Lock housing device and key structure and authentication method thereof

Abstract

An apparatus for a lock housing device and a key structure includes a housing, a central processing unit, a power supply, a first distance measuring device, a first compressible member, and a first housing pin, wherein the central processing unit is electrically coupled to the power supply and the first distance measuring device. A first end of the first compressible member is mechanically coupled to a first end of the first housing pin, and a second end is mechanically coupled to an inner surface of the housing. The first distance measuring device is located at the second end of the first compressible member and is configured to measure a first distance to the first end of the first housing pin. A first key pin of the key structure is disposed in the housing, wherein the first key pin is configured to compress the first compressible member by a first distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to lock and key combinations, and more particularly to a lock housing apparatus and key structure combination for controlling a locking mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Currently, various mechanical and electronic locking devices, including lock and key combinations, are used to secure various objects. A lock refers to a mechanical and / or electronic fastening device that is released by an object (e.g., a key card), by providing unique identifying information (e.g., a pin code), or a combination of both. A key refers to the physical device used to operate a lock to gain access to the object it secures. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of an embodiment of the present invention discloses an apparatus for a lock housing device and a key structure, the apparatus comprising a housing, a central processing unit, a power supply, a first distance measuring device, a first compressible member, and a first housing pin, wherein the central processing unit is electrically coupled to the power supply and the first distance measuring device. The apparatus further comprises: a first end of the first compressible member is mechanically coupled to a first end of a first housing pin, and a second end of the first compressible member is mechanically coupled to an inner surface of the housing. The apparatus further comprises: the first distance measuring device is located at the second end of the first compressible member, wherein the first distance measuring device is configured to measure a first distance to the first end of the first housing pin. The apparatus further comprises: a first key pin of a key structure is disposed in the housing, wherein the first key pin is configured to compress the first compressible member by the first distance.

[0004] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for authenticating a key structure for a lock housing device, the method comprising: determining, by one or more processors, that a lock housing device is in contact with a key structure, wherein a first key pin of the key structure compresses a first compressible member in the lock housing device. The method further comprises: receiving, by the one or more processors, a first distance value for a first compressed length of the first compressible member in the lock housing device from a first distance measuring device. The method further comprises: in response to determining that the first compressed length of the first compressible member matches a first known compressed length, instructing, by the one or more processors, to deactivate a locking mechanism associated with the lock housing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The following detailed description, given by way of example only and not intended to limit the present disclosure to, will be best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1Shown is a side view of a lock housing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 A side view of a key structure for insertion into a lock housing device is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 3A Shown is a front view of a pin of a lock housing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3B A front view showing a pin of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 4 A side view of a key structure inserted into a lock housing device is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 5 A side view of a lock housing device with resistance detection according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 A side view of a key structure for insertion into a lock housing device with resistance detection is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a distributed data processing environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the operational steps of a key verification procedure for verifying a key structure inserted into a lock housing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention provides a lock housing device and a key structure, wherein the key structure is insertable into the lock housing device. One or more housing pins of the lock housing device are at least partially aligned with one or more key pins of the key structure, wherein the one or more housing pins are compressible within the lock housing device through the one or more key pins of the key structure. The lock housing device includes a central processing unit, a communication device, a power supply, and one or more distance measuring devices for the one or more housing pins of the lock housing device. The central processing unit uses the one or more distance measuring devices to measure the compressed length of the one or more housing pins, and the key verification program compares the compressed length with a known length to authenticate the key structure with the one or more key pins. For secondary authentication, current is supplied from the power supply of the lock housing device to the one or more key pins of the key structure composed of various metal types, wherein the current is passed to the one or more housing pins of the lock housing device and is grounded to the CPU. The key verification program compares the resistance value of the one or more key pins of the key structure with the known resistance value to further authenticate the key structure with the one or more key pins.

[0016] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of potential embodiments of the present invention and may take various forms. Furthermore, each example given in conjunction with the various embodiments is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. This description is intended to be interpreted merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ various aspects of the present disclosure in various ways. In the description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments.

[0017] For purposes of the following description, terms such as "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," and their derivatives shall refer to the disclosed structures and methods as oriented in the accompanying drawings. Terms such as "above," "overlying," "on top," "on top of," "positioned on," or "positioned on top of" mean that a first member, such as a first structure, is present on a second member, such as a second structure, wherein an intermediate member, such as an interface structure, may be present between the first and second members. The term "direct contact" means that a first member, such as a first structure, and a second member, such as a second structure, are connected at the interface of the two members without any intermediate conductive, insulating, or semiconducting layers. The terms "substantially" or "substantially similar" refer to situations where differences in length, height, or orientation do not convey actual differences between defined statements (e.g., phrases without substantially similar terms) and between substantially similar variations. In one embodiment, substantially (and its derivatives) refer to differences within generally accepted engineering or manufacturing tolerances for similar devices, up to, for example, a 10% deviation in value or a 10° deviation in angle.

[0018] In order not to obscure the presentation of the embodiments of the present invention, in the following detailed description, some processing steps or operations known in the art may have been grouped together for presentation and illustrative purposes, and in some cases may not have been described in detail. In other cases, some processing steps or operations known in the art may not be described at all. It should be understood that the following description focuses more on the distinguishing features or components of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 A side view of a lock housing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the lock housing device 100 includes a cylindrical housing 102 , wherein the cylindrical housing 102 also includes an electronics housing 104 and a pin housing 106 . Figure 1 Shown along Figure 3A 302 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diameter of the lock housing device 100 discussed in more detail. A central processing unit (CPU) 108, a communication module 110, a power supply 112, and a distance measuring device 114 are disposed in the electronic housing 104, wherein the power supply 112 is electrically coupled to the CPU 108, the communication module 110, and the distance measuring device 114. The CPU 108 is also electrically coupled to the communication module 110 and the distance measuring device 114. Housing pins 116A-116F and compressible members 118, wherein a first end of each housing pin 116A-116F is mechanically coupled to a first end of each compressible member 118, and a second end of each compressible member 118 is mechanically coupled to an inner surface of the pin housing 106. Each housing pin 116A-116F is enclosed in a corresponding cylindrical housing ( Figure 1 116F) for guiding the movement of each housing pin 116A-116F when the corresponding compressible member 118 is compressed and rebounded. Figure 1 Not shown, about Figure 2 ) is insertable and removable at region 120 of housing 102 of lock housing device 100 .

[0020] CPU 108 utilizes distance measurement device 114 to determine the length of each compressible member 118 due to compression of each corresponding housing pin 116A-116F. In this embodiment, housing pins 116A-116F are in an initial state and each compressible member 118 is at an initial length, wherein each compressible member 118 is not experiencing compression due to a force applied to the second end of each housing pin 116A-116F at a region 120 opposite the first end of each housing pin 116A-116F. Each distance measurement device 114 may be a laser that measures distance based on a light pulse that exits each distance measurement device 114, reflects from the first end of each corresponding housing pin 116A-116F, and is received at each distance measurement device 114. Each compressible member 118 may be a coil spring, wherein the light pulse emitted by distance measurement device 114 travels through the central axis of the coil spring of each compressible member 118. The communication module 110 allows the CPU 108 to communicate with one or more external electronic devices (e.g., a client device, an electronic lock mechanism) to provide information regarding the authentication of a key structure inserted into the lock housing device 100. The power supply 112 may be a rechargeable battery that provides energy to the CPU 108, the communication module 110, and the distance measurement device 114.

[0021] Figure 2 A side view of a key structure for insertion into a lock housing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the key structure 200 includes a handle portion 202 with key pins 204A-204F protruding from a first end of the handle portion 202. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the diameter of the key structure 200 is shown. Figure 3B1. The key pins 204A-204F are arranged to extend along the axis 304 of the key structure 200, as discussed in greater detail below. Each key pin 204A-204F corresponds to each housing pin 116A-116F disposed in the lock housing device 100, wherein each key pin 204A-204F has a unique length. A first end of each key pin 204A-204F is secured to the handle portion 202 of the key structure, and a second end of each key pin 204A-204F contacts and applies a force to the second end of each housing pin 116A-116F disposed in the lock housing device 100. In this embodiment, each key pin 204A-204F is incompressible and remains secured at the first end of the handle portion 202 of the key structure 200. In another embodiment, each key pin 204A-204F can be compressed and retracted into the handle portion 202 of the key structure 200, wherein the first end of each key pin 204A-204F is coupled to a corresponding member disposed in the handle portion 202. The spring constant of each compressible member provided in the handle portion 202 will be less than the spring constant of each compressible member 118 provided in the pin housing 106 to ensure that the compressible members provided in the handle portion 202 compress before the compressible members 118 provided in the pin housing 106 .

[0022] Figure 3A A front view of the pins of a lock housing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, housing pins 116A-116F are positioned along axis 302 of housing 102 of lock housing device 100, wherein housing pins 116A-116F are surrounded by eighteen other housing pins (a total of twenty-four housing pins). Lock housing device 100 is capable of receiving key structure 200 at two positions along axis 302 at area 120, wherein the two positions are 180 degrees apart. The CPU 108 of lock housing device 100 is capable of inserting two known positions of key structure 200 in lock housing device 100 to verify the length at each of the twenty-four housing pins. In another embodiment, the position of the housing pins in lock housing device 100 allows key structure 200 to be inserted in more than two positions (e.g., at 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees). The larger number of housing pins 116 in the lock housing device 100 translates into a larger number of lengths that would need to be copied along with the counterfeit key structure 200, resulting in a more secure lock housing device 100 and key structure 200 combination. In another embodiment, the housing pins 116 can be rotated within the housing 102 of the lock housing device 100 about a center point on the axis 302 to provide another level of authentication. For example, after inserting the key structure 200 into the lock housing device 100, the user rotates the housing pins 116 within the housing 102 a set number of degrees (e.g., 15 degrees, 90 degrees) using the handle portion 202 of the key structure 200.

[0023] Figure 3B2 shows a front view of the pins of a key structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the key pins 204A-204F are positioned along an axis 304 that protrudes from the handle portion 202 of the key structure 200, wherein the key pins 204A-204F are surrounded by 18 other housing pins (24 housing pins in total). The key structure 200 can be inserted into the lock housing device 100 along the axis 304 in two positions, wherein the two positions are 180 degrees apart and the axis 304 is aligned with the housing device 100. Figure 3A The key structure 200 is aligned with the axis 302 shown. In another embodiment, a protective housing can surround all 24 key pins 204 to protect the key pins 204 from inadvertent damage while being inserted into the lock housing device 100. The protective housing can be cylindrical, octagonal, or any shape that will allow the key pins 204 to be positioned within the area created by the protective housing and the correspondingly shaped cavity in the lock housing device 100 that receives the protective housing during insertion of the key structure 200 into the lock housing device 100. To assist a user in aligning the key structure 200 with the lock housing device prior to insertion, the handle portion 202 of the key structure 200 can include protruding alignment features on an outer surface for aligning with protruding features positioned on an outer surface of the pin housing 106 of the lock housing device 100.

[0024] Figure 4 A side view of a key structure inserted into a lock housing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a key structure 200 is provided within the lock housing device 100 for length authentication of each housing pin 116 and key pin 204 for a total of 24 length combinations. When a user inserts the key structure 200 into the lock housing device 100, the key pins 204C and 204F contact the corresponding housing pins 116C and 116F in the lock housing device 100. As the key structure 200 is further inserted into the lock housing device 100, the key pin 204D contacts the corresponding housing pin 116D, followed by the key pin 204A contacting the corresponding housing pin 116A, followed by the key pin 204E contacting the corresponding housing pin 116, followed by the key pin 204B contacting the corresponding housing pin 116B. The length by which each compressible member 118A-118F is compressed is equal to the length of each corresponding key pin 204A-204F. About Figure 6 A key authentication program operating on the CPU 108 , discussed in greater detail, utilizes the distance measurement device 114 to determine the compressed length of each compressed housing pin 116A- 116F.

[0025] In this embodiment, the length of each key pin 204A-204F subtracted from the initial length of each compressible member 118A-118F equals the compressed length of each compressible member 118A-118F. The CPU 108 can verify the compressed length of each corresponding compressible member 118A-118F due to the combined interaction between each key pin 204 and the housing pin 116, and authenticate the key structure 200 to the corresponding lock housing device. In another embodiment, in which each key pin 204A-204F can also be compressed and retracted into the handle portion 202 of the key structure 200, the two-stage compression of each key pin 204A-204F provides an additional layer of security. The two-stage compression results in a compressed length of each compressible member 118A-118F that is the result of the length of each key pin 204A-204F and the secondary compression length of each key pin 204A-204F into the handle portion 202 of the key structure 200.

[0026] Figure 5 A side view of a lock housing device with resistance detection according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the lock housing device 100 includes secondary resistance detection for use with a key structure 200 having key pins 204 of different metal compositions. The lock housing device 100 includes an electrical housing connector 502 positioned at an area 120, wherein the key structure 200 can be inserted into the lock housing device 100 at the area 120 and the electrical housing connector 502 contacts a corresponding key connector 602 on the key structure 200, referenced to FIG. Figure 6 The electrical housing connector 502 is electrically coupled to the power source 112 via power leads 504 , and a first end of each housing pin 116A- 116F is grounded to the CPU 108 via a ground lead 506 .

[0027] Figure 6A side view of a key structure for insertion into a lock housing device with resistance detection according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the key structure 200 includes key pins 204A-204F of different metal compositions, wherein key pins 204A and 204E are composed of metal type A (e.g., aluminum), key pins 204B and 204D are composed of metal type B (e.g., copper), and key pins 204C and 204F are composed of metal type C (e.g., nickel). The key structure 200 includes a key connector 602 positioned on the handle portion 202, wherein the position of the key connector 602 corresponds to the position of the electrical housing connector 502 of the lock housing device 100. When the key structure 200 is inserted into the lock housing device 100, the key connector 602 is at least partially electrically coupled to the electrical housing connector 502. The key connector 602 is electrically coupled to each key pin 204A- 204F via power leads 604 , wherein electrical current supplied by the power supply 112 of the lock housing apparatus 100 is translated to each key pin 204A- 204F.

[0028] For the first step of the authentication process, the CPU 108 operates on Figure 6 The key verification program, discussed in more detail, utilizes the distance measurement device 114 to determine the compressed length of each compressed housing pin 116A-116F. For the second step of the authentication process, the key verification program operating on the CPU 108 measures the resistance of each unique housing pin 116 and key pin 204 combination via a complete circuit between the power supply 112, the power lead 504, the electrical housing connector 502, the key connector 602, the power lead 604, the key pin 204, the housing pin 116 (composed of a metallic material), the electrical ground lead 506, and the CPU 108. Each key pin 204 generates a unique resistance value based on its material composition (i.e., type) and length. The CPU 108 sends a signal instructing the locking mechanism to deactivate upon completion of both steps of the authentication process.

[0029] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention.As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well.

[0030] The description of various embodiments of the present invention has been presented for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. The terms used herein are selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements to the technology found in the marketplace, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the exact forms and details described and shown, but to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0031] Figure 7 704B is a functional block diagram illustrating a distributed data processing environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. The distributed data processing environment includes a locking enclosure device 100, a client device 702, and a locking mechanism 704B, all interconnected via a network 706.

[0032] As previously mentioned Figure 1-6 As discussed, the lock housing device 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 108, a communication module 110, a power supply 112, a locking mechanism 704A, a key verification program 708 operating on the CPU 108, and a one-step authentication process or a two-step authentication process for authenticating a key structure 200 ( Figure 7 (not shown). Communication module 110 allows CPU 108 to communicate with client device 702 and locking mechanism 704B to send a single indication indicating whether key structure 200 is authenticated. Power supply 112 represents one or more types of rechargeable and / or replaceable power reserves used to power CPU 108, communication module 110, and locking mechanism 704A. Locking mechanism 704A represents an electronic lock integrated into lock housing device 100, and locking mechanism 704B represents an electronic lock located external to lock housing device 100, wherein lock housing device 100 communicates with locking mechanism 704B via communication module 110 using network 706.

[0033] The client device 702 can be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a smart watch, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or any other electronic device capable of communicating via a network 706. Generally, the client device 702 represents one or more programmable electronic devices or a combination of programmable electronic devices capable of executing machine-readable program instructions and communicating with other computing devices (not shown) within a distributed data processing environment via a network, such as the network 706. In one embodiment, the client device 702 represents one or more devices associated with a user who is the owner of the lock housing device 100. The client device 702 includes a user interface 710, wherein the user interface 710 enables the user of the client device 702 to interact with the key verification program 708 on the lock housing device 100.

[0034] In general, the network 706 can be any combination of connections and protocols that will support communication between the lock housing device 100, the client device 702, and the locking mechanism 706B. The network 706 can include, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (such as the Internet), a cellular network, connection or any combination of the foregoing, and may also include wired, wireless, and / or fiber optic connections. In one embodiment, the key verification program 708 may be a web service accessible to a user of the client device 702 via the network 706. In another embodiment, the key verification program 708 may be accessed by a user of the lock housing device 100 via a user interface ( Figure 7 ) directly operated on.

[0035] The key verification program 708 provides one-step or two-step authentication of the key structure inserted into the lock housing device 100. Prior to performing the one-step or two-step authentication process, the key verification program 708 indicates that the locking mechanism 704A and / or 704B is activated (i.e., locked). The key verification program 708 places the CPU 108 in a low-power state until the key verification program 708 determines that the lock housing device 100 is in contact with the key structure, wherein the key structure is inserted into the lock housing device 100. The key verification program 708 initializes the lock housing device by powering the CPU 108 from the low-power state and receiving values ​​corresponding to each housing pin, wherein the compressible member associated with each housing pin of the lock housing device 100 undergoes compression due to the corresponding key pin of the inserted key structure. For the one-step authentication process, the values ​​include the compressed length of each housing pin of the lock housing device 100. For the two-step authentication process, the values ​​include the compressed length of each housing pin of the lock housing device 100 and the resistance reading of each housing pin of the lock housing device 100, wherein each housing pin is composed of a unique material type. In response to the key verification program 708 failing to verify the value of each housing pin of the lock housing device 100, the key verification program 708 sends a notification of the failed verification to the client device 702 associated with the user. In response to the key verification program 708 verifying the value of each housing pin of the lock housing device 100, the key verification program 708 instructs the locking mechanism 704A and / or 704B to deactivate (i.e., unlock position).

[0036] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the operational steps of a key verification procedure for verifying a key structure inserted into a lock housing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The key verification program 708 indicates that the locking mechanism is activated (802). Before the key verification program 708 performs a one-step or two-step authentication process, the key verification program 708 indicates that the locking mechanism is activated (i.e., locked position). As previously discussed, the locking mechanism can be integrated into the lock housing device or remote from the lock housing device, wherein the key verification program 708 communicates with the remote locking mechanism via a wireless connection. The key verification program 708 can indicate that multiple locking mechanisms are activated, wherein a single lock housing device and key structure combination is used to perform a one-step or two-step authentication process for multiple locking mechanisms. If the initial length of the compressible member associated with the housing pin of the lock housing mechanism has not been previously defined by the manufacturer, the key verification program 708 measures and establishes the initial length of each compressible member associated with each housing pin of the lock housing device.

[0038] The key verification program 708 determines that the lock housing device is in contact with the key structure (804). In this embodiment, the key verification program 708 instructs the lock housing device to operate in a low power state to conserve power. During the low power state, the key verification program 708 can utilize a motion sensor integrated into the lock housing device to identify movement of at least one compressible member of the lock housing device. In response to the key verification program 708 identifying movement of at least one compressible member of the lock housing device, the key verification program 708 determines that the key structure is in contact with the key structure. In another embodiment, the key verification program 708 instructs the lock housing device to operate in a low power state to conserve power, wherein the key verification program 708 utilizes an electrical housing connector on the lock housing device and a key connector on the key structure to determine when the lock housing device is in contact with the key structure. When the key structure is inserted into the lock housing device, the electrical housing connector contacts the key connector and establishes a complete circuit between the power supply, power leads in the lock housing device, the electrical housing connector, the key connector, power leads in the key structure, the key pin, the housing pin, the electrical ground lead of the lock housing device, and the CPU, as previously described with respect to Figure 6 discussed.

[0039] The key verification program 708 initializes the lock housing device (806). In this embodiment, the key verification program 708 initializes the lock housing device by removing the lock housing device from a low-power state. For a one-step authentication process, as the key pins of the key structure press against the housing pins of the lock housing device, the key verification program 708 powers each distance measuring device associated with each compressible member of the lock housing device to measure the compressed length of each compressible member. For a two-step authentication process, in addition to the key verification program 708 powering each distance measuring device, the key verification program 708 instructs the power supply to send current through each key pin and housing pin combination to determine a resistance reading for each key pin and housing pin combination.

[0040] The key verification program 708 receives a value for each housing pin of the lock housing device (808). For a one-step authentication process, the key verification program 708 receives a distance value for each key pin and housing pin combination, wherein each distance value represents a compressed length of each compressible member of the lock housing device. Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 4For the lock housing device and key structure combination described in

[15] , the key verification program 708 receives twenty-four distance values ​​for twenty-four key pin and housing pin combinations. For a two-step verification process, the key verification program 708 receives a distance value for each key pin and housing pin combination and a resistance reading for each key pin and housing pin combination. Since each pin on the lock housing device and key structure has a unique identifier, the key verification program 708 can match each received value to each key pin and housing pin combination. For example, as previously described in

[15] , the key verification program 708 receives twenty-four distance values ​​for twenty-four key pin and housing pin combinations. For example, as previously described in

[15] , the key verification program 708 receives twenty-four distance values ​​for each key pin and housing pin combination. Figure 3A and 3B As discussed and illustrated in FIG, housing pin "A" and key pin "A" form a first of twenty-four combinations, and the key verification program 708 receives a distance value of "20" and a resistance value of "5" to form a first code "AA205." For a second of the twenty-four combinations, housing pin "B" and key pin "B" are used, and the key verification program 708 receives a distance value of "18" and a resistance value of "4" to form a second code "BB184." The key verification program 708 can receive all 24 codes for authentication against the 24 known codes. For embodiments in which a key structure is insertable into a lock housing device at multiple positions, the key verification program 708 can compare the codes at the multiple positions with the known codes, where there are multiple sets of known codes for the multiple positions.

[0041] The key verification program 708 verifies the values ​​by determining whether the received values ​​for each housing pin match the known values ​​for each housing pin of the lock housing device (decision 810). If the key verification program 708 fails to verify the values ​​("no" branch, decision 810), the key verification program 708 sends a notification regarding the failed verification (812). If the key verification program 708 verifies the values ​​("yes" branch, decision 810), the verification program 708 instructs the locking mechanism to deactivate (814).

[0042] The key verification program 708 sends a notification regarding the verification failure (812). In this embodiment, the key verification program 708 sends a notification regarding a failed authentication of a failed verification of a key structure inserted into the lock housing device to a client device associated with an owner of the lock housing device. The key verification program 708 can send the notification to the client device using one or more electronic methods (e.g., email, text message), wherein the notification can include a time of the verification failure, a date of the verification failure, a step from two-step verification that the verification failed, and a list of one or more values ​​that do not match known values ​​for the key pin and housing pin combination. The key verification program 708 can display a front view of the lock housing device in a user interface on the client device (e.g., Figure 3A ) and key structures (e.g. Figure 3B), highlighting one or more pin combinations including one or more values ​​that failed verification. Thus, the user is allowed to inspect the housing pins of the lock housing device and key structure and / or the key pins for any accidental damage that may have occurred based on the front view displayed to the user by the key verification program 708.

[0043] The key verification program 708 instructs the locking mechanism to deactivate (814). The key verification program 708 instructs one or more locking mechanisms to deactivate (i.e., unlock position) by sending a signal to the locking mechanism. As previously discussed, the locking mechanism can be integrated into the lock housing device or remote from the lock housing device, wherein the key verification program 708 communicates with the remote locking mechanism via a wireless connection. The key verification program 708 can instruct multiple locking mechanisms to deactivate, wherein a single lock housing device and key structure combination is used to perform a one-step or two-step authentication process for multiple locking mechanisms.

[0044] The present invention may be a system, method, and / or computer program product.The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or multiple media) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to perform various aspects of the present invention.

[0045] Computer-readable storage media can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. Computer-readable storage media can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or a suitable combination of any of the above. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following: a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanical encoding device such as a punch card, or a protruding structure in a groove with instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the above. As used herein, computer-readable storage media should not be interpreted as a temporary signal itself, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagated by a waveguide or other transmission medium (for example, a light pulse passing through an optical fiber cable), or an electrical signal emitted by a wire.

[0046] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a corresponding computing / processing device, or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network can include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. The network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions to be stored in a computer-readable storage medium within the corresponding computing / processing device.

[0047] The computer-readable program instructions for performing the operation of the present invention can be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-related instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​(including object-oriented programming languages, such as Smalltalk, C++ etc.) and procedural programming languages ​​(such as " C " programming language or similar programming languages).Computer-readable program instructions can be performed completely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, performed as an independent software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or performed completely on a remote computer or server.In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer by any type of network (including local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)), or can be connected to an external computer (such as, using an internet service provider through the internet).In certain embodiments, the electronic circuit comprising for example programmable logic circuit, field programmable gate array (FPGA) or programmable logic array (PLA) can make the electronic circuit personalized to perform computer-readable program instructions by utilizing the state information of computer-readable program instructions, so as to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0048] Aspects of the present invention will be described below with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0049] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create this device for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and these instructions cause the computer, programmable data processing device, and / or other equipment to operate in a specific manner, so that the computer-readable storage medium having the instructions stored therein includes an article of manufacture containing instructions for implementing aspects of the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0050] Computer-readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device, so that a series of operating steps are performed on the computer, other programmable device, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable device, or other device implement the functions / actions specified in or in multiple boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0051] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architectures, functions and operations of the systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. To this end, each box in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment or portion of an instruction, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative embodiments, the functions annotated in the box may not occur in the order annotated in the figure. For example, depending on the functions involved, two boxes shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the boxes may sometimes be executed in the opposite order. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and the combination of boxes in the block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action or performs a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. An arrangement for a lock housing device and a key structure for use with a locking mechanism, wherein: The lock housing device and the key structure are separate components, and the apparatus comprises: a housing of the lock housing device, the housing extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing, the housing being provided with a central processing unit, a power source, a first distance measuring device, a first compressible member, and a first housing pin disposed in the housing, wherein the central processing unit is electrically coupled to the power source and the first distance measuring device; a first end of the first compressible member being mechanically coupled to a first end of the first housing pin, and a second end of the first compressible member being mechanically coupled to an inner surface of the housing; the first distance measuring device being located at a second end of the first compressible member; a first key pin of the key structure insertable into an opening in a first end of the housing of the lock housing device along the longitudinal direction, wherein the second end of the first housing pin engages with one end of the first key pin, wherein the first end of the first key pin is at least partially aligned with the second end of the first housing pin when inserted into the housing of the lock housing device such that the first end of the first key pin is configured to depress the second end of the first housing pin; wherein the first compressible member is compressible in the longitudinal direction by the first key pin of the key structure inserted into the housing of the lock housing device; wherein the first distance measuring device is configured to measure a first distance from the second end of the first compressible member to the first end of the first housing pin along the longitudinal direction, wherein an insertion distance of the first key pin is the same as a compressed length of the first compressible member; Therein, the central processing unit is configured to generate a signal to the locking mechanism based on the first distance measurable by the first distance measuring device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first key pin protrudes from the handle portion of the key structure.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first compressed length of the first compressible member is equal to a first length of the first key pin of the key structure.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first compressible member is a first coil spring.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein The first distance measuring device is a first laser distance measuring device.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: The first laser distance measuring device is positioned at a central axis of the coil spring.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first end of a second compressible member being mechanically coupled to a first end of a second housing pin, and a second end of the second compressible member being mechanically coupled to the inner surface of the housing; a second distance measuring device located at the second end of the second compressible member; as well as a second key pin of the key structure of the housing of the lock housing device capable of being inserted opposite to the second end of the second housing pin, wherein the second compressible member can be compressed a second distance by the second key pin of the key structure, and the second distance can be measured by the second distance measuring device, wherein the central processing unit is configured to generate another signal to the locking mechanism based on the second distance that can be measured by the second distance measuring device, wherein the second distance that can be measured by the second distance measuring device is different from the first distance that can be measured by the first distance measuring device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: The first end of the second key pin is at least partially aligned with the second end of the second housing pin, wherein the first end of the second key pin is configured to depress the second end of the second housing pin.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an electrical housing connector located on the housing at an area where the key structure is disposed in the lock housing apparatus, wherein each of the electrical housing connectors is at least partially aligned with a corresponding key connector on the handle portion of the key structure; and The power supply is configured to provide current to the first housing pin via the electrical housing connector, the key connector, and the first key pin, wherein the first housing pin is grounded to the central processing unit, wherein the central processing unit is configured to generate a signal to the locking mechanism based on a resistance value for the first key pin.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein The first key pin is a metal that provides resistance to the current provided by the power source.

11. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: an electrical housing connector located on the housing at an area where the key structure is disposed in the lock housing apparatus, wherein each of the electrical housing connectors is at least partially aligned with a corresponding key connector on the handle portion of the key structure; the power supply being configured to provide current to the first housing pin via the electrical housing connector, the key connector, and the first key pin, wherein the first housing pin is grounded to the central processing unit; and The power supply is configured to provide current to the second housing pin via the electrical housing connector, the key connector, and the second key pin, wherein the second housing pin is grounded to the central processing unit, wherein the central processing unit is configured to generate a signal to the locking mechanism based on a resistance value for the second key pin.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein The first key pin is a first metal type and the second key pin is a second metal type.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein The first metal type produces a first resistance that is different from a second resistance of the second metal type.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The first key pin of the key structure is mechanically coupled to a second compressible member disposed in a handle portion of the key structure, wherein a second spring constant of the second compressible member is less than a first spring constant of the first compressible member.

15. An authentication method for the device of claim 1, comprising: determining, by one or more processors, that a lock housing device is in contact with a key structure, wherein a first key pin of the key structure compresses a first compressible member in the lock housing device; receiving, by one or more processors, from a first distance measuring device, a first distance value for a first compressed length of the first compressible member in the lock housing device; and In response to determining that the first compressed length of the first compressible member matches a first known compressed length, deactivation of a locking mechanism associated with the lock housing device is directed by one or more processors.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: A first resistance value for a first combination of a first housing pin and the first key pin is received by one or more processors, wherein an electrical circuit is created between a power source of the lock housing device, an electrical housing connector, a key connector, the first key pin, the first housing pin, and a central processing unit of the lock housing device.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: A determination is made, by one or more processors, whether the first resistance value for the first combination of the first housing pin and the first key pin matches a first known resistance value for the first combination.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: In response to determining that the first resistance value for the first combination of the first housing pin and the first key pin matches a first known resistance value for the first combination, determining, by one or more processors, whether the first compressed length of the first compressible member matches the first known compressed length.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: initializing, by one or more processors, the lock housing device by removing the lock housing device from a low-power state; instructing, by one or more processors, the first distance measurement device to be powered on to measure the first compressed length; as well as The power supply is directed, by one or more processors, to send current through the first combination of the first housing pin and the first key pin.

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