U.S. patent application number 14/524558 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-28 for predictive battery warnings for an electronic locking device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Master Lock Company. Invention is credited to John Bartucci, Nathan Conrad, Scott Kalous, Cris Smyczek.
Application Number | 20160116510 14/524558 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55791795 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160116510 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kalous; Scott ; et
al. |
April 28, 2016 |
PREDICTIVE BATTERY WARNINGS FOR AN ELECTRONIC LOCKING DEVICE
Abstract
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and computer-readable
media for operating an electronic locking device. The disclosed
methods include a method of predicting a battery life of an
electronic locking product based at least in part on a usage
history of the electronic locking product. The predicted battery
life may include an adjustment based on received weather
information relating to a location of the electronic locking
device. The disclosed methods include a method of sharing an
unlocking code to an electronic locking product by a first user to
a second user.
Inventors: |
Kalous; Scott; (Kenosha,
WI) ; Bartucci; John; (Crystal Lake, IL) ;
Smyczek; Cris; (Greenfield, WI) ; Conrad; Nathan;
(Oak Creek, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Master Lock Company |
Oak Creek |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55791795 |
Appl. No.: |
14/524558 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/636.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 9/00571 20130101;
G01R 31/392 20190101 |
International
Class: |
G01R 19/165 20060101
G01R019/165 |
Claims
1. A method of predicting a battery life of an electronic locking
product based at least in part on a usage history of the electronic
locking product, the method comprising: receiving, at a server,
lock event information associated with a lock event of the
electronic locking product from a user device; storing, in a
database of the server, the lock event information, wherein the
lock event information is associated with the electronic locking
product in the database; calculating, by the server, an expected
battery life of a battery of the electronic locking product based
at least in part on the lock event information; determining, by the
server, that the expected battery life of the battery is below a
threshold value; and initiating, by the server, an alert to a user
computing device indicating a low battery condition of the battery
in response to determining that the expected battery life is below
the threshold value.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lock event information
includes a location of the locking device, and wherein the method
further comprises receiving, by the server, weather information
from a weather service.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising adjusting, by the
server, the expected battery life of the battery based on the
weather information.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising predicting, by the
server, an estimated amount of time until a predicted next lock
event.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the threshold value relates to an
estimated amount of battery capacity needed by the electronic
locking product during the estimated amount of time until the
predicted next lock event.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying at least
one retailer in the vicinity of the product or the user that
carries replacement batteries for the electronic locking product,
wherein the alert includes an identification of the at least one
retailer.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the alert further includes a map
providing a location of the electronic locking product.
8. A method of sharing an unlocking code to an electronic locking
product by a first user to a second user, the electronic locking
product including an electronically controllable mechanical locking
mechanism, the method comprising: receiving, by a server, a sharing
request from a first user computing device associated with the
first user, wherein the sharing request indicates a request from
the first user to provide guest access to a second user;
authenticating, by the server, the first user as at least one of an
owner or an authorized user of the electronic locking product;
generating, by the server, an unlock code for the electronic
locking product; and transmitting, by the server, a message to a
second user computing device associated with the second user, the
message including the unlock code.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the unlock code is a one-time use
unlock code that expires after a first use of the unlock code by
the second user.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising authenticating the
second user as a registered user of the electronic locking
product.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the message includes location
information relating to a location of the electronic locking
product.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving, at the
server, lock event information corresponding to the secondary user
locking the electronic locking product.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising sending, by the
server, a message to the primary user computing device, the message
including updated location information relating to the electronic
locking product.
14. A locking product system comprising: an electronic locking
device including a battery, a wireless transceiver, an
electronically controllable locking mechanism, and a first
processor configured to lock and unlock the electronically
controllable locking mechanism and to transmit information to a
backend server via a user computing device; the backend server
including a memory and a second processor, the second processor
configured to: receive lock event information associated with a
lock event of the electronic locking product from a user device;
store the lock event information, wherein the lock event
information is associated with the electronic locking product in
the database; calculate an expected battery life of a battery of
the electronic locking product based at least in part on the lock
event information; determine that the expected battery life of the
battery is below a threshold value; and initiate an alert to a user
computing device associated with a user of the electronic locking
product indicating a low battery condition of the battery.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the lock event information
includes a location of the locking device, and wherein the second
processor is further configured to receive weather information from
a weather service.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second processor is further
configured to adjust the expected battery life of the battery based
on the weather information.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the second processor is further
configured to estimate amount of time until a predicted next lock
event.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the threshold value relates to
an estimated amount of battery capacity needed by the electronic
locking product during the estimated amount of time until the
predicted next lock event.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the second processor is further
configured to identify at least one retailer in the vicinity of the
product or the user that carry replacement batteries for the
electronic locking product, wherein the alert includes an
identification of the at least one retailer.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the alert further includes a
map providing a location of the electronic locking product.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Recently, electronic locks have become commercially
available. Such electronic locks may be capable of being controlled
by a user device over a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, etc.).
However, the communications that are used to interface with such
electronic locks are often not overly secure, which increases the
risk that an unauthorized user may gain control of the lock.
SUMMARY
[0002] Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and computer-readable
media for operating an electronic locking device. One embodiment
relates to a method of predicting a battery life of an electronic
locking product based at least in part on a usage history of the
electronic locking product. The method includes receiving, at a
server, lock event information associated with a lock event of the
electronic locking product from a user device. The method further
includes storing, in a database of the server, the lock event
information, wherein the lock event information is associated with
the electronic locking product in the database. The method includes
calculating, by the server, an expected battery life of a battery
of the electronic locking product based at least in part on the
lock event information. The method further includes determining, by
the server, that the expected battery life of the battery is below
a threshold value. The method includes initiating, by the server,
an alert to a user computing device indicating a low battery
condition of the battery in response to determining that the
expected battery life is below the threshold value.
[0003] Another embodiment relates to a method of sharing an
unlocking code to an electronic locking product by a first user to
a second user, the electronic locking product including an
electronically controllable mechanical locking mechanism. The
method includes receiving, by a server, a sharing request from a
first user computing device associated with the first user, wherein
the sharing request indicates a request from the first user to
provide guest access to a second user. The method further includes
authenticating, by the server, the first user as at least one of an
owner or an authorized user of the electronic locking product. The
method includes generating, by the server, an unlock code for the
electronic locking product. The method further includes
transmitting, by the server, a message to a second user computing
device associated with the second user, the message including the
unlock code.
[0004] Yet another embodiment relates to a locking product system.
The system includes an electronic locking device and a backend
server. The electronic locking device includes a battery, a
wireless transceiver, an electronically controllable locking
mechanism, and a first processor configured to lock and unlock the
electronically controllable locking mechanism and to transmit
information to a backend server via a user computing device. The
backend server includes a memory and a second processor. The second
processor is configured to receive lock event information
associated with a lock event of the electronic locking product from
a user device. The second processor is further configured to store
the lock event information, wherein the lock event information is
associated with the electronic locking product in the database. The
second processor is configured to calculate an expected battery
life of a battery of the electronic locking product based at least
in part on the lock event information. The second processor is
further configured to determine that the expected battery life of
the battery is below a threshold value. The second processor is
configured to initiate an alert to a user computing device
associated with a user of the electronic locking product indicating
a low battery condition of the battery.
[0005] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the following drawings and the detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several
implementations in accordance with the disclosure and are,
therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the
disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail
through use of the accompanying drawings.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for wireless key
management for authentication, according to an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a diagram of an example electronic locking
device, according to an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for configuring a
product and user device, according to an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a process for interacting with a
product with a user device, according to an embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a device for implementing the
techniques disclosed herein, according to one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a user device for implementing
the techniques disclosed herein, according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a server for implementing the
techniques disclosed herein, according to one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a product for implementing the
techniques disclosed herein, according to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a process for determining
location data for a product and, optionally, generating a mapping
interface indicating the determined location(s), according to one
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a process for facilitating the
sharing of a product unlock code and a product location between a
first user and a second user, according to one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a process of estimating battery
life based at least in part on an actual usage audit trail and
initiating low battery alerts to users, according to one
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process of estimating battery
life based at least in part on an the location of the product and
initiating low battery alerts to users, according to one
embodiment.
[0019] The details of one or more implementations of the subject
matter described in this specification are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,
aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent
from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
[0020] Like reference numbers and designations in the various
drawings indicate like elements. Before turning to the detailed
description, which describes the exemplary embodiments in detail,
it should be understood that the application is not limited to the
details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated
in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology
is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded
as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood
that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described
herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged,
substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made
part of this disclosure.
[0022] Described herein are techniques for wireless key management
for authentication. According to the disclosure herein, additional
security is provided to wireless communications between a user
device (e.g., a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet device, etc.) and
a product (e.g., an electronic locking device, such as a padlock,
door lock, lock box, etc.) via an authentication scheme that
utilizes a server and an encryption scheme that uses at least two
keys. In scenarios where a user device is configured to control or
manage the operation of the product, the use of the disclosed
authentication and encryption systems is desirable to ensure that
the product is being validly controlled. Throughout this
disclosure, embodiments are discussed with reference to a user
device of a mobile phone and a product of an electronic locking
device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to
implementations that use a mobile phone and an electronic locking
device, and embodiments that utilize other types of user devices
and products are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0023] According to some exemplary embodiments, the disclosed
approach is based on encryption using two keys. One key (e.g., a
secret key) is known/stored on the product (an electronic locking
device) and the server (a management system). The other key (e.g.,
an access key) is known/stored on the lock and the user device (a
mobile phone). Both the secret and access keys are specific to the
lock/product. In this manner, the secret and access keys may
uniquely relate to a single lock/product. The secret key may be
used to encrypt a file (e.g., a user profile) that can be used to
determine a user's access rights to the lock/product. For example,
such access rights may define when a user can remotely access the
lock/product or when the user can otherwise control the device
(e.g., lock or unlock an electronic locking device). The access key
can be used by the user device in initiating communications with
the lock/product, and also may be used as part of a
challenge-response exchange between the user device and
lock/product.
[0024] The keys discussed herein may also be used to authenticate
that data is valid, and also came from the other holder of the
corresponding key. Such data integrity and source
authentication/authenticity verification may be performed by
computing a MAC (message authentication code) of the data
transmitted (e.g., using the secret key or access key).
Accordingly, as discussed further herein, when a server encrypts a
user profile, a device that receives the encrypted profile (e.g., a
locking device) may use its copy of the secret key to verify that
the MAC is correct. Similarly, when a lock is transmitting data, it
may use its secret key to compute a MAC to be verified by a server
(if the data is intended for the server), and the server may use
its secret key to verify the MAC. Alternatively, any of the
communications discussed herein may be unencrypted (e.g., plaintext
packets, etc.), and a MAC may be computed for transmitted data and
included with the transmitted data. The MAC may then be used as a
security measure to verify that data is being transmitted from a
legitimate source. Additionally, when a lock and mobile device are
communicating, each may use their copies of the access key to
compute a MAC, and each device may verify the data and authenticate
its source using the access key. Accordingly, such use of a MAC can
ensure that data is coming from the proper source (i.e., the
server, mobile device, or the lock), and also that the data is
valid.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system 100 for
wireless key management for authentication is shown, according to
an embodiment. System 100 includes at least one user device 102,
server 104, and product 106. In an illustrative embodiment, user
device 102 is a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) and product
106 is an electronic locking device. In general, user device 102 is
configured to at least partially manage the operation of product
106. For example, a mobile phone may be used to unlock, lock, and
otherwise manage the function of an electronic locking device. User
device 102 includes components necessary for such product
management (e.g., a processor 102a, memory 102b, timer 102c,
transceivers 102d and 102e, user input devices 102f, etc.).
Processor 102a may be any commercially available processor, may
represent one or more processors, and may be implemented as a
general-purpose processor or an application specific integrated
circuit. Memory 102b may include the memory of processor 102a
(e.g., cache), RAM, or other storage (flash memory, hard disk
storage, etc.). Timer 102c is configured to maintain a time value
for user device 102. For example, timer 102 may be the clock of
processor 102a, or may be any other time keeping circuit of device
102. The time value maintained by timer 102c may be used in secured
communications as discussed further herein (e.g., in syncing time
with product 106, in providing timestamps related to events for
logging purposes, etc.). Transceivers 102d and 102e may include
various types of transceivers for different protocols of
communication. In one embodiment, transceiver 102d includes
cellular components for communicating with server 104 via a
cellular network. In one embodiment, transceiver 102d includes
wired or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) components for communicating with
server 104 over the Internet or other network. Wireless transceiver
102e is configured to communicate with product 106. In one
embodiment, wireless transceiver 102e includes Bluetooth components
for establishing a Bluetooth connection with product 106. User
device 102 can manage product 106 through the use of a management
application that is configured to run on the user device (e.g., via
processor 102a and memory 102b). For example, an app may be
installed on a mobile phone (i.e., in the memory 102b of user
device 102), and the app may be used to configure and control an
electronic locking device (i.e., product 106) over a wireless
connection (via wireless transceiver 102e). One or more user input
devices 102f (e.g., touch screens, buttons, speakers, displays,
keyboards, etc.) may be included in user device 102 to allow a user
to interact with device 102, server 104, product 106, and any
applications running on the device.
[0026] In an embodiment where product 106 is a locking device, such
an electronic locking device typically includes a processor 106a
for providing logic of the electronic locking device and a high
current load (e.g., a motorized locking mechanism 106g that may be
controlled by the processor). The high current load may include one
or more lock mechanisms 106g (e.g., shackles, pins, memories, etc.)
as discussed below. The electronic locking device may also include
a battery 106d for powering the high current load and a capacitor
in parallel with the processor. The electronic locking device may
include one or more physical and/or digital interfaces 106e to
allow a user to manage the device (e.g., keypad, touch screen,
touch sensitive area, dial, combination lock interface, button,
keyhole, etc.) A circuit (e.g., processor 106a) of the electronic
padlock may be configured to cause the processor to be powered by
the capacitor (and in some embodiments not the battery) while the
battery 106d is driving the high current load 106g. In one
embodiment, the circuit also includes a timer 106c that is
configured to maintain a time value the product, which may be used
in secured communications as discussed herein. In one embodiment,
the electronic locking device includes a location determination
circuit 106h, such as a GPS receiver, that may be used to provide a
location of the electronic locking device. In various
implementations, location determination circuit 106h may be part of
or separate from wireless transceiver 106f. In one embodiment, the
electronic locking device is an electronic padlock, such as an
electronic combination or keypad padlock. In other embodiments, the
electronic locking device may be or include, without limitation,
devices such as an electronic door lock or keypad device (e.g., a
keypad deadbolt), an electronic safe (e.g., a small document safe,
an electronic key safe, etc.), an electronic rim or mortise lock or
other type of cabinet lock, an electronic auto accessory lock
(e.g., a coupler lock, a hitch pin lock, a trailer lock, etc.)
and/or a steering wheel or door lock for an automobile, a vehicle
lock (e.g., a wheel lock or ignition lock) for other motorized or
non-motorized vehicles such as a bicycle, a motorcycle, a scooter,
an ATV, and/or a snowmobile, a storage chest, a case with an
electronic lock (e.g., a document case or a case for small
valuables), an electronic cable lock (e.g., a cable lock enabled
with an alarm, such as for securing a computing device), a safety
lockout/tagout device for securing access for safety purposes
(e.g., for securing an electrical control box while electrical work
is being performed), a locker with an electronic lock, and/or an
electronic luggage lock. In one embodiment, the locking device is
configured to provide access to secured data (e.g., stored in a
memory, etc.) or to store secured data. For example, rather than
containing physical locking components (or in addition to physical
locking components), lock mechanisms 106g may include a secured
memory (e.g., memory 106b may include an encrypted hard drive,
etc.). Such a locking device may communicate (e.g., via wireless
transceiver 106f) based on the authentication techniques discussed
herein. For example, upon authentication, the locking device may
use its stored secret key to decrypt secured content that is stored
in memory 106b. Decrypted content may then be provided to another
device (e.g., via wireless transceiver 106f). In one embodiment,
the electronic locking device includes touch detection devices
and/or proximity detection devices configured to detect the
presence of a user (e.g., based on a user's touch, based on motion
of a user, etc.).
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1B, an example of an electronic locking
device 100b is showing, according to one embodiment. Electronic
locking device 100b typically includes one or more lock mechanisms
(e.g., lock mechanisms 106f). For example, electronic locking
device may include shackle 160 an interface 162. In one embodiment,
interface 162 includes a touch sensor configured to awake the
electronic locking device 100b in response to a user's touch, as is
discussed further herein. In one embodiment, interface 162 includes
a proximity sensor configured to awake the electronic locking
device 100b in response to detecting a nearby user, as is discussed
further herein. In one embodiment, interface 162 includes a
mechanical dial configured to allow a user to enter a code to the
lock (e.g., to unlock shackle 160, etc.). Various processing and
mechanical components 164 may be embedded within the case 166 of
electronic locking device 100b. For example, the processing and
mechanical components 164 may include one or more of the components
(e.g., processor 106a, memory 106b, timer 106c, battery 106d,
wireless transceiver 106f, lock mechanisms 106g, etc.) discussed
with references to product 106 of FIG. 1.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 1, in an illustrative embodiment,
product 106 includes a wireless transceiver 106f for communications
according to one or more wireless technologies (e.g., radio
frequency, radio frequency identification (RFID), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
ZigBee, near field communication (NFC), etc.). For example,
wireless transceiver 106g may be a Bluetooth transceiver configured
to establish a Bluetooth-based connection with user device 102
(e.g., via wireless transceiver 102f). Accordingly, the electronic
locking devices discussed herein may be equipped to be locked or
unlocked using another user interface device (e.g., user input
devices 102f of user device 102, network interface 104e of server
104, etc.), via a wireless transceiver, other than a combination
input or keypad input on the lock. For example, wireless
communications may be used to lock/unlock/control the electronic
locking device wirelessly (e.g., an application on a mobile phone
may be used to lock or unlock the device). In one embodiment, the
circuit of product 106 also includes an input/output port (e.g., a
USB port, a COM port, a networking port, etc.) that may be used to
establish a physical connection to another device. For example,
such a physical connection may be used by a manufacturer to program
or otherwise communicate with product 106.
[0029] Server 104 generally includes components (e.g., a processor
104a, memory 104b, network interface 104e, etc.) to communicate
with user device 102 and provide authentication keys and encryption
functions. Communications between server 104 and user device 102
may be direct or via an intermediate network (e.g., an internet
network, a cellular network, etc.). For example, networking
interface 104e may include physical network components (e.g., a
network card, etc.) configured to allow server 104 to establish a
connection to transceiver 102d of device 102. In one embodiment,
communications from network interface 104e are routed through a
cellular interface, allowing server 104 to communicate with device
102 via a cellular network. In one embodiment, network interface
104e allows server 104 to establish an Internet-based connection
with device 102. Server 104 may be one server (a physical or
virtual server), or may include multiple servers. Server 104 may
include one or more services configured to generate and store keys
(e.g., secret key, access key, etc.) used for authentication and
encryption. In one embodiment, various modules of memory 104b
provide different functions of server 104. For example, a device
interface module 104c may be used to establish and manage
communications with user device 102. A security module 104d may be
used for security related functionality (e.g., generating and
storing keys, encrypting a user profile, etc.). The output of
security module 104d may be provided to device interface module
104c, such that device interface module may then communicate the
security related data to device 102. In one embodiment, an access
key and an encrypted user profile may be provided by security
module 104d at the request of device interface module 104c. Upon
receiving the access key and encrypted user profile, device
interface module 104c may transmit (e.g., via a cellular network
through network interface 104e) the access key and encrypted user
profile to user device 102. In this manner, user device 102 does
not directly access security module 104d. In one embodiment, device
interface module 104c and security module 104d are located on two
separate servers 104.
[0030] The following discussion describes embodiments having an
electronic locking device (i.e., product 106) and a mobile device
(i.e., user device 102). When the lock is manufactured, or soon
thereafter, two keys (secret key and access key) can be generated
and affiliated with the lock. For example, the secret key and
access key may each be related to a unique serial ID or other
identification number for the lock, and may be stored in a memory
of the lock. In one embodiment, one or both keys are unique and/or
randomly generated keys. In one embodiment, a unique code that
represents the product is generated (e.g., by server 104) and this
unique code can be used to link the lock to its corresponding keys.
For example, such a unique code may be secured in product packaging
of the lock so that a user may appropriately configure the lock and
mobile device. In one embodiment, a separate unique code is
provided for each of the security and access keys, and each unique
code may be associated with their respective security or access key
by the manufacturer. In one embodiment, server 104 also generates
the secret and access keys. For example, server 104 may provide a
key generation service that may be accessed during the
manufacturing process. The keys may be generated according to any
generation algorithm; however, the secret key and access key are
typically not derived from one another. After generation, the
secret is key is only stored on server 104 and the lock. The secret
key is not transmitted to the mobile device. However, the access
key may be provided to both the lock and the mobile device.
[0031] When a user acquires a lock, the user may configure both the
lock and the user's mobile device using the unique code that is
used to link the lock to its keys. Referring to FIG. 2, a flow
diagram of an illustrative process 200 for configuring a product
and user device is shown, according to an embodiment. In
alternative embodiments, fewer, additional, and/or different steps
may be performed. Also, the use of a flow diagram is not meant to
be limiting with respect to the order of steps performed.
[0032] The unique code is retrieved (202). For example, the user
may refer to included product packaging to retrieve the unique
code, or the user may otherwise contact a manufacturer to receive
the unique code (e.g., via a manufacturer website, phone, etc.).
The unique code is then provided to the management server (204) in
order to associate the lock with the user. For example, a user may
enter the unique code on a user interface of an application running
on the mobile device, which then transmits the unique code to the
server. In one such example, the user may enter the unique code
within a frontend interface provided by the management server and
accessed via a browser application on the mobile device.
Alternatively, the user may use the mobile device to scan packaging
of lock to retrieve and transmit the unique code. For example, the
unique code may be encoded by a barcode, QR code, optical code,
etc., and a camera of the mobile device may be used to scan and
determine the unique code. In response to receiving the unique code
from the mobile device, the server can retrieve or newly generate
(e.g., on demand) the secret key and access key, which may then be
associated with the unique code.
[0033] The server may then generate a user profile (206), which may
also be associated with the unique code. If a user profile does not
yet exist, default values, or values provided by the user via the
mobile device may be used to generate the new profile. For example,
the user may enter profile data into an application of the mobile
device, which transmits the profile data to the server along with
the unique code. If the user has already created a profile, the
server may instead update the user profile with new values provided
by the user via the mobile device.
[0034] In general, a user profile may include one or more files
that include data related to operation of the product, which is the
lock in the above embodiment. For example, a user profile may
contain a user schedule of when the lock may be accessed (unlocked,
locked, etc.). The schedule may specify lock access permissions,
e.g., by day of the week, including starting times (hours, minutes,
etc.) and ending times (hours, minutes, etc.) for each
corresponding permission. For example, a schedule may specify the
time spans in which an electronic lock may be unlocked via the
mobile device. As another example, the schedule may specify time
periods in which typical interactions are expected to occur, and a
level of trust may be determined based on these time periods.
Accordingly, an unlock request sent within an expected time period
may be more trusted by the lock than a request sent at an
unexpected/atypical time. The mobile device may also automatically
adjust a schedule. For example, the mobile device may log/record a
user's interactions with the lock, and may set a schedule based
around the user's anticipated actions. In one embodiment, a default
user schedule is set (e.g., by the manufacturer, etc.).
Additionally, a list of typical user schedules may also be provided
to allow a user to select from one of many configuration options.
In this manner, a manufacturer may provide various recommended
operational settings to a user. A user may also customize a
schedule to tailor the schedule as he or she desires.
[0035] A user profile may further specify a model/serial number of
the lock and what types of accesses are available for that user.
For example, such accesses may include: reading software/hardware
version information of the lock, updating software of the lock,
reading a shackle state of the lock, locking, unlocking, disarming,
reading/setting a time/clock value, reading a battery level,
reading/clearing event related data (e.g., flags, counters, etc.),
reading a log of the lock, reading/setting/resetting a keypad code
of the lock, reading communications data for the lock (e.g.,
transmission statuses, transmission power levels, channel
information, addressing information, etc.), reading/setting default
values stored for the lock (e.g., default disarm times, default
unlock times, etc.), among others. A user profile may also specify
a start time and a revocation date/time for the profile (i.e., when
the profile begins to be valid and when the profile expires and is
no longer valid). A user profile may provide maximum disarm/unlock
times for the lock. A user profile may also provide an indication
of a trust level of a corresponding mobile device (e.g., whether a
time value/timestamp provided by the mobile device is trusted or
not). The lock may be configured to allow or disallow certain
functionality based on the trust level of a device. The trust level
may be stored as an independent permission that the user may or may
not have access to (e.g., the trust level may be managed/adjusted
by the software of the lock, mobile device, or server, etc.). As an
example, only a highly trusted device may be able to upgrade the
firmware of the lock or change certain settings. Additionally, the
lock may have a security algorithm that factors in a trust level
and time value. For example, as a device successfully interacts
with the lock more often, the lock may increase (or adjust) a trust
level for the device. However, if a time value is out of sync with
the lock's maintained time or authentication fails, the lock may
decrease (or adjust) a trust level for the device. The time value
provided by the mobile device may be compared to a time value
maintained by the lock, and a degree of closeness between the two
times may be used to indicate a trust level for the device (e.g.,
the closer the two times are to being in sync, the higher the trust
level, etc.). If a trust level decreases below a certain threshold,
the lock may discontinue or limit interactions with the mobile
device. A trust level may also be based on the schedule discussed
above. For example, a mobile device may be regarded as more or less
trusted based on the time the device is accessing the lock, and
whether that time falls within certain time periods as defined by
the schedule. The time value provided by the mobile device may also
be used to sync the clock of the lock with that of the mobile
device, or may be used otherwise during authenticated
communications. Any of the profile items discussed may have default
values (e.g., manufacturer defaults) or user provided values. A
profile is not limited to the above data, and additional data may
be included. A profile may also be stored on a server for later
retrieval.
[0036] In addition to generating a profile for the user (e.g., the
owner of the lock), the user may desire to create additional guest
profiles (208) to be shared with friends, family, co-workers, etc.
In this manner, a user may grant another person access to the lock,
based on the guest profiles. To do so, a user may enter in desired
profile values (using the mobile device) for the additional
person(s). Similar to the creation of the user's profile, the guest
profile data may be transmitted to the server to be processed as
discussed further below. The guest profile data may be transmitted
to the server simultaneously or separately (e.g., at a later time)
from when the user initially generates his or her profile. The
mobile device includes information that differentiates the types of
profiles (e.g., owner vs. guest) being provided to the server.
[0037] After at least one profile is generated, the user is
associated with the particular lock as an owner of the lock. In
some embodiments, the association may be based solely on the unique
code that was provided to the server (e.g., in step 204). In one
embodiment, after providing a unique code, the mobile device may
use the unique code to automatically retrieve additional
information related to the lock (e.g., a serial ID, a model number,
etc.) from a database or a server of the lock's manufacturer. In
alternative embodiments, a serial ID, a model number, or other code
may also be provided by a user (e.g., by referring to product
packaging, etc.), and such additional data may be utilized, along
with the unique code, in associating a user with a lock. In some
embodiments, additional authentication of a user may also be
required prior to associating a user with a lock as an owner, and
such authentication may be provided via the mobile device.
[0038] The management server then may verify received profile data.
To verify the received profile data, the management server may
perform a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) on the profile to ensure
the data's integrity. Other data verification methods may also be
utilized. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, a message
authentication code (MAC) (e.g., a keyed-hash message
authentication code (HMAC)) may be generated using the secret key
and used for verification of data integrity. The scope of the
present disclosed is not limited to a certain data integrity
validation mechanism. The sever can then encrypt the profile data
using the secret key in order to transform the profile data into an
encrypted profile (e.g., ciphertext). The profile may be encrypted
according to any known encryption standards. In an illustrative
embodiment, the profile is encrypted using CCM mode (NIST/FIPS
counter mode encryption with cipher block chaining MAC) based
algorithms, and the secret key, which is used as the cipher key,
has a length of 128 bits. Accordingly, the server may encrypt the
user profile and also generate a MAC using the secret key.
Alternatively, other standards could also be used, such as
performing encryption and generating a MAC with different keys.
[0039] In one embodiment, the management server discussed herein is
one of a group of management servers. In such an embodiment, a
first management server may be configured to handle communications
with mobile devices, and a second management server may be
configured to handle security functionality (e.g., storage of keys,
generation of keys, encryption/decryption processes, etc.). In this
manner, the first server may receive communications from a mobile
device and may communicate with the second server when security
functions are required. For example, the first server may request a
service provided by the second server to encrypt profile data that
was initially received by the first server. The second sever may
then encrypt and provide the encrypted data to the first server,
which may then transmit the encrypted data to the mobile device.
Other server configurations are also envisioned.
[0040] After encryption, the encrypted profile is transmitted from
a server to the mobile device (210). The server also transmits the
corresponding access key to the mobile device (210). In an
illustrative embodiment, the access key has a length of 128 bits.
The access key can be determined by the server using the unique
code (e.g., as discussed in steps 202-204). The received encrypted
profile and access key are then stored in a memory of the mobile
device in order to complete the association of the mobile device
with the lock. The user may then use his or her mobile device to
interact with the lock (212).
[0041] In the scenario that a guest profile was generated, in some
embodiments, the server may perform similar security procedures as
performed for the user profile. For example, the guest profile may
be stored and encrypted using the secret key. In some embodiments,
in the case of a guest profile, the server may first transmit a
notification to the guest prior to encrypting and transmitting the
encrypted guest profile. For example, the server may send a
notification email or text/SMS message/alert to the guest based on
information that the user provided (e.g., an email address, phone
number, etc.) when the user set up the guest profile. Upon
reception of a notification, a guest may then activate his or her
profile that was created by the user. For example, the notification
may include an activation link to be clicked (e.g., within the
email or message) or code that the guest is required to provide.
The guest may also install the management application discussed
herein and use the application to activate the guest profile using
an activation code. Upon activation and installation of the
management application, the server can then generate and transmit
the encrypted guest profile and access key to a mobile device of
the guest via the management application. After receiving the
encrypted guest profile and access key, each may be stored in the
guest's mobile device to associate the guest's device with the
lock. The guest may then use his or her mobile device to interact
with the lock (212).
[0042] After a profile is configured, the user (or guest) may
interact with the lock wirelessly via the mobile device. For
example, a user may lock, unlock, or adjust settings of the lock,
etc. In one embodiment, the lock may wake up/detect the presence of
a nearby user and begin an interaction process. For example, the
lock may include proximity detection features, or the user may
actively touch the lock (e.g., a touch sensitive location on the
lock, a physical button, etc.), or the user's mobile device may
transmit a signal on a common channel in order to wake up the lock,
etc. When the lock has been woken up, it can attempt to connect
with the mobile device of the user. For example, the lock may
broadcast its model and serial number information (or other unique
lock ID information) and wait for a response from the mobile
device. The mobile device can receive the lock information and
compare it to the profiles maintained by the management
application. For example, the management application can maintain
profiles for multiple different locks at a time. If a match is
found (e.g., if a profile is found for that particular type of
lock), an authentication procedure may commence to verify the
matched profile. If the profile is verified, and the user has
access at that particular time (i.e., based on scheduling data of
the profile), and the user's time/device is trusted, the user may
unlock the lock and perform other interactions with the lock. After
authentication, the lock's time and mobile device's time may also
be synced, if necessary.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, a flow diagram 300 of an illustrative
process for interacting with a product with a user device is shown,
according to an embodiment. In alternative embodiments, fewer,
additional, and/or different steps may be performed. Also, the use
of a flow diagram is not meant to be limiting with respect to the
order of steps performed.
[0044] In some embodiments, the lock may be woken up out of a low
power standby or sleep state (302). For example, the lock may be
touched by a user, or the proximity of the user may be
automatically detected. The standby/sleep state may utilize less
power (e.g., battery power) than if the lock is in a fully
operational, awake state. In some embodiments, the lock may always
be in a fully functional state, and may not be woken up out of a
standby/sleep state.
[0045] The lock may advertise its type information (304), for
example, by broadcasting a unique ID (e.g., an identifier that is
formed from its model and/or serial number). The communications
between the lock and device may be over any type of wireless
communications protocol. In one embodiment, the mobile device and
lock communicate via a Bluetooth connection. In another embodiment,
the mobile device and lock communicate via a Wi-Fi connection. In
another embodiment, the mobile device and lock communicate via a
ZigBee connection. In another embodiment, the mobile device and
lock communicate via an NFC connection. Additionally, any of the
data communicated (e.g., the packets transmitted) between the
mobile device and the lock may be further secured according to any
known security protocol (e.g., WEP, WPA, user/manufacturer
passwords, etc.). In one embodiment, data transmitted between the
mobile device and lock is encrypted using the access key. In this
embodiment, both the mobile device and lock are able to encrypt and
decrypt data, as each has a stored copy of the access key. Upon
decrypting a received data, both the mobile device and lock may
further ensure the integrity of the decrypted data, for example, by
using a MAC validation scheme, running a CRC check, etc., on the
decrypted data. Such a MAC validation scheme also allows the mobile
device and lock to verify that the data originated from its proper
source (i.e., the other holder of the key used to generate the MAC,
etc.).
[0046] The user device receives and confirms the lock's information
(e.g., the lock's ID) (306). In one embodiment, the lock's ID is
compared to a list of profiles stored on the mobile device to
determine whether the mobile device is associated with the lock
(e.g., whether a profile exists that corresponds to the lock's ID).
If a matching profile is not found, a user may be prompted to
create a profile (e.g., via process 200) using the unique code that
links the lock to the secret key. If a profile is found for the
lock, the user device may then transmit a request to the lock
(e.g., an unlock request, etc.), and an authentication procedure
can commence prior to complying with the request.
[0047] The lock generates a challenge and transmits the challenge
to the user device (308). In one embodiment, the lock generates a
long random number as the challenge. In another embodiment, the
lock generates data that varies by communication session (e.g., a
unique number (a session identifier) may be generated as the
challenge for each communication session). In one embodiment, the
challenge is transmitted as plaintext to the mobile device;
however, in another embodiment the challenge may be encrypted using
the access key. The mobile device calculates the response (e.g., a
long response) for the challenge using a security algorithm and the
access key (which was received from the server during configuration
as discussed above) (310). In one embodiment, the mobile device
uses the access key to generate the response and a MAC that is
transmitted with the response. In some embodiments, the
communications between the mobile device and lock are secured
further based on sequential identification (e.g., sequential
identification of packets or messages). For example, with
sequential identification, the mobile device may transmit a field
that should follow a particular sequence for each received packet.
The lock may then verify the received packets against a known
sequence. Such a known sequence may be predetermined or generated
by the lock, and also may be provided to the mobile device by the
lock during communications. Accordingly, this sequencing may be
used along with one or more of the other methods described above
(e.g., a session identifier may be used along with a predetermined
initial sequence field value), or sequencing may be used by itself
(e.g., the lock may provide the initial value of the sequence field
upon connection). In one embodiment, upon connection, the mobile
device receives an initial sequence number from the lock, and the
lock verifies that subsequently received messages contain the
initial number incremented once for each message received. The lock
may further verify that the received messages are encrypted using
the access key and/or include a MAC computed therefrom.
[0048] The mobile device can then transmit to the lock the response
and the corresponding encrypted profile (which was encrypted by the
server using the secret key as discussed above) (312). In one
embodiment, the mobile device also transmits a current timestamp
based on the mobile device's clock. As the lock stores both the
secret key and access key, it may use these keys to authenticate
the data received from the mobile device. In one embodiment, the
lock uses the access key to verify that the response to the
challenge is correct and to verify the MAC (314). In one
embodiment, the lock requires the response to be verified prior to
then accepting and attempting to decrypt the profile. Upon
successful completion of the challenge-response process, the lock
can validate the received data (314). The lock can use the secret
key to decrypt the encrypted profile, and the lock may also
validate the data (e.g., using the MAC generated from the secret
key or other validation scheme, e.g., performing a CRC check) of
the decrypted profile data to ensure that the decryption was
successful and that the data in fact came from the correct source
(e.g., that the encrypted profile was generated by the server,
etc.). The lock may also ensure that the profile has access at that
verified time (e.g., by referring to the scheduling information
included in the decrypted profile). In an embodiment where the
mobile device transmitted a timestamp, the lock may verify the
timestamp by comparing the timestamp with a current time of the
lock. If the response and decrypted profile are each verified, then
the lock may comply with the request of the mobile device and
initiate a corresponding action (316). In an embodiment utilizing
the timestamp discussed above, a received timestamp may also be
required to be within a threshold amount of time from a time
maintained by the lock. In this example, the lock can unlock its
shackle as requested.
[0049] In another embodiment where the lock is configured as a
digital locking device (e.g., to store secured data in its memory),
the lock may use its copy of the secret key to decrypt content that
is stored in the lock. Accordingly, if a request is received from a
mobile device to retrieve or store certain data such a locking
device, a transfer of such data may be initiated in response to the
request. For example, if a mobile device requests to store data,
and the corresponding encrypted profile that was provided during
authentication allows such an action, and authentication as
discussed above was successful, the mobile device may proceed to
transmit data (and the locking device may receive such data) to the
locking device. The locking device may then store the received data
in its memory. If the received data is not yet encrypted, the
locking device may use its secret key to encrypt the data to be
stored. As another example, if a mobile device requests to retrieve
data, and the corresponding encrypted profile that was provided
during authentication allows such an action, and authentication as
discussed above was successful, the lock may decrypt and transmit
requested data to the mobile device. Alternatively, the lock may
transmit encrypted data, and the mobile device may then communicate
with the server (which also stores a copy of the secret key) for
decryption purposes. Any typical data interactions (e.g., deleting
data, renaming files, copying data, organizing data, etc.) may also
be supported by the digital locking device, which may be based on
the types of accesses specified in the corresponding user
profile.
[0050] Additional security related features may also be implemented
by the server discussed herein. For example, in the instance an
access key or secret key is compromised, an operator of the server
or the user (via the mobile application) may initiate a protective
measure. For example, the user may request a new key pair to be
generated. In one embodiment, the server can generate a new key
pair consisting of a newly generated secret key and the old access
key, and encrypt the new key pair using the old secret key (similar
to the encryption of a profile as discussed above). The server may
then communicate with the mobile device to queue a key pair change
request. If a user has multiple devices, or guest profiles, the
user may select one or more particular devices on which the key
pair change request is queued. Upon the next access attempt by the
mobile device with the lock, a challenge-response sequence as
discussed above may be initiated; however, the requested action can
be a "key change request." As part of the challenge response
transmission, the mobile device may include the encrypted new key
pair. For example, the mobile device may transmit the response, and
then the encrypted new key pair. Upon validation of the response,
the lock may decrypt the encrypted new key pair using the old
secret key and verify the data. If successful, the lock may access
the new secret key from the decrypted new key pair, and then store
the new secret key to be used in future interactions. In addition
to updating the secret key, other functionality may be provided
through similar challenge-response exchanges and encryption using
the secret key. In one embodiment, instead of transmitting a "key
change request," the mobile device may transmit a "firmware update
request" along with new firmware version that is encrypted with the
secret key. Upon successful authentication, the lock may proceed to
decrypted the new firmware, and then update its firmware to the new
version.
[0051] Any of the devices discussed herein (e.g., user device,
product, server) may also be configured to generate an audit trail
related to its operations. For example, a log may be formed to
detail the events that occur throughout the interaction of a user
device and a product. This may include server-to-user device events
(e.g., sending an encrypted profile, sending a new key pair
request, etc.), user device-to-product events (e.g.,
sending/responding to an unlock request, logging when
authentication succeeds and fails, etc.), device-only events (e.g.,
logging application errors, logging shackle status of an electronic
locking device, etc.), among others. The scope of the present
disclosure not limited to a particular log formatting.
[0052] In one embodiment, the lock is additionally equipped with a
location determination circuit, such as a GPS device/receiver, and
may transmit its location information (e.g., GPS coordinates) to
the mobile device during interactions with the mobile device. The
location information may then be stored by the mobile device (e.g.,
within the profile created for the lock, etc.) as a last known
location of the lock. The mobile device's management application
can also be equipped with mapping functionality so that the last
known location of the lock may be displayed on a map, based on the
provided location information. Alternatively, the management
application may allow the location information to be exported to a
third party mapping application. These location features can allow
a user to open the management application on his or her mobile
device, and then view a map that indicates where the lock was
located when the last known location (e.g., GPS coordinates) was
provided. Additionally, navigational directions or other features
may be provided to guide a user to the lock. In an alternative
embodiment, the mobile device may also include a GPS device. In
this manner the mobile device may also record its location
information during interactions with the lock and server.
[0053] In any of the embodiments discussed herein, the devices may
form a portion of a processing subsystem including one or more
computing devices having memory, processing, and communication
hardware. The devices (e.g., servers, user devices, products) may
be a single device or a distributed device, and the functions of
the devices may be performed by hardware and/or as computer
instructions on a non-transient computer readable storage medium,
and functions may be distributed across various hardware or
computer based components. Referring to FIG. 4, a device 400 is
shown, which may represent any of the devices discussed herein.
Device 400 may also be used to implement the techniques and methods
discussed herein. For example, device 400 may comprise the
processing components of user device 102 (e.g., the processing
components of a mobile phone). As another example, device 400 may
comprise the processing components of server 104. As another
example, device 400 may comprise the processing components of
product 106 (e.g., the processing components of an electronic
locking device). In addition, device 400 may be configured to
perform the computations discussed herein (e.g., the computations
related to processes 200 and 300, etc.) and generate the signals
necessary to communicate with other devices, encrypt and decrypt
data, authenticate data, etc., in order to implement the techniques
of this disclosure.
[0054] Device 400 typically includes at least one processor 402
coupled to a memory 404. Processor 402 may be any commercially
available CPU. Processor 402 may represent one or more processors
and may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP),
a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic
processing components. Memory 404 may include random access memory
(RAM) devices comprising a main storage of the device 400, as well
as any supplemental levels of memory, e.g., cache memories,
non-volatile or back-up memories (e.g., programmable or flash
memories), read-only memories, etc. In addition, memory 404 may
include memory storage physically located elsewhere, e.g., any
cache memory in the processor 402 as well as any storage capacity
used as a virtual memory, e.g., as stored on a mass storage device,
etc. Device 400 also includes transceiver 406, which includes any
additional networking components or transmitters necessary to
communicate with other devices (e.g., Wi-Fi networking components,
Bluetooth components, ZigBee components, NFC components, etc.). For
example, in an embodiment where device 400 comprises an electronic
lock, transceiver 406 may be a Bluetooth transceiver configured to
communicate with a user's mobile device. As another example, in an
embodiment where device 400 comprises a server, transceiver 406 may
be a networking interface configured to couple the server to a
network to communicate with a mobile device. As another example, in
an embodiment where device 400 comprises a mobile device,
transceiver 406 may include a Wi-Fi or cellular transceiver
configured to communicate with a server, and transceiver 406 may
further include Bluetooth components configured to communicate with
a product (e.g., an electronic locking device).
[0055] In general, the routines executed to implement the
embodiments may be implemented as part of an operating system or a
specific application, module, or sequence of instructions. In
certain embodiments, device 400 includes one or more modules
structured to functionally execute the respective operations
necessary for wireless key management for authentication as
described herein. The description herein including modules
emphasizes the structural independence of the aspects of a device
and illustrates one grouping of operations and responsibilities of
a device. More specific descriptions of certain embodiments of a
device's operations are described by the sections herein
referencing FIGS. 1-3. Other groupings that execute similar overall
operations are understood within the scope of the present
application. The modules typically comprise one or more
instructions set at various times in various memory and storage
devices in a computer, and that, when read and executed by one or
more processors in a computer, cause the computer to perform
operations necessary to execute elements of disclosed embodiments.
Moreover, various embodiments have been described in the context of
fully functioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of
being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and
that this applies equally regardless of the particular type of
computer-readable media used to actually effect the
distribution.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 5 a block diagram of a user device 500 for
implementing the techniques disclosed herein is shown, according to
one embodiment. For example, user device 500 may correspond to the
mobile devices discussed herein. In one embodiment, user device 500
is a mobile phone. In another embodiment, user device 500 is a
laptop computer. In another embodiment, user device 500 is a tablet
computer. In another embodiment, user device 500 is a desktop
computer. In general, user device 500 includes a processing circuit
502, which may include a processor 502a, a memory 502b, and a timer
502c. Processor 502a may be any commercially available processor or
any of the processors discussed herein (e.g., processor(s) 402,
etc.). Memory 502b includes any of the memory and/or storage
components discussed herein. For example, memory 502b may include
RAM and/or cache of processor 502a. Memory 502b may also include
one or more storage devices (e.g., hard drives, flash drives,
computer readable media, etc.) either local or remote to user
device 500.
[0057] Memory 502b includes various software modules configured to
implement the techniques disclosed herein with respect to user
devices. For example, memory 502b includes an access key module
504, which is configured to store and provide the access key as
requested by the other modules of memory 502b. Application module
506 is configured to provide the management application as
discussed herein. For example, in an embodiment where user device
500 is a mobile phone, application module 506 includes the software
corresponding to a mobile phone app, which may be used to interface
with a server and/or product. Application module 506 may include a
profile module 508, which is configured to manage the profile
generation process, including interactions with the server and
product. For example, a user may interact with user device 500
(e.g., via user input devices 502f) through the application
provided by application module 506. The user may create one or more
profiles corresponding to one or more products, which are
transmitted (e.g., via transceiver 502d) to a server. The server
may encrypt a user profile, and profile the encrypted user profile,
access key, MAC, etc., to the user device 500 as discussed herein.
Application module may also interact with a product (e.g., an
electronic locking device) via wireless transceiver 502e as
discussed herein. A response module 510 may include the security
algorithms required for generation a response to a challenge sent
by a product. Additionally, the response module 510 may include
encryption/decryption and MAC authentication algorithms, which may
be accessed by application module 506 during secured
communications. Memory 502b may further include a timer 502c, which
may include the clock components of processor 502a, for maintaining
a device time to be used as described herein.
[0058] In some implementations, memory 502b may include a mapping
module 512 that may be used to generate one or more mapping
interfaces based on location data received from a product (e.g.,
locking device). One such implementation is described below with
respect to FIG. 8.
[0059] User device 500 further includes transceiver 502d and
wireless transceiver 502e (which may correspond to transceiver 102d
and wireless transceiver 102e of user device 102, etc.), which
include various communication circuitry. For example, in one
embodiment, transceiver 502d may include cellular components and/or
Wi-Fi components and wireless transceiver 502e may include
Bluetooth components, etc. User input devices 502f may include one
or more user input devices for interaction with user device 500.
For example, user input devices 502f may include one or more
buttons, touch screens, displays, speakers, keyboards, stylus
inputs, mice, track pads, etc.).
[0060] Referring to FIG. 6 a block diagram of servers 600 for
implementing the techniques disclosed herein is shown, according to
one embodiment. Servers 600 include one or more physical or virtual
servers/server slices, etc. For example, servers 600 may correspond
to server(s) 104. In general, servers 600 are configured to
interact with a user device (e.g., user device 500, etc.). A server
600 may include a processing circuit 602. Processing circuit 602
includes a processor 602a and memory 602b. As an example, processor
602a may include any commercial available processor, e.g., a server
processing chip, a virtual processor, etc. Memory 602b includes any
of the memory and/or storage components discussed herein. For
example, memory 602b may include RAM and/or cache of processor
602a. Memory 602b may also include any mass storage devices (e.g.,
hard drives, flash drives, computer readable media, etc.).
[0061] Memory 602b may include an access key module 604 and
security key module 606. The access key module 604 and security key
module 606 may be configured to securely store access keys and
security keys, respectively. The access and security keys may
correspond to products as discussed herein. As an example, access
key modules 604 and security key module 606 may correspond to
databases of keys, and may include the software configured to store
and retrieve such keys. Profile module 608 includes the software
configured to interact with a product (e.g., to manage the process
of user and guest profile generation, storage, and communication
with a user device). Profile module 608 may also interact with
security module 610, which may include the security algorithms as
discussed herein. For example, security module 610 may be
configured to generate an access key, a security key,
encrypt/decrypt data, generate a MAC based on data, etc., and
provide such data to profile module 608. In one embodiment, the
security functions of security module 610 and access key module 604
and security module 606 are located on separate servers 600 from
profile module 608. In this embodiment, various services may be
provided by appropriate servers such that profile module 608 may
access security functions and retrieve keys as necessary to
implement the techniques discussed herein. In some embodiments,
servers 600 are also configured to interact with a product (e.g.,
product 106). For example, during a manufacturing process, servers
106 may provide an access key and security key to be stored in a
corresponding product.
[0062] In some implementations, memory 602b may include a mapping
module 612 that may be used to generate one or more mapping
interfaces based on location data received from a product (e.g.,
locking device). One such implementation is described below with
respect to FIG. 8.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 7 a block diagram of a product 700 for
implementing the techniques disclosed herein is shown, according to
one embodiment. For example, product 700 may be a lock as discussed
herein. In general, product 700 includes a processing circuit 702,
which may include a processor 702a, a memory 702b, and a timer 702c
(which may include the clock components of processor 702a, for
maintaining a product time to be used as described herein).
Processor 702a may be any commercially available processor or any
of the processors discussed herein (e.g., processor(s) 402, etc.).
Memory 702b includes any of the memory and/or storage components
discussed herein. For example, memory 702b may include RAM and/or
cache of processor 702a. Memory 702b may also include one or more
storage devices (e.g., hard drives, flash drives, computer readable
media, etc.).
[0064] Memory 702b includes various software modules configured to
implement the techniques disclosed herein with respect to products
(e.g., electronic locking devices, etc.). For example memory 702b
may include an access key module 704, a security key module 706, a
security module 708, and a control module 710. The access key
module 704 and security key module 706 are configured to store the
product's corresponding access key and security key, respectively.
Other modules of memory 702b may interact with access key module
704 and security key module 706. For example security module 708,
which includes the security algorithms for the product (e.g.,
encryption/decryption algorithms, MAC generation/verification
algorithms, etc.), may retrieve an access key from access key
module 704 when generating a challenge to be sent to a user device.
As another example, security module 708 may access security key
module 708 to retrieve a security key to decrypt an encrypted user
profile received from a user device. Control module 710 contains
the software configured to interact with the other modules of
memory 702b to implement the techniques disclosed herein with
respect to a product. For example, in an embodiment where product
700 is a lock, after being awoken, control module 710 may attempt
to pair/communicate with a user device (via wireless transceiver
702d). Control module 710 may also include operating system (e.g.,
an embedded operating system, firmware, etc.) software for product
700. As another example, control module 710 may request security
module 708 to access a user profile and request to determine an
action to be taken. Based on the permissions of the user profile
and the request, control module 710 may determine whether or not to
take a request action. For example, control module 710 may generate
the signals necessary to control mechanical (and electronic)
components of product 700 (e.g., lock mechanisms 702f) in response
to a request (e.g., an unlock request for a lock, etc.). As another
example, control module 710 may interface with lock mechanisms 702f
to control a user's physical interactions with a lock (e.g.,
control module 710 may receive input from a dial interface, a key
code interface, buttons, touch interface, etc.) in order to unlock
a shackle of the lock.
[0065] In some embodiments, product 700 may include a location
determination circuit 702g, such as a Global Positioning System
(GPS) device/receiver, that may determine one or more locations of
product 700 at one or more times. In some such embodiments, memory
702b may include a position tracking module 712 configured to
receive the location data from location determination circuit 702g
and store data indicative of the location or position of product
700 at one or more times. One such embodiment is discussed below
with respect to FIG. 8.
[0066] Wireless transceiver 702d includes communications hardware
(e.g., Bluetooth components, radiofrequency components, NFC
components, ZigBee components, RFID components, Wi-Fi components,
etc.) for wirelessly communication with another device (e.g., user
devices 500, servers 600, etc.). In some embodiment, product 700
includes a battery 702e for providing power to the product. In an
embodiment where product 700 is a lock, lock mechanism(s) 702f
includes one or more physical and/or electronic locking mechanisms
(e.g., pins, shackles, dials, buttons, shafts, keyholes, etc.) as
discussed herein. For example, lock mechanism(s) 702f may
correspond to lock mechanisms 106g.
[0067] In some embodiments, a product (e.g., locking device) may
include a location determination circuit (e.g., GPS receiver), and
may generate and store location information for the lock. Referring
now to FIG. 8, a flow diagram of a process 800 for collecting
location data for a product and displaying the location data on a
mapping interface of a mobile device is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment. While process 800 illustrates providing a
mapping interface, it should be appreciated that, in some
embodiments, the product may generate/receive location data for the
locking device, store the data, and/or transmit the data to the
mobile device and/or one or more servers without the mobile
device/server(s) generating mapping interfaces.
[0068] The product may generate and/or receive one or more location
data items indicating a location of the product at one or more
times (802). In some embodiments, the location data items may be
generated by a location determination circuit, such as a GPS
receiver, and may be transmitted to one or more processors of the
product. The location data items may be stored in a memory
(804).
[0069] The product may receive a request to transmit data to a
mobile device. In some embodiments, the request may specifically
request location data from the product. In other embodiments, the
request may be a connection request, and the product may transmit
location data in response to successfully connecting with the
mobile device. In some embodiments, the product may validate data
from the mobile device before providing the mobile device with the
location data (806). In some such embodiments, validation of the
data may be performed using a process similar to that described
above with reference, for example, to FIGS. 2 and 3 (e.g.,
transmitting a challenge, verifying the response to the challenge,
validating the data using a secret key, etc.). The product may
transmit the location data items to the mobile device (808). In
some embodiments, the product may only transmit the location data
items to the mobile device if the data is validated.
[0070] The mobile device may obtain the location data item(s) from
the product (810). In some embodiments, the mobile device may also
obtain location and/or time parameters from a user for use in
generating a mapping interface (812). For instance, location
parameters may specify one or more location areas (e.g., buildings,
geographic areas, etc.) to which locations displayed in the mapping
interface should be restricted. In one such implementation, the
location parameters may be based on current settings (e.g.,
geographic focus and/or zoom level) of a mapping interface. Time
parameters may restrict a time associated with the results. For
instance, in some embodiments, the user may indicate a desire to
see only the last known location of the product. In some
embodiments, the user may wish to see only locations during the
past week. The mobile device may filter the location data item(s)
based on the location and/or time parameters (e.g., before
generating the mapping interface) (814). For example, items that do
not fulfill the parameters may be removed from the set of data to
be displayed within the mapping interface.
[0071] The mobile device may generate a mapping interface
illustrating one or more locations indicated by the one or more
location data items (e.g., filtered items) (816). In some
implementations, the mobile device may be configured to generate
the entire rendered mapping interface, including buildings, points
of interest, and/or other mapping elements. In some
implementations, the mobile device may illustrate the location
information as an overlay on a mapping interface generated by a
third party, such as a mapping interface that permits the
addition/overlay of custom location points. The mapping interface
may be transmitted to a display of the mobile device. In some
implementations, the location data item(s) may be transmitted to
one or more server(s) (818). For instance, in one implementation,
the mobile device may be configured to illustrate a last known
location of the product, and an interface administered by the
server(s) may allow a user to see several different locations over
a specified timeframe.
[0072] In some embodiments, the collected location data may be used
to facilitate sharing of an unlocking code for the locking device.
For example, as described below with respect to process 900, a
first user of the locking device, such as an owner of the locking
device, can share an unlocking code along with the GPS coordinates
of the locking device with a second user. Referring to FIG. 9, a
flow diagram of a process 900 for facilitating the sharing of a
product unlock code and a product location between a first user and
a second user is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0073] Process 900 begins when a sharing request is received from a
first user (902). The sharing request is received by a backend
server (e.g., server 104). The sharing request is initiated from
the first user via a computing device, such as a smartphone running
a system application, a laptop or desktop through a system website,
or the like. The sharing request generally relates to a request
from the owner or an authorized user of the locking device to
provide guest access to a second user. The guest access includes an
unlock code for the locking device. The unlock code provided to the
second user may be a limited unlock code. For example, the unlock
code may be a one-time use unlock code (i.e., allowing the
secondary user to unlock the locking device only once), an unlock
code that is valid for a limited number of unlocking events, a time
or day limited unlock code that is only valid during certain time
periods or a certain date range, or an expiring unlock code that
expires after a designated time period. The sharing request may
include a first user identifier, a locking device identifier
(corresponding to the locking device), and a second user
identifier. The sharing request may include any restrictions on the
unlocking privileges to be provided to the second user (e.g.,
expiration, number of uses, time of acceptable use, day of
acceptable use, etc.). The first user identifier and the second
user identifier may include any of e-mail addresses, phone numbers,
usernames, and other information used in verifying the identity of
the first and second users.
[0074] After the sharing request is received, the first user is
authenticated (904). In some embodiments, the backend server
authenticates the first user as an owner or as an authorized user
of the locking device (e.g., an individual or entity that has
unlocking code sharing privileges associated with the locking
device). The first user is authenticated based at least in part on
the first user identifier. During the authentication, the backend
server may prompt the first user via the computing device to
provide a password or a PIN to complete the authentication process.
If the backend server is able to authenticate the first user as the
owner of the locking device or as an authorized user of the locking
device, process 900 continues. In some arrangements, a message may
be transmitted to the first user that indicates the successful
authentication. The message may include updated locking device
status information, such as a low battery warning. If the backend
server is unable to authenticate the first user, process 900 ends.
In some embodiments, authentication may be performed without use of
the backend server, such as by using authentication data (e.g., a
list of authorized identifiers) stored on the device of the second
user.
[0075] After the first user is authenticated at 904, a share
message is transmitted to the second user (906). In some
embodiments, the share message is transmitted to the second user by
the backend server. The share message may be an e-mail message, a
text message, an application notification (e.g., if the second user
is known a registered user of the locking device authentication
system, and alert may be pushed to the user via a system
application running on the second user's computing device), etc.
The share message type may be determined based on information
contained in the sharing request (e.g., the second user
identifier). The share message indicates that the first user wants
to provide the second user the ability to unlock the locking
device. The share message may include an option to reject the share
request. For example, in some arrangements, the second user may not
want to access the locking device, and the user is presented with
the option to reject the share request. In some arrangements, after
the share message is sent to the second user at 906, the second
user is authenticated (908). The locking device system may require
that the second user (e.g., the guest user) be a registered user of
the system. In such arrangements, the share message may invite the
second user to either log in to the locking device system or to
register as a user of the locking device system in order to gain
access to the unlocking privilege for the locking device. In
arrangements where the second user is authenticated, the location
information of the locking device may be omitted from the original
share message and sent in a follow-up message after the second user
has been authenticated. In other arrangements, the second user does
not need to be a registered user to receive the share message.
[0076] An unlock code is generated and transmitted to the second
user (910). In some embodiments, the unlock code is generated by
the backend server and transmitted to the second user via a locking
device system application on a computing device associated with the
second user. Generating and transmitting the unlock code may
include generating and encrypting a user profile and access key
later used to unlock the locking device (as described above in
process 200 in FIG. 2). In some arrangements, the unlock code is
transmitted along with location information relating to the
location of the locking device. In some embodiments, the location
information may include an address of the location of the locking
device, a map showing the location of the locking device, or a
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the location information
may include data (e.g., a position identifier, such as GPS
coordinates) that an application operating on the second device may
use to generate data to present (e.g., display) to the second user,
such as an address, map, driving/walking directions, etc. The
second user can utilize the unlock code via the second user's
computing device to unlock the locking device in a similar manner
as described above with respect to process 300 in FIG. 3.
[0077] After the second user interacts with the locking device,
lock event information may be received (912). The lock event
information may relate to an unlock event, in which the locking
device is unlocked, or a lock event, in which the locking device is
locked. In each situation, the second user's computing device
(e.g., a smartphone) may transmit the lock event information to the
backend server. The lock event information may include an
indication that the second user either locked or unlocked the
locking device, a time of the lock event, and an updated location
of the locking device (as determined by the second user's computing
device). The updated location of the locking device may be obtained
as described above in process 800 in FIG. 8.
[0078] The received lock event information may be stored (914). In
some embodiments, the backend server stores the lock event
information and updates the last known location of the locking
device based on the locking device location information received in
the lock event information. In some arrangements, an alert is sent
to the first user (916). The alert is sent from the backend server
to the first user via e-mail, text message, application
notification, or the like. The alert includes an indication of the
lock event. In some arrangements, the alert also includes updated
location information relating to the locking device. In some
embodiments, data (e.g., the alert) may be transmitted between the
first and second user devices without using the backend server as
an intermediary system.
[0079] The above-described process 900 can be applied in many
different scenarios. For example, method 900 may be applicable in a
real estate showing scenario where the locking device is a realtor
key box. In such a scenario, a listing agent may be the first user
(i.e., the owner or operator of the realtor key box) and the
listing agent can share the key code, along with the location of
the key box for a property, with a second agent or a potential
buyer of the property. The key box unlock code and location sharing
may be facilitated through a realtor management mobile application.
As another example, process 900 may be applicable in an equipment
sharing program (e.g., a bike sharing system) in which various
users share the equipment. In such a scenario, each piece of
equipment may be associated with a locking device. When a user
wants to use a piece of equipment (e.g., a bike in a bike share
program), the user can access his locking device application,
receive the location of the nearest equipment (as defined by the
location of the associated locking device), and receive the locking
code to unlock the equipment. When the locking device is relocked
(e.g., when the user is done using the bike), the location of the
equipment may be uploaded back to the server with the locking event
such that the equipment can be located for the next user.
[0080] In some embodiments, a backend server (e.g., server 104)
calculates an expected battery life of a product (e.g., a locking
device, product 106, product 700, etc.) and initiates low battery
alerts to users based at least in part on the actual usage history
of the product. Referring to FIG. 10, a flow diagram of a process
1000 of estimating battery life based at least in part on an actual
usage audit trail and initiating low battery alerts to users is
shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0081] Process 1000 begins when lock event information relating to
the product is received (1002). The lock event information relates
to a lock event (e.g., a locking or unlocking of the product as
described above with respect to processes 200, 300, and 800). The
lock event information includes a time and date of the lock event
and product battery information. The battery information may
include a voltage level. The lock event information may also
include any of a location of the product at the time of the locking
or unlocking (as described above with respect to process 800), an
identity of a user that locks or unlocks the product, and an
identity of the product (e.g., a serial number).
[0082] The lock event information is stored (1004). In some
embodiments, the backend server stores the lock event information
in a database of lock event information stored on the backend
server. The lock event information may be associated with the
particular product in the database (e.g., based on the serial
number of the product). The backend server may store each lock
event associated with the product in the database. The backend
server can analyze the database to form a historical analysis of
the usage of the product, which is herein referred to as an audit
trail. The audit trail of the product can be analyzed to determine
usage statistics of the product. The usage statistics may include
various metrics such as an average time (e.g., number of hours,
number of days, etc.) between lock events (e.g., unlockings and
lockings), the amount of awake time or sleep time, battery
statistics (e.g., voltage/state of charge/discharge readings at
lock events, time since last battery replacement or recharge,
etc.), location information (e.g., the location of the product at
each lock event), and the like. The audit trail can also be used by
the backend server to predict future usage (e.g., the timing and/or
frequency of future lock events) based on the historical usage of
the product. The future usage may relate to an estimated amount of
time (e.g., number of hours, number of days, etc.) until the next
lock event.
[0083] The expected battery life of the product is calculated
(1006). In some embodiments, the backend server calculates the
expected battery life of the product based on the audit trail (both
historical usage information and predicted future information) and
based battery characteristics (e.g., the battery's age, the
battery's capacity, etc.). The expected battery life may be
calculated in estimated number of days remaining For example, the
backend server may determine the average amount of battery used for
each lock event, determine the amount of battery consumed for
standby time between lock events, and determine an expected life of
the battery in days based on the average number of days between
historical lock events (i.e., the predicted amount of time from the
lock event until the next lock event). The determined battery
condition may be adjusted based on weather predictions for the
location of the product. The weather prediction may be pulled from
a third-party weather service. For example, in certain cold or hot
conditions, the product may consumer more battery than in normal
operating conditions. In some situations, the lock event
information includes an expected battery life. For example, the
product may transmit (via a user's computing device) a low battery
warning indicating the battery has a limited amount of life or
charge remaining In other embodiments, the battery life may be
calculated on the locking device itself, rather than or in addition
to at the backend server.
[0084] Based on the calculated expected battery life, the backend
server determines whether a low battery life condition is expected
(1008). In some embodiments, a low battery life condition is
expected if the battery of the product is expected to fully
discharge before the next expected or predicted lock event (based
on historical product usage statistics and predicted time until the
next lock event). In such an embodiment, the low battery life
condition may be expected if the battery has below the threshold
amount of battery capacity remaining needed by the product to last
until the predicted next lock event. In some embodiments, a low
battery life condition may be triggered when the remaining battery
life is less than that expected to be needed to power the locking
device through a predetermined number of further lock events.
[0085] If a low battery condition is expected, the backend system
initiates an alert to a user of the product (1010). The alert may
be an e-mail message, a text message, an application message, etc.
In some embodiments, the alert includes an indication to the user
that the battery is expected to die before the next lock event,
within a predetermined number of lock events, etc. The alert may
include replacement battery information, such as the type of
battery the user needs to purchase and battery replacement
instructions. The alert may include a listing of retailers in the
vicinity of the product or the user (e.g., within a threshold
number of miles from the product or the user) that carry
replacement batteries for the product. In some arrangements, the
alert includes a map providing the location of the product. The map
may include the nearest retailers that carry replacement batteries
for the product. If a low battery is not expected, process 1000
returns to calculating the expected battery life of the product at
1006. The backend server may continuously or periodically calculate
and monitor the expected battery life of the product until a low
battery alert is initiated by the backend server to a user
associated with the product.
[0086] In further embodiments, a backend server (e.g., server 104)
calculates an expected battery life of a product (e.g., a locking
device, product 106, product 700, etc.) and initiates low battery
alerts to users based at least in part on the location of the
product. Referring now to FIG. 11, a flow diagram of a process 1100
of estimating battery life based at least in part on an the
location of the product and initiating low battery alerts to users
is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 1100 begins
when lock event information relating to the product is received
(1102). The lock event information relates to a lock event (e.g., a
locking or unlocking of the product as described above with respect
to processes 200, 300, and 800). The lock event information
includes a time and date of the lock event and product battery
information. The battery information may include a voltage level.
The lock event information also includes a location of the product
at the time of the locking or unlocking (as described above with
respect to process 800). The lock event information may also
include an identity of a user that locks or unlocks the product and
an identity of the product (e.g., a serial number).
[0087] The lock event information is stored (1104). In some
embodiments, the backend server stores the lock event information
in a database of lock event information. The lock event information
is associated with the particularly product in the database (e.g.,
based on the serial number of the product). The backend server
stores each lock event associated with the product in the database.
The stored lock event information of the product can be analyzed to
determine historical usage statistics of the product and to predict
future usage of the product. The usage statistics may include
various metrics such as an average time (e.g., number of hours,
number of days, etc.) between lock events (e.g., unlockings and
lockings), the amount of awake time or sleep time, batter
statistics (e.g., voltage readings at lock events, time since last
battery replacement or recharge, etc.), location information (e.g.,
the location of the product at each lock event), and the like.
[0088] Weather information is received (1108). The backend server
receives weather information associated with the location of the
product. In some arrangements, the lock event information includes
the location of the product. In other arrangements, a user of the
lock manually provides the location of the product to the backend
system (e.g., through interaction with a system application). The
weather information for the location of the product is received
from a third-party weather service. The backend server may request
(i.e., pull) the weather information from the third-party weather
service. The weather information may include various weather
conditions, such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloud
coverage, and the like. The weather information may be received for
weather conditions at the time of the lock event, during times
between lock events, and historical weather conditions from prior
to the lock event. The received weather information may be stored
in the database (in a similar manner as described above with
respect to 1104). Updated weather information may be pulled by the
backend server at regular intervals (e.g., hourly, once a day, once
a week, etc.).The expected battery life of the product is
calculated (1108). In some embodiments, the backend server
calculates the expected battery life of the product based on the
audit trail and base battery characteristics (e.g., the battery's
age, the battery's capacity, etc.). The expected battery life may
be calculated in estimated number of days remaining For example,
the backend server may determine the average amount of battery used
for each lock event, determine the amount of battery consumed for
standby time between lock events, and determine an expected life of
the battery in days based on the average number of days between
historical lock events. The expected battery life is adjusted
(e.g., increased or decreased) based on the weather information
received at 1106. For instance, in some embodiments, the weather
information may be a factor considered in calculating the expected
battery life. In certain cold or hot conditions, the battery may be
adversely affected in terms of battery life as compared to ideal
battery operating conditions. For example, if the product is
outside during a winter storm with abnormally cold temperatures,
such as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the battery life of the product may
be negatively impacted. The battery life adjustments based on
weather are continuously or repeatedly performed (e.g., once an
hour, once a day, once a week, etc.).
[0089] Based on the calculated expected battery life, the backend
server determines whether a low battery life condition is
determined (1110). In some embodiments, a low battery life
condition occurs when the battery of the product is estimated
(based on the usage information and the weather information) to
fall below a threshold level of charge (e.g., a threshold voltage
level). If a low battery life condition is not determined, the
process 1100 returns to receiving updated weather information
(1106) and calculated expected battery life (1108) for updating the
calculated expected battery life. If a low battery condition is
determined, the backend system initiates an alert to a user of the
product (1112). The alert may be an e-mail message, a text message,
an application message, etc. The alert includes an indication to
the user that the product batter has reached a low level of charge.
The alert may include replacement battery information, such as the
type of battery the user needs to purchase and battery replacement
instructions. The alert may include a listing of retailers near the
product or the user that carry replacement batteries for the
product. In some arrangements, the alert includes a map providing
the location of the product. The map may include the nearest
retailers that carry replacement batteries for the product.
[0090] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "some
embodiments," or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance
of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in some embodiments" in
various places in the specification is not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative
embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover,
various features are described which may be exhibited by some
embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are
described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not
other embodiments.
[0091] The disclosure is described above with reference to
drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific
embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of
the present disclosure. However, describing the disclosure with
drawings should not be construed as imposing on the disclosure any
limitations that may be present in the drawings. The present
disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on
any machine-readable media for accomplishing its operations. The
embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using an
existing computer processor, or by a special purpose computer
processor incorporated for this or another purpose or by a
hardwired system. No claim element herein is to be construed under
the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph, unless the
element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for."
Furthermore, no element, component or method step in the present
disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of
whether the element, component or method step is explicitly recited
in the claims.
[0092] Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure
include program products comprising machine-readable storage media
for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data
structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any
available media which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way
of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM,
EPROM, EEPROM, CD ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium
which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the
form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and
which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose
computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the
above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media.
Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions
and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or special purpose processing machine to perform a
certain function or group of functions. While a computer or
machine-readable storage medium is not a propagated signal (i.e.,
is tangible and non-transitory), a computer or machine-readable
storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program
instructions encoded in an artificially-generated and propagated
signal.
[0093] Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the general
context of method steps which may be implemented in one embodiment
by a program product including machine-executable instructions,
such as program code, for example, in the form of program modules
executed by machines in networked environments. Generally, program
modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data
structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. Machine-executable instructions,
associated data structures, and program modules represent examples
of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed
herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or
associated data structures represent examples of corresponding acts
for implementing the functions described in such steps.
[0094] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in a
networked environment using logical connections to one or more
remote computers having processors. Logical connections may include
a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN) that are
presented here by way of example and not limitation. Such
networking environments are commonplace in office-wide or
enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet and
may use a wide variety of different communication protocols. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that such network computing
environments will typically encompass many types of computer system
configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices,
mobile phones, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, servers,
minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of
the disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing
environments where tasks are performed by local and remote
processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links,
wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links)
through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules may be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0095] An exemplary system for implementing the overall system or
portions of the disclosure might include a general purpose
computing device in the form of a computer, including a processing
unit, a system memory, and a system bus that couples various system
components including the system memory to the processing unit. The
system memory may include read only memory (ROM) and random access
memory (RAM). The computer may also include a magnetic hard disk
drive for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk, a
magnetic disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable
magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive for reading from or
writing to a removable optical disk such as a CD-ROM or other
optical media. The drives and their associated machine-readable
media provide nonvolatile storage of machine-executable
instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for
the computer.
[0096] It should be noted that although the flowcharts provided
herein show a specific order of method steps, it is understood that
the order of these steps may differ from what is depicted. Also,
two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial
concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and
hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. It is understood
that all such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.
Likewise, software and web implementations of the present
disclosure could be accomplished with standard programming
techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the
various database searching steps, correlation steps, comparison
steps and decision steps. It should also be noted that the word
"component" as used herein and in the claims is intended to
encompass implementations using one or more lines of software code,
and/or hardware implementations, and/or equipment for receiving
manual inputs.
[0097] The foregoing description of embodiments of the disclosure
have been presented for purposes of illustration and description.
It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to
the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from
practice of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to explain the principals of the disclosure and
its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to
utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *