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US-20260127923-A1 - Lock Controlling Method

US20260127923A1US 20260127923 A1US20260127923 A1US 20260127923A1US-20260127923-A1

Abstract

A lock controlling method includes using a manager mobile device to obtain a control authority of a lock which may be set by the manager mobile device to a normal mode, a normally open mode, or a do-not-disturb mode. The manager mobile device may grant a use right of the lock to at least one user mobile device and at least one door access card. All of the manager mobile device, the user mobile device, and the door access card may be used to unlock the lock in the normal mode. When the lock is in the do-not-disturb mode, only the manager mobile device is permitted to unlock the lock. The lock in the normally open mode remains in an unlocking state. The lock may read a door access card identification information stored in a door access card to grant the use right to the door access card.

Inventors

  • I-Ting Shen

Assignees

  • I-Ting Shen

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20241201
Priority Date
20241101

Claims (16)

  1. 1 . A lock controlling method comprising: using a manager mobile device to obtain a control authority of a lock to permit execution of an unlocking procedure on the lock, wherein the lock is preset to a normal mode and a locking state, wherein when the lock is not in an unlocking state, operation of an outer operating device of the lock is unable to retract a latch of the lock, and the latch is retractable by operating an inner operating device of the lock; and using the manager mobile device to execute a mode selection procedure permitting the manager mobile device to be switched from the normal mode to a normally open mode, wherein the manager mobile device is used to connect with the lock whose control authority has been granted to the manager mobile device, wherein the mode selection procedure is canceled when connection between the manager mobile device and the lock is not established, wherein when connection between the manager mobile device and the lock is established, the manager mobile device 68 is usable to set the lock to one of the normal mode and the normally open mode, wherein when the lock is set to the normally open mode, the lock starts countdown of a normally open mode retaining time period, wherein when the normally open mode retaining time period is not over, the lock0 maintains the normally open mode and the unlocking state, wherein when the normally open mode retaining time period ends, the lock returns from the normally open mode to the normal mode.
  2. 2 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mode selection procedure further includes a do-not-disturb (dnd) mode, permitting the manager mobile device to switch the lock from the normal mode to one of the dnd mode and the normally open mode, wherein when the lock is set to the dnd mode and is in the locking state, the lock starts countdown of a dnd mode retaining time period, wherein when the dnd mode retaining time period is not over, the lock in the dnd mode only permits the manager mobile device to execute the unlocking procedure for unlocking the lock, and wherein when the dnd mode retaining time period ends, the lock returns to the normal mode.
  3. 3 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 2 , further comprising using a door access card to execute the unlocking procedure, wherein the door access card is granted with a use right of the lock, wherein the lock reads a door access card identification information of the door access card and identifies whether the door access card identification information of the door access card is correct, wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is incorrect and the lock is in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode, the lock remains in the locking state, wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is incorrect and the lock is in the normally open mode, the lock remains in the unlocking state and gives a hint by sound and/or light to indicate that the door access card identification information of the door access card is identified as being incorrect, wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is correct and the lock is in the normal mode, the lock is unlocked, wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is correct and the lock is in the dnd mode, the lock remains in the locking state, and wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is correct and the lock is in the normally open mode, the lock gives a hint by sound and/or light to indicate the normally open mode and remains in the unlocking state.
  4. 4 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 3 , wherein granting the use right includes: using the manager mobile device to grant the use right to the door access card; setting a name for the door access card; using the manager mobile device to select the lock whose use right is to be granted to the door access card; setting a time period of the use right to be granted to the door access card; using the manager mobile device to select the lock to read the door access card, such that the lock selected to read the door access card generates a hint, wherein when the door access card is placed near the lock, the lock generating the hint reads the door access card identification information of the door access card and transmits the door access card identification information of the door access card to the manager mobile device; using the manager mobile device to proceed with a synchronization procedure on the lock whose use right is to be granted, wherein the door access card does not obtain the use right of the lock before the synchronization procedure is completed, and wherein the door access card obtains the use right of the lock only after the synchronization procedure is completed.
  5. 5 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising: using the manager mobile device to execute a use right cancellation procedure; selecting the door access card, wherein a plurality of door access card identification informations associated with a plurality of locks is stored in the door access card; selecting one of the plurality of locks whose door access card identification information is to be cancelled; identifying whether the selected lock is within a wireless communication range of the manager mobile device, wherein when the selected lock is not within the wireless communication range of the manager mobile device, the door access card still owns the use right of the selected lock, and wherein when the selected lock is within the wireless communication range of the manager mobile device, is connected with the manager mobile device, and is synchronized with the manager mobile device, the use right of the selected lock is cancelled from the door access card.
  6. 6 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 2 , further comprising: using a user mobile device to execute the unlocking procedure, wherein the user mobile device is granted with a use right of the lock; wherein with the user mobile device not connected with the lock, the lock remains in the locking state when in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode or remains in the unlocking state when in the normally open mode, wherein with the user mobile device connected with the lock and with the user mobile device set to a single authentication procedure in which input of an authentication identification information is requested, when identification of the inputted authentication identification information is unsuccessful, the lock remains in the unlocking state when in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode or remains in the unlocking state when in the normally open mode, wherein when the inputted authentication identification information is identified as being correct or the authentication identification information is not required, the lock is switched to the unlocking state when in the normal mode, or remains in the unlocking state and gives a hint to indicate the unlocking state when in the normally open mode, or remains in the locking state when in the dnd state.
  7. 7 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 6 , wherein granting the use right to the user mobile device includes: using the user mobile device to complete registration of an account of the user mobile device; using the manager mobile device to input an account or using the manager mobile device to scan a QR code displayed by the user mobile device, wherein when the account inputted by the manager mobile device or the QR code scanned by the manager mobile device is incorrect, the use right of the lock is not granted to the user mobile device, wherein when the account inputted by the manager mobile device or the QR code scanned by the manager mobile device is correct, the manager mobile device grants the use right of the lock to the user mobile device.
  8. 8 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising: using the manager mobile device to execute a control authority transfer procedure including: inputting an account name of another mobile device to which the control authority is to be transferred; selecting a lock whose control authority is to be transferred; requesting input of an authentication identification information for execution of an authentication procedure, wherein when the authentication is unsuccessful, the control authority is not transferred to the another mobile device, wherein when the authentication is successful, the control authority is transmitted to the another mobile device; wherein when a holder of the user mobile device does not agree with transfer of the control authority or has not agreed with transfer of the control authority, the manager mobile device keeps the control authority of the selected lock, wherein when the holder of the user mobile device agrees with transfer of the control authority, the transfer of control authority of the selected lock is successfully transferred from the manager mobile device to the user mobile device, and the lock loses the control authority of the selected lock.
  9. 9 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the manager mobile device obtains the control authority of the lock by: using the manager mobile device to select a control authority adding procedure; operating the lock to enter a state permitting access to the control authority; using the manager mobile device to search whether the lock is within the wireless communication range of the manager mobile device, wherein the control authority of the lock is not granted to the manager mobile device when the lock is not within the wireless communication range; wherein when the lock is within the wireless communication range, the manager mobile device is used to select the lock whose control authority is to be granted to the manager mobile device, wherein the manager mobile device is used to input an identification number, wherein when the inputted identification number does not match with a unique identification number of the lock, the control authority is not granted to the manager mobile device, and wherein when the when the inputted identification number matches with the unique identification number of the lock, the control authority is granted to the manager mobile device.
  10. 10 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 9 , further comprising: using the manager mobile device to execute the unlocking procedure includes: using the manager mobile device to identify whether the lock is connected with the manager mobile device, wherein when the lock is not connected with the manager mobile device, the lock remains in the locking state when in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode or remains in the unlocking state when in the normally open mode, wherein when the lock is connected with the manager mobile device which is set to require input of an authentication information, the manager mobile device is used to input the authentication information, wherein when the inputted authentication information is identified as being incorrect, the lock remains in the locking state when in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode or remains in the unlocking state when in the normally open mode, wherein when the inputted authentication information is identified as being correct and the lock is in the normal mode, the manager mobile device transmits a control signal to the lock, wherein when the lock identifies that the control signal is correct, the lock is switched to the unlocking state, wherein when the inputted authentication information is identified as being correct and the lock is in the dnd mode, the manager mobile device gives a hint to indicate that the lock is in the dnd mode, and the manager mobile device requests input of determination of whether to continue the execution of the unlocking procedure, wherein when it is determined to continue the execution of the unlocking procedure, the lock is switched to the unlocking state, wherein when it is determined not to continue the execution of the unlocking procedure, the lock remains the locking state, wherein when the inputted authentication information is identified as being correct and the lock is in the normally open mode, the manager mobile device gives a hint to indicate that the lock is in the normally open mode.
  11. 11 . A lock controlling method comprising: using a manager mobile device to obtain a control authority of a lock to permit execution of an unlocking procedure on the lock, wherein the lock is preset to a normal mode and a locking state, wherein when the lock is not in an unlocking state, operation of an outer operating device of the lock is unable to retract a latch of the lock, and the latch is retracted by operating an inner operating device of the lock; and using the manager mobile device to execute a mode selection procedure permitting the manager mobile device to be switched from the normal mode to a do-not-disturb (dnd) mode, wherein the manager mobile device is used to connect with the lock whose control authority has been granted to the manager mobile device, wherein the mode selection procedure is canceled when connection between the manager mobile device and the lock is not established, wherein when connection between the manager mobile device and the lock is established, the manager mobile device is usable to set the lock to one of the normal mod and the dnd mode, wherein when the lock is set to the dnd mode and remains in the locking state, the lock starts countdown of a dnd mode retaining time period, wherein when the dnd retaining time period is not over, the lock maintains the dnd mode and only permits execution of the unlocking procedure by the manager mobile device, wherein when the dnd mode retaining time period ends, the lock returns from the dnd mode to the normal mode.
  12. 12 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising using a door access card to execute the unlocking procedure, wherein the door access card is granted with a use right of the lock, wherein the lock reads a door access card identification information of the door access card and identifies whether the door access card identification information of the door access card is correct, wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is incorrect and the lock is in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode, the lock remains in the locking state, wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is correct and the lock is in the normal mode, the lock is switched to the unlocking state, and wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is correct and the lock is in the dnd mode, the lock remains in the locking state.
  13. 13 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising: using a user mobile device to execute the unlocking procedure, wherein the user mobile device is granted with a use right of the lock, wherein with the user mobile device not connected with the lock, the lock remains in the locking state when in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode or remains in the unlocking state when in the normally open mode, wherein with the user mobile device connected with the lock and with the user mobile device set to a single authentication procedure in which an authentication identification information is to be inputted, when identification of the inputted authentication identification information is unsuccessful, the lock remains in the locking state when in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode, wherein when the inputted authentication identification information is identified as being correct or the authentication identification information is not required, the lock is switched to the unlocking state when in the normal mode or remains in the locking state when in the dnd state.
  14. 14 . A lock controlling method comprising: using a manager mobile device to grant a control authority of a first lock and a control authority of a second lock; using the manager mobile device to grant a use right to a door access card; setting a name for the door access card; using the manager mobile device to select at least one of the first lock and the second lock whose control authority is to be granted to the door access card; using the manager mobile device to select the first lock or the second lock as a device for reading a door access card identification information of the door access card, wherein the selected one of the first and second locks gives a hint indicative of a result of selection, wherein when the door access card is near the selected one of the first and second locks, the selected one of the first and second locks reads the door access card identification information of the door access card and transmits the door access card identification information of the door access card to the manager mobile device; using the manager mobile device to proceed with a synchronization procedure on at least one of the first and second locks whose use right is to be granted, wherein the door access card is granted with the use right of at least one of the first and second locks only when the synchronization procedure is completed on the manager mobile device and the at least one of the first and second locks.
  15. 15 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 14 , further comprising: using the manager mobile device to execute a mode selection procedure permitting the manager mobile device to be switched from the normal mode to a normally open mode or a do-not-disturb (dnd) mode, wherein the manager mobile device is used to connect with one of the first and second locks whose control authority has been granted to the manager mobile device, wherein the mode selection procedure is canceled when connection between the manager mobile device and the one of the first and second locks is not established, wherein when connection between the manager mobile device and the one of the first and second locks is established, the manager mobile device is usable to switch the one of the first and second locks from the normal mode to one the normally open mode and the dnd mode, wherein with the first and second locks set to the normal mode, when the first and second locks are not in an unlocking state, operation of an outer operating device of either of the first and second locks is unable to retract a latch of a respective one of the first and second locks, and the latch is retractable by operating an inner operating device of the respective one of the first and second locks; wherein when one of the first and second locks is set to the normally open mode, the one of the first and second locks starts countdown of a normally open mode retaining time period, wherein when the normally open mode retaining time period is not over, the one of the first and second locks maintains the normally open mode, wherein when the normally open mode retaining time period ends, the one of the first and second locks returns from the normally open mode to the normal mode, wherein when one of the first and second locks is set to the dnd mode, the one of the first and second locks starts countdown of a dnd mode retaining time period, wherein when the dnd mode retaining time period is not over, the one of the first and second locks maintains the dnd mode, wherein when the dnd mode retaining time period ends, the one of the first and second locks returns from the dnd mode to the normal mode, wherein when the door access card is used to execute an unlocking procedure, the selected one of the first and second locks reads and identifies the door access card identification information of the door access card, wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is identified as being correct and the selected one of the first and second locks is set to the normal mode, the selected one of the first and second locks is switched to the unlocking state, such that the latch of the selected one of the first and second locks is retractable by operating either of the outer operating device and the inner operating device of the selected one of the first and second locks, wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is identified as being correct and the selected one of the first and second locks is set to the dnd mode, operation of the outer operating device of the selected one of the first and second locks is unable to retract the latch of the selected one of the first and second locks, but operation of the inner operating device retracts the latch of the selected one of the first and second locks, wherein when the door access card identification information of the door access card is identified as being correct and the selected one of the first and second locks is set to the normally open mode, the selected one of the first and second locks generates sound and/or light to indicate that the selected one of the first and second locks is in the normally open mode, wherein the latch of the selected one of the first and second locks is retractable by operating either of the outer operating device and the inner operating device of the selected one of the first and second locks.
  16. 16 . The lock controlling method as claimed in claim 15 , wherein the using the manager mobile device to execute the unlocking procedure includes: using the manager mobile device to identify whether one of the first and second locks is connected with the manager mobile device, wherein when the selected one of the first and second locks is not connected with the manager mobile device, the one of the first and second locks remains in the locking state when in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode or remains in the unlocking state when in the normally open mode, wherein when the one of the first and second locks is connected with the manager mobile device which is set to require input of an authentication information, the manager mobile device is used to input the authentication information, wherein when the inputted authentication information is identified as being incorrect, the one of the first and second locks remains in the locking state when in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode or remains in the unlocking state when in the normally open mode, wherein when the inputted authentication information is identified as being correct and the one of the first and second locks is in the normal mode, the manager mobile device transmits a control signal to the one of the first and second locks, wherein when the lock identifies that the control signal is correct, the one of the first and second locks is switched to the unlocking state, wherein when the inputted authentication information is identified as being correct and the one of the first and second locks is in the dnd mode, the manager mobile device gives a hint to indicate that the one of the first and second locks is in the dnd mode, and the manager mobile device requests input of determination of whether to continue the execution of the unlocking procedure, wherein when it is determined to continue the execution of the unlocking procedure, the manager mobile device sends a control signal to the one of the first and second locks, wherein the one of the first and second locks is switched to the unlocking state when the control signal is identified as being correct, wherein when it is determined not to continue the execution of the unlocking procedure, the one of the first and second locks in the dnd mode remains the locking state, wherein when the inputted authentication information is identified as being correct and the one of the first and second locks is in the normally open mode, the manager mobile device gives a hint to indicate that the one of the first and second locks is in the normally open mode.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a lock controlling method and, more particularly, to a method capable of changing the operation mode of a lock, unlocking the lock, and granting authority of the lock through a mobile device and/or a door access card. A door lock installed on a door provides a door access control function. Door locks evolve from conventional mechanic type into current electric type. An electric door lock requires input of a password and/or a biological feature (such as a facial feature or a fingerprint feature). However, authorization and control of electric door locks are not convenient enough. Furthermore, an electric door lock generally remains in a locking state and includes an outer operating device without a keyway. In a case that a solitary feels uncomfortable but is unable to unlock the door lock, it is difficult for a normal locksmith or an ambulance technician to crack the electric door lock. As a result, the help from the facilitator (such as the timing of medical treatment) could be delayed. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention provides a lock controlling method comprising: using a manager mobile device to obtain a control authority of a lock to permit execution of an unlocking procedure on the lock, wherein the lock is preset to a normal mode and a locking state, wherein when the lock is not in an unlocking state, operation of an outer operating device of the lock is unable to retract a latch of the lock, and the latch is retractable by operating an inner operating device of the lock; andusing the manager mobile device to execute a mode selection procedure permitting the manager mobile device to be switched from the normal mode to a normally open mode, wherein the manager mobile device is used to connect with the lock whose control authority has been granted to the manager mobile device, wherein the mode selection procedure is canceled when connection between the manager mobile device and the lock is not established, wherein when connection between the manager mobile device and the lock is established, the manager mobile device 68 is usable to set the lock to one of the normal mode and the normally open mode,wherein when the lock is set to the normally open mode, the lock starts countdown of a normally open mode retaining time period, wherein when the normally open mode retaining time period is not over, the lock0 maintains the normally open mode and the unlocking state, wherein when the normally open mode retaining time period ends, the lock returns from the normally open mode to the normal mode. The normally open mode provided in the lock controlling method according to the present invention enables the lock to maintain the unlocking state for a period of time, such that an older person or a solitary in a house may seek help, and an ambulance technician or police may rapidly enter the house to provide timely assistance. In an example, the mode selection procedure further includes a do-not-disturb (dnd) mode, permitting the manager mobile device to switch the lock from the normal mode to one of the dnd mode and the normally open mode. When the lock is set to the dnd mode and is in the locking state, the lock starts countdown of a dnd mode retaining time period. When the dnd mode retaining time period is not over, the lock in the dnd mode only permits the manager mobile device to execute the unlocking procedure for unlocking the lock. When the dnd mode retaining time period ends, the lock returns to the normal mode. The dnd (do-not-disturb) mode provided in the lock controlling method according to the present invention permits a lock to be unlocked only when the unlocking procedure is executed by a manager mobile device granted with the control authority of the lock. Thus, when the holder of the manager mobile device needs privacy, the lock cannot be unlocked by devices other than the manager mobile device. In an example, the lock controlling method further comprises using a door access card to execute the unlocking procedure. The door access card is granted with a use right of the lock. The lock reads a door access card identification information of the door access card and identifies whether the door access card identification information of the door access card is correct. When the door access card identification information of the door access card is incorrect and the lock is in either of the normal mode and the dnd mode, the lock remains in the locking state. When the door access card identification information of the door access card is incorrect and the lock is in the normally open mode, the lock remains in the unlocking state and gives a hint by sound and/or light to indicate that the door access card identification information of the door access card is identified as being incorrect. When the door access card identification information of the door access card is correct and the lock is in the normal mode, th