DESC:
The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an Internet of Things (IoT) based lock mechanism, and more particularly to an IoT based lock mechanism for vehicles and methods for operating the same.

BACKGROUND
[002] Currently, to enforce traffic rules, authorities tow vehicles or boot vehicles to enforce the rules. A user (who is currently using the vehicle) has to pay one or more fines to be able to use his vehicle again. If the vehicle is being towed, the authorities have to undergo through the hassle of towing. Further, towing may cause damage to the vehicle. If the vehicle is being booted, the authorities have to perform the booting and unlocking manually. This results in providing undesired user experience.

OBJECTS
[003] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose an IoT based lock mechanism for vehicles and methods for operating the same, wherein the IOT Based lock mechanism can be used for illegally parked vehicles.
[004] Another object of embodiments herein is to disclose a payment gateway enabled solution for collection of at least one fine, and unlocking the IoT based lock mechanism on the payment of the fee being paid.

SUMMARY
[005] Accordingly, the embodiments herein disclose an Internet of Things (IoT) based lock mechanism for a vehicle. The IoT based lock mechanism includes a grab handle comprising a first hole and a sliding handle comprising a second hole. The grab handle and the sliding handle are slid inside one another, where a motion of the sliding handle into the grab handle is controlled by a mechanical stopper. A control box receives a first signal to activate a solenoid (e.g., bi-directional solenoid) upon determining the first hole is matched with the second hole. Whenever the first hole matches with the second hole, the control unit will give option to the lock user either to activate the solenoid or wait for the adjustment for different tyre (or tire) sizes. A plunger associated with the solenoid is pushed inside the first hole and the second hole to restrict the sliding of the grab handle and the sliding handle in the IoT based lock mechanism such the that IoT based lock mechanism is activated.
[006] Accordingly, the embodiments herein disclose a method for controlling operation of an IoT based lock mechanism. The method includes scanning a code to access at least one control interface over at least one user interface associated with a control box of the IoT based lock mechanism. Alternatively, the user may access the control interface by using an identifier (e.g., customer care number, license number or the like). Further, the method includes authenticating a user upon accessing the at least one control interface. Further, the method includes providing an input to activate the IoT based lock mechanism upon successful authentication. The control box sends a signal to activate a solenoid (e.g., bi-directional solenoid or the like) upon determining a first hole of a grab handle is matched with a second hole of a sliding handle, so that a plunger associated with the solenoid is pushed inside the first hole and the second hole to restrict the sliding of the grab handle and the sliding handle in the IoT based lock mechanism such the that IoT based lock mechanism is locked.
[007] These and other aspects of the example embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating example embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the example embodiments herein without departing from the scope thereof, and the example embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[008] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[009] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a lock (aka “IoT based lock mechanism”), according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 1C depicts a solenoid in the lock, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2A depicts an operation of the lock, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIGS. 2B and 2C depict a manual operation of the lock, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts various hardware components of a control box of the lock, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting a process of locking the IoT based lock mechanism for a vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting the process of unlocking the IoT based lock mechanism for the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0017] The terms “IoT based lock mechanism” and “lock” are used interchangeably in the patent disclosure.
[0018] The embodiments herein achieve an IoT based lock mechanism for vehicles and methods for operating the same. The IoT based lock mechanism includes a grab handle comprising a first hole and a sliding handle comprising a second hole. The grab handle and the sliding handle are slid inside one another, where a motion of the sliding handle into the grab handle is controlled by a mechanical stopper. A control box receives a first signal to activate a solenoid (e.g., bi-directional solenoid or the like) upon determining the first hole is matched with the second hole. Whenever the first hole matches with the second hole, the control unit will give option to the lock user either to activate the solenoid or wait for the adjustment for different tyre sizes. A plunger associated with the solenoid is pushed inside the first hole and the second hole to restrict the sliding of the grab handle and the sliding handle in the IoT based lock mechanism such the that IoT based lock mechanism is activated.
[0019] Embodiments herein disclose an IoT based lock mechanism for vehicles and methods for operating the same, wherein the IOT Based lock mechanism can be used for illegally parked vehicles. Embodiments herein disclose a payment gateway enabled solution for collection of at least one fine, and unlocking the IoT based lock mechanism on the payment of the fee being paid.
[0020] The IoT based lock mechanism can also be used in a trolley (pay-per-use) at an airport and a shopping mall.
[0021] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 1A depicts a lock (aka “IoT based lock mechanism (100)”). The lock (100) can be used to lock a wheel of a vehicle (such as a car, scooter, motorcycle, van, truck, bus, pickup vehicle, and so on). The lock (100) can be an electrical and/or mechanical operated mechanism. The lock (100) comprises of a grab handle (101), a sliding handle (102), a control box (103), a solenoid (e.g., bi-directional solenoid or the like) (104) (as depicted in FIG. 1C), a handle (105) and one or more mechanical stoppers (106). The handle (105) holds and/or carries the IoT based lock mechanism (100).
[0023] The grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) have a box shaped cross section, wherein the sliding handle (102) can be slid into the grab handle (101). The motion of the sliding handle (102) into the grab handle (101) can be controlled by the one or more mechanical stoppers (106).
[0024] The grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) are slid inside one another and once holes (seen in the front view of the lock (100), as depicted in FIG. 1B), which are present on both the grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) are matched (as depicted in FIG. 2A), the solenoid (104) is activated electronically by the control box (103) and the plunger (104a) of the solenoid (104) is pushed inside these holes to restrict the sliding of grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102). This hereby results in the lock (100) being in a locked/activated position.
[0025] On receiving a signal from the control box (103) to unlock, the plunger will retract, hereby enabling the grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) to move. This results in the lock (100) being unlocked.
[0026] FIG. 2A depicts the operation of the lock (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. This is another adjusting mechanism (201) for adjusting for tyre size (or tire size). Earlier, the sliding handle is moved to adjust for the tyre size. In the FIG. 2A, only the handle is moved in an angle and similar objective is achieved.
[0027] FIGS. 2B and 2C depict a manual operation of the lock (100), wherein a manual release is present, which can be used to manually lock/unlock the lock (100). FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C are alternate mechanism. Here instead of sliding, the angular movement will adjust tyre size. And when the hole matches, the controller box (103) will give the signal to push the plunger (104a) for locking.
[0028] FIG. 3 depicts various hardware components of the control box (103) of the lock (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The control box (103), as depicted, comprises a controller (301), at least one communication interface (302), at least one battery (303), a memory (304), at least one user interface (305), and a geo-location unit (306).
[0029] The at least one communication interface (302) can enable the lock (100) to communicate with at least one external entity, such as a remote server, an edge server, the Cloud, and so on. In an example, the server enables an authorized user to access the lock (100). The at least one communication interface (302) can be at least one of a wired communication means, and at least one wireless communication means. Examples of the wired communication means can be, but not limited to, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), Local Area Network (LAN), and so on. Examples of the wireless communication means can be, but not limited to, a cellular communication network, a Wi-Fi network, a Bluetooth network, a BLE network, and so on.
[0030] The controller (301) is a Bluetooth/Wi-fi (wireless fidelity) enabled controller acts as logical control unit which will help in battery management (showing battery status). The controller (301) can be used for authenticating/acknowledging signals or commands from a mobile device or a webpage. This will acknowledge the payment process and provides signal to activate/deactivate the solenoid (104) basis the signal. It also helps in communicating locked/unlocked status to the user. The controller (301) is can send and receive commands as per protocols such as and not limited to Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure etc. The controller (301) authenticates the user and restricts the usage for non-authorized usage. It also, indicates when battery to be replaced, charging status etc.
[0031] The battery (303) can provide power to the lock (100) and enable the lock (100) to perform at least one action. In an example, the battery (303) provides power to the control unit (301) which helps in acknowledging and executing appropriate operations. It also energized the coils inside solenoid (104) which then activates the plunger. Batter provides power source to LEDS, which indicates the locked/unlocked status of the lock (100). Examples of the battery (303) can be, but not limited to, at least one Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, at least one alkaline battery, at least one coin cell, a Zinc battery, a Li battery, a Zi-ion battery, and so on. In an embodiment herein, the battery (303) can be a rechargeable battery. In an embodiment herein, the battery (303) can be a replaceable battery.
[0032] The memory (304) may store information related to the lock (100). Examples of the memory (304) may be, but are not limited to, NAND, embedded Multimedia Card (eMMC), Secure Digital (SD) cards, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), solid-state drive (SSD), and so on. The memory (304) may also include one or more computer-readable storage media. The memory (304) may also include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. In addition, the memory (304) may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted to mean that the memory (304) is non-movable. In some examples, the memory (304) can be configured to store larger amounts of information than the memory. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in Random Access Memory (RAM) or cache).
[0033] The user interface (305) can comprise at least one of a display, a speaker, a microphone, one or more lights (for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), and so on), visual information (such as text (for example, a hyperlink), a Quick Response (QR) code, contact information of the authorities, and so on. The user interface (305) can enable the lock (100) to provide information to the user, such as current lock status, battery status, and so on. The user interface (305) can enable a user to provide information to the lock (100).
[0034] The geo-location unit (306) can enable detecting the location of the lock (100) and tracking the location of the lock (100). The geo-location unit (306) can be at least one of Global Positioning System (GPS), GAGAN, Galileo, triangulation, and so on.
[0035] A user can scan a code to access a control interface (such as a web page, an application, and so on). In an embodiment herein, the code can be a QR code present on the lock 100. In an embodiment herein, the code can be accessed via a hyperlink. In an embodiment herein, the user can use a dedicated scanning device to scan the code. In an embodiment herein, the user can use a device, such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, and so on, to scan the code. Alternatively, the user may access the control interface by using an identifier (e.g., customer care number, license number or the like). Examples of the user can be an authority (such as a policeman, traffic policeman, parking enforcer, security guard, or any other person authorized to control parking/vehicular access to a location/area), a user (who is using the vehicle that has been locked), and so on.
[0036] Consider a scenario, wherein the user is an authority, who wants to lock the wheel of the vehicle. On the user scanning the code and accessing the control interface, the user can select an option to activate the lock. The user may also be authenticated using at least one of a username, password, biometrics, and so on. The user may also provide additional information such as, vehicle registration number, a media capture of the vehicle, current location, time for which the vehicle is to be locked, and so on. On the user being successfully authenticated, the lock may be activated, hereby locking the vehicle. The lock (100) can provide an indication of its locked status using the user interface (305).
[0037] Consider a scenario, wherein the user is a user of the vehicle that has been locked. On the user scanning the code and accessing the control interface, the user can select an option to unlock the lock. The control interface may collect information from the user such as, but not limited to, name of the user, contact information of the user (phone number, email address, and so on), vehicle registration number, and so on. The control interface may provide the user with an option to make payment (for example, a fine, a parking fee, and so on). On the user successfully completing the payment, the lock may be unlocked, hereby unlocking the vehicle. The lock 100 can provide an indication of its unlocked status using the user interface 305.
[0038] In an embodiment herein, the lock (100) can enable a user to lock/unlock the lock (100) manually.
[0039] In an embodiment herein, the user may place the unlocked locks in a secure location, such as a kiosk. Deposit kiosks are placed in nearest locations which vehicle owner can identify through the web application to return the locking device safely. Locking device will have GPS track enabled for location monitoring to avoid any theft or misuse of the device
[0040] The patent application is explained in the context of solenoid (104), but it could be possible that the proposed IoT based lock mechanism (100) works with other types of securing unit (e.g., electromagnet coil valve, a control valve, two-way valve, microswitch, a valve and 3-phase, a snap switch mechanism or the like).
[0041] Although the FIG. 3 shows various hardware components of the control box (103) but it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereon. In other embodiments, the control box (103) may include less or more number of components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. One or more components can be combined together to perform same or substantially similar function in the control box (103).
[0042] FIG. 4 is a flowchart (400) depicting a process of locking the IoT based lock mechanism (100) for the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
[0043] In step 401, the user scans the code to access the control interface. On the user scanning the code, the user accesses the control interface, and the user selects an option to activate the lock (step 402). In step 403, the user is authenticated using at least one of a username, password, biometrics, and so on. In step 404, the user provides additional information such as, vehicle registration number, a media capture of the vehicle, current location, and so on. On the user being successfully authenticated, in step 405, the lock may be activated, hereby locking the vehicle. The lock 100 can provide an indication of its locked status using the user interface 305. The various actions in method 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 4 may be omitted.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a flowchart (500) depicting the process of unlocking the IoT based lock mechanism (100) for the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.
[0045] In step 501, the user scans the code to access the control interface. On the user scanning the code, the user accesses the control interface, and the user selects an option to unlock the lock (step 502). In step 503, information from the user is collected, such as, but not limited to, name of the user, contact information of the user (phone number, email address, and so on), vehicle registration number, and so on. In step 504, the user may make a payment (for example, a fine, a parking fee, and so on). On the user successfully completing the payment, in step 505, the lock may be unlocked, hereby unlocking the vehicle. The lock 100 can provide an indication of its unlocked status using the user interface 305. The various actions in method 500 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 5 may be omitted.
[0046] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flow charts (400 and 500) may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0047] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C and 3 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0048] The embodiment disclosed herein describes an IoT based lock mechanism for vehicles and methods for operating the same. Therefore, it is understood that the scope of the protection is extended to such a program and in addition to a computer readable means having a message therein, such computer readable storage means contain program code means for implementation of one or more steps of the method, when the program runs on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in at least one embodiment through or together with a software program written in e.g. Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) another programming language, or implemented by one or more VHDL or several software modules being executed on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be any kind of portable device that can be programmed. The device may also include means which could be e.g. hardware means like e.g. an ASIC, or a combination of hardware and software means, e.g. an ASIC and an FPGA, or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory with software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein could be implemented partly in hardware and partly in software. Alternatively, the invention may be implemented on different hardware devices, e.g. using a plurality of CPUs.
[0049] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. An Internet of Things (IoT) based lock mechanism (100) for a vehicle, comprises:
a grab handle (101) comprising a first hole;
a sliding handle (102) comprising a second hole, wherein the grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) are slid inside one another, wherein a motion of the sliding handle (102) into the grab handle (101) is controlled by at least one mechanical stopper (106);
a control box (103) receiving a first signal to activate a solenoid (104) upon determining the first hole is matched with the second hole; and
a plunger (104a) associated with the solenoid (104) pushed inside the first hole and the second hole to restrict the sliding of the grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) in the IoT based lock mechanism (100) such the that IoT based lock mechanism (100) is locked.

2. The IoT based lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon receiving a second signal from the control box (103) to unlock the IoT based lock mechanism (100), the plunger (104a) withdraws restriction of the sliding of the grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102), such that the the grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) moves freely.

3. The IoT based lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) have a box shaped cross section.

4. The IoT based lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IoT based lock mechanism (100) comprises a handle (105) for holding the IoT based lock mechanism (100)

5. The IoT based lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first hole matches with the second hole, the control box (103) provided an option to the user to activate the solenoid or wait for an adjustment for different tyre sizes of a vehicle.

6. The IoT based lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control box (103) comprises:
a controller (301) performing at least one of a battery status indication, an authenticate a user and restrict an usage for a non-authorized usage, and indicate a status to the user or a IoT based lock mechanism (100);
at least one communication interface (302) enabling the IoT based lock mechanism (100) to communicate with at least one external entity;
at least one battery (303) providing power to the IoT based lock mechanism (100);
a memory (304) storing information related to the IoT based lock mechanism (100);
at least one user interface (305) enabling the IoT based lock mechanism (100) to provide information to a user; and
a geo-location unit (306) enabling detecting the location of the IoT based lock mechanism (100) and tracking the location of the IoT based lock mechanism (100).

7. A method for controlling operation of an Internet of Things (IoT) based lock mechanism (100), comprises:
scanning a code to access at least one control interface over at least one user interface (305) associated with a control box (103) of the IoT based lock mechanism (100);
authenticating a user upon accessing the at least one control interface; and
providing an input to activate the IoT based lock mechanism (100) upon successful authentication, wherein the control box (103) sends a signal to activate a solenoid (104) upon determining a first hole of a grab handle (101) is matched with a second hole of a sliding handle (102), so that a plunger (104a) associated with the solenoid (104) is pushed inside the first hole and the second hole to restrict the sliding of the grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) in the IoT based lock mechanism (100) such the that IoT based lock mechanism (100) is locked.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method comprises:
accessing the at least one control interface over the at least one user interface (305) to select an option to unlock the IoT based lock mechanism (100) upon the user scanning the code on the at least one control interface;
receiving an information upon successfully accessing the at least one control interface, wherein the information comprises payment information, contact information of the user, and a name of the user; and
unlocking the IoT based lock mechanism (100) based on the received information.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method comprises indicating an unlocked status of the IoT based lock mechanism (100) over the user interface (305).

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the user of the IoT based lock mechanism (100) provide additional information to the the IoT based lock mechanism (100), wherein the additional information comprises at least one of a vehicle registration number, a media capture of the vehicle, and current location.

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the grab handle (101) and the sliding handle (102) are slid inside one another, wherein a motion of the sliding handle (102) into the grab handle (101) is controlled by at least one mechanical stopper (106), wherein the first hole matches with the second hole, the control box (103) provided an option to the user to activate the solenoid or wait for an adjustment for different tyre sizes of a vehicle.

12. An Internet of Things (IoT) based lock mechanism (100), comprises:
a first handle (101) comprising a first hole;
a second handle (102) comprising a second hole, wherein the first handle (101) and the second handle (102) are slid inside one another, wherein a motion of the second handle (102) into the first handle (101) is controlled by at least one stopper (106);
a control box (103) receiving a first signal to activate a securing unit (104) upon determining the first hole is matched with the second hole; and
a plunger (104a) associated with the securing unit (104) pushed inside the first hole and the second hole to restrict the sliding of the first handle (101) and the second handle (102) in the IoT based lock mechanism (100) such the that IoT based lock mechanism (100) is locked.

13. The IoT based lock mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first handle (101) is a grab handle, the second handle (102) is a sliding handle, and a securing unit (104) comprises at least one of a solenoid, an electromagnet coil valve, a control valve, a two-way valve, a microswitch, a valve and 3-phase, and a snap switch mechanism.
Dated this 17th February 2023

Signature
Name of the Signatory: Nitin MohanNair
Patent Agent-2585