{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852564","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9852564","title":"Electronic door locks, systems, and networks","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-12-29T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G07C"],"num_claims":21,"abstract":"Electronic locks, electronic lock systems, and electronic lock networks are provided, and can include a latch, an interior unit including an interior handle operable to place the latch in the unlatched position, an interior user-interface, and an interior controller coupled to the interior user-interface; an exterior unit including an exterior handle having an active mode and a non-active mode, the exterior handle operable to place the latch in the unlatched position when in the active mode, an exterior user-interface, a fingerprint sensor configured to sense fingerprint data, and an exterior controller configure to receive the sensed fingerprint data, output the sensed fingerprint data, and place the exterior handle in the active mode upon receiving an active signal; and a main controller coupled to the interior controller and the exterior controller, the main controller configured to receive the sensed fingerprint data from the exterior controller, compare the sensed fingerprint data to a known fingerprint data, and output the active signal to the exterior controller based on the comparison."},"analysis":{"summary":"The patent for Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks (US-9852564) introduces a sophisticated and secure electronic access control system. Its core innovation lies in a networked architecture that integrates biometric authentication with intelligent control. This system effectively solves the problem of insecure, inconvenient, and unscalable traditional or basic electronic lock systems by providing a robust, centralized, and user-friendly solution.\n\nThe key technical approach involves three primary components: an interior unit, an exterior unit, and a main controller. The exterior unit incorporates a fingerprint sensor that captures biometric data. This data is then transmitted to the main controller, which serves as the central intelligence. The main controller compares the sensed fingerprint data against a database of known, authorized fingerprints. Upon a successful match, it sends an 'active signal' back to the exterior controller, which then enables the exterior handle, allowing the door to be unlatched. This ensures that the physical mechanism only engages after verified authentication, significantly enhancing security.\n\nThe business value and applications of this technology are substantial. It offers unparalleled security for residential properties, significantly reducing the risks associated with lost keys or compromised codes. For commercial and enterprise environments, this patent provides a scalable solution for managing access across multiple entry points, improving operational efficiency, and offering real-time audit capabilities. Industries like smart home automation, corporate security, data centers, and critical infrastructure stand to benefit immensely from this innovation.\n\nThe market opportunity for this invention is vast, driven by the increasing demand for integrated smart security solutions. As the IoT ecosystem expands and biometric authentication becomes more commonplace, this technology is perfectly positioned to capture a significant share of the access control market. Its ability to offer both high security and a seamless user experience makes it a highly attractive proposition for consumers and businesses alike, promising significant ROI for adopters and developers.","layman_explanation":"### What Problem Does This Solve?\n\nImagine you're a business owner or a homeowner in today's fast-paced world. You want security that's both rock-solid and incredibly easy to use. Traditional keys are a pain – they get lost, stolen, or copied. Older electronic keypads or card-swipe systems are better, but they still have flaws: codes can be shared, cards can be cloned, and managing access for many people across many doors becomes a huge logistical headache. What's more, these systems often operate in silos, meaning you can't easily see who entered where, or manage everything from one place. This creates security gaps and operational inefficiencies, making it difficult to protect valuable assets or even just keep track of who's coming and going.\n\n### How Does It Work?\n\nThe patent for Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks introduces a clever solution that's much more than just a smart lock. Think of it as a three-part team working together. First, you have the **exterior unit** on the outside of your door, which has a fingerprint scanner built right into it. When someone wants to enter, they simply place their finger on the scanner. This unit then sends that unique fingerprint information to the team's 'brain' – the **main controller**. This main controller is like a central security guard station; it holds a secure list of all approved fingerprints. It quickly compares the incoming fingerprint to its list. If there's a match, the main controller sends a signal back to the exterior unit, telling the door's handle, \"Okay, you can now open the latch!\" If there's no match, the handle stays locked, even if you try to turn it. There's also an **interior unit** for easy exit from the inside. This system is 'networked,' meaning all the doors can talk to this central brain, allowing for unified control and monitoring, much like how all the computers in an office connect to a central server.\n\n### Why Does This Matter?\n\nThis innovation matters because it offers a significant leap forward in security and convenience, with substantial business implications. For businesses, it means **unprecedented access control**: you can grant or revoke access instantly for specific individuals across an entire building or campus, all from one central point. This drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized entry and slashes administrative costs associated with managing physical keys or cards. The biometric aspect means credentials can't be lost, stolen, or shared, leading to a much higher level of assurance. For consumers, it offers **premium home security** with incredible ease of use – no more worrying about forgotten keys. This technology also creates **new market opportunities** for hardware manufacturers and software providers to build integrated security ecosystems, offering recurring revenue through management services and analytics. It's a foundational step towards truly smart, interconnected buildings where security is intelligent, proactive, and seamlessly integrated into daily operations, promising a strong ROI through improved security posture and operational efficiency.\n\n### What's Next?\n\nLooking ahead, the Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks patent sets the stage for even more advanced applications. We can expect to see this technology integrated with other smart building systems, like climate control or lighting, where entry could automatically trigger personalized settings. Its robust framework could also support multi-factor authentication (e.g., fingerprint plus a mobile app confirmation) for even higher security environments. Market adoption will likely accelerate as biometric technology becomes more mainstream and affordable, positioning this system as a standard for future-proof physical access control solutions.","technical_analysis":"The patent for Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks (US-9852564) details a sophisticated access control system built on a multi-component, networked architecture. This system aims to provide enhanced security and operational flexibility by centralizing key authentication logic while distributing user interaction points.\n\n**Technical Architecture:**\nAt its foundation, this patent describes a three-unit architecture: an interior unit, an exterior unit, and a main controller. The **interior unit** comprises an interior handle, an interior user-interface, and an interior controller. Its primary role is to facilitate egress and communicate with the main controller, often for status updates or system configuration. The **exterior unit** is the primary access point, featuring an exterior handle capable of an 'active' and 'non-active' mode, an exterior user-interface, and a critical fingerprint sensor. An exterior controller within this unit manages the sensor and local operations. The **main controller** acts as the central brain, interconnected with both interior and exterior controllers. This central unit stores known fingerprint data, performs biometric comparisons, and issues control signals.\n\n**Implementation Details and Algorithm Specifics:**\nWhen a user interacts with the exterior unit, the integrated fingerprint sensor captures biometric data. This raw or pre-processed data (e.g., minutiae points, feature vectors) is then transmitted from the exterior controller to the main controller. The communication protocol between these units is not explicitly detailed but would typically involve secure, encrypted channels (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Zigbee with AES encryption) to prevent interception or tampering. The main controller houses the core authentication algorithm. This algorithm compares the received fingerprint data against a secure database of enrolled fingerprint templates. The comparison likely involves pattern matching, correlation, or machine learning algorithms to determine a match within a predefined false acceptance rate (FAR) and false rejection rate (FRR) threshold. Upon a successful match, the main controller generates an 'active signal'. This signal is then transmitted back to the exterior controller, which, in turn, mechanically or electrically actuates the exterior handle, moving it from a non-active (free-spinning or locked) state to an active (engaging the latch) state, allowing the door to be unlatched.\n\n**Integration Patterns and Performance Characteristics:**\nIntegration with broader smart home or building management systems (BMS) is a natural extension. The main controller could expose APIs (e.g., RESTful, MQTT) for third-party systems to manage user enrollment, monitor access logs, and integrate with security dashboards. This networked approach facilitates centralized user management, audit trail generation, and remote diagnostics. Performance-wise, the critical metric is authentication latency – the time from fingerprint scan to handle activation. This system's design, with dedicated controllers and a centralized comparison unit, allows for optimized processing, aiming for near-instantaneous access. The reliability of the fingerprint sensor and the robustness of the comparison algorithm are paramount for system performance and user satisfaction. Scalability is also a key characteristic; a single main controller can manage numerous exterior and interior units, making it suitable for large-scale deployments.\n\n**Code-Level Implications:**\nFrom a software perspective, the exterior and interior controllers would likely run embedded firmware, handling sensor interfacing, local I/O, and secure network communication. The main controller would require a more powerful processing unit to manage the fingerprint database, execute complex comparison algorithms, and handle network traffic from multiple door units. This would involve a robust operating system, database management system (e.g., SQLite, PostgreSQL for larger deployments), and potentially containerization for microservices. Security at the code level is critical, including secure boot, firmware integrity checks, and protection against side-channel attacks for biometric data. The separation of concerns – sensing at the door, verification at the hub – is a sound architectural decision for security and maintainability.","business_analysis":"The patent for Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks (US-9852564) presents a compelling business opportunity within the rapidly expanding smart security and building automation markets. This innovation is poised to capture significant market share by addressing critical pain points that existing access control solutions fail to resolve comprehensively.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size:** The global smart lock market is projected to reach tens of billions of dollars by the end of the decade, driven by increasing consumer demand for convenience and security, and the proliferation of smart homes and commercial IoT. This patent, with its sophisticated biometric and networked capabilities, targets both the high-end residential and the enterprise-grade commercial segments. The ability to offer centralized, scalable biometric access positions it favorably in a market hungry for robust, integrated solutions, especially in sectors like corporate security, data centers, healthcare, and education.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:** This technology offers several distinct competitive advantages. Firstly, its integrated biometric fingerprint sensor coupled with a centralized main controller provides a higher level of security assurance than many standalone smart locks or traditional keycard systems. The 'active/non-active' handle mode adds a physical layer of security that deters tampering. Secondly, the networked architecture enables unparalleled scalability and remote management, a crucial feature for large organizations that need to manage hundreds or thousands of access points. This contrasts sharply with fragmented, difficult-to-manage legacy systems. Finally, the potential for seamless integration with broader smart building ecosystems (HVAC, lighting, surveillance) positions it as a foundational component for next-generation smart infrastructure, offering a holistic security and operational solution.\n\n**Revenue Potential and Business Models:** Revenue streams can be diverse. Beyond direct sales of the hardware (interior, exterior units, and main controller), there are significant opportunities for recurring revenue through software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscriptions for access management platforms, cloud-based biometric template storage, and advanced analytics (e.g., access pattern reporting, anomaly detection). Licensing the technology to existing lock manufacturers or smart home platform providers is another viable model. Furthermore, installation, maintenance, and support services would contribute substantially. The high-security, high-convenience value proposition supports premium pricing in both B2C (high-end residential) and B2B (enterprise, critical infrastructure) markets.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:** This patent strategically positions its adopters as leaders in intelligent access control. It enables companies to move beyond commodity hardware sales into providing comprehensive, integrated security ecosystems. By offering a solution that is inherently more secure, scalable, and manageable, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors relying on older, less capable technologies. This innovation facilitates a shift towards proactive, data-driven security management rather than reactive responses.\n\n**ROI Projections:** For commercial adopters, the ROI is evident through reduced operational costs (less administrative time spent on keys/cards), enhanced security (fewer breaches, reduced insurance premiums), and improved employee experience. For manufacturers and service providers leveraging this patent, the ROI comes from capturing new market segments, establishing premium brand positioning, and generating diversified, recurring revenue streams. The long-term value lies in becoming an indispensable component of the burgeoning smart building and IoT security landscape.","faqs":[{"answer":"Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks is a patented invention (US-9852564) that describes a comprehensive and intelligent electronic access control system. It's designed to provide enhanced security and convenience by integrating biometric authentication, specifically fingerprint sensing, into a networked architecture.\n\nAt its core, this patent outlines a system composed of an interior unit, an exterior unit, and a main controller. The exterior unit features a fingerprint sensor and an exterior handle that can switch between an 'active' and 'non-active' mode. The main controller acts as the central brain, verifying fingerprint data received from the exterior unit against a database of authorized users.\n\nUpon successful verification, the main controller sends a signal back to the exterior unit, activating the handle and allowing the door to be unlatched. This innovative approach moves beyond basic smart locks by centralizing crucial security decisions and enabling scalable, robust access management for various environments.","question":"What is Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks?"},{"answer":"The operational flow of Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks is highly sophisticated yet user-friendly. When a user wishes to gain access, they place their finger on the fingerprint sensor located on the exterior unit of the door.\n\nThis sensor captures the unique biometric data, which is then securely transmitted by the exterior controller to the main controller. The main controller, which stores a database of known, authorized fingerprint data, performs a rapid comparison between the sensed data and its records. This central verification process is a key security feature, preventing sensitive data processing at the potentially vulnerable door unit.\n\nIf the fingerprint matches an authorized entry, the main controller issues an 'active signal' back to the exterior controller. This signal causes the exterior handle to switch from its 'non-active' (disengaged) state to its 'active' (engaged) state, allowing the user to turn the handle and open the door. The interior unit, with its own handle, ensures easy exit from within.","question":"How does Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks work?"},{"answer":"Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks addresses several critical problems inherent in traditional and existing electronic access control systems. Firstly, it solves the issue of insecure and inconvenient physical credentials like keys, which can be lost, stolen, or duplicated, and PINs, which can be forgotten or compromised.\n\nSecondly, it overcomes the limitations of standalone smart locks that often lack centralized management, scalability for large deployments, and robust, enterprise-grade security features. Many current systems struggle with providing real-time audit trails and remote access management, leading to operational inefficiencies and security blind spots.\n\nThis patent provides a solution that offers superior biometric security, centralized control for easy management across multiple access points, enhanced physical security through its active/non-active handle mode, and a highly convenient, keyless user experience. It creates a unified, intelligent gateway for physical access, making environments safer and more efficient.","question":"What problem does Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks solve?"},{"answer":"The patent for Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks (US-9852564) lists specific inventors, though the provided data does not include their names. The assignee field is also empty in the provided data, meaning the patent may not have been assigned to a company at the time of filing or the information was not provided in the abstract.\n\nTypically, inventors are individuals who contribute significantly to the conception of the invention. The assignee is usually the company or entity to which the inventors have assigned their rights to the patent.\n\nWithout the specific inventor and assignee information in the provided data, it's not possible to name the individuals or organization behind this innovative Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks patent. This information would normally be found in the full patent document available from patent offices.","question":"Who invented Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks?"},{"answer":"The Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks patent offers a multitude of benefits across various applications. A primary benefit is **enhanced security**; by utilizing unique fingerprint biometrics and centralizing the verification process, it provides a much higher level of assurance against unauthorized access compared to traditional methods. The 'active/non-active' handle mode also adds a physical security layer.\n\nAnother significant advantage is **unparalleled convenience**. Users can gain access with a simple touch of their finger, eliminating the need for keys, cards, or remembering codes. This creates a seamless and frictionless entry experience. For administrators, **centralized management** is a major benefit, allowing them to control and monitor numerous access points from a single interface, streamlining user provisioning and access policy enforcement.\n\nFurthermore, the system offers **scalability**, making it suitable for deployments ranging from single residences to large corporate campuses. It also provides **robust audit trails** for compliance and security investigations, and its networked design facilitates **integration with smart building ecosystems**, paving the way for truly intelligent and interconnected environments.","question":"What are the key benefits of Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks?"},{"answer":"Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks distinguishes itself from prior art through several innovative features and its holistic architectural approach. Unlike standalone biometric locks that often store and process sensitive data locally, this patent centralizes biometric verification within a 'main controller'. This significantly reduces the attack surface on individual door units, as a compromise of one lock does not expose the entire biometric database.\n\nAnother key difference is the 'active' and 'non-active' mode of the exterior handle. Many electronic locks have handles that are always engaged, potentially allowing an intruder to bypass electronic security through physical force. This invention's handle only engages upon verified authorization, adding a crucial layer of physical security.\n\nMoreover, the system's robust networked architecture provides comprehensive centralized management, real-time monitoring, and scalable deployment capabilities that surpass most basic smart locks or fragmented access control systems. This integration and intelligence differentiate Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks as a superior, future-proof solution.","question":"How is Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The impact of Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks is poised to be significant across a broad spectrum of industries. The **smart home market** will benefit from enhanced security and convenience, offering homeowners a premium, keyless entry experience that integrates with their existing smart ecosystems.\n\nIn the **commercial and enterprise sectors**, this technology will transform access control for corporate offices, research and development facilities, and manufacturing plants by providing scalable, centrally managed biometric security. **Data centers and critical infrastructure** will find immense value in its high-security, auditable access capabilities, ensuring only authorized personnel can enter sensitive areas.\n\nFurthermore, the **hospitality industry** could leverage this for guest access, offering temporary biometric credentials. The **education sector** could implement it for campus-wide security, managing access to dorms, classrooms, and labs. Overall, any industry requiring robust, convenient, and scalable physical access control stands to be profoundly impacted by the Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks patent.","question":"What industries will Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks impact?"},{"answer":"The patent for Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks, identified by the number US-9852564, has specific dates associated with its lifecycle.\n\nAccording to the patent data, the **Filing Date** for this invention was **2014-12-29**. This is the date when the patent application was officially submitted to the patent office.\n\nThe **Publication Date** for the patent was **2017-12-26**. This marks the date when the patent document, including its abstract, claims, and detailed description, was made publicly available. This publication signifies the formal disclosure of the Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks technology to the public and the broader innovation community.","question":"When was Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications for Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks are extensive and diverse, spanning multiple sectors. In **residential real estate**, it offers a premium feature for smart homes, increasing property value and appeal through enhanced security and convenience. Builders and smart home integrators can offer this as a high-end solution.\n\nFor **commercial office spaces**, the system provides centralized access management for employees, visitors, and contractors, improving security and operational efficiency. It can integrate with HR systems for automated onboarding/offboarding. **Data centers and high-security facilities** can implement this technology to enforce strict access protocols, ensuring compliance and protecting sensitive information.\n\nBeyond these, **hospitality venues** could use it for keyless guest entry, streamlining check-in processes. **Educational institutions** can secure campus buildings, dormitories, and laboratories. The scalable nature of Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks also makes it ideal for **multi-tenant commercial buildings** where different tenants require distinct access profiles, all managed from a single, intelligent platform.","question":"What are the commercial applications of Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks?"},{"answer":"The Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks patent lays a robust foundation for numerous future developments in access control. One key area of expectation is **deeper integration with broader smart building management systems (BMS)**. This means access events could trigger other actions, such as adjusting lighting, climate control, or activating surveillance cameras, creating truly intelligent and responsive environments.\n\nFurther enhancements are likely in **multi-factor authentication**, combining fingerprint biometrics with other credentials like facial recognition, voice recognition, or mobile device verification for even higher security applications. **AI and machine learning integration** could enable predictive security, where the system learns user patterns and identifies anomalous behaviors, proactively alerting security personnel.\n\nWe can also anticipate developments in **wireless communication protocols** for improved power efficiency and range, as well as **enhanced cybersecurity measures** to protect against evolving digital threats. The principles of Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks could also extend beyond doors to secure other physical assets or even digital access within a unified physical-digital security framework, solidifying its role in future smart infrastructure.","question":"What are the future developments expected for Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks?"}],"topics":["electronic door locks","smart locks","biometric access","fingerprint security","networked locks","evolution","physical","security"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks - Patent US-9852564","description":"Discover the Electronic Door Locks, Systems, and Networks patent: advanced biometric fingerprint access, networked control, and enhanced security for smart homes and businesses.","keywords":["electronic door locks","smart locks","biometric access","fingerprint security","networked locks","home automation","access control systems","US-9852564 patent","physical security","smart building technology"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852564","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852564","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Electronic door locks, systems, and networks\" (US-9852564). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852564","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852564","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9852564","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T12:26:30.169Z"}