Access control system and controlling method for door lock

Abstract

An access control system and a door lock control method are disclosed. The access control system controls a door lock and includes an access control switch and a controller. The access control switch includes a housing, a distance sensor, and a pressure sensor. The distance sensor is disposed in the housing and senses distance information. The pressure sensor is disposed in the housing and senses pressure information. The controller is electrically connected to the distance sensor and the pressure sensor. The controller is used to unlock the door lock within a certain period based on the distance information. The controller is used to deactivate the access control based on the pressure information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of security, and more particularly to an access control system and a door lock control method. Prior Technology

[0002] Generally, to maintain access control while facilitating unlocking, the door lock will temporarily unlock for a period of time before relocking when the access control system's access control switch is triggered. In addition to the access control switch, the access control system usually includes an emergency switch independent of the access control switch. This way, in the event of an emergency such as a fire requiring evacuation, the emergency switch can be triggered to release the access control, keeping the door lock in the unlocked state.

[0003] However, because emergency switches are separate from access control switches, additional wiring is required for them, making the access control system more difficult to maintain and install. Furthermore, emergency switches, being separate from access control switches, do not offer a more intuitive operating method in emergency situations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an access control system and a door lock control method to make the access control system easier to maintain and install, and to provide a more intuitive operation method.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention discloses an access control system for controlling a door lock and includes an access control switch and a controller. The access control switch includes a housing, a distance sensor, and a pressure sensor. The distance sensor is disposed in the housing and is used to sense distance information. The pressure sensor is disposed in the housing and is used to sense pressure information. The controller is electrically connected to the distance sensor and the pressure sensor. The controller is used to unlock the door lock within a certain period based on the distance information. The controller is used to disengage the door lock based on the pressure information.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a door lock control method comprising: acquiring gesture information through a distance sensor that serves as a time-of-flight distance sensor in an access control switch; and controlling a door lock through a controller electrically connected to the distance sensor based on the gesture information.

[0007] According to the access control system and door lock control method disclosed in the above embodiments, by integrating a pressure sensor and a distance sensor into the access control system, the controller can not only unlock the door within a certain period based on distance information, but also release the door lock based on pressure information. In other words, the access control switch according to the present invention provides both normal door opening and emergency door opening functions. Thus, the access control system does not need to include an emergency switch separate from the access control switch. Alternatively, the pressure sensor providing the emergency switch function in the access control system has been integrated into the access control switch. Therefore, the access control system is easier to maintain and install, and provides a more intuitive operation method.

[0008] Furthermore, since the controller releases the door lock based on pressure information, no consumables are generated during emergency door opening, further simplifying the access control system's maintenance. Moreover, the pressure-based door lock release method eliminates the need for disposable buttons, allowing for integrated access control switches. This eliminates the need to disassemble the access control switch for consumable replacements, reducing manual replacement work and improving maintenance convenience.

[0009] Furthermore, since the pressure sensor providing the emergency switch function in the access control system has been integrated into the access control switch, it prevents the separate emergency switch from affecting the aesthetics of the environment where the access control system is installed.

[0010] Furthermore, since the door lock control method uses gesture information to control the door lock via a controller electrically connected to a distance sensor, the controller can control the door lock in different ways according to different gestures. This improves the flexibility and convenience of controlling the door lock. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an access control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the access control system in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the access control system in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a top view of the first circuit board of the access control system in Figure 1 and the components mounted thereon. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the access control system in Figure 1. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating a door lock control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0012] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention outlines its features and advantages. This description is sufficient to enable anyone skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the embodiments of the present invention and to implement them accordingly. Furthermore, based on the disclosure, patent claims, and drawings in this specification, anyone skilled in the art can easily understand the relevant objectives and advantages of the present invention. The following embodiments further illustrate the points of the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0013] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an access control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the access control system in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the access control system in Figure 1.

[0014] In this embodiment, the access control system 10 is used to control a door lock (not shown) and includes an access control switch 100. In this embodiment, the access control switch 100 includes a housing 110, a first circuit board 120, a second circuit board 130, a flexible pad 140, a distance sensor 150, a plurality of pressure sensors 160, and a light-emitting component 170.

[0015] In this embodiment, the housing 110 includes a base 111 and a cover 112. The cover 112 includes a cover plate 113 and a plurality of protrusions 114. The protrusions 114 protrude from one side of the cover plate 113 and are located at a plurality of corners of the cover plate 113. The cover plate 113 is disposed on one side of the base 111 and together with the base 111 forms an accommodating space 115. The protrusions 114 are located in the accommodating space 115. In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusions 114 may be located in a plurality of guide holes 1110 of the base 111. A glass panel 118 may be provided on the side of the cover 112 away from the base 111.

[0016] The first circuit board 120 and the second circuit board 130 are electrically connected to each other. The first circuit board 120 and the second circuit board 130 are fixed in the accommodating space 115 and are separate from each other. The first circuit board 120 is closer to the cover 112 than the second circuit board 130.

[0017] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 4 is a top view of the first circuit board of the access control system in Figure 1 and the components mounted thereon.

[0018] For example, in this embodiment, the first circuit board 120 is fixed to the base 111, and the flexible pad 140 is sandwiched between the first circuit board 120 and the cover plate 113, so that the cover 112 is movably disposed on the base 111 through the flexible pad 140. The flexible pad 140 is made of, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The flexible pad 140 may, for example, have an opening 141 and be in the shape of a square.

[0019] A distance sensor 150 is disposed in the receiving space 115 of the housing 110 and is used to sense distance information. Furthermore, the distance sensor 150 is disposed and electrically connected to the first circuit board 120. In this embodiment, the distance sensor 150 is, for example, a time-of-flight (ToF) distance sensor.

[0020] A pressure sensor 160 is disposed in the receiving space 115 of the housing 110 and is used to sense pressure information. The pressure sensor 160 is disposed and electrically connected to the first circuit board 120. These pressure sensors 160 are located, for example, at multiple corners of the first circuit board 120. Protrusions 114 are used to press against the pressure sensors 160.

[0021] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the number of protrusions 114 and pressure sensors 160. In other embodiments, the number of protrusions and pressure sensors may both be one. Furthermore, the protrusions 114 of the cover 112 can improve the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 160 in sensing pressure. However, in other embodiments, the cover may not need to include protrusions 114 and may directly press the pressure sensor with the cover plate.

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the access control switch 100 may further include seals 116 and 117. Seal 116 is sandwiched between the cover plate 113 of the cover 112 and the base 111. Seal 117 is sandwiched between the base 111 and the second circuit board 130. Through the design of seals 116 and 117, the sealing degree of the housing 110 is improved, enabling the pressure sensor 160 to sense pressure information more accurately. In other embodiments, if the requirement for housing sealing degree is lower, the access control switch may not need to include seals 116 and 117.

[0023] It should be noted that the flexible pad 140, which movably mounts the cover 112 to the base 111, also improves the sealing of the housing 110, allowing the pressure sensor 160 to more accurately sense pressure information. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the cover may also be movably mounted to the base via a spring.

[0024] A light-emitting component 170 is disposed and electrically connected to the first circuit board 120. The light-emitting component 170 is located, for example, in the opening 141. The light-emitting component 170 is separate from the distance sensor 150 and the pressure sensor 160. The light-emitting component 170 may include one or more light-emitting diodes emitting different colors. Furthermore, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the light emitted by the light-emitting component 170 can be transmitted to the glass panel 118 through a light guide structure, and then transmitted to the outside world.

[0025] It should be noted that by placing the pressure sensor 160 at a corner of the first circuit board 120, not only can the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 160 in sensing pressure information be improved, but the pressure sensor 160 can also be prevented from blocking the light emitted by the light-emitting component 170. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor can also be placed at the center of the first circuit board, and the position of the light-emitting component can be adjusted accordingly.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG4, the access control switch 100 may further include an antenna 175. The antenna 175 is disposed and electrically connected to the first circuit board 120. It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the antenna 175 is omitted from the drawings in FIG2 and FIG3.

[0027] Please refer to Figures 1 and 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the access control system in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the access control system 10 further includes a controller 200, and the access control switch 100 further includes a signal input port 180, a first switch 181, a second switch 182, a third switch 183, a fourth switch 184, and an alarm unit 185 electrically connected to the controller 200. The controller 200 is, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU) and is electrically connected to a distance sensor 150, a pressure sensor 160, and a light-emitting component 170. The first switch 181 is, for example, a toggle switch. The second switch 182 and the third switch 183 are, for example, relays. The fourth switch 184 is, for example, an electronic switch. The alarm unit 185 is, for example, a buzzer.

[0028] Although not shown in the figures, it should be understood that the controller 200, signal input port 180, first switch 181, second switch 182, third switch 183, fourth switch 184, and warning unit 185 can be located at any position in the first circuit board 120, second circuit board 130, or housing 110 in Figure 3. Alternatively, the controller 200, signal input port 180, first switch 181, second switch 182, third switch 183, fourth switch 184, and warning unit 185 can also be located outside the housing 110 in Figure 3.

[0029] The operation of the access control system 10 will be explained below. The controller 200 unlocks the door lock for a period of time based on distance information sensed by the distance sensor 150. Specifically, when the distance information sensed by the distance sensor 150 indicates that the distance between an object (such as a hand) and the access control switch 100 is less than a threshold value, the controller 200 sends a specific signal to the door lock via the second switch 182, thereby unlocking the door lock for a period of time. After the specified period, the door lock returns to the locked state.

[0030] The controller 200 is used to unlock the door based on pressure information sensed by the pressure sensor 160. Specifically, when the pressure information sensed by the pressure sensor 160 indicates that the pressure on the pressure sensor 160 exceeds a certain threshold, the controller 200 sends a specific signal to the door lock via the third switch 183, thereby unlocking the door. When the door is unlocked, it remains in the unlocked state. Furthermore, when the pressure information sensed by the pressure sensor 160 indicates that the pressure on the pressure sensor 160 exceeds another threshold, the controller 200 also sends a specific signal to the alarm unit 185 via the fourth switch 184, causing the alarm unit 185 to issue a warning signal (such as an alarm sound).

[0031] The light-emitting component 170 can emit different colors of light depending on the state of the access control switch 100.

[0032] Signal input port 180 is used, for example, to connect to an external fire alarm control panel. In the event of a fire, the fire alarm control panel sends a signal to signal input port 180. At this time, controller 200 sends a specific signal to the door lock via third switch 183, thereby disabling the door lock. Furthermore, controller 200 also sends a specific signal to alarm unit 185 via fourth switch 184, causing alarm unit 185 to issue a warning signal.

[0033] The first switch 181 is used to put the access control switch 100 into a setting mode so that the settings of the access control switch 100 can be adjusted, such as adjusting the threshold value corresponding to the distance information or another threshold value corresponding to the pressure information.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 5 to 7, Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating a door lock control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The door lock control method according to an embodiment can be performed by the access control system 10 in Figure 1 and includes the following steps.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the first step S01 is to obtain gesture information through the distance sensor 150, which is a time-of-flight distance sensor in the access control system 10 in Figure 1.

[0036] Next, as shown in Figure 6, step S02 is performed, where a door lock is controlled via a controller 200 electrically connected to the distance sensor 150 based on gesture information.

[0037] In detail, as shown in Figure 7, step S02 includes steps S03 to S05. In step S03, the gesture information is compared with a first preset gesture information and a second preset gesture information. If the gesture information matches the first preset gesture information, step S04 is performed, and the controller 200 controls the door lock to unlock within a first period. If the gesture information matches the second preset gesture information, step S05 is performed, and the controller 200 controls the door lock to unlock within a second period. The second period is longer than the first period. For example, when a person with a disability makes a specific gesture in front of the access control system 10 in Figure 1, the controller 200 will unlock the door lock within the longer second period. In this way, the operation of the access control system 10 can be more flexible and adaptable to various usage scenarios. Furthermore, for example, the first preset gesture information can correspond to a single wave of the hand, and the second preset gesture information can correspond to two waves of the hand.

[0038] Furthermore, when an external control system electrically connected to and used to control the access control system 10 fails, the door lock can be released (i.e., emergency opening) by using a specific gesture (such as waving) or applying specific pressure to the access control switch 100. In this way, even if the external control system fails, situations where people are locked inside and unable to open the door can still be avoided.

[0039] According to the access control system and door lock control method disclosed in the above embodiments, by integrating a pressure sensor and a distance sensor into the access control system, the controller can not only unlock the door within a certain period based on distance information, but also release the door lock based on pressure information. In other words, the access control switch according to the present invention provides both normal door opening and emergency door opening functions. Thus, the access control system does not need to include an emergency switch separate from the access control switch. Alternatively, the pressure sensor providing the emergency switch function in the access control system has been integrated into the access control switch. Therefore, the access control system is easier to maintain and install, and provides a more intuitive operation method.

[0040] Furthermore, since the controller releases the door lock based on pressure information, no consumables are generated during emergency door opening, further simplifying the access control system's maintenance. Moreover, the pressure-based door lock release method eliminates the need for disposable buttons, allowing for integrated access control switches. This eliminates the need to disassemble the access control switch for consumable replacements, reducing manual replacement work and improving maintenance convenience.

[0041] Furthermore, since the pressure sensor providing the emergency switch function in the access control system has been integrated into the access control switch, it prevents the separate emergency switch from affecting the aesthetics of the environment where the access control system is installed.

[0042] Furthermore, since the door lock control method uses gesture information to control the door lock via a controller electrically connected to a distance sensor, the controller can control the door lock in different ways according to different gestures. This improves the flexibility and convenience of controlling the door lock.

[0043] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the patent application attached to this specification.

[0044] 10: Access Control System 100: Access Control Switch 110: Shell 111: Base 1110: Guide hole 112: Cover 113: Cover plate 114: Convex column 115: Storage space 116, 117: Seals 118: Glass panel 120: First circuit board 130: Second circuit board 140: Flexible pad 141: Opening 150: Distance sensor 160: Pressure sensor 170: Light-emitting components 175: Antenna 180: Signal Input Port 181: First Switcher 182: Second Switcher 183: Third Switcher 184: Fourth Switcher 185: Warning Unit 200: Controller S01~S05: Steps

Claims

1. A door lock control method, comprising: acquiring gesture information through a distance sensor acting as a time-of-flight distance sensor in an access control system; and controlling a door lock through a controller electrically connected to the distance sensor based on the gesture information; wherein the step of controlling the door lock through the controller electrically connected to the distance sensor based on a comparison result comprises: comparing the gesture information with the first preset gesture information and the second preset gesture information; if the gesture information matches the first preset gesture information, controlling the door lock to unlock within a first period through the controller; if the gesture information matches the second preset gesture information, controlling the door lock to unlock within a second period through the controller; wherein, The second period is longer than the first period.

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