Handling machine comprising an access control device and corresponding access control method

Abstract

The invention relates to a handling machine comprising a handling system (600), a main access control device (702) by biometric identification to authorize or deny access to the machine based on an acquired biometric data (VSG2), and an auxiliary access control device (704) by code (CD1) to authorize or deny access to the machine based on said code, and a processing unit (10) configured to, in a transport mode activated with the auxiliary access control, authorize the movement of the machine on the ground while preventing or restricting the operation of the handling system;and, in a working mode activated with the main access control device, allow unrestricted operation of the handling system, or define at least one operating parameter of the handling system, said authorization of unrestricted operation and said definition of at least one operating parameter being a function of the identified user profile data. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to handling machines and the management of driver access to the machine.

[0002] Such a machine may, in particular, be implemented in the form of a telescopic arm forklift, a mechanical excavator, a bucket loader, a nacelle, a masted forklift or another type of machine. PREVIOUS ART

[0003] We know of state-of-the-art handling machines that can be started simply with a physical start key, which can also be the same for different handling machines.

[0004] An operator can thus start and use a handling machine on which he is not specifically trained. The start key allows a carrier to start and drive a handling machine to load and unload it at a given location, or, in the event of an accident, a responder to start and move the handling machine to clear it from the accident zone.

[0005] However, there is a significant risk of accident or damage to the machine when the operator operates the machine's handling system, which includes, for example, a telescopic arm fitted with forks, if the operator does not have sufficient qualifications to use the said handling system.

[0006] Document FR3000928 A1 describes a forklift truck comprising a lifting mast, a load fork, and a user identification device for checking the authorization of use when putting the forklift truck into operation. When a driver occupies the driver's seat for putting the forklift truck into operation and identifies himself by means of the user identification device, for example by biometric image recognition, a computer automatically adjusts the driver's seat, the armrest, the steering wheel and the control elements. After successful user identification, the comfort function(s) is / are automatically adjusted using the stored adjustment parameters, in accordance with the adjustment parameters stored for the identified user.

[0007] The document entitled "Forklift Safety and Monitoring Devices - Why you need them for your forklift fleet!" by Keytroller, describes a material handling equipment management system that allows the management of different users with permissions defined based on the operator's training.

[0008] Document US2021 / 158466 A1 describes a data processing system that performs a count of a load transport frequency of a forklift.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to propose a new handling machine and a corresponding method making it possible to overcome all or part of the problems set out above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a handling machine comprising: a rolling chassis, a load or person handling system, comprising for example a lifting arm equipped with a fork device; a main access control device by biometric identification, the main access control device being able to acquire biometric data from a user and to identify a user profile to which the acquired biometric data corresponds, to authorize or not access to the machine to this user according to the acquired biometric data, and an auxiliary access control device, different from the main access control device, the auxiliary access control device being able to receive a code or read a code provided by a user to said auxiliary access control device, to authorize or not access to the machine according to said code, and a processing unit configured for: in an operating mode, called transport mode,which is activated when access to the machine is authorized by the auxiliary access control device, authorize the ground movement of the machine while preventing or restricting the operation of the handling system of the machine; in an operating mode, called work mode, which is activated when access to the machine is authorized by the main access control device, authorize unrestricted operation of the handling system compared to the transport mode, or define at least one operating parameter of the handling system, such as a maximum authorized angle of the lifting arm, said authorization of unrestricted operation and said definition of at least one operating parameter being a function of the data of the identified user profile.

[0011] Such a design of the machine makes it possible, thanks to the main access control device, to reliably determine who is using the machine, and to allow this user to use the machine according to an operating configuration adapted to his user profile, while allowing other users, in particular cases such as transport or intervention by an emergency service, to be able to move the machine without risk of an accident in handling the handling system.

[0012] Such a design of the machine allows, when high level identification conditions are met thanks to the main access control device by biometric identification, to authorize full operation of the machine (without restriction) or to define / adjust the functions and settings authorized for the handling of the machine, depending on the profile of the identified user.

[0013] The term "unrestricted" is understood in contrast to the restrictions provided for in the transport mode. Of course, the operating capabilities may be limited as such by the construction characteristics of the machine, or by the operating standards implemented in the machine, or by safety precautions that apply to the machine independently of the driver's profile.

[0014] The risk of accident or damage to the machine can thus be reduced when, following identification, it is determined, thanks to the operator's profile, that the operator does not have sufficient qualifications (which corresponds to a low level of authorization to use the machine).

[0015] Indeed, the operation of the machine's handling system, for example a telescopic arm equipped with forks, can be restricted or even prevented when the identified operator's profile corresponds to a profile with little or no experience. When the identified operator has a user profile whose data corresponds to a sufficiently qualified user, the associated machine functions can be unlocked and the machine can be automatically configured to allow full use of the machine.

[0016] When the user is not identifiable with the main access control device by biometric identification, the fact that the machine is also equipped with an auxiliary access control device for the machine by code, allows a third party who has this code to have access to the machine to move it, for example in an emergency, with restricted operation of the machine. In particular, a person from an emergency service or a carrier can receive a code on a terminal, such as their telephone, enter it into the auxiliary access control device of the machine to be able to move the machine without the handling system being allowed to be operated or with limited operation of the handling system.

[0017] The handling machine may also include one or more of the following characteristics taken in any technically admissible combination.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, in transport mode, the processing unit is also configured to limit the ground travel speed of the machine.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handling system comprises an arm tiltable between a low position and a high position, the arm being provided with a handling device, such as a fork system, the arm being for example a telescopic arm, preferably pivotally mounted at the rear of the machine.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the machine includes a sensor system which comprises all or part of the following sensors: a sensor of a parameter representative of the angle of the lifting arm; a sensor of a parameter representative of a telescoping state or the length of the lifting arm; a sensor of the ground movement speed of the machine; a sensor of the inclination of the machine; a sensor for determining the mass of a load carried by the handling system, and the processing unit is configured to define a maximum authorized value for at least part of said parameters according to the data of the identified user profile.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handling system comprises a mast along which a handling device, such as a fork device, is slidably mounted between a low position and a high position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the processing unit comprises a module for storing user profiles, at least part of said user profiles each comprising biometric data, the processing unit being configured to determine the user profile whose biometric data corresponds to the biometric data acquired by the main access control device, and to authorize access to the machine according to the determined user profile.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, each user profile also comprises data corresponding to a level of authorization for use of the machine, and the processing unit is configured to define said at least one operating parameter of the handling system as a function of said data of the determined user profile corresponding to the level of authorization for use of the machine.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the machine comprising a radio communication module configured to consult a set of user profiles recorded on a remote device, at least part of said user profiles each comprising biometric data, the processing unit of the machine is configured to determine the user profile whose biometric data corresponds to the biometric data acquired by the main access control device, and to authorize access to the machine when said user profile has been determined.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main access control device by biometric identification is a camera configured to acquire an image of at least part of the user's face.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary access control device is a code reader, such as an RFID reader or a QR code reader, or a digital code.

[0027] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a handling machine according to any one of the preceding embodiments, and a remote device, the machine comprising a radio communication module configured to consult a set of user profiles recorded on said remote device, at least a part of said user profiles each comprising a biometric data item, the processing unit being configured to determine the user profile whose biometric data item corresponds to the biometric data item acquired by the main access control device, and to authorize access to the machine when said user profile has been determined.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method for controlling access to a handling machine, implemented using a machine according to any one of the embodiments or with an assembly according to the preceding embodiment, the method comprising the following steps: acquire with the main access control device a biometric data of a user, and identify a user profile to which the acquired biometric data corresponds, and authorize or not access to the machine to this user according to the acquired biometric data; or receive or read a code with the auxiliary access control device, and authorize or not access to the machine according to the acquired code, and when access to the machine is authorized by the auxiliary access control device, authorize the movement on the ground of the machine while preventing or restricting the operation of the handling system of the machine;when access to the machine is authorized by the main access control device, authorize unrestricted operation of the handling machine, or define at least one operating parameter of the handling system, such as a maximum authorized angle of the lifting arm, said authorization of unrestricted operation and said definition of at least one operating parameter being a function of the data of the identified user profile. ; BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which: there Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a lifting arm handling machine comprising a main access control device and an auxiliary access control device according to one embodiment; the Figure 2 is a schematic view of a processing unit of a handling machine according to one embodiment, to which sensors and equipment to be controlled are connected; the Figure 3 is a schematic view of a handling machine communicating with a remote device according to one embodiment; the Figure 4 is a flowchart comprising steps of an access management method according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The inventive concept is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. However, this inventive concept may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this description is complete, and communicates the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0031] A reference throughout the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the occurrence of the phrase "in an embodiment" at various locations throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0032] With reference to the figures, a handling machine is provided equipped with a main access control device 702 by biometric identification and an auxiliary access control device 704 different from the main access control device 702. The main access control device 702 by biometric identification offers a higher level of user identification security than the auxiliary access control device 704, for example by code. Indeed, even if a code can be associated with a user, another user can use this code if the user has transmitted it to him or in the event of information theft.

[0033] To the Figure 1, an example of a handling machine 1 with a handling arm has been shown. The handling machine 1 comprises a rolling chassis 2 supported on the ground by means of a front axle 3 and a rear axle 4. Alternatively, the handling machine may be a machine of another type, such as a masted forklift.

[0034] The handling machine 1 comprises a motorized system for moving the machine on the ground. The motorized system for moving the machine comprises, for example, an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine, and a wheel transmission and steering control system for directing the movement of the machine.

[0035] The rolling chassis 2 carries a handling system 600 and an actuation system for moving said handling system relative to the chassis 2. The handling system 600 at the Figure 1is a load handling system, but can be a person handling system.

[0036] In the illustrated example, the handling system comprises an arm 6, usually called a lifting arm, articulated to the rolling chassis 2 so that it can be moved between a so-called lowered position and a raised position. In the case of a masted forklift, the handling system comprises a mast equipped with a fork system mounted to slide along the mast.

[0037] The handling machine includes a processing unit (also called a control unit), comprising for example a computer, which allows the operator, via a human-machine interface (which may comprise a control member, such as a joystick) to control the handling machine, and in particular to control the movement of the machine and / or the handling system, such as the position of the arm 6.

[0038] The rolling chassis 2 comprises a cabin 20 having a door allowing an operator to sit in the cabin 20 to drive the machine.

[0039] The lifting arm 6 (or handling arm) is mounted on the chassis 2 and can be oriented around an axis of rotation 7. In particular, said axis of rotation 7 is horizontal when the rolling chassis 2 is resting on horizontal ground. The arm 6 projects towards the front of the machine. According to one embodiment, the axis 7 is closer to the rear axle than to the front axle of the machine.

[0040] The handling system, such as the arm 6, is equipped with a load or person handling device. In the example illustrated, the handling device comprises a load carrier 14, such as a fork or bucket system, articulated to the arm 6 by a link 15 and configured to carry a payload 9.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 1, the arm 6 is of the telescopic type. The arm 6 thus comprises at least two deployable segments, for example using a deployment cylinder, not shown, arranged between the at least two segments. Alternatively, the arm may be a non-telescopic arm.

[0042] In the example of the Figure 1 , the arm actuating device includes in particular a lifting actuator, for example a hydraulic cylinder 8, which makes it possible to move the arm 6 upwards and downwards around the horizontal axis 7, under the control of the control system. Alternatively, the lifting actuator may be an electric cylinder. The control system may comprise a processing unit and at least one control member 12, such as a joystick.

[0043] The processing unit can be configured to control the lifting actuator, for example via a hydraulic circuit (not shown), depending on the operator's request to the control member 12.

[0044] The hydraulic circuit may include a hydraulic pressure source and a hydraulic distributor interposed between the hydraulic pressure source and a solenoid valve for controlling the hydraulic cylinder 8. The solenoid valve for controlling the hydraulic cylinder 8 may be controlled by the control system.

[0045] Alternatively, the handling machine can be fully electric. Sensor system

[0046] The handling machine comprises a sensor system for providing signals enabling a processing unit 10 of the machine, which may be shared in whole or in part with the processing unit presented above which enables the machine to be controlled, to analyse the signals from the sensors.

[0047] The sensor system includes all or part of the following sensors: a sensor of the angle of the lifting arm 6; a sensor of the position of the handling device, such as the angle of inclination of the tool holder or of the tool; a sensor of the extension length of the arm, or of the retracted or extended state of the arm, when said arm is telescopic.

[0048] The sensor system may of course include other sensors for measuring different parameters of the machine, for example a tilt sensor (longitudinal and / or lateral) of the machine, and / or a sensor for determining the mass of a load carried by the handling system. As recalled above, the sensor system is connected to the processing unit to enable the values ​​of different parameters of the handling machine to be determined.

[0049] According to one embodiment and as illustrated in the example of the Figure 3 , the machine also comprises a radio communication module 110 (i.e. a wireless communication means) which can be used to communicate with a remote device 31, for example to access user profile data.

[0050] It may be provided that the radio communication module 110 allows communication with the remote device 31 via a wireless communication network, for example of the cellular type, such as a mobile telephone network (GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G 5G, etc.). It may also be provided that the communication module allows communication with a remote device, according to a protocol distinct from mobile telephony. The network may be an Internet of Things network (LORA, SIGFOX, etc.).

[0051] The radio communication module 110 may also use a short-distance communication protocol, such as the Bluetooth protocol.

[0052] It can thus be provided that the radio communication module 110 is used to communicate with a nearby device, for example a radio key, or a smartphone of the user.

[0053] It can be provided that the processing unit compares the values ​​determined by the sensor system with threshold values ​​(maximum travel speed Vmax, maximum lifting angle Amax, maximum telescoping length Tmax) or status values ​​which can be defined or redefined depending on the user profile, and that the operation of the machine, in particular of the handling device, is limited depending on the result of the comparison. Access control devices

[0054] The handling machine comprises a main access control device 702 by biometric identification and an auxiliary access control device 704 different from the main access control device 702. The main access control device 702 is able to acquire a biometric data VSG2 of a user and to identify a user profile P2, from among several recorded user profiles P1-P3, to which the acquired biometric data VSG2 corresponds, to authorize or not access to the machine to this user according to the acquired biometric data VSG2. The auxiliary access control device 704 is able to receive a code CD1 or read a code CD1 provided by a user to said auxiliary access control device, to authorize or not access to the machine according to the acquired code CD1.

[0055] The main access control device 702 by biometric identification comprises for example an image acquisition device such as a camera for facial recognition of the user, or a fingerprint reader. In the case of a machine comprising a door cabin, the camera can be located on the door itself at a height suitable for identifying a person's face.

[0056] User profile data P1, P2, P3 are previously stored in a user profile storage module 175 ( Figure 2 ). Preferably, the user profile storage module 175 comprises several profiles of different users. Each user profile comprises biometric identification data, such as a fingerprint or all or part of the user's face (for example the entire face or a pupil).

[0057] As illustrated in the figure 3, it is also possible to provide that the user profile storage module is in whole or in part remote in a remote device 31. It is possible to provide that a terminal 32 is configured to communicate with the remote device 31 to enable this system to be managed, for example to create or modify a user profile.

[0058] The access control module 177 of the processing unit 10 of the machine makes it possible to determine whether the acquired biometric data corresponds to biometric data stored in the user profile storage module 175.

[0059] The access control module 177 authorizes or regulates (parameters) the operation of the machine according to the data of the determined user profile. The user profile includes, for example, a training or experience certificate, corresponding to a given authorization level for using the machine. It can be provided that the user profile includes an authorization level, corresponding to sufficient training or experience, which authorizes operation of the machine at the maximum values ​​of its capabilities. Thus, it can be provided that if the determined user profile corresponds to an experienced user, all of the machine's functionalities are authorized.In the case of a telescopic forklift, an experienced identified user can thus not only move the machine on the ground, but also control the lifting and extension of the telescopic arm without any particular restriction other than restrictions which apply to the machine independently of the driver.

[0060] When the identified user profile is that of a temporary worker or an inexperienced user who, for example, has a training certificate on the machine but which is less than a year old, the access control module 177 can adjust (configure) the operation of the machine to limit certain functions. It is thus possible to provide that the movement of the machine is authorized, but that the control of the handling system, such as the lifting of the arm and / or its extension, is conditioned by a movement speed less than or equal to a given speed considered to be low, and / or to limited maximum lifting angle and / or arm length values.It may be provided that the access control module 177 limits the movement speed to a maximum movement speed value Vmax, the lifting angle to a maximum lifting angle value Amax, and / or the telescoping length of the arm to a maximum telescoping length value Tmax, these values ​​being lower than those defined for an experienced profile.

[0061] The user may also enter or provide a CD1 code (distinct from biometric data) to the auxiliary access control device 704. The code may be in various forms, such as a sequence of alphanumeric elements (e.g., "3785" as illustrated in the example in the Figure 2) to be entered via an interface such as a keypad (digital code), a QR code or a barcode, for example displayable on a user terminal, such as a smartphone. The code can also be a radio signal sent by a portable device, such as a key equipped with a radio transmitter. The code entered can be a code with validity for a given period, for example the time of transport.

[0062] Thus when the user is identified with the main access control device 702 by biometric identification, the machine can be automatically adjusted / configured by the access control module 177 to allow the user to benefit from the functions of the machine compatible with the data of his user profile.

[0063] When the user is identified with the auxiliary access control device 704, the machine can be automatically set / parameterized to limit the operation of the machine, in particular to limit or prevent the operation of the handling system.

[0064] The main access control device 702 by biometric identification and the auxiliary access control device 704 each allow access to the machine. Access to the machine corresponds to physical access, for example, in the cabin and authorization to start the machine.

[0065] According to a particular aspect, each access control device makes it possible to unlock an access locking device 706 to the cockpit, such as a locking latch of a door of a cabin of the machine. The main access control device 702 by biometric identification and the auxiliary access control device 704 also each make it possible to unlock a starting device 708 of the machine, i.e. to authorize the starting of the machine for example by the user pressing a start button, to move the machine and possibly control the handling system with or without restriction. User profile management

[0066] A user profile management system makes it possible to manage the user profiles stored in the storage module 175. The user profile management system may be included in the processing unit with an interface allowing an authorized operator to manage the user profiles. The management system may be fully or partially deported to a remote device, for example the device 31 or the terminal 32 in the example of the Figure 3 .

[0067] The management system allows you to create profiles at different hierarchical levels. A higher-level user profile allows you to create a lower profile with fewer rights related to the operation and / or configuration of the machine than a higher-level user profile.

[0068] Thus, it can be expected that the system includes a first level of user profile corresponding to a seller (or manufacturer) of the machine. The seller has all rights over the machine. He can associate a unique customer account with the machine.

[0069] The seller can create a second level user profile corresponding to a customer. The customer can create a third level user profile corresponding to a machine manager and can create a fourth level user profile corresponding to a machine operator. A machine manager can create a driver type user profile. A machine manager has the right to drive the machine and adjust the machine's operation. The manager and the customer can each validate the driving right for a driver.

[0070] A fifth user profile level is a transporter type profile for which the user can drive the machine to move it but with limited operation, for example with reduced speed, and / or with limited or prevented operation of the handling system (limited lifting arm angle and / or prevented or limited arm telescoping). Audio and / or video communication device

[0071] Advantageously, the handling machine comprises an audio and / or video device 131 making it possible to establish audio and / or video communication with a remote device, for example to make contact with a remote operator, in the manner of a videophone, to allow the remote operator to provide an access code to the driver or to unlock remote access to the machine and operation in transport mode. The audio and / or video device 131 may be integrated in whole or in part with the access management system. Electronic and / or computer system

[0072] The described functions and steps may be implemented in the form of a computer program or via hardware components (e.g., programmable gate arrays). In particular, the functions and steps performed by the processing unit may be performed by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller, or may be performed by dedicated electronic components or components of the programmable logic circuit type (or FPGA, which is the acronym for field-programmable gate array) or of the application-specific integrated circuit type (or ASIC, which is the acronym for application-specific integrated circuit). It is also possible to combine computer parts and electronic parts.

[0073] The processing unit is thus an electronic and / or computer unit. When it is specified that said unit is configured to carry out a given operation, this means that the unit comprises computer instructions and the corresponding execution means which make it possible to carry out said operation and / or that the unit comprises corresponding electronic components. Control process

[0074] The handling machine presented above makes it possible to implement a method of access control and adjustment of the machine described below in connection with the Figure 4 .

[0075] Data of a user profile is previously stored in a user profile storage module 175. Preferably, the user profile storage module 175 comprises several profiles of different users. Each user profile comprises a biometric identification data, such as a fingerprint or all or part of the user's face.

[0076] In step 410, the user presents himself in front of the machine and the access management system 702 by biometric identification acquires biometric data from the user. It can thus be provided that the user presents his face in front of a facial recognition camera with which the machine is equipped and which forms the access management system 702 by biometric identification.

[0077] In step 420, the access management module 177 of the processing unit of the machine determines whether the acquired biometric data corresponds to biometric data stored in the user profile storage module 175.

[0078] If so, in step 430, the access management module 177 controls the unlocking of access to the cockpit, for example the unlocking of an electric cabin door latch and authorizes the starting of the machine. The user can then sit in the cockpit and start the machine, for example by pressing a corresponding electrically controlled starting member, such as a start button.

[0079] The access management module 177 then activates a mode, called work mode, according to which it authorizes the operation of the machine without particular restrictions or regulates (parameters) the operation of the machine's handling system, based on the data of the determined user profile.

[0080] In step 440, the user can enter a code into an auxiliary access control device 704 different from the main access control device 702. This step 440 can be executed either directly or in the absence of identification of a corresponding user profile in the user profile storage module 175. The auxiliary access control device 704 is for example a keyboard arranged under the facial recognition camera allowing the user to enter a digital code to access the machine. The keyboard can be in the form of a physical box or even directly embedded in a window of the cabin. In this case, the keyboard can be activated by a proximity sensor used for the camera.

[0081] When the code provided to the auxiliary access control device 704 matches a predefined code, the access management module 177 activates a mode, called transport mode, according to which it adjusts (parameterizes) the operation of the machine to limit functionalities of the machine.

[0082] Recognition of an authorized driver (primary access control device 702) or an authorized code (auxiliary access control device 704) results in the unlocking of a physical access locking device 706 to the machine, such as an electric locking strike of a door of the machine's cockpit, and authorization to activate the machine's starting device 708.

[0083] The machine may be provided with a combination of one or more main access control devices 702 and one or more auxiliary access control devices 704.

[0084] For example, the machine can include: a facial recognition camera, a radio receiving device for receiving a coded signal emitted by a radio key type device, an RFID reader, a data entry keyboard, for example for entering a digital code, a Bluetooth communication module for association with a corresponding device, such as a smartphone, and for being able to acquire a corresponding code.

[0085] Different restrictions may be applied depending on the types of machines for transport mode:

[0086] Example of adjustment for a telescopic arm machine (also called a telescopic trolley), also valid for a turret machine: Handling system: the extension of the telescopic part of the arm is prevented, but retraction is permitted. The boom angle is limited, for example, to 10° from the horizontal, while allowing the boom to lower, for example when the machine was initially at a boom angle value greater than the limit value; Transmission: Limiting the machine in speed, power, and / or acceleration if necessary: ​​Deactivation of unnecessary functions, Bluetooth, radio, wifi.

[0087] Example of adjustment for a mast forklift, articulated loader, compact loader: Handling system: Limited lifting (for example 2 meters for the device carrying the load) Transmission: Restriction of the machine in speed, power, and / or acceleration possibly: Deactivation of unnecessary functions, such as Bluetooth, radio, wifi.

[0088] Example of adjustment for a lifting platform: Handling system: the extension of the telescopic part of the arm is prevented, but retraction is permitted. The lifting of the arms is limited while allowing the lowering of the arms, for example when the machine was initially in a configuration where the arms were in a high position greater than the limit value; Transmission: Clamping of the machine at speed

[0089] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Accordingly, it should be understood that, where the features mentioned in the appended claims are followed by reference signs, these signs are included solely for the purpose of improving the intelligibility of the claims and are in no way limiting the scope of the claims.

[0090] Furthermore, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the embodiments set forth above may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments set forth above.

Claims

1. Handling machine (1) comprising: - a rolling frame (2); - a load- or person-handling system (600), comprising, for example, a lifting arm (6) equipped with a fork device (14); - a biometric identification main access control device (702), the main access control device (702) being able to acquire a biometric datum (VSG2) of a user and to identify a user profile (P2) to which the acquired biometric datum (VSG2) corresponds, in order to authorize or not authorize access to the machine to that user depending on the acquired biometric datum (VSG2), and - an auxiliary access control device (704), which is different from the main access control device (702), the auxiliary access control device (704) being able to receive a code (CD1) or read a code (CD1) supplied by a user to said auxiliary access control device, in order to authorize or not authorize access to the machine depending on said code (CD1), and - a processing unit (10) configured to: - in one operating mode, referred to as the transport mode, which is activated when access to the machine is authorized by the auxiliary access control device (704), authorize the movement of the machine on the ground while at the same time preventing or restricting the operation of the handling system (600) of the machine; in one operating mode, referred to as the work mode, which is activated when access to the machine is authorized by the main access control device (702), authorize unrestricted operation of the handling system (600) with respect to the transport mode, or define at least one operating parameter of the handling system (600), such as a maximum authorized angle of the lifting arm, said authorization for unrestricted operation and said definition of at least one operating parameter depending on the data of the identified user profile (P2).

2. Machine (1) according to Claim 1, wherein, in the transport mode, the processing unit (10) is also configured to limit the ground speed of the machine.

3. Machine (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the handling system (600) comprises a lifting arm (6) which can be tilted between a low position and a high position, the arm being provided with a handling device (14), such as a fork system, the arm being, for example, a telescopic arm, preferably pivotally mounted at the rear of the machine.

4. Machine (1) according to Claim 3, wherein the machine includes a sensor system which comprises all or some of the following sensors: a sensor of a parameter which is representative of the angle of the lifting arm; a sensor of a parameter which is representative of a telescoping state or of the length of the lifting arm; a sensor of the ground speed of the machine; a sensor of the tilt of the machine; a sensor for determining the mass of a load carried by the handling system, and the processing unit (10) is configured to define a maximum authorized value for at least some of said parameters depending on the data of the identified user profile.

5. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling system comprises a mast along which a handling device, such as a fork device, is slidably mounted between a low position and a high position.

6. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (10) comprises a storage module (175) for storing user profiles, at least some of said user profiles (P1, P2, P3) each comprising a biometric datum, the processing unit (10) being configured to determine the user profile (P2) the biometric datum of which corresponds to the biometric datum (VSG2) acquired by the main access control device (702), and to authorize access to the machine depending on the determined user profile.

7. Machine (1) according to Claim 6, wherein each user profile (P1, P2, P3) also comprises a datum corresponding to a level of authorization for use of the machine, and the processing unit (10) being configured to define said at least one operating parameter of the handling system (600) depending on said datum of the determined user profile (P2) corresponding to the level of authorization for use of the machine.

8. Machine (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the machine (1) comprises a radio communication module (110) configured to consult a set of user profiles (P1, P2, P3) which are stored on a remote apparatus (31), at least some of said user profiles (P1, P2, P3) each comprising a biometric datum, the processing unit (10) of the machine (1) is configured to determine the user profile (P2) the biometric datum of which corresponds to the biometric datum (VSG2) acquired by the main access control device (702), and to authorize access to the machine when said user profile (P2) has been determined.

9. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biometric identification main access control device (702) is a camera configured to acquire an image of at least some of the user's face.

10. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary access control device (704) is a code reader, such as an RFID reader or QR code reader, or a digicode.

11. Assembly comprising a handling machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a remote apparatus (31), the machine (1) comprising a radio communication module (110) configured to consult a set of user profiles which are stored on said remote apparatus (31), at least some of said user profiles (P1, P2, P3) each comprising a biometric datum, the processing unit (10) being configured to determine the user profile (P2) the biometric datum of which corresponds to the biometric datum (VSG2) acquired by the main access control device (702), and to authorize access to the machine when said user profile (P2) has been determined.

12. Method for controlling access to a handling machine, implemented using a machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 10 or with an assembly according to Claim 11, the method comprising the following steps: - acquiring, with the main access control device (702), a biometric datum (VSG2) of a user, and identifying a user profile (P2) to which the acquired biometric datum (VSG2) corresponds, and authorizing or not authorizing access to the machine to that user depending on the acquired biometric datum (VSG2); or - receiving or reading a code (CD1) with the auxiliary access control device (704), and authorizing or not authorizing access to the machine depending on the acquired code (CD1), and - when access to the machine is authorized by the auxiliary access control device (704), authorizing the movement of the machine on the ground while at the same time preventing or restricting the operation of the handling system (600) of the machine; - when access to the machine is authorized by the main access control device (702), authorizing unrestricted operation of the handling machine, or defining at least one operating parameter of the handling system (600), such as a maximum authorized angle of the lifting arm, said authorization for unrestricted operation and said definition of at least one operating parameter depending on the data of the identified user profile (P2).

Images