U.S. patent application number 15/658610 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-09 for computer program, method, and system for locksmithing.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vinlocks LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Vinlocks LLC. Invention is credited to Joey Hendrich, John Overman.
Application Number | 20170323048 15/658610 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48903606 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170323048 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Overman; John ; et
al. |
November 9, 2017 |
COMPUTER PROGRAM, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR LOCKSMITHING
Abstract
A computer program, method, and system for locksmithing. The
computer program, method, and system receive vehicle information,
obtain a key code for a lock based on the vehicle information,
decrypt the key code to determine key specification data, and
provide the key specification data to a user, such that a duplicate
key corresponding to the lock can be formed.
Inventors: |
Overman; John; (Tacoma,
WA) ; Hendrich; Joey; (Olathe, KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vinlocks LLC |
Olathe |
KS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Vinlocks LLC
Olathe
KS
|
Family ID: |
48903606 |
Appl. No.: |
15/658610 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14525838 |
Oct 28, 2014 |
9727688 |
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15658610 |
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13760813 |
Feb 6, 2013 |
9323884 |
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14525838 |
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61596011 |
Feb 7, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02T 10/82 20130101;
G06F 15/00 20130101; G06F 30/17 20200101; H04L 9/0866 20130101;
H04L 2209/84 20130101; H04L 9/0822 20130101; G05B 15/02
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/50 20060101
G06F017/50; H04L 9/08 20060101 H04L009/08; G05B 15/02 20060101
G05B015/02; H04L 9/08 20060101 H04L009/08; G06F 15/00 20060101
G06F015/00 |
Claims
1. A method for obtaining and distributing key codes comprising the
steps of: receiving lock information from a user; connecting
electronically to a key code provider; obtaining a key code from
the key code provider, wherein the key code corresponds to the lock
information received from the user; decrypting, via a processor,
the key code obtained from the key code provider to obtain key
specification data; and presenting to the user the key code or the
key specification data.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lock information received
from the user includes one or more of the following: a vehicle
make, a vehicle model, a vehicle's year of manufacture, and a
vehicle identification number.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the lock information received
from the user is an electronic security identification number.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the key code obtained from the
key code provider is a blind key code.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the key code obtained from the
key code provider is an electronic security code.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the key specification data
decrypted from the key code includes one or more of a key cut
spacing, a key cut depth, and a key cut angle.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the key specification data
decrypted from the key code further indicates a key blank type.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving user
authorization and tracking a user job history, wherein tracking a
user job history includes storing each function performed by a
user.
9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with an
executable program stored thereon for obtaining and distributing
key codes, wherein the program instructs a processor to perform the
following steps: receive lock information from a user; connect to a
key code provider; obtain a key code from the key code provider,
wherein the key code corresponds to the lock information received
from the user; decrypt the key code obtained from the key code
provider to obtain key specification data; and present to the user
the key code or the key specification data.
10. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the
lock information received from the user includes one or more of the
following: a vehicle make, a vehicle model, a vehicle's year of
manufacture, and a vehicle identification number.
11. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the
lock information received from the user includes an electronic
security identification number.
12. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the
key code obtained from the key code provider is a blind key
code.
13. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the
key code collected from the key code provider is an electronic
security code.
14. The computer readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the
key specification data decrypted from the key code includes one or
more of a key cut spacing, a key cut depth, and a key cut
angle.
15. The computer readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein the
key specification data decrypted from the key code further
indicates a key blank type.
16. A system for obtaining and distributing key codes, comprising:
a key forming device; and a computer having: a user interface for
input of lock information; and a non-transitory computer-readable
storage medium with an executable program stored thereon, wherein
the program instructs the processor to perform the following steps:
receive, via the user interface, the lock information from the
user; connect to a key code provider; obtain a key code from the
key code provider, wherein the key code corresponds to the lock
information received from the user; decrypt the key code obtained
from the key code provider to obtain key specification data; and
present to the user the key code or the key specification data.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the lock information received
from the user includes one or more of the following: a vehicle
make, a vehicle model, a vehicle's year of manufacture, and a
vehicle identification number.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the lock information received
from the user includes an electronic security identification
number.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the key code obtained from the
key code provider is a blind key code.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the key specification data
decrypted from the key code indicates a key blank type.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This continuation application claims priority benefit with
regard to all common subject matter, of earlier-filed U.S.
Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/525,838, filed Oct.
28, 2014, and entitled COMPUTER PROGRAM, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR
LOCKSMITHING. Application Ser. No. 14/525,838 is in turn a
continuation application claiming priority benefit with regard to
all common subject matter, of earlier-filed U.S. Non-provisional
patent application Ser. No. 13/760,813, filed Feb. 6, 2013, issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 9,323,884 on Apr. 26, 2016, and entitled COMPUTER
PROGRAM, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR LOCKSMITHING. U.S. Pat. No.
9,323,884 claims priority benefit with regard to all common subject
matter, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/596,011,
filed Feb. 7, 2013, and entitled COMPUTER PROGRAM, METHOD, AND
SYSTEM FOR LOCKSMITHING. The present application hereby
incorporates the above-identified applications and patent by
reference into the present application in their entireties.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer
program, method, and system for locksmithing. In more detail,
embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer
program, method, and system for receiving vehicle information,
obtaining a key code based on the vehicle information, decrypting
the key code to determine key specification data for the lock, and
providing the key specification data to a user, such that a
duplicate key for the lock can be formed.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Keys for use with mechanical-type locks are generally
associated with unique key codes that correspond to the shape
and/or the cut of the keys. Automotive car keys are similarly
associated with unique key codes that define the shape and/or the
cut of the keys. Further, the key codes provide for locksmiths or
automotive diagnostic/repair technicians to duplicate keys based
solely on the information embedded in the key codes. The key code
for a particular vehicle is generally included with the purchase
paperwork of any new or used vehicle. If the key code is lost or
otherwise unavailable, it can generally only be recovered by
contacting a vehicle manufacturer or the original dealer. In
certain instances, a locksmith may use a vehicle identification
number (VIN) of a particular vehicle to determine its key code. As
described in more detail below, the VIN of a particular vehicle is
generally associated with the vehicle's key code, such that knowing
the VIN may allow the locksmith to determine the key code. Upon
determining the key code, the locksmith can obtain information from
the key code that permits the locksmith to duplicate the key for
the particular vehicle.
[0004] To duplicate a key, a locksmith generally uses a key forming
device that can create a duplicate key from specific information
the locksmith enters or uploads to the key forming device. Key
forming devices generally include a plurality of inputs, mechanical
or electrical, which may be manipulated by the locksmith to form
the duplicate key. Alternatively, the specific information for
forming the duplicate key can be uploaded to a processor and/or
memory element of the key forming device via an associated
communications network. Because the key code may include the
specific information necessary to duplicate a key, the locksmith
may use the key code to obtain the specific information and may
then input the specific information into the key forming device to
form the duplicate key.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention include a method and
computer program for obtaining a key code for a lock, decrypting
the key code to determine key specification data for the lock, and
providing the key specification data to a user, such that a key can
be formed according to the key specification data. The method and
computer program may include an initial step of receiving lock
information from a user. Upon receiving the lock information from
the user, embodiments of the present invention may connect to a key
code provider and obtain a key code from the key code provider.
Such an obtained key code may correspond to the lock information
received from the user. After receiving the key code, embodiments
of the present invention provide for the key code to be decrypted,
so as to obtain key specification data. The key specification data
can be presented to the user and may additionally be sent to a key
forming device for duplicating a key according to the key
specification data.
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention may further include a
system for obtaining a key code for a lock; decrypting the key code
to determine key specification data for the lock; and providing the
key specification data to a user, such that a key can be
manufactured according to the key specification data. The system
may comprise a key forming device and a computer having a user
interface and computer program stored thereon. The computer program
may instruct the computer to perform an initial step of receiving
lock information from a user. Upon receiving the lock information
from the user, embodiments of the present invention may connect to
a key code provider and obtain a key code from the key code
provider. Such an obtained key code may correspond to the lock
information received from the user. After receiving the key code,
embodiments of the present invention may provide for the key code
to be decrypted, so as to obtain key specification data. The key
specification data can be presented to the user. In addition, the
key specification data can be transmitted to the key forming
device, where a duplicate key can be formed according to the key
specification data obtained from the key code.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail
below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary key formed in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the key from FIG. 1 taken
along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for obtaining and
distributing key codes according to embodiments of the present
invention; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction of a system for obtaining
and distributing key codes in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention.
[0013] The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to
the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The following detailed description of the invention
references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The
embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be
made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The
following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a
limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only
by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
[0015] In this description, references to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," or "embodiments" mean that the feature or features
being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the
technology. Separate references to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," or "embodiments" in this description do not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually
exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For
example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one
embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not
necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a
variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments
described herein.
[0016] The present invention provides various embodiments of a
computer program, a method, and a system for obtaining key codes,
such as blind key codes and electronic security codes for
manufacturing and programming keys to fit and operate a vehicle
lock. A blind key code is an alphanumeric string of digits (i.e.,
numbers and/or letters) that generally cannot be independently used
to duplicate and/or manufacture a key. To manufacture a key from a
blind key code, an individual, such as locksmith or an automotive
diagnostic/repair technician, must either (1) have access to a
computer program that can decrypt the blind key code, or (2) must
otherwise have access to a cross-referencing list of bitting key
codes from which the locksmith can match the blind key code with a
bitting key code. As with blind key codes, bitting key codes are
alphanumeric strings of digits and/or letters; however, the
alphanumeric string of a bitting key code represents actual
mechanical key specifications for manufacturing keys. Such
mechanical key specifications may include, as illustrated by
exemplary key 100 in FIG. 1, key cut depths 102, key cut spacings
104, and key cut angles 106, which are each necessary for
manufacturing a key from a key blank. In addition, the mechanical
key specifications may include and/or indicate a type of key blank
that is associated with the respective blind key code and/or
bitting code. A key blank is an uncut key that has a specified
cross-section profile, such as is illustrated by the cross-section
profile of key 100 as shown in FIG. 2. The mechanical key
specifications obtained from the blind key code and/or the bitting
key code will generally include information indicating from which
type of key blank and/or cross-section profile the key should be
cut. Thus, as will be described in more detail below, embodiments
of the present invention may be implemented by a locksmith or an
automotive diagnostic/repair technician to obtain key codes, to
decrypt or cross-reference the key codes to obtain bitting key
codes and/or mechanical key specifications, and to manufacture a
duplicate key from the bitting key codes and/or mechanical key
specifications.
[0017] In addition to mechanical key specifications, many current
vehicle locks include electronic security controls that require
keys be programmed with specified electronic security codes. Thus,
embodiments of the present invention may additionally provide for a
computer program, a method, and a system for obtaining electronic
security codes for programming keys to operate a vehicle lock. For
instance, a vehicle's electronic security controls may require that
a key embedded with an electronic identification device, such as an
electronic computer chip, resistor, or memory element, be
programmed with an electronic security code, such that the
electronic identification device is capable of communicating with
and being verified by electronic components of the vehicle. Such
electronic components may for instance be a body control module
(BCM), electronic control unit (ECU), or the like. If the key's
electronic identification device successfully communicates with the
vehicle's electronic components and the components verify the key's
electronic security code, then the key will be permitted to start
and operate the vehicle. If the key's electronic identification
device cannot communicate with the vehicle's electronic components
or the electronic components cannot verify the electronic security
code of the key, then the key will not be permitted to start or
operate the vehicle. In addition, failure to establish a valid
communications link or verification between the electronic
components and the key's identification device may initiate
security measures, such as "locking-out" or "shutting-down" the
vehicle. As with the blind key codes, embodiments of the present
invention provide for locksmiths and/or automotive
technician/repairmen to obtain electronic security codes; to
decrypt the electronic security codes (if necessary); and to
program a duplicate key with the electronic key code so that the
duplicate key can communicate with the vehicle's electronic
components and operate the vehicle.
[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 3, embodiments of the present
invention may include a method with an initial Step 202 of
receiving lock information from a user. Upon receiving the lock
information from the user, embodiments of the present invention
may, in Step 204, connect to a key code provider. In Step 206, a
key code corresponding to the lock information received from the
user may be obtained from the key code provider. After obtaining
the key code, embodiments of the present invention provide, in Step
208, for the key code to be decrypted, so as to obtain key
specification data. The key code and/or the key specification data
can be presented to the user, in Step 210. Finally, in Step 212,
the key specification data can be sent to a key forming device to
form a duplicate key according to the key specification data. Thus,
embodiments of the present invention provide for a key code to be
obtained; for the key code to be decrypted; for key specification
data to be obtained from the decrypted key code; and for the key
specification data to be provided to a user, such that a key can be
manufactured according to the key specification data.
[0019] The computer program of embodiments of the present invention
comprises a plurality of code segments executable by a computing
device for performing the steps of the method of the present
invention. The steps of the method may be performed in the order
shown in FIG. 3, or they may be performed in a different order.
Furthermore, some steps may be performed concurrently as opposed to
sequentially. Also, some steps may be optional.
System Description
[0020] The computer program, system, and method of embodiments of
the present invention may be implemented in hardware, software,
firmware, or combinations thereof using the key code system 300,
shown in FIG. 4, which broadly comprises server devices 302,
computing devices 304, a communications network 306, and a key
forming device 308. The server devices 302 may include computing
devices that provide access to one or more general computing
resources, such as Internet services, electronic mail services,
data transfer services, and the like. The server devices 302 may
also provide access to a locksmithing database that stores
locksmithing information, which includes information related to key
codes, electronic security codes, and vehicle information
corresponding to each of the codes stored in the database, each of
which will be described in more detail below. The locksmithing
database may also store other information and data necessary for
the implementation of the computer program, method, and embodiments
of the present invention.
[0021] The server devices 302 and computing devices 304 may include
any device, component, or equipment with a processing element and
associated memory elements. The processing element may implement
operating systems, and may be capable of executing the computer
program, which is also generally known as instructions, commands,
software code, executables, applications ("apps"), and the like.
The processing element may include processors, microprocessors,
microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, and the like, or
combinations thereof. The memory elements may be capable of storing
or retaining the computer program and may also store data,
typically binary data, including text, databases, graphics, audio,
video, combinations thereof, and the like. The memory elements may
also be known as a "computer-readable storage medium" and may
include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash
drive memory, floppy disks, hard disk drives, optical storage media
such as compact discs (CDs or CDROMs), digital video disc (DVD),
Blu-Ray.TM., and the like, or combinations thereof. In addition to
these memory elements, the server devices 302 may further include
file stores comprising a plurality of hard disk drives, network
attached storage, or a separate storage network.
[0022] The computing devices 304 may specifically include mobile
communication devices (including wireless devices), work stations,
desktop computers, laptop computers, palmtop computers, tablet
computers, portable digital assistants (PDA), smart phones, and the
like, or combinations thereof. Various embodiments of the computing
device 304 may also include voice communication devices, such as
cell phones or landline phones. In preferred embodiments, the
computing device 304 will have an electronic display, such as a
cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, plasma, or touch screen
that is operable to display visual graphics, images, text, etc. In
certain embodiments, the computer program of the present invention
facilitates interaction and communication through a graphical user
interface (GUI) that is displayed via the electronic display. The
GUI enables the user to interact with the electronic display by
touching or pointing at display areas to provide information to the
user control interface, which is discussed in more detail below. In
additional preferred embodiments, the computing device 304 may
include an optical device such as a digital camera, video camera,
optical scanner, or the like, such that the computing device can
capture, store, and transmit digital images and/or videos.
[0023] The computing devices 304 may include a user control
interface that enables one or more users to share information and
commands with the computing devices or server devices 302. The user
interface may facilitate interaction through the GUI described
above or may additionally comprise one or more functionable inputs
such as buttons, keyboard, switches, scrolls wheels, voice
recognition elements such as a microphone, pointing devices such as
mice, touchpads, tracking balls, styluses. The user control
interface may also include a speaker for providing audible
instructions and feedback. Further, the user control interface may
comprise wired or wireless data transfer elements, such as a
communication component, removable memory, data transceivers,
and/or transmitters, to enable the user and/or other computing
devices to remotely interface with the computing device 304.
[0024] The communications network 306 may be wired or wireless and
may include servers, routers, switches, wireless receivers and
transmitters, and the like, as well as electrically conductive
cables or optical cables. The communications network 306 may also
include local, metro, or wide area networks, as well as the
Internet, or other cloud networks. Furthermore, the communications
network 306 may include cellular or mobile phone networks, as well
as landline phone networks, public switched telephone networks,
fiber optic networks, or the like.
[0025] Both the server devices 302 and the computing devices 304
may be connected to the communications network 306. Server devices
302 may communicate with other server devices 302 or computing
devices 304 through the communications network 306. Likewise,
computing devices 304 may communicate with other computing devices
304 or server devices 302 through the communications network 306.
The connection to the communications network 306 may be wired or
wireless. Thus, the server devices 302 and the computing devices
304 may include the appropriate components to establish a wired or
a wireless connection.
[0026] The key forming device 308 may be any type of key forming
device used to cut and/or program keys. For instance, the key
forming device may be a key cutting device that physically cuts
blank keys in response to supplied mechanical key specifications,
such as the key cut depths 102, key cut spacings 104, and key cut
angles 106, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The key forming device may
additionally be a key programming device that functions to program
a key's electronic identification device with a particular
electronic security code. Additionally, the key forming device may
be a combination key cutting and key programming device. The key
forming device 308 may include a plurality of mechanical and/or
electrical inputs from which the key forming device may receive
instructions on how to cut or program a key. Such inputs may be
mechanical, such as dials, buttons, knobs or the like.
Additionally, the inputs to the key forming device may be
electrical, such as wired or wireless. For electrical inputs, the
key forming device 308 may receive key codes, mechanical key
specifications, and/or electrical security codes, from which the
key forming device can manufacture or program a duplicated key.
[0027] The computer program of the present invention may run on
computing devices 304 or, alternatively, may run on one or more
server devices 302. Additionally, a first portion of the program,
code, or instructions may execute on a first server device 302 or a
first computing device 304, while a second portion of the program,
code, or instructions may execute on a second server device 302 or
a second computing device 304. In some embodiments, other portions
of the program, code, or instructions may execute on other server
devices 302 as well. For example, locksmithing information may be
stored on a memory element associated with the server device 302,
such that the locksmithing information is remotely accessible to
users of the computer program via one or more computing devices
304. Alternatively, the locksmithing information may be directly
stored on the memory element associated with the one or more
computing devices 304 of the user. In additional embodiments of the
present invention, a portion of the locksmithing information may be
stored on the server device 302, while another portion may be
stored on the one or more computing devices 304. The various
actions and calculations described herein as being performed by or
using the computer program may actually be performed by one or more
computers, processors, or other computational devices, such as the
computing devices 304 and/or server devices 302, independently or
cooperatively executing portions of the computer program.
[0028] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the
computer program may be embodied in a stand-alone program
downloaded on a user's computing device 304 or in a web-accessible
program that is accessible by the user's computing device 304 via
the network 306. For the stand-alone program, a downloadable
version of the computer program may be stored, at least in part, on
the server device 302. A user may download at least a portion of
the computer program onto the computing device 304 via the network
306. In such embodiments of the present invention, the computer
program may be implemented as an "application," such as an "app"
for a mobile device. After the computer program has been
downloaded, the program can be installed on the computing device
304 in an executable format. The executable form of the program
permits the user to access embodiments of the present invention via
an electronic resource, such as a mobile "app" or website. For the
web-accessible computer program, the user may simply access the
computer program via the network 306 (e.g., the Internet) with the
computing device 304.
[0029] Once the user has access to the electronic resource, via the
computer program installed on a user's computing device 304 or the
web, certain embodiments may provide for users to create accounts
with which to access the electronic resource. The user accounts may
be stored within the memory elements of the computing device 304,
the server 302, or in the associated locksmithing database. Certain
embodiments of the present invention may provide for at least two
types of accounts: a general user account, hereinafter referred to
as a locksmith account; and an administrative user account,
hereinafter referred to as an admin account. Each type of user
account may provide their respective users with unique roles,
capabilities, and permissions with respect to implementing
embodiments of the present invention. In addition, embodiments of
the present invention may include any number and/or any specific
types of account as may be necessary to carry out the functions,
features, and/or implementations of the present invention.
[0030] A locksmith account is an account created by or for
locksmith users who may implement embodiments of the present
invention to obtain key codes for locks and use the key codes to
manufacture and/or program keys that operate the locks. Although
the terms locksmith account and locksmith user account are used
herein, it is to be understood that the locksmith account may be
used by other users who are not locksmiths. For instance,
automotive diagnostic/repair technicians or other authorized
persons or entities may require use of the features and
functionality of the present. Thus, such persons or entities may
obtain a locksmith account and may be considered and referred to as
locksmith users. As such, the term locksmith is not intended to be
limiting. Instead the term locksmith is directed to any type of
individual or entity that requires use of the features and
functionality of the present invention as described herein. As will
be discussed in more detail below, the locksmith user may make use
of various embodiments of the present invention to enter vehicle
information, obtain key codes that correspond to the vehicle
information, decrypt the key codes to obtain key specification
data, and therefrom manufacture and/or program keys.
[0031] Each locksmith user with a locksmith account may be required
to enter, or have entered, various types of identification
information, such as email address, name, telephone number,
physical address, date of birth, sex, or the like. In addition,
because embodiments of the present invention may be implemented to
obtain key codes and therefrom manufacture and program duplicate
keys, certain embodiments may require locksmith users to verify
their identity and to confirm their status as a licensed locksmith,
automotive diagnostic/repair technician, or another authorized user
with authorization to obtain key codes and to form duplicate keys.
The status may be verified by the locksmith user digitally scanning
or capturing a digital image of their license, employee
verification, or similar verification document, and uploading the
digital image via a computing device 304 to the server 302.
Additional embodiments may provide for a locksmith user to verify
their status in other ways, such as hand delivery, fax, or regular
mail. Once the locksmith user has been verified to be a licensed
locksmith, automotive diagnostic/repair technician, or some other
authorized user, the locksmith user may be required to enter or
will otherwise be provided with a username and password, which may
be required for the locksmith user to login to the locksmith user's
account and to access the electronic resource. All information
entered by the locksmith user is generally received, via the
network 306, and may be stored on the server device 302 or
associated locksmithing database.
[0032] Although certain embodiments of the present invention may
require a locksmith user to establish an account, other embodiments
may provide for certain features of the present invention to be
utilized, such as browsing or testing the electronic resource,
without requiring the establishment of a user account. For
instance, a potential locksmith user may access the online website
and browse and implement certain features of the present invention
without needing to register or create an account.
[0033] In addition to locksmith users, embodiments of the present
invention may provide for an admin account to be established for
administrative users. The admin account may be established for
administrative users to manage and oversee the locksmith accounts,
such that the administrative user can add, delete, modify, enable,
or disable such locksmith user accounts. In addition, an admin
account may be created for support technicians. Support technicians
are experts in the locksmithing and/or automotive
maintenance/repair fields. Such support technicians may be provided
with an admin account to provide expert locksmithing assistance to
locksmith users via embodiments of the present invention, as will
be discussed in more detail below. However, it is noted that other
admin accounts may be created and/or modified as necessary to carry
out the functions, features, and/or implementations of the present
invention.
Operation
[0034] Embodiments of the present invention provide for locksmith
users to obtain key codes, including blind key codes and/or
electronic security codes, with which the locksmith user can form a
duplicate key for a vehicle's ignition and/or locks. In such
embodiments, the locksmith user may use a computing device 304,
including a wireless mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, PDA),
to obtain the key codes.
[0035] To begin, the locksmith user may be required to log-in to
the locksmith user's locksmith account via the computing device
304. As previously noted, embodiments of the present invention may
be embodied in an electronic resource, such as a website or mobile
application. Thus, the locksmith user may access the electronic
resource from the computing device 304 either through a web browser
application on the computing device or through a mobile app that
was previously downloaded and installed onto the computing
device.
[0036] Once logged-in, the locksmith user can search for a key code
that corresponds to a key for a lock and/or ignition for a
particular vehicle. To search for a key code, the locksmith user
may manually enter into the computing device 304 certain types of
vehicle information, such as a make, a model, a year of
manufacture, an electronic security identification number (ESIN),
or a VIN of vehicle. The VIN is an alphanumeric string of digits
that is generated by the vehicle manufacturer upon assembly of the
vehicle. Each VIN is uniquely assigned to a particular vehicle,
such that no two vehicles have the same VIN. The vehicle
information can be manually entered by the locksmith user by typing
the vehicle information, via the user interface and/or GUI, or by
selecting appropriate vehicle information from a list or pull-down
menu displayed on the GUI. In additional embodiments of the present
invention, the vehicle information may be provided by the locksmith
without logging-in to the locksmith account. For instance, the
locksmith user may email the vehicle information to an email
address associated with an administrative user or the server 302.
Additional embodiments may provide for the locksmith user to text
the vehicle information, via SMS text, to a telephone number
associated with the administrative user or the server 302. In
further embodiments, the locksmith user may provide the vehicle
information verbally to an administrative user (or other authorized
individual) by contacting the administrative user at a telephone
number associated with the administrative user and communicating
the vehicle information over a telephone network.
[0037] In even further embodiments of the present invention, the
locksmith user may enter the vehicle information by obtaining an
image of the VIN with a camera or scanner, such as barcode scanner,
on the locksmith user's computing device 304. If the locksmith user
uses the camera to obtain an image of the VIN, the VIN can
thereafter be stored on the memory element of the computing device
304 or uploaded to the locksmithing database via the communication
network 306. Embodiments of the present invention may include text
recognition software that can recognize and interpret the
alphanumeric string of digits of the VIN, such that the
alphanumeric string can be stored in the computing device 304 or
the locksmithing database. In additional embodiments, certain
vehicles display their VIN in the form of a barcode or QR code.
Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide for
locksmith users to scan the barcode with a scanner included on the
locksmith user's computing device 304. Thereafter, the computing
device may convert the information encoded on the barcode into the
VIN, such that the VIN can be stored in the computing device 304 or
uploaded to the locksmithing database.
[0038] Upon receipt of the vehicle information, embodiments of the
present invention may attempt to match the vehicle information with
a key code contained within the locksmithing database. If the
locksmithing database contains a matching key code, embodiments of
the present invention can use the key code to manufacture or
program a key, as will be discussed in more detail below. If the
locksmithing database does not contain a matching key code,
embodiments of the present invention allow for an electronic
connection to one or more external database, which may be hosted by
one or more key code providers. The key code providers may be
automotive manufacturers or other third-party providers that
facilitate access to key codes. The connection to the key code
providers may be implemented from the server 302 or directly from
the computing device 304 via the communications network 306. Upon
connecting with the one or more key code providers, embodiments of
the present invention provide for the external databases to be
searched to obtain key codes that match the vehicle information.
Thus, embodiments of the present invention may provide for key
codes to be obtained by matching vehicle information with key codes
stored in the locksmithing database or by matching the vehicle
information with key codes store on third-party databases hosted by
key code providers. Further, certain embodiments of the present
invention may not search for key codes in the locksmithing
database, such that only the external databases hosted by key code
providers are searched to obtain the key codes.
[0039] After the locksmith user obtains key codes from either a key
code provider or from the locksmithing database, embodiments of the
present invention provide for the locksmith user to decrypt the key
codes, if necessary. For instance, for those key codes that are
blind key codes, such key codes must be decrypted into bitting key
codes or into other unencrypted forms from which mechanical key
specifications can be obtained. Embodiments of the present
invention may decrypt the blind key codes into bitting key codes by
running decryption routines (which may include mathematical
algorithms), by using a third-party decryption software (such as
may be offered by INSTACODE.TM.), or by matching the blind key
codes with cross-referenced bitting key codes stored in the
locksmithing database. Such decryption processes may be performed
by the server devices 302, or alternatively, by the locksmith
user's computing device 304. For instance, the locksmithing
database may include a cross-referenced listing of bitting key
codes, such that bitting key codes may be obtained from blind key
codes without performing mathematical decryption algorithms.
[0040] Upon decrypting the key code to obtain the bitting key code,
embodiments of the present invention may present the key code
and/or bitting key code to the locksmith user via the computing
device 304. The key code and/or bitting key code may be displayed
to the user on the GUI of the user's computing device 304, via the
electronic resource (i.e., mobile app or the website). In
additional embodiments, the key code and/or bitting key codes may
be transmitted to the locksmith user via an SMS text message,
e-mail, telephone call, or other electronic notification/messaging
service. Thus, key codes and/or bitting key codes may be
transmitted to the locksmith user over a plurality of different
types of networks included in the communications network 306. For
instance, the key codes and/or bitting key codes may be transmitted
to the telephone number associated with the locksmith user's
locksmith account via SMS text message. Alternatively, the key
codes and/or bitting key codes may be transmitted to the email
address associated with the locksmith user's locksmith account.
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a selection
option, such as an interactive list or pull-down menu, from which
the locksmith user can select how the user wishes to receive the
presented key codes and/or bitting key codes. As described above,
the key code and/or bitting code may also be provided to the
locksmith user verbally by a telephone call. For instance, the
locksmith user may receive a telephone call at the telephone number
associated with the locksmith user's locksmith account, and an
administrative user (or other authorized individual) may verbally
provide the key code and/or bitting key code to the locksmith user
over the telephone network. In even further embodiments, the key
code and/or bitting key code may be provided to the locksmith user
by an automated telephone call, which includes a pre-recorded or
computer generated message indicating the requested key code and/or
bitting key code.
[0041] Because the bitting key codes include all of the mechanical
key specifications necessary to manufacture a key, embodiments of
the present invention provide for the bitting key codes and/or the
mechanical key specifications to be transmitted to a key forming
device 308, such as a key cutting device, that can cut a specified
key blank to the appropriate depths, spacings, and angles
associated with the transmitted bitting key code and/or mechanical
key specifications. As previously noted, because the key code,
bitting key code, and/or mechanical key specifications may also
include an associated type of key blank, embodiments of the present
invention may additionally determine and present to the locksmith
user an appropriate key blank to provide to the key cutting device
for manufacturing the key. As previously described, the key cutting
device may be any key cutting device known in the art, which is
used to cut keys from key blanks. For instance, the key cutting
device may include milling components that functions to cut
grooves, angles, notches, or similar cuts into key blanks according
to the requirements of the transmitted mechanical key
specifications. The computer program of the present invention may
electronically transmit via the communications network the bitting
key codes and associated mechanical key specifications to the key
cutting machine, and such electronic transmission methods may be
hard-wired (i.e., USB, RS-232, etc.) or wireless (i.e., WiFi.TM.,
Bluetooth.TM., etc.). In additional embodiments of the present
invention, the locksmith user may manually input the bitting key
codes and/or the mechanical key specifications into a user
interface of the key cutting device after receiving the bitting key
codes and/or mechanical key specifications via embodiments of the
present invention. Thereafter, the key cutting device can
manufacture a key according to the requirements of the bitting key
code and/or the mechanical key specifications.
[0042] Embodiments of the present invention additionally provide
for the locksmith user to enter a plurality of bitting key codes
and/or mechanical key specifications into a holding queue that may
be established via the electronic resource. The holding queue
permits the locksmith user to arrange multiple bitting key codes
and/or mechanical key specifications in a list-like order, such
that the bitting key codes and/or mechanical key specifications can
be consecutively sent to a key cutting device to manufacture the
keys in a linear fashion. The holding queue may be created by the
locksmith user on the computing device 304, and thereafter, the
information pertaining to the queue may be sent to the key forming
device 308 via the communications network 306. For instance, if a
locksmith user has obtained five bitting key codes and/or five
associated mechanical key specifications, the locksmith user can
prioritize the bitting key codes and/or mechanical key
specifications in the holding queue. After a first bitting key code
and/or mechanical key specification is sent to a key cutting
machine and the machine manufactures a first key, a second bitting
key code and/or mechanical key specification can automatically be
sent to the machine to manufacture a second key. Such a linear
progression transmission and key manufacture will continue until
all of the bitting key codes and/or mechanical key specifications
have been transmitted to the key cutting device and each of the
associated keys has been manufactured.
[0043] As previously noted, to operate locks and ignitions on
current vehicles, most keys include electronic identification
devices that are required to be programed with electronic security
codes. Embodiments of the present invention provide for locksmith
users to obtain such electronic security codes similar to how the
blind key codes were obtained above. For instance, the electronic
security codes may be obtained by the locksmith user by initially
inputting vehicle information into the electronic resource via the
computing device 304. The vehicle information may additionally be
input by text, email, or telephone call, as previously described.
Such vehicle information may include a make, a model, a year of
manufacture, or a VIN of the vehicle. However, in many instances
the electronic security codes may be associated with electronic
components of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's BCM or ECU. Thus,
to obtain the electronic security codes, the locksmith user may be
required to enter the ESINs associated with such electronic
components. Such ESINs are similar to VINs in that they are
generally alphanumeric strings. But unlike VINs the ESINs
correspond to the electrical components of a vehicle as opposed to
corresponding directly with the vehicle.
[0044] The remaining steps for obtaining the electronic security
codes are similar to obtaining the blind key codes as described
above. After the locksmith enters the vehicle information, such as
make, model, year of manufacture, and other required information
(such as VIN or ESIN), embodiments of the present invention search
for a corresponding electrical security code that is either
maintained in the locksmithing database or that may be maintained
at a third-party database hosted by a key code provider. After
obtaining an electronic security code, the electronic security code
is presented to the locksmith user similar to how the blind key
code was presented above. For instance the electronic security code
may be presented via the electronic resource or by text message,
email, or telephone call, as previously described. Unlike the blind
key code, however, the electronic security code may not require
decrypting. Thus, an algorithmic decryption process may not be
required. After obtaining and being presented with the electronic
security code, embodiments of the present invention provide for the
locksmith user to transmit the electronic security code to a key
forming device 308, such as key programming device, which is
capable of programing the electronic identification device within
the key with the appropriate electronic security code that matches
the electronic module of the vehicle.
[0045] Thus, embodiments of the present invention permit a
locksmith user to use vehicle information to determine and obtain
key codes, such as blind key codes and electronic security codes,
from which the locksmith user can manufacture and program a key
capable of accessing and operating locks included in a wide array
of devices, such as vehicles, machines, equipment, doors,
entryways, or the like. The locksmith user can obtain the key code
"on-site" at the locked vehicle.
Security Features
[0046] As previously noted, because of the security implications of
locksmithing, locksmith users may be required to be licensed or
otherwise receive special authorization to implement certain
embodiments of the present invention. In addition, embodiments of
the present invention provide for the implementation of heightened
security measures. For instance, embodiments of the present
invention may provide for a job history function that operates to
save and store each function performed by a locksmith user. For
instance, the job history may track and store each of the key codes
entered or searched for by the locksmith user. In addition, the job
history may include each of the blind key codes, electronic
security codes, and/or mechanical key specifications sent to a key
forming device for manufacture or programming of a key. Such
monitoring may be tracked on a per locksmith user basis. In even
further embodiments, the job history may include a physical
location of the locksmith at the time the key codes were searched
for or when a key was manufactured or programmed. Embodiments of
the present invention may determine location information based on
global positioning system (GPS) data obtained from of the locksmith
user's computing device 304. The location information may also be
obtained by other means, such as through Internet Protocol (IP)
tracking. For instance, at the time the vehicle information were
entered by the locksmith user, either manually or by capturing a
digital image of the vehicle information, embodiments of the
present invention may capture the GPS location information through
the locksmith user's computing device 304 and tag such location
information to the job history. The job history may be stored on
the locksmith user's computing device 304, or alternatively, the
job history may be exported to the server 302 to be saved on the
locksmithing database for future reference. In addition to security
purposes, the location information may be used for billing,
accounting, locksmith user verification, location verification, or
other similar purposes.
[0047] In addition to associating a locksmith user's location with
the job history, a job identification number can be generated and
associated with each function performed by a locksmith user. For
instance, the job history may include a unique job identification
number for each key code that was searched for by a particular
locksmith user. Similarly, a job identification number be generated
and associated with each key code that was sent to key forming
device to manufacture or program a key. The job identification
number may be associated with the job history and stored in the
locksmith user's computing device 304 or may be transmitted to the
locksmithing database for storage. Additionally, the job
identification number may be used for billing and accounting
requirements. Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide
for the storage of job history information, such as location
information and job identification numbers, which can be used to
track and monitor each of functions performed by the locksmith
user.
Additional Features
[0048] In addition to the features described above, embodiments of
the present invention provide additional features for locksmith
users. For instance, embodiments of the present invention may
include a locksmithing instruction manual that provides tips and
advice on performing certain locksmithing tasks. The instruction
manual may be displayed as text, graphic, video, and/or audio
information presented via the user's computing device 304. For
instance, the locksmithing instruction manual may provide
information, tips, or advice on how to manufacture and program keys
for a particular vehicle or for a particular lock. The locksmithing
instruction manual may also include information specific to a
particular vehicle that may be helpful in manufacturing and
programming a key for the particular vehicle. For instance, the
information may include where the VIN or ESIN may be found or
printed on a particular vehicle. The information may additionally
include instructions on how to disassemble a lock or gain access to
particular compartments within a particular vehicle, such that the
locksmith user can obtain vehicle information or make repairs.
[0049] The locksmith user may choose a particular locksmithing
instruction manual by selecting the appropriate make, model, and
year of manufacture of a vehicle. Such a selection may be made by
manually entering the vehicle information into the GUI of the
user's computing device 304 or by selecting the vehicle information
from a list, pull-down menu, or the like. After the vehicle
information has been selected, the selected locksmithing
instruction manual may be presented to the locksmith user via the
GUI of the locksmith user's computing device 304. As an example,
after a locksmith user has selected a particular vehicle,
embodiments of the present invention may display a video on the
locksmith user's computing device 304 that demonstrates (via video
and/or audio) how to access an engine compartment of a vehicle; how
to find an ESIN on the BCM of the vehicle; and how to program a key
with the electronic key code obtained from the ESIN via embodiments
of the present invention. In even further embodiments, the
locksmith user may transmit the information included in the
locksmithing instruction manual to another computing device via
text messaging, email, fax, or the like. Similarly, the locksmith
user may print the locksmithing instruction manual on a printer
connected to the locksmith user's computing device 304.
[0050] In addition to the locksmithing instruction manual,
embodiments of the present invention may provide for locksmith
users to obtain additional instructions, tips, and advice by
communicating with other locksmith users or support technicians.
The communications may be transmitted over the communications
networks 306 via the computing device 304, and may include text
messaging, email, voice communications, and/or video
communications. As previously described, support technicians are
experts in the fields of locksmithing and/or automotive
maintenance/repair. The support technicians may be given access to
an admin account for purposes of communicating with locksmith users
that may require specialized assistance in implementing embodiments
of the present invention or in performing a locksmith-related task.
For instance, if a locksmith user is having trouble manufacturing a
proper cut on a key via a key forming device 308, the locksmith
user may contact a support technician via the locksmith user's
computing device 304 to obtain assistance. Certain embodiments may
provide for a listing of those support technicians that are
available to take part in communications. For instance, the
locksmith user may select a support technician via a list of
support technician displayed on the locksmith user's computing
device 304. Upon selecting the support technician, a communications
link is established with the support technician over the
communications network 306.
[0051] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a
social media component to facilitate communication and networking
between locksmith users, administrative users, and support
technicians. Via the social networking component, locksmith users
can interact through social media functions contained within
embodiments of the present invention, such as interactive forums,
RSS feeds, blogs, email, and information search functions. The
social media component may permit locksmith users to participate in
the exchange of information related to locksmithing, automotive
diagnostics/repair, or associated communities. The social media
component may further provide for locksmith users to build social
media profiles that include information visible to other locksmith
users. For instance, the social media profiles may include
information such as the locksmith user's business name, employer
name, geographic location, area of expertise, years of experience,
or the like. In addition, embodiments of the present invention may
provide for locksmith user's to rate or rank other locksmith users,
such that each locksmith user's rating or ranking is visible for
other users to view. For instance, if the locksmith user has
provided valuable or insightful information in the past, other
users may rate the locksmith user with a high rating to indicate to
other users that information provided or posted by said locksmith
user may be particularly useful. Further, the social media
component of the present invention may present targeted activities
to locksmith users based on the locksmith users' profile, such
activities may email distributions for locksmithing related
announcements, targeted advertisements, or the like.
[0052] Embodiments of the present invention may also provide for
advertisements to be displayed to locksmith users via the GUI of
the locksmith user's computing device 304. The advertisements may
be directed to locksmithing products, services, or companies. In
addition, such advertisements may include non-locksmithing related
promotions. The advertisements may be displayed on the computing
device 304 of the locksmith user as a banner advertisement,
full-page advertisement, or the like. As briefly described above,
the advertisements may be targeted at particular locksmith users
based on the locksmith users' profile. For instance, if a locksmith
user's profile indicates that the user is a locksmith based out of
Kansas City, Mo., embodiments of the present invention may provide
for the display of targeted advertisements from locksmith support
companies, such as key forming device manufacturers/sellers, which
offer products to locksmiths in the Kansas City, Mo., area.
[0053] In addition, embodiments of the present invention may
provide for locksmith users to select and purchase key blanks from
key blank providers. As previously described, each key code may
include information regarding a particular key blank from which a
key should be cut. Thus, after a key code is decrypted and a
particular type of key blank is identified, embodiments of the
present invention provide for a locksmith user to order and
purchase the key blank from a key blank provider. Embodiments of
the present invention may provide for a list of key blank providers
and/or a list of key blanks from which to choose for purchasing. In
certain embodiments, the electronic resource may include a
"shopping cart" feature in which key blanks identified for purchase
by the locksmith user are identified and stored. Once the locksmith
user has selected all of the key blanks for purchase, the locksmith
user may purchase the unique via the electronic resource with a
credit card, debit card, gift card, coupon, or the like. The
locksmith user may additionally enter shipping information such
that upon purchasing the key blanks, the key blanks can be shipped
to the listed address. In addition, if the locksmith user uses
particular types of key blanks often, the locksmith user can order
such key blanks from key blank providers in bulk. Thus, embodiments
of the present invention provide for the locksmith user to enter or
select the types of key blanks to order directly via the locksmith
user's computing device 304. Thereafter, embodiments of the present
invention place the locksmith user's order over the communications
network 306 directly to the key blank provider.
[0054] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is
noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made
herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited
in the claims.
[0055] Having thus described various embodiments of the invention,
what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent includes the following:
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