Networked electronic lock management system and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a networked electronic lock management system. In certain embodiments, the networked electronic lock management system includes a networked electronic lock management system terminal, a networked electronic lock management system server, a set of electronic lock controllers, a set of input units, and a set of lock bodies connected to the networked electronic lock management system server through a network. The networked electronic lock management system is managed by a system administrator through the networked electronic lock management system terminal for one or more institutions via the network. Each institution includes one or more branch offices. Each branch office has one or more electronic lock controllers, one or more input units, and one or more lock bodies installed. Each input unit is connected to the network through an electronic lock controller and controls up to a predetermined number of lock bodies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a networked electronic lock, specifically to a networked electronic lock management system with a networked electronic lock management system server, and a method for using the networked electronic lock management system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, large retail chains and bank branches have a large number of safes and / or vaults with traditional mechanical locks. Managing these safes and the locks on them is very difficult and cumbersome. The keys to these mechanical locks are easily copied, and the contents of the safes are not guaranteed to be safe. These mechanical locks are gradually being replaced by electronic locks, but they are not networked, and managing individual electronic locks locally remains difficult and cumbersome. For example, when a new customer needs a new safe, we need to add a user to the safe's lock. Sometimes, adding a new user on a small screen is very time-consuming, and deleting an existing user is equally difficult and cumbersome. Operating in a two-person unlocking mode is even more difficult, as the safe can only be opened in the presence of both the authorized user and a bank employee. Many safes only allow opening during normal working hours, and this restriction is subject to a schedule. Programming such a schedule to hundreds of individual locks is very difficult, and once programmed, it is difficult to change. Monitoring the overall operation of the safes, and monitoring who opened which safe at what time, is very time-consuming and difficult to manage. Current safe locks do not provide push notifications to remind owners that their safes have been opened and when. Current safe deposit box locks do not allow one-time access by authorized personnel, and bank system administrators do not permit remote operation of safe deposit boxes.

[0003] There is an urgent need in the market for an easy-to-manage networked electronic lock management system that can conveniently add / delete users, monitor the operating status of electronic locks, monitor user usage and history, globally change the schedule of all managed electronic locks, provide real-time alerts to owners and bank managers, and allow bank system administrators to remotely operate safe deposit boxes.

[0004] Therefore, there remains an unresolved need in this field to address the aforementioned deficiencies and shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a networked electronic lock management system server. In some embodiments, the networked electronic lock management system server includes: a processor for controlling the operation of the networked electronic lock management system server, a network interface controller, a business management database storing business-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, a device management database storing device-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, and a non-volatile memory. The network interface controller connects the networked electronic lock management system server to a set of input units and a set of lock bodies via a network and one or more electronic lock controllers. The non-volatile memory stores an operating system and computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions include: a business management module responsible for the business transactions and management of the networked electronic lock management system, and a device management module responsible for the operation management of the networked electronic lock management system devices. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions perform the following operations:

[0006] When an electronic lock installer installs multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in an office building, the device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives the registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies sent by the electronic lock installer, and stores the received registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in the device management database;

[0007] A system manager registers multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server through a networked electronic lock management system terminal, and stores the registration information of multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management database.

[0008] The system manager, through the networked electronic lock management system terminal, assigns one or more input units and one or more lock bodies to each user based on the user's management permissions in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server. The system manager also stores the input unit and lock body information specified by each user in the business management database and the device management database. This authorizes each user to unlock and close the lock using their designated input units and lock bodies via a mobile application, user password, electronic key card, or biometric sensors including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition.

[0009] When users operate on each input unit and each lock body, the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives operation reports from each user on each input unit and each lock body.

[0010] In some embodiments, each electronic lock controller is connected to one or more input units, and each input unit is connected to up to M lock bodies, where M is a positive integer. Each office building is equipped with one or more input units and an electronic lock controller, each input unit is connected to an electronic lock controller, and each input unit is connected to up to M lock bodies.

[0011] In some embodiments, the network includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wired local area network, a wireless local area network, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a cellular network, a mobile communication network, and any combination of these networks, having wireless interconnection (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, infrared, and Zigbee networks.

[0012] In some embodiments, the business management module includes:

[0013] An organization management module manages organizations using the networked electronic lock management system. These organizations include the headquarters, multiple city branches under the headquarters, and multiple offices under the city branches.

[0014] A subscription management module, wherein the subscription management module manages the institution's subscribed lock services for the networked electronic lock management system;

[0015] A device configuration file module, which stores detailed information related to all devices, including input unit configuration files for each input unit, lock body configuration files for each lock body, and operation schedule configuration files for each input unit and each lock body;

[0016] A device replacement module manages the replacement of each input unit and each lock body, and updates the information of each input unit and each lock body in the device management database and updates the specified relationship between each input unit and each lock body and the user in the business management database;

[0017] A user / electronic lock designation module, wherein the user / electronic lock designation module determines the designation relationship for each user to operate on one or more input units and one or more lock bodies based on the user permission level received by the system administrator from the management terminal of the networked electronic lock management system, and updates the designation relationship between each input unit and each lock body and the user in the business management database;

[0018] A user monitoring module receives and monitors the operational activities of each input unit and each lock body, and reports all operational activities to the networked electronic lock management system server;

[0019] A password reset module, wherein the password reset module is used to reset the password of the affected input unit and the affected lock body when the current electronic lock password is unavailable;

[0020] A billing module generates billing information and invoices based on the registered electronic lock services and operational activities for each input unit and each lock body, and sends the generated invoices to the relevant agencies at predetermined time intervals;

[0021] A personnel management module, which manages the organizational structure of administrators and the permission levels of each user;

[0022] A role management module that manages the roles of each employee within the organization according to its hierarchical structure;

[0023] A remote lock-on / off module, wherein the remote lock-on / off module remotely switches each individual input unit and each individual lock body according to the instructions of the system administrator;

[0024] A lock operation log module, which records all operational activities of each input unit and each lock body for future inspection and auditing;

[0025] An alarm management module generates one or more alarms based on predetermined conditions when each input unit and lock body is operating in real time, and transmits the generated alarms to designated managers or employees within the organization; and

[0026] A one-time code module, wherein when an authorized individual needs a one-time code to unlock a specified input unit and a specified lock body, the one-time code module generates a one-time code and transmits the generated one-time code to the authorized individual so that the authorized individual can unlock the specified input unit and the specified lock body.

[0027] In some embodiments, the device management module includes:

[0028] A communication module, wherein the communication module coordinates the communication between each input unit and each lock body, as well as the business management module and device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server;

[0029] A user operation log module, which records all device operation activities from each input unit and each lock body through a communication module, and transmits all device operation activities to the lock operation log module of the device management database and the business management module;

[0030] A device alarm module, which generates device alarms for each input unit and each lock body according to a set of preset rules, and provides all generated device alarms to the relevant departments and responsible persons in real time;

[0031] A device initialization module, which initializes the networked electronic lock management system after it is installed and activated;

[0032] A device list module, wherein the device list module includes all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system, including each individual input unit and each individual lock body; and

[0033] A device status reporting module monitors the current status of all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system and reports to the organization and responsible persons in real time when a set of predetermined status changes occur.

[0034] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a networked electronic lock management system. In some embodiments, this networked electronic lock management system includes: a networked electronic lock management system management terminal, a networked electronic lock management system server, and multiple input units and multiple lock bodies installed in multiple institutions. One or more system administrators manage the networked electronic lock management system for multiple institutions via a network. Each institution includes one or more branch institutions, each branch institution includes one or more electronic lock controllers, and each input unit is connected to the network through an electronic lock controller and controls up to M lock bodies, where M is a positive integer.

[0035] In some embodiments, the networked electronic lock management system server includes: a processor for controlling the operation of the networked electronic lock management system server, a network interface controller, a business management database storing business-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, a device management database storing device-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, and a non-volatile memory. The network interface controller connects the networked electronic lock management system server to a set of input units and a set of lock bodies via a network and one or more electronic lock controllers. The non-volatile memory stores an operating system and computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions include: a business management module responsible for the business transactions and management of the networked electronic lock management system, and a device management module responsible for the operation management of the networked electronic lock management system devices. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions perform the following operations:

[0036] When an electronic lock installer installs multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in an office building, the device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives the registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies sent by the electronic lock installer, and stores the received registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in the device management database;

[0037] A system manager registers multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server through a networked electronic lock management system terminal, and stores the registration information of multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management database.

[0038] The system manager, through the networked electronic lock management system terminal, assigns one or more input units and one or more lock bodies to each user based on the user's management permissions in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server. The system manager also stores the input unit and lock body information specified by each user in the business management database and the device management database. This authorizes each user to unlock and close the lock using their designated input units and lock bodies via a mobile application, user password, electronic key card, or biometric sensors including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition.

[0039] When users operate on each input unit and each lock body, the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives operation reports from each user on each input unit and each lock body.

[0040] In some embodiments, each individual electronic lock controller is connected to one or more input units, and each individual input unit is connected to up to M lock bodies, where M is a positive integer. One or more input units and an electronic lock controller are installed in each branch office, each input unit is connected to one electronic lock controller, and each individual electronic lock controller is connected to up to M lock bodies.

[0041] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using a networked electronic lock management system. In some embodiments, the method of using such a networked electronic lock management system includes:

[0042] The networked electronic lock management system server is installed by a system installer via a network in the cloud or a secure intranet;

[0043] One or more electronic lock installers install multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in one or more office buildings. Each input unit controls one or more lock bodies. The electronic lock installers register each installed input unit and lock body with the networked electronic lock management system server through the network from their respective input units and lock bodies. The data of all registered input units and registered lock bodies are stored in an equipment management database.

[0044] The system administrator registers multiple users of an organization on the networked electronic lock management system server via the network. Based on the user's permission level, each user is assigned one or more input units and lock bodies that they can operate, and the information of these related users is stored in a business management database.

[0045] Registered users can use a mobile application, their password, their electronic key card, or biometric identification methods such as fingerprint recognition, finger vein recognition, or facial recognition to unlock or close one or more designated lock bodies through one or more designated input units, and report all unlocking and closing events and operations to the business management database; and

[0046] When one or more users are added, deleted, or changed, and any user, input unit, or lock body specification changes, the user changes are updated in the management database via the network; and when one or more input units and lock bodies are added, deleted, or changed, the input unit changes and lock body changes are updated in the device database via the network.

[0047] In some embodiments, this networked electronic lock management system includes: a networked electronic lock management system management terminal, a networked electronic lock management system server, and multiple input units and multiple lock bodies installed in multiple institutions. One or more system administrators manage the networked electronic lock management system for multiple institutions via a network. Each institution includes one or more branch offices, each branch office includes one or more electronic lock controllers, and each input unit is connected to the network via an electronic lock controller and controls up to M lock bodies, where M is a positive integer.

[0048] In some embodiments, the networked electronic lock management system server includes: a processor for controlling the operation of the networked electronic lock management system server, a network interface controller, a business management database storing business-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, a device management database storing device-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, and a non-volatile memory. The network interface controller connects the networked electronic lock management system server to a set of input units and a set of lock bodies via a network and one or more electronic lock controllers. The non-volatile memory stores an operating system and computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions include: a business management module responsible for the business transactions and management of the networked electronic lock management system, and a device management module responsible for the operation management of the networked electronic lock management system devices. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions perform the following operations:

[0049] When an electronic lock installer installs multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in an office building, the device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives the registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies sent by the electronic lock installer, and stores the received registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in the device management database;

[0050] A system manager registers multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server through a networked electronic lock management system terminal, and stores the registration information of multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management database.

[0051] The system manager, through the networked electronic lock management system terminal, assigns one or more input units and one or more lock bodies to each user based on the user's management permissions in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server. The system manager also stores the input unit and lock body information specified by each user in the business management database and the device management database. This authorizes each user to unlock and close the lock using their designated input units and lock bodies via a mobile application, user password, electronic key card, or biometric sensors including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition.

[0052] When users operate on each input unit and each lock body, the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives operation reports from each user on each input unit and each lock body.

[0053] In some embodiments, the method of using this networked electronic lock management system further includes:

[0054] Monitor the operational activities of each individual input unit and each individual lock body installed and connected to the networked electronic lock management system;

[0055] Generate daily operational activity reports for each individual input unit and each individual lock body installed and connected to the networked electronic lock management system; and

[0056] Examine the daily operational activity history of each individual input unit and each individual lock body installed and connected to the networked electronic lock management system.

[0057] In some embodiments, the method of using this networked electronic lock management system further includes:

[0058] To enable remote users to generate one-time codes when their password is unavailable, or when a system administrator wants to grant someone one-time access to unlock or close a specific input unit and / or lock body.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method of using this networked electronic lock management system further includes:

[0060] The operating schedule for each individual input unit and each individual lock body can be remotely modified, wherein the operating schedule controls the duration for which each individual input unit and each individual lock body can be operated each day.

[0061] These and other aspects of the invention will become clear from the following description of preferred embodiments obtained in conjunction with the following figures, but variations and modifications to these and other aspects may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0062] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar elements in different embodiments. The drawings are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather to emphasize the clear illustration of the principles of the invention, and wherein:

[0063] Figure 1 A block diagram of a networked electronic lock management system is shown according to certain embodiments of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 2 A block diagram of the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server is shown according to certain embodiments of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 3 A block diagram of the device management module of a networked electronic lock management system server is shown according to certain embodiments of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a block diagram showing the connection between the electronic lock controller, input unit and lock body of a branch office in a networked electronic lock management system is shown.

[0067] Figure 5 According to another embodiment of the present invention, a block diagram showing the connection between the electronic lock controller, input unit and lock body of a branch office in a networked electronic lock management system is shown.

[0068] Figure 6 A connection block diagram of an electronic lock controller, input unit, and lock body in a branch office of a networked electronic lock management system, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, is shown; and

[0069] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method of using a networked electronic lock management system is shown in certain embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0070] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Similar reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout.

[0071] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on said other element or there may be intermediate elements between them. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there is no intervening element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0072] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, devices, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, devices, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, device, region, layer, or portion from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this invention, the first element, device, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, device, region, layer, or portion.

[0073] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “described” inherently include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprising” or “including” or “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, areas, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or devices, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, areas, integers, steps, operations, elements, devices, and / or groups thereof.

[0074] Furthermore, related terms such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” and “front” or “rear” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another as shown in the diagrams. It should be understood that these related terms inherently cover different orientations of the device other than those depicted in the diagrams. For example, if a device in a diagram is flipped, then an element described as being located on the “lower” side of another element will be oriented on the “upper” side of said other element. Therefore, the exemplary term “lower” may cover both “lower” and “upper” orientations depending on the specific orientation of the diagram. Similarly, if a device in a diagram is flipped, then an element described as being located “below” or “under” another element will be oriented “above” said other element. Therefore, the exemplary terms “below” or “under” may cover both above and below orientations.

[0075] As used herein, the term "module" may refer to or include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, combinational logic circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), shared, dedicated, or combined processors that execute code, and other suitable hardware components that provide the aforementioned functionality, or combinations thereof, such as in a single-chip computer system. The term "module" may also include various types of shared, dedicated, or combined memory that store processor-executable instructions.

[0076] The term "code" as used herein may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, and various software functions. The term "shared" as used above means that some or all of the code from multiple modules can be executed using a single or shared processor. Furthermore, some or all of the code from multiple modules may be stored in a single or shared memory. The term "group of terms" as used above means that some or all of the code in a single module can be executed using a set of processors. Furthermore, some or all of the code in a single module may be stored using a set of memory.

[0077] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology and the invention, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0078] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to give a full understanding of the invention, but the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0079] On the one hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention relates to a networked electronic lock management system server 30. In some embodiments, the networked electronic lock management system server 30 includes: a processor 301 for controlling the operation of the networked electronic lock management system server 30, a network interface controller 303, a business management database 307 for storing business-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, a device management database 309 for storing device-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, and a non-volatile memory 305. The network interface controller 303 connects the networked electronic lock management system server 30 to a set of input units 60 and a set of lock bodies 70 via a network 20 and one or more electronic lock controllers 50.

[0080] In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory 305 stores an operating system 3052 and computer-executable instructions 3054. The computer-executable instructions 3054 include: a business management module 30542 responsible for managing business transactions of the networked electronic lock management system 100, and a device management module 30544 responsible for managing the operation of devices in the networked electronic lock management system 100. When executed by the processor 301, the computer-executable instructions 3054 perform the following operations:

[0081] When an electronic lock installer installs multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 in an office building, the device management module 30544 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 receives the registration information of the multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 sent by the electronic lock installer, and stores the received registration information of the multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 in the device management database 309.

[0082] A system manager registers multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management module 30542 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 through a networked electronic lock management system terminal 12, and stores the registration information of multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management database 307.

[0083] The system manager, through the networked electronic lock management system terminal 12, in the business management module 30542 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30, assigns one or more input units 60 and one or more lock bodies 70 to each user according to the user's management permissions. The system manager also stores the information of the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 specified by each user in the business management database 307 and the device management database 309. This authorizes each user to unlock and close the lock using their respective specified input units 60 and lock bodies 70 via a mobile application, user password, electronic key card, or biometric identifiers including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition.

[0084] When a user operates on each input unit 60 and each lock body 70, the business management module 30542 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 receives the operation reports from each user on each input unit 60 and each lock body 70.

[0085] In one embodiment, to reduce costs, a control panel for operating the safe is mounted on the input unit 60, and each individual input unit 60 can control and operate up to M individual lock bodies 70. Figure 4 As shown, each electronic lock controller 50 is connected to an input unit 60, and each input unit 60 is connected to up to M lock bodies 70, where M is a positive integer. The control panel mounted on the input unit 60 may include: a keypad for entering a password to operate one of the lock bodies 70; a web-linked application for receiving operation instructions from a mobile application; a fingerprint sensor; a finger vein pattern sensor; a facial recognition sensor for operating one of the lock bodies 70 using the user's biometric information; and an electronic key reader for operating one of the lock bodies 70 using a personal key card. Therefore, each individual lock body 70 is directly connected to the input unit 60 via an actual locking mechanism, and the construction of the lock body 70 is very simple and has a very low manufacturing cost.

[0086] In another embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, an electronic lock controller 50 is connected to multiple input units: 61, 62, ..., 6N, each input unit 6n being connected to up to M lock bodies 70. Where N is a positive integer, and n is a positive integer between 1 and N.

[0087] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, each branch has multiple input units 61, 62, ..., and 6N, and electronic lock controllers 51, 52, ..., and 5N. Each individual input unit 6n is connected to a single electronic lock controller 5n, and each single electronic lock controller 5n is connected to a maximum of a predetermined number M lock bodies.

[0088] In some branch offices 40, there are numerous safes, sometimes even hundreds. Therefore, this arrangement with an input unit 60 and an M-lock body 70 is very cost-effective.

[0089] In some embodiments, the network 20 includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wired local area network, a wireless local area network, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a cellular network, a mobile communication network, and any combination of these networks, having wireless interconnection (Wi-Fi) networks, Bluetooth networks, infrared networks, and Zigbee networks.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the business management module 30542 includes: an organization management module 3054202, a subscription management module 3054204, a device configuration file module 3054206, a device replacement module 3054208, a user / electronic lock designation module 3054210, a user monitoring module 3054212, a password reset module 3054214, a billing module 3054216, a personnel management module 3054218, a role management module 3054220, a remote lock opening / closing module 3054222, a lock operation log module 3054224, an alarm management module 3054226, and a one-time code module 3054228.

[0091] In some embodiments, the organization management module 3054202 manages one or more organizations using the networked electronic lock management system 100. Each organization includes its headquarters, multiple branch offices in various cities under the headquarters, and possibly multiple representative offices under each city branch office. For example, if one organization is China Mobile and another is the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, these companies have branches of varying sizes in most cities, counties, or rural towns. These branches, especially banks, typically have numerous safes. The organization management module 3054202 is used to manage the safes of these companies' branches located in various locations.

[0092] In some embodiments, the registration service management module 3054204 manages all registered networked electronic lock management system 100 electronic lock service items of the organization. For example, it manages users of various input units and lock bodies, designates the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 that each relevant user can use and operate, and allows each organization manager or branch manager to review the operation logs of each input unit 60 and lock body 70. Each organization manager or branch manager has the right to grant relevant personnel one-time codes to switch the corresponding input unit 60 and lock body 70. When an input unit 60 and lock body 70 are operated by an authorized user, each organization manager or branch manager has the right to set predetermined rules, and these managers can receive real-time alarm information for the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 they have authorized. These are all registration services that users can choose. Registration service may also include: changes to the organization and its branches, changes to the authorization of the organization and its branches, changes to lock hardware, monitoring and recording of the operation logs of input units 60 and lock bodies 70, one-time code issuance, and many other similar electronic lock service items.

[0093] In some embodiments, the device configuration file module 3054206 stores detailed information related to all devices, including configuration files for each input unit 60 and each lock body 70. These configuration files include the model, serial number, network address, etc., of these input units and lock bodies, as well as an operating schedule configuration file for each input unit 60 and each lock body 70. To ensure the security of the safes protected by these input units 60 and lock bodies 70, these input units 60 and lock bodies 70 have strict operating schedules. For example, outside of the institution's business hours, unless there is a specially authorized manager, all input units 60 and all lock bodies 70 must not be opened outside of their normal operating schedule.

[0094] In some embodiments, the device replacement module 3054208 manages the replacement of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70, and updates the information of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 in the device management database 309 and updates the specified relationship between each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 and the user in the business management database 307.

[0095] In some embodiments, the user / electronic lock designation module 3054210 determines the designation relationship for each user to operate on one or more input units 60 and one or more lock bodies 70 based on the user permission level received by the system administrator from the networked electronic lock management system management terminal 12, and updates the designation relationship between each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 and the user in the business management database 307. When any current user is replaced, deleted, added, or promoted, the user / electronic lock designation module 3054210 will ensure that its user / electronic lock designation is updated in real time according to the corresponding organizational structure.

[0096] In some embodiments, the user monitoring module 3054212 receives and monitors the operational activities of all input units 60 and all lock bodies 70 in real time, and reports all operational activities to the networked electronic lock management system server 30. These reports include the real-time operational activities of all input units 60 and all lock bodies 70, including which user, at what time, where, and the duration of locking and unlocking. These reports are transmitted to the device management database 309. When it is necessary to retrieve the operation history of any user's access to the corresponding mechanism's input unit 60 and lock body 70, the user monitoring module 3054212 can generate the operation history for each user.

[0097] In some embodiments, when the current electronic lock password is unavailable, such as when the designated user is not present or has been transferred from the facility, the password reset module 3054214 can generate a password for unlocking a specific input unit 60 and lock body 70. This password can then be used by subsequent users to unlock and close the corresponding input unit 60 and lock body 70. This password typically includes a predetermined time limit for its use, such as 10 minutes. If the password is not used within 10 minutes, it becomes invalid. Furthermore, other unlocking methods for the original input unit 60 and lock body 70 should also be disabled. These other unlocking methods include: applications authorized to the original user, electronic key cards, and biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition. After the user uses the password sent by the password reset module 3054214, the user can enter the input unit 60 and enter the received password on the keyboard of the input unit 60. The user can also reset the application, electronic key card, and other locking and unlocking methods, including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition, through the input unit 60.

[0098] In some embodiments, the billing module 3054216 generates billing information and invoices based on the registered electronic lock services and operational activities of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70, and sends the generated invoices to the relevant authorities at predetermined time intervals.

[0099] In some embodiments, the personnel management module 3054218 manages the organizational structure of the administrators and the permission levels of each user. The organizational structure generally includes: headquarters, major regional offices, city branches, and representative offices. Each representative office can be further divided into multiple departments, and each department can manage a portion of the corresponding input units 60 and lock bodies 70.

[0100] In some embodiments, the role management module 3054220 manages the roles and permissions of each manager and corresponding employee in the organization according to the organization's hierarchical structure. For example, in a branch office 40, there will be a general manager responsible for the business management of that branch office 40. Under this general manager, there may be several employees, each responsible for a portion of the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 at that location, under the general manager's guidance. Therefore, in each branch office 40, each employee has many different roles, and the role management module 3054220 ensures that each branch office 40 has an appropriate organizational structure to ensure the normal operation of the networked electronic lock management system 100.

[0101] In some embodiments, the remote lock-on / off module 3054222, upon request from a specific user and after confirming the user's authorization, allows the system administrator to remotely open / close the individual input unit 60 and the individual lock body 70 requested by the user via commands. In rare cases, after appropriate security checks and user authentication, the system administrator can remotely unlock a lock body 70 using the remote lock-on / off module 3054222 through the input unit 60.

[0102] In some embodiments, the lock operation log module 3054224 receives and records all operational activities of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 in real time, including information such as which user, at what time, which input unit 60 was used, which lock body 70 was opened, and for how long the lock body 70 was open. System administrators or managers can check and audit the operation logs of any input unit 60 and lock body 70 they authorize at any time. In one embodiment, the device management database 309 can store lock operation logs for seven days free of charge. If the user wishes to extend the storage time, they can choose a paid service to extend the storage time, allowing them to store lock operation logs for approximately one month. Alternatively, users can choose a paid service for scheduled downloads, allowing them to periodically download daily lock operation logs to their storage device for future review and auditing.

[0103] In some embodiments, when the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 are operating in real time, the alarm management module 3054226 generates one or more alarms based on certain predetermined conditions and transmits the generated alarms to predetermined managers or employees within the organization. For example, a predetermined condition might be that a manager wants all input units 60 and lock bodies 70 under their jurisdiction to be operated outside of business hours (Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM). In this case, the alarm management module 3054226 will push an alarm message in real time via email, SMS, or WeChat. This information should at least include the specific user performing the operation, the time and location, which input unit 60 was used, which lock body 70 was opened, and the duration the lock body 70 was open.

[0104] In some embodiments, when an authorized individual forgets their personal password, or when a manager decides to allow an authorized user to use an input unit 60 to open a specific lock 70, the user can request a one-time code from the system administrator to open the specified lock 70 using the designated input unit 60. In this case, the one-time code module 3054228 generates a one-time code, which the system administrator then transmits to the authorized individual via email, SMS, telephone, or WeChat, enabling the authorized individual to open the specified lock 70 using the designated input unit 60. This one-time code typically includes a predetermined time limit for its use, such as 5 minutes; if the code is not used within 5 minutes, it becomes invalid.

[0105] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the device management module 30544 includes: a communication module 3054402, a user operation log module 3054404, a device alarm module 3054406, a device initialization module 3054408, a device list module 3054410, and a device status reporting module 3054412.

[0106] In some embodiments, the communication module 3054402 completes network communication between the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30, the device management module 30544, the business management module 30542, the business management database 307 and the device management database 309 via the network 20.

[0107] In some embodiments, the user operation log module 3054404 receives and records in real time the operation activities of all lock devices managed by each user for each user's input unit 60 and lock body 70 through the communication module 3054402, and transmits the operation logs of all users to the device management database 309 and the lock operation log module 3054224 of the business management module 30542.

[0108] In some embodiments, when each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 is operated, the device alarm module 3054406 generates device alarms for each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 according to a set of preset rules, and pushes all generated device alarms to the corresponding institutions and designated responsible persons in real time via email, SMS, or WeChat. The alarm information should at least include information such as the specific user who performed the operation, the time and location, which input unit 60 was used, which lock body 70 was opened, and the duration the lock body 70 was open.

[0109] In some embodiments, after the networked electronic lock management system 100 is installed and activated, the device initialization module 3054408 initializes all electronic lock controllers 50, input units 60, and lock bodies 70 of the networked electronic lock management system 100, enabling the electronic lock controllers 50, input units 60, and lock bodies 70 to function. Of course, the device initialization module 3054408 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 will send the agreed-upon password to each input unit 60 and lock body 70 via the network 20. When a user enters an input unit 60 for the first time using the agreed-upon password, the input unit 60 will prompt the user to change the agreed-upon password and allow the user to set a mobile application, the user's password, the user's electronic key card, and biometric unlocking methods including fingerprint recognition, finger vein recognition, or facial recognition.

[0110] In some embodiments, the device list module 3054410 allows administrators and managers to display all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system 100, including each individual electronic lock controller 50, each individual input unit 60, and each individual lock body 70, as well as the interrelationships between these devices.

[0111] In some embodiments, the device status reporting module 3054412 monitors all lock devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system 100: the current operating status of each individual electronic lock controller 50, each individual input unit 60, and each individual lock body 70. When any lock device malfunctions, or when certain predetermined states change (e.g., power outage, network outage, or individual device malfunction), the device status reporting module 3054412 generates all device status alarm information in real time and pushes the generated device status alarm information to the relevant organization and designated responsible person via email, SMS, or WeChat. This alarm information should at least include information about which electronic lock controller 50, which input unit 60, which lock body 70, at what time, at what location, and what type of device malfunction occurred.

[0112] On the other hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention relates to a networked electronic lock management system 100. In some embodiments, this networked electronic lock management system 100 includes: a networked electronic lock management system management terminal 12, a networked electronic lock management system server 30, and multiple electronic lock controllers 50, multiple input units 60, and multiple lock bodies 70 installed in multiple institutions. These multiple electronic lock controllers 50, multiple input units 60, and multiple lock bodies 70 are connected to the networked electronic lock management system server 30 via a network 20. One or more system administrators manage the networked electronic lock management system 100 for multiple institutions through the network 20. Each institution includes one or more branch institutions, each branch institution includes one or more electronic lock controllers 50, and each input unit 60 is connected to the network 20 through an electronic lock controller 50 and controls up to M lock bodies 70, where M is a positive integer. In one embodiment, M is 5, that is, one input unit 60 controls 5 lock bodies 70. In another embodiment, M is 8, that is, one input unit 60 controls 8 lock bodies 70.

[0113] In some embodiments, the networked electronic lock management system server 30 includes: a processor 301 that controls the operation of the networked electronic lock management system server 30, a network interface controller 303, a business management database 307 that stores business-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, a device management database 309 that stores device-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, and a non-volatile memory 305. The network interface controller 303 connects the networked electronic lock management system server 30 to a set of input units 60 and a set of lock bodies 70 via a network 20 and one or more electronic lock controllers 50.

[0114] In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory 305 stores an operating system 3052 and computer-executable instructions 3054. The computer-executable instructions 3054 include: a business management module 30542 responsible for managing business transactions of the networked electronic lock management system 100, and a device management module 30544 responsible for managing the operation of devices in the networked electronic lock management system 100. When executed by the processor 301, the computer-executable instructions 3054 perform the following operations:

[0115] When an electronic lock installer installs multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 in an office building, the device management module 30544 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 receives the registration information of the multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 sent by the electronic lock installer, and stores the received registration information of the multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 in the device management database 309.

[0116] A system manager registers multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management module 30542 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 through a networked electronic lock management system terminal 12, and stores the registration information of multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management database 307.

[0117] The system manager, through the networked electronic lock management system terminal 12, in the business management module 30542 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30, assigns one or more input units 60 and one or more lock bodies 70 to each user according to the user's management permissions. The system manager also stores the information of the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 specified by each user in the business management database 307 and the device management database 309. This authorizes each user to unlock and close the lock using their respective specified input units 60 and lock bodies 70 via a mobile application, user password, electronic key card, or biometric identifiers including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition.

[0118] When a user operates on each input unit 60 and each lock body 70, the business management module 30542 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 receives the operation reports from each user on each input unit 60 and each lock body 70.

[0119] In some embodiments, the network 20 includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wired local area network, a wireless local area network, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a cellular network, a mobile communication network, and any combination of these networks, having wireless interconnection (Wi-Fi) networks, Bluetooth networks, infrared networks, and Zigbee networks.

[0120] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the business management module 30542 includes: an organization management module 3054202, a subscription management module 3054204, a device configuration file module 3054206, a device replacement module 3054208, a user / electronic lock designation module 3054210, a user monitoring module 3054212, a password reset module 3054214, a billing module 3054216, a personnel management module 3054218, a role management module 3054220, a remote lock opening / closing module 3054222, a lock operation log module 3054224, an alarm management module 3054226, and a one-time code module 3054228.

[0121] In some embodiments, the organization management module 3054202 manages one or more organizations using the networked electronic lock management system 100. Each organization includes its headquarters, multiple branch offices in various cities under the headquarters, and possibly multiple representative offices under each city branch office. For example, if one organization is China Mobile and another is the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, these companies have branches of varying sizes in most cities, counties, or rural towns. These branches, especially banks, typically have numerous safes. The organization management module 3054202 is used to manage the safes of these companies' branches located in various locations.

[0122] In some embodiments, the registration service management module 3054204 manages all registered networked electronic lock management system 100 electronic lock service items of the organization. For example, it manages users of various input units and lock bodies, designates the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 that each relevant user can use and operate, and allows each organization manager or branch manager to review the operation logs of each input unit 60 and lock body 70. Each organization manager or branch manager has the right to grant relevant personnel one-time codes to switch the corresponding input unit 60 and lock body 70. When an input unit 60 and lock body 70 are operated by an authorized user, each organization manager or branch manager has the right to set predetermined rules, and these managers can receive real-time alarm information for the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 they have authorized. These are all registration services that users can choose. Registration service may also include: changes to the organization and its branches, changes to the authorization of the organization and its branches, changes to lock hardware, monitoring and recording of the operation logs of input units 60 and lock bodies 70, one-time code issuance, and many other similar electronic lock service items.

[0123] In some embodiments, the device configuration file module 3054206 stores detailed information related to all devices, including configuration files for each input unit 60 and each lock body 70. These configuration files include the model, serial number, network address, etc., of these input units and lock bodies, as well as an operating schedule configuration file for each input unit 60 and each lock body 70. To ensure the security of the safes protected by these input units 60 and lock bodies 70, these input units 60 and lock bodies 70 have strict operating schedules. For example, outside of the institution's business hours, unless there is a specially authorized manager, all input units 60 and all lock bodies 70 must not be opened outside of their normal operating schedule.

[0124] In some embodiments, the device replacement module 3054208 manages the replacement of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70, and updates the information of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 in the device management database 309 and updates the specified relationship between each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 and the user in the business management database 307.

[0125] In some embodiments, the user / electronic lock designation module 3054210 determines the designation relationship for each user to operate on one or more input units 60 and one or more lock bodies 70 based on the user permission level received by the system administrator from the networked electronic lock management system management terminal 12, and updates the designation relationship between each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 and the user in the business management database 307. When any current user is replaced, deleted, added, or promoted, the user / electronic lock designation module 3054210 will ensure that its user / electronic lock designation is updated in real time according to the corresponding organizational structure.

[0126] In some embodiments, the user monitoring module 3054212 receives and monitors the operational activities of all input units 60 and all lock bodies 70 in real time, and reports all operational activities to the networked electronic lock management system server 30. These reports include the real-time operational activities of all input units 60 and all lock bodies 70, including which user, at what time, where, and the duration of locking and unlocking. These reports are transmitted to the device management database 309. When it is necessary to retrieve the operation history of any user's access to the corresponding mechanism's input unit 60 and lock body 70, the user monitoring module 3054212 can generate the operation history for each user.

[0127] In some embodiments, when the current electronic lock password is unavailable, such as when the designated user is not present or has been transferred from the facility, the password reset module 3054214 can generate a password for unlocking a specific input unit 60 and lock body 70. This password can then be used by subsequent users to unlock and close the corresponding input unit 60 and lock body 70. This password typically includes a predetermined time limit for its use, such as 10 minutes. If the password is not used within 10 minutes, it becomes invalid. Furthermore, other unlocking methods for the original input unit 60 and lock body 70 should also be disabled. These other unlocking methods include: applications authorized to the original user, electronic key cards, and biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition. After the user uses the password sent by the password reset module 3054214, the user can enter the input unit 60 and enter the received password on the keyboard of the input unit 60. The user can also reset the application, electronic key card, and other locking and unlocking methods, including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition, through the input unit 60.

[0128] In some embodiments, the billing module 3054216 generates billing information and invoices based on the registered electronic lock services and operational activities of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70, and sends the generated invoices to the relevant authorities at predetermined time intervals.

[0129] In some embodiments, the personnel management module 3054218 manages the organizational structure of the administrators and the permission levels of each user. The organizational structure generally includes: headquarters, major regional offices, city branches, and representative offices. Each representative office can be further divided into multiple departments, and each department can manage a portion of the corresponding input units 60 and lock bodies 70.

[0130] In some embodiments, the role management module 3054220 manages the roles and permissions of each manager and corresponding employee in the organization according to the organization's hierarchical structure. For example, in a branch office 40, there will be a general manager responsible for the business management of that branch office 40. Under this general manager, there may be several employees, each responsible for a portion of the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 at that location, under the general manager's guidance. Therefore, in each branch office 40, each employee has many different roles, and the role management module 3054220 ensures that each branch office 40 has an appropriate organizational structure to ensure the normal operation of the networked electronic lock management system 100.

[0131] In some embodiments, the remote lock-on / off module 3054222, upon request from a specific user and after confirming the user's authorization, allows the system administrator to remotely open / close the individual input unit 60 and the individual lock body 70 requested by the user via commands. In rare cases, after appropriate security checks and user authentication, the system administrator can remotely unlock a lock body 70 using the remote lock-on / off module 3054222 through the input unit 60.

[0132] In some embodiments, the lock operation log module 3054224 receives and records all operational activities of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 in real time, including information such as which user, at what time, which input unit 60 was used, which lock body 70 was opened, and for how long the lock body 70 was open. System administrators or managers can check and audit the operation logs of any input unit 60 and lock body 70 they authorize at any time. In one embodiment, the device management database 309 can store lock operation logs for seven days free of charge. If the user wishes to extend the storage time, they can choose a paid service to extend the storage time, allowing them to store lock operation logs for approximately one month. Alternatively, users can choose a paid service for scheduled downloads, allowing them to periodically download daily lock operation logs to their storage device for future review and auditing.

[0133] In some embodiments, when the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 are operating in real time, the alarm management module 3054226 generates one or more alarms based on certain predetermined conditions and transmits the generated alarms to predetermined managers or employees within the organization. For example, a predetermined condition might be that a manager wants all input units 60 and lock bodies 70 under their jurisdiction to be operated outside of business hours (Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM). In this case, the alarm management module 3054226 will push an alarm message in real time via email, SMS, or WeChat. This information should at least include the specific user performing the operation, the time and location, which input unit 60 was used, which lock body 70 was opened, and the duration the lock body 70 was open.

[0134] In some embodiments, when an authorized individual forgets their personal password, or when a manager decides to allow an authorized user to use an input unit 60 to open a specific lock 70, the user can request a one-time code from the system administrator to open the specified lock 70 using the designated input unit 60. In this case, the one-time code module 3054228 generates a one-time code, which the system administrator then transmits to the authorized individual via email, SMS, telephone, or WeChat, enabling the authorized individual to open the specified lock 70 using the designated input unit 60. This one-time code typically includes a predetermined time limit for its use, such as 5 minutes; if the code is not used within 5 minutes, it becomes invalid.

[0135] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the device management module 30544 includes: a communication module 3054402, a user operation log module 3054404, a device alarm module 3054406, a device initialization module 3054408, a device list module 3054410, and a device status reporting module 3054412.

[0136] In some embodiments, the communication module 3054402 completes network communication between the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30, the device management module 30544, the business management module 30542, the business management database 307 and the device management database 309 via the network 20.

[0137] In some embodiments, the user operation log module 3054404 receives and records in real time the operation activities of all lock devices managed by each user for each user's input unit 60 and lock body 70 through the communication module 3054402, and transmits the operation logs of all users to the device management database 309 and the lock operation log module 3054224 of the business management module 30542.

[0138] In some embodiments, when each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 is operated, the device alarm module 3054406 generates device alarms for each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 according to a set of preset rules, and pushes all generated device alarms to the corresponding institutions and designated responsible persons in real time via email, SMS, or WeChat. The alarm information should at least include information such as the specific user who performed the operation, the time and location, which input unit 60 was used, which lock body 70 was opened, and the duration the lock body 70 was open.

[0139] In some embodiments, after the networked electronic lock management system 100 is installed and activated, the device initialization module 3054408 initializes all electronic lock controllers 50, input units 60, and lock bodies 70 of the networked electronic lock management system 100, enabling the electronic lock controllers 50, input units 60, and lock bodies 70 to function. Of course, the device initialization module 3054408 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 will send the agreed-upon password to each input unit 60 and lock body 70 via the network 20. When a user enters an input unit 60 for the first time using the agreed-upon password, the input unit 60 will prompt the user to change the agreed-upon password and allow the user to set a mobile application, the user's password, the user's electronic key card, and biometric unlocking methods including fingerprint recognition, finger vein recognition, or facial recognition.

[0140] In some embodiments, the device list module 3054410 allows administrators and managers to display all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system 100, including each individual electronic lock controller 50, each individual input unit 60, and each individual lock body 70, as well as the interrelationships between these devices.

[0141] In some embodiments, the device status reporting module 3054412 monitors all lock devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system 100: the current operating status of each individual electronic lock controller 50, each individual input unit 60, and each individual lock body 70. When any lock device malfunctions, or when certain predetermined states change (e.g., power outage, network outage, or individual device malfunction), the device status reporting module 3054412 generates all device status alarm information in real time and pushes the generated device status alarm information to the relevant organization and designated responsible person via email, SMS, or WeChat. This alarm information should at least include information about which electronic lock controller 50, which input unit 60, which lock body 70, at what time, at what location, and what type of device malfunction occurred.

[0142] On another front, such as Figure 7 As shown, the present invention relates to a method of using a networked electronic lock management system 100. In some embodiments, the method of using this networked electronic lock management system 100 includes:

[0143] A networked electronic lock management system server 30 is installed by a system installer via a network 20 in the cloud or a secure intranet;

[0144] One or more electronic lock installers install multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 in one or more office buildings. Each input unit 60 controls one or more lock bodies 70. The electronic lock installers register each installed input unit 60 and lock body 70 on the networked electronic lock management system server 30 via the network 20 from their respective input units 60 and lock bodies 70. The data of all registered input units 60 and registered lock bodies 70 are stored in an equipment management database 309.

[0145] The system administrator registers multiple users of an organization on the networked electronic lock management system server 30 via the network 20. Based on the user's permission level, each user is assigned one or more input units 60 and lock bodies 70 that they can operate, and the information of these related users is stored in a business management database 307.

[0146] Registered users can use a mobile application, their password, their electronic key card, or biometric identification methods such as fingerprint recognition, finger vein recognition, or facial recognition to open or close one or more designated lock bodies 70 through one or more designated input units 60, and report all lock opening and closing events and operations to the business management database 307; and

[0147] When any user is added, deleted, or changed, the corresponding user in the business management database 307 needs to be updated. Simultaneously, the input unit 60 and lock body 70 specified by the changed user must also be updated in the device management database 309. When any input unit 60 and lock body 70 are added, deleted, or changed, the corresponding input unit 60 and lock body 70 in the device management database 309 need to be updated. Simultaneously, the specified user corresponding to the changed input unit 60 and lock body 70 also needs to be updated in the business management database 307.

[0148] In some embodiments, this networked electronic lock management system 100 includes: a networked electronic lock management system management terminal 12, a networked electronic lock management system server 30, and multiple electronic lock controllers 50, multiple input units 60, and multiple lock bodies 70 installed in multiple institutions. These multiple electronic lock controllers 50, multiple input units 60, and multiple lock bodies 70 are connected to the networked electronic lock management system server 30 via a network 20. One or more system administrators manage the networked electronic lock management system 100 for multiple institutions via the network 20. Each institution includes one or more branch offices, each branch office includes one or more electronic lock controllers 50, and each input unit 60 is connected to the network 20 via an electronic lock controller 50 and controls up to M lock bodies 70, where M is a positive integer. In one embodiment, M is 5, meaning one input unit 60 controls 5 lock bodies 70. In another embodiment, M is 8, meaning one input unit 60 controls 8 lock bodies 70.

[0149] In some embodiments, the networked electronic lock management system server 30 includes: a processor 301 that controls the operation of the networked electronic lock management system server 30, a network interface controller 303, a business management database 307 that stores business-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, a device management database 309 that stores device-related information of the networked electronic lock management system, and a non-volatile memory 305. The network interface controller 303 connects the networked electronic lock management system server 30 to a set of input units 60 and a set of lock bodies 70 via a network 20 and one or more electronic lock controllers 50.

[0150] In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory 305 stores an operating system 3052 and computer-executable instructions 3054. The computer-executable instructions 3054 include: a business management module 30542 responsible for managing business transactions of the networked electronic lock management system 100, and a device management module 30544 responsible for managing the operation of devices in the networked electronic lock management system 100. When executed by the processor 301, the computer-executable instructions 3054 perform the following operations:

[0151] When an electronic lock installer installs multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 in an office building, the device management module 30544 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 receives the registration information of the multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 sent by the electronic lock installer, and stores the received registration information of the multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 in the device management database 309.

[0152] A system manager registers multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management module 30542 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 through a networked electronic lock management system terminal 12, and stores the registration information of multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management database 307.

[0153] The system manager, through the networked electronic lock management system terminal 12, in the business management module 30542 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30, assigns one or more input units 60 and one or more lock bodies 70 to each user according to the user's management permissions. The system manager also stores the information of the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 specified by each user in the business management database 307 and the device management database 309. This authorizes each user to unlock and close the lock using their respective specified input units 60 and lock bodies 70 via a mobile application, user password, electronic key card, or biometric identifiers including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition.

[0154] When a user operates on each input unit 60 and each lock body 70, the business management module 30542 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 receives the operation reports from each user on each input unit 60 and each lock body 70.

[0155] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the business management module 30542 includes: an organization management module 3054202, a subscription management module 3054204, a device configuration file module 3054206, a device replacement module 3054208, a user / electronic lock designation module 3054210, a user monitoring module 3054212, a password reset module 3054214, a billing module 3054216, a personnel management module 3054218, a role management module 3054220, a remote lock opening / closing module 3054222, a lock operation log module 3054224, an alarm management module 3054226, and a one-time code module 3054228.

[0156] In some embodiments, the organization management module 3054202 manages one or more organizations using the networked electronic lock management system 100. Each organization includes its headquarters, multiple branch offices in various cities under the headquarters, and possibly multiple representative offices under each city branch office. For example, if one organization is China Mobile and another is the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, these companies have branches of varying sizes in most cities, counties, or rural towns. These branches, especially banks, typically have numerous safes. The organization management module 3054202 is used to manage the safes of these companies' branches located in various locations.

[0157] In some embodiments, the registration service management module 3054204 manages all registered networked electronic lock management system 100 electronic lock service items of the organization. For example, it manages users of various input units and lock bodies, designates the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 that each relevant user can use and operate, and allows each organization manager or branch manager to review the operation logs of each input unit 60 and lock body 70. Each organization manager or branch manager has the right to grant relevant personnel one-time codes to switch the corresponding input unit 60 and lock body 70. When an input unit 60 and lock body 70 are operated by an authorized user, each organization manager or branch manager has the right to set predetermined rules, and these managers can receive real-time alarm information for the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 they have authorized. These are all registration services that users can choose. Registration service may also include: changes to the organization and its branches, changes to the authorization of the organization and its branches, changes to lock hardware, monitoring and recording of the operation logs of input units 60 and lock bodies 70, one-time code issuance, and many other similar electronic lock service items.

[0158] In some embodiments, the device configuration file module 3054206 stores detailed information related to all devices, including configuration files for each input unit 60 and each lock body 70. These configuration files include the model, serial number, network address, etc., of these input units and lock bodies, as well as an operating schedule configuration file for each input unit 60 and each lock body 70. To ensure the security of the safes protected by these input units 60 and lock bodies 70, these input units 60 and lock bodies 70 have strict operating schedules. For example, outside of the institution's business hours, unless there is a specially authorized manager, all input units 60 and all lock bodies 70 must not be opened outside of their normal operating schedule.

[0159] In some embodiments, the device replacement module 3054208 manages the replacement of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70, and updates the information of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 in the device management database 309 and updates the specified relationship between each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 and the user in the business management database 307.

[0160] In some embodiments, the user / electronic lock designation module 3054210 determines the designation relationship for each user to operate on one or more input units 60 and one or more lock bodies 70 based on the user permission level received by the system administrator from the networked electronic lock management system management terminal 12, and updates the designation relationship between each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 and the user in the business management database 307. When any current user is replaced, deleted, added, or promoted, the user / electronic lock designation module 3054210 will ensure that its user / electronic lock designation is updated in real time according to the corresponding organizational structure.

[0161] In some embodiments, the user monitoring module 3054212 receives and monitors the operational activities of all input units 60 and all lock bodies 70 in real time, and reports all operational activities to the networked electronic lock management system server 30. These reports include the real-time operational activities of all input units 60 and all lock bodies 70, including which user, at what time, where, and the duration of locking and unlocking. These reports are transmitted to the device management database 309. When it is necessary to retrieve the operation history of any user's access to the corresponding mechanism's input unit 60 and lock body 70, the user monitoring module 3054212 can generate the operation history for each user.

[0162] In some embodiments, when the current electronic lock password is unavailable, such as when the designated user is not present or has been transferred from the facility, the password reset module 3054214 can generate a password for unlocking a specific input unit 60 and lock body 70. This password can then be used by subsequent users to unlock and close the corresponding input unit 60 and lock body 70. This password typically includes a predetermined time limit for its use, such as 10 minutes. If the password is not used within 10 minutes, it becomes invalid. Furthermore, other unlocking methods for the original input unit 60 and lock body 70 should also be disabled. These other unlocking methods include: applications authorized to the original user, electronic key cards, and biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition. After the user uses the password sent by the password reset module 3054214, the user can enter the input unit 60 and enter the received password on the keyboard of the input unit 60. The user can also reset the application, electronic key card, and other locking and unlocking methods, including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition, through the input unit 60.

[0163] In some embodiments, the billing module 3054216 generates billing information and invoices based on the registered electronic lock services and operational activities of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70, and sends the generated invoices to the relevant authorities at predetermined time intervals.

[0164] In some embodiments, the personnel management module 3054218 manages the organizational structure of the administrators and the permission levels of each user. The organizational structure generally includes: headquarters, major regional offices, city branches, and representative offices. Each representative office can be further divided into multiple departments, and each department can manage a portion of the corresponding input units 60 and lock bodies 70.

[0165] In some embodiments, the role management module 3054220 manages the roles and permissions of each manager and corresponding employee in the organization according to the organization's hierarchical structure. For example, in a branch office 40, there will be a general manager responsible for the business management of that branch office 40. Under this general manager, there may be several employees, each responsible for a portion of the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 at that location, under the general manager's guidance. Therefore, in each branch office 40, each employee has many different roles, and the role management module 3054220 ensures that each branch office 40 has an appropriate organizational structure to ensure the normal operation of the networked electronic lock management system 100.

[0166] In some embodiments, the remote lock-on / off module 3054222, upon request from a specific user and after confirming the user's authorization, allows the system administrator to remotely open / close the individual input unit 60 and the individual lock body 70 requested by the user via commands. In rare cases, after appropriate security checks and user authentication, the system administrator can remotely unlock a lock body 70 using the remote lock-on / off module 3054222 through the input unit 60.

[0167] In some embodiments, the lock operation log module 3054224 receives and records all operational activities of each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 in real time, including information such as which user, at what time, which input unit 60 was used, which lock body 70 was opened, and for how long the lock body 70 was open. System administrators or managers can check and audit the operation logs of any input unit 60 and lock body 70 they authorize at any time. In one embodiment, the device management database 309 can store lock operation logs for seven days free of charge. If the user wishes to extend the storage time, they can choose a paid service to extend the storage time, allowing them to store lock operation logs for approximately one month. Alternatively, users can choose a paid service for scheduled downloads, allowing them to periodically download daily lock operation logs to their storage device for future review and auditing.

[0168] In some embodiments, when the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 are operating in real time, the alarm management module 3054226 generates one or more alarms based on certain predetermined conditions and transmits the generated alarms to predetermined managers or employees within the organization. For example, a predetermined condition might be that a manager wants all input units 60 and lock bodies 70 under their jurisdiction to be operated outside of business hours (Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM). In this case, the alarm management module 3054226 will push an alarm message in real time via email, SMS, or WeChat. This information should at least include the specific user performing the operation, the time and location, which input unit 60 was used, which lock body 70 was opened, and the duration the lock body 70 was open.

[0169] In some embodiments, when an authorized individual forgets their personal password, or when a manager decides to allow an authorized user to use an input unit 60 to open a specific lock 70, the user can request a one-time code from the system administrator to open the specified lock 70 using the designated input unit 60. In this case, the one-time code module 3054228 generates a one-time code, which the system administrator then transmits to the authorized individual via email, SMS, telephone, or WeChat, enabling the authorized individual to open the specified lock 70 using the designated input unit 60. This one-time code typically includes a predetermined time limit for its use, such as 5 minutes; if the code is not used within 5 minutes, it becomes invalid.

[0170] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the device management module 30544 includes: a communication module 3054402, a user operation log module 3054404, a device alarm module 3054406, a device initialization module 3054408, a device list module 3054410, and a device status reporting module 3054412.

[0171] In some embodiments, the communication module 3054402 completes network communication between the input units 60 and lock bodies 70 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30, the device management module 30544, the business management module 30542, the business management database 307 and the device management database 309 via the network 20.

[0172] In some embodiments, the user operation log module 3054404 receives and records in real time the operation activities of all lock devices managed by each user for each user's input unit 60 and lock body 70 through the communication module 3054402, and transmits the operation logs of all users to the device management database 309 and the lock operation log module 3054224 of the business management module 30542.

[0173] In some embodiments, when each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 is operated, the device alarm module 3054406 generates device alarms for each input unit 60 and each lock body 70 according to a set of preset rules, and pushes all generated device alarms to the corresponding institutions and designated responsible persons in real time via email, SMS, or WeChat. The alarm information should at least include information such as the specific user who performed the operation, the time and location, which input unit 60 was used, which lock body 70 was opened, and the duration the lock body 70 was open.

[0174] In some embodiments, after the networked electronic lock management system 100 is installed and activated, the device initialization module 3054408 initializes all electronic lock controllers 50, input units 60, and lock bodies 70 of the networked electronic lock management system 100, enabling the electronic lock controllers 50, input units 60, and lock bodies 70 to function. Of course, the device initialization module 3054408 of the networked electronic lock management system server 30 will send the agreed-upon password to each input unit 60 and lock body 70 via the network 20. When a user enters an input unit 60 for the first time using the agreed-upon password, the input unit 60 will prompt the user to change the agreed-upon password and allow the user to set a mobile application, the user's password, the user's electronic key card, and biometric unlocking methods including fingerprint recognition, finger vein recognition, or facial recognition.

[0175] In some embodiments, the device list module 3054410 allows administrators and managers to display all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system 100, including each individual electronic lock controller 50, each individual input unit 60, and each individual lock body 70, as well as the interrelationships between these devices.

[0176] In some embodiments, the device status reporting module 3054412 monitors all lock devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system 100: the current operating status of each individual electronic lock controller 50, each individual input unit 60, and each individual lock body 70. When any lock device malfunctions, or when certain predetermined states change (e.g., power outage, network outage, or individual device malfunction), the device status reporting module 3054412 generates all device status alarm information in real time and pushes the generated device status alarm information to the relevant organization and designated responsible person via email, SMS, or WeChat. This alarm information should at least include information about which electronic lock controller 50, which input unit 60, which lock body 70, at what time, at what location, and what type of device malfunction occurred.

[0177] In some embodiments, the method of using this networked electronic lock management system 100 further includes:

[0178] Monitor the operational activities of each individual input unit 60 and each individual lock body 70 installed and connected to the networked electronic lock management system 100;

[0179] Generate daily operational activity reports for each individual input unit 60 and each individual lock body 70 installed and connected to the networked electronic lock management system 100; and

[0180] Check the daily operational activity history of each individual input unit 60 and each individual lock body 70 installed and connected to the networked electronic lock management system 100.

[0181] In some embodiments, the method of using this networked electronic lock management system 100 further includes:

[0182] To enable remote users to generate one-time codes when their password is unavailable, or when a system administrator wants to grant someone one-time permission to unlock or close a certain input unit 60 and / or a certain lock body 70.

[0183] In some embodiments, the method of using this networked electronic lock management system 100 further includes:

[0184] The operating schedule of each individual input unit 60 and each individual lock body 70 can be remotely modified, wherein the operating schedule controls the duration for which each individual input unit 60 and each individual lock body 70 can be operated each day.

[0185] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, Figure 7 A flowchart of a method 700 using a networked electronic lock management system 100 is shown.

[0186] In box 702, a system installer installs the networked electronic lock management system server 30 via a network 20 in the cloud or a secure intranet.

[0187] In block 704, one or more electronic lock installers install multiple input units 60 and multiple lock bodies 70 in each office building that requires electronic locks. Each input unit 60 controls one or more lock bodies 70. The electronic lock installers register each installed input unit 60 and lock body 70 on the networked electronic lock management system server 30 via network 20 from their respective input units 60 and lock bodies 70, and store the data of all registered input units 60 and registered lock bodies 70 in an equipment management database 309.

[0188] In box 706, the system administrator registers all institutions and all users of these institutions on the networked electronic lock management system server 30 via network 20. Based on the user's permission level, each user is assigned one or more input units 60 and lock bodies 70 that they can operate, and the information of these related users is stored in a business management database 307.

[0189] In box 708, a registered user uses a mobile application, the user's password, the user's electronic key card, and biometric identification methods such as fingerprint recognition, finger vein recognition, or facial recognition to open or close one or more designated lock bodies 70 through one or more designated input units 60, and reports all lock opening and closing events and operations to the business management database 307.

[0190] In box 710, when any user is added, deleted, or changed, the corresponding user in the business management database 307 needs to be updated. Simultaneously, the input unit 60 and lock body 70 specified by the changed user are also updated in the device management database 309. When any input unit 60 and lock body 70 are added, deleted, or changed, the corresponding input unit 60 and lock body 70 in the device management database 309 need to be updated. Simultaneously, the specified user corresponding to the changed input unit 60 and lock body 70 also needs to be updated in the business management database 307.

[0191] In the inquiry box 712, the networked electronic lock management system 100 receives the user's decision on whether to continue using the networked electronic lock management system 100. If the user decides to continue using the networked electronic lock management system 100, the process returns to box 708 using method 700, waiting for the user to unlock the lock using various unlocking methods. If the user decides not to continue using the networked electronic lock management system 100, the process enters the termination state using method 700, exiting the operation of the networked electronic lock management system 100.

[0192] The foregoing description of various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is merely illustrative and represents only part of the invention. The description is not exhaustive and should not limit the invention to the specific or precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are entirely possible based on the foregoing description and demonstration.

[0193] The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, so that those skilled in the art can utilize the invention and various embodiments, along with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use. Alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein, and the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. A networked electronic lock management system server, comprising: A processor that controls the operation of the server of a networked electronic lock management system; A network interface controller, wherein the network interface controller connects a networked electronic lock management system server to a set of input units and a set of lock bodies via a network and one or more electronic lock controllers; A business management database that stores business-related information of a networked electronic lock management system; A device management database that stores information about networked electronic lock management system devices; and A non-volatile memory stores an operating system and computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions include: a business management module responsible for managing business transactions of the networked electronic lock management system, and a device management module responsible for managing the operation of devices in the networked electronic lock management system. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions perform the following operations: When an electronic lock installer installs multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in an office building, the device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives the registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies sent by the electronic lock installer, and stores the received registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in the device management database; A system manager registers multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server through a networked electronic lock management system terminal, and stores the registration information of multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management database. The system manager, through the networked electronic lock management system terminal, assigns one or more input units and one or more lock bodies to each user based on the user's management permissions in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server. The system manager also stores the input unit and lock body information specified by each user in the business management database and the device management database. This authorizes each user to unlock and close the lock using their designated input units and lock bodies via a mobile application, user password, electronic key card, or biometric sensors including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition. When users operate on each input unit and each lock body, the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives operation reports from each user on each input unit and each lock body.

2. The networked electronic lock management system server according to claim 1, wherein each electronic lock controller is connected to one or more input units, and each input unit is connected to a maximum of M lock bodies, where M is a positive integer.

3. The networked electronic lock management system server according to claim 1, wherein each office building is equipped with one or more input units and electronic lock controllers, each input unit is connected to an electronic lock controller, and each input unit is connected to a maximum of M lock bodies, where M is a positive integer.

4. The networked electronic lock management system server according to claim 1, wherein the network includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wired local area network, a wireless local area network, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a cellular network, and a mobile communication network, which have Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth network, infrared network, and Zigbee network.

5. The networked electronic lock management system server according to claim 1, wherein the business management module includes: An organization management module manages organizations using the networked electronic lock management system. These organizations include the headquarters, multiple city branches under the headquarters, and multiple offices under the city branches. A subscription management module, in which the registration business management module manages all registered networked electronic lock management system electronic lock service items of the organization; A device configuration file module, which stores detailed information related to all devices, including input unit configuration files for each input unit, lock body configuration files for each lock body, and operation schedule configuration files for each input unit and each lock body; A device replacement module manages the replacement of each input unit and each lock body, and updates the information of each input unit and each lock body in the device management database and updates the specified relationship between each input unit and each lock body and the user in the business management database; A user / electronic lock designation module, wherein the user / electronic lock designation module determines the designation relationship for each user to operate on one or more input units and one or more lock bodies based on the user permission level received by the system administrator from the management terminal of the networked electronic lock management system, and updates the designation relationship between each input unit and each lock body and the user in the business management database; A user monitoring module receives and monitors the operational activities of each input unit and each lock body, and reports all operational activities to the networked electronic lock management system server; A password reset module, wherein the password reset module is used to reset the password of the affected input unit and the affected lock body when the current electronic lock password is unavailable; A billing module generates billing information and invoices based on the registered electronic lock services and operational activities for each input unit and each lock body, and sends the generated invoices to the relevant agencies at predetermined time intervals; A personnel management module, which manages the organizational structure of administrators and the permission levels of each user; A role management module that manages the roles of each employee within the organization according to its hierarchical structure; A remote lock-on / off module, wherein the remote lock-on / off module remotely switches each individual input unit and each individual lock body according to the instructions of the system administrator; A lock operation log module, which records all operational activities of each input unit and each lock body for future inspection and auditing; An alarm management module generates one or more alarms based on certain predetermined conditions when each input unit and each lock body is performing real-time operations, and transmits the generated alarms to the predetermined managers or employees in the organization. and A one-time code module, wherein when an authorized individual needs a one-time code to unlock a specified input unit and a specified lock body, the one-time code module generates a one-time code and transmits the generated one-time code to the authorized individual so that the authorized individual can unlock the specified input unit and the specified lock body.

6. The networked electronic lock management system server according to claim 1, wherein the device management module includes: A communication module, wherein the communication module coordinates the communication between each input unit and each lock body, as well as the business management module and device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server; A user operation log module, which records all device operation activities from each input unit and each lock body through a communication module, and transmits all device operation activities to the lock operation log module of the device management database and the business management module; A device alarm module, which generates device alarms for each input unit and each lock body according to a set of preset rules, and provides all generated device alarms to the relevant departments and responsible persons in real time; A device initialization module, which initializes the networked electronic lock management system after it is installed and activated; A device list module, which includes all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system, including each individual input unit and each individual lock body; and A device status reporting module monitors the current status of all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system and reports to the organization and responsible persons in real time when a set of predetermined status changes occur.

7. A networked electronic lock management system, comprising: A networked electronic lock management system management terminal, in which a system administrator manages the networked electronic lock management system for multiple organizations via a network. Each organization includes one or more branch offices, and each branch office includes one or more electronic lock controllers, one or more input units, and multiple lock bodies. Each input unit is connected to the network through an electronic lock controller and controls up to M lock bodies, where M is a positive integer; and A networked electronic lock management system server, wherein the networked electronic lock management system server includes: A processor that controls the operation of the server of a networked electronic lock management system; A network interface controller, wherein the network interface controller connects a networked electronic lock management system server to a set of input units and a set of lock bodies via a network and one or more electronic lock controllers; A business management database that stores business-related information of a networked electronic lock management system; A device management database that stores information about networked electronic lock management system devices; and A non-volatile memory stores an operating system and computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions include: a business management module responsible for managing business transactions of the networked electronic lock management system, and a device management module responsible for managing the operation of devices in the networked electronic lock management system. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions perform the following operations: When an electronic lock installer installs multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in an office building, the device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives the registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies sent by the electronic lock installer, and stores the received registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in the device management database; A system manager registers multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server through a networked electronic lock management system terminal, and stores the registration information of multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management database. The system manager, through the networked electronic lock management system terminal, assigns one or more input units and one or more lock bodies to each user based on the user's management permissions in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server. The system manager also stores the input unit and lock body information specified by each user in the business management database and the device management database. This authorizes each user to unlock and close the lock using their designated input units and lock bodies via a mobile application, user password, electronic key card, or biometric sensors including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition. When users operate on each input unit and each lock body, the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives operation reports from each user on each input unit and each lock body.

8. The networked electronic lock management system according to claim 7, wherein the network includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wired local area network, a wireless local area network, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a cellular network, and a mobile communication network having Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth network, infrared network, and Zigbee network.

9. The networked electronic lock management system according to claim 7, wherein the business management module includes: An organization management module manages organizations using the networked electronic lock management system. These organizations include the headquarters, multiple city branches under the headquarters, and multiple offices under the city branches. A subscription management module, in which the registration business management module manages all registered networked electronic lock management system electronic lock service items of the organization; A device configuration file module, which stores detailed information related to all devices, including input unit configuration files for each input unit, lock body configuration files for each lock body, and operation schedule configuration files for each input unit and each lock body; A device replacement module manages the replacement of each input unit and each lock body, and updates the information of each input unit and each lock body in the device management database and updates the specified relationship between each input unit and each lock body and the user in the business management database; A user / electronic lock designation module, wherein the user / electronic lock designation module determines the designation relationship for each user to operate on one or more input units and one or more lock bodies based on the user permission level received by the system administrator from the management terminal of the networked electronic lock management system, and updates the designation relationship between each input unit and each lock body and the user in the business management database; A user monitoring module receives and monitors the operational activities of each input unit and each lock body, and reports all operational activities to the networked electronic lock management system server; A password reset module, wherein the password reset module is used to reset the password of the affected input unit and the affected lock body when the current electronic lock password is unavailable; A billing module generates billing information and invoices based on the registered electronic lock services and operational activities for each input unit and each lock body, and sends the generated invoices to the relevant agencies at predetermined time intervals; A personnel management module, which manages the organizational structure of administrators and the permission levels of each user; A role management module that manages the roles of each employee within the organization according to its hierarchical structure; A remote lock-on / off module, wherein the remote lock-on / off module remotely switches each individual input unit and each individual lock body according to the instructions of the system administrator; A lock operation log module, which records all operational activities of each input unit and each lock body for future inspection and auditing; An alarm management module generates one or more alarms based on certain predetermined conditions when each input unit and each lock body is performing real-time operation, and transmits the generated alarms to the predetermined managers or employees in the organization. and A one-time code module, wherein when an authorized individual needs a one-time code to unlock a specified input unit and a specified lock body, the one-time code module generates a one-time code and transmits the generated one-time code to the authorized individual so that the authorized individual can unlock the specified input unit and the specified lock body.

10. The networked electronic lock management system according to claim 7, wherein the device management module comprises: A communication module, wherein the communication module coordinates the communication between each input unit and each lock body, as well as the business management module and device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server; A user operation log module, which records all device operation activities from each input unit and each lock body through a communication module, and transmits all device operation activities to the lock operation log module of the device management database and the business management module; A device alarm module, which generates device alarms for each input unit and each lock body according to a set of preset rules, and provides all generated device alarms to the relevant departments and responsible persons in real time; A device initialization module, which initializes the networked electronic lock management system after it is installed and activated; A device list module, which includes all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system, including each individual input unit and each individual lock body; and A device status reporting module monitors the current status of all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system and reports to the organization and responsible persons in real time when a set of predetermined status changes occur.

11. The networked electronic lock management system according to claim 7, wherein each individual electronic lock controller is connected to one or more input units, and each individual input unit is connected to a maximum of M lock bodies, where M is a positive integer.

12. The networked electronic lock management system according to claim 11, wherein each branch office is equipped with one or more input units and electronic lock controllers, each input unit is connected to an electronic lock controller, and each individual electronic lock controller is connected to a maximum of M lock bodies.

13. A method of using a networked electronic lock management system, comprising: The networked electronic lock management system server is installed by a system installer via a network in the cloud or a secure intranet; One or more electronic lock installers install multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in one or more office buildings. Each input unit controls one or more lock bodies. The electronic lock installers register each installed input unit and lock body with the networked electronic lock management system server through the network from their respective input units and lock bodies. The data of all registered input units and registered lock bodies are stored in an equipment management database. The system administrator registers multiple users of an organization on the networked electronic lock management system server via the network. Based on the user's permission level, each user is assigned one or more input units and lock bodies that they can operate, and the information of these related users is stored in a business management database. Registered users can use a mobile application, their password, their electronic key card, or biometric identification methods such as fingerprint recognition, finger vein recognition, or facial recognition to open or close one or more designated lock bodies through one or more designated input units, and report all opening and closing events and operations to the business management database. and When one or more users are added, deleted, or changed, and any user, input unit, or lock body specification changes, the user changes are updated in the management database via the network; and when one or more input units and lock bodies are added, deleted, or changed, the input unit changes and lock body changes are updated in the device database via the network.

14. The method of use according to claim 13, wherein the network includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wired local area network, a wireless local area network, a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a cellular network, and a mobile communication network having a Wi-Fi network, a Bluetooth network, an infrared network, and a Zigbee network.

15. The method of use according to claim 13, wherein the networked electronic lock management system comprises: A networked electronic lock management system management terminal, in which a system administrator manages the networked electronic lock management system for multiple organizations via a network. Each organization includes one or more branch offices, and each branch office includes one or more electronic lock controllers, one or more input units, and multiple lock bodies. Each input unit is connected to the network through an electronic lock controller and controls up to M lock bodies, where M is a positive integer; and A networked electronic lock management system server, wherein the networked electronic lock management system server includes: A processor that controls the operation of the server of a networked electronic lock management system; A network interface controller, wherein the network interface controller connects a networked electronic lock management system server to a set of input units and a set of lock bodies via a network and one or more electronic lock controllers; A business management database that stores business-related information of a networked electronic lock management system; A device management database that stores information about networked electronic lock management system devices; and A non-volatile memory stores an operating system and computer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executable instructions include: a business management module responsible for managing business transactions of the networked electronic lock management system, and a device management module responsible for managing the operation of devices in the networked electronic lock management system. When executed by the processor, the computer-executable instructions perform the following operations: When an electronic lock installer installs multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in an office building, the device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives the registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies sent by the electronic lock installer, and stores the received registration information of the multiple input units and multiple lock bodies in the device management database; A system manager registers multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server through a networked electronic lock management system terminal, and stores the registration information of multiple companies, multiple branches, multiple users, and the management permission level of each user in the business management database. The system manager, through the networked electronic lock management system terminal, assigns one or more input units and one or more lock bodies to each user based on the user's management permissions in the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server. The system manager also stores the input unit and lock body information specified by each user in the business management database and the device management database. This authorizes each user to unlock and close the lock using their designated input units and lock bodies via a mobile application, user password, electronic key card, or biometric sensors including fingerprint, finger vein, and facial recognition. When users operate on each input unit and each lock body, the business management module of the networked electronic lock management system server receives operation reports from each user on each input unit and each lock body.

16. The method of use according to claim 13, wherein the business management module comprises: An organization management module manages organizations using the networked electronic lock management system. These organizations include the headquarters, multiple city branches under the headquarters, and multiple offices under the city branches. A subscription management module, in which the registration business management module manages all registered networked electronic lock management system electronic lock service items of the organization; A device configuration file module, which stores detailed information related to all devices, including input unit configuration files for each input unit, lock body configuration files for each lock body, and operation schedule configuration files for each input unit and each lock body; A device replacement module manages the replacement of each input unit and each lock body, and updates the information of each input unit and each lock body in the device management database and updates the specified relationship between each input unit and each lock body and the user in the business management database; A user / electronic lock designation module, wherein the user / electronic lock designation module determines the designation relationship for each user to operate on one or more input units and one or more lock bodies based on the user permission level received by the system administrator from the management terminal of the networked electronic lock management system, and updates the designation relationship between each input unit and each lock body and the user in the business management database; A user monitoring module receives and monitors the operational activities of each input unit and each lock body, and reports all operational activities to the networked electronic lock management system server; A password reset module, wherein the password reset module is used to reset the password of the affected input unit and the affected lock body when the current electronic lock password is unavailable; A billing module generates billing information and invoices based on the registered electronic lock services and operational activities for each input unit and each lock body, and sends the generated invoices to the relevant agencies at predetermined time intervals; A personnel management module, which manages the organizational structure of administrators and the permission levels of each user; A role management module that manages the roles of each employee within the organization according to its hierarchical structure; A remote lock-on / off module, wherein the remote lock-on / off module remotely switches each individual input unit and each individual lock body according to the instructions of the system administrator; A lock operation log module, which records all operational activities of each input unit and each lock body for future inspection and auditing; An alarm management module generates one or more alarms based on certain predetermined conditions when each input unit and each lock body is performing real-time operations, and transmits the generated alarms to the predetermined managers or employees in the organization. and A one-time code module, wherein when an authorized individual needs a one-time code to unlock a specified input unit and a specified lock body, the one-time code module generates a one-time code and transmits the generated one-time code to the authorized individual so that the authorized individual can unlock the specified input unit and the specified lock body.

17. The method of use according to claim 13, wherein the device management module comprises: A communication module, wherein the communication module coordinates the communication between each input unit and each lock body, as well as the business management module and device management module of the networked electronic lock management system server; A user operation log module, which records all device operation activities from each input unit and each lock body through a communication module, and transmits all device operation activities to the lock operation log module of the device management database and the business management module; A device alarm module, which generates device alarms for each input unit and each lock body according to a set of preset rules, and provides all generated device alarms to the relevant departments and responsible persons in real time; A device initialization module, which initializes the networked electronic lock management system after it is installed and activated; A device list module, which includes all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system, including each individual input unit and each individual lock body; and A device status reporting module monitors the current status of all devices installed in the networked electronic lock management system and reports to the organization and responsible persons in real time when a set of predetermined status changes occur.

18. The method of use according to claim 13 further comprises: Monitor the operational activities of each individual input unit and each individual lock body installed and connected to the networked electronic lock management system; Generate daily operational activity reports for each individual input unit and each individual lock body that are installed and connected to the networked electronic lock management system; and Examine the daily operational activity history of each individual input unit and each individual lock body installed and connected to the networked electronic lock management system.

19. The method of use according to claim 13 further comprises: To enable remote users to generate one-time codes when their password is unavailable, or when a system administrator wants to grant someone one-time access to unlock or close a specific input unit and / or lock body.

20. The method of use according to claim 13 further comprises: The operating schedule for each individual input unit and each individual lock body can be remotely modified, wherein the operating schedule controls the duration for which each individual input unit and each individual lock body can be operated each day.

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