METHOD FOR CHANGING AN OPERATING MODE

Description

Area

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a method for effecting a change in an operating mode. background

[0002] Access control systems are used in many ways, for example to control access to rooms of a building, as is the case with hotels, office complexes or laboratories, to events or in an abstract form to functions, resources or services, such as computer functions or resources or server services.

[0003] One disadvantage of electronic access control systems is their high energy consumption, as they must be constantly ready to grant access.

[0004] A specific application of access control systems is the control of people's access to the openings of containers, such as lockers or delivery boxes, especially parcel boxes. Parcel boxes offer a new form of parcel delivery / collection for people who want to receive or send packages at or near their residence, even when they are not home. Parcel boxes are typically installed in front of the user's residence—similar to a mailbox, but with a larger capacity—and the delivery person then delivers packages by placing them in the parcel box or collects them by removing them from the box. To prevent misuse and theft, the parcel box must be equipped with a lock.Particularly in this specific application, the high energy consumption of electronic access control systems is a disadvantage, as such parcel boxes are often retrofitted and do not have a connection to the power grid, but are battery-operated. Summary of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0005] The present invention has therefore set itself the task, among others, of overcoming these problems.

[0006] According to the invention, a method is disclosed which comprises: detecting the presence of an access authorization verification device in the environment of an access control device by means of first communication means of the access control device, and causing, when the presence of the access authorization verification device in the environment of the access control device is detected, a change in the operating mode of second communication means of the access control device.

[0007] For example, the method according to the invention is a method for effecting a change in an operating mode, for example, for changing an operating mode of the first communication means, the second communication means, and / or the access control device. For example, the method according to the invention is at least partially executed and / or controlled by an access control device and / or by respective means of the access control device.

[0008] According to the invention, an access control device is further disclosed, comprising: means for carrying out the method according to the invention, or means for carrying out and / or controlling the steps of the method according to the invention. For example, the means of the access control device according to the invention are configured to carry out and / or control the method according to the invention or its steps. One or more of the steps of the method according to the invention can also be carried out and / or controlled by the same means. For example, the access control device according to the invention comprises the first communication means and the second communication means. For example, one or more of the means can be at least partially formed by one or more processors.

[0009] For example, the device according to the invention comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing program code, wherein the memory and the program code are configured to cause the device with the at least one processor to execute and / or control at least the method according to the invention. It is possible to either control all steps of the method according to the invention, or to execute all steps of the method according to the invention, or to control one or more steps and execute one or more steps.

[0010] For example, the access control device according to the invention is an access control device for a receiving device, in particular a parcel box.

[0011] According to the invention, a receiving device is further disclosed, comprising: a housing, at least one door for closing at least one housing opening, locking means configured to lock and unlock the at least one door, and the access control device according to the invention.

[0012] According to the invention, a system is further disclosed which comprises the following: the recording device according to the invention and an access authorization verification device.

[0013] According to the invention, a computer program is further disclosed which comprises: program instructions that cause a processor to execute and / or control the method according to the invention when the computer program is running on the processor.

[0014] A processor is understood to mean, for example, control units, microprocessors, microcontrol units such as microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The processor can either control all steps of the method according to the invention, or execute all steps of the method according to the invention, or control one or more steps and execute one or more steps. The computer program according to the invention can be distributed, for example, via a network such as the internet, a telephone or mobile network, and / or a local area network. The computer program according to the invention can be at least partially software and / or firmware of a processor. It can also be implemented at least partially as hardware.The computer program according to the invention can, for example, be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, e.g., a magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, optical, and / or other type of storage medium. The storage medium can, for example, be part of the processor, such as a (non-volatile or volatile) program memory and / or the processor's working memory, or a part thereof.

[0015] According to the invention, a further use is disclosed which includes the following: the use of an access authorization verification device in an environment of the access control device according to the invention such that the presence of the access authorization verification device in the environment of the access control device is detectable by first communication means of the access control device in order to cause a change in the operating mode of second communication means of the access control device.

[0016] The following describes the characteristics of the inventive method, the inventive access control device, the inventive recording device, the inventive system, the inventive computer program and the inventive use - partly by way of example.

[0017] An access control device, such as the access control device according to the invention, is understood to be, for example, a device at which access control is carried out. For example, it controls access to rooms in buildings (e.g., hotels, office complexes, laboratories) or devices (e.g., recording devices), to events (e.g., concerts, sporting events), to functions (e.g., of a computer, e.g., via a login), to resources, or to services (e.g., to a service provided by a server, e.g., online banking, social networks, email accounts). Examples of access to rooms of devices include access to the receiving areas of recording devices, such as lockers, cabinets, refrigerators, delivery containers, mailboxes, and parcel boxes, which are, for example, each closed with doors and secured by locking mechanisms.A parcel box can, for example, have at least one compartment for parcels. Furthermore, a parcel box can, for example, be equipped with a letter slot and, if applicable, a compartment for letters.

[0018] Access control can, for example, consist of deciding, based on presented access authorization information, whether access may be granted. If it is decided that access may be granted, access is then granted, for example, by sending a control signal, such as to a locking device, to unlock and / or open a door to one or more rooms (e.g., recording rooms of a recording device) in order to allow access to those rooms.

[0019] The access control device can, for example, include one or more control means. For instance, the control means are connected to the first communication means and / or the second communication means (e.g., operationally connected).

[0020] For example, the first and second communication means are each directly connected to the control means. For example, the connections are wired and enable the transmission (e.g., sending or querying) of information.

[0021] For example, control means are set up to at least partially control the means of the access control device (e.g., the first and / or second communication means) and / or one or more locking means of a door, and thus be able to, for example, unlock and / or lock the door. An example of such control means is one or more processors.

[0022] It is also conceivable, for example, that the access control device includes locking means.

[0023] An example of a door's locking mechanism is an electronically controlled lock and / or an electronically controlled locking unit. For example, the control mechanism can be configured to operate such a lock and thus, for instance, cause the lock to open (i.e., unlock the door) and / or close (i.e., lock the door). The locking mechanism includes, for example, a latch or a latch function configured to automatically lock the door when it is closed. For instance, the electronically controlled lock can be equipped with such a latch, so that the control mechanism only needs to control the opening of the lock, while locking the lock is done manually by a user by utilizing the latch and, for example, by pushing the door shut, causing the latch to automatically lock the door.For example, when the lock is opened, the latch is moved, at least temporarily, into an open position (e.g., an unlocking position and / or a release position), for instance, by an electric motor. After the door is opened, the latch is moved into a closed position (e.g., a locking position and / or a closed position), for example, by a spring. When the door is closed, the latch is displaced from the closed position to the open position, and after the closing action is released, the latch automatically returns to the closed position, for example, by a spring preload, thus locking the closed door. A snap lock, for example, has such a latch function.

[0024] The access control device comprises, for example, one or more electrical energy storage devices (e.g., a battery, an accumulator, and / or a capacitor). For example, the access control device is supplied with electrical energy by the energy storage devices. For example, the access control device is supplied with electrical energy exclusively by the energy storage devices and / or can only be supplied with electrical energy by the energy storage devices. For example, the access control device is battery-operated and has, for example, no power connection, in particular no permanent power connection (e.g., no permanent power connection to a power supply network, e.g., no permanent power connection to an AC power network).

[0025] As described above, the access control device includes, for example, the first communication means and the second communication means. The first communication means and the second communication means are each configured, for example, to communicate with other devices and to transmit and / or receive user information to other devices. For example, the first communication means and the second communication means are configured to receive access authorization information from an access authorization device.

[0026] The first communication means and the second communication means are different from each other. For example, the first communication means are set up to communicate according to a first wireless communication technology and / or via a first wireless communication network, and the second communication means are set up to communicate according to a second (different from the first) wireless communication technology and / or via a second (different from the first) wireless communication network.

[0027] For example, the communication means are each configured to control a communication. For example, the first and second communication means each comprise a circuit and / or a processor configured to control a respective communication. For example, the communication means each comprise a processor, working memory, and program memory. An example of such a circuit is the ST Microelectronics CR95HF integrated NFC transceiver. For example, the first communication means are at least partially formed by the ST Microelectronics CR95HF integrated NFC transceiver, whose datasheet is expressly referenced. This datasheet is available at www.st.com. (http: / / www.st.com / web / en / resource / technical / document / datasheet / DM00025644.pdf).

[0028] For example, the first communication means comprise a first communication interface, and the second communication means comprise a second (different from the first) communication interface. For instance, the first communication interface is a communication interface of the first wireless communication technology and / or the first wireless communication network, and the second communication interface is, for example, a communication interface of the second wireless communication technology and / or the second wireless communication network. Examples of the first and second wireless communication technologies are Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and / or Near Field Communication (NFC) and / or Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth version 2.1 and / or 4.0). RFID and NFC are specified, for example, according to ISO standards 18000, 11784 / 11785, and ISO / IEC standards 14443-A and 15693.The Bluetooth specifications are available at www.bluetooth.org.

[0029] For example, the first communication means are configured to communicate only with devices in the immediate vicinity of the access control device (for example, with devices at a distance of less than 50 cm, preferably less than 30 cm, particularly preferably less than 12 cm). For example, the second communication means are configured to communicate only with devices in the immediate vicinity of the access control device (for example, with devices at a distance of less than 100 m, preferably less than 20 m, particularly preferably less than 3 m). For example, the first communication network and / or the second communication network is a so-called Personal Area Network and / or a so-called Piconet.

[0030] By incorporating both primary and secondary communication methods into the access control device, the device can support various communication technologies. This is advantageous, for example, to ensure high compatibility with existing devices and equipment (e.g., to use these existing devices and equipment as access authorization devices).

[0031] The access control device may also include one or more additional communication means. For example, the access control device may include additional communication means configured to communicate using wired communication technology and / or via a wired communication network. Examples of wired communication network technologies include Universal Serial Bus (USB) and / or FireWire (IEEE 8594). For example, the access control device may include a corresponding additional communication interface. For example, the access control device can be maintained via this additional communication interface.

[0032] The access control device can be configured, for example, to communicate (especially exclusively) with access credential devices. For instance, the access control device's first and second communication channels are configured to communicate exclusively with access credential devices. The access control device may, for example, not have a connection to a mobile network, a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), and / or the internet; it is therefore, for example, an "offline" access control device.

[0033] The access control device can be part of a device to which it controls access and to which it is assigned, for example a receiving device such as the receiving device according to the invention (e.g. a parcel box).

[0034] The access authorization device is, for example, a portable electronic device. The access authorization device is configured to communicate with the first and / or second communication means of the access control device. For example, the access authorization device may include appropriate communication means, such as an analog circuit for sending and receiving (also called a transceiver), a circuit (e.g., a digital circuit and / or a processor), and a memory (e.g., an EEPROM - Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0035] The access authorization device is, for example, a portable electronic device assigned to a user who wishes to gain access to the access control device using the access authorization information and is therefore referred to below as the "user device." The user device includes, for example, display means such as a graphical user interface and / or power supply means such as its own power supply. Examples of the user device are a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a media player (e.g., an iPod), and / or a navigation device. If the access control device is assigned to a parcel box, the user device may, for example, belong to a parcel box user, such as the owner of the parcel box or a person who is authorized to receive parcels via the parcel box or to deposit them for delivery by a courier.In this context, a delivery person is not considered a user. The user device is configured, for example, for wireless communication with the access control device, such as via the first communication technology and / or the second communication technology and / or via the first communication network and / or the second communication network.

[0036] Alternatively, the access authorization device could be, for example, a portable electronic device used by a delivery person, particularly if the access control device is assigned to a parcel locker. This device is hereinafter referred to as the "delivery device." The delivery device includes, for example, display means such as a graphical user interface, power supply means such as its own power supply, and means for wirelessly capturing information from parcels, for example, by optically scanning parcel labels and / or capturing information from parcels via radio waves (e.g., RFID) or magnetic fields (e.g., NFC), for example, if the parcel has an RFID or NFC tag.The delivery device is configured for wireless communication with the access control device, for example, using the first communication technology and / or the second communication technology and / or via the first communication network and / or the second communication network. An example of a delivery device is a handheld scanner, such as Honeywell's LXE Tecton MX7.

[0037] Alternatively, the access authorization device could be, for example, a portable electronic unit for wireless communication with the access control device. This portable electronic unit is referred to below as a "tag." The tag may, for example, lack the capability to communicate via cellular network, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. The tag may also lack a display device such as a graphical user interface or a power supply such as its own power source. The tag may only communicate when a field (e.g., electromagnetic, electric, or magnetic) is present (e.g., a field from a communication interface such as a reader's field). The tag could, for example, be an RFID or NFC tag (e.g., an NXP MiFARE DESFire).The tag can have different form factors. For example, it can be designed as a key fob or as a card (e.g., with the form factor of a credit card). The tag can also have small dimensions (e.g., less than 9 cm or 5 cm in height / length / width) and a low weight (e.g., less than 50 g).

[0038] Therefore, various types of access authorization devices (e.g., user device, delivery device, tag) are conceivable, which at least partially support different communication technologies. For example, different individuals or groups of people can use different access authorization devices (e.g., to communicate access authorization information to an access control device).

[0039] The use of the access authorization verification device according to the invention shall be understood, for example, as a user (e.g., a user or a delivery person) bringing the access authorization verification device into the vicinity of the access control device (e.g., holding it in front of the access control device, holding it in the vicinity of the access control device, holding it at a distance of less than 50 cm, preferably less than 30 cm, particularly preferably less than 12 cm from the access control device, etc.).

[0040] For example, the first means of communication are set up to detect that an access credential device is in the vicinity of the access control device. Detecting the presence of an access credential device in the vicinity of the access control device by first means of communication means, for example, that the first means of communication determine that an access credential device is at least highly likely to be in the vicinity of the access control device.

[0041] Detection by the first communication means should preferably occur without communication between the access control device and the access credential device. For example, the first communication means are configured to detect that an object with ferromagnetic properties (e.g., with a relative permeability greater than 1) is in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, an access credential device typically has ferromagnetic properties (e.g., due to the metallic components used in it, such as an antenna). If an object with ferromagnetic properties is detected in the vicinity of the access control device, there is at least a high probability, in this example, that an access credential device is in the vicinity of the access control device.During detection, the presence of other objects in the vicinity of the access control device may also be detected. However, the present invention relates solely to the detection of an access authorization verification device in the vicinity of the access control device, so that only the detection of an access authorization verification device in the vicinity of the access control device is described here.

[0042] The environment of the access control device shall be understood to mean, for example, the spatial area surrounding the access control device in which the presence of an access authorization device can be detected by the first communication means. The environment of the access control device, or the spatial area surrounding the access control device in which the presence of an access authorization device can be detected by the first communication means, may be limited, for example, by the attenuation of the power of a magnetic, electrical, and / or electromagnetic signal generated by the first communication means. Such a signal may, for example, be emitted by an antenna. For example, the environment of the access control device is defined as a spatial area with a distance of less than 50 cm, preferably less than 30 cm, and particularly preferably less than 12 cm to the first communication means (e.g.,limited to an antenna of the first means of communication).

[0043] Initiating a change in the operating mode of the second communication means of the access control device means, for example, that a change (e.g., a transition) in the operating mode of the second communication means from one operating mode to another is initiated (e.g., by the first communication means and / or the control means of the device). For example, the first communication means and / or the control means of the access control device are configured to send a control signal to the second communication means when the presence of an access authorization device (and / or another object) is detected in the vicinity of the access control device. This control signal then causes the second communication means to change its operating mode. Examples of operating modes include an active mode, a power-saving mode, a detection mode, an off mode, and / or a sleep mode.

[0044] An active mode is, for example, an operating mode in which at least all the main functions of a means and / or component are active. A main function of the first communication means and the second communication means is, for example, the communication function. For example, the first communication means and the second communication means can only communicate with other devices in active mode. For example, the access control device is in active mode when all its means and / or components are in active mode. For example, the access control device is in active mode when at least the control means of the access control device, the first communication means, and the second communication means are in active mode.

[0045] An energy-saving mode is, for example, an operating mode in which a device and / or component consumes less energy than in active mode. For instance, at least some functions of a device and / or component are reduced and / or disabled in energy-saving mode. Examples of energy-saving modes include sleep mode, off mode, and / or detection mode. In detection mode, a device and / or component checks, for example, at regular and / or irregular intervals, whether a predefined condition (e.g., a wake-up condition) is met. If the predefined condition (e.g., the wake-up condition) is met, the device and / or component switches its operating mode (e.g., from detection mode to active mode). For example, detecting the presence of an access credential device in the vicinity of the access control device is such a condition.In off mode, a device and / or component is completely deactivated (i.e., "off"). The transition from a power-saving mode to an active mode can also be described as waking up.

[0046] For example, the first communication devices are in detection mode upon detection, and the second communication devices are in a power-saving mode (e.g., off mode). For example, both the first and second communication devices switch to active mode when the presence of the access credential device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the access control device is in a power-saving mode upon detection and switches to active mode when the presence of the access credential device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device.

[0047] The present invention is advantageous, for example, because only the first communication means of the access control device are used for detection to monitor a condition for switching at least the second communication means from an energy-saving mode to active mode. The first communication means are thus used not only for communication (e.g., in active mode) but also as a "sensor" for monitoring a wake-up condition for the second communication means (e.g., in detection mode). The second communication means can therefore be completely deactivated in energy-saving mode (e.g., in off mode), thus saving energy compared to using both the first and second communication means for detection. This is particularly advantageous for battery-operated devices to achieve the longest possible replacement interval or battery lifespan.

[0048] Further advantages of the disclosed invention are described below with reference to exemplary embodiments, the disclosure of which is intended to apply equally to the respective categories (method, device, system, computer program).

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first communication means are configured to communicate wirelessly according to a first communication technology, and the second communication means are configured according to this exemplary embodiment of the invention to communicate wirelessly according to a second communication technology different from the first.

[0050] For example, the frequencies used for transmitting information in the first communication technology and the second communication technology differ. For example, the first communication technology uses frequencies of 20-855 kHz, 85.56 MHz, or 865-869 MHz for information transmission. The second communication technology uses frequencies of 2.402 to 2.480 GHz for information transmission.

[0051] For example, the signal forms used for information transmission in the first communication technology and the second communication technology differ. For instance, in the first communication technology, information is transmitted inductively through magnetic signals (e.g., via a magnetic field), capacitively through electrical signals (e.g., via an electric field), or through electromagnetic signals (e.g., an electromagnetic wave). In the second communication technology, information is transmitted using a different signal form. For example, in the first communication technology, information is transmitted inductively through magnetic signals (e.g., via a magnetic field), and in the second communication technology, through electromagnetic signals (e.g., an electromagnetic wave).

[0052] For example, the first communication technology is an active-passive communication technology. In an active-passive communication technology, a passive communication participant can be supplied with energy by an active communication participant. For example, the active communication participant generates a magnetic, electric, and / or electromagnetic field from which the passive communication participant can draw energy. For example, the first communication devices generate such a field (e.g., an antenna of the first communication device generates such a field). For example, the second communication technology is an active-active communication technology. In an active-active communication technology, the communication participants each supply themselves with energy.

[0053] For example, the first communication technology is a communication technology that conforms to a first communication standard, such as the NFC or RFID specification. As described above, RFID and NFC are specified, for example, according to ISO standards 18000, 11784 / 11785 and ISO / IEC standards 14443-A and 15693. The second communication technology, for example, is a communication technology that conforms to a second communication standard, different from the first, such as the Bluetooth specification. The Bluetooth specifications are available at www.bluetooth.org, as described above.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the access authorization device is configured to communicate wirelessly using the second communication technology. It is also conceivable that the access authorization device is configured to communicate wirelessly using the first communication technology. Alternatively, the access authorization device can also be configured to communicate exclusively wirelessly using the second communication technology. For example, the access authorization device includes corresponding communication means such as a communication interface.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, detection is performed at regular intervals. For example, detection is repeated at regular intervals. For example, detection is repeated at intervals of 50 to 5000 ms, preferably 200 to 800 ms, and particularly preferably 300 to 500 ms. For example, detection is repeated every 375 ms. However, it is also conceivable that detection is performed at irregular intervals.

[0056] For example, detection is repeated at regular or irregular intervals as long as the initial communication devices are in detection mode. For example, detection is not repeated as long as the initial communication devices are in another operating mode, such as an active mode. For example, the initial communication devices are inactive during the intervals between detections in detection mode, making the detection mode particularly energy-efficient. This energy-saving effect can be influenced by the length of the time intervals.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device alters at least one physical quantity detectable by the first communication means. For example, the physical quantity is altered in the state in which the access authorization device is present in the vicinity of the access control device, compared to the state in which the access authorization device is not present in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the physical quantity is altered simply by introducing the access authorization device into the vicinity of the access control device. If a change in this physical quantity is detected, there is therefore at least a high probability that an access authorization device is located in the vicinity of the access control device.

[0058] For example, the first means of communication include a sensor and / or a measuring circuit configured to measure the physical quantity and / or detect a change in the physical quantity. An example of a physical quantity detectable by the first means of communication is, for instance, the current (e.g., a transmit current, a receive current, and / or an antenna current), the voltage (e.g., a transmit voltage, a receive voltage, and / or an antenna voltage), the power (e.g., a transmit power and / or a receive power), the resistance (e.g., a radiation resistance, loss resistance, feedpoint resistance), the magnetic field strength, and / or the electric field strength.

[0059] As described above, the initial communication means are set up, for example, to detect that an object with ferromagnetic properties, such as an access authorization device, is in the vicinity of the access control device. For instance, the physical quantity detectable by the access control device can be influenced by an object with ferromagnetic properties.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the at least one physical quantity is the current of an antenna of the first communication means when transmitting a signal and / or generating an electric, magnetic, and / or electromagnetic field. For example, an antenna resistance (e.g., a feedpoint resistance, a loss resistance, and / or a radiation resistance) changes when an object is brought into the vicinity of the access control device. For example, during detection, a signal is always transmitted with the same power, so that the antenna current changes when the antenna resistance (e.g., the feedpoint resistance, the loss resistance, and / or the radiation resistance) changes. For example, the current is the antenna current when transmitting the signal. For example, the current is the driver current when transmitting the signal (e.g.,The driver current of a driver circuit for the antennas). For example, the signal is a burst signal. It is also conceivable, for instance, that instead of the current of the antenna, the transmit power and / or the resistance of the antenna are measured during transmission.

[0061] An antenna is defined as any component capable of transmitting (e.g., radiating) an electrical, magnetic, and / or electromagnetic signal to its environment. A component for transmitting a magnetic signal is, for example, a magnetic antenna such as a conductor loop (e.g., a planar conductor loop) and / or a coil (e.g., a planar coil). A component for transmitting an electromagnetic signal is, for example, a patch antenna and / or a linear antenna such as a dipole antenna. In particular, a component for generating and / or transmitting an NFC signal, such as an NFC antenna and / or an NFC coil, is also considered an antenna.

[0062] This embodiment is advantageous, for example, because communication means normally have a way to detect and monitor the antenna current and / or the transmit power, so that no or only minor changes need to be made to the communication means to detect, for example, the current strength of an antenna when transmitting a signal.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises capturing the at least one physical quantity for detecting the presence of an access authorization verification device in the vicinity of the access control device (e.g., by the first communication means), and comparing a measured value representing the at least one physical quantity captured for detection with at least one calibration value (e.g., by the first communication means and / or the control means of the access control device).

[0064] As described above, the initial means of communication include, for example, a sensor and / or a measuring circuit designed to measure the physical quantity (directly or indirectly) and / or to detect a change in the physical quantity. An example of a measuring circuit for measuring resistance is a bridge rectifier.

[0065] An example of a physical quantity detectable by the first means of communication is, for example, the current strength of a current (e.g., a transmit current, a receive current and / or an antenna current), a voltage (e.g., a transmit voltage, a receive voltage and / or an antenna voltage), a power (e.g., a transmit power and / or a receive power), a resistance (e.g., a radiation resistance), a magnetic field strength and / or an electric field strength.

[0066] A measured value representing a physical quantity is understood to be, for example, a quantized measurement of the measured physical quantity. For instance, the first communication means include a digital-to-analog converter and / or an analog-to-digital converter to quantize the measured physical quantity (e.g., a 6-bit digital-to-analog converter and / or a 6-bit analog-to-digital converter). The first communication means also include a so-called lag converter, which is formed, among other things, by a digital-to-analog converter and a comparator. The comparator of the lag converter compares the output value of the digital-to-analog converter with the measured physical quantity, whereby the output value of the digital-to-analog converter is incrementally increased or decreased until a minimal deviation between the output value of the digital-to-analog converter and the measured physical quantity is found.

[0067] For example, the calibration value represents a measured value of the physical quantity in the state where the access authorization device is not present in the vicinity of the access control device. By comparing the measured value representing the at least one physical quantity detected with at least one calibration value, it can thus be determined whether the physical quantity has changed compared to the state where the access authorization device is not present in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the first communication means and / or the control means of the access control device are configured to compare the measured value representing the at least one physical quantity detected with the at least one calibration value.

[0068] For example, detection also includes determining, at least partially based on the result of a comparison, whether an access authorization device is present in the vicinity of the access control device. For instance, it is determined that an access authorization device is present in the vicinity of the access control device if the deviation of the measured value representing at least one physical quantity being detected from the calibration value exceeds a threshold. The threshold may, for example, be predefined or determined according to a predefined rule. For instance, the initial communication means and / or control means are configured to detect (e.g., determine and / or ascertain) the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device.Alternatively, it may be provided, for example, that the measured value representing at least one physical quantity being detected is compared with an upper and a lower calibration value. For example, it is determined that an access authorization device is present in the vicinity of the access control device if the measured value representing at least one physical quantity being detected does not lie between the lower and upper calibration values. For example, the initial communication means and / or control means are set up to detect (e.g., determine and / or ascertain) the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises calibrating the first communication means for detecting the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device. Calibrating the first communication means for detection is understood to mean, for example, determining at least one calibration value. For instance, the calibration value is unchanging and is determined once during the manufacture / setup of the access control device. For example, such an unchanging calibration value is permanently predetermined by adjusting a measuring bridge (e.g., by laser trimming a resistor of the measuring bridge) during the manufacture of the access control device.For example, such a fixed calibration value is determined during the setup of the access control device and permanently stored in a memory of the first communication means and / or the control means, thus being predetermined. However, it is also conceivable that the calibration value is variable and determined dynamically (e.g., every time the first communication means switch to detection mode, e.g., before, after, or during the switch).

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, calibration comprises acquiring the at least one physical quantity by the first communication means for calibrating the first communication means for detection, and determining the at least one calibration value at least partially depending on the physical quantity acquired for calibration (e.g. by the first communication means and / or the control means of the access control device).

[0071] As described above, the first communication means are set up to detect the physical quantity. To calibrate the first communication means, they detect the physical quantity, for example, in a state where the access credential device is not present (or at least highly likely to be not present) in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, calibration is performed once during the manufacture / setup of the access control device or each time the first communication means switch to detection mode (e.g., before, after, or during the switch). Both during the manufacture / setup and during the switch to detection mode, it is assumed that the probability of an access credential device being in the vicinity of the access control device is low.

[0072] Determining at least one calibration value, at least partially, as a function of the physical quantity being calibrated, by the first communication means, includes, for example, quantizing the calibrated physical quantity. Furthermore, determining the at least one calibration value can, for example, include determining an upper and a lower calibration value (e.g., by adding or subtracting a safety factor). For example, the first communication means and / or the control means are configured to determine the at least one calibration value, at least partially, as a function of the physical quantity being calibrated.

[0073] Calibration is advantageous, for example, to eliminate environmental influences during detection. For instance, calibration can eliminate the influence of a ferromagnetic object constantly present near the access control device. If calibration is performed each time the device switches to detection mode, even the influence of an object temporarily present near the access control device (e.g., a forgotten set of keys) can be eliminated.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, calibration is performed only once before detection and / or only once before multiple detection repetitions. As described above, calibration is performed, for example, each time the first communication means switch to detection mode (and / or the access control device switches to power-saving mode). For example, calibration is performed only when the first communication means switch to detection mode (and / or the access control device switches to power-saving mode). For example, calibration is performed before the switch, after the switch, or during the switch.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises generating, when the presence of the access authorization verification device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device, information about the presence of the access authorization verification device in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the first communication means generate the information.

[0076] Information about the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device is understood to mean, for example, any information that allows the conclusion that the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device has been detected. Information is generated, for example, when a value representing the information is stored in memory (e.g., when one or more bits are set in a register).

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises storing the information about the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device in a memory of the first communication means, and / or transmitting the information about the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device to control means of the access control device and / or to the second communication means. For example, the information is stored and / or transmitted by the first communication means.

[0078] For example, the first communication means are configured to store information about the presence of the access credential device in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the first communication means include a memory such as a register. For example, the control means of the access control device and / or the second communication means are configured to check whether the memory of the first communication means contains information about the presence of the access credential device in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the control means and / or the second communication means query the memory at regular or irregular intervals.

[0079] For example, the first communication means are configured to switch from detection mode to active mode when the presence of the access credential device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the first communication means are further configured to store information about their operating mode in a register. In this example, the control means and / or the second communication means can infer the detection of the presence of the access credential device in the vicinity of the access control device from the information about the operating mode of the first communication means (e.g., from the control means and / or the second communication means), so that the information that the operating mode of the first communication means is active mode is information about the presence of the access credential device in the vicinity of the access control device.For example, the control system and / or the secondary communication system query the register (and thus information about the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device) at regular or irregular intervals. For example, the control system and / or the secondary communication system are configured to query the register (and thus information about the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device) at regular or irregular intervals when they are in power-saving mode.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, the first communication means can also be configured to transmit information about the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device to the control means of the access control device and / or to the second communication means. "Transmitting information" means, for example, that the first communication means send the information to the control means and / or the access control device.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises obtaining access authorization information from the access authorization verification device by means of the first communication means and / or the second communication means, deciding whether access may be granted, at least partially depending on the access authorization information received by the access control device, and granting access when it has been decided that access may be granted.

[0082] Access authorization information is received at the first and / or second communication means and communicated to the access control device, in particular from an access authorization verification device on which the access authorization information is stored, at least temporarily. The access authorization information can be communicated to the access control device, for example, using wireless communication technology such as RFID, NFC, or Bluetooth.

[0083] For example, the first communication means and / or the second communication means are configured to receive access authorization information from the access authorization device. For example, the first communication means and / or the second communication means are configured to receive access authorization information from the access authorization device when they are in active mode. For example, the first communication means and / or the second communication means can only receive access authorization information from the access authorization device in active mode. For example, the access authorization device communicates the access authorization information to the first communication means according to the first communication technique and / or to the second communication means according to the second communication technique.

[0084] Deciding whether access may be granted means, for example, verifying whether the received access authorization information entitles the holder to access. For instance, the access control device's control mechanisms are configured to verify whether the received access authorization information entitles the holder to access. For example, the access control device's control mechanisms are configured to verify whether the received access authorization information entitles the holder to access when in active mode.

[0085] Access authorization information is understood, for example, as information evaluated by the access control device during a check to determine whether an entity is entitled to access. Checking access authorization information need not be the only check performed during access control; other necessary conditions may be required before access can be granted. Examples of access authorization information include a code or key communicated to the access control device, which is then compared to a code or key stored within the device. If there is a match, access is granted. The code or key may be further protected against eavesdropping, for example, through encryption.The code or key can be used permanently, or it can be changed at regular or irregular intervals. For example, a new code can be generated according to a predefined schedule (e.g., every day) or each time a code is used. This can be done both in the access control device and in the access authorization device, so that both have corresponding pairs of codes or keys, or in the access control device and in a unit from which the access authorization device receives the code or key.

[0086] An alternative exemplary form of access authorization information is described, for example, in EP 1 024 239 A1, where the access authorization information is structured as an access token t ij, which defines access rights a ij, for example in the form: "Grant user ui access to lock lj until 1 / 2 / 2001". The access rights are then transferred to a lock and cross-checked. This check verifies, for example, whether the user presenting the access token is indeed user ui, whether the access token is valid for lock lj, and whether the validity period "until 1 / 2 / 2001" of the lock has not yet expired. Additionally, the access rights a ij can be provided with a message authentication code (MAC), for example an HMAC according to Request for Comments (RFC) document 2104. The MAC is based on a key sj, which is known both to a unit that generates the access token and to the lock.The access token t ij then comprises the HMAC and the access rights a ij, for example, concatenated. The lock can then use the received MAC, the received access rights a ij, and the key sj to confirm the authenticity of the access token and then verify the access rights a ij. Alternatively, according to EP 1 024 239 A1, the access rights can also be defined as follows: "Grant access to lock lj to the user who knows k until 1 / 1 / 2001". The user must then possess both the access token t ij and knowledge of k (a key) to gain access to lock lj, and receives both (for example, in encrypted form) from a unit that generates the token.

[0087] For example, access is granted by unlocking one or more doors of a receiving device (e.g., a parcel box). For example, the control mechanism can be configured to operate the lock and thus, for instance, open the lock (i.e., unlock the door) and / or close the lock (i.e., lock the door).

[0088] For example, a user of a parcel box (e.g., a customer or a delivery person) can hold an access authorization device (e.g., a user device, a delivery person device, and / or a tag) near the first communication device to open a parcel box door. As described above, the access control device can then, for example, switch to an active mode when the first communication device detects the presence of the access authorization device. Subsequently, the first communication device can receive access authorization information from the access authorization device. However, it is also conceivable that, subsequently, the second communication device could receive access authorization information from the access authorization device.If the access authorization information grants access, the parcel box door will then be unlocked, for example, and can be opened by the user. In this example, the user thus initiates both the change in the operating mode of the access control device and the unlocking of the parcel box door by using the access authorization device in the vicinity of the first means of communication.

[0089] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises measuring (e.g. by the control means of the access control device) the time since at least one event detected by the access control device has occurred, and causing, if the door is open and the measured time exceeds a predetermined deactivation time threshold, the locking of the door (e.g. by the control means of the access control device) to be deactivated such that the door cannot be locked.

[0090] For example, at least one event detected by the access control device is the detection of the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control means, the receipt of access authorization information from an access authorization device, the unlocking of at least one door, and / or the opening of at least one door. For example, the access control device includes a sensor and / or a sensor circuit configured to detect such an event. Examples of sensors include a Hall effect sensor, a door opening sensor, a light barrier, the first communication means, and / or the second communication means.

[0091] For example, the access control device includes timing means for measuring time (e.g., a timer circuit and / or a timer function, such as a timer circuit and / or a timer function of the control means).

[0092] Disabling the door's locking mechanism means, for example, that the door cannot be locked (i.e., it can be opened from both the inside and outside, e.g., by pushing against or pulling on the door). This disabling is achieved, for instance, through the control elements of the access control device. As described above, the access control device's control elements can, for example, control the door's lock mechanism. For instance, the control elements can control the lock by moving a latch to an open position, so that the latch no longer automatically locks the door when it is closed. As long as the latch is in the open position, the door's locking mechanism is thus deactivated.Another way to deactivate the door locking mechanism is, for example, to block the latch in such a way that the latch cannot be moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0093] The time threshold is chosen, for example, such that the probability of the user (e.g., the user / delivery person) still being near the access control device who opened the door is low. By deactivating the door's locking mechanism at this point, it can be prevented that the door is locked unattended and / or unintentionally (e.g., by playing children).

[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises causing a change in the operating mode of the first communication means, the second communication means and / or the access control device from an energy-saving mode to an active mode when the presence of the access authorization verification device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device.

[0095] For example, the control means of the access control device are configured to effect a change in the operating mode of the first communication means, the second communication means, and / or the control means (e.g., in particular, the second communication means and the control means) when the presence of the access authorization device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the entire access control device, with or without the first communication means, is activated.

[0096] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises measuring (e.g. by the control means of the access control device) the active time since at least one event detected by the access control device has occurred, and causing, if the measured active time exceeds a predetermined active time threshold, a change in the operating mode of the first communication means, the second communication means and / or the access control device from active mode to energy-saving mode.

[0097] As described above, at least one event detected by the access control device is, for example, the detection of the presence of an access credential device in the vicinity of the access control means, the receipt of access credential information from an access credential device, the unlocking of at least one door, and / or the opening of at least one door. For example, the access control device includes a sensor and / or a sensor circuit configured to detect such an event. For example, the access control device includes timing means for measuring time (e.g., a timer circuit and / or a timer function of the control means).

[0098] The specified activity time threshold is, for example, less than 1 hour, preferably less than 30 minutes, and most preferably less than 16 minutes.

[0099] For example, the control means of the access control device are configured to effect a change in the operating mode of the first communication means, the second communication means, and / or the control means when the measured active time exceeds a predetermined time threshold. This is advantageous, for example, for reducing the energy consumption of the access control device.

[0100] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first communication means are in a detection mode (e.g. an energy-saving detection mode) when detecting, and the second communication means are in an energy-saving mode when detecting.

[0101] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the access control device further comprises detection means configured to detect (e.g., receive and / or obtain) signals from the access authorization device and to evaluate the power of the detected signals. For example, the detection means are further configured to compare the power of the detected signals with a power threshold. If the power of the detected signals exceeds a power threshold, a change in the operating mode of the second communication means and / or the access control device is triggered (e.g., by the detection means). For example, the power threshold is selected such that the access authorization device must be located in the vicinity of the access control device (e.g.,at a distance of less than 1 m, preferably less than 10 cm, particularly preferably less than 5 cm from the access control device and / or the detection means, e.g. less than 2 cm from the access control device and / or the detection means), so that the power of the detected signals is above the power threshold.

[0102] For example, the power of the detected signals is evaluated periodically (e.g., sampled periodically). For example, the signals are electromagnetic, electrical, or magnetic signals. The signals are, for example, electromagnetic signals (e.g., radio signals) with a frequency of 2.4 GHz. For example, the signals are Bluetooth signals.

[0103] For example, the detection means are a sensor and / or a sensor circuit for signals. For example, the detection means include an antenna (e.g., a patch antenna) and a received power evaluation circuit. For example, the detection means include a patch antenna, an antenna matching network with a narrowband 2.4 GHz RF filter, a power detector for 2.4 GHz RF signals, a level evaluation of the received RF energy, and a pulsed polling circuit to largely block interference from other RF media (e.g., WLAN) and to reduce power consumption.

[0104] The detection means are advantageous, for example, to provide additional means that can effect a change in the operating mode (e.g., if the proportion of ferromagnetic material in the access authorization device is not large enough to cause a change in the physical quantity detectable by the first communication means, as described above).

[0105] The embodiments and exemplary configurations of the present invention described above are also to be understood as disclosed in all combinations with one another.

[0106] Further advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, particularly in conjunction with the figures. However, the figures accompanying the application are intended only for illustrative purposes and not to determine the scope of protection of the invention. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and are intended only to reflect the general concept of the present invention by way of example. In particular, features included in the figures should by no means be considered a necessary component of the present invention.

[0107] They show: Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a parcel box according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a locking element module for the first door of the parcel box according to the invention. Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a sectional drawing through the locking element module according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a three-dimensional view of a locking element module for the second door of the parcel box according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 a side view of the locking element module according to Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 a sectional drawing through the locking element module according to Fig. 4 ; Fig. 7 an exploded view of the locking element modules according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 before their assembly; Fig. 8 a mounting bracket for mounting the connecting element modules; Fig. 9 on the mounting bracket according to Fig. 8 Assembled locking element modules according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4in a three-dimensional view; Fig. 10 a block diagram of the electronic components of an exemplary embodiment of an access control device according to the invention; Fig. 11 a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention; Fig. 12 a flowchart of an example of a method according to the invention; and Fig. 13 a flowchart of an example of a use according to the invention.

[0108] Based on the Figs. 1 to 9A receiving device according to the invention is described using a particularly preferred embodiment as a parcel box 1 for receiving letters and parcels to be delivered. It should be noted, however, that while the parcel box 1 is a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is not limited to use in parcel mailboxes. In particular, the access control device according to the invention is not limited to use in a parcel box such as the parcel box 1, but can generally be used in access control systems.

[0109] The parcel box 1 comprises a housing 2, a locking unit 3, and an access control device 30 according to the invention. The housing 2 has a first opening 4 for a first compartment for parcels and a second opening 5 for a second compartment for letters. Furthermore, the parcel box 1 comprises a first door 6 for closing the first opening 4 and a second door 7 for closing the second opening 5. The second door 7 has a slot 8 for inserting letters without opening the second door 7 of the second compartment. The slot can, for example, be provided with an outwardly or inwardly opening flap (not shown) which is not locked. Both doors 6 and 7 can be locked by means of the locking unit 3.

[0110] The locking unit 3 each has a locking element module 9, 10 with at least one locking body 11 designed as a locking hook in the illustrated example for each door 6, 7 and with a locking drive 12 for actuating the locking bodies 11.

[0111] In the parcel box 1, the locking element module 9 for the first door 6 has two locking bodies 11, and the locking element module 10 for the second door 7 has only one locking body 11. The locking drive 12 for each of the two locking element modules 9 and 10 has a common drive element 13, which is designed as a rotatable axis in the form of a rod. The rod 13, as the common drive element, is designed to be movable (rotatable) through an adjustment path.

[0112] In a first adjustment position, the rod 13 only moves the locking element 11 for the first door 6 into an unlocked position. In the second adjustment position, which is achieved by further rotating the rod 13 as a common drive element, the locking elements 11 for all doors 6, 7 are moved into an unlocked position. An electric motor drive 14 is provided for the common drive element 13 of the locking drives 12 of the respective locking element modules 9, 10. This electric motor drive 14 is operatively coupled to the common drive element 13 (rod) by means of a coupling 15, such that it can move the rod 13 (rotatable axis as common drive element) between the different adjustment positions.

[0113] The following refers to the Figs. 2 to 9The construction of the locking unit 3 is described in more detail using the example of the parcel box 1 with two doors 6, 7. As is readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, the described and / or illustrated features can also be applied to other housings 2 with potentially more than two housing openings 4, 5 by combining or coupling a correspondingly larger number of the individual locking element modules 9, 10.

[0114] The in Fig. 2 The depicted locking element module 9 for the first door 6 has a first rod part 16 as a locking drive 12, which is connected to a second rod part 17 of the Fig. 4 The locking element module 10 shown is connected to form the common drive element 13 of the locking unit 3.

[0115] Two locking elements 11, designed as locking hooks, are arranged on the first rod section 16. These locking elements 11 (locking hooks) are fixed to the first rod section 16 in a rigid manner, i.e., fixed and non-rotatable relative to the first rod section 16. The first rod section 16 thus forms the locking drive 12 of the first locking element module 9 for the first door 6, as rotating the rod section 16 directly rotates the locking hook 11, specifically from the position indicated in Fig. 2 from the shown locking position to an unlocking position in which the locking hook 11 releases a locking element of the first door 6 (not shown), so that the door 6 can be opened.

[0116] To automatically open the first door 6 when the locking hook 11 releases the locking element of the first door, guide brackets 18 are provided axially above and below the locking hook to receive an ejector plunger 19 pre-tensioned by a compression spring or the like. As shown in Fig. 2 As shown, an ejector plunger 19 is usually sufficient to automatically open the door after the lock has been released.

[0117] A door opening sensor, for example a permanent magnet interacting with a magnetic sensor, can be arranged on the ejector plunger 19 to detect when the door is open. This can be used, for example, for a logbook function of the access control device 30, which records the opening and closing of the doors 6, 7 of the housing 2 in a logbook. Such a logbook can be accessed and reviewed by the user.

[0118] According to the sectional drawing Fig. 3 It can be seen that the locking elements 11, designed as locking hooks, are connected to the first rod section 16 of the first locking element module 9 via a mounting sleeve 20, so that the mounting sleeve 20 and the locking element 11 cannot be rotated relative to the axis formed by the first rod section 16 (as part of the common drive element 13). The forces of a rotation of the first rod section 16 are therefore transmitted directly to the locking hook (locking element 11).

[0119] Therefore, it would also be possible in principle to connect the locking hook 11 directly to the first rod section 16, i.e., without providing a mounting sleeve 20. However, the use of the mounting sleeve 20 has the advantage that the same locking body 11 can be used for both the first locking element module 9 and the second locking element module 10, which will be further specified later with reference to the Figs. 4 to 6will be described in more detail later.

[0120] The first locking element module 9 is designed as a snap lock. This means that the locking bodies 11 lock in the closing direction, i.e., into the Fig. 2 The locking positions shown are pre-tensioned. For this purpose, a return spring 21 is provided adjacent to the locking body 11 on the first rod section 16, which is fixed at one end to the first rod section 16 and at the other end to a locking element module body 22, which carries the elements of the first locking element module 9. When the first rod section 16 is extended from the Fig. 2When the locking body 11 is rotated from its closed position (as shown) to an adjustment position in which it releases a locking element (not shown) of the first door 6, the return spring 21 is further tensioned. This causes the rod part 16 to rotate back when it is no longer held in the release adjustment position by the electromechanical drive 14, until the locking body 11 is in the position shown. Fig. 2 The locking position shown is shown.

[0121] When an open door 6 is closed, the locking element 11 is pushed out of the locked position by the bolt element present on the door 6, as the rod part 16 is twisted against the force of the return spring 21. Once the door 6 is in the closed position, the locking hook, which is designed as the locking element 11, can engage the bolt element of the door 6, so that the rod part 16 is returned to the locked position due to the restoring force of the return spring 21, and the bolt element of the door 6 engages in the hook opening of the locking hook 11. This is called a snap lock.

[0122] The in the Figs. 4 to 6The second locking element module 10 for the second door 7, shown in detail, has a second rod section 17 that can be coupled to the first rod section 16 via a coupling 23 (also referred to as coupling pieces). For this purpose, elements of the coupling 23 are formed on both the first rod section 16 and the second rod section 17, which, when the two rod sections 16, 17 are connected, interlock positively and transmit the rotational movement of one rod section 16, 17 directly to the other rod section 16, 17. Analogous to the locking element module 9 for the first door 6, the locking element module 10 for the second door 7 also has a locking body 11 designed as a locking hook, which is engaged by rotating the second rod section 17 between a Fig. 4The locking position shown can be adjusted to an unlocking or release position in which the locking hook 11 releases a locking element of the second door 7 (not shown).

[0123] In the unlocked position, the second door 7 is automatically opened by an ejector plunger 19, which is provided in a guide bracket 18. As with the first locking element module 9, two guide brackets 18 are located axially on both sides of the locking body 11, whereby an ejector plunger 19 only needs to be provided in one of the two guide brackets to reliably open the second door 7 after unlocking.

[0124] Unlike the first locking element module 9, the locking body 11 of the second locking element module 10 is rotatably mounted with a defined clearance about the rotatable axis 13 formed by the second rod element 17 in the area of ​​the second locking element module 10. This means that a locking body 11 rotatably mounted on the second rod element 17 only moves when the clearance in the adjustment range of the common drive element 13, or rather the second rod element 17, is exceeded. Only then does the rotational movement of the locking body 11 begin, which disengages the locking hook (locking body 11) from the bolt element of the second door 7. Only then does the second door 7 open, thus releasing the second housing opening into the letter compartment.

[0125] To provide the play, the locking body 11 of the second locking element module 10 is rotatably mounted on the second rod section 17 via a bearing sleeve. For this purpose, the bearing sleeve 24 has a recess 25 which is movably guided on the axis 13 formed by the rod section 17, which is itself rotatable. A bolt 26, projecting radially on the axis 13, engages in the recess 25 of the bearing sleeve 24. This defines the play for rotating the bearing sleeve 24 on the axis 25, because the bolt 26 can rotate in the recess 25 until it reaches the edge of the recess 25 before the bearing sleeve 24 is rotated along with the rod section 17. The locking hook 11 is fixedly connected to the bearing sleeve 24.

[0126] As shown in the side view of the locking element module 10 for the second door 7 according to Fig. 5As can be seen, the bearing sleeve 24 has two recesses 25 at its opposite axial ends, into which a bolt 26, projecting radially on the rotatable axis 13 formed by the second rod section 17, engages. This ensures that the bearing sleeve 24 is axially fixed by the two bolts 26 engaging in the recesses 25, and the clearance for rotating the bearing sleeve 24 about the axis 13 is determined by the recess 25 in which the bolts 26 are received.

[0127] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5In the depicted closed position, in which the locking hook 11 is in the locking position, the bolts 26 are received in a central area of ​​the recess 25, which defines the play for rotating the bearing sleeve 24 on the axis. This results in two play ranges 27, 28 in the recess 25 for each direction of rotation of the axis 13 and the second rod section 17, respectively. The first play range 27 allows the first rod section 17 to initially rotate in the direction of an opening movement without the locking body 11 being rotated out of its locking position, into which it releases the locking element of the second door 7. On the other hand, as already explained, during the rotation of the rotatable axis 13, which acts as a common drive element, the locking body of the first rod section 16 in the first locking element module 9 is already moved into an unlocking position, so that the first door 6 is already opening.The first play area 27 in the recess 25 thus causes the second door 7 to open only after the first door 6.

[0128] If the rotatable axis 13, as a common drive element, is moved only into a first adjustment position, in which the radially projecting bolt 26 in the recess 25 only utilizes the first play range 27 without contacting the edge of the recess 27 and moving the bearing sleeve 24, only the first door 6 is unlocked and the second door 7 remains locked. Therefore, by a correspondingly controlled rotational movement of the rotatable axis 17, only the first door 6 can be selectively released for opening.

[0129] Only when the rotatable axis 13 is turned further into a second adjustment position does the radially projecting bolt 26, in contact with the edge of the recess 25, engage the bearing sleeve 24, and thus the locking hook 11, in order to unlock the second door 7 as well.

[0130] If, on the other hand, the second door 7 is open and the rotatable axis 13, or the second rod part 17, is located in which the Figs. 4 and 5 In the shown locking position, the locking element 11 is moved into its locked position when the door is pressed closed. Figs. 4 and 5 The locking position shown is pushed out by the door's locking element striking the locking body 11. This causes the bearing sleeve 24 to rotate on the rotatable axis 13, or rather the second rod section 17, until the second door 7 is in its closed position and the locking element of the second door 7 can be engaged by the locking hook 11. In this position, the locking hook 11, driven by the return spring 21, snaps back into the closed position, analogous to the previously described case for the first locking element module 10.

[0131] For this purpose, the second play area 28 of the recess 25 is provided, which allows movement of the bearing sleeve 27 (and of the locking element 11 firmly connected to the bearing sleeve 27) without the common drive 26 being rotated.

[0132] As shown in the section drawing Fig. 6 As can be seen, the bearing sleeve 24, apart from the bolts 26 guided in the recess 25, is freely movable on the second rod part 17.

[0133] For coupling 23 of the second rod section 17 to the first rod section 16, the second rod section 17 has an axial bore with a radially extending recess into which a Fig. 3The depicted axle core engages with a radially extending bolt, allowing the first and second rod sections 17 to be easily inserted into one another in the axial direction and transmitting rotation directly to each other. The axle core and axial bore are also referred to as coupling pieces, which interact appropriately to effect the coupling 23.

[0134] The coupling pieces of the coupling 23 on the first rod section 16 and the second rod section 17 are symmetrically designed about the horizontal central axis, so that the first locking element module 9 and the second locking element module 10 can be interchanged from left to right. This allows the module to be easily exchanged from a right-hand door stop to a left-hand door stop, or vice versa, by rotating it 180°.

[0135] To achieve this interchangeability with regard to the engagement of the locking elements 11 with the locking bolts of the doors 6, 7 (not shown), it is further provided that the one or more locking elements 11 are arranged symmetrically in the axial direction with respect to the horizontal central axis of a rod section 16, 17. This means that the locking elements are arranged symmetrically on both halves of the rod section 16, 17 with respect to the center of the rod section 16, 17. Thus, after a rotation of the locking element module 9, 10 by 180°, the locking elements 11 are each at the same axial height, so that they can engage the locking bolts of the doors 6, 7 accordingly.

[0136] In Fig. 7 The exploded view shows the locking element module 9 for the first door and the locking element module 10 for the second door 7, which were previously described with reference to the Fig. 2 or Fig. 4 as already explained in detail. The locking element modules 9, 10 accordingly have a first rod part 16 and a second rod part 17 respectively, which can be inserted into one another via the coupling 23 described above, so that when one rod part 16, 17 is rotated, the other rod part 17, 16 rotates with it.

[0137] In Fig. 7 The two elements are shown shortly before being joined together. After joining, the first rod section 16 and the second rod section 17 together form the common drive element 13 (rotatable axle), which can be connected to the electric motor drive 14 via the coupling 15 (see figure). Fig. 1The electromechanical drive 14 can also include a control unit with authentication function, which, depending on the authentication that has been carried out, adjusts the rotatable axis 13 as a common drive element in such a way that either only the first door 6 (in particular of the parcel compartment) or the first door 6 and the second door 7 (in particular of the parcel compartment and the letterbox together) are opened.

[0138] To make the snap lock effective, it can be provided that after the opening of doors 6 and / or 7, detected, for example, by a corresponding door opening sensor in conjunction with the ejector plunger 19 for each door 6, 7, the rotatable axis 13 is turned back into the closed position by the electric motor drive 14, in which the locking elements 11 are engaged. Figs. 4 and 6 shown positions.

[0139] After assembling the locking element modules 9 and 10, these can be placed on the in Fig. 8 The mounting bracket 29 shown in the form of a mounting plate is mounted, whereby the locking element modules 9, 10 can be attached in each of the two possible positions rotated by 180° for a right or left stop of the doors 6, 7.

[0140] Fig. 9 Figure 8 shows the mounting carrier 8 with the locking element modules 9, 10 mounted on it, the first and second rod parts 16, 17 of which are joined together to form the common drive element 13 (rotatable axis).

[0141] The proposed locking unit 3 provides an easy-to-use locking mechanism for a housing 2 with housing openings 4, 5, each of which can be closed and locked by doors 6, 7. A first group of doors 6 can be unlocked separately by moving a common drive element 13 of the locking unit 3 into a first adjustment position. Moving the common drive element 13 into a second adjustment position then unlocks both doors 6, 7 together. This application is particularly well-suited for a parcel box, where a parcel carrier can open and close the first door of the parcel compartment independently of the second door of the letter compartment.

[0142] Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the access control device 30 according to the invention. As in Fig. 1As shown, the access control device 30 can be located, for example, inside the parcel box 1, for example near the drive 14 (see Fig. 1 ) be arranged.

[0143] Processor 31 of the access control device is configured, in particular, as a microcontroller. Processor 31 executes program instructions stored in program memory 32 and stores, for example, intermediate results or similar information in main memory 38. For example, program memory 32 is non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic memory, EEPROM memory, persistent memory such as ROM memory, and / or optical memory. Main memory 38 is, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular random access memory (RAM) such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and / or magnetic RAM (MRAM).

[0144] Preferably, program memory 32 and main memory 38 are arranged together with processor 31 in one module.

[0145] Program memory 32, for example, contains program instructions that, when executed, cause processor 31 to at least partially execute the program instructions in Fig. 11 and 12 to execute and / or control the described procedures. Information used to verify a person's authorization to open one or more doors 6, 7 of the parcel box 1 (e.g., an identifier of the parcel box 1 and / or the access control device 30, one or more keys for verifying access authorization information, etc.) can also be stored in program memory 32 or in a separate (e.g., persistent) memory.

[0146] The first communication interface 33 is configured, for example, to communicate using a first wireless communication technology. The second communication interface 34 is configured, for example, to communicate using a second wireless communication technology. For the purposes of this discussion, it is assumed that the first wireless communication technology is NFC and that the second wireless communication technology is Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth version 2.1 and / or 4.0). For example, communication interfaces 33 and 34 each include a processor, a working memory, and a program memory. For example, the program memory of the first communication interface 33 contains program instructions that, when the processor of the first communication interface 33 executes the program instructions, cause the first communication interface 33 to at least partially execute the commands in the first communication interface 34. Fig. 11 and 12to execute and / or control the described procedures. For example, the first communication interface 33 is at least partially formed by an integrated NFC transceiver such as the CR95HF NFC transceiver from ST Microelectronics and an NFC antenna (e.g., a magnetic antenna). For example, the second communication interface 34 is at least partially formed by a Bluetooth transceiver and a Bluetooth antenna.

[0147] Processor 31 can, for example, communicate with other devices, such as an access control device, via communication interfaces 33 and 34. Processor 31 is operationally connected to the first communication interface 33 and the second communication interface 34. For example, the communication interfaces can receive or query information from other devices and forward it to Processor 31, and / or receive information from Processor 31 and send it to other devices. For example, Processor 31 controls the first communication interface 33 and / or the second communication interface 34, at least partially.

[0148] The processor also controls a drive controller 35, which is configured to drive the drive 14 (see Fig. 1) to control. For example, the drive control is part of the drive 14. However, it is also conceivable that the drive control is not part of the drive 14. For example, control signals from the processor 31 are converted into voltage signals for the drive 14 in the drive control 35 in order to move the common drive element 13 coupled to the drive 14 into a first or second adjustment position or into the closed position. The position of movement assumed by the common drive element 13 can, for example, be checked with one or more of the sensors 36 (for example, a magnetic field sensor, as already described above) and, for example, included in the control process.

[0149] Other sensors 36, for example, serve to detect whether the respective doors 6, 7 are open or closed. As explained above, these can be, for example, door opening sensors, which are attached, for instance, to the ejector plunger 19.

[0150] One of the sensors 36 can, for example, also be a sensor for electromagnetic signals (e.g. radio signals), for example an antenna with a power detector.

[0151] Furthermore, processor 31 can control one or more optional input / output units 37. An input / output unit 37 could be, for example, a keyboard, a display unit, a microphone, a touch-sensitive display unit, a speaker, a reader, a drive, a light, a light-emitting diode, an optical acquisition device (e.g., a scanner), and / or a camera. An input / output unit 37 could, for example, receive user input and forward it to processor 31 and / or receive and output information for the user from processor 31.

[0152] Components 31 to 38 can, for example, be configured together as a module, or at least partially as individual modules to ensure easy replacement in case of defects. Access control device 30 can include additional components besides components 31 to 38 and is not limited to these components. For example, access control device can include one or more power supplies such as a battery as an additional component.

[0153] The access control device 30 can be operated in at least two different operating modes, namely at least in an active mode and in an energy-saving mode.

[0154] In active mode, for example, at least all main functions of the components of the access control device 30 are active. One main function of the first communication means 33 and the second communication means 34 is, for example, the communication function. For example, the first communication means 33 and the second communication means 34 can only communicate with other devices in active mode. In energy-saving mode, the components of the access control device 30 (and thus the access control device 30) consume less energy than in active mode. For example, at least some of the components, such as the second communication means 34, are deactivated in energy-saving mode, whereas other components, such as the first communication means 33, are in an energy-saving detection mode.

[0155] A detection mode is, for example, a power-saving mode in which a device and / or component checks at regular and / or irregular intervals whether a predefined condition is met. If the predefined condition is met, the device and / or component switches its operating mode (e.g., from detection mode to active mode). For example, detecting the presence of an access credential device in the vicinity of the access control device 30 is such a condition. For example, the first communication interface 33 is configured to independently perform the detection of the presence of an access credential device in the vicinity of the access control device 30 when the first communication interface 33 is in detection mode and / or while the access control device 30 is in power-saving mode.

[0156] Fig. 11Figure 110 is a flowchart that exemplifies the steps of a method according to the invention. The steps shown in the flowchart 110 are executed and / or controlled by components of the access control device 30. For example, the steps are at least partially executed and / or controlled by the first communication interface 33 and / or the processor 31 of the access control device 30.

[0157] In step 111, the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device 30 is detected by the first communication interface 33. Detecting the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device by the first communication interface 33 means, for example, that the first communication interface 33 determines that an access authorization device is located in the vicinity of the access control device 30 with at least a high probability.

[0158] The area surrounding the access control device 30, in which the presence of an access authorization device is detectable by the first communication interface 33, can be limited, for example, by reducing the power of a magnetic, electric, and / or electromagnetic field generated by the first communication interface. Such a field can be emitted, for example, by an antenna. For example, the area surrounding the access control device 30, in which the presence of an access authorization device is detectable by the first communication interface 33, is limited to a spatial area with a distance of less than 50 cm, preferably less than 30 cm, and particularly preferably less than 12 cm from the first communication interface 33 (e.g., to the NFC antenna of the first communication interface 33).

[0159] One possible implementation of detecting the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device 30 by the first communication interface 33 is described below with reference to steps 121 to 123 of flowchart 120 (see Fig. 12 ) described.

[0160] Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device 30 is detected by the optional sensors 36. As described above, one of the sensors 36 can be an electromagnetic signal sensor. For example, this sensor 36 can detect electromagnetic signals from the access authorization device and, for instance, evaluate the power of the detected signals. If the power of the detected signals (e.g., at least one detected signal or several detected signals) exceeds a certain power threshold, it is determined, for example, that an access authorization device is present in the vicinity of the access control device 30. The electromagnetic signals can, for example, have a frequency of 2.4 GHz (e.g., Bluetooth signals).

[0161] In step 112, if the presence of the access authorization verification device was detected in step 111, a change in the operating mode of the second communication interface 34 of the access control device 30 is effected.

[0162] Causing a change in the operating mode of the second communication interface 34 of the access control device 30 shall, for example, be understood to mean that a change in the operating mode of the second communication interface 34 from one operating mode to another is caused (e.g. by the first communication interface 33 and / or the processor 31).

[0163] One possible configuration of the effect, when the presence of an access authorization device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device 30, a change in the operating mode of the second communication interface 34 of the access control device 30 is described below with reference to steps 123 and 124 of flowchart 120 (see Fig. 12 ) described.

[0164] Fig. 12Figure 120 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an example of a method according to the invention. The steps shown in the flowchart 120 are executed and / or controlled by components of the access control device 30. For example, the steps are at least partially executed and / or controlled by the first communication interface 33 and / or the processor 31 of the access control device 30. At the beginning of the flowchart, the access control device 30 is in power-saving mode. For example, the first communication interface 33 is in a detection mode when the access control device is in power-saving mode.

[0165] In step 121, at least one physical quantity for detecting the presence of an access authorization verification device in the vicinity of the access control device 30 is captured by the first communication interface 33.

[0166] As described above, the resistance of an antenna can change when an object is brought into the vicinity of the access control device. Due to this change in resistance, the current emitted by the antenna during the transmission of the burst signal also changes, thus enabling the detection of an object's presence. For example, the resistance of an NFC antenna (e.g., a magnetic antenna) changes when an object with ferromagnetic properties is brought into its vicinity.

[0167] For example, in step 121, a physical quantity is measured that changes when the resistance of an NFC antenna of the first communication interface 33 changes. For example, in step 121, the first communication interface 33 sends a signal via the NFC antenna and measures the current of the NFC antenna during signal transmission (e.g., the current of the antenna's driver current during signal transmission). If, for example, the power during signal transmission in step 121 is always the same, a change in current can be interpreted as a change in the resistance of the NFC antenna and thus as the presence of an object with ferromagnetic properties in the vicinity of the access control device.

[0168] In step 122, a measured value representing at least one physical quantity recorded for detection is compared with at least one calibration value.

[0169] For example, the calibration value represents a measured value of the physical quantity in the state where the access authorization device is not present in the vicinity of the access control device, or at least is highly likely to be absent. By comparing the measured value representing the at least one physical quantity detected with the at least one calibration value, it can thus be determined whether the physical quantity has changed compared to the state where the access authorization device is not present in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, it is provided that the measured value representing the at least one physical quantity detected is compared with an upper calibration value and a lower calibration value.For example, the calibration values ​​are chosen such that if the measured value is not between the lower calibration value and the upper calibration value, there is a high probability that an access authorization device is present in the vicinity of the access control device 30.

[0170] In the example above, for instance, a measurement representing the current strength of the antenna when transmitting the signal in step 121 is compared with an upper calibration value and a lower calibration value representing the current strength of the antenna when transmitting the signal when the access authorization device is not present in the vicinity of the access control device, or at least is highly likely to be not present.

[0171] In flowchart 120, for example, the calibration value is determined in step 127 immediately before the access control device 30 switches to power saving mode, since it is assumed that the access authorization device is at least highly likely not to be present in the vicinity of the access control device at that time.

[0172] In step 123, it is determined whether an access authorization device is present in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the presence of an access authorization device is detected if the deviation of the measured value representing at least one physical quantity being detected from the calibration value exceeds a predefined threshold. For example, the first communication means 33 are set up to compare the measured value with a calibration value.

[0173] In the example above, for instance, it is determined that an access authorization device is present in the vicinity of the access control device 30 if the measured value representing the current strength of the NFC antenna when sending the signal in step 121 is greater than the upper calibration value or less than the lower calibration value.

[0174] As described above, the first communication interface 33 is preferably configured to independently execute and / or control steps 121 to 123 while the access control device 30 is in power-saving mode.

[0175] If step 123 determines that an access credential device is present in the vicinity of access control device 30, flowchart 120 continues with step 124. Otherwise, step 121 is executed again. For example, steps 121 to 123 are repeated at regular intervals until step 123 determines that an access credential device is present in the vicinity of access control device 30. For example, steps 121 to 123 are repeated every 375 ms.

[0176] In step 124, the operating mode of the access control device is changed from an energy-saving mode to an active mode.

[0177] For example, in step 124, the first communication interface 33 generates information about the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device 30. For example, the processor 31 is configured to control a change of the access control device 30 from power-saving mode to active mode (e.g., by means of appropriate control signals) when the processor 31 receives information about the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device.

[0178] For example, the first communication interface 33 is configured to switch from detection mode to active mode when it is determined that an access credential device is present in the vicinity of the access control device 30. For example, the first communication means 33 store information about the operating mode of the first communication means 33 in a register. For example, the processor 31 queries the register (and thus information about the presence of the access credential device in the vicinity of the access control device) at regular intervals when the access control device 30 is in power-saving mode. For example, the processor 31 controls a switch of the other components and thus of the access control device 30 from power-saving mode to active mode (e.g.,(by corresponding control signals), if a query of the register shows that the first communication means 33 are in active mode.

[0179] Alternatively, it is conceivable, for example, that the first communication interface 33 sends information about the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device 30 and / or a wake-up signal to the processor 31. For example, the processor 31 controls a change of the components and thus of the access control device 30 from energy-saving mode to active mode (e.g. by means of corresponding control signals) when it receives the information about the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device 30 and / or a wake-up signal.

[0180] This is advantageous, for example, because only the first communication interface 33 is used for detection, and the processor 31 monitors whether the presence of an access authorization device has been detected in the vicinity of the access control device 30. The remaining components of the access control device 30 can therefore be completely deactivated in power-saving mode.

[0181] When the access control device 30 is in active mode, it can, for example, grant access to the first and / or second receiving compartment of the parcel box 1. For example, the communication interfaces 33 and 34, when in active mode, can communicate wirelessly with an access authorization device and, for example, receive access authorization information from the device. For example, the processor 31 of the access control device 30, when in active mode, is configured to decide, at least partially based on access authorization information received from an access authorization device, whether access may be granted to the first receiving compartment or to both the first and second receiving compartments of the parcel box 1.For example, the processor 31 is configured to control the drive unit 35 such that, when access to the first receiving compartment is permitted, the drive unit 14 rotates the rod 13 into the first adjustment position, so that the locking hook 11 of the first locking module 9 releases a locking element of the door 6 and the door 6 can be opened. Similarly, when access to both the first and second receiving compartments is permitted, the processor 31 is configured to control the drive unit 35 such that the drive unit 14 rotates the rod 13 into the second adjustment position, so that the locking hook 11 of the first locking module 9 releases a locking element of the door 6 and the door 6 can be opened, and so that the locking hook 11 of the second locking module 10 releases a locking element of the door 7 and the door 7 can be opened. A door opening sensor can be used, for example, to monitor whether the door is open and / or closed.

[0182] In an optional step 125, the active time since at least one event detected by the access control device has occurred is measured. For example, processor 31 measures the active time.

[0183] The measurement of the active time is started, for example, when it is determined in step 123 that an access credential device is present in the vicinity of the access control device 30 and the access control device switches to active mode. For example, it may be stipulated that the measured active time is reset each time an event is detected by the access control device. Thus, any event that, for example, indicates user activity and is detectable by the access control device can lead to a reset of the active time.

[0184] As described above, an event detected by the access control device 30 can be, for example, the detection of the presence of the access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control means, the receipt of access authorization information from an access authorization device, the unlocking of at least one door, and / or the opening of at least one door. The events can be detected, for example, by the sensors 36, the processor 31, the first communication interface 33, and / or the second communication interface 34.

[0185] In an optional step 126, it is determined (e.g., by processor 31) whether the measured active time is greater than a predefined active time threshold. The predefined active time threshold is, for example, less than 1 hour, preferably less than 30 minutes, and most preferably less than 16 minutes. If the predefined active time threshold is exceeded, it can be assumed, for example, that there is at least a high probability that no user (e.g., neither a delivery person nor a customer) currently intends to use parcel box 1. In this case, it may therefore be advantageous, in order to save energy, to switch the access control device from active mode to energy-saving mode (step 128).

[0186] If step 126 determines that the measured active time is greater than a predefined active time threshold, flowchart 120 continues with step 127. Otherwise, the measurement of the active time continues according to step 125.

[0187] In an optional step 127, the first communication interface 33 is calibrated to detect the presence of an access authorization device in the vicinity of the access control device. For example, the calibration is performed by the first communication interface 33.

[0188] For example, in step 127 the physical quantity is recorded. In the example above, for instance, the first communication interface 33 for calibration in step 127 records the current of a current of the NFC antenna when the signal is sent (e.g. the current of the antenna's driver current when the signal is sent).

[0189] Furthermore, in step 127, at least one calibration value is determined, at least partially, depending on the physical quantity recorded for calibration. For example, determining the at least one calibration value may involve determining an upper calibration value and a lower calibration value (e.g., by adding or subtracting a safety value from a measured value representing the physical quantity recorded in step 127).

[0190] As described above, it is assumed that the probability of an access authorization device being in the vicinity of the access control device 30 is low when the access control device 30 switches from active mode to power-saving mode. Therefore, executing step 127 before step 128 is advantageous. However, it is also conceivable that step 127 is executed after or during step 128.

[0191] In an optional step 128, the operating mode of the access control device 30 is switched from active mode to power-saving mode. This is advantageous, for example, to reduce the energy consumption of the access control device. For instance, the processor controls the switch of the access control device 30 and its components to power-saving mode. For example, the first communication interface 33 switches to detection mode when the access control device switches to power-saving mode.

[0192] After the operating mode of the access control device 30 is changed, flowchart 120 restarts with step 121.

[0193] Fig. 13Flowchart 130 is a flowchart that illustrates the steps of an example of a use according to the invention. The steps shown in flowchart 130 are performed by a delivery person of the parcel box 1 and are described below from their perspective. In the Fig. 13 In the example shown, the delivery person wants to open door 6 of parcel box 1 in order to place a parcel in the first compartment and thus deliver it. This example assumes that the delivery person uses a handheld scanner (e.g., Honeywell's LXE Tecton MX7) as an access authorization device.

[0194] In step 131, the delivery person prepares the delivery of the parcel in parcel box 1.

[0195] For example, in step 131, the delivery person scans a barcode on the package using a handheld scanner. This allows the scanner to identify the package and retrieve its associated shipment information. This information includes details such as whether the package can be delivered to a parcel box belonging to the recipient. For instance, the scanner will display one or more parcel boxes to which the package can be delivered.

[0196] For example, in step 131, the delivery person confirms parcel box 1, where they wish to leave the parcel, or selects parcel box 1 from the displayed parcel boxes. This ensures, for instance, that the delivery person leaves the parcel in a parcel box assigned to the parcel or the recipient, and simplifies the search across numerous records. Furthermore, the handheld scanner can, for example, use the confirmed or selected parcel box 1 to retrieve or generate access authorization information that grants access to the first compartment of parcel box 1.

[0197] In step 132, the delivery person brings the handheld scanner into the vicinity of the access control device 30 of the parcel box 1.

[0198] For example, the delivery person holds the handheld scanner in the vicinity of the access control device 30 in such a way that the presence of the handheld scanner in the vicinity of the access control device 30 can be detected by the first communication interface 33.

[0199] As above, for example, with regard to steps 121 to 124 (see Fig. 12As described above, the access control device 30 switches from energy-saving mode to active mode when the first communication interface 33 detects the presence of the handheld scanner in the vicinity of the access control device 30. The handheld scanner then communicates the access authorization information to, for example, the second communication interface 34. For instance, the door 6 of the parcel box 1 is then unlocked and opened, as described above, when the access authorization information grants access to the first compartment of the parcel box. The delivery person receives corresponding feedback from the handheld scanner (e.g., a message is displayed indicating that access has been granted).

[0200] Simply by bringing the handheld scanner into the vicinity of the access control device 30 of the parcel box 1, the delivery person can thus cause the access control device to wake up (i.e., also a change in the operating mode of the second communication interface) and the unlocking and opening of the door 6 of the parcel mailbox 1.

[0201] In step 133, the delivery person places the package in the first receiving compartment of parcel box 1.

[0202] In step 134, the delivery person closes door 6 of the first receiving compartment of parcel box 1. As described above, door 6 is automatically locked, for example, due to a latch function.

[0203] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in this specification are to be understood as disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature included in an embodiment—unless explicitly stated otherwise—is not to be understood as meaning that the feature is indispensable or essential for the function of the embodiment. The sequence of the process steps described in this specification in the individual flowcharts is not mandatory; alternative sequences of the process steps are conceivable. The process steps can be implemented in various ways; for example, implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both is conceivable.Terms used in the claims, such as "comprise," "have," "include," "contain," and the like, do not exclude further elements or steps. The phrase "at least partially" covers both "partially" and "completely." The phrase "and / or" is to be understood as disclosing both the alternative and the combination; thus, "A and / or B" means "(A) or (B) or (A and B)." A plurality of units, persons, or the like, in the context of this specification, means multiple units, persons, or the like. The use of the indefinite article does not preclude a plurality. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference numerals specified in the claims are not to be considered as limitations on the means and steps employed.

Claims

1. Method comprising: - detecting (111, 121-123) a presence of an access authorisation proofing device in the vicinity of an access control device (30) by means of first communication means (33) of the access control device, wherein the presence of the access authorisation proofing device in the vicinity of the access control device (30) causes at least one physical quantity detectable by the first communication means (33) to be changed, wherein the physical quantity is changed solely by the introduction of the access authorisation proofing device into the environment of the access control device (30), wherein the physical quantity and / or a change in the physical quantity is detected by the first communication means (33) for detecting the presence of the access authorisation proofing device in the environment of the access control device, - causing (112, 123 - 124), when the presence of the access authorisation proofing device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device, a change in an operating mode of second communication means (34) of the access control device, wherein the first communication means (33) are configured to communicate wirelessly according to a first communication technique and to receive access authorisation proofing information from the access authorisation proofing device, and wherein the second communication means (34) are arranged to communicate wirelessly according to a second communication technique different from the first communication technique and to receive access authorisation proofing information from the access authorisation proofing device, wherein the access authorisation proofing device communicates the access authorisation proofing information to the first communication means according to the first communication technique and to the second communication means according to the second communication technique, - obtaining access authorisation proofing information from the access authorisation proofing device by the first communication means (33) and the second communication means (34), - deciding whether access may be granted, at least in part depending on the received access authorisation proofing information, and - causing one or more doors (6, 7) of a receiving device (1) to be unlocked if it has been decided that access may be granted.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication technology and the second wireless communication technology are communication technologies according to one of the following communication standards: RFID specification, NFC specification or Bluetooth specification.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, the method further comprising: - calibrating (127) the first communication means (33) for detecting a presence of an access authorisation proofing device in the vicinity of the access control device (30), wherein the first communication means (33) detects the physical size for calibrating the first communication means (33) in a state in which the access authorisation proofing device is not present in the vicinity of the access control device.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one physical quantity is a current strength of a current of an antenna of the first communication means (33) when transmitting a signal.

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, the method comprising: - detecting (121) the at least one physical quantity to detect the presence of an access authorisation proofing device in the vicinity of the access control device (30), and - comparing (122) a measured value representing the at least one physical quantity detected with at least one calibration value.

6. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, the calibrating (127) comprising: - detecting the at least one physical quantity by the first communication means (33) for calibrating the first communication means for detection, and - determining the at least one calibration value at least partially as a function of the physical quantity detected for calibration.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, the method further comprising: - generating, when the presence of the access authorisation proofing device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device (30), information about the presence of the access authorisation proofing device in the vicinity of the access control device (30), and - storing the information in a memory of the first communication means (33) and / or transmitting the information to control means (31) of the access control device (30) and / or to the second communication means (34).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, the method further comprising: - causing a change (128) in the operating mode of the first communication means (33), the second communication means (34) and / or the access control device (30) from an energy-saving mode to an active mode when the presence of the access authorisation proofing device is detected in the vicinity of the access control device (30).

9. Method according to claim 8, the method further comprising: - measuring the active time (125) since at least one event detected by the access control device (30) has occurred, and - causing, when the measured active time exceeds a predetermined active time threshold, a change in the operating mode of the first communication means, the second communication means and / or the access control device from the active mode to the energy-saving mode.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first communication means (33) are in a detection mode when detecting, and wherein the second communication means (34) are in an energy-saving mode when detecting.

11. Computer program comprising program instructions that cause a processor (31) to perform and / or control the method according to one of claims 1 to 10 when the computer program runs on the processor (31).

12. Access control device (30) comprising: - means (31-38) configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or comprising respective means (31-38) for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. Recording device (1) comprising: - a housing (2), - at least one door (6, 7) for closing at least one housing opening (4, 5), - a locking means (3) which is designed to lock and unlock the at least one door (6, 7), and - an access control device (30) according to claim 12.