Access control system for buildings with multiple entrances

Abstract

Access control system (1) for buildings (2) with multiple entrances (3A, 3B) with a stationary unit (20) and a mobile unit (10), wherein the mobile unit (10) has a mobile transceiver (11) which is configured to wirelessly and encryptedly transmit signals (S) for authentication and authorization of the mobile unit (10) to the stationary unit (20) and for control of the stationary unit (20) by the mobile unit (10) to a stationary transceiver (21) of the stationary unit (20), wherein the stationary unit (20) has a control device (22) which is configured, to determine the position of the mobile unit (10) relative to the stationary unit (20) from the signals (S) transmitted by the mobile transceiver (11) to the stationary transceiver (21), to compare the position with an access area (30A, 30B) assigned to each of the access points (3A, 3B) and / or several successively recorded positions with a predetermined movement pattern, as well as to control a function assigned to one of the access points (3A, 3B) when a control command to trigger the respective function is transmitted to the stationary unit (20) by a mobile unit (10) authenticated and authorized by the stationary unit (20) and / or the control command is generated by the control device (22) from the comparison.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an access control system for buildings with multiple entrances.

[0002] An access control system within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a system comprising a stationary or fixed unit and a mobile unit that can be carried by a user, in which these units communicate wirelessly with each other for the authentication and authorization of the mobile unit, and thus of the user, vis-à-vis the stationary unit. Based on this authentication and authorization, the stationary unit controls various functions and, in particular, releases, i.e., unlocks, the associated access point, for example, a door or gate. Beyond most conventional access systems, the access system according to the invention also provides position determination, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0003] Wireless access control systems are state of the art and are known, for example, from documents WO 2023 / 222462 A1 and DE 10 2020 114 403 A1.

[0004] However, such systems can be further optimized. For example, building access control systems often stipulate that each entrance to or on the building has its own access control system, each with its own stationary transceiver. In buildings with, for example, numerous offices or individual rooms requiring controlled access, as is the case in hotels or office complexes, the costs incurred by the large number of access control systems and the potential interference with radio communications caused by the numerous transceivers are disadvantages. Furthermore, increased maintenance and more complex management of such a large number of access systems also contribute to the overall problem.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing an access control system for buildings with multiple entrances.

[0006] This problem is solved by the combination of features according to claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, an access control system for buildings with multiple, i.e., at least two, entrances, or a building access control system for multiple entrances, is proposed, which accordingly comprises a stationary unit, i.e., a fixed unit, preferably permanently connected to the building, and a mobile unit, i.e., a non-stationary unit, and in particular, a unit that can be worn by a user. For the avoidance of doubt, "entrances" are not to be understood merely as entrances to the building, but also, for example, as entrances to individual rooms or areas of the building. The mobile unit is essentially an electronic key, which can, for example, be in the form of a smart fob or a smartphone. It should be clarified that the access control system can comprise a plurality of mobile units, each of which is distinguishable by a unique identifier specific to the mobile unit.The stationary unit can, for example, be a unit that can be attached to a door lock or replaces one, preferably being independent of a specific access point and, for instance, attachable to a building wall in such a way that the radio range covered by the aforementioned stationary transceiver covers multiple access points. Fundamentally, both the stationary unit and the mobile unit each have a transceiver, which is understood to be a transmit-receive unit. The transceiver of the mobile unit, referred to as the mobile transceiver, preferably has at least one antenna and electronics for transmitting signals via the at least one antenna and for further processing the signals received via the at least one antenna.The aforementioned transceiver of the stationary unit, referred to as the stationary transceiver, preferably comprises at least two antennas and electronics for transmitting signals via at least one of the two antennas and for further processing the signals received via both antennas. The mobile transceiver is configured to wirelessly transmit encrypted signals, particularly via radio, to the stationary unit for authentication and authorization of the mobile unit vis-à-vis the stationary unit, and optionally for control of the stationary unit by the mobile unit.

[0008] Fundamentally, authentication refers to verifying whether the mobile unit, or rather its identity, is known to the stationary unit, specifically whether a unique identification number for the mobile unit is stored in the stationary unit. Authorization, on the other hand, refers to verifying whether the authenticated mobile unit has the necessary access rights for the access controlled by the access control system. Authentication and authorization can be performed together or separately.

[0009] A key aspect of the invention is that the stationary unit comprises a control device configured to determine the position of the mobile unit relative to the stationary unit from the signals transmitted by the mobile transceiver to the stationary transceiver, and to compare this position with an access area assigned to each of the access points and / or several successively detected positions with a predetermined movement pattern (also referred to as a movement path). Furthermore, the control device is configured to control a function assigned to one of the access points when a control command to trigger the respective function is transmitted to the stationary unit by a mobile unit authenticated and authorized by the stationary unit, and / or when the control command is generated by the control device from the comparison, i.e., when an access request is recognized through the comparison.

[0010] These features provide an access control system that enables secure and flexible access control for multiple entrances to a building. The combination of wireless communication, authentication, location tracking and synchronization, and / or motion pattern recognition allows for situation-dependent and automated access control, increasing both security and convenience for authorized users.

[0011] An advantageous further development provides that the access control system has several actuators, each assigned to one of the access points and connected to the control device via signaling. The actuators are designed to receive control commands from the control device and, upon receiving a control command assigned to a function, trigger the function.

[0012] An example of an actuator would be an electromechanical door lock or an electromechanical bolt, which unlocks access upon transmission of a corresponding control command.

[0013] Alternatively, a light source with appropriate control could also be used as an actuator, which can be activated when the mobile unit approaches.

[0014] By integrating multiple actuators, the system can individually control different access points and selectively trigger functions such as opening or closing doors. This increases flexibility and enables demand-based access control.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, an access area is stored in the control device for each access point, and preferably the identities of the authorized mobile unit, for example by its identifier, are also stored in the control device for each access point or access area. The control device is further configured to generate the control command to trigger a function associated with the access point when, or as soon as, the position of the mobile transceiver is within the access area assigned to the respective access point.

[0016] This measure enables precise and automatic access control depending on the position of the mobile unit. Access is only activated when the mobile unit is within the defined area, further increasing security and ease of use.

[0017] Another variant involves storing a movement pattern, or a movement pattern for each access point, in the control device. The control device is designed to generate the control command to trigger a function assigned to the access point when, or as soon as, several successively detected positions, possibly within a tolerance, correspond to the movement pattern.

[0018] By analyzing movement patterns, the system can map more complex access scenarios and, for example, only grant access if the mobile unit has moved in a specific way. This increases tamper resistance and allows for even more individualized control. For instance, it can be configured that the access point or door is only unlocked if the mobile unit approaches it in a straight line and not simply moves past it.

[0019] Further training stipulates that the mobile transceiver has a first mobile module for communication via a first radio standard and a second mobile module for communication via a second radio standard. The stationary transceiver, accordingly, has a first stationary module for communication via the first radio standard and a second stationary module for communication via the second radio standard.

[0020] Using multiple radio standards can increase the reliability and flexibility of communication between mobile and stationary units. This enables, for example, redundant or situation-dependent communication and contributes to increased system security.

[0021] Further training stipulates that the control device is trained to authenticate and / or authorize the mobile unit by means of signals transmitted via the first radio standard and to determine the position by means of signals transmitted via the second radio standard.

[0022] Further training stipulates that the first radio standard is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and the first radio connection is a BLE radio connection and / or that the second radio standard is Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and the second radio connection is a UWB radio connection.

[0023] By using BLE and UWB, the advantages of both wireless technologies are leveraged: BLE enables energy-efficient communication over medium distances, which is particularly useful for authentication and authorization, while UWB allows for highly precise positioning over short distances. This improves the efficiency and accuracy of the access control system.

[0024] Separating authentication and positioning using different radio standards can further increase security, as authentication can be performed using a particularly secure standard, while positioning is achieved using a standard with high security and accuracy.

[0025] An advantageous configuration provides that when the mobile unit enters the radio range of the first stationary radio module, a connection is initially established via the first radio standard, in particular BLE. After successful authentication and authorization, and when the mobile unit enters the radio range of the second stationary radio module, a second radio connection, in particular via UWB, is activated to enable precise position determination. The UWB interface of the stationary unit, or the second stationary radio module, is specifically activated only after successful authentication and authorization of the mobile unit in order to save energy and increase system security.

[0026] Furthermore, it may be provided that a radio area covered by the stationary transceiver and in particular by the second stationary module of the stationary transceiver, in which a position determination enabling, in particular a second radio link between the stationary transceiver and the mobile transceiver or its second mobile module is possible, covers at least two access points or two access areas each assigned to an access point.

[0027] As part of a learning process, several access areas and, for example, one access area per access point can be learned, particularly by appropriately placing the mobile unit at the stationary unit or in an access environment of the stationary unit.

[0028] During the learning process, the stationary unit can be explicitly programmed with separate access areas and associated objects in the access environment, such as door handles, for each of several access points. The stationary unit stores this information so that it can later precisely assign the mobile unit to a specific access point.

[0029] The features disclosed above can be combined in any way, provided that this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0030] Reference is also made to earlier German utility model applications, published as DE 20 2025 102 409 U1, DE 20 2025 102 410 U1, DE 202025102413 U1, DE 20 2025 102 412 U1, DE 20 2025 102 414 U1, DE 202025102415 U1, DE 20 2025 102 416 U1, DE 20 2025 102 417 U1 and DE 20 2025 102 418 U1, which also further develop an access control system according to the invention. Reference is hereby made to the aforementioned disclosures, so that their content is incorporated into the disclosure and teaching of the present application.

[0031] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims or are described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1. An access control system for an access point; Fig. 2. An access control system for two entrances.

[0032] The figures are schematic examples. Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical functional and / or structural features.

[0033] In Fig. 1 The essential components of an access control system 1 at a building 2 in accordance with the invention are shown schematically in a simplified form for an access point 3.

[0034] Such an access control system 1 basically comprises a stationary unit 20 and a mobile unit 10, wherein the stationary unit 20 is fixed in place or connected to the building 2 and is designed to control the access point 3, for example, a door, of the building 2 and, in particular, to lock or unlock the access point 3 or the door 3 depending on the position of the mobile unit 10, wherein the stationary unit 20 receives signals S from the mobile unit 10 to determine its position and to authenticate and authorize it. The mobile unit 10 has a mobile transceiver 11, which has a first mobile module for communication via a first radio standard, specifically a BLE module for communication via BLE, and a second mobile module for communication via a second radio standard, specifically a UWB module for communication via UWB.This enables the mobile transceiver 11 to wirelessly and encryptedly transmit signals S for authentication and authorization of the mobile unit 10 to the stationary unit 20 and, if necessary, for control of the stationary unit 20 by the mobile unit 10 to a stationary transceiver 21 of the stationary unit 20.

[0035] The stationary transceiver 21 has a first stationary module for communication via the first radio standard, specifically a BLE module for communication via BLE, and a second stationary module for communication via the second radio standard, specifically a UWB module for communication via UWB.

[0036] Generally, identification and authentication are preferably carried out via BLE, whereas localization and position determination are preferably carried out using cryptographically secured communication via UWB.

[0037] It is essential that the control of the stationary unit 20 should not, or preferably at least not exclusively, be based on control commands received from the mobile unit 10, but rather that the position of the mobile unit 10 relative to the stationary unit 20, or a movement pattern derived from a successive sequence of positions recorded over time, should be evaluated. Regarding the position, for example, an access request can be assumed if the position of the mobile unit is within a predetermined access area 30. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the successively recorded positions correspond to an actual movement pattern, such as a straight-line approach to the access point, within a tolerance range of a movement pattern stored in the stationary unit 20.

[0038] Accordingly, the stationary unit 20 can have a control device 22 which is configured to determine a position of the mobile unit 10 relative to the stationary unit 20 from the signals S transmitted by the mobile transceiver 11 to the stationary transceiver 21 and to automatically control a function when the position of the mobile unit 10 is within a predetermined access area 30.

[0039] For example, the control device 22 can determine, from the signals S transmitted by the mobile transceiver 11 to the stationary transceiver 21, an angle Φ from which the signals S were received and a distance r from which the signals S were received, so that the respective position of the mobile unit 10 can be specified as polar coordinates of a polar coordinate system. It follows that the stationary transceiver 21 is located at the origin of this two-dimensional polar coordinate system.

[0040] Based on this, in Fig.Figure 2 shows an access control system 1 for a building 2 with at least two entrances 3A, 3B. For example, building 2 comprises a first room 2A, to which a first entrance 3A is assigned, and a second room 2B, to which a second entrance 3B is assigned. In addition, there may be further rooms, each with one or more entrances, as well as one or more entrances assigned to building 2 as a whole. Each entrance 2A, 2B is equipped with an actuator 23A, 23B for locking and unlocking the entrance, whereby alternatively or additionally further actuators, such as light sources or the like, are possible.

[0041] The first actuator 23A, which is assigned to the first access 2A, as well as the second actuator 23B, which is assigned to the second access 2B, are connected to the control device 22 of the stationary unit 20 via signal technology.

[0042] In the control device 22, an access area 30A, 30B is stored for each access 3A, 3B.

[0043] Both the stationary transceiver 21 and the mobile transceiver 11 are equipped - as previously described - with respective modules for communication via a first radio standard, here BLE, and via a second radio standard, here UWB.

[0044] The first stationary module of the stationary transceiver 21 enables communication via the first radio standard with the mobile transceiver 11 within a first radio range or within a first radio area 21A. Furthermore, the second stationary module of the stationary transceiver 21 enables communication via the second radio standard with the mobile transceiver 11 within a second radio range or within a second radio area 21B, whereby the first radio range 21A, based on BLE, is greater than the second radio range 21B, based on UWB.

[0045] If a user carrying the mobile unit 10 approaches the access points 30A, 30B or the stationary unit 20 and enters the first radio area 21A, a BLE radio connection is first established via the transceivers 11, 21 and the mobile unit 10 is authenticated via the signals S transmitted in the process and an authorization, i.e. an access right for the access points 3A, 3B, is checked.

[0046] If the user then enters the second radio area 21B with the mobile unit 10, the second radio connection is established and the position of the mobile unit 10 and thus the position of the user is recorded via the signals S transmitted in the process.

[0047] Although it may be sufficient to compare the position of the mobile unit 10 with the access areas 30A, 30B and to trigger a function assigned to the respective access area 30A, 30B, for example, unlocking the access, when the mobile unit 10 is positioned within the respective access area 30A, 30B, it is provided here that the function assigned to an access area 3A, 3B is triggered when the mobile unit 10 is positioned within the respective access area 30A, 30B and several positions determined successively within a predetermined tolerance correspond to a movement pattern stored in the control device 22.

[0048] Consequently, the "Unlock" function for the first access point 3A is triggered by activating the first actuator 23A as soon as the mobile unit 10 authorized for the first access point 3A is located within the first access area 30A and a movement pattern has been determined by several successively determined positions of the unit 10 which corresponds to a straight-line movement towards the first access point 3A or, for example, more specifically, a door handle of the access point 3A.

[0049] Similarly, the "Unlock" function for the second access point 3B is triggered by activating the second actuator 23B as soon as the mobile unit 10 authorized for the second access point 3B is located within the second access area 30B and a movement pattern has been determined by several successively determined positions of the unit 10 which corresponds to a straight-line movement towards the second access point 3B or, for example, more specifically, a door handle of the access point 3B. Reference symbol list: 1 Access control system 2 buildings 2A first room 2B second room 3 Access / Door 3A First Entrance / First Door 3B second entrance / second door 10 mobile units 11 mobile transceivers 20 stationary units 21 stationary transceivers 21A First radio range / radio area of ​​the first stationary module 21B Second radio range / radio area of ​​the second stationary module 22 Control device 23A first actuator 23B second actuator 30 Access area 30A first access area 30B second access area S Signal(s) r distance Φ angle (polar coordinates) QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2023 / 222462 A1

[0003] DE 10 2020 114 403 A1

[0003] DE 20 2025 102 409 U1

[0030] DE 20 2025 102 410 U1

[0030] DE 202025102413 U1

[0030] DE 20 2025 102 412 U1

[0030] DE 20 2025 102 414 U1

[0030] DE 202025102415 U1

[0030] DE 20 2025 102 416 U1

[0030] DE 20 2025 102 417 U1

[0030] DE 20 2025 102 418 U1

[0030]

Claims

[1] Access control system (1) for buildings (2) with multiple entrances (3A, 3B) with a stationary unit (20) and a mobile unit (10), wherein the mobile unit (10) has a mobile transceiver (11) which is configured to wirelessly and encryptedly transmit signals (S) for authentication and authorization of the mobile unit (10) to the stationary unit (20) and for control of the stationary unit (20) by the mobile unit (10) to a stationary transceiver (21) of the stationary unit (20), wherein the stationary unit (20) has a control device (22) which is configured, to determine the position of the mobile unit (10) relative to the stationary unit (20) from the signals (S) transmitted by the mobile transceiver (11) to the stationary transceiver (21), to compare the position with an access area (30A, 30B) assigned to each of the access points (3A, 3B) and / or several successively recorded positions with a predetermined movement pattern, as well as to control a function assigned to one of the access points (3A, 3B) when a control command to trigger the respective function is transmitted to the stationary unit (20) by a mobile unit (10) authenticated and authorized by the stationary unit (20) and / or the control command is generated by the control device (22) from the comparison. [2] Access control system according to claim 1, furthermore comprising several actuators (23A, 23B), each of which is assigned to one of the access points (3A, 3B) and is connected to the control device (22) via signaling, wherein the actuators are configured to receive control commands from the control device (22) and to trigger the function upon receiving a control command associated with a function. [3] Access control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the control device (22) an access area (30A, 30B) is stored for each access (3A, 3B) and the control device (22) is configured to generate the control command to trigger a function associated with the access (3A, 3B) when (as soon as) the position of the mobile transceiver (11) is within the access area (30A, 30B) associated with the respective access (3A, 3B). [4] Access control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a movement pattern is stored in the control device (22) or a movement pattern is stored for each access (3A, 3B) and the control device (22) is designed to generate the control command to trigger a function assigned to the access (3A, 3B) when (as soon as) several successively detected positions correspond to the movement pattern. [5] Access control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile transceiver (11) comprises a first mobile module for communication via a first radio standard and a second mobile module for communication via a second radio standard and wherein the stationary transceiver (21) comprises a first stationary module for communication via the first radio standard and a second stationary module for communication via the second radio standard. [6] Access control system according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (22) is configured to authenticate and / or authorise the mobile unit (10) by means of the signals (S) transmitted via the first radio standard and to determine the position by means of the signals (S) transmitted via the second radio standard.

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