US 7061367 B2
A decentralized key management system for controlling access to multiple vehicles among multiple users includes vehicle keys for the respective vehicles, individual locking key containers for the vehicles, electronic access devices for assignment to the users and a database. Each of the containers has a storage area within which a vehicle key or keys for one vehicle can be stored operable to unlock key containers if authorized. The access devices are operable to unlock the key containers if authorized. The access devices are programmable with information from the database such that an assigned access device is programmed with a specific user's access privileges for obtaining access to one or more of the vehicles in the system.
1. A key management system for controlling access to vehicle keys, comprising:
a key set that includes a vehicle key to a particular vehicle and a key tag associated with the vehicle key, the key tag having an electronically readable identifier stored thereon and an electrical contact portion;
a key container that can be located on or near the vehicle, the key container having a key set storage area secured by an electronic lock, the key container operable to detect the key set when the key set is properly stored in the key set storage area; and
an open architecture electronic access device carried by a user to access the key container, the access device having a memory that is updated with at least the identifier of the key tag when the key container is successfully accessed and the key set is removed from the key set storage area;
wherein the access device is programmed to expire periodically, and wherein information stored in the memory of an expired access device is automatically uploaded to a database.
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14. A key management system for controlling access to vehicle keys, comprising:
a key set that includes a vehicle key to a particular vehicle and a key tag associated with the vehicle key, the key tag having a memory having a stored electronically readable identifier and of operable to store tracking information; and
a key container that can be located on or near the vehicle, the key container having a key set storage area secured by an electronic lock, the key container operable to detect the key set when the key set is properly stored in the key set storage area; and
an electronic access device carried by a user to access the key container, the access device having a memory that is updated with at least the identifier of the key tag when the key container is successfully accessed and the key set is removed from the key set storage area.
15. The key management system of
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19. A key management system for controlling access to a vehicle key stored proximal to a remotely located vehicle, comprising:
a key container located proximal to one of the remotely located vehicles, the key container having a key storage area for storing a vehicle key associated with the respective vehicle and being secured by an electronic lock;
a key tag associated with the vehicle key, the key tag having a memory with an electronically stored identifier and operable to record information when the key storage area is accessed; and
an electronic key for accessing the key container, the electronic key operable to establish a communications link with the key tag via the key container and having a memory,
wherein information about access events is stored in at least one of the memory of the key tag or the memory of the electronic key.
20. The system of
21. The system of
22. The system of
23. The system of
24. The system of
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/356,655, filed Jan. 31, 2003, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/356,383, also filed Jan. 31, 2003. This application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/363,938, filed Mar. 6, 2003, which is a §371 U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US02/13653, filed Apr. 30, 2002. Each of these prior applications is incorporated herein by this reference.
This application relates to asset management and tracking, and more specifically, to managing and tracking physical assets, such as, e.g., keys or other objects, that are secured at remote locations but must be accessed and used by different authorized people for various purposes.
Asset management systems, such as key management systems, are known. Effective key management requires that a number of individual keys can be securely stored when not in use, but one or more of the keys can be made available to an authorized user in an efficient manner. Enhanced capabilities of key management systems would include tracking of keys that are in use or missing, as well as the ability to generate reports about activity relating to access of the keys and/or the locked areas unlocked by the keys.
In one type of application, key management systems are used to administer the use of keys for a large fleet of vehicles, e.g., at a car dealership. The dealership expects the system to assist in permitting only authorized individuals, e.g., salespersons, mechanics, managers, etc., to have access to vehicles in its possession, but it does not wish to impede these authorized individuals from conducting business with cumbersome security measures.
According to one current approach, vehicle keys are maintained in a centralized location, e.g., the dealership showroom. In today's larger dealerships, returning from the sales lot to the showroom each time a different key is needed may pose a real inconvenience. Therefore, a salesperson may try to guess all of the vehicles that a sales prospect may be interested in, and then take the keys to these vehicles. The keys may not be returned to the centralized location for some time, because the salesperson is busy or because the salesperson gives the keys to another salesperson who is seeking them. As a result, some keys may be “out of circulation” for an extended period, even though they may not be in actual use.
Some centralized systems are as simple as a key board having hooks on which the keys are hung, thus providing a visual indication of which vehicles are available on the lot based on which keys are present on the board. Another centralized system requires each individual seeking access to login through an attached computer with an ID and a password. Authorized individuals are provided access to a secure drawer with a compartment assigned to the keys for each vehicle in the dealership's inventory. This system records who removes a key from the drawer, the time the key was removed, and the time it was returned, based in part on an electronic identifier attached to each vehicle's keys. One problem with such centralized electronic systems, however, is that when they inevitably fail, the secured keys to an entire inventory of vehicles cannot be accessed until the problem is corrected.
According to another current approach, which is decentralized, the keys are securely stored at or near each parked vehicle. The keys to each vehicle (or at least the ignition key) are secured in a locked key container when not in use. For example, each vehicle can be outfitted with a key box or key container having a conventional lock accessed by a conventional key, such as the present assignee's Indigo® key box. A dealership's collection of key containers might be keyed alike, or might require a small number of different keys.
In any case, theft or loss of one of the keys to the key containers poses a security risk until detected. It is also expensive to retool each lock to accept only a new key that has not been compromised. There are also limits on the number of different new keys that can be made for conventional locks, so a careful thief with a collection of stolen keys still might have access.
There are also drawbacks to using the conventional key container in its intended way. A busy salesperson may forget to replace the keys in the key container for a first vehicle before taking a sales prospect for a test drive in a second vehicle. There is a chance that the salesperson may eventually return both sets of keys, but may return them to the wrong key containers. There is no way to track past accesses with the conventional key container system.
Another type of decentralized system also makes use of remotely located key containers secured by conventional locks, but each user has a custom-cut conventional key capable of accessing each key container. This system is able to track which custom-cut key was used to access which key container, but there is no assurance that the current key user is the assigned user. Loss or theft of the custom-cut key requires all of the key containers to be re-keyed, which is expensive. The key container of this system communicates access information to a centralized location, but this requires a supply of power and associated circuitry that makes this container much more expensive.
It would be advantageous to provide a key management system that addresses some of the drawbacks of the prior systems.
The asset management system and methods of this application provide advantages compared to prior art approaches.
First, the system and methods of this application can be used under a decentralized approach that allows the keys to be stored at secure locations near each respective vehicle, rather than requiring a user seeking access to first obtain the vehicle keys from a central location that may be far removed from the vehicle that the user seeks to access.
Second, the access device that allows an authorized user to access a key container in which the vehicle keys are secured is a portable electronic device that is preprogrammed with the user's privileges and periodically expires. In addition, the user must enter identifying information, such as a PIN code, to authenticate himself before access is allowed. Thus, loss or theft of an access device poses less risk than loss of a conventional key that may provide access to a large number of key containers.
According to one implementation, a key management system for controlling access to vehicle keys includes a key set, a key container and a portable electronic access device. The key set includes vehicle keys to a particular vehicle and a key tag associated with the vehicle keys. The key tag has an electronically readable identifier stored on the key tag.
The key container can be located on or near the vehicle. The key container has a key set storage area secured by an electronic lock. The key container can detect the presence of the key tag within the key set storage area. For example, the key tag can have an electrical contact portion that completes a circuit in the key container when the key set is stored in the key set storage area.
The portable electronic access device is carried by a user to access the key container. The access device has a memory that is updated with at least the identifier of the key tag when the key container is successfully accessed and the key set is removed from the key set storage area.
The memory in the access device can also record the approximate time that a successful access was made. The memory of the access device can include stored privileges, and at least some of these privileges can be set to expire periodically.
The access device can be configured to supply the electrical power necessary to operate the circuit of the key container. The system can be configured to require that the user physically connect the access device to the key container to establish a communications link. In other implementations, the access device can establish a wireless communications link with the key container and does not supply power to the key container.
The access device can be programmed with access privileges corresponding to the user's identity. The key container is usually programmed to prevent access unless the user validates his identity.
The key container can include a memory that stores, e.g., the identifier of the key tag of the stored key set and/or an access log providing information identifying which users recently accessed the key container, which key tags were accessed and at what times. The memory of the key container can include a lockout list identifying an unauthorized access device or an unauthorized user.
The key container can include an attachment portion shaped to allow the key container to be supported over an edge of a window in the vehicle.
The system can include a central computer and an associated database for use in administration, include assigning privileges to different classes of users, updating information about current inventory to be tracked, tracking activity of access devices, users and vehicles, and allowing certain classes of users to generate and view reports of activity. Users can log into the central computer to reestablish their expired access privileges.
Prior to or during an access event, the user demonstrates that he is authorized, which may include communicating identification information to the access device, e.g., entering a PIN code on a key pad or other similar authentication routine. Once initially authorized, the user may then be asked to select from one of a predetermined group of codes corresponding to the purpose of the access.
With an access device that is programmed to expire periodically, the information stored in the memory of an expired access device can be automatically uploaded to a database before reuse, e.g., at check in, during reauthorization, etc.
According to another implementation, a key management system for controlling access to a vehicle key stored proximal to a remotely located vehicle includes a key container, a key tag associated with the vehicle key and an electronic key for accessing the key container. The key container is located proximal to one of the remotely located vehicles. The key container has a key storage area for storing a vehicle key associated with the respective vehicle and is secured by an electronic lock. The key container has a memory that is capable of recording information when the key storage area is accessed. The key tag has an electronically stored identifier and is detectable by the key container when placed in the key storage area. The electronic key is capable of establishing a wireless communications link with the electronic lock of the key container and has a memory. Information about access events is stored in the key container memory and/or the memory of the electronic key.
The wireless communications link can be an infrared link. The electronic key can be an open architecture personal digital assistant or an open architecture mobile phone.
According to another implementation, a key management system for controlling access to vehicle keys includes a key set, a key container and an open architecture electronic access device. The key set includes a vehicle key to a particular vehicle and a key tag associated with the vehicle key. The key tag has an electronically readable identifier stored on the tag and an electrical contact portion. The key container can be located on or near the vehicle. The key container has a key set storage area secured by an electronic lock. The key container is capable of detecting the key set when the key set is properly stored in the key set storage area. The electronic access device can be carried by a user to access the key container. The access device has a memory that is updated with at least the identifier of the key tag when the key container is successfully accessed and the key set is removed from the key set storage area.
The key container can include a memory that stores at least the identifier of the key tag of the stored key set. The memory of the key container can include a lockout list identifying an unauthorized access device or an unauthorized user. The memory of the access device can record the approximate time that a successful access was made and/or the approximate time that a key tag was returned to the key tag storage area. The memory of the access device can include stored privileges.
The key container can have an open position in which the key set storage area can be accessed and a closed position in which the key set storage area cannot be accessed. Removing the key set from the key storage area can prevent the key container from being changed from the opened position to the closed position.
In particular implementations, the key management system includes a central computer and an associated database for administering the system. The central computer allows an administrator to set each user's access privileges and to track the user's access activity. The system can allow the user to log into the central computer to reestablish his expired access privileges. The user seeking to access a key container can use his access device to communicate his identifying information and to select one of a predetermined group of codes corresponding to the purpose of the access. The information stored in the memory of an expired access device can be automatically uploaded to a data base when the access device is reauthorized. The key container can be capable of communicating with the key set when the electrical contact portion of the key tag is placed to complete an electrical circuit in the key container.
According to another implementation, a key management system for managing access to keys has an organizational hierarchy with at least three levels having multiple entities within each level, including, in descending hierarchical order, a first dealer group level, a second dealership level and a third department level. Each key is assigned to one entity at any level. The system includes a permissions data structure for assigning permissions to various users of the system in which permissions for any particular user can be assigned, on a level by level basis, to all entities, fewer than all entities or no entities. The system compares the particular user's assigned permissions against the key's assignment to determine whether the user is authorized to access the key.
The system may further include a zeroth organization level hierarchically above the first, second and third levels. Assignment of privileges to all entities of any level can automatically confer privileges to all entities of any hierarchically lower level.
Described below are implementations of an asset management system. In one implementation, the system is configured for management of physical assets and (1) allows article(s) necessary to access a locked object or area, which would include a key or keys, to be securely stored near the object or area in a locked container, (2) allows access to the container with an electronic access device by an authorized user, and (3) allows tracking of access activity.
An implementation 10 of the key management system is shown schematically in
The user unlocks the key container 14 by linking a pre-programmed electronic access device with the key container 14 and successfully demonstrating that the user is authorized to make access to the key container 14, based on, e.g., one or more of the following: the user's identity, the user's pre-assigned privileges, the user's prior activity, the time of day, etc. In the illustrated implementations, the access device is a small, battery-powered, microprocessor-based unit with a memory, a display, a key pad that allows the user to enter information, and input/output capability for receiving programming instructions or communicating information, such as sending a user's PIN to a linked key container 14 that the user wishes to access. One specific access device is the key pad 16 of the type illustrated in
Assuming that the user's request to access the key container 14 is authorized, the electronic lock of the key container 14 is unlocked and information about the access is recorded in memory, which may include a memory in the key pad 16 and/or a memory in the key container 14. At periodic intervals, e.g., the end of a salesperson's shift, the information stored in memory can be uploaded to a central computer 21 for managing and tracking access activity.
The central computer 21 is programmed for use in administering the system 10, including assigning privileges to different classes of users, updating information about current inventory to be tracked, tracking activity of key pads 16, users and vehicles, and allowing certain classes of users to generate and view reports.
The central computer 21 is linked to a database that stores information for administering the key management system. As illustrated in
The central computer 21 would typically be located at a convenient but secure site at the dealership, e.g., in the dealership's central offices. If an access device such as the key pad 16 is used, there is also a programming base 22 connected to the central computer 21 that provides an interface for connecting the key pad 16 and the central computer 21 together to exchange information.
If desired, one or more additional computers, such as the remote computer 24, can also be linked to the system via the internet or other network. For example, the dealership owner may have one such remote computer 24 located at her residence. There may also be implementations in which multiple central computers and/or multiple databases (located on-site or remotely) are networked together to provide a coordinated management system, e.g., in the case of a large auto group with multiple dealerships at different locations. Additionally, an optional system administration channel may be provided, such as a telephone link 28 to live customer support and/or a voice-activated server.
In some implementations, such as is illustrated in
Additional details are described below.
Operation of the system 10 is described below in connection with an exemplary implementation at a vehicle dealership. At any time, the dealership has an inventory of vehicles under its care, which may include both new and used vehicles being offered for sale, as well as vehicles owned by others that have been left at the dealership for service. Vehicles may need to be accessed several times over the course of each business day, e.g., to move them to other locations, to allow potential customers to test drive them, to view their interiors, etc. In a large dealership, the vehicles may be distributed over an extensive area, so keeping each vehicle's keys securely stored, but at a location near the respective vehicle, is desirable.
In the case of its sales force, the dealership desires to give each authorized salesperson privileges to access some or all of the vehicles being offered for sale without unduly interfering with the sales process. There may be reasons, however, to restrict a salesperson's ability to access vehicles, e.g., the salesperson is no longer an employee of the dealership, the salesperson's work shift is over, the salesperson has exceeded a maximum number of vehicle accesses for a given period, or the salesperson is authorized to sell only certain vehicles (e.g., only used vehicles or only a particular make of vehicles).
Key Pad/Key Container Interaction
Assuming that correct identifying information has been entered, the user is then prompted to enter a usage code corresponding to the intended reason she is seeking access (step 212). Exemplary usage codes could include one or more of the following: sales demo, service, body shop, PDI (Preparation, Detail, Inspection), overnight, aftermarket, or retrieving key for central storage.
In step 214, the user is then prompted to link her key pad 16 to the key container 14, in this case by physically connecting the key pad 16 to the key container 14. When an electrical connection between the key pad 16 and the key container 18 is established (step 216), the key container “wakes up” based on electrical power provided from the key pad 16 to circuitry in the key container 14. In other embodiments as described elsewhere, the key pad establishes a wireless communications link (such as, e.g., via IrDa, RF or any other suitable wireless communications protocol) with the key container 14, and the key pad does not supply power to the key container.
In step 218, it is determined whether the key pad 16 is authorized to make the requested access. It is possible to prevent a user from making an otherwise authorized access (i.e., one within the privileges programmed for the user's key pad 16) by identifying the user on a “lock out” list stored in the key container 14.
If the access is not authorized, the key pad 16 indicates this result (e.g., via a displayed and/or audio message) (step 220), and the key pad 16 displays its main menu (step 222).
If the access is authorized, information about the access is recorded in the memory of the key container 14 (step 224) and in the memory of the key pad 16 (step 226). The information recorded in the memory of the key container 14 is stored in the form of an audit trail and may include the user's identification, the usage code, the date and time of the access, and the identification of the key tag 18, if present. The information recorded in the memory of the key pad 16 would usually include identification of the key tag 18 corresponding to the key set 20 in the key container 14, the date and time of the access and the usage code.
Following step 226, the key container 14 is unlocked to allow access to the key set 20 (step 228). The user may then use the key set 20 to unlock the vehicle.
If the user is determined to have lot attendant privileges (step 230), such as indicated by entering the appropriate usage code in step 212, the process returns to step 214 and she is prompted to connect her assigned key pad to the key container 14 for the next vehicle. In this way, the responsible lot attendant may access each key container 14 for multiple cars and collect the respective key sets quickly, e.g., at the end of the business day. The process can be designed to require the lot attendant to reauthorize herself (e.g., by reentering her PIN) after a given time period (e.g., every 10 minutes) and/or after a predetermined number of accesses (e.g., after every 10 accesses).
Checking In/Checking Out a Key Pad
If the user is authorized, the user's record is retrieved from the database and a menu of options available to the particular user is displayed (step 114). For example, if the user is a salesperson, the displayed options may include “Check out Key Pad” (step 116), “Check in Key Pad” (step 118) and “Log out” (step 120). If the user selects “Log out” (step 120), the process is halted.
If the user selects “Check out Key Pad,” the process proceeds to the steps shown in
If the user has not reached the checked out keypads limit, she is prompted to place a key pad 16 in the programming base 22 (step 124). In step 126, the user selects a key pad 16 and links it to the programming base 22, e.g., by physically or wirelessly connecting it to the programming base 22. In step 128, any previous activity information stored in the key pad 16 is uploaded to the database and the key pad 16 is activated for the particular user in accordance with the user's predetermined privileges from her record. Advantageously, the user can select any one of a number of available key pads, since the selected one will be reprogrammed for her according to her identity and privileges. Alternatively, some or all users may retain possession of specific key pads 16 that have been assigned to them, but will still need to follow generally the same steps for periodic reauthorization.
In step 130, the user's record is updated to reflect that the assigned key has been checked out to the user.
Following step 114 in
According to an alternative check in procedure, user log in is not required. Rather the key pad 16 is linked to the programming base 22 and the system is instructed to check in the key pad 16.
Certain functionality is reserved for system administrators.
In step 800, the administrator is prompted to enter her identification information, e.g., her username and password. In step 802, it is determined whether the administrator is authorized. If the administrator is not authorized, the process is halted.
In step 804, a menu of administrative options available to the administrator is displayed, such as “Import Vehicles” (step 806), “Key Tag Assignment” (step 808) and “Logout” (step 810). If “Logout” (step 810) is selected, the process returns to the original login screen (step 800).
If “Import Vehicles” (step 806) is selected, the process proceeds to the steps shown in
If the connection is established, the process proceeds to step 816, and data corresponding to the desired new vehicle is downloaded from the third party database to the database for the system 10.
If “Key Tag Assignment” (step 808) is selected, the process proceeds to the steps shown in
If the key tag is currently assigned, information for the currently assigned vehicle is displayed (step 822). In step 824, the administrator is prompted to select a vehicle to which the key tag is to be assigned. In step 826, the new key tag assignment information is stored in the system database.
As illustrated, there is an overall dealer group 80 that includes a first dealership 82 and a second dealership 84. The first dealership 82 has five departments: a Toyota New Cars Department 86, a Toyota Used Cars Department 88, a Lexus New Cars Department 90, a Lexus Used Cars Department 92, and a Service Department 94. The second dealership has three departments: a Chevrolet New Cars Department 96, a Chevrolet Used Cars Department 98, and a Service Department 102.
A first dealership 82 salesperson may have privileges to access vehicles in only a single sales department, such as the Toyota New Cars Department 86, or in multiple departments, such as the Toyota New Cars Department 86 and the Toyota Used Cars Department 88. Similarly, an employee of the service department 94 may be granted privileges only to access vehicles assigned to that department.
A first dealership 82 administrator, however, may be granted privileges across as many as all five departments. Similar assignments of privileges to one, more than one or all departments are possible in the second dealership 84.
In the case where the first dealership 82 and the second dealership 84 are related as members of the auto group 80, there may be a class of users who are authorized for access across one or more departments in both dealerships, such as the owner (privileges to access vehicles in all departments) and the new car sales manager (privileges for the new car departments 86, 90 and 96). Other combinations of privileges are, of course, possible.
Such privileges or “permissions” may be implemented in various ways. For example, in the scenario above in which the user's class within the organization is the user's department, the key containers for use in that department can be identified as such within the system. In other words, the Toyota New Cars department can have a number of key containers that are assigned to that department, which would be identified in the database. A salesperson belonging to the Toyota New Cars department typically would have privileges to access all Toyota New Cars key containers, subject to regular authorization (e.g., providing his PIN upon requesting access), periodic normal expiration (e.g., after the end of the user's shift) or special expiration (e.g., user now on a lock-out list), of his access privileges. Thus, a Toyota New Cars salesperson would have privileges that match or are consistent with the privileges information stored in a Toyota New Cars key container.
Another example is shown in
The cross-hatched entities represent the privileges assigned to a particular user (or a class of users). In this example, the senior sales staff of the Ford Truck Dealership of Ann's Auto Empire are assigned privileges entitling them to access all vehicles for sale at the Beaverton Mall Group, as well as to Ford Dealership vehicles for sale at the Portland Group. This may be done, e.g., because senior sales staff of one dealership are expected to sell across brands within their dealer group, and to sell to affiliated brands of other dealer groups within the organization (i.e., because Ford cars are affiliated with Ford Trucks).
Thus, for the Beaverton Mall Group, the senior sales staff have privileges allowing access to keys for vehicles assigned to the New cars department of the VW dealership, the New cars department of the Ford Truck dealership, and the Used cars department of the Used Cars dealership. The senior sales staff do not have privileges, however, to the Service departments of these dealerships within the Beaverton Mall Group.
Considering the Portland Group, the senior sales staff have privileges only allowing access to keys of vehicles assigned to the New cars department of the Ford Dealership, but not to the Service, Body and Rentals departments of that dealership.
According to the checked boxes at the left hand portion of the screen, Nellie is entitled to access only Lot 2 vehicles assigned to the “new” and “used” categories. At the lower right hand portion of the screen display, the checked boxes indicate that Nellie's privileges, for Lot 2, include: editing all records, programming devices and viewing reports.
If Tom Smith happened to arrive at Lot 3 without remembering his assigned key pad, he could check out another key pad because he is not limited to a maximum number of key pads.
As indicated, the system 10 allows various types of reports to be generated, provided the requesting person has appropriate privileges. Any such report can be generated in a printed or electronic form, and can be used on-site or automatically transmitted to a remote location, by e-mail or other form of transmission.
For example, an administrator can generate a report from the database of activity from all users (or “key holders”), or some class of users. This report would normally include, for a desired time frame, the user's identifying information, identification of the assigned key pad, the vehicles that were accessed, the date and time of the access, and the usage code associated with the access.
It is also possible to generate a recent vehicle activity report sorted by the vehicles in inventory. This report provides information on the last several accesses of each vehicle, such as which user made the access, the time and date the access was made and the purpose of the access. This report might be used, e.g., in tracking unreported damage to a vehicle that is discovered at a later time.
For any specific vehicle, a similar report showing information about the last several accesses is available in the field, if authorized, by linking a key pad 16 to the key container 14 and requesting it. The report is viewed on the key pad 16 and/or on the key container, depending upon the particular implementation.
Other report formats include:
The above report formats are exemplary only, and other report formats would of course be possible.
Additional details regarding major components of the system 10 are described below.
The access device or key pad 16 may be a device similar to the present assignee's DisplayKEY or a similar device, except that it may be programmed to expire after a shorter operating period (e.g., the length of a shift in the case of a key pad 16 assigned to a salesperson) and it may have non-rechargeable batteries. Each key pad 16 is usually assigned a unique serial number that is recorded in the database.
In the illustrated implementations, the key pad 16 is linked with other devices to exchange information via a physical electrical connection, i.e., electrical contacts of the key pad 16 physically contact and form an electrical connection with corresponding contacts of the key container 14 or of the programming base 22. Other linking technologies are also available, including those that do not require a physical connection between the devices, such as infrared, radio frequency, etc.
One specific implementation of the key box or key container 14 is shown in
The key set storage portion 30 is defined in a movable portion 32 of the key container 14. The movable portion 32 is released to slide downwardly as indicated by arrow A when the key container 14 is unlocked.
The key container 14 has a key pad interface portion 34 shaped to receive and establish electrical contact with the key pad 16. In the illustrated implementation, the keypad interface portion is defined in a lower end 36 of the movable portion 34.
The key container 14 includes a microprocessor-based circuit that includes a memory and a solenoid that is selectively controllable to “unlock the lock,” i.e., to release the movable portion 32. Motors, magnets or other similar devices could be used in place of the solenoid. The circuit in the key container 14 is normally configured to receive power from a linked key pad 16, so no separate power source within the key container 14 is required.
In some implementations, and possibly if infrared, RF or other wireless communication capability between the access device and the key container 14 is provided, there may be a dedicated power source for the key container circuit.
The key container 14 has an attachment portion for attaching the key container 14 to a secure object. In the illustrated implementation, the attachment portion is a hanger 38 shaped to slide over the edge of the glass in a partially open vehicle window to support the key container 14. The window can then be closed to prevent a thief from simply removing the key container from an unattended vehicle.
Other implementations of the key container 14 may have a door or other structure that selectively allows access to the key set storage portion 30, instead of the drawer-like arrangement shown in the figures.
Also shown in
One suitable identifier element 40 is the iButton® available from Dallas Semiconductor. A suitable reader for reading the serial number from the identifier element 40 is also available from Dallas Semiconductor.
In the illustrated implementation, presence of the key set 20 in the key container 14 is detected by presence of the key tag 18. Specifically, there is a key tag receiving portion 44 defined in the key set storage portion 30 of the key container. When the key tag 18 is received in the key tag receiving portion 44, the identifier element 40 completes a circuit in the key container.
The key container 14 can be configured to allow it to be locked only when the key set 20 is present in the key container 14. In the illustrated implementation, the movable portion 32 cannot be returned to its closed position unless the key tag 18 is received in the key tag receiving portion 44. In some situations, such as during shipping, the key tag receiving portion may be loaded with a dummy or place holder key tag 16 to allow the key container to be closed.
Additional Key Tag Features
If desired, the system 10 can be modified to provide for tracking of key tags. In one implementation, each key tag can be tracked to determine the time when it was returned to the respective key box. One suitable identifier element for a trackable key tag would be, e.g., the iButton® DS1904 identifier which includes a real-time clock in addition to the basic memory and power source present in a base model iButton® identifier. In such an implementation, data relating to the tracking of key sets would be recorded in the memory of the key container.
In other implementations, the key tag may be configured as the assigned entity, instead of or in addition to the key container. In these implementations, the key tag would record some or all of the information relating to tracking of the key sets and access privileges. In these implementations, similar to the key container implementations above, the key tag would be programmed to grant access, i.e., by unlocking the lock of the key container, if the user's privileges as communicated through the access device are consistent with the privileges assigned to the key tag. The key tag would include an updatable memory, and possibly other electronic components, such as a microprocessor. Suitable devices include, e.g., the iButton® NV RAM, EPROM, EEPROM identifiers, as well as other compact solid state memory devices.
For some implementations, the key tag can be configured to communicate wirelessly with the key container. Communication between the key tag and the key container may take place when the key tag is within the key container, or when the key tag is within close proximity of the key container. The communication may be restricted to simply the identifier of the key tag, or may include communication of all necessary tracking and access privileges information. The key tag can include an RF identification tag for such communication, and the key container can include an RF transceiver, including a transceiver that provides power to the key tag.
Alternative Key Container
Among other features, the key container 314 has a mechanical detent 341 that operates to maintain a movable portion 332 of the key container in desired positions, such as in an open position as shown in, e.g.,
As seen in
When the key tag 318 is removed from the key tag receiving portion 344, the detent 341 mechanically coupled to the key tag receiving portion 344 is extended, causing it to protrude from the movable portion 332, as shown, e.g., in
The operation of the locking mechanism is shown with reference to
In operation, an authorized user seeking to unlock the key container 314 first enters his PIN on the keypad of his enhanced key pad and then aligns the key pad with the IR lens 335 on the lower end 336 and initiates an IR communication. If the communication is successful, a message is displayed instructing the user to push upwards on the lower end 336.
Advantageously, the coils 356 need only be supplied with power for a very a short period, e.g., about 3 seconds or even as short as about 1 second. Thus, power consumption is reduced, which allows the life of the battery 347 to be preserved.
As best shown in
The housing 315 and the movable portion 332 can each be constructed with multiple layers of material that are interleaved with each other when the key container 314 is closed and locked. As best shown in
In the event that someone attempts to break into the key container 314, e.g., by attempting to pry apart the housing 315 and the movable portion 332, the relatively thin layers 359 and 361 will tend to bend together, preventing easy separation and/or access to the secured articles.
In typical configurations, the key container 314 has a hanger 338 for supporting the key container from the window of a vehicle. The hanger 338 may be formed with slots 339 as shown, e.g., in
The housing 315 and/or the lower end 336 may be covered in resilient material, such as rubber or other similar material, to reduce damage to vehicles and users.
The circuit 345 may be configured to conserve power in the key container 314. A power conserving portion 400 of the circuit 345 is shown schematically in
When the switching transistor 404 is closed, such as in response to an authorized access request, current flows through the coils 356 and energizes the solenoid to move the movable members 351. The diode 406 prevents current from flowing through the diode branch 408.
When the switching transistor 404 is opened and the supply of power is stopped abruptly, idling current continues to flow through the solenoid branch 412 and the diode branch 408 in the direction of the arrow, which prevents the field of the coils 356 from collapsing.
As a result, the power consumption of the solenoid can be controlled by varying the duty cycle of the switching transistor 404. This allows the application of high power to magnetize the movable members 351 when the switching transistor is first turned on and the application of low power later in the open cycle to hold the elements together. Under typical operating conditions with this approach, as much as a 50% power savings can be realized.
The system 10 can be implemented for use with open architecture aspects, yet preserve the necessary level of security for system integrity. For example, one or more of the access devices or key pads 16 may be a personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone or other personal information device programmed to additionally serve as an electronic key, referred to herein as an “enhanced” keypad. The system may include both enhanced key pads and standard key pads. If such an enhanced key pad has an open architecture format, such as in the case of Palm® devices and other devices, additional measures are desirable to protect against unauthorized use of the system.
As used herein, the term “open architecture” refers to a property of the access device that allows any application or user to inspect, add, delete, modify, and duplicate other applications and their data on the device. An example of this is the common PC. A common example of a “closed architecture” device would be a simple hand-held calculator, where all functions are built-in. The term “open” implies that major components of the system, communication protocols and interfaces are designed according to published standards that allow integration with other systems and components.
Commonly-owned International Application PCT/US02/13653 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/363,938 describe methods and apparatus for implementing a secure access system with electronic locks and open architecture keys and are incorporated herein by reference. The described examples are for real estate lockbox secure access system, but the same principles apply in other implementations, such as for key management in a car dealership.
Essentially, the commonly-owned applications describe algorithms to allow relatively secure exchange of data among electronic keys, electronic locks and a central authority, which may include one or more computers. As described, the electronic key can be a PDA programmed to serve as a key and intended for use by an authorized user. The electronic lock can be a lockbox securing conventional keys to a residence or other property. The central authority oversees the system, including administration of user access privileges. Access privileges are programmed to expire at predetermined times and thus require users to reauthorize themselves by renewing their privileges to continue use of the system. For security, selected communications are encrypted.
As described, the algorithms can include communicating a parameter, together with other information, which is received and stored in a memory of the electronic key. The identity of the parameter and its exact location in the memory of the electronic key, however, are not generally known or determinable. In normal use by an authorized user, the stored parameter is included in communications of information to the lockbox and to the central authority, thus verifying to the lockbox and the central authority, respectively, that the key is authorized.
Should another attempt to defeat the system by making a copy of the key memory, however, he will generally not be successful in attempting to compromise the system, because the copied memory will not preserve the address of the stored parameter. Without the address of the parameter, it is not communicated to a lockbox or to the central authority as expected and verification fails.
As described in the commonly-owned applications, the communications between the lockbox and the key may occur wirelessly, e.g., by infrared, radio frequency or other suitable wireless transmission. In the case of infrared transmissions, the key has an infrared transceiver and the lockbox has an infrared receiver (and possibly an infrared transmitter). The keypad and the key box of the system 10 may be similarly equipped.
In implementing the approach of the commonly owned applications for the system 10, several straightforward modifications are made: (1) unlike the real estate context in which a user may receive authorization for a number of days, many of the users of the system 10 are authorized for only a portion of a day; (2) unlike the real estate user who retains possession of his key and continues to use it through a number of renewals, a user in the system 10 is able to use any available standard key pad and assign his profile to the key pad in use; and (3) unlike the real estate context, update codes for special reauthorization of access privileges may only be required in the system 10 for specific situations, e.g., update codes provided by telephone authorization in the event of a power failure.
Depending upon the particular implementation, the system 10 can include both enhanced key pads and standard key pads.
Additional System Features
There can be a database 29, which is in addition to or instead of the database 27, for storing system information, including, e.g., inventory information such as VIN information. Such VIN information may be provided by a third party to the dealership, e.g., via a link between the database 29 and the central computer network 21′, such as by e-mail communication, a connection through the internet, a direct modem connection or through a network connection to the database.
There can also be a link from the central computer network 21′ to an initialization function 31, which is referred to here as a Manufacturing Control System (MCS). The initialization function 31, which would typically be administered by the manufacturer, provides for initialization of system components, such as key boxes 14, including establishing settings and identifiers (e.g., serial numbers). Some of this information is communicated to the purchaser, i.e., a dealership, such as via an encrypted e-mail message, a connection through the internet, a direct connection via a modem, or through a network connection. Such communication may typically take place when components are purchased, as well as at other times, such as, e.g., following service of components. The initialization function 31 also retains this information for possible future use in repair, troubleshooting and replacement of components.
The above implementations refer to the secure and remote storage of keys, and particularly, vehicle keys. It is of course expected that the same concepts could be used to manage other types of assets.
Having illustrated and described the principles of our invention with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. We claim all such modifications that fall within the scope of the following claims.