Systems and methods for controlling a locking mechanism using a portable electronic device

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for operating a remotely operable lock. In an example embodiment, a method comprises providing a first web service for receiving credentials or a command from a portable electronic device having a software application installed thereon, issuing a command for receipt by the lock from the web service, and providing an application programming interface at the first web service for integrating a second web service or the software application with the first web service to allow the portable electronic device to communicate with the lock or web service.

1 . A method of operating a remotely operable lock, the method comprising:
 providing a first web service for receiving credentials or a command from a portable electronic device having a software application installed thereon;   issuing a command for receipt by the lock from the web service; and   providing an application programming interface (API) at the first web service for integrating a second web service or the software application with the first web service to allow the portable electronic device to communicate with the lock or web service.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the software application is a third party software application. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the integration is performed in response to a request for access to the first web service or lock from a user. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising authenticating the credentials received at the web service, and based on a successful authentication, issuing the command for receipt by the lock. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the received credentials relate to the lock. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the received credentials relate to the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the received credentials relate to a third party user or second web service requesting access to the first web service or the lock. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the command for receipt by the lock is received by the lock via the second web service. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the integration is performed in response to a request for access to the first web service or lock from an unauthenticated user. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the received credentials relating to a third party user or second web service are authenticated by an authenticated user of the lock. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the third party or second web service may seamlessly issue a command to or receive data from the lock. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the third party application automatically requests access to the lock on behalf of a user based on the occurrence of an outside event. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the outside event is an event selected from the group comprising: booking a room for use at a certain time; requesting access to secure premises; delivery of a parcel; inspection of premises; entry into a motor vehicle; and use of a bicycle. 
     
     
         14 . A system for operating a remotely operable lock, the system comprising:
 a first web service to receive credentials or a command from a portable electronic device having a software application installed thereon, and to issue a command for receipt by the lock from the web service; and   the first web service having an application programming interface (API) to integrate a second web service or the software application with the first web service to allow the portable electronic device to communicate with the lock or web service.