System and method for determining sanitization status
Inventors
Kuenzi, Adam • Gopavaram, Subhash Reddy • Dumbala, Mohan Reddy
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12708689-B2
Publication Date
2026-08-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
Configuring a sanitization mode for a predetermined time interval for sanitizing a premises. A first predefined pattern is received on a lock associated with the premises from a user within the predetermined time interval to indicate starting of the sanitization process. Subsequently, a second predefined pattern is received on the lock within the predetermined time interval to indicate a completion of the sanitization process. An indicator is displayed based on the first predefined pattern and the second determined pattern and simultaneously communicating the sanitization status to an authorized user.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a sanitization mode configured for a predetermined time interval for sanitizing a premises. A lock senses a first predefined handle-turn pattern to indicate starting of the sanitization process and a second predefined deadbolt ON or OFF pattern to indicate completion. Based on the patterns, the lock displays an indicator showing sanitization status and simultaneously communicates that status to an authorized user.
The disclosure provides method, system, and computer-readable-medium implementations of this lock-based status determination. Other described features include communication with an authorized user's mobile device, a sensor that senses a sanitization level and compares it with a predefined value, and access restrictions after completion. The background section is not included in the provided content, so the problem described there is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The three independent claims are claim 1, directed to a method; claim 10, directed to a system; and claim 17, directed to a computer-readable medium. They cover the same central lock-based sanitization-status functionality in different forms. Four inventive features are identified below, including the refinements described in dependent claims.
Timed lock-based sanitization status method
Claim 1 configures a sanitization mode for a predetermined time interval. The lock senses a first predefined handle-turn pattern to indicate starting of the sanitization process and a second predefined deadbolt ON or OFF pattern to indicate completion, then displays an indicator of sanitization status and simultaneously communicates the status to an authorized user.
Lock system for determining sanitization status
Claim 10 covers a lock associated with a premises and configured with a sanitization mode for a predetermined time interval. The lock senses the predefined handle pattern for starting and deadbolt pattern for completion, displays an indicator based on those patterns, and communicates the resulting sanitization status to an authorized user.
Computer-readable medium for determining sanitization status
Claim 17 covers a computer-readable medium storing instructions executed by one or more processors. The instructions configure a timed sanitization mode, receive the predefined lock patterns indicating starting and completion, and cause an indicator to display sanitization status while communicating the status to an authorized user.
Status communication, sensing, and access refinements
Dependent claims describe mobile-device communication for fetching sanitization status, including communication through a client application; limiting status indication to the predetermined time interval; sensing the sanitization level and comparing it with a predefined value; and restricting lock access after completion so that it is accessible only by the guest.
The independent claims cover timed sanitization-status determination through predefined lock patterns, with the status displayed and communicated to an authorized user in method, system, and computer-readable-medium forms. Dependent claims add mobile-device communication, time limits, sanitization-level sensing and comparison, and post-completion access restrictions.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Tracking and displaying the sanitization status of a premises through an associated lock.
Communicating premises sanitization status to an authorized user, including retrieval through a mobile device and client application.
Restricting access to the lock after sanitization is indicated as complete, with access limited to the guest.
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