Access control lock device

Abstract

An access control locking device 10 is provided for selectively protecting access path 6. The device 10 includes a locking mechanism 12 configured to protect access 8 to such access path 6, and an actuator 14 configured to actuate the locking mechanism 12. The device 10 also includes a controller 16, which includes an interrogator 18 configured to signal-communicate with the actuator 14 to query a smart card 20 and obtain a financial identifier therefrom, and a network interface 22 configured to interface operably with a financial network 24 and verify the obtained financial identifier as a payment confirmation. In this manner, once such payment confirmation is verified, the controller 16 is configured to control the actuator 14 to actuate the locking mechanism 12 in order to facilitate access control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of access control, and more particularly to an access control locking device and related access control methods.

Background Art

[0002] The following description of the background art is only intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. This description does not recognize or admit that any of the materials mentioned is or was part of the general knowledge prevalent at the priority date of the present application.

[0003] In physical security, access control is generally the selective restriction of access to a location, such as a building or a space, and the access operation typically means entering or using such a location.

[0004] The applicant has identified the drawbacks in the field of conventional access control, such as conventional mechanical or electronic locks, which are generally binary and selective, and access can be obtained by having a key, code or electronic key, either unlocking the lock or not.

[0005] For example, access control to facilities such as sports equipment in a sports complex or sports center, such as the use of a billiards table or sports equipment in a room, conventionally requires some form of membership, such as a monthly or annual membership, in which case an access fob or key is provided as part of such membership, or the facility requires a receptionist or the like to provide access.

[0006] A prior art review has identified standard prior art for access control. For example, US 2016 / 0300411 to Isaacson describes hotel door unlocking, and more specifically, the use of a payment account as a key to unlock a hotel room door. Isaacson addresses the issue of the need for a card key to be given to the customer. Having a separate card key to unlock a hotel room door can be cumbersome, adding bulk to a wallet when stored with other plastic cards. Since the card key is not attached to a key ring, as conventional keys typically are, customers sometimes forget to take their card key with them when leaving their hotel room. As a result, the customer is locked out of their hotel room and has to contact hotel staff to get back in.

[0007] Similarly, US 9,965,911 to Wishne describes an electronic access control system that addresses the need to streamline the process of hotel guests checking in, while also reducing the need for extra key cards. Likewise, US 2022 / 0129894 to Phillips et al. teaches an access control device that enables "on-the-spot" payment to provide access control, such as in revolving gates, revolving doors, or similar devices. However, these conventional technology systems generally offer binary-selective solutions, in which case a payment key or card is used to determine whether or not to provide access, replacing conventional mechanical keys.

[0008] Considering these shortcomings, the applicant recognized the need for an improved access control method that is not binary-selective, and the present invention was conceived with this objective in mind. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Those skilled in the art should understand that references herein to “smart cards” (also known as chip cards, or integrated circuit cards (ICCs or IC cards)) generally include a broad and comprehensive reference to physical electronic authentication devices used to control access to resources. Typical embodiments of such smart cards include a plastic credit card-sized card with an embedded integrated circuit (IC) chip, but variations therein are possible, and such smart cards may include any suitable automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) means. Such AIDC means generally refer to any suitable technique for automatically identifying an object and entering the relevant data directly into a computer system (i.e., without human intervention), without user data input. Examples of AIDC techniques include barcodes, quick response (QR) tags, radio frequency identification (RFID), near-field communication (NFC), data tags, magnetic stripes, and smart cards. For example, a mobile phone with a suitable banking application coupled with an NFC device would include such a “smart card” herein.

[0010] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that references to “accessway” in this specification generally include broad references to any suitable path or route by which access to a space or room can be achieved, such as an entrance or exit, and similar references to “access” include broad references to any movable obstruction or barrier that restricts access to such accessway, such as a gate or door. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an access control lock device is provided for selectively protecting an access path, the device being: A locking mechanism including a mechanical lock with bolts configured to protect access to such access path, An actuator configured to activate the locking mechanism by moving the bolt, and It is configured to communicate with the actuator via signals, i. A query tool to query the smart card and obtain a financial identifier from it. ii. A network interface configured to interface with a financial network in an operable manner in order to verify the acquired financial identifier as payment confirmation, and iii. A timer that allows access control periods to be facilitated thereby. controller Includes, Once such payment confirmation is verified, the controller is configured to start a timer and unlock via an actuator, and when the same financial identifier is next obtained, to stop the timer and protect the locking mechanism, the amount of the payment confirmation is determined by the time limit, thereby facilitating temporal selective access control.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device is included as an integrated unit with a door lock equipped with a handle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes an electromagnetic lock that can be actuated by an actuator.

[0014] In one embodiment, the actuator includes an electromechanical actuator, such as a linear actuator, configured to actuate a locking mechanism.

[0015] In one embodiment, the actuator includes an electrical circuit, such as a solenoid, configured to actuate a locking mechanism.

[0016] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a physical bypass, such as a key, for bypassing the locking mechanism and releasing access to the access path.

[0017] In one embodiment, the controller includes any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive an input, perform logical and arithmetic operations with respect to an appropriate instruction set, and provide an output, as well as a temporary and / or persistent electronic storage device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the controller includes a display configured to display information, such as the cost of access control.

[0019] In one embodiment, the controller includes a user input configured to receive user input.

[0020] In one embodiment, the user input includes a button that, when actuated, causes the controller to display the cost of access control on the display.

[0021] In one embodiment, the display includes a touch screen-based user input by which a user can provide a user input thereby.

[0022] In one embodiment, the interrogator can be selected from the non-exhaustive group consisting of an optical barcode reader, a Quick Response (QR) reader, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, a Near Field Communication (NFC) reader, and a magnetic stripe reader.

[0023] Typically, the financial identifier includes an electronic identifier that can uniquely identify a user's payment method, such as credit card details, digital wallet details, and the like.

[0024] In one embodiment, the network interface includes a wired and / or wireless interface.

[0025] In one embodiment, the network interface is configured to communicate via a network protocol selectable from the non-exhaustive group consisting of the IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (trademark)) and IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth (trademark)) families of communication protocols, including the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).

[0026] In one embodiment, the network interface is configured to interface with a financial network via a distributed network such as the Internet.

[0027] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to verify the obtained financial identifier as a payment confirmation by verifying that the financial account identified by the financial identifier contains sufficient funds for access control.

[0028] In one embodiment, the time limit period includes the period between subsequent acquisitions of the same financial identifier as the obtained financial identifier, i.e., the period from when the timer is started to when the timer is stopped.

[0029] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to interface with a software application or "app" via the network interface, and the app is configured to provide user input, such as a predetermined period for access control.

[0030] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to interface with a software application or "app" via the network interface, and the app is configured with a virtual bypass for bypassing the lock mechanism and releasing access to the access path.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of access control for selectively protecting an access path, the method comprising A step of protecting access to such access path by a controllable locking mechanism, The interrogator queries the smart card and retrieves the financial identifier from it. A step of verifying the acquired financial identifier as payment confirmation by interfacing with the financial network via a network interface, The verification of such payment confirmation involves a controller having a timer and configured to control an actuator, starting the timer and unlocking it with the actuator, and The controller then queries the smart card again to obtain the financial identifier, which in turn stops the timer to protect the lock mechanism and facilitates time-based selective access control, with the amount of payment confirmation determined by the time elapsed while obtaining the financial identifier. Includes.

[0032] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of displaying information, such as the cost of access control, via a controller.

[0033] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of receiving user input via user input.

[0034] In one embodiment, the step of receiving user input includes receiving it for a predetermined period during which access control is facilitated.

[0035] In one embodiment, the interface step is performed by a network protocol that can be selected from a non-exclusive group of communication protocols, including the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi®) and IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth®) families.

[0036] In one embodiment, the step of verifying the acquired financial identifier as payment confirmation includes verifying that the financial account identified by the financial identifier contains sufficient funds for access control.

[0037] A third aspect of the present invention provides an access control method for selectively protecting an access path, the method comprising the use of an access control lock device according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0038] A further aspect of the present invention provides an access control locking device and an access control method, substantially as described and / or illustrated herein.

[0039] This explanation will be based on the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an access control lock device according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic front view representation of the access control lock device used to protect access to an access path. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic internal view representation of the access control lock device, showing an overview of its internal components and interfaces with the financial network. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Further features of the present invention are described more fully in the following description of some non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purpose of illustrating the invention to those skilled in the art. It should not be understood as a limitation on the broad overview, disclosure, or description of the invention set forth above.

[0042] In the figures incorporated to illustrate the features of an embodiment or a set of embodiments, similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts throughout. Furthermore, features, mechanisms, and aspects that are well known and understood in the art will not be described in detail, as such features, mechanisms, and aspects are within the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0043] Additionally, the attached figures do not represent mechanical drawings or design drawings, but only provide a functional overview of the present invention. As a result, features and practical structural details required for various embodiments may not be shown in the figures, but such structural requirements should be within the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0044] Broadly speaking, the present invention provides an access control locking device 10 which is particularly applied to selective protection of appropriate access 8 to an access path 6, for example, protection at a door or gate 8 of an entrance / exit 6. The device 10 generally includes a locking mechanism 12, an actuator 14, and a controller 16 having an interrogator 18 and a network interface 22. The locking device 10 also typically includes an appropriate energy supply, such as an electrical energy supply to provide energy to its appropriate components, such as the controller 16 and the actuator 24. For example, the locking device 10 may include a battery and a backup mains power supply (not shown), or similar.

[0045] As will be described in more detail below, the locking device 10 is configured to facilitate access control via a query of a smart card 20, and the smart card 20 may include references to any suitable physical electronic authentication device, such as a credit card type IC card, a mobile phone with NFC functionality, and / or similar, as broadly understood in the art as described above.

[0046] Referring here to the attached drawings, one possible embodiment of such access control locking device 10 for selectively protecting access path 6 is illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 10 is generally integrated as a single door lock with a handle unit 30, as shown in the figure. However, variations relating thereto are possible and anticipated.

[0047] The device 10 typically includes a locking mechanism 12 configured to protect access 6, such as a door or gate, to an access path 6, such as an entrance or exit. It also includes an actuator 14 configured to actuate the locking mechanism 12.

[0048] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 12 includes a mechanical lock with a bolt that can be moved by an actuator 14. In such an embodiment, the actuator 14 typically includes an electromechanical actuator, such as a linear actuator, configured to actuate the locking mechanism. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 12 may include an electromagnetic lock that can be actuated by the actuator 14. In such an embodiment, the actuator 14 typically includes an electrical circuit, such as a solenoid or similar, configured to actuate the locking mechanism, for example, to control the power supply to the electromagnetic lock. In a typical embodiment, the locking mechanism 12 generally includes a physical bypass, such as a key or similar, for bypassing the locking mechanism 12 and releasing access to the access path. For this purpose, the locking mechanism 12 includes a keyhole or key slot 32 for accepting a key as a physical bypass.

[0049] The apparatus 10 also includes a controller 16 configured to communicate with the actuator 14. The controller 16 generally includes any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive inputs, perform logical and arithmetic operations with respect to a suitable instruction set, and provide outputs, as is commonly understood in the art, as well as temporary and / or persistent electronic memory.

[0050] The controller 16 includes an interrogator 18 for querying the smart card 20 and obtaining a financial identifier from it. In one embodiment, the interrogator 18 can be selected from a non-exclusive group consisting of an optical barcode reader, a quick response (QR) reader, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a near-field communication (NFC) reader, and a magnetic stripe reader. Typically, the financial identifier includes an electronic identifier that uniquely identifies the user's payment method, e.g., credit card details, digital wallet details, as is known in the field of electronic payment systems.

[0051] The controller 16 also includes a network interface 22 configured to interface operably with a financial network (diametrically represented by a remote computer system 24) in order to verify the acquired financial identifier as payment confirmation. For example, the financial network 24 may include a bank or similar financial institution network, or something similar. In one embodiment, the network interface 22 may include a wired and / or wireless interface. In one embodiment, the network interface 22 is configured to communicate via a network protocol that can be selected from a non-exclusive group of communication protocols consisting of the IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi®) and IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth®) families, including the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). In one embodiment, the network interface 22 is configured to interface with the financial network 24 via a distributed network, such as the Internet. Needless to say, variations in communication protocols and embodiments are possible and expected.

[0052] In one embodiment, the controller 16 is generally configured to verify the acquired financial identifier as a payment confirmation by verifying that the financial account identified by the financial identifier contains sufficient funds for access control, i.e., that the user using the smart card 20 has sufficient funds to purchase access control. In the method described herein, once such payment confirmation is verified, the controller 16 is configured to control the actuator 14 to activate the locking mechanism 12 in order to facilitate access control, i.e., to unlock the locking mechanism 12 and allow access to the access path 6.

[0053] Various optional embodiments are possible and within the scope of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the controller 16 includes a display 26 configured to display information such as the cost of access control. In one embodiment, the controller 16 also includes a user input 28 configured to receive user input. For example, in one embodiment, the user input 28 includes a button that, when activated or pressed, causes the controller 16 to display the cost of access control on the display 26. In one embodiment, the display 26 includes a user input 28 using a touchscreen, thereby allowing the user to provide such user input, or the like.

[0054] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the controller 16 includes a timer that allows a predetermined period of access control to be facilitated, for example, payment confirmation to grant one hour of access control, or similar. Such a timer may be implemented using appropriate programming, or similar. In one embodiment, the predetermined period is selectable using user input 28, i.e., the user selects the length of access control to purchase. In one embodiment, the controller 16 is configured to start the timer and unlock the lock mechanism 12 when a financial identifier is obtained, and then stop the timer to protect the lock mechanism 12 when the same financial identifier is obtained again, and the amount of the payment confirmation is determined by such time period. For example, a person may scan their smart card 20 to start the timer and unlock, the lock device 10 may request a second scan of the same card 20 to stop the timer, and the amount to be paid for the time the lock is unlocked is determined by such period between the first and second scans of the smart card 20.

[0055] Thus, the present invention can provide temporal selective access control, in which case, rather than simple binary selective access control, access is provided by having a physical or electronic key, where access time is purchased or time is determined for purchase.

[0056] In one embodiment, the controller 16 may also be configured to interface with a software application or “app” via a network interface 22. Such an app may be configured to provide user input, such as a predetermined period for access control, or the like. Similarly, in one embodiment, the controller 16 may be configured to interface with a software application or “app” via a network interface 22, and the app may be configured with a virtual bypass for bypassing the locking mechanism 12 and releasing access 8 to the access path 6. In this way, a suitable app can be implemented that allows the user of the locking device 10 to choose and pay for access control, and that allows the owner of the access path to remotely control access as needed.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention includes an access control method for selectively protecting an access path 6, typically using one embodiment of a locking device 10. Such a method broadly includes the steps of: protecting access 8 to the access path 6 by a controllable locking mechanism 12; querying a smart card 20 by an interrogator 18 to obtain a financial identifier therefrom; interfaceing with a financial network 24 by a network interface 22 to verify the obtained financial identifier as a payment confirmation; and, once such payment confirmation is verified, activating the locking mechanism 12 by a controller 16 configured to control an actuator 14 to facilitate access control.

[0058] In the manner described herein, the locking device 10 enables selective access to sports activities within a sports complex, such as the use of a billiard room or athletic equipment, without the need for, for example, a regular subscription or membership, or a receptionist providing keys. Similarly, using the locking device 10 in relation to access to a room in a rental property, for example, facilitates payment for access to that room, such as only when a person needs it.

[0059] The applicant is convinced that the present invention is particularly advantageous in providing a locking device 10 and associated methods such that, once a smart card 20 with associated payment verification is provided, access control can thereby be facilitated on demand. Similarly, the device 10 enables the timing of access control with associated payment, which can be determined according to the required access period. As a result, the present invention provides a locking device 10 that is not merely binary-selective but temporally selective, in which access is permitted for a predetermined period according to the payment provided. Such a solution finds particular use, for example, in sports facilities within a sports complex or center, for example, for the use of a billiard table or athletic equipment in a room, or in places that conventionally require some form of membership or similar, for which an access fob or key is provided.

[0060] Any selected embodiment of the present invention may also be broadly said to consist of parts, elements and features that are mentioned or shown in the main specification, individually or as a whole, in any combination of two or more parts, elements or features, and that refer to a certain integer that has known equivalents in the art to which the present invention relates, and such known equivalents are considered to be incorporated herein as if they were described individually. In the embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such are readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0061] In the context describing various embodiments (in particular, in the context of the claimed subject matter), the use of the terms “a,” “an,” “said,” “the,” and / or similar references should be interpreted as encompassing both singular and plural unless otherwise specifically indicated herein or expressly rejected by the context. The terms “contains,” “have,” “encompasses,” and “consist of” should be interpreted as unrestricted terms (i.e., “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise specified. In this specification, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant list items. No term in this specification should be interpreted as indicating that any unclaimed subject matter is essential for the implementation of the claimed subject matter.

[0062] It should be understood that any reference to “one example” or “an example” of the present invention, or similar illustrative terms in this specification (e.g., “etc.”), is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantial, particularly practical and useful embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein in text and / or by figures for the purpose of carrying out the claimed subject matter. These examples are intended to assist those skilled in the art in carrying out the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless otherwise explicitly indicated. The inventors anticipate that those skilled in the art will adopt modifications as needed, and the inventors intend that the claimed subject matter may be carried out in ways other than those specifically described herein.

[0063] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their execution in a specific order described or illustrated, unless specifically designated as such. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

1. An access control locking device for selectively protecting access routes, wherein the device is A locking mechanism including a mechanical lock with bolts configured to protect access to such access path, The locking mechanism is operated by an actuator configured to move the bolt, The actuator is configured to communicate with signals, i. A query tool to query a smart card and obtain a financial identifier from it. ii. A network interface configured to interface with a financial network in an operable manner and to verify the acquired financial identifier as payment confirmation, and iii. A timer that makes access control periods easier. Including controllers and Equipped with, Upon verifying such payment confirmation, the controller is configured to start the timer and release the lock via the actuator, and upon the next acquisition of the same financial identifier, to stop the timer to protect the locking mechanism, the amount of the payment confirmation being determined by the time limit, thereby facilitating temporal selective access control. Access control locking device.

2. The access control locking device according to claim 1, which is included as an integrated unit as a door lock with a handle.

3. The access control locking device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism includes an electromagnetic lock that can be operated by the actuator.

4. The access control locking device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the actuator includes an electromechanical actuator, such as a linear actuator, configured to actuate the locking mechanism.

5. The access control locking device according to claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the actuator includes an electrical circuit such as a solenoid configured to operate the locking mechanism.

6. The access control locking device according to claim 1 or claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism includes a physical bypass, such as a key, for bypassing the locking mechanism and releasing the access to the access path.

7. The access control lock device according to claim 1 or claim 7, wherein the controller includes a display configured to display information such as the cost of access control.

8. The access control lock device according to claim 1 or claim 7, wherein the controller includes a user input configured to receive user input.

9. The access control lock device according to claim 8 via claim 7, wherein the user input includes a button that, when activated, causes the controller to display the cost of access control on the display.

10. The access control lock device according to claim 7, wherein the display includes a touchscreen user input, thereby enabling the user to provide user input.

11. The access control lock device according to claim 1 or claim 10, wherein the interrogator can be selected from a non-exclusive group consisting of an optical barcode reader, a quick response (QR) reader, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, a near-field communication (NFC) reader, and a magnetic stripe reader.

12. The access control lock device according to claim 1 or claim 11, wherein the financial identifier includes an electronic identifier capable of uniquely identifying the user's payment method, such as credit card details, digital wallet details, or the like.

13. The access control lock device according to claim 1 or claim 12, wherein the network interface includes wired and / or wireless interfaces and is configured to interface with a financial network via a distributed network such as the Internet.

14. The access control lock device according to claim 1 or claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to verify the acquired financial identifier as a payment confirmation by verifying that the financial account identified by the financial identifier contains sufficient funds for access control.

15. The access control lock device according to claim 1 or 14, wherein the controller is configured to interface with a software application or “app” via the network interface, and the app is configured to provide user input, such as the predetermined period for access control.

16. The access control lock device according to claim 1 or claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to interface with a software application or “app” via the network interface, and the app is configured with a virtual bypass for bypassing the lock mechanism and releasing the access to the access path.

17. An access control method for selectively protecting access routes, A step of protecting access to such access path by a controllable locking mechanism, The interrogator queries the smart card and retrieves the financial identifier from it. The steps include: interfacing with the financial network via a network interface and verifying the acquired financial identifier as payment confirmation; Once such payment confirmation is verified, a controller having a timer and configured to control an actuator starts the timer and releases the lock using the actuator. The controller then queries the smart card again to obtain the financial identifier therefrom, stops the timer to protect the lock mechanism, and determines the amount of the payment confirmation by the period during which the financial identifier is obtained, thereby facilitating temporal selective access control. How to do it.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of displaying information, such as the cost of access control, via the controller.

19. The method according to either claim 17 or 18, comprising the step of receiving user input, which includes receiving user input for a predetermined period during which access control is facilitated.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the step of verifying the acquired financial identifier as payment confirmation includes verifying that the financial account identified by the financial identifier contains sufficient funds for access control.

21. A method for selectively protecting an access path, comprising using an access control locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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