Wireless access control system

Abstract

A system is configured to communicate with electronic devices having different functionalities, the system including a host device having an application installed thereon and a processor, configured to send communication signals; a first transceiver and a second transceiver configured to communicate with the host device; a first electronic device associated with the first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; a second electronic device associated with the second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device differ from one another in their functionalities; wherein the communication signals sent by the host device and the client application to the first transceiver and the second transceiver are not configured for operation by the first transceiver or the second transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device.

Description

[0001] WIRELESS ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This Application is related to and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 538,998, entitled WIRELESS ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM, filed on 18 September 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates generally to systems for providing controlled access such as to a secure area, and more specifically to electronic access systems.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Electronic access systems are used to control access to secured areas, including but not limited to data centers, research labs, vaults, storage areas, and other types of enclosures. Some systems feature one or more latches, for example, where each latch facilitates the unlocking and locking of a panel, door or other structure that controls access to the secured area.

[0008] Advancements in the area of electronic access systems are continually sought in the interests of convenience, performance, security, cost, and / or operability. There remains a need for new electronic access systems such as, for example, latch assemblies having at least one of improved performance, security, operability, a simpler user interface, and more cost-effective design.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system is configured to communicate with electronic devices having different functionalities, the system including a host device having a client application installed thereon and a processor, the processor and the client application together configured to send communication signals; a first transceiver and a second transceiver configured to communicate with the host device via the communication signals; a first electronic device associated with the first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; a second electronic device associated with the second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device differ from one another in their functionalities; wherein the communication signals sent by the host device and the client application to the first transceiver and the second transceiver are not configured for operation by the first transceiver or the second transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; wherein the first transceiver is configured to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities; and wherein the second transceiver is configured to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a transceiver is configured to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application and to be associated with a first electronic device or a second electronic device that differ from one another in their functionalities, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive communication signals from the host device that are not configured for operation by the transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, wherein the transceiver is configurable to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities, and wherein the transceiver is configurable to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a set of transceivers is configured to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application and to be associated with a first electronic device or a second electronic device that differ from one another in their functionalities, wherein a first transceiver and a second transceiver of the set of transceivers are configured to receive communication signals from the host device that are not configured for operation by the transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, wherein the first transceiver is preconfigured to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities, and wherein the second transceiver is preconfigured to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities is provided, the method includes associating a first electronic device with a first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; associating a second electronic device that differs from the first electronic device in their functionalities with a second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; sending communication signals from a host device and a client application to the first transceiver and the second transceiver that are not configured for operation by the first transceiver or the second transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; operating the first electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the first transceiver despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities; and operating the second electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the second transceiver despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a system is configured to communicate with electronic devices having different functionalities, the system including a host device having a client application installed thereon and a processor, the processor and the client application together configured to receive communication signals; a first transceiver and a second transceiver configured to communicate with the host device via the communication signals; a first electronic device associated with the first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; a second electronic device associated with the second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device differ from one another in their functionalities, and the communication signals received by the host device and the client application from the first transceiver and the second transceiver are different from one another based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; wherein the client application displays a first set of information associated with operation of the first electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the first transceiver, the client application displays a second set of information associated with operation of the second electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the second transceiver, and the first set of information differs from the second set of information based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of displaying a status of electronic devices having different functionalities is provided, the method including associating a first electronic device with a first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; associating a second electronic device that differs from the first electronic device in their functionalities with a second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; sending to a host device and a client application communication signals from the first transceiver and the second transceiver that are different from one another based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; displaying via the client application a first set of information associated with operation of the first electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the first transceiver, and displaying via the client application a second set of information associated with operation of the second electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the second transceiver, the first set of information differing from the second set of information based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a kit includes a locking device or a latching device; and a transceiver that is pre-configured or user- configurable to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application, and operate, remotely from the host device, the locking device or the latching device of the kit in response to the communication signals received from the host device, and to operate at least one other device, other than the locking device or the latching device of the kit, the at least one other device and the locking device or the latching device of the kit having different functionalities.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of packaging a kit includes selecting an electronic device from a plurality of electronic devices having different functionalities; packaging a pre-configured or user-configurable transceiver with the selected electronic device, the transceiver being pre-configured or user- configurable to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application, and remotely communicate the communication signals to the selected electronic device and to at least one other electronic device selected from the plurality of electronic devices, the at least one other electronic device and the selected electronic device having different functionalities.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, in which a host device running a client application commands an electronic device by way of a transceiver, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a system for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, including a latch module, a transceiver, and a host device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a host device for use with a system for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a system for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, including two latch modules, a transceiver, and a host device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a system for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, in which a host device running a client application commands multiple transceivers with the same data contents, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a system for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, in which electronic devices report a change in state to the transceiver, which forwards this information, as well as information about the kind of electronic device that is associated with the transceiver, back to the host device, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates an invite screen of a client application for use with a system for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figures 8A-8D illustrate a sequence of screens of the client application for use with a system for setting up and communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figures 9A-9C illustrate a sequence of screens of the client application, listing multiple electronic devices, for use with a system for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 10 illustrates a kit with components of a system for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 11 schematically illustrates a system in which the client application displays a first set or a second set of information, respectively, depending on whether the communications between the host device and the client application are with the first transceiver / electronic device or the second transceiver / electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The invention will now be described by reference to exemplary embodiments and variations of those embodiments. Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown and described. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.

[0031] Latches optionally include built-in user interfaces, such as actuators or "readers," for example, that receive an input from a user seeking to access a secure area. Depending on the type of input, the input may be converted to a signal and sent to a controller. If the user's input is accepted, a controller will send a signal to unlock each latch. One type of actuator / latch assembly, for example, uses rods or mechanical cables to attach the user interface, such as an actuator or a "reader," for example, to the latch. In many applications, an electrically operated latch is desirable due to the need for remote or push-button entry, coded access, key-less access, or monitoring of access. In some cases, end users need access to multiple secured areas, each of which may have a different type of latch.

[0032] The system described herein enables a host device running a client application and being operated by an end user, to allow the end user access to, and / or control over, via a transceiver, a particular downstream electronic device, but does not require the end user to have any prior knowledge of the particular function of the electronic device. However, if the end user of the client application wishes to change the transceiver's behavior to better suit a particular type of electronic device, the information with the user's requested change can be passed down to the transceiver from the host device, provided that the desired electronic device configuration can be mapped to a pre-existing device configuration value determined by the source code of the transceiver or the source code of the client application.

[0033] Referring generally to the figures, according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system is configured to communicate with electronic devices having different functionalities, the system including a host device having a client application installed thereon and a processor, the processor and the client application together configured to send communication signals; a first transceiver and a second transceiver configured to communicate with the host device via the communication signals; a first electronic device associated with the first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; a second electronic device associated with the second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device differ from one another in their functionalities; wherein the communication signals sent by the host device and the client application to the first transceiver and the second transceiver are not configured for operation by the first transceiver or the second transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; wherein the first transceiver is configured to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities; and wherein the second transceiver is configured to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

[0034] The host device can be configured to send the communication signals by wire or wireless communications with the first transceiver and the second transceiver. For example, the host device can be configured to send the communication signals by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols. The host device can also be communicatively coupled to a server.

[0035] The first electronic device or the second electronic device can include an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor. The first electronic device and the first transceiver can be integrated. Alternatively, the first electronic device and the first transceiver can be separate and coupled by wire or wirelessly.

[0036] Another first electronic device can be associated with the first transceiver. The first electronic device and the another first electronic device can differ from one another in their functionalities. The first transceiver can be configured for operation of the first electronic device and the another first electronic device despite the first electronic device differing from the another first electronic device in their functionalities.

[0037] The first transceiver can be the same as the second transceiver, the first transceiver and the second transceiver being configurable to operate the first electronic device or the second electronic device.

[0038] The host device can further include a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium and the client application comprising a sequence of instructions.

[0039] The un-encrypted data of the communication signals sent by the host device and the client application to the first transceiver and the second transceiver can be the same. According to another aspect of the invention, a transceiver is configured to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application and to be associated with a first electronic device or a second electronic device that differ from one another in their functionalities, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive communication signals from the host device that are not configured for operation by the transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, wherein the transceiver is configurable to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities, and wherein the transceiver is configurable to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

[0040] The transceiver can be configured to receive the communication signals by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols. The first electronic device or the second electronic device can include an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor.

[0041] According to another aspect of the invention, a set of transceivers is configured to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application and to be associated with a first electronic device or a second electronic device that differ from one another in their functionalities, wherein a first transceiver and a second transceiver of the set of transceivers are configured to receive communication signals from the host device that are not configured for operation by the transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, wherein the first transceiver is preconfigured to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities, and wherein the second transceiver is preconfigured to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

[0042] The first and second transceivers can be configured to receive the communication signals by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols. The first electronic device or the second electronic device can include an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor. According to another aspect of the invention, a method of communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities is provided, the method includes associating a first electronic device with a first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; associating a second electronic device that differs from the first electronic device in their functionalities with a second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; sending communication signals from a host device and a client application to the first transceiver and the second transceiver that are not configured for operation by the first transceiver or the second transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; operating the first electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the first transceiver despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities; and operating the second electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the second transceiver despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

[0043] The method can also include configuring a transceiver as the first transceiver to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals; and configuring a transceiver as the second transceiver to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals.

[0044] The configuring steps can include preconfiguring the transceivers. The configuring steps can also include user-configuration of the transceivers.

[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, a system is configured to communicate with electronic devices having different functionalities, the system including a host device having a client application installed thereon and a processor, the processor and the client application together configured to receive communication signals; a first transceiver and a second transceiver configured to communicate with the host device via the communication signals; a first electronic device associated with the first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; a second electronic device associated with the second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device differ from one another in their functionalities, and the communication signals received by the host device and the client application from the first transceiver and the second transceiver are different from one another based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; wherein the client application displays a first set of information associated with operation of the first electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the first transceiver, the client application displays a second set of information associated with operation of the second electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the second transceiver, and the first set of information differs from the second set of information based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0046] The host device can be configured to receive the signals by wire or wireless communication with the first transceiver and the second transceiver. The host device can be configured to receive the signals by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols. The host device can be communicatively coupled to a server.

[0047] The first electronic device or the second electronic device can include an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor. The first electronic device and the first transceiver can be integrated. The first electronic device and the first transceiver can be separate and coupled by wire or wirelessly.

[0048] Another first electronic device can be associated with the first transceiver. The first electronic device and the another first electronic device can differ from one another in functionality. The first transceiver can be configured for sending different signals to the host device based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the another electronic device. The first electronic device or the second electronic device can include an electronic lock or an electronic latch, and the first set of information or the second set of information includes a locked or unlocked status of the electronic lock or the electronic latch. The first electronic device or the second electronic device can include a sensor, and the first set of information or the second set of information includes a presence or an absence status of a sensed condition.

[0049] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of displaying a status of electronic devices having different functionalities is provided, the method including associating a first electronic device with a first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; associating a second electronic device that differs from the first electronic device in their functionalities with a second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; sending to a host device and a client application communication signals from the first transceiver and the second transceiver that are different from one another based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; displaying via the client application a first set of information associated with operation of the first electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the first transceiver, and displaying via the client application a second set of information associated with operation of the second electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the second transceiver, the first set of information differing from the second set of information based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0050] The method can also include configuring a transceiver as the first transceiver to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals; and configuring a transceiver as the second transceiver to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals.

[0051] The configuring steps can include preconfiguring the transceivers. The configuring steps can alternative include user-configuration of the transceivers.

[0052] According to another aspect of the invention, a kit includes a locking device or a latching device; and a transceiver that is pre-configured or user- configurable to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application, and operate, remotely from the host device, the locking device or the latching device of the kit in response to the communication signals received from the host device, and to operate at least one other device, other than the locking device or the latching device of the kit, the at least one other device and the locking device or the latching device of the kit having different functionalities.

[0053] The transceiver can be configured to receive the communication signals from the host device by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols. The kit can include a cable for coupling the locking device or the latching device to the transceiver. The locking device or the latching device and the transceiver can be integrated, or the locking device or the latching device and the transceiver can be separate and couplable by wire or wirelessly.

[0054] The transceiver can be preconfigured to operate the locking device or the latching device. The at least one other device can include an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor.

[0055] The kit can also include or provide access to instructions for coupling the transceiver to the client application for receiving the communication signals from the host device.

[0056] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of packaging a kit includes selecting an electronic device from a plurality of electronic devices having different functionalities; packaging a pre-configured or user-configurable transceiver with the selected electronic device, the transceiver being pre-configured or user- configurable to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application, and remotely communicate the communication signals to the selected electronic device and to at least one other electronic device selected from the plurality of electronic devices, the at least one other electronic device and the selected electronic device having different functionalities.

[0057] The method can also include preconfiguring the transceiver to operate the locking device or the latching device. The method can also include providing access, associated with the kit, to instructions for coupling the transceiver to the client application for receiving the communication signals from the host device.

[0058] Referring to specific figures for illustration of exemplary embodiments, a wireless system 100 (Figure 1) for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, and in particular for providing controlled access to a secure area is disclosed. The system 100 generally includes a host device 102, an electronic device 106, and a transceiver 108. The host device 102 can be a mobile device, e.g., phone, tablet, smart watch, etc., or a personal computer, such as a desktop computer or a laptop, for example. The host device 102 is configured to receive input from a user, e.g., via a user interface, to operate an electronic device 106. The electronic device 106 can be an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor, for example. Although only one electronic device 106 is illustrated in Figure 1, the system 100 can include two or more electronic devices 106.

[0059] When the electronic device 106 is an electronic latch, the electronic device 106 includes at least one latch 202 and is configured for mounting, for example, to a panel (not shown) that provides access to a secure area. Once installed, the latch 202 is operable in two different modes to control access to the secure area. In particular, the latch 202 is operable in a locked mode to lock the panel and prevent access to the secure area. The latch 202 is also operable in an unlocked mode to unlock the panel and allow access to the secure area. The latch 202 can include an electro-mechanical actuator, e.g., solenoid, motor, etc. (not shown), for actuating the latch by retracting or extending a pawl (not shown), for example. The electromechanical actuator can be controlled by a motor controller (not shown), which can be an external controller or a controller embedded in the latch 202, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent App. No. 63 / 224,310 to Southco, Inc., which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In general, the motor controller can include devices, such as a microprocessor, memory devices (e.g. RAM, ROM, etc.), analog input / output (I / O), digital I / O, etc. (not shown), which can serve to perform various operations. The memory of the motor controller generally stores the programming for the motor controller. Specifically, the memory stores instructions that, when executed by motor controller, cause the motor controller to lock and unlock the latch 202, display the status (e.g., locked or unlocked) of the latch 202, etc.

[0060] The latch can have a different configuration. For example, the latch can be an electronic latch or an electronic slide bolt latch. The latch can have a different power configuration. For example, the latch can be powered by a 12V wall power supply or by a 12V battery pack. In another configuration, the latch can be configured to work with a sensor, and as such, the latch does not change its behavior when it receives an unlock or lock command. In yet another configuration, the latch can be an electronic latch configured to work with a door sensor. In another configuration, the latch can be an electronic latch or an electronic swing handle. In yet another configuration, the latch can be configured to work with an electromechanical latch with a door sensor and a latch sensor. In another configuration, the latch can be configured to work with an Extend & Hold actuator, without a door sensor or a latch sensor.

[0061] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the host device 102. The host device 102 includes a PCB 302. The PCB 302 includes at least a microprocessor CPU 304 for controlling various components within the host device 102, a non-transitory computer- readable recording medium (e.g., memory) 306 (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.) for storing data for the CPU 304, a wireless transceiver 308 (e.g., Bluetooth®, NFC, WiFi, RFID, LoRa, Cellular, etc.) for wirelessly communicating with the electronic device(s) 106 and other external devices. The host device 102 can further include a touch-screen display interface 104 (e.g., LCD, E-ink, LED, etc.) for displaying information to the user of the host device 102 and accepting user inputs from the user of the host device 102, a battery 310 (e.g., rechargeable, replaceable, etc.) for powering the host device 102, power circuit 312 (e.g., charging circuit, voltage regulator, etc.) for charging the battery 310 from an external source 314 via power port 316 (e.g., micro-USB) and supplying conditioned voltage to the components of the host device 102, and sensor port 318 for connecting external sensors 320 to the host device 102. The external sensors 320 can be capacitive touch sensors, infrared proximity sensors, resistive touch sensors, such as a Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR), or the like, for example, that serve as input devices for interfacing with a variety of controls and displays on the user interface 104. The wireless transceiver 308 can be operatively connected to the at least one external sensor 320. The wireless transceiver 308 can be configured to perform wireless communication with the electronic device(s) 106 and with one or more wireless components external to the electronic device(s) 106, such as a server, a cloud service, etc., for example.

[0062] Optionally, an RFID tap point or an NFC tag (not shown) for tapping or interaction with an RFID card, for example, may be provided on the host device 102 for providing authorized user access to the electronic device(s) 106. It is noted that the specific electrical interconnections between these components are not expressly shown in Figure 3 for the sake of clarity. Such electrical interconnections would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0063] Turning back to Figure 1, the transceiver 108 can be a wireless transceiver that uses a standard wireless protocol, such a Bluetooth® protocol, for example. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the wireless transceiver 108 may communicate with the electronic device(s) 106 and the host device 102 via one or more wireless links and / or protocols. Examples of wireless links and / or protocols may include WPAN (such as ZigBee or Z-Wave), low power links (such as Bluetooth® Low Energy or LE (BLE), Bluetooth® Smart, iBeacon), near field communication protocols (such as NFC) and / or WLAN (WiFi / 802.11) protocols, long range (LoRa) or LoRaWAN protocols, and any other suitable wireless links and protocols. A Bluetooth® wireless protocol, for example, can be configured as a bidirectional connection that can allow transmission and reception between the wireless transceiver 108 and the electronic device(s) 106 and / or between the wireless transceiver 108 and the host device 102 via the same connection.

[0064] The wireless transceiver 108 can be integrated with the electronic device(s) 106. Alternatively, the wireless transceiver 108 and the electronic device 106 can be separate devices or components of the system 100 coupled by wire or wirelessly. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, for example, wires and connectors are to be coupled to the electronic device.

[0065] The wireless transceiver 108 can be a Bluetooth® Low-Energy (BLE) device that is configured to connect to a BLE central device (e.g., server), and once connected, to send and receive secure messages in order to operate an attached (or integrated) electronic device 106 and provide feedback from the electronic device 106. The electronic device 106 can be "attached" or coupled to the wireless transceiver 108 in the sense that, when the electronic device 106 and the wireless transceiver 108 are separate devices, the electronic device 106 is connected to the wireless transceiver 108, and can be detected by, paired, and connected to, the host device 102. Also, the electronic device 106 may be coupled to the transceiver 108 via wires, cables, and / or connectors. Alternatively, when the wireless transceiver 108 is integrated with the electronic device 106, the electronic device 106 can be connected to, the wireless transceiver 108, by virtue of their proximity and their connection / integ ration and subject to a successful authentication. The wireless transceiver 108 can include an encoder that converts the signals transmitted by the electronic device 106 or the external sensors 320 (e.g., FSR) in digitized form. Alternatively, the functions of the encoder can be performed by a microprocessor (MCU) that can be part of the microprocessor CPU 204 or a separate processor (e.g., a Bluetooth® on-board signal processor). After the signals transmitted by the electronic device 106 or the external sensors 320 (e.g., FSR) are encoded by the encoder (or the MCU), the transceiver 108 transmits the encoded signals to the electronic device 106 or to the host device 102.

[0066] The wireless transceiver 108 can have an Administrator- (e.g., Admin) and User- based architecture. A party that is authorized to access and operate one or more electronic device(s) 106 attached to the wireless transceiver 108, but is not authorized to change the properties of the wireless transceiver 108 is designated as a User. A party that is authorized to not only operate an attached electronic device 106, but is also authorized to change certain properties of the wireless transceiver 108 itself is designated as an Admin.

[0067] For example, the host device 102 can perform a scan for nearby electronic devices 106 in the area of the host device 102. This scan can allow the host device 102 to determine if and how many nearby electronic devices 106 are located and discoverable in the area of the host device 102. When the host device 102 detects an electronic device 106 it wishes to pair with, the host device 102 can send a BLE Generic Access Profile (GAP) connection request, which can be followed by the BLE GAP connection parameters response from the transceiver 108. The host device 102 can select various connection parameters, such that they are within the bounds set by the transceiver 108, or can elect to not connect. If the connection parameters are suitable for the transceiver 108, the connection will then be established.

[0068] All communications with the transceiver 108 are performed with encrypted messages by sharing a key, constantly updating a known value called a "salt" that is randomly generated by the controller whenever a message transaction occurs, and passing a payload holding information from one party to another party. The key can be a primary key and a secondary key. The primary key can be a 16-byte value shared between the administrator and the transceiver 108 that is used to encrypt a message. The secondary key can also be a 16-byte value that is a hash of the primary key, an index value, and the number of the port on the transceiver 108 a party my wish to command. For example, if the transceiver 108 is a single output transceiver, this number is always zero. A secure message can be used to exercise the functions of the transceiver 108, such as opening and closing attached latches, retrieving sensor and battery data, etc.

[0069] The wireless transceiver 108 can be pre-programmed or pre-configured (e.g., via a secure message from the Administrator to the user) with information associated with each electronic device 106 among a plurality of electronic devices 106. For example, the wireless transceiver 108 can be pre-programmed with data (e.g., bytes) related to the type of the electronic devices 106 (e.g., latch type, lock type, or sensor type), an operation or command byte (e.g., open / close, unlock / lock), time for performing the operation (e.g., unlock time, lock time, open time, close time), status of the device (opened, closed, locked, unlocked), sensor status, operating voltage, battery data, etc. This information can be stored in a payload that can contains the GAP address of a particular electronic device 106, as well as a registration byte, which indicates whether the transceiver 108 is currently registered, and real-time data about a particular port on the transceiver 108. The payload can hold information about the state of a particular electronic device 106 attached to the transceiver 108. The payload can be configured to hold information, which can include separate bytes or a group of bytes related to the status of electronic device 106, operation, unlock time, battery data, and latch type byte (e.g., type of the electronic device 106), etc.

[0070] The latch type byte can represent the particular type of latch that a particular port on the transceiver 108 is currently setup to operate. This value can encompass both the outputs from that port on the transceiver 108 and the meaning of the inputs going to that port on the transceiver 108.

[0071] The operation byte, for example, can be used to command the transceiver 108 to perform a function, such as opening or closing a latch connected to a particular port, for example. When sending a response message back from the electronic device 106, the operation byte can reflect the operation the transceiver 108 is currently performing on the port (e.g., opening, closing, or idle). When the transceiver 108 is sending a notification back to the connected user, the operation byte can represent the current state of the latch on that port, for example. For instance, if the transceiver 108 is sending a notification back to the connected user to update the user on a sensor value and the latch is being held open, the operation byte can be set to the open command value.

[0072] The unlock time byte can hold the value of the number of seconds the Administrator wishes the transceiver 108 to remain open for. If a connected user is issuing a command, the unlock time byte holds no value. If the administrator is issuing a command, the value of the unlock time byte set by the administrator's central device can be programmed into the transceiver 108 as the new unlock time for all subsequent open commands. If the transceiver 108 is sending a notification back to the administrator or the user, the unlock time byte can reflect how many seconds an open command would be held for, but it is not a real-time tracker of the time left for the latch to be unlocked. The sensor status byte can hold the current value of the inputs of a particular port on the transceiver 108, in the lowest two bits of the byte. When port's sensors change state, a new secure message will be generated and encrypted by the transceiver 108 using the last key that addressed that port (Primary Key by Default). The latch type value in conjunction with the current sensor status can provide a complete information about the state of the attached latch.

[0073] The battery data byte can hold information about the voltage level of the supplied power source relative to a minimum value and in steps of either lOOmV for a wide range of voltages or 20mV for a finer resolution over a smaller range. If the voltage level detected by the transceiver 108 is below the minimum value or above the maximum value, the battery data byte will be set to the minimum or maximum value, respectively.

[0074] The transceiver 108 and the electronic device(s) 106 can be connected to each other via a wired or a wireless communications interface 404 (Figure 4), for example. The communications interface 404 may be a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connection. When the communications interface 404 is a wired connection, the communications interface 404 can include at least one cable or wire 204, or a bundle or a harness of cables or wires 404, a transceiver connector 206, and a lock connector 208, for example (shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4). The transceiver 108 can be connected, via wires, cables, and / or connectors, to more than one electronic device 106, as illustrated in Figure 4, for example. The transceiver 108 is also provided with a power connector 210 for connection to 12V DC power supply, for example. The transceiver 108 may be also provided with mounting tabs 212a, 221b for mounting on a wall or a panel in proximity of the electronic device(s) 106.

[0075] The host device 102 and the electronic device 106 can be connected to each other via a wireless communications interface 108, for example. The communications interface 108 is designed to provide an interface (e.g., send a receive communications) between the host device 102 and one or multiple downstream electronic device(s) 106, for example. The communications interface 108 can be a wireless transceiver 108 that uses a standard wireless protocol, including but not limited to a Bluetooth® protocol, for example, as described above.

[0076] Turning back to Figure 1, the user of the host device 102 can control the operation of the electronic device(s) 106 using an associated proprietary mobile client application (or"app") 114 (e.g., a computer program, algorithm, or software application) downloaded to, and installed on, the host device 102. The client application 114 includes a sequence of instructions that, once the client application 114 is downloaded and stored in the memory 206 of the host device 102, the instructions can be executed by the processor 204 of the host device 102, cause the electronic device(s) 106 to operate (e.g., lock or unlock), display the status (e.g., locked or unlocked) of the electronic device(s) 106 on the display 104 of the host device 102, etc.

[0077] The client application 114 can work from a mobile device or from a personal computer (PC).

[0078] The client application 114 is a "secure" application in the sense that the client application 114 typically requires user credentials (e.g., login and / or authentication) and can be stored on the host device 102, such as a mobile phone or tablet, for example, that may also require user credentials to generally access any content on the host device 102. The wireless transceiver 108 uses a messaging scheme that provides data encryption and authentication of data, and the Bluetooth Profile and internal architecture of the wireless transceiver 108 provide for not only the sending and receiving of commands to operate one or more electronic device(s) 106, but also the ability to securely change values that are used to encrypt and decrypt data against.

[0079] The client application 114 can be a separate and proprietary software application downloaded to, and installed on, the host device 102. Alternatively, the client application 114 can be a module that can be integrated with another end-user Internet of Things (loT) platform or with an existing third-party software application. Such integration can be performed using the Application Programming Interface (API) of the client application 114 and / or the transceiver 108 to enhance the functionality and capability of third-parties' existing loT platforms. In particular, the API of the client application 114 and / or the transceiver 108 can allow for the integration of lock control and monitoring into third-parties' existing mobile applications or Bluetooth- enabled device(s).

[0080] The client application 114 can provide a full end-to-end wireless access control solution to various electronic devices, regardless of their different functionalities. The electronic keys used in the user interface of the client application 114 can improve and simplify workflow, reduce cost and installation time, and provide a low power solution for latch or locking systems that can be operated with batteries.

[0081] The client application 114 is specifically designed to allow the end user to send and receive, via the transceiver 108, messages send to, and received, downstream electronic device(s) 106 by, and from, the host device 102. For example, during operation, based on the end user's instructions received via the user interface of the client application 114, the host device 102 running the client application 114 can send a signal 110 (Figure 1) to the transceiver 108 to perform a function. The requested function can include, but is not limited to, locking and / or unlocking the electronic device(s) 106, for example. The communication signal 110 transmitted by the host device 102 and the client application 114 to the transceiver 108 is not specifically configured for operation by the transceiver 108 of a particular type of the electronic device 106 (e.g., specific type of lock, specific type of latch, or a specific type of sensor) based on the functionalities of the electronic device 106. Upon receipt of the user's command, the transceiver 108 can translate or map the requested by the end user function into a corresponding electrical / mechanical action 112 and initiate an electrical / mechanical action to the electronic device 106 to induce a specific state in the electronic device(s) 106. The transceiver 108 can then send a response signal (shown as signal 402 in Figure 4) to the host device 102 running the client application 114. The response signal 402 can indicate the type of the electronic device 106 that the transceiver 108 is configured to operate, and / or the state of the electronic device 106, for example. Within this disclosure, the term "state" of the electronic device 106 includes, but is not limited to, latched / unlatched, locked / unlocked, etc. Using the response information (e.g., response signal 402) received from the transceiver 108, the client application 114 may change the user interface of the client application 114 to indicate not only a change in the state of the electronic device 106, but also to indicate a different type of the electronic device 106.

[0082] The data contained in the signal 110 sent from the host device 102 to the transceiver 108 can contain no other information other than information about the desired state of the electronic device 106. If the transceiver 108 is already programmed to interface with the particular type of electronic device 106 that is attached to, or integrated with, the transceiver 108, the transceiver 108 can map the desired function transmitted to the transceiver 108 by the host device 102 to a mechanical / electrical function 112 specific to the type of the electronic device 106 that is attached to, or integrated with, the transceiver 108. However, should the user of the client application wish to change the type of mechanical / electrical action 112 that the transceiver 108 outputs in order to better operate the attached or integrated electronic device 106, then information regarding which type of electronic device 106 the transceiver 108 should interface with may be passed along with the desired state of the electronic device 106, and the transceiver 108 can output the appropriate modified mechanical / electrical action 112 in accordance with the type of electronic device 106 the host device 102 has requested the transceiver 108 to operate with. In addition, the transceiver 108 can remain in this configuration until the transceiver 108 is explicitly instructed by the end user, via the host device 102, to change the current configuration to a different configuration among a plurality of electronic device(s) 106 configurations. In another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a system 500, depicted in Figure 5, for example, the host device 102 can be configured to send the same or a substantially identical data signal 110 to two transceivers 108 and 508. Within this disclosure, the terms "same" or "substantially identical" mean that, although the signals are sent to different transceivers or different electronic devices, the signals are not, and do not need to be, customized depending on the type of transceiver or depending on the type of the electronic device they operate. In other words, the signals are universal or communication protocol or device-agnostic. The two transceivers 108 and 508 can be the same type of transceiver or different transceivers.

[0083] Electronic devices 106, 506, and 510, which are attached to, or integrated with, the two transceivers 108 and 508 may or may not differ from each other in their functionalities. For example, some of or all of the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510 can be electronic or electromechanical latches, door sensors, latch sensors, etc. The two transceivers 108 and 508 can be configured to map or translate the desired state of the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510 indicated by the end user, via the host device 102, in the data signal 110 transmitted by the transceivers 108 and / or 508, to the corresponding mechanical / electrical action specific to the type of electronic device 106, 506, and 510 with which each of the two transceivers 108 and 508 are configured to interface. For example, in the case of transceiver 508, the user's command may be mapped to two different device configurations for the two electronic devices 506 and 510 that are attached to the transceiver 508. The electronic devices 106, 506, and 510 attached to, or integrated with, the transceivers 108 and 508, respectively, may or may not function differently from one another. However, the functionality of the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510 does not matter from the point of view of the host device 102 because the respective transceiver 108 or 508 attached to, or integrated with, the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510, respectively, can map or translate the end user's desired function to the appropriate electrical / mechanical action 112, 512a, or 512b for the corresponding electronic devices 106, 506, and 510. In other words, even if the functionality of at least one of the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510 may be different from the functionality of the remaining electronic devices 106, 506, and 510, the respective transceiver 108 or 508 attached to, or integrated with, the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510, respectively, can relay information contained in the communication signal 110 sent from the host device 102 to the transceiver 108 or 508, respectively, via communication signals 112, 512a and 512b, respectively, to the corresponding electronic devices 106, 506, and 510, and can transmit the end user's desired function related to an appropriate electrical / mechanical action of the corresponding electronic devices 106, 506, and 510. Likewise, the communication signals 110 transmitted by the host device 102 and the client application 114 to the first transceiver 108 and the second transceiver 508 are not specifically configured for operation by the first transceiver 108 or the second transceiver 508 of the first electronic device 106 or the second electronic device(s) 506 and 510, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device 106 and the second electronic device(s) 506 and 510.

[0084] Another aspect of the systems 100 and 500 for communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities is the ability of the client application running on the host device 102 to adapt the information displayed on the display interface 104 of the host device 102 according to the information returned by the transceiver(s) 108 and / or 508. Figure 6, for example, illustrates that the client application running on the host device 102 displays the status or current state value 502 for each of the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510, which can be status of a door and / or latch status, for example, based on a signal 402 relayed by the transceiver(s) 108 and / or 508 from the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510. In addition, depending on the type of the electronic device configuration (e.g., latch, lock, door) that is returned by the transceiver(s) 108 and / or 508, the client application running on the host device 102 can display both a latch status (e.g., 506a) and door status (e.g., 506b) or just a latch status (e.g., 502), without a door status. This flexibility can be achieved, for example, by mapping the device configuration returned by the transceiver(s) 108 and / or 508 to a pre-determined list defined and / or saved in the source code of the client application 114 related to certain capabilities of the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510, including but not limited to, the existence of a latch status sensor or a door status sensor, or the existence of both a latch status sensor or a door status sensor. Likewise, the actual value 504 detected by the corresponding sensors, which can be different types of sensors, of the electronic devices 106, 506, and 510, which can also be returned by the transceiver(s) 108 and / or 508, can then be mapped to the pre-determined interpretations defined and / or saved in the source code of the client application 114 specific to the configuration of the corresponding device electronic device 106, 506, and 510, including but not limited to "door open" or "door closed" and "locked" or "unlocked," for example.

[0085] Figures 7 and 8A-8D illustrate the user interface of the client application 114. As shown in Figure 7, a party that has been added as an electronic device 106 authorized user, but does not have a user account for the client application 114, can receive an email message informing the party that it has been invited to access and join the client application 114. The party is then prompted to create a user account for the client application 114 by entering the party's name and email address, and set a password (Figure 8B). Once the user account for the client application 114 is created, the new user can set up an electronic device 106 or multiple electronic devices 106 (Figure 8C) by searching for available electronic devices 106 within the range of the host device 102, selecting the electronic devices 106 the user wishes to monitor and / or control, and enter settings related to the selected electronic device(s) 106, such as device name, device location, device unlock time (e.g., in seconds), notes related to the device, etc.

[0086] As illustrated in Figure 8D, after the electronic device 106 is added to the user's account for the client application 114, the user interface of the client application 114 displays the electronic device 106 (e.g., Tool Cabinet in Figure 8D), along with icons, including icon 802 indicating the type of the device (e.g., latch) and if the device is currently accessible. Tapping on icon 802 will unlock the device. Icon 804 indicates the device permission level (e.g., Administrator or User). Icon 804 in Figure 8D has a designation in the right bottom corner in the shape of a toothed wheel, which indicates that the device permission level is Administrator. Each device 106 can have one administrator and an unlimited number of users. Icons 806a and 806b indicate the status of the device 106 (e.g., latch closed, latch open, door closed, door open). Icons 806a and 806b in Figure 8D indicate that the latch is closed and the door is closed. Some devices 106 support only latch status, only door status, both latch status and door status, or no status at all.

[0087] Using the user interface of the client application 114, the administrator for each electronic device 106 can grant to the users unlimited access (e.g., 7 days per week, 24-hour access) to the respective electronic device 106 or limited access (e.g., only certain days and hours of the week, or access that starts on a certain date and ends on a certain date), for example.

[0088] The user interface of the client application 114 can provide to the administrator for each electronic device 106 and to some users (if authorized) to the access history for each electronic device 106.

[0089] Figures 9A-9C illustrate additional flow images of the user interface of the client application 114. For example, as illustrated in Figure 9B, after multiple electronic devices 106 are added to the user's account for the client application 114, the user interface of the client application 114 displays a list of the electronic devices 106 (e.g., Access Panel, Medical Supplies, Storage Locker, Tool Cabinet, Generator Access, Kiosk Door in Figure 9B), along with icons, including icons 902a-902e indicating the type of the device (e.g., latch, lock, sensor) and if the devices are currently accessible, icons 904a-904e indicating the devices' permission level (e.g., Administrator or User), and icons 906a-906e indicating the device status (e.g., locked, unlocked, panel open, panel closed). Icon 906a in Figure 9B indicates that the Access Panel is closed, while icon 906b indicates that the Medical Supplies cabinet is closed.

[0090] As illustrated in Figures 9B and 9C, some of the electronic devices 106 are indicated as inactive (e.g., by way of grayed-out icon 902e, for example), which indicates that the respective electronic devices 106 are not accessible to the user because they may be outside of the range of the host device 102, the device is not powered or connected to the Internet, the user may not have authorization to access the device or the user may be trying to access the device during an unauthorized time (when the user has limited access to the device), or the device might have an issue that needs to be addressed, as indicated by the "exclamation mark" icon 908 in Figure 9B. More information about the issue with the device can be obtained by viewing the Device Detail page for the device in the client application 114. One possible issue with the device can be the availability of new Bluetooth device firmware, for example.

[0091] Turning now to Figure 10, wireless access control systems 100 and / or 500 can be provided in a kit 1000. The kit 1000 can include a package assembly, including a box 1002 within which the components of the wireless access control systems 100 and / or 400 are contained, and an outer sleeve 1004 configured to slide over the box 1002 and provide a cover for the box 1002. A bottom tray 1006 is also contained in the kit 1000. The bottom tray 1006 is configured to accommodate a Bluetooth controller (e.g., wireless transceiver 108 or 508), a power adapter, and different cables, plugs, connectors, and wire harnesses for connecting the Bluetooth controller to the power adapter, and the Bluetooth controller to an electronic device 106.

[0092] The kit 1000 further includes a top tray 1008 configured to accommodate the components of an electronic device 106, such as a locking device or a latching device, for example. The electronic device 106 can include a plurality of latch or lock components (e.g., latch, lock, pawl, striker, electro-mechanical actuator, motor controller, etc.) configured for assembly into a locking device or a latching device, for example.

[0093] The kit 1000 can also include an insert card 1010 configured to cover the top tray 1008. The insert card 1010 may also include pre-printed quick-start instructions for assembling all of the components of the kit 1000 and / or instructions for coupling the transceiver 108 to the client application 114 for receiving the communication signals from the host device 102.

[0094] The wireless transceiver 108 included in the kit 1000 can be preconfigured or can be user-configurable to receive communication signals 110 sent by a host device 102 having a client application 114 installed thereon, remotely from the host device 102, the locking device or the latching device of the kit 1000 in response to the communication signals 110 received from the host device 102, and to operate at least one other device, other than the locking device or the latching device of the kit 1000, via the client application 114. The at least one other device and the locking device or the latching device of the kit 1000 have different functionalities.

[0095] A method of packaging a kit 1000 can include selecting an electronic device 106 from a plurality of electronic devices having different functionalities (e.g., different configurations of locking devices and / or latching devices) and packaging a pre-configured or user-configurable transceiver 108. The wireless transceiver 108 can be pre-configured or can be user-configurable to receive communication signals sent by a host device 102 having a client application 114 installed thereon, and remotely communicate the communication signals to the selected electronic device 106 and to at least one other electronic device selected from the plurality of electronic devices having different functionalities, and remotely operate the selected electronic device 106, via the client application 114.

[0096] Figure 11 schematically illustrates a system in which the client application displays a first set or a second set of information, respectively, depending on whether the communications between the host device and the client application are with the first transceiver / electronic device (shown as "State 1") or the second transceiver / electronic device (shown as "State 2"). It also illustrates an embodiment in which a server is included in the system.

[0097] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system configured to communicate with electronic devices having different functionalities, the system comprising : a host device having a client application installed thereon and a processor, the processor and the client application together configured to send communication signals; a first transceiver and a second transceiver configured to communicate with the host device via the communication signals; a first electronic device associated with the first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; a second electronic device associated with the second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device differ from one another in their functionalities; wherein the communication signals sent by the host device and the client application to the first transceiver and the second transceiver are not configured for operation by the first transceiver or the second transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; wherein the first transceiver is configured to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities; and wherein the second transceiver is configured to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

2. The system of claim 1, the host device being configured to send the communication signals by wire or wireless communications with the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

3. The system of claim 2, the host device being configured to send the communication signals by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols.

4. The system of claim 1, the host device being communicatively coupled to a server.

5. The system of claim 1, the first electronic device or the second electronic device comprising an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor.

6. The system of claim 1, the first electronic device and the first transceiver being integrated.

7. The system of claim 1, the first electronic device and the first transceiver being separate and coupled by wire or wirelessly.

8. The system of claim 1, another first electronic device being associated with the first transceiver.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first electronic device and the another first electronic device differ from one another in their functionalities.

10. The system of claim 9, the first transceiver being configured for operation of the first electronic device and the another first electronic device despite the first electronic device differing from the another first electronic device in their functionalities.

11. The system of claim 1, the first transceiver being the same as the second transceiver, the first transceiver and the second transceiver being configurable to operate the first electronic device or the second electronic device.

12. The system of claim 1, the host device further including a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium and the client application comprising a sequence of instructions.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein un-encrypted data of the communication signals sent by the host device and the client application to the first transceiver and the second transceiver is the same.

14. A transceiver configured to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application and to be associated with a first electronic device or a second electronic device that differ from one another in their functionalities, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive communication signals from the host device that are not configured for operation by the transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, wherein the transceiver is configurable to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities, and wherein the transceiver is configurable to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

15. The system of claim 14, the transceiver being configured to receive the communication signals by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols.

16. The system of claim 14, the first electronic device or the second electronic device comprising an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor.

17. A set of transceivers configured to receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application and to be associated with a first electronic device or a second electronic device that differ from one another in their functionalities, wherein a first transceiver and a second transceiver of the set of transceivers are configured to receive communication signals from the host device that are not configured for operation by the transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, wherein the first transceiver is preconfigured to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities, and wherein the second transceiver is preconfigured to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

18. The system of claim 17, the first and second transceivers being configured to receive the communication signals by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols.

19. The system of claim 17, the first electronic device or the second electronic device comprising an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor.

20. A method of communicating with electronic devices having different functionalities, the method comprising : associating a first electronic device with a first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; associating a second electronic device that differs from the first electronic device in their functionalities with a second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; sending communication signals from a host device and a client application to the first transceiver and the second transceiver that are not configured for operation by the first transceiver or the second transceiver of the first electronic device or the second electronic device, respectively, based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; operating the first electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the first transceiver despite the first electronic device differing from the second electronic device in their functionalities; andoperating the second electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the second transceiver despite the second electronic device differing from the first electronic device in their functionalities.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising: configuring a transceiver as the first transceiver to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals; and configuring a transceiver as the second transceiver to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals.

22. The method of claim 20, the configuring steps comprising preconfiguring the transceivers.

23. The method of claim 20, the configuring steps comprising user-configuration of the transceivers.

24. A system configured to communicate with electronic devices having different functionalities, the system comprising : a host device having a client application installed thereon and a processor, the processor and the client application together configured to receive communication signals; a first transceiver and a second transceiver configured to communicate with the host device via the communication signals; a first electronic device associated with the first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; a second electronic device associated with the second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device; wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device differ from one another in their functionalities, and the communication signals received by the host device and the client application from the first transceiver and the second transceiver are different from one another based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device wherein the client application displays a first set of information associated with operation of the first electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the first transceiver, the client application displays a second set of information associated with operation of the second electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the second transceiver, and the first set of information differs from the second set of information based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

25. The system of claim 24, the host device being configured to receive the signals by wire or wireless communication with the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

26. The system of claim 25, the host device being configured to receive the signals by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols.

27. The system of claim 24, the host device being communicatively coupled to a server.

28. The system of claim 24, the first electronic device or the second electronic device comprising an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor.

29. The system of claim 24, the first electronic device and the first transceiver being integrated.

30. The system of claim 24, the first electronic device and the first transceiver being separate and coupled by wire or wirelessly.

31. The system of claim 24, another first electronic device being associated with the first transceiver.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the first electronic device and the another first electronic device differ from one another in functionality.

33. The system of claim 32, the first transceiver being configured for sending different signals to the host device based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the another electronic device.

34. The system of claim 32, the first electronic device or the second electronic device comprising an electronic lock or an electronic latch, and the first set of information or the second set of information includes a locked or unlocked status of the electronic lock or the electronic latch.

35. The system of claim 32, the first electronic device or the second electronic device comprising a sensor, and the first set of information or the second set of information includes a presence or an absence status of a sensed condition.

36. A method of displaying a status of electronic devices having different functionalities, the method comprising : associating a first electronic device with a first transceiver, the first transceiver being configured to operate the first electronic device; associating a second electronic device that differs from the first electronic device in their functionalities with a second transceiver, the second transceiver being configured to operate the second electronic device;sending to a host device and a client application communication signals from the first transceiver and the second transceiver that are different from one another based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device; displaying via the client application a first set of information associated with operation of the first electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the first transceiver, and displaying via the client application a second set of information associated with operation of the second electronic device in response to the communication signals received by the host device from the second transceiver, the first set of information differing from the second set of information based on the functionalities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

37. The method of claim 36 further comprising: configuring a transceiver as the first transceiver to operate the first electronic device in response to the communication signals; and configuring a transceiver as the second transceiver to operate the second electronic device in response to the communication signals.

38. The method of claim 37, the configuring steps comprising preconfiguring the transceivers.

39. The method of claim 37, the configuring steps comprising user-configuration of the transceivers.

40. A kit comprising : a locking device or a latching device; and a transceiver that is pre-configured or user-configurable to: receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application, and operate, remotely from the host device, the locking device or the latching device of the kit in response to the communication signals received from the host device, and to operate at least one other device, other than the locking device or the latching device of the kit, the at least one other device and the locking device or the latching device of the kit having different functionalities.

41. The kit of claim 40, the transceiver being configured to receive the communication signals from the host device by wireless communication selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, NFC, WIFI, long range (LoRa), and cellular communication protocols.

42. The kit of claim 40, further comprising a cable for coupling the locking device or the latching device to the transceiver.

43. The kit of claim 40, the locking device or the latching device and the transceiver being integrated.

44. The kit of claim 40, the locking device or the latching device and the transceiver being separate and couplable by wire or wirelessly.

45. The kit of claim 40, the transceiver being preconfigured to operate the locking device or the latching device.

46. The kit of claim 40, the at least one other device comprising an electronic lock, an electronic latch, or a sensor.

47. The kit of claim 40, further comprising access to instructions for coupling the transceiver to the client application for receiving the communication signals from the host device.

48. A method of packaging a kit, the method comprising : selecting an electronic device from a plurality of electronic devices having different functionalities; packaging a pre-configured or user-configurable transceiver with the selected electronic device, the transceiver being pre-configured or user-configurable to: receive communication signals sent by a host device having a client application, and remotely communicate the communication signals to the selected electronic device and to at least one other electronic device selected from the plurality of electronic devices, the at least one other electronic device and the selected electronic device having different functionalities.

49. The method of claim 48, further comprising preconfiguring the transceiver to operate the locking device or the latching device.

50. The method of claim 48, further comprising providing access, associated with the kit, to instructions for coupling the transceiver to the client application for receiving the communication signals from the host device.

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