US20160322847A1 - Wireless Battery Charging Systems And Methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Example systems and methods are described that wirelessly charge a rechargeable battery associated with a lock. In one implementation, a rechargeable battery is electrically coupled to an electronic lock module associated with a door corresponding to a door frame. An electronic control module associated with the door frame and physically separate from the electronic lock module generates a wireless charging link between the electronic control module and the electronic lock module. The electronic control module transmits a charging signal to the electronic lock module via the wireless charging link, and the electronic lock module uses this charging signal to charge the rechargeable battery. The implementation also includes a lock associated with the door that can be locked or unlocked by the electronic lock module.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present disclosure relates to systems and methods used to wirelessly recharge a battery, such as a battery that powers a door lock.
BACKGROUND
• In the field of wireless electronic systems powered by rechargeable batteries, there exists a need for a system that can recharge a rechargeable battery wirelessly, especially in the field of wireless electronic door locking systems. Typical electronic door locks are powered by battery packs that are bulky and disposable (i.e., not rechargeable). These battery packs typically need to be replaced periodically. Regular maintenance on these electronic door locks is therefore required to replace the disposable batteries.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.
• FIG. 1 represents a block diagram that shows an embodiment of the wireless battery charging system.
• FIG. 2arepresents a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method for monitoring the status of a rechargeable battery and wirelessly recharging the rechargeable battery if necessary via the wireless charging link.
• FIG. 2brepresents a flow diagram depicting an embodiment showing the details of a method for wirelessly charging the rechargeable battery via the wireless charging link.
• FIG. 2crepresents a flow diagram depicting an alternate embodiment showing the details of a method for wirelessly charging the rechargeable battery via the wireless charging link.
• FIG. 3 represents a block diagram that shows one embodiment of the wireless battery charging system.
• FIG. 4 represents a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method for authenticating a user to determine whether to unlock the door.
• FIG. 5 represents a block diagram that shows another embodiment of the wireless battery charging system.
• FIG. 6 is a representation of a physical implementation of a component of an embodiment of the wireless battery charging system.
• FIG. 7 is an alternate representation of a physical implementation of a component of an embodiment of the wireless battery charging system.
• FIG. 8 is another alternate representation of a physical implementation of a component of an embodiment of the wireless battery charging system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the concepts disclosed herein, and it is to be understood that modifications to the various disclosed embodiments may be made, and other embodiments may be utilized, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
• Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, databases, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it should be appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
• Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may be embodied as an apparatus, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware-comprised embodiment, an entirely software-comprised embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in any tangible medium of expression having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.
• Any combination of one or more computer-usable or computer-readable media may be utilized. For example, a computer-readable medium may include one or more of a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM) device, a read-only memory (ROM) device, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) device, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), an optical storage device, and a magnetic storage device. Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. Such code may be compiled from source code to computer-readable assembly language or machine code suitable for the device or computer on which the code will be executed.
• Embodiments may also be implemented in cloud computing environments. In this description and the following claims, “cloud computing” may be defined as a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned via virtualization and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction and then scaled accordingly. A cloud model can be composed of various characteristics (e.g., on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service), service models (e.g., Software as a Service (“SaaS”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), and Infrastructure as a Service (“IaaS”)), and deployment models (e.g., private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, and hybrid cloud).
• The flow diagrams and block diagrams in the attached figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flow diagrams or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flow diagrams, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flow diagram and/or block diagram block or blocks.
• The systems and methods described herein disclose an apparatus and methods that are configured to wirelessly recharge a rechargeable battery that is associated with, and powers, an electronic door locking system. The system consists of an electronic lock module attached to a door. The electronic lock module is electrically coupled to a rechargeable battery, which powers both the electronic lock module and an electronic door lock associated with the door. In an embodiment, an electronic control module is physically coupled (attached) to a door frame corresponding to the door. The electronic control module receives periodic input data from the electronic lock module, wherein the input data includes the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery. The electronic control module processes the data received from the electronic lock module and determines whether the charge on the rechargeable battery has fallen below a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is either a predetermined threshold value, or the threshold value is dynamically computed based on a plurality of variables that include but are not limited to the age of the battery, the temperature of the battery, the ambient temperature and the use rate. If the electronic control module determines that the charge on the rechargeable battery has fallen below the threshold value, the electronic control module wirelessly transmits a charging signal to the electronic lock module. The electronic lock module wirelessly receives this charging signal and uses this charging signal to charge the rechargeable battery, thereby eliminating the need for periodic inspection or maintenance of the door lock in order to replace or otherwise service the batteries in a disposable battery pack.
• FIG. 1 represents a block diagram that shows an embodiment of a wirelessbattery charging system100. In this embodiment, the system is comprised of anelectronic lock module106 attached to adoor104. Anelectronic control module102 is located in proximity to theelectronic lock module106, but is physically separate from theelectronic lock module106 and physically separate from thedoor104. In some embodiments, theelectronic control module102 is attached to the door frame corresponding to thedoor104. In other embodiments, theelectronic control module102 can be attached to a wall adjacent to the door frame corresponding to thedoor104. Theelectronic control module102 can be located anywhere, as long as theelectronic control module102 and theelectronic lock module106 are able to establish a bidirectionaldata communications link112 and awireless charging link114. The bidirectionaldata communications link112 allows bidirectional exchange of data between theelectronic control module102 and theelectronic lock module106. The data transmitted over the bidirectionaldata communications link112 includes, but is not limited to, the status of the charge on arechargeable battery108 as transmitted over the bidirectionaldata communications link112 by theelectronic lock module106 to theelectronic control module102. In some embodiments, the data transmitted over the bidirectionaldata communications link112 is encrypted by using an encryption method such as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Other encryption methods may also be used to encrypt the data transmitted over the bidirectionaldata communications link112. In other embodiments, thewireless charging link114 is a unidirectional wireless link that wirelessly transmits a charging signal used to rechargerechargeable battery108. Thewireless charging link114 wirelessly transmits the charging signal from theelectronic control module102 to theelectronic lock module106. Example methods used to implement the bidirectionaldata communications link112 and thewireless charging link114 include radio frequency (RF), inductive coupling, magnetic coupling and infrared (IR) or any combination of these. Examples of RF wireless communication links include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee or any other wireless bidirectional RF data communications link. Examples of inductive coupling links include wire-wound solenoids and air-wound coils. Examples of IR wireless communication links include optical communication links implemented by using infrared diodes and infrared laser diodes. In some embodiments, thewireless charging link114 is also used to communicate unidirectional data as well, from theelectronic control module102 to theelectronic lock module106, in which case the bidirectional data communications link112 now transmits unidirectional data, from theelectronic lock module106 to theelectronic control module102. Therechargeable battery108 is attached to thedoor104 and is used to power anelectronic door lock110. In some embodiments, therechargeable battery108 is used to power theelectronic lock module106, while theelectronic control module102 is powered by a source independent of therechargeable battery108.
• During operation of an embodiment ofsystem100, theelectronic lock module106 periodically monitors the charge status on therechargeable battery108. Theelectronic lock module106 periodically transmits the charge status on therechargeable battery108 to theelectronic control module102 via the bidirectional data communications link112. Theelectronic control module102 receives the periodic updates on the charge status on therechargeable battery108 from theelectronic lock module106 via the bidirectional data communications link112. Theelectronic control module102 identifies the charge status on therechargeable battery108 and compares the value of the charge on therechargeable battery108 to a threshold value. In one embodiment, the threshold value is 85% of the charge on the fully-charged battery. If the value of the charge on therechargeable battery108 has dropped below the threshold value, theelectronic control module102 determines that the battery needs to be recharged. If the battery needs to be charged, theelectronic control module102 wirelessly transmits a charging signal to theelectronic lock module106 via thewireless charging link114. This embodiment thus implements a non-continuous charging method, wherein the charging signal is not transmitted wirelessly all the time, but is transmitted non-continuously based on the charge status of therechargeable battery108.
• During the operation of another embodiment ofsystem100, theelectronic control module102 continuously transmits wirelessly a charging signal to theelectronic lock module106 via thewireless charging link114, regardless of the status of the charge on therechargeable battery108. This embodiment thus implements a continuous charging method, wherein the charging signal is transmitted wirelessly all the time.
• FIG. 2arepresents a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of amethod200 for monitoring the status ofrechargeable battery108 and wirelessly recharging the rechargeable battery if necessary via thewireless charging link114. Themethod200 is a non-continuous charging method. At202, themethod200 monitors the status of the charge on therechargeable battery108 used to power theelectronic door lock110. The status of the charge on therechargeable battery108 is monitored by theelectronic lock module106. Next, at204, theelectronic lock module106 transmits the status of the charge on therechargeable battery108 via the bidirectional data communications link112 to theelectronic control module102. At206, theelectronic control module102 receives the status of the charge on therechargeable battery108 transmitted by theelectronic lock module106 via the bidirectional data communications link112.
• At208, the electronic control module compares the status of the charge on therechargeable battery108 to a threshold value. If the charge on therechargeable battery108 is greater than or equal to the threshold value (as determined at210), themethod200 returns back to202 since no recharging is required for therechargeable battery108. If the charge on therechargeable battery108 is less than the threshold value, themethod200 charges the rechargeable battery at212 by wirelessly transmitting a charging signal over thewireless charging link114, after which themethod200 returns toinitial step202.
• FIG. 2brepresents a flow diagram depicting an embodiment showing the details of charging the rechargeable battery (shown as212 inFIG. 2a)108 via thewireless charging link114. At214, theelectronic control module102 wirelessly transmits a charging signal to theelectronic lock module106 via thewireless charging link114. At216, theelectronic lock module106 wirelessly receives the charging signal transmitted by theelectronic control module102 via thewireless charging link114. At218, theelectronic lock module106 charges therechargeable battery108 used to power theelectronic door lock110, where theelectronic control module102 continuously transmits the charging signal to theelectronic lock module106 via thewireless charging link114. At220, themethod212 checks if therechargeable battery108 is sufficiently charged, wherein the term “sufficiently charged” is used to denote that therechargeable battery108 is charged to a value that is around 100% capacity, where this value can be less than 100% capacity. Sufficiently charging therechargeable battery108 can include, for example, charging therechargeable battery108 up to 95% capacity, and includes cases where, for example, therechargeable battery108 is not able to charge up to a 100% charge capacity due to aging. If therechargeable battery108 is not sufficiently charged, then themethod212 returns back to214. If therechargeable battery108 is sufficiently charged, then themethod212 stops transmitting the charging signal at221 and continues to222, where it returns to202.
• FIG. 2crepresents a flow diagram depicting an alternate embodiment showing the details of charging the rechargeable battery (shown as212 inFIG. 2a)108 via thewireless charging link114. At224, theelectronic control module102 wirelessly transmits a charging signal to theelectronic lock module106 via thewireless charging link114. At226, theelectronic lock module106 wirelessly receives the charging signal transmitted by theelectronic control module102 via thewireless charging link114. At228, theelectronic lock module106 charges therechargeable battery108 used to power theelectronic door lock110. At230, the method monitors the time period for the charging process. At232, themethod212 also checks if the time period for the charging process is less than 30 minutes. Alternate embodiments may use time periods shorter or longer than 30 minutes. If the time period for the charging process is less than 30 minutes, then themethod212 proceeds to234; if the time period for the charging process is greater than 30 minutes, then the method stops transmitting the charging signal at236 and waits for at least 5 minutes, at238, before proceeding to234 where theelectronic control module102 continues transmitting the charging signal to theelectronic lock module106 via thewireless charging link114. At thenext step240, themethod212 checks if therechargeable battery108 is sufficiently charged, where the term “sufficiently charged” is used to denote that therechargeable battery108 is charged to a value that is around 100% capacity, and this value can be less than 100% capacity. Sufficiently charging therechargeable battery108 can include, for example, charging therechargeable battery108 up to 95% capacity, and includes cases where, for example, therechargeable battery108 is not able to charge up to a 100% charge capacity due to aging. If therechargeable battery108 is not sufficiently charged, then the method returns back to224. If therechargeable battery108 is sufficiently charged, then the method stops transmitting the charging signal at241 and goes to242, where it returns to202.
• FIG. 3 represents a block diagram that shows one embodiment of a wirelessbattery charging system300. This embodiment shows theelectronic control module102 and theelectronic lock module106 discussed above. Also shown are therechargeable battery108 and theelectronic door lock110. In one embodiment, theelectronic lock module106 includes amicroprocessor314, a 433MHz RF transmitter304, a 915MHz RF receiver302, and abattery charge module310. In one embodiment, therechargeable battery108 supplies power to theelectronic door lock110, themicroprocessor314, and the 433MHz transmitter304, via the electronic lock modulepower supply bus318. The 433MHz RF transmitter304 receives a signal frommicroprocessor314, and outputs an RF signal at a frequency of 433 MHz. This RF signal is output to anRF antenna308 for transmission through a unidirectional RF data communications link334. The 915MHz RF receiver302 is powered by the wireless RF signal received by anRF antenna306 over a unidirectional RF data communications link336.
• In one embodiment, theelectronic control module102 includes amicroprocessor320, a 915MHz RF transmitter322, a 433MHz RF receiver324 and host I/O344. In this embodiment, themicroprocessor320, the 915MHz RF transmitter322, the 433MHz RF receiver324 and the host I/O344 are powered from anexternal power supply330 via an electronic control modulepower supply bus332. The 915MHz RF transmitter322 receives a signal frommicroprocessor320, and outputs an RF signal at a frequency of 915 MHz. This RF signal is output toRF antenna328 for transmission through the unidirectional RF data communications link336. The 433MHz RF receiver324 is receives an RF signal via theRF antenna326 over the unidirectional RF data communications link334 and outputs this signal to themicroprocessor320.
• The two unidirectional wireless RFdata communications links334 and336 collectively constitute thebidirectional data link112. In this embodiment, the bidirectional data link is a wireless RF data link. Furthermore, thewireless charging link114 is implemented by the unidirectional RF data communications link336. Thus, the unidirectional RF data communications link336 wirelessly transmits both data and the charging signal from theelectronic control module102 to theelectronic lock module106.
• In one embodiment, themicroprocessor314 in theelectronic lock module106 periodically monitors the status of the charge on therechargeable battery108. Themicroprocessor314 transmits this status of the charge on therechargeable battery108 as a data signal to the 433MHz RF transmitter304, which outputs this data signal to theRF antenna308 that is electrically coupled to the 433MHz RF transmitter304. TheRF antenna308 transmits the data signal comprising the status of therechargeable battery108 over the unidirectional RF data communications link334. This data signal is received by theRF antenna326 electrically coupled to the 433MHz RF receiver324 that is a part of theelectronic control module102. The data signal received by the 433MHz RF receiver324 is transmitted to themicroprocessor320. Themicroprocessor320 compares the received data signal, which is the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery, with a threshold value. If the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery is less than the threshold value, themicroprocessor320 transmits a charging signal to the 915MHz RF transmitter322. The 915MHz RF transmitter322 transmits this charging signal toRF antenna328 which is electrically coupled to the 915MHz RF transmitter322. TheRF antenna328 wirelessly transmits the charging signal over the unidirectional RF data communications link336. The charging signal is wirelessly received by theRF antenna306 which is electrically coupled to the 915MHz RF receiver302. TheRF antenna306 wirelessly transmits the received charging signal to the 915MHz RF receiver302. The charging signal is used to power the 915MHz RF receiver302 and thebattery charge module310, and the charging signal is also transmitted to thebattery charge module310, which transmits the charging signal to charge therechargeable battery108. This embodiment implements the non-continuous charging method. In this embodiment, data from theelectronic control module102 is wirelessly transmitted to theelectronic lock module106 via the unidirectional RF data communications link336 in a non-continuous manner, along with the wirelessly transmitted charging signal.
• In another embodiment, themicroprocessor320 continuously transmits a charging signal to the 915MHz RF transmitter322 regardless of the status of the status of the charge on therechargeable battery108. The 915MHz RF transmitter322 transmits this charging signal toRF antenna328 which is electrically coupled to the 915MHz RF transmitter322. TheRF antenna328 wirelessly transmits the charging signal over the unidirectional RF data communications link336. The charging signal is wirelessly received by theRF antenna306 which is electrically coupled to the 915MHz RF receiver302. TheRF antenna306 wirelessly transmits the received charging signal to the 915MHz RF receiver302. The charging signal is used to power the 915MHz RF receiver302 and thebattery charge module310, and the charging signal is also transmitted to thebattery charge module310, which transmits the charging signal to charge therechargeable battery108. This embodiment implements the continuous charging method. In this embodiment, data from theelectronic control module102 can be wirelessly transmitted to theelectronic lock module106 via the unidirectional RF data communications link336 in a continuous manner, along with the wirelessly transmitted charging signal.
• In some embodiments, adoor sense module316 monitors a status of thedoor104, such as door open, door ajar, door shut and latch/bolt position sense. Thedoor sense module316 periodically transmits a door status data signal to themicroprocessor314. This door status data signal is transmitted by themicroprocessor314 to the 433MHz RF transmitter304, which then transmits this door status data signal toRF antenna308 that is electrically coupled to the 433MHz RF transmitter304. The door status data signal is transmitted by theRF antenna308 over the unidirectional RF data communications link334. The door status data signal is received byRF antenna326 that is electrically coupled to the 433MHz RF receiver324.RF antenna326 transmits the received door status data signal to the 433MHz RF receiver324, which then transmits the door status data signal tomicroprocessor320 for subsequent processing.
• In other embodiments, theelectronic lock module106 periodically transmits a data signal to theelectronic control module102 via the unidirectional RF data communications link334. The contents of this data signal include the charge status on therechargeable battery108 and the status of the door. This periodically transmitted data signal may be referred to as a heartbeat signal. In other embodiments, the monitoring of the door status is performed by theelectronic control module102.
• Electronic control module102 is also electrically coupled via anelectrical coupling342 to credential I/O module340. The credential I/O module340 reads an input from a user for authentication purposes. User input methods include, for example, magnetic cards, biometric devices, RFID cards, keypads, and smart devices such as smartphones and PDAs that use communication protocols such as Near Field Communication (NFC). The credential I/O module340 transmits user input to theelectronic control module102 for authentication. The credential I/O module340 also receives input from theelectronic control module102 via theelectrical coupling342, including user feedback that includes, but is not limited to, audio-visual signals either confirming or denying permission to enter.
• In some embodiments, the credential I/O module340 is physically attached to thedoor104 and electrically coupled to theelectronic lock module106. In this embodiment, the credential I/O module340, powered byrechargeable battery108, reads an input from a user for authentication purposes. The credential I/O module340 transmits user input to theelectronic control module102 for authentication via the unidirectional RF data communications link334. The credential I/O module340 also receives input from theelectronic control module102 via the unidirectional RF data communications link336, including user feedback that includes, but is not limited to, audio-visual signals either confirming or denying permission to enter.
• Electronic control module102 is also electrically coupled via anelectrical coupling338 to theaccess control module328 via the host I/O344. The interface between the host I/O344 and theaccess control module328 is used for purposes such as user authentication, discussed in greater detail in the description ofFIG. 4. In some embodiments, theelectrical coupling338 between the host I/O344 and theaccess control module328 is realized by standard connectivity methods that include, but are not limited to, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RS485, RS422, RS232, or other wired or wireless communication methods.
• In some embodiments,RF antennas306,308,326 and328 are functions of the physical separation between theelectronic control module102 and theelectronic lock module106. In one embodiment,antennas308 and326 are traces on a printed circuit board not to exceed 1.5 inches in length. In another embodiment,antennas306 and328 are 3.2 inches, or less, in length, and 0.6 inches in width.
• FIG. 4 represents a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of amethod400 for authenticating a user to determine whether to unlock the door. In some embodiments, theelectronic door lock110 is locked by default. Themethod400 receives user credentials at402. In some embodiments, user credentials are received by theelectronic control module102 from the credential I/O module340, via theelectrical coupling342. The host I/O344 transmits the user credentials to theaccess control module328 viaelectrical coupling338 in order to authenticate the user at404. Theaccess control module328 processes the user credentials and determines the authenticity of the user at406. Theaccess control module328 transmits the decision on user authenticity back to the host I/O344. In some embodiments, the access control module comprises a numeric keypad that is used by a user to enter credential information. If the user is not a valid user, then themethod400 transmits a user appropriate feedback signal to the user and thedoor104 is not unlocked, at410. The user feedback signal is transmitted from theelectronic control module102 to the credential I/O module340 via theelectrical coupling342. The credential I/O module340 displays the appropriate feedback to the user via methods that include audio and visual feedback. If theauthentication406 determines that the user is a valid user, then themethod400 transmits an appropriate feedback signal to the user and thedoor104 is unlocked, at408. In some embodiments, the decision to unlock thedoor104 by theaccess control module328 is made based on other criteria in addition to the user credentials, wherein the criteria may include but are not limited to the time-of-day, whether the day that access is requested is a weekend or a holiday, whether the building is in lockdown mode, the maximum number of people allowed in a room or within the building, and so on.
• The user feedback signal is transmitted from theelectronic control module102 to the credential I/O module340 via theelectrical coupling342. The credential I/O module340 displays the appropriate feedback to the user via methods that include audio and visual feedback. The door unlock process involves thecontrol module102 sending a door unlock command data signal to theelectronic lock module106 via the unidirectional RF data communications link336. In order to achieve this, themicroprocessor320 sends the door unlock command data signal to the 915MHz RF transmitter322, which then transmits the door unlock command data signal over the unidirectional RF data communications link336 viaRF antenna328. Theelectronic lock module106 receives the door unlock command data signal. This is achieved by theRF antenna306 receiving the door unlock command data signal over the unidirectional RF data communications link336. TheRF antenna306 then transmits the received door unlock command data signal to the 915MHz RF receiver302, which transmits this door unlock command data signal to themicroprocessor314 which issues a command to the electronic lock to unlock thedoor104. Themethod400 then returns to402 and the process repeats.
• FIG. 5 represents a block diagram that shows another embodiment of the wirelessbattery charging system500. Many of the components shown inFIG. 5 are similar to the components shown inFIG. 3 and, therefore, are identified with the same reference numbers. This embodiment shows theelectronic control module102 and theelectronic lock module106. Also shown are therechargeable battery108 and theelectronic door lock110. In one embodiment, theelectronic lock module106 includes themicroprocessor314, the 433MHz RF transmitter304, a 100kHz receiver502, and thebattery charge module310. In one embodiment, therechargeable battery108 supplies power to theelectronic door lock110, themicroprocessor314, and the 433MHz transmitter304, via the electronic lock modulepower supply bus318. The 433MHz RF transmitter304 receives a signal frommicroprocessor314, and outputs an RF signal at a frequency of 433 MHz. This RF signal is output toRF antenna308 for transmission through the unidirectional RF data communications link334. The 100kHz receiver502 is powered by a wireless signal received by asolenoid506 over a unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536. In other embodiments, theunidirectional link536 may be comprised of a magnetically coupled link. The unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536 is configured to wirelessly transmit both data and a charging signal that is used to recharge therechargeable battery108.
• In one embodiment, theelectronic control module102 includesmicroprocessor320, a 100kHz transmitter522, the 433MHz RF receiver324 and host I/O344. In this embodiment, themicroprocessor320, the 100 kHztransmitter522, the 433MHz RF receiver324 and the host I/O344 are powered fromexternal power supply330 via the electronic control modulepower supply bus332. The 100kHz transmitter522 receives a signal frommicroprocessor320, and outputs a signal at a frequency of 100 kHz. This 100 kHz signal is output to solenoid528 for transmission over the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536. The 433MHz RF receiver324 receives an RF signal via theRF antenna326 over the unidirectional RF data communications link334 and outputs this signal to themicroprocessor320.
• In this embodiment, the unidirectional wireless RF data communications link334 and the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536 collectively constitute thebidirectional data link112. Furthermore, thewireless charging link114 is implemented by the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536. Thus, the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536 wirelessly transmits both data and the charging signal from theelectronic control module102 to theelectronic lock module106.
• In one embodiment, themicroprocessor314 in theelectronic lock module106 periodically monitors the status of the charge on therechargeable battery108. Themicroprocessor314 transmits this status of the charge on therechargeable battery108 as a data signal to the 433MHz RF transmitter304, which outputs this data signal to theRF antenna308 that is electrically coupled to the 433MHz RF transmitter304. TheRF antenna308 transmits the data signal comprising the status of therechargeable battery108 over the unidirectional RF data communications link334. This data signal is received by theRF antenna326 electrically coupled to the 433MHz RF receiver324 that is a part of theelectronic control module102. The data signal received by the 433MHz RF receiver324 is transmitted to themicroprocessor320. Themicroprocessor320 compares the received data signal, which is the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery, with a threshold value. If the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery is less than the threshold value, themicroprocessor320 transmits a charging signal to the 100 kHztransmitter522. The 100kHz transmitter522 transmits this charging signal to solenoid528 which is electrically coupled to the 100 kHztransmitter522. Thesolenoid528 wirelessly transmits the charging signal over the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536. The charging signal is wirelessly received by thesolenoid506 which is electrically coupled to the 100 kHzreceiver502. Thesolenoid506 transmits the received charging signal to the 100 kHzreceiver302. The charging signal is used to power the 100 kHzreceiver502 and thebattery charge module310, and the charging signal is also transmitted to thebattery charge module310, which transmits the charging signal to charge therechargeable battery108. This embodiment implements the non-continuous charging method. In this embodiment, data from theelectronic control module102 is wirelessly transmitted to theelectronic lock module106 via the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536 in a non-continuous manner, along with the wirelessly transmitted charging signal.
• In another embodiment, themicroprocessor320 transmits a charging signal to the 100 kHztransmitter522 regardless of the status of the charge on therechargeable battery108. The 100kHz transmitter522 transmits this charging signal to solenoid528 which is electrically coupled to the 100 kHztransmitter522. Thesolenoid528 wirelessly transmits the charging signal over the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536. The charging signal is wirelessly received by thesolenoid506 which is electrically coupled to the 100 kHzreceiver502. Thesolenoid506 transmits the received charging signal to the 100 kHzreceiver302. The charging signal is used to power the 100 kHzreceiver502 and thebattery charge module310, and the charging signal is also transmitted to thebattery charge module310, which transmits the charging signal to charge therechargeable battery108. This embodiment implements the continuous charging method. In this embodiment, data from theelectronic control module102 can be wirelessly transmitted to theelectronic lock module106 via the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536 in a continuous manner, along with the wirelessly transmitted charging signal.
• In some embodiments, bothsolenoids528 and506 and the associatedtransmitter522 andreceiver502 are resonant at (i.e., are tuned to) a frequency of 100 kHz. In other embodiments, the resonant frequency may be a frequency different from 100 kHz.
• In other embodiments, thedoor sense module316 monitors a status of thedoor104, such as door open, door ajar, door shut and latch/bolt position sense. Thedoor sense module316 periodically transmits a door status data signal to themicroprocessor314. This door status data signal is transmitted by themicroprocessor314 to the 433MHz RF transmitter304, which then transmits this data signal toRF antenna308 that is electrically coupled to the 433MHz RF transmitter304. The door status data signal is transmitted by theRF antenna308 over the unidirectional RF data communications link334. The door status data signal is received byRF antenna326 that is electrically coupled to the 433MHz RF receiver324.RF antenna326 transmits the received door status data signal to the 433MHz RF receiver324, which then transmits the door status data signal tomicroprocessor320 for subsequent processing.
• In other embodiments, theelectronic lock module106 periodically transmits a data signal to theelectronic control module102 via the unidirectional RF data communications link334. The contents of this data signal include the charge status on therechargeable battery108 and the status of the door. This periodically transmitted data signal may be referred to as a heartbeat signal. In other embodiments, the monitoring of the door status is performed by theelectronic control module102.
• Electronic control module102 is also electrically coupled via anelectrical coupling342 to credential I/O module340. The credential I/O module340 reads an input from a user for authentication purposes. User input methods include, for example, magnetic cards, biometrics, keypads, and smart devices such as smartphones and PDAs that use communication protocols such as Near Field Communication (NFC). The credential I/O module340 transmits user input to theelectronic control module102 for authentication. The credential I/O module340 also receives input from theelectronic control module102 via theelectrical coupling342, including user feedback that includes, but is not limited to, audio-visual signals either confirming or denying permission to enter.
• In some embodiments, the credential I/O module340 is physically attached to thedoor104 and electrically coupled to theelectronic lock module106. In this embodiment, the credential I/O module340, powered byrechargeable battery108, reads an input from a user for authentication purposes. The credential I/O module340 transmits user input to theelectronic control module102 for authentication via the unidirectional RF data communications link334. The credential I/O module340 also receives input from theelectronic control module102 via the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536, including user feedback that includes, but is not limited to, audio-visual signals either confirming or denying permission to enter.
• Electronic control module102 is also electrically coupled via anelectrical coupling338 to theaccess control module328 via the host I/O344. The interface between the host I/O344 and theaccess control module328 is used for purposes such as user authentication, discussed in greater detail in the description ofFIG. 4. In some embodiments, theelectrical coupling338 between the host I/O344 and theaccess control module328 is realized by standard connectivity methods that include, for example, Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• In some embodiments,RF antennas308 and326 are functions of the physical separation between theelectronic control module102 and theelectronic lock module106. In one embodiment,antennas308 and326 are traces on a printed circuit board not to exceed 1.5 inches in length.
• In some embodiments,solenoids506 and528 are comprised of ferrite cores. In other embodiments,solenoids506 and528 may be replaced by air wound coils. In other embodiments,solenoids506 and528 include cores that are comprised of materials with high magnetic permeability. Example dimensions of solenoids include but are not limited to 0.275 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches in length.
• In some embodiments, the transmission frequency associated with the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536 may be different from 100 kHz, for example the transmission frequency could be 135 kHz, or as high as 400 kHz. In other embodiments, the unidirectional RF data communications link334 may be replaced by a unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link that is similar to the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536. This unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link may be comprised of solenoids similar tosolenoids506 and528, and include the corresponding transmitter and receiver similar to522 and502 respectively, at the appropriate transmission frequency.
• FIG. 6 is a representation of a physical implementation of a component of an embodiment of the wirelessbattery charging system600. This embodiment shows thesolenoid528 associated with theelectronic control module102, wherein thesolenoid528 is mounted on (or mounted within) thedoor frame602. Thesolenoid506 associated with theelectronic lock module106 is mounted on (or mounted within) thedoor104. In this embodiment, thesolenoids506 and528 are positioned such that they are coaxial. In another embodiment, thesolenoids506 and528 may not be coaxial. Thesolenoids506 and528 generate the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536.
• FIG. 7 is an alternate representation of a physical implementation of a component of an embodiment of the wirelessbattery charging system700. In this embodiment, thesolenoid528 associated with theelectronic control module102, also referred to as the exciter coil, is mounted on (or within) thedoor frame602. Mountingpositions702,704 and706 show some different possible mounting locations in which thesolenoid506 associated with theelectronic lock module106, also referred to as the receiver coil, is mounted on (or within) thedoor104. These mountingpositions702,704 and706 are possible because thesolenoids528 and506 do not have to be coaxial in order to establish the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536. In an embodiment, thereceiver coil506 can be up to 1 inch from theexciter coil528, and offset center-to-center by up to 0.5 inches.
• FIG. 8 is another alternate representation of a physical implementation of a component of an embodiment of the wirelessbattery charging system800. In this embodiment, thesolenoid506 associated with theelectronic lock module106, also referred to as the receiver coil, is mounted on (or within) thedoor104. Mountingpositions802,804 and806 show different possible mounting locations in which thesolenoid528 associated with theelectronic control module102, also referred to as the exciter coil, is mounted on (or within) thedoor frame602. These mountingpositions802,804 and806 are possible because thesolenoids528 and506 do not have to be coaxial in order to establish the unidirectional inductively coupled wireless communications link536. In an embodiment, theexciter coil528 can be up to 1 inch from thereceiver coil506, and offset center-to-center by up to 0.5 inches.
• Although the present disclosure is described in terms of certain example embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, including embodiments that do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein, which are also within the scope of this disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (27)

1. An apparatus comprising:

an electronic lock module associated with a door corresponding to a door frame;

a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the electronic lock module;

an electronic control module associated with the door frame and physically separate from the electronic lock module, wherein the electronic control module is configured to generate a wireless charging link between the electronic control module and the electronic lock module, wherein the electronic control module transmits a charging signal to the electronic lock module via the wireless charging link, and wherein the electronic lock module uses the charging signal to charge the rechargeable battery; and

a lock associated with the door that can be locked or unlocked by the electronic lock module.

2. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the charging signal is transmitted continuously.

3. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the charging signal is transmitted non-continuously.

4. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further including a bidirectional data communications link that transmits data signals between the electronic control module and the electronic lock module.

5. The apparatus according toclaim 4, wherein the bidirectional data communications link is comprised of two unidirectional RF data communication links, wherein each unidirectional RF data communications link transmits a signal in a direction opposite to the other unidirectional RF data communications link, and each unidirectional RF data communications link transmits an RF frequency that is different from the other unidirectional RF data communications link.

6. The apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein each of the electronic control module and the electronic lock module has one RF antenna for each of the unidirectional RF data communications links comprising the bidirectional data link.

7. The apparatus according toclaim 6, wherein the dimensions of the RF antennas are functions of the physical separation between the electronic control module and the electronic lock module.

8. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the electronic lock module monitors the charge on the rechargeable battery and transmits the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery over the bidirectional data communications link to the electronic control module.

9. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the electronic control module receives the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery from the electronic lock module over the bidirectional data communications link.

10. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the electronic control module compares the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery with a threshold value.

11. The apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the electronic control module transmits the charging signal over the wireless charging link when the electronic control module determines that the charge on the rechargeable battery has fallen below the threshold value.

12. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery powers the electronic lock module.

13. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising an access control module electrically coupled to the electronic control module.

14. The apparatus according toclaim 13, wherein the electronic control module transmits user credentials to the access control module, and the access control module is configured to perform an authentication function on the user data to determine whether the door should be unlocked and communicates the results of the authentication to the electronic control module.

15. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the electronic lock module receives an authorization signal to unlock the door via the bidirectional data communications link from the electronic control module.

16. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the electronic lock module periodically transmits a heartbeat signal over the bidirectional data communications link to the electronic control module.

17. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the electronic lock module monitors a status of the door.

18. The apparatus according toclaim 17, wherein the electronic lock module transmits the status of the door to the electronic control module over the bidirectional data communications link.

19. An apparatus comprising:

an electronic lock module associated with a door corresponding to a door frame;

a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the electronic lock module;

an electronic control module associated with the door frame and physically separate from the electronic lock module, wherein the electronic control module is configured to generate a wireless charging link between the electronic control module and the electronic lock module, wherein the wireless charging link comprises an inductively coupled charging link, wherein the electronic control module transmits a charging signal to the electronic lock module via the wireless charging link, and wherein the electronic lock module uses the charging signal to charge the rechargeable battery; and

a lock associated with the door that can be locked or unlocked by the electronic lock module.

20. The apparatus according toclaim 19, wherein the charging signal is transmitted continuously.

21. The apparatus according toclaim 19, wherein the charging signal is transmitted non-continuously.

22. The apparatus according toclaim 19, wherein the inductively coupled charging link is generated by a transmitter and a receiver that are inductively coupled.

23. The apparatus according toclaim 22, wherein the transmitter and receiver are both tuned to the same resonant frequency.

24. The apparatus according toclaim 22, wherein the transmitter and the receiver comprise solenoids with ferrite cores.

25. The apparatus according toclaim 22, wherein the transmitter and the receiver comprise air wound coils.

26. The apparatus according toclaim 22, wherein the transmitter and the receiver comprise coils with cores comprised of materials with high magnetic permeability.

27. A method comprising:

determining a status of a charge on a rechargeable battery used to power an electronic door lock;

transmitting, over a first wireless communications link, the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery to a receiver;

receiving wirelessly the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery via the wireless communications link;

comparing the status of the charge on the rechargeable battery with a threshold value;

transmitting, over a second wireless communications link, a charging signal to recharge the rechargeable battery;

receiving the charging signal over the second wireless communications link; and

charging the rechargeable battery using the charging signal.

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