery 118 can provide for recharging of the device, thus eliminating battery replacement and/or disposal, such as with single-use batteries.
In various embodiments, the smart lock apparatus can be characterized by a low-power consumption, drawing, for example, 5-10 milliamp hours or less. In some such embodiments, the smart lock apparatus 100 can comprise an energy harvesting circuit, as depicted at 112. In various embodiments, the energy harvesting circuit can comprise a low-energy circuit that can replenish the power of the rechargeable battery 118 by extracting energy from a low-energy electricity source. Advantageously, the use of the energy harvesting circuit 112 can allow the smart lock to be powered by environmental means (shown in
In various embodiments, the smart lock can include one or more features that automatically lock the door. One such exemplary feature, sometimes referred to herein as “auto-lock”, can lock the deadbolt when a user leaves the premises by acquiring the state of a reed switch or hall-effect sensor in the device and mounting a magnet 132 adjacent to the smart lock, illustrated in
In various embodiments, the smart lock comprises an accessory port, which, for example, can comprise a 4-8 pin modular connector 106. The accessory port 106 can comprise an electrical connector located on a side of the smart lock apparatus, shown in
An unknown user with a mobile device, as at 148, who desires access is typically required to register for an active account on the smart lock web server, depicted at 144, and request for access rights. In certain situations, however, it is recognized that such registration and request may not be desirable, or feasible. For example, in various embodiments of the present teachings, the smart lock can comprise a system that allows near-instant access via an electronic message, such as an SMS text, email message, or electronic communication of any other suitable electronic messaging system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 146, containing a cryptographic key, such as shown in
In various embodiments, the smart lock may comprise a wireless modular accessory such as a BLUETOOTH, WIFI, or ISM frequency module by using the accessory port 106. Such accessories can be capable of transmitting and receiving signals such as cryptographic keys. However, the microcontroller board 110 can have a repetitive algorithm that detects a particular identification signal at a repeated interval and uses this to trigger actions. Should the microcontroller consistently receive a message 138 at a certain interval, it may be able to obtain more information about the wireless signal. This brings multiple advantages such as the ability to detect the presence, range, and identity of a certain device. For example, in a system where the smart lock 100 polls the accessory for incoming signal 138 every 5 seconds (shown in
In various embodiments, the smart lock apparatus can comprise an accessory that can detect the distance and side that a user is standing relative to a door through the combined use of existing wireless modular accessory 134 and vibration sensors 150. This embodiment, such as shown in
In a variety of embodiments, a peripheral accessory 134c, which can be modular, can be connected to the accessory port 106 of a smart lock 100 to control a target electrical apparatus such as a lamp 152 or a security system 154, shown in
With reference now to
In various embodiments, a peripheral device comprises a wireless radio unit (e.g., WIFI radio unit) for internet connectivity and access, which can be configured for connecting the smart-lock apparatus (e.g., at the microcontroller board) to the internet; e.g., to send and receive data/information, and carry out various operations and functions. In various embodiments, the smart-lock apparatus can be configured to control most IoT devices. Such functionality is imparted by components of the smart-lock apparatus, including a microcontroller, a connected wireless modular peripheral (e.g., a wireless transceiver operating in the range of 0.433-2.4 GHz), and a power source (i.e. a battery or power supply.) In general usage of the term, it might be said that IoT devices can be controlled by any device with a TCP/IP stack. In accordance with the present teachings, a wireless transceiver (which, in some embodiments, can be WiFi compatible) can be employed to connect the smart-lock apparatus to the internet. In a variety of embodiments, such TCP/IP stack need not be available or present for control of IoT devices. For embodiments contemplating IoT devices not actively connected to the internet, control in the home can be effected, for example, in situation wherein the IoT device(s) is/are inside the local network (i.e. WIFI or LAN network) in a proximity.
According to various embodiments, a “macro” is typically referred by those skilled in the art as a single instruction that expands automatically into a set of instructions to perform a particular task. Likewise, a single instruction (wireless transmission from a modular accessory 134) that expands automatically into a set of instructions (wireless transmissions from a modular accessory 134 to different devices such as 152 or 154) to perform a particular task will herein be referred to as a “macro”. The present invention 100 is capable of executing macros that associate with a particular user's mobile device 140 or authentication method in the event a user is about to leave a building or enter a building such as giving reminders or turning on the lights 152. Appliances can be configured to be compatible with the smart lock by using generic wireless power outlets. The smart lock 100 can use a wireless accessory 134c to send identical signals that are normally sent by the corresponding remote control of the generic wireless power outlets. Security systems and home automation systems often offer an API (application programming interface) for other devices to interact with. Such APIs can be accessed by the smart lock through wireless modular accessories 134c. User-defined macros on the smart lock may be also reported to a home automation system 154 when available. Such macros may include but not be limited to turning on/off the lights 152, arming/disarming a security system 154, turning off the stove, sending a signal to locking/locking a vehicle, controlling a particular appliance, opening a specific website, placing an online order, starting a print job, etc.
In some embodiments, a microcontroller board 110 in a smart lock 100 can initially start in a mode (herein referred to as “configuration mode”) that allows a user to add, modify, or remove access keys to the smart lock. An access key is a type of variable accessible to the microcontroller 110, and such variables can be referred to as strings, known to those skilled in the art. Strings are typically a sequence of characters, either as a literal constant or as type of variable. Elements of a string can be mutated and the length changed as long as it is below the maximum allocated memory of said microcontroller 110. An access key can originate from the signals sent from a modular peripheral accessory 134. When a smart lock 100 is in configuration mode, it listens for signals sent from a modular peripheral accessory 134 and stores incoming access data as an access key in the memory of the microcontroller 110. If a user desires, configuration mode can be manually elicited by a user sending a predefined command (e.g. “config”) to the microcontroller board 110 through any communication protocol when the smart lock 100 is set in the unlocked state. Likewise, a user can escape configuration mode by sending the predefined command again. A smart lock 100 can store one or more access keys to gain one or more methods of user authentication. During normal operation (when the smart lock 100 is not in configuration mode), an access key sent to the device will elicit the microcontroller 110 to retrieve all stored access keys in memory to check for matches with the current access key sent. If a match is found, said smart lock 100 will unlock the door if it is locked or vice-versa.
In various embodiments, the smart lock apparatus can be requested to run macros that communicate with more than one device. In an embodiment where modular peripheral accessories may be used for authentication or environmental automation, an accessory port may be duplicated into two or more accessory ports by connecting an accessory (herein referred to as a “port multiplier” 156) that can give respective priorities to both accessories, shown in
In another embodiment, a smart lock 100a is able to control other smart locks (100b and 100c) of the same kind. For example, if a building has multiple doors with the same kind of smart lock, the locks are capable of forming a network of communication 138 (assuming that all locks are using a compatible wireless accessory 134c), as shown in
All references set forth herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.
Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings herein can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while the present teachings have been described in connection with various embodiments and examples, the scope of the present teachings are not intended, and should not be construed to be, limited thereby. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings.
The present application claims a priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/615,197, filed 2015 Jul. 1; incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62187318 | Jul 2015 | US |