A locking system and a method for establishing connection between a mobile phone and a locking system

Abstract

A locking system (1) comprising a lock (10) with a controllable locking mechanism (12) for at least unlocking the lock (10), a control unit (20) configured to control the locking mechanism (12), a NFC-tag (30) connected to the control unit (20). The NFC-tag (30) and a mobile phone (40) are configured to establish connection. The NFC-tag is configured to send control information to the control unit for the control of the locking mechanism. The NFC-tag is configured to store an information package (50) comprising a deep link, and upon establishing NFC-connection, to transmit the information package to the mobile phone. The information package is configured to initiate the deep link, prompting the mobile phone to install a specific mobile application on the mobile phone, and / or initiate the specific mobile application on the mobile phone.

Description

[0001] TITLE: A locking system and a method for establishing connection between a mobile phone and a locking system

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a locking system comprising a lock with a controllable locking mechanism for at least unlocking the lock, a control unit configured to control the locking mechanism, and an NFC-tag connected to the control unit. The lock is configured to be controlled by means of a mobile phone of a user. The NFC-tag and the mobile phone are configured to establish connection, thereby enabling information to be transferred between the NFC-tag and the mobile phone. The NFC-tag is configured, based on receipt of information from a specific mobile application installed on the mobile phone, to send control information to the control unit for the control of the locking mechanism.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a method for establishing NFC-connection between a mobile phone and a locking system. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for assisting a user in establishing an NFC-connection between a specific mobile phone and an NFC-tag of a locking system. The present invention further relates to use of the locking system.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Certain types of locks, known as smart locks, enable doors, post boxes, cabinets, and more to be unlocked using a user’s mobile phone. The lock comprises a controllable locking mechanism that allows the lock to be at least unlocked and a control unit that is configured to send control information for controlling the locking mechanism. The lock is further provided with a Near-Field Communication (NFC) tag, further denoted NFC-tag, that uses Near-Field Communication (NFC) for its communication. The NFC-tag is configured to establish connection with the mobile phone and transfer information using an NFC transmission protocol between the NFC-tag and the mobile phone.

[0007] A problem with such locks is that it may be difficult to establish connection between the NFC-tag and the mobile phone. The act of establishing connection between the NFC-tag and the mobile phone involves bringing the mobile phone towards the NFC- tag in such a manner that the antenna of the mobile phone is located in sufficient vicinity of the NFC-tag. The operation may be difficult in that the user may not know the location of an antenna on the mobile phone and possibly not knowing the corresponding location of an antenna of the NFC-tag.

[0008] Moreover, the control of the lock requires that a specific mobile application is downloaded and installed on the user's mobile phone. Even if the application is already installed, the user still needs to find and initiate the application on the phone. After the application has been initiated, the user may need to activate a specific page or tab within the application where the lock can be controlled to at least unlock the lock. All these necessary actions prior to controlling the lock make the operation of such lock less convenient for the user and the user experience of the lock less favorable.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved locking system and a method that solves the problem of prior art locking systems. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a locking system and a method that facilitates establishing connection between a mobile phone of a user and an NFC-tag of a locking system.

[0011] These objects are achieved by means of a locking system comprising:

[0012] - a lock with a controllable locking mechanism for at least unlocking the lock,

[0013] - a control unit configured to control the locking mechanism,

[0014] - a NFC-tag connected to the control unit, wherein the NFC-tag and a mobile phone of a user of the lock are configured to establish NFC-connection, wherein the NFC- tag is configured, based on receipt of information from a specific mobile application installed on the mobile phone, to send control information to the control unit for the control of the locking mechanism, wherein the NFC-tag is configured to store an information package comprising a deep link, wherein the NFC-tag is configured, upon establishing connection between the NFC-tag and the mobile phone, to transmit the information package to the mobile phone, wherein upon receipt of the information package at the mobile phone, the mobile phone is configured to initiate the deep link, thereby prompting the mobile phone to one or more steps of: i) in case the specific mobile application is not installed on the mobile phone, installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone for the control of the locking mechanism, and ii) initiating the specific mobile application on the mobile phone.

[0015] The lock comprises the controllable locking mechanism for at least unlocking the lock, that is, changing the lock from at least a locked state to an unlocked state. Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to alter the lock between both the locked state and the unlocked state. Moreover, the controllable locking mechanism preferably comprises an electric drive unit for changing the lock from at least the locked state to the unlocked state. The controllable locking mechanism is preferably powered by means of an energy transfer of the NFC-connection. Alternatively, the controllable locking mechanism is powered by a battery or a battery in corporation with an energy transfer of the NFC-connection, or by other means.

[0016] The control unit is configured to transmit control information to the locking mechanism such that the lock is changed from at least the locked state to the unlocked state, preferably between both the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0017] The control unit is connected to the NFC-tag that is configured to receive control information from the mobile phone of the user of the lock by means of the specific mobile application installed on the mobile phone. The specific mobile application is designed for the control of the locking system using the mobile phone.

[0018] Prior to that the user is able control the lock using the specific mobile application, the specific mobile application needs to be installed on the mobile phone and the specific mobile application needs to be initiated on the user’s mobile phone.

[0019] In order to facilitate installation and initiation of the specific mobile application on the mobile phone of the user, the NFC-tag is configured to store an information package that comprises a deep link.

[0020] After the NFC-connection has been established between the NFC-tag and the mobile phone, the NFC-tag is configured to transmit the information package comprising the deep link to the mobile phone.

[0021] After receiving the information package comprising the deep link, the mobile phone is configured to initiate the deep link, which deep link is configured to prompt the specific mobile application to be installed on the mobile phone in case the specific mobile application is not already installed on the mobile phone. The deep link is further configured to prompt the specific mobile application to be initiated on the mobile phone directly or after the specific mobile application has been installed.

[0022] By means of configuring the NFC-tag with the information package comprising the deep link, the set-up for the operation of the lock is facilitated and the user experience of the lock is improved.

[0023] The term "information package" is to be understood as a digitally arranged set of information configured to be transmitted from the NFC-tag to the mobile phone using a Near-Field Communication transmission protocol.

[0024] The term "NFC-tag" is to be understood as a Near-Field Communication transmitter, that is, a transmitter that is configured to receive and transmit information to the user’s mobile phone using a Near-Field Communication transmission protocol. The NFC-tag is connected to the control unit of the locking system and is configured to transmit control information to the control unit based on the received information from the mobile phone of the user using the specific mobile application.

[0025] The term "deep link" is to be understood as a specific type of link that, upon being received by the mobile phone, enables the following steps: i) if the specific mobile application is not installed on the mobile phone, the deep link automatically prompts the installation of the specific mobile application for controlling the locking mechanism of the lock, ii) the deep link initiates the specific mobile application on the mobile phone.

[0026] It shall be understood that the control unit may alternatively be integrated with the NFC-tag, in which case the NFC-tag directly transmits control information to the locking mechanism of the lock.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone comprises downloading and installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone.

[0028] It should be understood that the installation may optionally involve the user’s approval on the mobile phone, which could include agreeing to terms and conditions, granting necessary permissions for the application to function, and confirming the download and installation process on the mobile phone.

[0029] In case the application is already installed, the deep link transmitted by the NFC-tag will prompt the mobile phone to open the specific mobile application directly. This streamlines the process by bypassing the need for the user to manually locate and open the application. Thereby, the locking system of the invention provides an improved user interface for accessing the lock..

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the deep link comprises information on a specific web page that is configured either to store information on the specific mobile application for an applicable operational system of the mobile phone for installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone or to store an executable code that when executed directs the user to a mobile application marketplace for an applicable operational system of the mobile phone for downloading the specific mobile application on the mobile phone.

[0031] The deep link is facilitating the user to initiate control of the locking system. The deep link is configured to facilitate installation and activation of the specific mobile application. When the NFC-tag transmits the information package comprising the deep link to the mobile phone and the application is not already installed, the deep link provides direct download of the specific mobile application at the website or directs the user to the appropriate mobile application marketplace of the applicable operational system of the mobile phone. At the mobile application marketplace, the specific mobile application is downloaded and installed. The configuration of the information package with the deep link simplifies the setup procedures and enhances user convenience of the operation of the locking system.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the executable code is a JavaScript. The JavaScript facilitates the processes of installing and setting up the specific mobile application. The JavaScript directs the user to the mobile application marketplace of the applicable operational system of the mobile phone, and initiates the download process when necessary.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, the mobile application marketplace is one or more of the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, or Microsoft Store. According to an embodiment of the invention, the deep link comprises a web address to a web page, and the specific mobile application is connected to the web page, which enables the specific mobile application to be initiated on the mobile phone of the user.

[0034] The initiation of the specific mobile application based on the web address is done according to the deep link functionality. It shall be understood that the initiation of the specific mobile application may require the approval of the user of the mobile phone. It shall further be understood that the connection of the specific mobile application to the web address may require a prior approval by the mobile application marketplace. Moreover, it shall be understood that the web page of the web address may be owned by the provider of the specific mobile application.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the deep link is deferred deep link.

[0036] The deferred deep link is a type of deep link that not only directs users to a specific mobile application but also defer the user's action until after an application is installed. The deferred deep link contains information about the specific mobile application. Once installed, the deferred deep link initiates the specific mobile application with the desired functionality on the specific mobile application.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of initiating the specific mobile application on the mobile phone comprises setting the specific mobile application to a start configuration.

[0038] The configuration of the deep link is such that when the specific mobile application is initiated, the specific mobile application is initiated in a predefined state or mode that is ready for the user’s control of the locking mechanism of the lock.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, the specific mobile application is configured, at the start configuration, to automatically at least generating and transmitting information that unlocks the lock. The step of automatically at least generating and transmitting information that unlocks the lock may comprise transmitting a key to the control unit via the NFC-tag. The key may be in the form of a password or other form of verification. According to an embodiment of the invention, the information package comprises information connecting two or more URIs with their specific mobile applications and functionalities.

[0040] The information package may contain multiple Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs), each linked to different specific mobile applications for different mobile operating systems, in particular Android and iOS. Thereby, the information package is configured to direct the mobile phone of the user to the appropriate application for their device's operating system. For example, one URI might link to an Android application, while another URI links to the corresponding iOS application. This facilitates users with different types of mobile devices to access and install the necessary application for controlling the locking system.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention, the information connecting two or more URIs with their specific mobile applications and functionalities is configured to be organized such that the information visually may presented in a table structure.

[0042] The above objects of the invention are further obtained by means of a method for establishing connection between a mobile phone and a locking system, wherein the locking system comprises an NFC-tag and a lock, and wherein the NFC-tag is configured to store an information package comprising a deep link.

[0043] The method comprises:

[0044] - establishing connection between the NFC-tag and the mobile phone,

[0045] - transmitting the information package comprising the deep link to the mobile phone,

[0046] - upon receipt of the information package at the mobile phone, initiating the deep link, thereby prompting the mobile phone to one or more steps of i) in case a specific mobile application for the control of the lock is not installed on the mobile phone, installing a specific mobile application on the mobile phone, and ii) initiating the specific mobile application on the mobile phone.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of initiating the specific mobile application on the mobile phone comprises the step of transmitting the deep link from the NFC tag to the mobile phone, which deep link comprises a web address to a web page, and the specific mobile application is connected to the web page, which enables the specific mobile application to be initiated on the mobile phone of the user. According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone comprises downloading and installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone It shall be understood that the step of installing optionally involves the user’s approval of the installation on the mobile phone.

[0048] The above objects of the invention are further obtained by means of a method for assisting a user in establishing an NFC-connection between a specific mobile phone and an NFC-tag of a locking system.

[0049] The method comprises:

[0050] - accessing a database on a plurality of mobile phone models and their respective location of an antenna for the NFC-connection,

[0051] - gathering information on the mobile phone model for the specific mobile phone to which the NFC-connection is to be established,

[0052] - determining the position of the antenna for the NFC-connection for the specific mobile phone based on the information on the mobile phone and the database,

[0053] - based on the determined position of the antenna, producing or accessing a graphical illustration of the specific mobile phone and its location of the antenna for the NFC-connection, and

[0054] - displaying the graphical illustration on the specific mobile phone to the user of the locking system.

[0055] By means of gathering information on the mobile phone model that the user is employing for the intended control of the lock of the locking system, the mobile phone model is identified and compared with the data available in the database. Based on the identified mobile phone model and the database, the position of the antenna of the mobile phone that the user is employing is determined.

[0056] Based on the determined position of the antenna of the mobile phone, the graphical illustration of the specific mobile phone with the location of the antenna for the NFC- connection indicated is either produced or accessed from a prearranged graphical illustration. The prearranged graphical illustration may, for example, be collected in a further database that holds a plurality of graphical illustrations based on different mobile phone models with their antenna for the NFC-connection indicated. After the applicable graphical illustration has been produced or accessed, the graphical illustration is displayed to the user on a screen on the mobile phone. The graphical illustration may, for example, be displayed to the user by means of a specific mobile application used for the control of the locking mechanism of the lock.

[0057] It shall be understood that the method may preferably be presented to the user by means of the specific mobile application for the control of the locking system. While the control of the locking system is based on NFC-connection between the NFC-tag and the mobile phone of the user, the objective of the present method is to display the graphical illustration to the user indicating the location of the antenna for the NFC-connection of the applicable mobile phone. It shall be understood that this may be done prior to NFC-connection has been established. For example, the display of the graphical illustration may be done using the specific mobile application itself or with the specific mobile application gathering information via an internet connection on the mobile phone.

[0058] The method provides the advantage of assisting the user with information on the applicable position of the antenna for the NFC-connection, such that the lock of the locking system can be controlled. By reducing the uncertainty involved in locating the NFC antenna, the method enhances user convenience and facilitates the operation of the locking system.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the invention, the database comprises information connecting information on mobile phone models with their respective location of the antennas.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the invention, the information connecting information on mobile phone models with their respective location of the antennas is configured to be organized such that the information visually may presented in a table structure.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of gathering information on the mobile phone model for the specific mobile phone comprises gathering the information from the operating system of the mobile phone.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the invention, the graphical illustration further comprises graphic information indicating the location of the NFC-tag on the locking system to which the mobile phone is to be aligned. According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises

[0063] - providing instructions to the user for guiding the user in aligning the mobile phone correctly with the NFC-tag. These instructions may be in the form of step-by-step instructions. The instructions may include visual cues. The instructions have the advantage of assisting the user in aligning the mobile phone correctly with the NFC- tag.

[0064] The above objects of the invention are further obtained by means of a method for assisting a user to establish an NFC-connection between a mobile phone and an NFC-tag of a locking system, wherein the NFC-connection comprises data communication between the NFC-tag and the mobile phone.

[0065] The method comprises:

[0066] - detecting an event of establishment of the NFC-connection between the mobile phone and the NFC-tag,

[0067] - continuously measuring a received signal strength of a transmitted signals from the mobile phone that is received by the NFC-tag,

[0068] - continuously transmitting information on the received signal strength from the NFC- tag to the mobile phone, and

[0069] - continuously displaying the information on the received signal strength to the user of the locking system on the mobile phone.

[0070] The detection of the establishment of the NFC connection between the mobile phone and the NFC-tag involves identifying specific events in the NFC communication protocol, such as at least one of initiation of a handshaking protocol, signal synchronization, and data exchange procedures.

[0071] After it has been detected that the NFC-connection has been established, the signal strength received by the NFC-tag from the mobile phone is measured continuously over time.

[0072] The term ‘continuously measuring’ is understood as measuring the signal strength received by the NFC-tag over time, allowing the user to assess whether changes in the mobile phone's location result in stronger or weaker signal strength at the NFC- tag. It shall be understood that the ‘continuously measuring’ may involve intermittent measurements of the signal strength with time intervals suitable for its purpose, such as intervals less than 0.2 seconds, preferably less than 0.05 seconds.

[0073] Information on the continuously measured signal strength received at the NFC-tag is continuously transmitted from the NFC-tag to the mobile phone of the user, and the information is continuously displayed to the user on the mobile phone of the user.

[0074] The term ‘continuously transmitting’ and ‘continuously displaying’ should be understood in the context of the interpretation of ‘continuously measuring’ discussed above. The ‘continuously transmitting’ and ‘continuously displaying’ should be understood as actions taken place over time and possible in intermittent intervals corresponding or similar to the interval in the step of ‘continuously measuring’.

[0075] The method has the advantage of enabling the user to find a location with high signal strength for the duration of the NFC-connection of controlling the lock of the locking system. The high signal strength also corresponds to an optimal position for an efficient energy transfer from the mobile phone to the NFC-tag by means of the NFC- connection. This energy transfer can be utilized to power the locking system, specifically the control unit and locking mechanism such that the locking mechanism is enabled to at least unlock the lock by means of the energy transferred from the mobile phone to the NFC-tag using the NFC-connection.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises:

[0077] - producing or accessing a graphical illustration of the specific mobile phone, and

[0078] - displaying the graphical illustration on the specific mobile phone together with information on the received signal strength to the user of the locking system on the mobile phone.

[0079] By means of displaying the received signal strength as a graphical illustration, the user’s perception of the current signal strength received is improved. Thereby, the user is facilitated in finding a location with high signal strength for the duration of the NFC-connection of controlling the lock of the locking system.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises:

[0081] - receiving sensor information relating to the displacement and orientation of the mobile phone, and - based on the sensor information, displaying the graphical illustration on the specific mobile phone indicating the current displacement and orientation of the mobile phone.

[0082] By means of using sensor information for indicating the current displacement and orientation of the mobile phone, the user is facilitated in finding a location and orientation with high signal strength for the duration of the NFC-connection of controlling the lock of the locking system. The sensor information may for example be from a motion sensor or a gyro located at the mobile phone of the user.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the invention, the NFC-tag comprises sensor means for sensing the received signal strength at the NFC-tag.

[0084] The above objects of the invention are further obtained by means of use of locking system according to any of the above embodiments.

[0085] Description of the figures

[0086] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0087] Figure 1 discloses a locking system according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 discloses an example of an information package and initiation of a deep link at the mobile phone,

[0088] Figure 3 discloses a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for establishing NFC- connection between a mobile phone and the locking system in fig. 1 ,

[0089] Figure 4 discloses a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for assisting a user in establishing an NFC-connection between a specific mobile phone and an NFC-tag of the locking system in fig. 1 , and

[0090] Figure 5 discloses a flow chart of an embodiment of a further method for assisting a user to establish an NFC-connection between a mobile phone and an NFC-tag of a locking system in fig. 1 .

[0091] Description of preferred embodiments of the invention In fig. 1 is a locking system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed. The locking system 1 comprises a lock 10 with a controllable locking mechanism 12 for at least unlocking the lock 10.

[0092] The locking mechanism 12 preferably comprises an engagement member, such as bolt or a latch, that is configured to engage with a stop member of the lock 10. The engagement member is movable from between a locked state and unlocked state of the lock 10. In the locked state the engagement member is engaging with the stop member and in the unlocked state the engagement member is free from engaging with the stop member.

[0093] The movement of the engagement member may for example be in the form of a displacement, such as the displacement of a bolt, or a rotation, such as a rotation of a rotary arranged latch. The locking mechanism 12 preferably comprises a drive unit that is configured to change the lock 10 from the locked state to the unlocked state by inducing the movement of the engagement member. Preferably, the drive unit is an electric induced drive unit for changing the lock 10 from at least the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0094] The locking system 1 further comprises a control unit 20 for controlling the locking mechanism 12 such that the lock 10 is at least unlocked. Preferably, the control unit 20 is configured to control the locking mechanism 12 such that the lock 10 may be both unlocked and locked. In the control of the locking mechanism 12, the control unit 20 is configured to control the drive unit such that that the lock 10 is at least changed from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0095] Preferably, the locking system 1 , in particular the locking mechanism 12 and the control unit 20, may be fully or partially powered by an energy transfer from the NFC- connection. The lock 10 may also comprise a supplementary energy source, such as a battery, to support the powering of the locking system 1 . It shall be understood that, alternatively, the locking system 1 may be fully powered by a battery, connected to line voltage, or provided with other means for powering the locking system 1 .

[0096] The locking system 1 further comprises an NFC-tag 30 connected to the control unit 20 of the lock 10. The NFC-tag 30 and a mobile phone 40 of a user of the lock 10 are configured to establish NFC-connection and receive information from a specific mobile application installed on the mobile phone 40. The NFC-connection is configured to be established by bringing an antenna 42 for NFC-connection of the mobile phone 40 to sufficient vicinity of the NFC-tag 30.

[0097] Based on the information from the specific mobile application received at the NFC- tag 30, control information is configured to be generated and transferred to the control unit 20, thereby enabling the locking mechanism 12 to be controlled, such that the locking mechanism 12 is at least changed from the locked state to the unlocked state, corresponding to the act of at least unlocking the lock 10.

[0098] Fig. 1 illustrates a set-up situation prior to that the control information is transmitted from the mobile phone 40 to NFC-tag 30. The set-up situation will be discussed further in detail in the following.

[0099] The NFC-tag 30 comprises a memory unit that is configured to store an information package 50 comprising a deep link. The NFC-tag 30 is configured, upon establishing connection between the NFC-tag 30 and the mobile phone 40, to transmit the information package 50 to the mobile phone 40.

[0100] When the information package 50 is received at the mobile phone 40, the mobile phone 40 is configured to initiate the deep link, thereby prompting the mobile phone 40 to install the specific mobile application on the mobile phone 40 for the control of the locking mechanism 12. The deep link is configured such that when the deep link is initiated at the mobile phone 40, the specific mobile application is only installed in case it is not already installed on the mobile phone 40.

[0101] The deep link is further configured, when the deep link is initiated on the mobile phone 40, to initiating the specific mobile application on the mobile phone 40. The initiation takes place after that the specific mobile application has been installed, or in the case when the specific mobile application already is installed on the mobile phone 40, the specific mobile application is initiated directly on the mobile phone 40.

[0102] For example, the deep link comprises a web address to a web page owned and controlled by the provider of the locking system 1 . The specific mobile application is connected to the web page and is typically approved by a mobile application marketplace. Thereby, the specific mobile application is initiated on the mobile phone 40 of the user when the mobile phone 40 receives the deep link comprising the web address. It shall be understood that the initiation of the specific mobile application upon receipt of the deep link comprising the web address may require the approval of the user of the mobile phone 40 prior to the specific mobile application being initiated.

[0103] The deep link is a deferred deep link, which is configured not only to enable the installation of the specific mobile application but also defer the user's action until after an application is installed. After the specific mobile application is installed, the specific mobile application is initiated, which preferably involve the setting the specific mobile application to a start configuration for the control of the locking system 1 .

[0104] Preferably, at the start configuration, the specific mobile application is configured to automatically at least generating and transmitting information that unlocks the lock 10. The step of generating and transmitting information that unlocks the lock 10 may for example be in the form of transmitting a key for unlocking the lock 10, such as a key in the form of a password.

[0105] It shall be understood that the step of installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone 40 comprises downloading and installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone 40. The installation may involve the user’s approval on the mobile phone 40.

[0106] With reference to fig. 2, the deep link is preferably linked to a specific web page 60 that is configured either to store information on the specific mobile application for downloading and installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone 40 or to store an executable code, such as a JavaScript, that is configured to be executed, see fig. 2. When the executable code is executed, the mobile phone 40 is configured to be directed to a mobile application marketplace 70 of the applicable operational system of the mobile phone 40 for downloading and installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone 40.

[0107] The mobile application marketplace is for example one or more of the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, or Microsoft Store. By means of the locking system 1 comprising the NFC-tag 30 configured to transmit the information package 50 with the deep link, the locking system 1 is facilitating the set-up process for the user to control the locking system 1 .

[0108] In fig. 3 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for establishing NFC- connection between the mobile phone 40 and the locking system 1 in fig. 1 disclosed. The NFC-tag 30 is configured to store an information package 50 comprising a deep link.

[0109] The method comprises in a step 310, establishing NFC-connection between the NFC-tag 30 and the mobile phone 40. The step of establishing the NFC connection may involve identifying specific events in the NFC communication protocol, such as one of an initiation of a handshaking protocol, a signal synchronization, and a specific data exchange procedure.

[0110] After NFC-connection has been established, the method comprises in a step 320, transmitting the information package 50 comprising the deep link to the mobile phone 40. The transmission is done by means of the established NFC-connection.

[0111] After receipt of the information package 50 at the mobile phone 40, the method comprises in a step 330, initiating the deep link at the mobile phone 40.

[0112] By initiating the deep link at the mobile phone 40, the mobile phone 40 is prompting the mobile phone 40 to one or more steps of: i) in case the specific mobile application for the control of the lock 10 is not installed on the mobile phone 40, installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone 40, and ii) initiating the specific mobile application on the mobile phone 40.

[0113] By means of the method in fig.3, the set-up of the specific mobile application on the mobile phone 40 is facilitated for the user’s control of the locking system 1 .

[0114] Figure 4 discloses a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for assisting a user in establishing an NFC-connection between a specific mobile phone 40 and an NFC- tag 30 of the locking system 1 in fig. 1 . The method comprises in a step 410, accessing a database on a plurality of mobile phone models and their respective location of an antenna 42 for the NFC- connection.

[0115] In a step 420, the method comprises gathering information on the mobile phone model for the specific mobile phone 40 to which the NFC-connection is to be established. The act of gathering information on the model of the specific mobile phone 40 to be connected to the locking system 1 using the NFC-connection may for example be gathered by the operating system of the mobile phone 40.

[0116] It shall be understood that step 410 and 420, may be applied in reversed order or simultaneously.

[0117] In a step 430, the method comprises determining the position of the antenna 42 for the NFC-connection for the specific mobile phone 40 based on the information on the specific mobile phone 40 and the database.

[0118] In a step 440, based on the determined position of the antenna 42, the method comprises producing or accessing a graphical illustration of the specific mobile phone 40 and its location of the antenna 42 for the NFC-connection. The graphical illustration may for example be produced by means of using a prearranged illustration of a mobile phone and adding an indication on the location the position of the antenna 42 to the prearranged illustration. Alternatively, the method may involve accessing a database with a plurality of prearranged illustration with the specific location on the position of the antenna 42 for the specific mobile phone 40 indicated.

[0119] In a step 450, the method comprises displaying the graphical illustration on the specific mobile phone 40 to the user of the locking system 1 . The graphical illustration is preferably displayed on the mobile phone 40 of user, such as using the specific mobile application for the control of the locking system 1 .

[0120] The method in fig. 4 has the advantage of assisting the user with information for correctly aligning the mobile phone 40 with the NFC-tag 30 of the locking system 1 .

[0121] In fig. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a further method for assisting a user to establish an NFC-connection between a mobile phone 40 and an NFC-tag 30 of a locking system 1 in fig. 1 . The NFC-connection comprises a data communication between the NFC-tag 30 and the mobile phone 40, such as data communication by means of the NFC-connection between the NFC-tag 30 and the mobile phone 40 of the user.

[0122] The method comprises, in a step 510, detecting an event of establishment of the NFC-connection between the NFC-tag 30 and the mobile phone 40. The step of establishing the NFC connection may involve identifying specific events in the NFC communication protocol, such as one of initiation of a handshaking protocol, signal synchronization, and a specific data exchange procedure.

[0123] After that NFC-connection has been established, the method comprises in a step 520, continuously measuring a received signal strength of a transmitted signals from the mobile phone 40 that is received by the NFC-tag 30.

[0124] In a step 530, the method comprise continuously transmitting information on the received signal strength from the NFC-tag 30 to the mobile phone 40, and in a step 540, the method comprises continuously displaying the information on the received signal strength to the user of the locking system 1 on the mobile phone 40, such as on the display of the mobile phone 40 using the specific mobile application for controlling the locking system 1.

[0125] It shall be understood that the steps 520, 530 and 540 preferably are performed simultaneously and over time. It shall further be understood that the term ‘continuously’ is to be interpreted as taking place over time and may involve intermittent measuring in step 520, intermittent transmitting information in step 530, and intermittent displaying information received in step 520. The intervals in the intermittent measuring, intermittent transmitting and intermittent displaying may be different but are preferably in the same or similar.

[0126] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0127] In particular the invention provides a simplified user experience by automatically opening the specific mobile application and executing an unlock procedure without the user needing to manually open the specific mobile application. It shall be understood the method for establishing NFC-connection between a mobile phone and a locking system and one or more of the methods for assisting a user in establishing an NFC-connection between a specific mobile phone and the NFC-tag may be independent inventions or combined inventions.

Claims

Claims1 . A locking system (1 ) comprising:- a lock (10) with a controllable locking mechanism (12) for at least unlocking the lock (10),- a control unit (20) configured to control the locking mechanism (12),- a NFC-tag (30) connected to the control unit (20), wherein the NFC-tag (30) and a mobile phone (40) of a user of the lock (10) are configured to establish connection, wherein the NFC-tag (30) is configured, based on receipt of information from a specific mobile application installed on the mobile phone (40), to send control information to the control unit (20) for the control of the locking mechanism (12), characterized in that the NFC-tag (30) is configured to store an information package (50) comprising a deep link, wherein the NFC-tag (30) is configured, upon establishing connection between the NFC-tag (30) and the mobile phone (40), to transmit the information package (50) to the mobile phone (40), wherein upon receipt of the information package (50) at the mobile phone (40), the mobile phone (40) is configured to initiate the deep link, thereby prompting the mobile phone (40) to one or more steps of: i) in case the specific mobile application is not installed on the mobile phone (40), installing a specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40) for the control of the locking mechanism (12), and ii) initiating the specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40).

2. The locking system (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the step of installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40) comprises downloading and installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40).

3. The locking system (1 ) according to any of claim 1 and 2, wherein the deep link comprises information on a specific web page (42) that is configured either to store information on the specific mobile application for an applicable operational system of the mobile phone (40) for installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40) or to store an executable code that when executed directs the user to a mobile application marketplace (70) for the applicable operational system of themobile phone (40) for downloading the specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40).

4. The locking system (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the executable code is a JavaScript.

5. The locking system (1 ) according to any of claim 3-4, wherein the mobile application marketplace (70) is one or more of the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, or Microsoft Store.

6. The locking system (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the deep link is deferred deep link.

7. The locking system (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the step of initiating the specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40) comprises setting the specific mobile application to a start configuration.

8. The locking system (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the specific mobile application is configured, at the start configuration, to automatically at least generating and transmitting information that unlocks the lock (10).

9. The locking system (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the information package (50) comprises information connecting two or more URIs with their specific mobile applications and functionalities.

10. A method for establishing connection between a mobile phone (40) and a locking system (1 ) comprising an NFC-tag (30) and a lock, wherein the NFC-tag (30) is configured to store an information package (50) comprising a deep link, wherein the method comprises:- establishing connection between the NFC-tag (30) and the mobile phone (40),- transmitting the information package (50) comprising the deep link to the mobile phone (40),- upon receipt of the information package (50) at the mobile phone (40), initiating the deep link, thereby prompting the mobile phone (40) to one ormore steps of i) in case a specific mobile application for the control of the lock (10) is not installed on the mobile phone (40), installing a specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40), and ii) initiating the specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40).11 . The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40) comprises downloading and installing the specific mobile application on the mobile phone (40), optionally involving the approval of the user of the mobile phone (40).

12. A method for assisting a user in establishing an NFC-connection between a specific mobile phone (40) and an NFC-tag (30) of a locking system (1), wherein the method comprises:- accessing a database on a plurality of mobile phone models and their respective location of an antenna for the NFC-connection,- gathering information on the mobile phone model for the specific mobile phone (40) to which the NFC-connection is to be established,- determining the position of the antenna for the NFC-connection for the specific mobile phone (40) based on the information on the mobile phone (40) and the database,- based on the determined position of the antenna, producing or accessing a graphical illustration of the specific mobile phone (40) and its location of the antenna for the NFC-connection, and- displaying the graphical illustration on the specific mobile phone (40) to the user of the locking system (1 ).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the database comprises information connecting information on mobile phone models with their respective location of the antennas.

14. The method according to any of claim 12 and 13, wherein the step of gathering information on the mobile phone model for the specific mobile phone (40) comprises gathering the information from the operating system of the mobile phone (40).

15. A method for assisting a user to establish an NFC-connection between a mobile phone (40) and an NFC-tag (30) of a locking system (1 ), wherein the NFC-connection comprises data communication between the NFC-tag (30) and the mobile phone (40), wherein the method comprises:- detecting an event of establishment of the NFC-connection between the mobile phone (40) and the NFC-tag (30),- continuously measuring a received signal strength of a transmitted signals from the mobile phone (40) that is received by the NFC-tag (30),- continuously transmitting information on the received signal strength to the mobile phone (40), and- continuously displaying the information on the received signal strength to the user of the locking system (1 ) on the mobile phone (40).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method comprises:- producing or accessing a graphical illustration of the specific mobile phone (40), and- displaying the graphical illustration on the specific mobile phone (40) together with information on the received signal strength to the user of the locking system (1 ) on the mobile phone (40).

17. The method according to any of claim 15 and 16, wherein the method further comprises:- receiving sensor information relating to the displacement and orientation of the mobile phone (40), and- based on the sensor information, displaying the graphical illustration on the specific mobile phone (40) indicating the current displacement and orientation of the mobile phone (40).

18. The method according to any of claim 15-17, wherein the NFC-tag (30) comprises sensor means for sensing the received signal strength at the NFC-tag (30).

19. Use of a locking system (1 ) according to any of claim 1 -9.

Images