Access control system

Abstract

Access control system consisting of electronic identification cards (12) carried by persons and stationary detection devices (10), wherein an authorization dialogue takes place when a person approaches a stationary detection device (10) and a release device can be activated upon authorization, wherein each electronic identification card (12) contains a UHF transceiver (26), an LF receiver (24) and a controller (28) and each detection device (10) contains a UHF transceiver (16), an LF transmitter (14), a controller (18) and an actuator (20) for door release, characterized in that detection devices (10) are integrated autonomously into door fittings (32), are powered by a battery sized to fit the door fitting (32) and include a PIR sensor (22),by means of which, when a thermal image is changed, the control (18) of the detection device (10) activates its LF transmitter (14) and sends a wake-up message followed by its own location information, so that the UHF transceiver (16) of the stationary detection device (10) is temporarily switched from a sleep state to an operating state,Upon receipt of the location information by an LF receiver (24) of an electronic ID card (12), the UHF transceiver (26) of the electronic ID card is switched from a standby state to an operating state by means of its control unit (28), and an authorization dialogue is performed with the UHF transceiver (16) of the stationary detection device (10), which is also in an operating state, by exchanging and verifying the identity number of the electronic ID card (12) in conjunction with the returned location information, and if authorization is granted by means of the control unit (18), the actuator (20) of the door release device is activated.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an access control system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Access control systems are common in commercial settings to allow only authorized individuals access to business premises, offices, and warehouses, while preventing others from entering. These systems use RFID electronic ID cards, which are held by individuals seeking access, in front of a reader. Once the electronic ID card is within the reader's field of view, an authorization dialogue takes place between the card and the reader. If authorization is granted, access is then approved.

[0003] However, in care facilities with disoriented residents, the application of known access control systems would fail if residents are unable to handle electronic identification cards.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of creating an access control system that ensures reliable operation even when users have limitations in their mental and physical abilities.

[0005] This problem is solved in an access control system according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of that claim.

[0006] Further training and advantageous designs result from the sub-claims.

[0007] Unlike conventional access control systems that use data transmission in only one frequency range, the invention utilizes data transmission in both the UHF range (868 MHz) and an LF range (125 kHz) for a wake-up function. High data rates can be achieved in the UHF range, enabling very fast processing of large amounts of data. Furthermore, a long range of several meters is possible. However, the exact range of the communicating UHF transceivers is very difficult to predict, as propagation can be affected by people or objects in the vicinity. Therefore, reliable selection of different pairs of electronic ID cards and stationary detection devices based solely on range is not possible.

[0008] In the LF range, however, the propagation of electromagnetic waves is only minimally affected by objects, and if so, only by large ferromagnetic masses. The field propagation is therefore largely constant, and it is possible to determine with high accuracy the radius within which the LF receiver can receive and process the transmitted signal. However, since only low data rates are possible in the LF range, an authorization dialogue would take a long time and could be interrupted if the electronic ID card leaves the electromagnetic field. Therefore, the LF signal is only used to activate the UHF transceiver in the electronic ID card and to transmit a location identifier from the LF transmitter, which is then transmitted back during the dialogue between the UHF transceivers.The UHF transceivers of the electronic identity cards and the stationary recording devices are therefore only switched on for the authorization dialogue, which, however, requires a lot of energy, and remain in standby mode during the rest of the time, in which they require very little energy.

[0009] The LF receiver in the electronic ID card is permanently active, but consumes little energy. Therefore, the electronic ID card can be powered by a battery for extended periods and requires only a small size, making it possible to wear the electronic ID card on clothing or on the body, for example, on the wrist as a watch or watch replica.

[0010] If the LF transmitter of the detection device only transmits at time intervals, the detection device also consumes very little energy and can also be operated independently with a battery.

[0011] In addition to unlocking doors, areas can also be monitored and alarm messages can be sent.

[0012] Further training stipulates that different authorization levels are assigned to electronic identity cards, that in a restricted authorization level the electronic identity cards are granted only a few individual authorizations, which are limited to actions that can only be executed automatically, and that in extended authorization levels the electronic identity cards are granted further individual authorizations, on the basis of which further actions can be executed automatically and / or individually via an input device.

[0013] For disoriented residents, the electronic ID card can be worn on the wrist. When the resident approaches their room door and enters the detection range of the sensor, the LF signal emitted by the sensor, containing the location identifier, is received by the electronic ID card's LF receiver. After the UHF transceiver is activated, an authorization dialogue is initiated with the sensor's UHF transceiver. If authorization is granted, a release mechanism is activated, which connects the door handle to the latch via a push-button mechanism, allowing the door to be opened by pressing the handle. Activation of the release mechanism is therefore automatic. However, for other doors to which the resident has no access, the door remains closed even when the handle is pressed.

[0014] Residents without disabilities can carry electronic ID cards that grant them extended permissions, such as the right to leave the care facility. Caregivers and other staff can also be granted additional permissions, including the option to perform actions via a keypad, such as individually opening additional doors or elevators.

[0015] Preferably, the electromagnetic field generated by the LF transmitter has a spherical characteristic and the antenna arrangement of the LF receiver also has a spherical characteristic.

[0016] It is then easy to specify a radius around the location of the detection device within which the entry of an electronic ID card is recognized and evaluated. This simplifies the dimensioning and adjustment of the detection areas of adjacent detection devices, ensuring that they are unambiguous and do not overlap or interfere with each other.

[0017] The transmit power of the LF transmitter in conjunction with its antenna gain and the input sensitivity of the LF receiver in conjunction with its antenna gain should be dimensioned so that the range of the LF transmission path is between 40 cm and 2 m.

[0018] With this range, it can be expected that detection will occur even when the electronic ID card is on the side of the user's body facing away from the detection device. Furthermore, this prevents the UHF transceivers of electronic ID cards and detection devices from being unnecessarily activated when residents or staff are simply walking along corridors without intending to enter.

[0019] According to further training, the range can be adjusted within limits by varying the transmission power.

[0020] This makes it possible to adapt the function and therefore also the energy consumption, especially of the recording devices, to the local conditions and the habits of the residents.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment provides that the stationary detection device additionally includes a PIR sensor, by means of which the LF transmitter is activated when a thermal image changes.

[0022] This eliminates the need for constant, periodic activation of the detection device's LF transmitter, which is then only activated when the PIR sensor detects a person in close proximity. Since a PIR sensor requires less energy than the LF transmitter, the detection device's energy consumption can be further reduced.

[0023] A number of stationary detection devices can be integrated autonomously into door fittings as door release devices and powered by a built-in battery.

[0024] Stationary detection devices can thus be set up or supplemented without structural changes to the electrical installation.

[0025] Further versions of stationary detection devices can be arranged at the entrances or exits of an area to be monitored and can be coupled with door controls and / or with a recording and / or alarm device.

[0026] This could include common areas or areas outside the building that are also accessible via doors, or areas that are only monitored to see if residents want to leave unsupervised.

[0027] Additional data capture devices can be connected to a registration and / or alarm control panel via a network using wired connections, LAN, or UHF or WLAN transceivers. It is also possible to use the same UHF radio link as the data capture devices use for authorization with electronic ID cards.

[0028] This also makes it possible to monitor the function of self-contained stationary recording devices or electronic identity cards, for example to register failed access attempts.

[0029] Preferably, the transceivers of the stationary detection devices have a collision resolution routine.

[0030] This makes it possible to record access requests or other processes even when a majority of residents are currently in a monitored area and authorization dialogues are initiated simultaneously.

[0031] The invention is explained below with reference to an exemplary embodiment, which is illustrated in the drawing and subsequently described. Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an access control system according to the invention, Fig. Figure 2 shows a door fitting for receiving a detection device, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show variants of electronic ID cards, Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic floor plan of a care facility with arrangements of recording devices.

[0032] The drawing depicts an access control system particularly suitable for care facilities with disoriented residents. It grants residents easy access to their own rooms but prevents access to other residents' rooms. Care staff, on the other hand, are granted access to all rooms and other spaces and areas that disoriented residents should not enter. Rooms and areas that should remain inaccessible to disoriented residents are also available to oriented residents.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an access control system as a block diagram, in the upper part of which a detection device is located. 10and in its lower part an electronic identification card 12 are arranged. The detection device 10 includes an LF transmitter 14 , a UHF transceiver 16 , a control system 18 , an actuator 20 as a motorized drive and optionally a PIR sensor 22 The electronic ID card includes an LF receiver. 24 , a UHF transceiver 26 , a control system 28 and optionally a keyboard 30 .

[0034] Residents and staff carry electronic ID cards 12 with itself, while stationary detection devices 10These devices are located on residents' room doors as well as on other doors or door controls. Normally, the electronic ID cards and recording devices are in a standby mode in which most of the electronic circuits are switched off, resulting in very low overall energy consumption. Only the PIR sensor remains active. 22 each detection device and the LF receiver 24 Every electronic ID card is active.

[0035] If a person approaches with an electronic ID card 12 a detection device 10 , a change in the thermal image is detected by the PIR sensor 22 the relevant detection device 10 detected and controlled 18 the LF transmitter 14 caused to repeatedly send a location identifier and the UHF transceiver 16to put it into an operating state. The range of the LF signal is approximately the same as the detection range of the PIR sensor. 22 , so that an electronic ID card carried by the person 12 simultaneously into the reading field of the detection device 10 This occurs when the location identifier is transmitted. The LF receiver 24 of the electronic ID card 12 It then receives the location identifier, whereupon the control 28 the UHF transceiver 26 put into an operating state and sends the received location identifier to the UHF transceiver 26 forwards the signal for return transmission. The UHF transceiver 26 of the electronic ID card 12 and the UHF transceiver 16 the detection device 10 They now execute an authorization dialog in which the location identifier in conjunction with a user identifier of the person to whom the electronic ID card12 is assigned is sent to the recording device.10 is transmitted. From the control device 18 The result is evaluated. If the resident is standing in front of their own room door, authorization is recognized and the system is activated. 18 an actuator 20 It is operated by a drive motor that engages a door handle with a lever mechanism. The resident can then open the door to their room by pressing the door handle. However, if the resident is standing in front of someone else's room door or another door to which they have no access, the access request is denied by the actuator. 20 not through the control 18 is activated.

[0036] The electronic ID card is activated, i.e., its UHF transceiver is switched on, by splitting the signal into an LF radio link in the 125 kHz frequency range and a UHF radio link in the 868 MHz frequency range. 26The signal is only transmitted within a radius of 40 cm to 2 m around the detection device. In the low-frequency (LF) range, the propagation is only minimally affected by objects within the reading field, allowing for very precise definition of the reading field's geometry. The antennas of the LF transmitters in the detection devices have an omnidirectional characteristic and can be adjusted to prevent overlap with detection devices in adjacent rooms. The antennas of the LF receivers in the electronic ID cards also have an omnidirectional characteristic and receive the reading field with the same field strength regardless of their orientation in the room. Due to the low data rate inherent in these low frequencies, transmission occurs only in one direction, from the detection device to the electronic ID card. Only the location identifier of the detection device is transmitted.Since this transmission is repeated, a dialogue can be dispensed with, and it is assumed that with multiple transmissions, the location identifier can be correctly received and evaluated at least once.

[0037] The UHF radio link, on the other hand, allows for a higher data rate and is therefore suitable for dialogues where more extensive data can be transmitted. It also achieves a greater range, which, however, can vary considerably due to reflections and attenuation. UHF transceivers require more power than an LF receiver or a pulsed LF transmitter and are therefore only activated when the approach of an electronic ID card to a reading device is detected. If the optional PIR sensor is omitted from a reading device, the power consumption can also be reduced by lowering the clock frequency used by the LF transmitter to send the location identifier. However, this clock frequency must not be reduced so much that the person has already pressed the door handle after entering the reading area before the initial authorization dialogue has even taken place.

[0038] While a disoriented resident has only limited access rights, for example, being allowed to open only their own room door, residents who are not disoriented, and especially staff, can be granted more extensive individual permissions. For disoriented residents, controlling the actuator may be... 20 This happens automatically without any further intervention, while people with more extensive permissions can also perform manual actions, either additionally or alternatively, using their electronic ID card. 12 an input device 30 , for example in the form of a keyboard.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows a door fitting 32 for the installation of a detection device 34 The door fitting 32 includes a door handle 40Without authorization, the button can only be pressed without opening the door; however, with authorization, it is coupled to a push-button mechanism, and when activated, the latch retracts. The upper part of the strike plate contains a cover that is permeable to high-frequency fields. 36 , behind which the detection device with the antennas of the UHF transceiver 16 and the LF transmitter 14 is arranged. The cover 36 It also has an opening 38 for the PIR sensor.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of an electronic ID card. 12 A watch to be worn on the wrist for a disoriented person. 42 , which may also be designed as a dummy and has no operating elements.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of an electronic ID card. 12 a trailer 44, which can be worn on a keyring, a necklace, or even in a clothing pocket. This electronic ID card 12 It can have further authorization levels and has a keyboard for activating further actions. 46 .

[0042] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic floor plan of a care facility with the arrangement of detection devices. From a corridor 64 There are two rooms 60 and 62 Accessible via doors. Door fittings 32 and 32' are each equipped with detection devices 10 equipped. Another detection device. 48 It is located at the door control of an automatic door at the end of the corridor and also houses another detection device. 54 It is located at an automatic door at an exit to the outside. 66 Finally, there is also a detection device. 52at the property entrance. The detection devices 52 However, its actuator does not control doors, but rather an alarm system.

[0043] The detection devices 48 and 54 The door controls of automatic doors are preferably powered by the mains electricity supply. In this case, PIR sensors can be omitted, and the LF transmitter can transmit repeatedly at timed intervals. Since the detection device 52 Since it doesn't need to be housed in a door fitting, it can also be operated with a slightly larger battery for the extended detection range. A PIR sensor is then recommended. However, it is also possible to operate it from the mains power supply without a PIR sensor.

[0044] On all detection devices, the reading area is indicated by a dashed circle, where individuals with electronic ID cards are recognized and recorded. The size of these reading areas can be adjusted by changing the transmission power of the detection devices' LF transmitters. Larger reading areas, for example, at the exit to the outside, may accommodate multiple people simultaneously. Anti-collision routines in the detection devices' control systems eliminate interference caused by simultaneous transmissions.

[0045] Due to their low energy consumption, the recording devices can operate autonomously and therefore do not require integration into the electrical installation. They can be wirelessly integrated into a network, for example, via existing UHF radio links and additional UHF transceivers and / or via additional WLAN transceivers and WLAN hotspots. Data is then forwarded to a central recording device. 58 Therefore, there are Wi-Fi hotspots both indoors and outdoors. 50 and 56 arranged.

[0046] The detection devices can also be designed to transmit beacon identifiers at intervals of approximately 1 hour, by means of which the recording device 58 whose presence and functionality are checked. Such emissions in the RF range thus enable the monitoring of the detection devices without significantly increasing their energy consumption. Reference symbol list 10 Detection device 12 electronic ID cards 14 LF transmitters 16 UHF transceivers 18 Control 20 factor 22 PIR sensors 24 LF receivers 26 UHF transceivers 28 Control 30 Input device, keyboard 32 Door fitting 34 Detection device 36 Cover 38 Opening 40 door handles 42 o'clock 44 trailers 46 keyboard 48 Detection device 50 Wi-Fi hotspots 52 Detection device 54 Detection device 56 Wi-Fi hotspots 58 Recording device 60 rooms 62 rooms 64th floor 66 Outdoor area

Claims

[1] . Access control system consisting of electronic identification cards carried by persons and stationary recording devices, wherein an authorization dialogue takes place when an electronic identification card approaches a stationary recording device and a release device can be activated upon authorization, characterized by, that each electronic ID card contains a UHF transceiver, an LF receiver and a controller, and each detection device contains a UHF transceiver, an LF transmitter and a controller,that, by means of the control of the detection device, its LF transmitter repeatedly sends its own location information and temporarily switches the UHF transceiver of the stationary detection device from a standby state to an operating state, and upon receipt of the location information by an LF receiver of an electronic ID card, the UHF transceiver of the electronic ID card is switched from a standby state to an operating state by means of its control, and an authorization dialogue is carried out with the UHF transceiver of the stationary detection device, which is then also in an operating state, by exchanging and verifying the identity number of the electronic ID card in conjunction with the returned location information, and if authorization is granted, a release device or notification device is activated by means of the control. [2] Access control system according to claim 1, characterized by, that different authorization levels are assigned to the electronic identity cards, that in a restricted authorization level the electronic identity cards are granted only a few individual authorizations, which are limited to actions that can only be executed automatically, and that in extended authorization levels the electronic identity cards are granted further individual authorizations, on the basis of which further actions can be executed automatically and / or individually via an input device. [3] Access control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the electromagnetic field generated by the LF transmitter has a spherical characteristic and that the antenna arrangement of the LF receiver also has a spherical characteristic. [4] Access control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the transmit power of the LF transmitter in conjunction with its antenna gain and the input sensitivity of the LF receiver in conjunction with its antenna gain are dimensioned such that the range of the LF transmission path is between 40 cm and 2 m. [5] Access control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the range can be adjusted within limits by varying the transmission power. [6] Access control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the stationary detection device additionally includes a PIR sensor, by means of which the LF transmitter is activated when a thermal image changes. [7] Access control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a number of stationary detection devices are integrated autonomously into a door fitting as a door release device and are powered by a built-in battery. [8] Access control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that a further number of stationary detection devices are arranged at the entrances or exits of an area to be monitored and are coupled with a recording and / or alarming device. [9] Access control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that stationary recording devices are connected to a registration center via a network using UHF radio links and / or WLAN transceivers. [10] Access control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the transceivers of the stationary detection devices have a collision resolution routine.

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