Access control system for a large number of locks

Abstract

System for access control of a plurality of locking doors of battery-operated electromechanical locks (1), each containing a radio module (2), wherein at least two access points (3) are provided for wireless communication with the radio modules (2) of the locks (1) and the access points (3) are configured to receive identification signals generated by the radio modules (2), comprising an identifier of the respective lock (1), and simultaneously to detect a parameter of the received identification signal, wherein the identification signal and the detected parameter of the received identification signal are directed to an evaluation unit (4) formed on one of the access points (3), which is connected to a higher-level control unit (5) and is configured in such a way as tothat the identification signal transmitted by the radio module (2) of a shutter (1) and received by several access points (3) is forwarded to the higher-level control unit (5) only once, and that, depending on the parameters of the received identification signal of the shutter (1) detected by the access points (3), it is determined via which of the access points (3) an operating signal generated by the higher-level control unit (5) for the shutter (1) is transmitted to the radio module (2) of the shutter (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for access control of a plurality of door-locking, battery-operated electromechanical locks, each containing a radio module.

[0002] Wireless access control systems for multiple locks are known, in which the locks' radio modules can communicate with exactly one radio device. In such a system, a user can identify themselves at a lock using an identification code. The corresponding lock's radio module then transmits a signal containing the lock's identifier and the identification code to the radio device. The radio device forwards the signal to a higher-level control unit, which compares the identification code with stored identification codes and, in the event of a match, transmits a release signal via the radio device to the corresponding lock. Upon receiving the release signal, the corresponding lock can be unlocked.

[0003] In known systems, the number of locks with which a single radio unit can communicate is limited. If more locks than the maximum number specified by the radio unit need to be controlled in a room, a second system comprising a radio unit and multiple locks must be installed. A disadvantage of this is that the two or more systems operating in parallel can interfere with each other, particularly in their radio transmissions. Furthermore, with known systems, it can sometimes be difficult to position the radio unit so that it can communicate with all the locks distributed throughout the room and assigned to it at all times.The constant possibility of radio communication is made more difficult by the fact that the strength of the signals transmitted by the radio modules and the radio equipment varies at a specific location in the room due to objects brought into the room or other factors. For example, a radio module of a lock might no longer be able to communicate with its associated radio equipment because a cabinet door is open, even though communication was initially possible.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and in particular to enable a system and a method for access control of a large number of closures, in which in particular the closures can be easily exchanged and new closures added and in which reliable communication between the closures and the higher-level control unit is ensured.

[0005] DE 10 2006 047 939 discloses an access control system in which the locks register with the network and all further communication takes place via the access point specified during registration. DE 103 07 735 A1 describes a locking system with multiple locking cylinders for locking doors, wherein the locking cylinders are battery-operated. DE 199 41 350 A1 discloses communication between a vehicle control unit and a radio key.

[0006] This problem is solved by a system and a method with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments of the system and the method are specified in the dependent claims and in the description, whereby features of the advantageous further developments can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful way.

[0007] The problem is solved in particular by a system for access control of a large number of locking doors, each containing a radio module, battery-operated electromechanical locks, wherein at least two access points are provided for wireless communication with the radio modules of the locks and the access points are configured to receive identification signals generated by the radio modules, comprising an identifier of the respective lock, and simultaneously to detect a parameter of the received identification signal, wherein the identification signal and the detected parameter of the received identification signal are directed to an evaluation unit formed on one of the access points, which is connected to a higher-level control unit and is configured in such a way as tothat the identification signal transmitted by the radio module of a shutter and received by several access points is forwarded to the higher-level control unit only once, and that, depending on the parameters of the respective received identification signal of the shutter detected by the access points, it is specified via which of the access points an operating signal generated by the higher-level control unit for the shutter is transmitted to the radio module of the shutter.

[0008] The invention relates in particular to a system and a method for access control of locks that each lock the door of a control cabinet.

[0009] It is therefore specifically intended that the radio modules of the locks could communicate with all access points, thus enabling the identification signal to be transmitted via each access point and the evaluation unit to the higher-level control unit. Furthermore, each radio module could receive an operating signal from each access point. The access points are also designed and configured to measure not only the identification signal as an information signal, but also a physical parameter of the received identification signal. While the identification signal itself should be the same at all access points, the physical parameters of the identification signal differ between the respective access points. The detected parameter of the received identification signal is, in particular, the field strength of the identification signal transmitted by the radio module and received by the respective access point.Based on the parameters detected by the respective access points, the evaluation unit decides which access point should transmit the operating signal to the radio module of the corresponding shutter. Since the radio modules are not assigned to a single access point, the system can be easily expanded almost without limit, even at a later date. Furthermore, the access points can be positioned spatially relative to the shutters in such a way that each radio module can communicate with at least one access point.

[0010] Access points are, in particular, radio devices that, according to industry standards, can both send signals to the radio modules of the closures and receive signals from the radio modules.

[0011] The locks contain an electromechanical drive which, upon receiving an unlocking signal, unlocks the lock sufficiently to allow a user to open the door secured with the lock. In addition to the radio module for communication with the access points, the lock includes a receiver that can receive an identification code, for example, based on RFID or biometric technology, so that the identification code can be transmitted to the lock.

[0012] Each lock has a unique identifier that is transmitted to the access points via an identification signal. This signal can also be used to transmit the lock's state (open / closed) or an identification code transferred to the lock to the access points.

[0013] The access points each have a unit with which a physical signal, in particular the field strength of the received identification signal, is determined.

[0014] The evaluation unit, which analyzes the identification signal and the detected parameters, is integrated into one of the access points. The higher-level control unit stores the identification codes that authorize the opening of a lock. Furthermore, the higher-level control unit can document which identification code was used to open which lock and when. In addition, the higher-level control unit is configured to evaluate the plausibility of the information transmitted by the respective locks.

[0015] The operating signal can be, in particular, an unlocking signal. However, the operating signal can also include a master code for the respective lock, which is stored on the lock itself, so that the master code of a lock can be easily changed from the higher-level control unit after the system has been installed.

[0016] Preferably, the system comprises at least four access points, and more preferably at least eight access points. In particular, the system comprises at most 32 access points, and preferably at most 16 access points. Furthermore, the system comprises at least 64 locks per access point, but at most 200 locks per access point. In addition, the system comprises a total of at most 4000 locks, and preferably at most 2000 locks.

[0017] In particular, the evaluation unit is designed so that the operating signal is sent to the shutter's radio module via the access point that received the identification signal with the highest field strength as a parameter. This ensures that the operating signal is sent via the access point with the best radio connection to the respective radio module.

[0018] In this context, it may be provided that the evaluation unit is configured so that the operating signal is sent via another access point when the maximum transmission time of the access point that received the identification signal with the highest field strength has been exhausted. This is particularly relevant if, due to legal requirements, the access point is no longer permitted to transmit a signal within a specific time interval.

[0019] In particular, each radio module is configured to send an identification signal when activated by a user, especially via a sensor that detects a change in capacity. Specifically, in such a case, the identification signal transmits an identification code containing information about which user activated the radio module.

[0020] To enable regular monitoring of the shutter status while minimizing battery consumption, each radio module can be configured to periodically transmit an identification signal at intervals of at least one hour, preferably at least three hours. In this case, the identification signal includes, in particular, shutter status information. This status information can, for example, indicate whether the shutter is open or closed. The status information can also include the battery charge level and / or at least one master code of the shutter.

[0021] To further reduce the energy consumption of the shutter, it is intended that the radio module remains ready to receive for a maximum of three minutes, preferably a maximum of 30 seconds, after the identification signal has been sent.

[0022] In particular, the system is designed so that an identification code is transmitted to the lock via the identification signal. After a successful comparison of this identification code with a predefined identification code in the higher-level control unit, an unlocking signal is sent to the lock. This allows a user to identify themselves with the identification code on the lock, which can then be unlocked immediately.

[0023] On the other hand, it may be possible to release a lock from the higher-level control unit without requiring an identification code. In this case, the higher-level control unit generates an unlocking signal for the lock and transmits it to the evaluation unit. Upon receiving an identification signal from that lock at the evaluation unit, the unlocking signal is sent to that lock. Thus, the lock is only unlocked after activation by the user, without the need for user identification.

[0024] To ensure that every lock can be unlocked in the event of a malfunction or power failure, it can be provided that each lock can be unlocked using a master code transferable to the lock, even if no unlocking signal is present from the higher-level control unit. The master code can be transferred to the lock, in particular, using RFID technology or biometrically. Independently of the invention described above, it is also considered a separate invention in this context that a general identification method can be specified in the lock's delivery state, with which the lock can be unlocked. For example, a specific group of codes can be specified with which the lock can be unlocked. In particular, a card type could also be specified with which the lock can be unlocked.Once the corresponding lock has communicated with a higher-level control unit via the access points for the first time, a new master code or multiple master codes are transmitted to the lock, allowing it to be unlocked without an unlocking signal. The originally intended identification method is irrevocably overwritten. This has the advantage that the lock can initially be unlocked by a large number of users (e.g., the installer) and thus tested. After the entire system is installed, only authorized users can unlock the locks with a master code, without requiring an unlocking signal from the higher-level control unit.

[0025] The task is also solved by a method for access control of a large number of locking, battery-operated electromechanical locks, each containing a radio module, by means of at least two access points for wireless communication with the radio modules of the locks, comprising at least the following steps: - Sparks of an identification signal comprising an identifier of the respective shutter by the radio module of the shutter, - Receiving the identification signal by at least one of the access points and detecting a parameter of the received identification signal at the access point, - Forwarding the identification signal and the detected parameter of the received identification signal to an evaluation unit installed at one of the access points, - one-time forwarding of the identification signal from the evaluation unit to a higher-level control unit connected to the evaluation unit, - Generation of an operating signal by the higher-level control unit for a closure and transmission of the operating signal to the evaluation unit, - Forwarding the operating signal by the evaluation unit to exactly one of the access points, - Sparks of the unlocking signal from this access point to the radio module of the lock, The evaluation unit, depending on the parameters of the received identification signal from the shutter detected by the access points, specifies which access point the unlocking signal is sent to the shutter's radio module. The aforementioned steps can preferably be performed in the specified order, but they can also be performed in any order where appropriate.

[0026] The identification signal is only forwarded once from the evaluation unit to the higher-level control unit, thus reducing data traffic.

[0027] In particular, the operating signal is sent to the shutter via the access point that has received the identification signal with the highest field strength as a parameter.

[0028] However, if the maximum transmission time of this access point is used up, the operating signal will be sent via another access point.

[0029] In particular, an identification signal is transmitted when the radio module of the corresponding lock has been activated by a user.

[0030] Furthermore, it may be provided that an identification signal is sent periodically at intervals of at least one hour.

[0031] In particular, an identification code is transmitted to the lock using the identification signal and compared with a predefined identification code in the higher-level control unit, whereby an unlocking signal is sent to the lock after a positive comparison.

[0032] Alternatively, it can be provided that an unlocking signal for a lock is generated at the higher-level control unit and transmitted to the evaluation unit, whereby, after an identification signal from this lock is present at the evaluation unit, the unlocking signal is sent to this lock.

[0033] Preferably, the lock can be unlocked by means of a master code, even if no unlocking signal is available from the higher-level control unit.

[0034] The features and advantages described in relation to the system can be transferred to the process. An embodiment of the invention and the technical context are explained below by way of example with reference to the figure.

[0035] The figure schematically depicts a system with a higher-level control unit 5, which communicates with an evaluation unit 4 connected to an access point 3. The system shown has three access points 3. It also includes a number of battery-operated shutters 1, each with a radio module 2 and a sensor 6. The sensor 6 activates the radio module 2, which then transmits an identification code to the shutter 1. The shutters 1 can communicate with the access points 3 via the radio modules 2.

[0036] It is now planned that, after activation, the radio module 2 transmits an identification signal comprising an identifier and, if applicable, an identification code obtained via sensor 6. This identification signal is received by the access points 3. During reception, the access points 3 detect the field strength of the identification signal as a parameter and forward both the identification signal and the detected field strength as parameters to the evaluation unit 4. The evaluation unit 4 then forwards the identification signal, which may contain the identification code, only once to the higher-level control unit 5. The higher-level control unit 5 compares the identification code and, if applicable, the identification signal with identification codes stored on the higher-level control unit.After successful synchronization, the higher-level control unit 5 transmits an unlocking signal to the evaluation unit 4. The evaluation unit 4 forwards the unlocking signal to the access point 3 that received the identification signal previously sent by the lock 1 with the highest field strength. This ensures that the radio module 2 of the lock 1 receives the unlocking signal with the highest possible field strength. After receiving the unlocking signal, the lock 1 unlocks automatically, allowing a user to open a door that can be locked by the lock 1. Reference symbol list 1 closure 2 radio modules 3 Access Points 4 evaluation units 5 higher-level control unit 6 Sensor

Claims

[1] System for access control of a plurality of locking doors of battery-operated electromechanical locks (1), each containing a radio module (2), wherein at least two access points (3) are provided for wireless communication with the radio modules (2) of the locks (1) and the access points (3) are configured to receive identification signals generated by the radio modules (2), comprising an identifier of the respective lock (1), and simultaneously to detect a parameter of the received identification signal, wherein the identification signal and the detected parameter of the received identification signal are directed to an evaluation unit (4) formed on one of the access points (3), which is connected to a higher-level control unit (5) and is configured such thatthat the identification signal transmitted by the radio module (2) of a shutter (1) and received by several access points (3) is forwarded to the higher-level control unit (5) only once, and that, depending on the parameters of the received identification signal of the shutter (1) detected by the access points (3), it is determined via which of the access points (3) an operating signal generated by the higher-level control unit (5) for the shutter (1) is transmitted to the radio module (2) of the shutter (1). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (4) is configured such that the operating signal is sent via the access point (3) which has received the identification signal with the greatest field strength as a parameter. [3] System according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation unit (4) is configured such that the operating signal is sent via another access point (3) when a maximum transmission time of the access point (3) that received the identification signal with the greatest field strength has been consumed. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each radio module (2) is configured to transmit an identification signal when it is activated by a user, in particular via a sensor (6) that detects a change in capacity. [5] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each radio module (2) is configured to periodically transmit an identification signal at intervals of at least one hour. [6] System according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the radio module (2) remains ready to receive for a maximum of three minutes after the transmission of the identification signal. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an identification code is transmitted to the lock (1) using the identification signal and, after a positive comparison of the identification code in the higher-level control unit (5) with a predetermined identification code, an unlocking signal is sent to the lock (1). [8] System according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the higher-level control unit (5) generates an unlocking signal for a lock (1) and transmits it to the evaluation unit (4), and after an identification signal from this lock (1) is received at the evaluation unit (4), the unlocking signal is sent to this lock (1). [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each lock (1) can be unlocked by means of a master code transferable to the lock (1), even if no unlocking signal is present from the superior control unit (5). [10] Method for access control of a plurality of locking doors of battery-operated electromechanical locks (1) containing a radio module (2) by means of at least two access points (3) for wireless communication with the radio modules (2) of the locks (1), comprising at least the following steps: - Sparks of an identification signal comprising an identifier of the respective shutter (1) through the radio module (2) of the shutter (1), - Receiving the identification signal by at least one of the access points (3) and detecting a parameter of the received identification signal at the access point (3), - Forwarding the identification signal and the detected parameter of the received identification signal to an evaluation unit (4) installed at one of the access points (3), - One-time forwarding of the identification signal from the evaluation unit (4) to a higher-level control unit (5) connected to the evaluation unit (4), - Generating an operating signal by the higher-level control unit (5) for a closure (1) and transmitting the operating signal to the evaluation unit (4), - Forwarding the operating signal by the evaluation unit (4) to exactly one of the access points (3), - Spark of an unlocking signal from the access point (3) to the radio module (2) of the lock (1), wherein the evaluation unit (4) specifies, depending on the parameters of the received identification signal of the lock (1) detected by the access points (3), via which access point (3) the unlocking signal is sent to the radio module (2) of the lock (1).

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