Procedures for operating a locking system and locking system

Abstract

Method for operating a locking system for a building door (1) with at least - a locking device, e.g. a motor-operated lock (2), - a control unit (3) with a receiver for receiving an opening signal via radio, - a WLAN communication unit (5) located within range of the controller, acting as a network server, which is integrated into a local WLAN radio network and which also has a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal (6) via radio to the receiver of the controller (3), - at least one terminal device (7) operating as a network client, which is registered in the WLAN communication unit (5) and with which an opening command (8) can be transmitted to the communication unit (5) and - one or more wireless access control devices (10, 11) with a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal (12) wirelessly, wherein the access authorizations of the wireless access control devices (10, 11) are stored in the WLAN communication unit (5) and wherein an opening signal (12) is sent wirelessly to the communication unit (5) by the access control device (10, 11) and the access authorization is checked in the communication unit (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a locking system for a building door. Furthermore, the invention relates to a locking system for a building door, comprising at least - a locking device, e.g. a motor-driven lock, - a control unit with a receiver for receiving an opening signal via radio, - a communication unit located within range of the controller, acting as a network server, which is integrated into a local radio network and which also has a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal via radio to the receiver of the controller, - at least one terminal device operating as a network client, which is registered in the communication unit and - one or more wireless access control devices with a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal via radio.

[0002] Within the scope of the invention, a locking system refers in particular to a door locking system for a security-relevant door, e.g., the entrance door of a single-family home, an apartment building, or a commercial or public building. Such a door locking system has at least one locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the door. In addition to or as an alternative to mechanical access control systems (especially keys), wireless access control devices are provided as identification devices. These can be, in particular, generally known wireless handheld transmitters, wireless transponders, wireless fingerprint scanners, and wireless keypads. With such "wireless keys," the locking system can be opened "electronically" by authorized persons even without a mechanical key. For this purpose, the lock (which is, for example, a key)(which can be designed as a multi-point locking system) is motor-driven, so that at least one (separate) motor unit can be provided with which at least one unlocking of the lock (and optionally also one locking) is possible. The control unit can be integrated into the lock or into the motor unit. Preferably, it is a separate control unit that can be arranged in the door leaf or in the door frame and controls the motor (e.g., for unlocking the lock) via cable or wirelessly. In a known locking system of the type described, the various authorized electronic keys are stored in the control unit; that is, the individual components are programmed into the control unit.

[0003] In addition to the wireless access control devices, the locking system features a communication unit that acts as a network server, effectively serving as an additional electronic key. This communication unit, like conventional electronic keys, is stored in the control system as having "authorized access." This communication unit is marketed by Carl Fuhr GmbH & Co. KG under the name "SmartConnect." Multiple devices (e.g., smartphones) can be registered with this communication unit via an intuitive app, enabling communication between the smartphone and the SmartConnect unit via a wireless network (especially Wi-Fi). For example, an opening command can be sent from the smartphone to the communication unit, which then transmits an opening signal (wirelessly) to the control system.The communication unit can be provided in a separate housing with a power supply and mains plug. It is plugged into a wall socket, for example, inside the building near the door, and "paired" with the control system. The door can then be unlocked, for example, via a smartphone, which communicates with the communication unit either via Wi-Fi or, if necessary, via the internet and the local Wi-Fi network. In this way, a large number of users or devices can be managed very easily, because only a single communication unit needs to be paired with the control system for a large number of devices. This well-known system based on "Fuhr-SmartConnect" has proven itself exceptionally well in practice, but it has potential for further development. This is where the invention comes in.

[0004] Furthermore, US patent 2004 / 0036573 A1 describes an access control device with which the control of a locking system is carried out via acoustic signals which are decoded in a DTMF decoder and then compared with codes stored in a memory of the control device, so that, for example, a garage door can be opened via acoustic signals.

[0005] WO 2009 / 088901 A1 addresses a communication system that also includes a locking system. Communication takes place via a software RF gateway, which can be accessed via WLAN or the internet using a smartphone, thus unlocking the lock. The document also describes the possibility of opening the lock with radio remote controls.

[0006] Furthermore, the earlier, unpublished patent application DE 10 2014 115 187 A1, as prior art according to Section 3 (2) of the German Patent Act (PatG), relates to a door locking system with a central control unit and an electronic locking unit with at least one electronic key. The central control unit comprises an electronic evaluation and control device, a communication interface for bidirectional communication with the electronic locking unit, a network interface and / or a mobile communication interface at least for receiving control and configuration data based on an internet protocol or a mobile communication protocol.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of creating a method for operating a locking system for a building door - as well as a locking system which is characterized by extended functionality and, in particular, improved user management.

[0008] To solve this problem, the invention teaches a method for operating a locking system with the features of claim 1. It is provided that the access authorizations of the radio access control devices (or radio keys) are stored in the communication unit, wherein an opening signal is sent by radio from the access control device to the communication unit and the access authorization is checked in the communication unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a locking system for a building door with the features of claim 7, which is set up for carrying out the method.

[0010] The invention is based on the understanding that the functionality of a generally known (WLAN) communication unit can be extended if the generally known wireless access control devices (e.g., wireless handheld transmitters, wireless transponders, wireless fingerprint scanners, wireless code entry devices) are no longer programmed and stored in the controller as before, but rather in the communication unit. Consequently, the communication unit manages not only the authorized (WLAN) end devices, but also the conventional wireless access control devices that communicate with the access control system not via the wireless network (WLAN), but via conventional radio signals. This is because the communication unit includes not only a transmitter for radio signals from the communication unit to the controller, but also a receiver for receiving radio signals from the wireless access control devices.This makes it possible to program the wireless access control devices into the communication unit. During operation, the respective wireless access control device (e.g., the wireless remote control) then sends an opening command wirelessly to the communication unit. The authorization is then verified in the communication unit, and if authorization is successful, the communication unit sends an opening signal wirelessly to the receiver of the controller. Consequently, the communication unit now stores and verifies not only wireless network-enabled devices (e.g., smartphones or similar), but also the generally known wireless access control devices that were previously programmed into the controller using state-of-the-art technology.

[0011] These measures expand and simplify user management. Previously, when wireless access control devices were stored in the control unit, the options for modifying, deleting, or even time-limiting individual authorizations were very limited. While it was possible to manage users with PC application software and write the data back to the control unit in a programming manner, the invention allows access authorization to be managed very conveniently within the communication unit itself. This means that only the communication unit needs to be registered as authorized in the control unit. Consequently, the communication unit is the only device that needs to be registered as authorized in the control unit.Since the communication unit has a standardized interface, wireless access control devices and end devices from different manufacturers can be displayed uniformly to the user. Permissions for individual access control devices can be added, deleted, and time limits set. This also enables convenient management of access control devices for which there was previously no visual display of the stored permissions. Furthermore, the functionality of the access control device is significantly expanded by the storage provided in the communication unit, as the assignment of functions to an access control device can now be freely configured and modified within the communication unit. In practice, for example, a wireless key from one manufacturer can now also be used for, e.g.,can be associated with opening a lock from another manufacturer.

[0012] According to the invention, a distinction is therefore made between terminal devices on the one hand and wireless access control devices on the other. Terminal devices are those that communicate with the communication unit via the wireless network (in particular WLAN), e.g., smartphones or the like. Wireless access control devices are conventional access control devices that send a radio signal to the receiver of the communication unit or receive a radio signal from the communication unit.

[0013] Communication between the end devices and the communication unit preferably takes place via TCP / IP. A WLAN according to the IEEE 802.11 standard with frequencies of 2-6 GHz is preferably used as the local wireless network. The signals between the communication unit and the controller, as well as the signals between the wireless access control devices and the communication unit, are transmitted (conventionally) via radio, e.g., at a frequency between 500 MHz and 1000 MHz, such as 868.3 MHz.

[0014] The invention therefore relates to a method for operating a locking system for a building door. This method is characterized in that the access authorization of the wireless access control devices is no longer stored in the control unit, but in the communication unit. Accordingly, the access authorizations are no longer checked in the control unit, but in the communication unit, when a wireless access control device is activated.

[0015] During an attempted opening, the wireless access control device transmits an opening command to the communication unit. If the authorization is successfully verified, the communication unit sends an opening signal to the controller. The controller then unlocks the lock via the motor; that is, the controller sends a command to unlock the lock to the motor.

[0016] The invention has been explained by way of example using a preferred embodiment in which the locking system comprises a motor-driven lock as the locking device, which can be unlocked or is unlocked via the control unit. This means that the control unit transmits a corresponding command or signal to the lock or the motor to unlock the lock. However, the invention also encompasses locking systems with other electrical or electronic locking devices, e.g., with an electronic cylinder or an electrical or electronic fitting. In such a case, the control unit can actuate or release this locking device, e.g., by unlocking the electronic cylinder or, in the case of an electronic fitting, by releasing the door handle. The aforementioned embodiments can also be implemented in such a locking system.

[0017] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing that merely illustrates one embodiment.

[0018] The single figure shows a schematically simplified representation of a locking system according to the invention and its functionality.

[0019] The figure shows a locking system for a building door 1 with a motorized lock 2 and a control unit 3. The motorized lock 2 is preferably a multi-point locking system with a central lock and one or more auxiliary locks, which are connected to the central lock via drive rods. The lock 2 is equipped with a motor. Preferably, a (separate) motor unit 4 is provided for this purpose, which is also connected to the central lock and / or the auxiliary locks via the drive rods. The motor unlocks at least one of the locks 2. Locking can optionally be achieved mechanically in the sense of self-locking (semi-motorized lock). However, the invention also includes fully motorized locks in which both locking and unlocking are performed by the motor. The control unit 3 can be mounted directly on the lock (e.g.,It may be located on or in the motor unit. However, it can also be located as a (separate) control unit on the door leaf or door frame and, for example, be connected to the lock or the motor unit 4 by cable.

[0020] According to the invention, a communication unit 5 is arranged within radio range of the controller 3. This unit serves as a network server and is integrated into a local radio network. Such a communication unit 5 also has a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal 6 wirelessly to the receiver of the controller 3. Furthermore, the communication unit preferably has a receiver for receiving radio signals, e.g., from the controller 3. Consequently, such a communication unit 5 is registered in the controller as an "authorized user," similar to a conventional radio key. For this purpose, one or more end devices 7 (e.g., smartphones), which operate as network clients, can be registered in the communication unit 5. Using such an end device 7, an opening command 8 can be transmitted to the communication unit 5, whereupon the communication unit 5 transmits an opening signal 6 to the controller 3.Communication between the terminal device 7 and the communication unit 5 takes place via WLAN technology. Suitable application software (e.g., an app) is installed on the terminal device 7 (e.g., a smartphone), enabling easy operation and, in particular, user management. This allows a large number of terminal devices 7 to be registered with the communication unit 5 and managed via these devices. Individual usage patterns can be defined for numerous smartphones or similar devices, and temporary restrictions or blocks can also be implemented. Security is further enhanced by logging actions and setting changes in a log. The communication unit 5 is a separately provided WLAN module, preferably equipped with a power adapter, which is simply plugged into a wall socket 9 near the door.

[0021] The diagrams show that the communication unit 5 can communicate with the end device 7 as a Wi-Fi access point, even without an existing Wi-Fi network. The user can connect the end device to the communication unit 5 via the Wi-Fi settings and then access it without restrictions using the app. This allows for quick and easy use without an existing Wi-Fi network.

[0022] Alternatively, the figures also show that the communication unit 5 can be integrated into an existing WLAN with access point / router 13. In this case, the end device 7 can also communicate with the communication unit 5 via the WLAN access point 13. Furthermore, it is possible for an end device 7 to communicate with the communication unit 5 via the internet and the access point / router 13.

[0023] In addition to communication between the end devices 7 (e.g., smartphones) and the communication unit 5 for opening the lock 2, the invention provides the option of using conventional wireless access control devices 10, 11. A wireless handheld transmitter 10 and a wireless fingerprint scanner 11 are shown as examples in the figure. According to the invention, these access control devices 10, 11 are not programmed into the controller 3 in the conventional manner, but rather, according to the invention, into the access control unit 5. The access authorizations of the individual access control devices 10, 11 are therefore stored in the communication unit 5. To open the lock with, for example, the wireless handheld transmitter 10, an opening command 12 is no longer transmitted from the wireless handheld transmitter to the controller 3, but to the communication unit 5. There, the authorization is checked, and then an opening signal 6 is transmitted to the controller.The control unit 3 therefore does not need any knowledge whatsoever of which access control devices 10 and 11 have been programmed and are consequently stored as authorized. The information stored in the communication unit 5 can be easily visualized and edited via various end devices, such as smartphones or PCs, thus significantly simplifying operation.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a locking system for a building door (1) with at least - a locking device, e.g. a motor-operated lock (2), - a control unit (3) with a receiver for receiving an opening signal via radio, - a WLAN communication unit (5) located within range of the controller, acting as a network server, which is integrated into a local WLAN radio network and which also has a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal (6) via radio to the receiver of the controller (3), - at least one terminal device (7) operating as a network client, which is registered in the WLAN communication unit (5) and with which an opening command (8) can be transmitted to the communication unit (5) and - one or more wireless access control devices (10, 11) with a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal (12) wirelessly, wherein the access authorizations of the wireless access control devices (10, 11) are stored in the WLAN communication unit (5) and wherein an opening signal (12) is sent wirelessly to the communication unit (5) by the access control device (10, 11) and the access authorization is checked in the communication unit (5). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that radio access control devices (10, 11) are used as radio hand transmitters (10), radio transponders, radio fingerprint scanners (11), radio code entry devices or the like. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that an end device (7) is used which is equipped with an optical display and with an input device, e.g. as a mobile phone (e.g. smartphone), as a PDA, as a tablet PC or as a computer (workplace computer, laptop, notebook). [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the communication unit (5) communicates with the terminal device (7) via TCP / IP. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the local WLAN radio network for communication between end devices (7) and WLAN communication unit (5) operates according to the IEEE 802.11 standard. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the signals between communication unit (5) and control unit (3) and / or the signals between the radio access control devices (10, 11) and the communication unit (5) are transmitted by radio, e.g. with a frequency of 868.3 MHz. [7] Locking system for a building door (1) with at least - a locking device, e.g. a motor-operated lock (2), - a control unit (3) with a receiver for receiving an opening signal via radio, - a WLAN communication unit (5) located within range of the controller, acting as a network server, which is integrated into a local WLAN radio network and which also has a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal (6) via radio to the receiver of the controller (3), - at least one terminal device (7) operating as a network client, which is registered in the WLAN communication unit (5) and with which an opening command (8) can be transmitted to the communication unit (5) and - one or more radio access control devices (10, 11) with a transmitter for transmitting an opening signal (12) by radio, wherein the locking system is set up for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6.

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