ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system and method for access control.

[0002] Known access control systems include a card reader capable of reading the access rights stored on the card and, if the read access rights are authorized, unlocking a door. Some of these access control systems also include an alarm device. Typically, this alarm device includes a sensor capable of detecting when the door is opened. Thus, an alarm can be triggered in response to the door opening. However, to prevent false alarms, the system is designed so that when the access rights read by the card reader are authorized to unlock the door, the alarm device is automatically disarmed. This allows the authorized user to open the door without triggering the alarm. Such an access control system is disclosed, for example, in application WO9610813A1.

[0003] Other well-known access control systems also include a keypad for acquiring a disarming code separate from the access rights stored on the card. Therefore, in this case, simply possessing an authorized card is not enough to also disarm the alarm system. However, with these well-known access control systems, to authorize a tradesperson to carry out work in their apartment, they must be provided with a card containing valid access rights and the disarming code. Homeowners readily provide the tradesperson with a card to unlock the door, as they retrieve the card at the end of the work. However, homeowners often hesitate to give the disarming code to the tradesperson for fear that they might disclose it to a burglar. The burglar could then force the apartment door and disarm the alarm system using the disarming code.

[0004] The prior art is also known from US9805583B2. In particular, this document describes the use of time delays triggered in response to the opening of a window to allow the re-arming of an alarm device even if that window is intentionally left ajar.

[0005] The invention aims to remedy this drawback by proposing an access control system that does not require the owner to communicate the disarming code to the craftsman.

[0006] The invention is described in the attached set of claims.

[0007] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which: there figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an access control system, the figure 2is a schematic illustration of different components of a door strip of the system of the figure 1 , there figure 3 is a flowchart of an access control process implemented in the system of the figure 1 .

[0008] In these figures, the same references are used to designate the same elements. In the remainder of this description, the characteristics and functions well known to a person skilled in the art are not described in detail.

[0009] In this description, a detailed example of an embodiment is first described in Chapter I with reference to the figures. Then, in Chapter II, variations of this embodiment are introduced. Finally, the advantages of the different embodiments are specified in Chapter III. Chapter I: Example of a method of implementation

[0010] There figure 1This represents a home access control system 2. System 2 ensures that an unauthorized person cannot enter the home, or only with great difficulty. Furthermore, System 2 triggers an alert for an attempted break-in if an unauthorized person breaks into the home.

[0011] For example, an unauthorized person is a burglar. An authorized person is the homeowner.

[0012] To this end, system 2 comprises: an entrance door 4, a remote terminal 6 intended for use by the owner, and an electronic lock 8 mounted on door 4.

[0013] Subsequently, lock 8 is described in the specific case of a door strike plate. Therefore, the numerical reference 8 is also used to designate the door strike plate.

[0014] Door 4 is located at the entrance of the home. This door 4 separates the interior of the home from the exterior. Hereafter, the terms "interior" and "exterior" are used to refer to what is located, respectively, inside and outside the home. For example, door 4 is a front door of an apartment, house, or other dwelling. Door 4 has an interior face facing the interior of the home and, on the opposite side, an exterior face. The interior and exterior faces extend primarily in parallel vertical planes. Door 4 is movable between an open position, shown on the diagram. figure 1and a closed position. In the open position, a person can enter the home and therefore move from outside the home to the inside. Conversely, in the closed position, a person cannot enter the home.

[0015] Terminal 6, for example, is located outside the home and may be several kilometers away. To simplify the figure 1 Only one Terminal 6 is shown. However, in practice, there are often several Terminal 6 units that function identically. Here, Terminal 6 belongs to the owner.

[0016] Terminal 6 is capable of receiving an alarm message sent to it by the headband 8, via a telecommunications network 28. Terminal 6 communicates this alarm message to the owner via a human-machine interface. Typically, terminal 6 is a smartphone.

[0017] The 8-point door strip is a multi-point locking strip. The 8-point strip is mounted, without any degree of freedom, on the inner face of the door 4.

[0018] The headband 8 is a single piece containing the various components described in reference to the figure 2 For this purpose, the strip 8 is in the form of a rigid housing 30 inside which its various components are fixed. The housing 30 is fixed here along the vertical edge of the door 4 located on the side opposite the hinges. The housing 30 is fixed to the inside face of the door 4, for example, using screws. Thus, advantageously, the strip 8 can be installed on the inside face of a pre-existing door.

[0019] On the figure 1Only those components of the strip 8 that protrude from the housing 30 on the inner side or pass through the vertical edge of this housing 30 are visible. Thus, only the following components of the strip 8 are visible on the figure 1 : a latch bolt 36, a handle 38, deadbolts 42, a touch screen 44, and a lock cylinder 46.

[0020] The bolt 36 can be moved by the handle 38 from an extended position (shown on the figure 1) until it reaches a retracted position. The bolt 36 is continuously pushed back towards an extended position by a return spring. The distal end of the bolt 36 is beveled so that when the door 4 is slammed from its open to its closed position, through the interaction of the beveled end and a stile 40, the bolt 36 is driven into the housing 30 against the force of the return spring, allowing the door 4 to reach its closed position. The stile 40 is fixed, without any degree of freedom, to the door frame 4.

[0021] Each of the deadbolts 42 can be moved between an extended and a retracted position. In the extended position, each bolt 42 engages in a corresponding recess in the jamb 40 to lock the door 4 in its closed position. In its retracted position, each bolt 42 is retracted inside the housing 30 and outside the recess in the jamb 40. Thus, when all the bolts 42 are in their retracted position, the door 4 is unlocked and can be freely moved from its closed to its open position after the handle 38 is pressed. Here, the strike plate 8 has at least five bolts 42.

[0022] On the figure 1Four deadbolts 42 are shown in their extended position to make them more visible even when the door 4 is open. For example, each bolt 42 is a cylindrical bar that can be moved in translation between its extended and retracted positions. Unlike bolt 36, the distal ends of bolts 42 are not beveled.

[0023] Touchscreen 44 and cylinder 46 are accessible by a person located inside the home.

[0024] There figure 1This also represents an orthogonal coordinate system XYZ. The Z direction of this system is vertical. The X and Y directions are horizontal. The X direction is parallel to the vertical plane in which the door 4 extends primarily when it is in its closed position. The X direction is directed from the edge of the door along which the strip 8 is fixed, towards the hinges of this door. The Y direction is directed from the inside of the home towards the outside of the home. Terms such as "front" and "back" are defined with respect to the Y direction.

[0025] There figure 2 schematically represents the internal architecture of strip 8 as well as various elements of system 2 connected to this strip 8.

[0026] The band 8 includes, mainly housed inside the case 30, a bolt mechanism 50 and a mechanism 52 for actuation of the mechanism 50.

[0027] The mechanism 50 includes the bolts 42 and the linkage necessary to move them between their extended and retracted positions. However, in this embodiment, the mechanism 50 does not include the bolt 36.

[0028] The actuation system 52 moves the mechanism 50 from a protruding state to a retracted state and vice versa. In the protruding state, at least one bolt 42 is in its extended position. Here, in the protruding state, all the bolts 42 are in their extended position. In the retracted state, all the bolts 42 are in their retracted position. For this purpose, for example, the system 52 includes a toothed wheel meshing with a rack of the bolt mechanism 50. When this toothed wheel rotates in one direction, it moves the mechanism 50 from its protruding state to its retracted state. When this same toothed wheel rotates in the opposite direction, it moves the mechanism 50 from the retracted state to its protruding state. In this embodiment, the system 52 does not allow the bolt 36 to be moved. The bolt 36 can only be moved using the handle 38.

[0029] To move the mechanism 50 between its protruding and retracted states, the system 52 includes an electric motor 60 and the cylinder 46.

[0030] Cylinder 46 allows the mechanism 50 to be moved from its extended to its retracted state even if the electric motor 60 is unavailable. The motor 60 is considered "unavailable" when it cannot be used to move the mechanism 50 from its extended to its retracted state. Such unavailability may result from a failure of the motor 60 or another component of the actuation system 52. This unavailability may also result, for example, from a power outage affecting the motor 60.

[0031] In this embodiment, cylinder 46 is a mechanical cylinder without any electronic components requiring power to operate. Here, cylinder 46 is a European-style mechanical cylinder. In this embodiment, it comprises an inner half-cylinder and an outer half-cylinder accessible, respectively, from the inner and outer sides of door 4. Thus, cylinder 46 can be operated from both the outer and inner sides of door 4. To this end, the faceplate 8 has a through-hole extending through the housing 30 in the Y direction, into which the inner half-cylinder of cylinder 46 is inserted. This through-hole is located opposite a through-hole extending through the door 4 in the Y direction, into which the outer half-cylinder of cylinder 46 is inserted.

[0032] The cylinder 46 comprises a rotor 62 mounted for rotation within a fixed stator 64. The stator 64 is fixed, without any degree of freedom, to the door 4. The rotor 62 has a keyway 66 that opens on both the inner and outer sides. This keyway 66 is designed to receive a key. The rotor 62 can rotate around its axis of rotation only when an authorized key is inserted into the keyway 66 and then turned. An authorized key is one authorized to move the mechanism 50 to its retracted state. Conversely, if there is no key inside the keyway 66, or if an unauthorized key is present inside the keyway 66, the rotor 62 is locked in rotation and cannot turn around its axis of rotation.

[0033] Typically, for this purpose, the cylinder 46 has a first set of pins that can be moved translationally inside the stator 64 and, opposite it, a second set of pins that can be moved translationally inside the rotor 62 by the key inserted into the channel 66. The pins of the first set are also known as "counter-pins." In this case, an authorized key is a mechanical key having a blade with indentations designed to move the pins of the rotor 62 into a position that allows the rotation of this rotor 62. More precisely, when an authorized key is inserted into the channel 66, the indentations in the key blade move the pins into a position where the interfaces between the pins of the first and second sets of pins are all located at the interface between the rotor 62 and the stator 64, thus allowing the rotation of the rotor 62.The interface between the rotor 62 and the stator 64 is also known as the "break line." Conversely, if there is no key in the channel 66 or if an unauthorized key is present, the interfaces between the pins of the first and second sets of pins are not all located at the interface between the rotor 62 and the stator 64, thus preventing the rotation of the rotor 62. Therefore, the key is a mechanical medium that contains access rights. In this case, the access rights correspond to the indentations made on the blade of this key. The key is then typically devoid of electronic memory capable of storing access rights in a digital format.

[0034] The cylinder 46 also includes a cam 68 driven in rotation by the rotor 62. It is then the rotation of this cam 68 which activates the movement of the mechanism 50 towards its retracted state when an authorized key is turned inside the cylinder 46.

[0035] The motor 60 has a drive shaft 70. When the motor 60 is commanded to move the mechanism 50 to its retracted state, it is the rotation of the shaft 70 that drives the movement of the mechanism 50.

[0036] The system 52 includes an output shaft 72 and a mechanism 74 for mechanically coupling the cam 68 and the shaft 70 to this shaft 72 to drive it in rotation. The shaft 72 moves the mechanism 50 from its protruding state to its retracted state when it is rotated in one direction and from its retracted state to its protruding state when it is rotated in the opposite direction.

[0037] The coupling mechanism 74 transmits the rotational movement of the cam 68 to the shaft 72 when an authorized key is turned in the cylinder 46. Conversely, it transmits the rotational movement of the shaft 70 to the shaft 72 when the motor 60 drives this shaft 70 in rotation. For this purpose, for example, the coupling mechanism 74 is identical to one of those described in the French patent application filed under number FR2203725 on April 21, 2022, by the company COGELEC.

[0038] To control the motor 60, the system 52 includes a central unit 80. This central unit 80 is configured to implement the process of the figure 3 To this end, the central unit 80 includes: a memory 82, a programmable microprocessor 84, a transmitter / receiver 86, and an information transmission bus 88 which connects the various components of the central unit 80.

[0039] The central unit 80 is connected to the touch screen 44.

[0040] The transmitter / receiver 86 is capable of establishing a wireless communication link with terminal 6 via network 28.

[0041] Memory 82 is a non-volatile memory containing the instructions to be executed by the microprocessor 84. Memory 82 contains all the instructions and data necessary to execute the various functions described in this text.

[0042] Here, system 2 includes an access control unit 110. This unit 110 is capable of determining whether an authorized person is present at door 4 and, if so, of unlocking door 4. To this end, unit 110 includes: an access rights reader 112, a sensor 114 capable of detecting the presence of an authorized key inside the cylinder 46, an access control module 116, and a database 118 containing authorized access rights to unlock the door 4.

[0043] Reader 112 is used to acquire access rights from a person located on the outside of door 4 and transmit them to the access control module 116. Here, reader 112 is capable of reading access rights stored on a portable, hand-carrying mechanical medium. In this embodiment, this medium is a badge 120 with an electronic memory 122 in which access rights are stored. For example, badge 120 is a transponder badge that transmits the access rights stored in its memory 122 only when presented near reader 112. For example, reader 112 is located on the outside of door 4.

[0044] The sensor 114 generates a specific signal when an authorized key is used to unlock the door 4 by turning it inside the cylinder 46. For example, for this purpose, the sensor 114 detects the position of the counter pins of the stator 64 of the cylinder 46 or, simply, detects a rotation of the rotor 62 inside the stator 64.

[0045] Module 116 determines whether a person present at door 4 is authorized to enter. Specifically, module 116 determines that an authorized person is present at door 4 if the access rights read from badge 120 correspond to pre-registered authorized access rights in database 118. Module 116 also determines that an authorized person is present at door 4 if sensor 114 detects the use of an authorized key.

[0046] If the access rights read from badge 120 correspond to authorized access rights pre-registered in database 118, module 116 commands motor 60 to move mechanism 50 into its retracted state. Otherwise, mechanism 50 remains in the protruding state.

[0047] The 8-channel unit also includes an alarm device 130 capable of detecting an intrusion and, in response, triggering a report of an attempted break-in. The 130-channel unit includes: a door 4 opening / closing sensor 132, an arming and disarming code reader 134, an alarm module 136, a buzzer 138, and a speaker 140.

[0048] Here, sensor 132 is used to detect that an unauthorized person has entered, thus detecting an intrusion. For this purpose, sensor 132 is connected to module 136.

[0049] Reader 134 allows the acquisition of an arming code and, alternatively, a disarming code. Reader 134 is connected to module 136 to transmit the acquired code. In response, when the acquired code is an arming code, module 136 arms the alarm device 130. Conversely, when the acquired code is a correct disarming code, module 136 disarms the alarm device 130. A correct disarming code is one that corresponds to a disarming code pre-recorded in memory 82. Here, reader 134 is a human-machine interface that allows a user to enter the desired code. For example, in this embodiment, reader 134 is a numeric or alphanumeric keypad displayed on the touchscreen 44.

[0050] Buzzer 138 is housed in strip 8 and connected to central unit 80.

[0051] Speaker 140 is used to announce that a break-in attempt has occurred. For example, speaker 140 is located inside enclosure 30.

[0052] In this embodiment, modules 116 and 136 are implemented as software modules executed by the microprocessor 84. Their instructions are stored in memory 82.

[0053] The central unit 80 is also connected to a video intercom device 140 to establish video communication with a person located on the outside of door 4. Device 140 includes a camera, a speaker, and a microphone. This device 140 is, for example, mounted on the outside of door 4.

[0054] Other features of the central unit 80 are described later.

[0055] The operation of access control system 2 will now be described with reference to the process of the figure 3 .

[0056] During a configuration phase 150, the authorized access rights to unlock door 4 are recorded in database 118. A correct arming code and a correct disarming code for the alarm device 130 are also recorded in memory 82.

[0057] Next, the process continues with a phase 152 of use of system 2. This phase 152 is described in the particular case where, beforehand, the alarm device 130 has been armed by entering a correct arming code on the reader 134.

[0058] During phase 152, at step 160, reader 112 acquires the access rights contained in a badge presented near that reader. For example, the presented badge is badge 120.

[0059] In response, during step 162, module 116 compares the acquired access rights with the pre-registered authorized access rights in database 118.

[0060] If the acquired access rights correspond to the pre-recorded authorized access rights, during step 164, module 116 establishes that the person who presented the badge in front of the reader 112 is an authorized person to enter and generates an AA information indicating that the person present in front of the door is authorized to enter.

[0061] During a step 166, this AA information is recorded in memory 82 associated with the instant ta at which it was generated.

[0062] In parallel, during a step 168, the module 116 controls the motor 60 and, in response, the motor 60 moves the mechanism 50 from its salient state to its retracted state.

[0063] Once mechanism 50 is in its retracted state, the person authorized to enter can move door 4 into its open position and enter the home.

[0064] If the acquired access rights do not correspond to authorized access rights, module 116 leaves mechanism 50 in its salient state. Access inside the home is therefore prohibited.

[0065] Alternatively, during step 170, sensor 114 detects the insertion of an authorized key into the key channel 66.

[0066] In response, during step 172, module 116 establishes that the person who inserted this key into cylinder 46 is an authorized person to enter and generates the AA information indicating that the person present in front of the door is authorized to enter.

[0067] During a step 174, this AA information is recorded in memory 82 associated with the instant ta at which it was generated.

[0068] If an authorized key is used, module 116 does not command motor 60 to move mechanism 50 from its extended to its retracted state. In this case, it is the rotation, during step 176, of the authorized key inside cylinder 46 that moves mechanism 50 from its extended to its retracted state.

[0069] In the event that an unauthorized key is inserted into channel 66, sensor 114 does not indicate the presence of an authorized key so that mechanism 50 remains in its salient state.

[0070] In parallel with the previous steps, during step 180, sensor 132 detects the opening of door 4.

[0071] In response, during step 182, module 136 immediately triggers a timer that counts down a predetermined time interval ΔT. The duration of the interval ΔT is long enough to allow time to enter a disarm code on the keypad 134. For example, the duration of the interval ΔT is greater than or equal to 10 seconds or 30 seconds. The duration of the interval ΔT is also generally less than 5 minutes or 1 minute.

[0072] Module 136 also records in memory 82 the time t1 at which this timer is triggered. Time t1 therefore corresponds to the moment when the opening of door 4 was detected by sensor 132.

[0073] In parallel, during step 184, module 136 commands buzzer 138 to play a sound indicating to the person who has just entered that alarm device 130 is armed.

[0074] If during this interval ΔT, at a step 186, the keypad 134 acquires a correct disarm code entered by a person present in front of this keypad, then the module 136 disarms the alarm device and stops the sound played by the buzzer 138. No alarm is triggered.

[0075] If during this interval ΔT, sensor 138 detects the closing of door 4, then, during a step 188, module 136 establishes whether the opening of door 4 which triggered the counting of the interval ΔT, results from an unlocking of door 4 by a person authorized to enter.

[0076] To do this, in step 188, module 136 determines a time t0. Time t0 corresponds to the most recent time at which the access control unit 110 has determined that an authorized person is present at door 4. Here, module 136 takes time t0 to be equal to the most recent time ta recorded in memory 82 during step 166 or 174. Then, module 136 compares the difference t1 - t0 to a predetermined threshold S1, where t1 is the time recorded during step 182. The threshold S1 is chosen to be large enough to allow time to open door 4, enter the home, and then close door 4. For example, the threshold S1 is greater than 10 s or 30 s and, generally, less than 5 min or 1 min. For example, the threshold S1 is chosen to be equal to the duration of the interval ΔT.If the difference t1 - t0 is less than or equal to the threshold S1, module 136 determines that the opening of door 4, which triggered the countdown of the interval ΔT, resulted from the unlocking of door 4 by an authorized person. Conversely, if the difference t1 - t0 is greater than the threshold S1, module 136 determines that door 4 was not opened by an authorized person.

[0077] Then, only if the difference t1 - t0 is less than or equal to the threshold S1, during step 190, module 136 disarms the alarm device 130 and stops the sound played by the buzzer 138. In this case, disarming occurs even if no correct disarm code has been entered using the keypad 134. No alarm is triggered. Thus, the alarm module 130 is also disarmed when the following two conditions are simultaneously met: condition 1): the alarm module 130 has established, from the AA information generated by the access control unit 110, that door 4 has been opened by an authorized person, and condition 2): during the interval ΔT, the closing of door 4 is detected by sensor 132.

[0078] Finally, if at the end of the interval ΔT, no correct disarming code has been acquired and if conditions 1) and 2) have not been satisfied during the duration of this interval ΔT, during a step 194, module 136 triggers the reporting of an attempted break-in.

[0079] In response to a report of an attempted break-in, during step 196, module 136 triggers one or more countermeasures. For example, these countermeasures are chosen from the following: the triggering of an alarm using the 140 speaker, the activation of a blocking device which prevents the lock from being unlocked using the cylinder, the sending of an alert message to terminal 6.

[0080] The blocking device used is, for example, the one described in the French patent application filed under number FR2203726 on 21 / 04 / 2022 by the company COGELEC.

[0081] When the homeowner wants to allow a tradesperson into their home, they give them a badge, such as badge 120, without providing the correct disarming code. Each time the tradesperson wants to enter, they unlock door 4 using badge 120 and then close door 4 to disarm the alarm system 130. At the end of the work, the homeowner retrieves badge 120. If a burglar forces door 4 open, this triggers the timer which counts down the interval ΔT. Even if the burglar then closes door 4 during the interval ΔT, this does not disarm the alarm system 130 because condition 1) is not met. The alarm is therefore triggered at the end of the interval ΔT. Chapter II Variants :

[0082] Variants of the access control unit and key:In a simplified version, drive 112 is omitted and motor 60 is also omitted. In this case, door 4 can only be unlocked using cylinder 46 and an authorized key.

[0083] Conversely, in another simplified embodiment, sensor 114 is omitted, as is cylinder 46. In this case, door 4 can only be unlocked using reader 112.

[0084] The access rights reader 112 is not necessarily fixed to the door. It can also be fixed next to the door, for example, on an exterior wall located near the door.

[0085] Other key implementations are possible. For example, the key can be implemented as a smartphone or a card in whose memory the access rights are stored. In this case, the smartphone's memory constitutes the mechanical medium containing the access rights. When the key is a smartphone, typically, the reader acquires the access rights stored in the smartphone's memory via a wireless connection established according to a short-range wireless communication standard such as a Bluetooth® connection. In this case, the access rights reader is a Bluetooth®-compliant reader.

[0086] The key can also be an electronic key with a blade designed to be inserted into a keyway of an electronic cylinder fixed to the entrance door. Such an electronic key is a mechanical key with the addition of electronic memory in which access rights are stored. The access rights stored in this key's memory are then acquired, for example, by a reader housed inside the electronic cylinder. This reader is connected to the electronic key, usually via a wired connection that is established when the key blade is inserted into the keyway. Typically, once the access control unit has determined that the access rights acquired by this reader authorize unlocking the lock, it sends an unlocking command to an electric actuator of the electronic cylinder.In response, the electric actuator moves to a position that allows the cylinder rotor to rotate. The key blade is then used to turn the rotor, thereby rotating a cam which in turn moves the bolt(s) from their extended to their retracted positions. This electronic cylinder is used, for example, in place of the mechanical cylinder 46. A local access control module can also be housed inside the electronic cylinder, this local module then being connected to the central unit 80 by a wired connection. Such an electronic cylinder is, for example, disclosed in application EP3431684 from the company COGELEC.

[0087] In another variant, the key is a mechanical device on which a barcode or QR code (quick response code) containing access rights is printed. The access control unit then includes a barcode or QR code reader to acquire these access rights.

[0088] Thus, as illustrated by the various examples described above, the medium which contains the access rights is a mechanical medium which is not necessarily equipped with an electronic memory containing the access rights.

[0089] In other embodiments, instead of using access rights stored on a mechanical medium, biometric characteristics of the users are used. In this case, the access control unit includes a reader for a biometric characteristic that uniquely identifies a human being. For example, this could be a fingerprint reader or a facial recognition system. In these embodiments, access to the home is revoked by deleting the access rights associated with the user's biometric characteristic from the access control unit's database.

[0090] The media reader containing access rights or the biometric reader can also be located outside the door panel housing (30). For example, the access rights reader or the biometric reader is mounted on an exterior wall of the home and connected to the door panel via a wired or wireless connection.

[0091] Alternatively, in step 166 or step 174, instead of recording the AA information indicating that the person at the door is authorized to enter, module 116 transmits it to the alarm module 136. In this case, in step 188, the time t0 at which it was established that the person is authorized to enter is taken to be the time of receipt of the AA information. This embodiment is particularly useful when the access control module 116 and the alarm module 136 do not share a common memory. Alarm system variants:

[0092] The disarm code reader is not necessarily a keyboard. It can also be another human-machine interface such as a voice recognition module capable of acquiring the disarm code spoken by the user.

[0093] The disarm code reader is not necessarily equipped with a human-machine interface. Alternatively, the disarm code reader is capable of reading the disarm code stored on a mechanical device. When the access control unit's reader is also capable of acquiring access rights stored on a mechanical device, the mechanical device containing the disarm code is different and distinct from the mechanical device containing the access rights. Thus, possession of the device containing the authorized access rights is not sufficient to disarm the alarm system. Therefore, the access control system described in this text allows the tradesperson to be given a mechanical device that authorizes them to enter the premises without being given a mechanical device containing the code to disarm the alarm system.Numerous embodiments of a reader capable of acquiring the disarm code contained on a mechanical medium are possible. In particular, all the mechanical media readers described for the access control unit can also be used to form the mechanical media reader used in the alarm device. For example, the mechanical media reader of the alarm device can be a transponder reader. In this case, the transponder containing the disarm code is different from and distinct from the transponders containing the access rights. Similarly, the disarm code reader can be a reader capable of reading the disarm code stored in the memory of the user's smartphone.In this latter case, the access control unit's reader is not itself capable of acquiring access rights stored on a smartphone, thus requiring two separate storage devices for access rights and the disarm code. The disarm code reader can also be a mechanical cylinder combined with a sensor, such as sensor 114, to acquire the disarm code. Therefore, the storage device containing the disarm code does not necessarily have electronic memory.

[0094] The 140 speaker can also be located outside the 30 box of the 8 strip. For example, the 140 speaker is located outside the home.

[0095] In one variation, the alarm system is not integrated into the door panel. For example, the reader 134, the buzzer 138, and the alarm module 136 are housed in a separate enclosure from the door panel. This separate enclosure, for example, is mounted on an interior wall of the home. In this case, the access control unit 110 in the door panel communicates with the alarm module 136 via a wired or wireless connection. Other variations:

[0096] The number of bolts 42 can be less than five or more than five. In a simplified variant, the mechanism 50 has only one bolt 42.

[0097] The door strike plate does not necessarily include the latch bolt 36 and the handle 38. For example, in this case, the bolt 36 and the handle 38 are fixed directly to the door and not housed in the lock. In a simplified version, the bolt 36 and / or the handle 38 are omitted.

[0098] The door panel can include additional components. For example, using device 140, the door panel is configured to establish a videophone link between the person on the outside and the owner's terminal 6.

[0099] The lock can take forms other than that of a door strip. For example, in another embodiment, the lock is not a multipoint lock, so on the inside, it does not form a strip that extends over the entire height of the door.

[0100] In a simplified version, the 140 videophone device is omitted.

[0101] Terminal 6 can also be omitted.

[0102] Several of the variants described above can be combined in the same embodiment. Chapter III: Advantages of Implementation Methods described:

[0103] The access control system described in this text uses a mechanical device containing access rights or a biometric reader to unlock the door. This mechanical device can be easily removed at the end of the work. The biometric data cannot be shared with a third party, and the access rights associated with this biometric data can be easily revoked. Thus, as with existing access control systems, homeowners can provide a mechanical device to a tradesperson or link the tradesperson's biometric data to grant them access rights that allow them to unlock the door. However, while the option to disarm the alarm system using a separate disarm code is retained, it is not necessary to provide this disarm code to the tradesperson.Indeed, throughout the duration of the work, the tradesperson disarms the alarm system by closing the front door behind them before the end of the ΔT interval. Therefore, if the disarming code reader is a human-machine interface, such as a keypad, the owner does not need to disclose this disarming code to the tradesperson. If the disarming code reader is capable of reading the disarming code stored on a physical medium, the owner does not need to provide a copy of this physical medium to the tradesperson. Thus, in the access control systems described here, the owner has the option, if they wish, to withhold the disarming code from the tradesperson.

[0104] If the access control unit reader acquires a biometric identifier, upon completion of the work, the owner revokes the access rights associated with the tradesperson's biometric identifier. Therefore, it is not necessary to issue the tradesperson a device containing access rights to deny them entry to the property.

[0105] When the alarm device's reader is capable of acquiring a disarming code stored on a medium, the access control system eliminates the need to provide the tradesperson with a copy of that medium containing the disarming code. Consequently, there is no risk of the tradesperson losing a copy of the medium containing the disarming code. This enhances the security of the access control system.

[0106] When the alarm device's reader is a human-machine interface capable of acquiring a disarming code entered by a user, there is no need to use media containing the disarming code. This simplifies the alarm device.

[0107] When the access control unit reader is a biometric reader, the use of media containing access rights can be avoided. This simplifies the access control system.

[0108] Allowing the user to disarm the alarm system by providing a disarm code, when the difference t1 - t0 exceeds the threshold S1, prevents the alarm from being triggered automatically if the access control unit has determined that the person at the door is authorized to enter, but that person only opens the door after a sufficiently long delay, such that the difference t1 - t0 exceeds the threshold S1. For example, such a situation might occur if, after presenting their badge to the lock, the person starts talking to a neighbor and therefore does not immediately open the front door.

[0109] Integrating the access control module and the alarm system into a single door panel, designed to be mounted on the inside of the entrance door, simplifies the installation of the access control system. In this case, the installer does not need to connect and configure the access control unit to communicate with the alarm system.

Claims

1. Access control system comprising: - an electronic lock (8) comprising: - a bolt mechanism (50) capable of moving from a protruding state in which it locks an entrance door in a closed position to a retracted state in which it allows the entrance door to move to an open position, and - an access control unit (110) capable of establishing that a person present in front of the entrance door is a person authorised to enter based on: - access rights contained on a medium presented by that person in front of the electronic lock, or - a biometric characteristic of that person present in front of the electronic lock, - an alarm device (130) comprising: - a sensor (132) capable of detecting the opening and, alternately, the closing of the entrance door, - a reader (134) capable of acquiring a code to disarm the alarm device, this reader being chosen from the group consisting of a human-machine interface allowing the person to enter the disarming code and a reader of a mechanical medium containing the disarming code and lacking access rights, - an alarm module (136) configured: - to disarm the alarm device if the disarming code acquired by the reader is a correct disarming code and has been acquired within a predetermined time interval counted from the detection of the opening of the entrance door, and - if no correct disarming code has been acquired within the predetermined time interval counted from the detection of the opening of the entrance door, automatically triggering the signalling of an attempted break-in, characterised in that: - the access control unit (110) is configured to generate information indicating that the person present at the front door has been established as a person authorised to enter, and - the alarm module (130) is also configured to automatically disarm the alarm device, without a disarming code having been acquired by the reader, if the following two conditions are met: - condition 1): the alarm module has established, based on the information generated by the access control unit, that the opening of the entrance door that triggered the counting of the predetermined time interval resulted from the movement of the bolt mechanism into its retracted state by a person authorised to enter, and - condition 2): during the predetermined time interval counted from the detection of the opening of the entrance door, the closing of the entrance door is detected by the sensor.

2. System according to claim 1, in which the alarm device reader is a reader capable of acquiring the disarming code contained on a mechanical medium.

3. System according to claim 1, wherein the reader of the alarm device is a human-machine interface (134) capable of acquiring a disarming code entered by the user.

4. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the access control unit comprises: - a biometric reader capable of acquiring the biometric characteristic of the person present at the door, and - an access control module (116) configured to trigger the movement of the bolt mechanism (50) to its retracted state if the biometric characteristic acquired by the biometric reader is a biometric characteristic authorised to move this bolt mechanism to its retracted state.

5. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm device comprises a buzzer (138) and the alarm module (136) is configured to, in response to detecting the door opening, immediately control said buzzer to play a sound that alerts the user that the alarm device is armed and that the predetermined time interval for acquiring a correct disarming code is being counted down.

6. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm module (136) is configured to: - determine a time when the access control unit has established that an authorised person is present at the entrance door based on information generated by the access control unit, and then - comparing, at a predetermined threshold, the difference between the time when the opening of the entrance door is detected and the time when the access control unit has established that a person authorised to enter is present in front of the entrance door, then - if the difference is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, establish that the opening of the entrance door that triggered the counting of the predetermined time interval resulted from the movement of the bolt mechanism into its retracted state by a person authorised to enter.

7. System according to claim 6, wherein, if the deviation is greater than the predetermined threshold, the alarm module (136) is configured to authorise the disarming of the alarm device only in response to the acquisition, by the disarming code reader, of a correct disarming code within the predetermined time interval counted from the detection of the opening of the entrance door.

8. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic lock is an electronic door strip (8) capable of being fixed to an inner face of the entrance door, this electronic door strip being in the form of a single piece comprising all of the following components: the access control unit (110), the sensor (132), the reader (134) and the alarm module (136), and the connections between all these components of the electronic door strip.

9. Access control method comprising: - moving (168; 176), by a motor or by turning an authorised key, the bolt mechanism of an electronic lock from a protruding state in which it locks an entrance door in a closed position to a retracted state in which it allows the entrance door to be moved to an open position, - establishing (164; 172), by an access control unit (110), that a person present in front of the entrance door is a person authorised to enter based on: - access rights contained on a medium presented by that person in front of the electronic lock, or - a biometric characteristic of that person present in front of the electronic lock, - detection (180), by a sensor (132), of the opening and, alternately, the closing of the entrance door, - acquisition (186), by a reader, of a disarming code for an alarm device, this reader being chosen from the group consisting of a human-machine interface allowing the person to enter the disarming code and a reader of a mechanical medium containing the disarming code and lacking access rights, - disarming (186), by an alarm module (136), of the alarm device if the disarming code acquired by the reader is a correct disarming code and has been acquired within a predetermined time interval counted from the detection of the opening of the front door, and - triggering (194), by the alarm module (136), of the signal indicating an attempted break-in if no correct disarming code has been acquired within the predetermined time interval counted from the detection of the opening of the entrance door, characterised in that the method comprises: - the generation (164; 172), by the access control unit (110), of information indicating that it has been established that a person present at the entrance door is a person authorised to enter, and - disarming (190), by the alarm module (136), of the alarm device, without a disarming code having been acquired by the reader, if the following two conditions are met: - condition 1): it has been established, based on the information generated, that the opening of the entrance door that triggered the counting of the predetermined time interval resulted from the movement of the bolt mechanism into its retracted state by a person authorised to enter, and - condition 2): during the predetermined time interval counted from the detection of the opening of the entrance door, the closing of the entrance door is detected.