Access security system and method

Abstract

System (1) for securing access to a controlled access area accessible through a control door (2) equipped with an active lock (3) capable of being in two states: either an unlocked state allowing free access to the controlled access area, or a locked state blocking access to the controlled access area. The active lock (3) includes an active reader designed to interrogate a plurality of passive receivers (4) carrying an activation key for the lock (3). FIGURE 1

Description

Title of the invention: Access security system and method technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a system for securing access to a controlled access location accessible through a control door equipped with an active lock capable of taking two states, either an unlocked state allowing free access to the controlled access location, or a locked state blocking access to the controlled access location, the active lock comprising an active reader designed to interrogate a plurality of passive receivers comprising a lock activation key. Previous technique

[0002] In nursing homes for dependent elderly people (EHPADs in France), there are individuals known as "wandering" residents. These are people with neurocognitive disorders who wander the corridors, day and night, and often enter another resident's room, as the rooms are freely accessible. In doing so, these individuals are likely to cause disturbances in the rooms they enter, disrupt other residents, etc. Thus, these individuals pose a health and safety risk to the proper functioning of such facilities. Obviously, the law prohibits locking wandering residents in at night, or confining other residents to their rooms. Furthermore, the doors of elderly residents' rooms must be permanently operable from both the inside and the outside. This precludes the use of conventional electronic locks.

[0003] Various devices have been developed to allow for better management of the comings and goings of elderly people and other people experiencing physical and / or cognitive limitations.

[0004] For example, we know of document EP4344181 which describes an access control system comprising a control unit configured to perform the following operations: determine whether access rights acquired by a reader satisfy pre-recorded access conditions, and if these acquired access rights satisfy these pre-recorded access conditions, in response, automatically command the movement of an electronic lock from a locked state to an unlocked state without involving a remote terminal, and, if the access rights acquired by the reader do not satisfy the pre-recorded access conditions, in response, automatically trigger the establishment of communication with a remote terminal provided for at the user's premises.

[0005] This system is complex, requires a monitoring center with staff available at all times, and does not allow access to controlled areas to be restricted. by people such as residents of care homes for dependent elderly people.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a device or system to control access to certain areas for unauthorized persons, while facilitating passage for other persons. Summary of the invention

[0007] To this end, the invention provides a system for securing access to a controlled-access location accessible via a control door, said system comprising:

[0008] - an active lock equipped with an active reader designed to query one or more passive receivers located within the detection range of the active lock, said active lock being operable using an activation key received from a passive receiver during a data exchange with the active lock,

[0009] - a plurality of passive receivers comprising an activation key corresponding to the active lock to be operated,

[0010] in which:

[0011] - said active lock has a default unlocked state allowing passage to authorized persons not wearing a passive receiver and approaching the active lock, and a special locked state allowing passage to be blocked to unauthorized persons wearing a passive receiver and approaching the active lock,

[0012] - the activation key to be transmitted from a passive receiver to an active lock is a Security-blocking key for unauthorized users accessing the controlled area, equipped with a passive receiver.

[0013] -said security-lock activation key allows the lock to pass from its current unlocked state to its particular locked state.

[0014] This system provides numerous advantages, most of which are closely related to the safety of residents in long-term care facilities for dependent elderly people, whose cognitive abilities may be impaired. Furthermore, the system allows the doors separating recovery areas in normal or current mode to remain open and / or unlocked, in accordance with the legislation of many states. If a system user wearing a passive receiver approaches an active lock, the activation key is detected and the passage is automatically blocked.

[0015] Advantageously, the active lock and the passive receiver are radio frequency (RFID or NFT type).

[0016] These technologies are reliable, proven, inexpensive, and easy to deploy to equip existing sites.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the passive receivers are arranged on secure bracelets (for unauthorized persons in the controlled access area such as persons with reduced cognitive abilities).

[0018] These security bracelets are worn, for example, by unauthorized persons in a controlled access area, such as residents of long-term care facilities for dependent elderly people, who must remain in a designated area. The term "security bracelet" refers to bracelets fitted by specialized personnel, such as caregivers, and normally requiring further intervention from these specialized personnel to remove the bracelet.

[0019] Alternatively, the passive receivers are integrated into cards or labels for insertion into clothing or an accessory (belt, bag) intended for unauthorized persons.

[0020] According to another advantageous embodiment, the active lock is coupled to a motorized door allowing the door to close when the safety-locking mode is activated, and to be placed in the open position the rest of the time, in default mode.

[0021] This arrangement allows for completely free access under normal circumstances with the door open, and access blocked by closing the door when an unauthorized person enters the detection zone of the lock.

[0022] Advantageously, the active lock also includes a "neutralized" mode, allowing it to maintain a current unlocked state despite the presence in the detection zone of one or more receivers with a security-locking key.

[0023] This mode can be activated for example by a key to neutralize a passive receiver which can be carried by a resource person such as a caregiver, or a keypad placed on the lock, or other.

[0024] The invention also provides a method for securing access to a controlled access location accessible via a control door, said method comprising the following steps:

[0025] - installation on the control door of an active lock equipped with a reader active designed to interrogate one or more passive receivers likely to be located within the detection zone of the active lock, said active lock being operable using an activation key to be received from a passive receiver during a data exchange with the active lock,

[0026] - implementation of a plurality of passive receivers comprising an activation key corresponding to the active lock to be operated,

[0027] in which:

[0028] - said active lock is by default in an unlocked state allowing passage to authorized persons not wearing a passive receiver and approaching the active lock,

[0029] - a passive receiver is provided for each person not authorized to access the place With controlled access, this receiver includes a security-locking activation key allowing the lock to switch from its default unlocked state to a locked security mode, thus blocking access to individuals wearing a passive receiver and approaching the active lock.

[0030] - when a passive receiver enters the detection zone of the active lock, a The security-lock activation key is transmitted from this passive receiver to the active lock, triggering the lock to switch to the locked security mode.

[0031] This security method allows access to certain areas to be controlled for certain individuals equipped with a passive receiver, for example, integrated into a security bracelet. It is observed that this method operates in the opposite way to a conventional electronic lock, whose default mode is locked. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] All implementation details are given in the following description, supplemented by Figures 1 to 4, presented solely for the purpose of non-limiting examples, and in which: Fig. 1

[0033] [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation of an example of an access security system; Fig. 2

[0034] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of another example of a system access security; Fig.3

[0035] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows an example of positioning a passive receiver on a belt worn by a user; Fig. 4

[0036] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows an example of positioning a passive receiver in a pocket of a user's clothing. Description of the implementation methods

[0037] The system and method described below are particularly advantageous for certain categories of users, such as residents of care homes for dependent elderly people. Many of these users have reduced cognitive and / or physical abilities and must remain under continuous medical supervision.

[0038]

[0039] These users typically have access to a room and certain common living areas such as a rest room, a dining room, etc. To ensure their safety, these users must not have free access to other areas of the establishment, for example, stairs, elevators, recovery exits, treatment areas, or corridors leading to other sectors of the establishment.

[0040] Other types of establishments, in particular medical establishments, can also obtain a great benefit from the solutions described.

[0041] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate examples of an access control system 1 designed to control access to a place or area where certain persons are not authorized. A control door 2 is thus equipped with a device for performing this control automatically. This device further includes an active lock 3, arranged on the control door 2. The active lock 3 includes an active reader designed to communicate automatically and transparently to users with any passive receiver 4 located within a detection zone in the immediate vicinity of the active lock. The communication established by the active lock allows it to receive data from the passive receiver, more specifically to retrieve an activation key for the lock corresponding to a case where the passive receiver is carried by an unauthorized user.

[0042] The active lock 3 and the passive receivers 4 operate in a known manner, for example with radio frequency technologies such as RFID or NFT. Known RFID devices, for example, allow for detection and data exchange zones ranging from a few centimeters to a few meters (e.g., more than 2 m, or even 5 to 10 m), making it possible to identify users well before they can cross the threshold. However, the distance must not be too great, to avoid detecting users who might be nearby but have no intention of crossing the control gate. Furthermore, RFID or NFT technologies allow the use of so-called "passive" receivers because they can operate without an internal power source, which is particularly advantageous for the production and deployment of numerous receivers without having to worry about recharging or replacing an internal battery.

[0043] The system is configured by default, that is, under normal circumstances, in unlocked mode, to allow free passage to users whose access is not restricted. To interact with users affected by access restrictions in certain areas, these users wear a passive receiver 4, compatible with the active lock 3, which activates the latter. The passive receivers 4 include a security activation key designed for users with access restrictions. This activation key allows the active lock to identify a unauthorized user and trigger a change from the default unlocked state of the lock to a specific locked state allowing access to unauthorized persons.

[0044] To ensure that unauthorized users can be easily identified or detected, secure wristbands 5 with integrated passive receivers 4 are advantageously used. Such wristbands can be fitted, for example, by caregivers and require intervention from the same staff for removal, so that users such as elderly people with cognitive difficulties are unable to remove them on their own. Devices other than wristbands can also be used, such as cards similar to payment cards, or tags that can be easily and permanently attached to clothing or accessories, such as a belt. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate such examples.

[0045] To avoid the control door locking out when authorized users need to be able to pass freely, the active lock preferably has a "neutralized" mode, allowing passage and / or remaining in the default unlocked mode. This mode can be controlled, for example, by a keypad on the active lock, or by a key to disable a passive receiver that can be carried by a designated person such as a caregiver. The neutralized mode takes priority over the locked mode and allows free passage even if the door is activated by one or more security / blocking keys due to the presence of unauthorized users in the detection zone.

[0046] The neutralized mode should preferably be launched in certain specific safety cases, such as for example in the event of the building's fire alarm being triggered.

[0047] To further facilitate user traffic between free and restricted areas or sectors, the control door is preferably motorized. In default mode, the door is open. In a special mode activated by a security-locking key, the door closes automatically in addition to locking. As soon as the unauthorized user(s) leave the detection zone, the active lock returns to default mode, and the door opens automatically. This variant is particularly useful when authorized users are moving around with bulky items such as meal trays, trolleys with equipment, etc.

[0048] The invention also relates to a method of securing access to a controlled-access location, which can be accessed via control gate 2. This method implements a series of steps based on the use of the security system described above.

[0049] The method firstly involves installing on the control door 2 an active lock 3 as previously described, equipped with an active reader designed to interrogate one or more passive receivers 4, also as previously described, which may be located in a detection zone of the active lock 3.

[0050] Next, the method provides for the installation of a plurality of passive receivers 4 comprising an activation key corresponding to the active lock 3 to be actuated.

[0051] A passive receiver 4 is provided for each unauthorized person accessing the access-controlled area. Preferably, secure wristbands 5, as previously described, are used and fitted to unauthorized users. Each receiver has a security-locking activation key allowing the lock 3 to switch from its default unlocked state to a locked security mode, thus blocking access to persons wearing a passive receiver 4 who approach the active lock.

[0052] Conversely, authorized users do not wear a security bracelet or any other type of passive receiver. Thus, when these users enter the detection zone of the active lock, no change of state occurs and the passage remains open.

[0053] The active lock is by default in an unlocked state, as previously described, allowing passage to authorized persons not wearing a passive receiver 4 and entering the detection zone of the active lock.

[0054] When a passive receiver 4 enters the detection zone of the active lock, a security-blocking activation key is transmitted from this passive receiver 4 to the active lock 3, triggering the lock to switch to locked security mode, and thereby preventing the user carrying the passive receiver from passing through the control door. List of reference signs

[0055] 1. Access security system 2. Door to be secured 3. Active lock 4. Passive Receiver 5. Secure bracelet 6. Card or label

Claims

Demands

1. A system (1) for securing access to a controlled access location accessible through a control door (2), said system comprising: - an active lock (3) equipped with an active reader designed to interrogate one or more passive receivers (4) located within a detection zone of the active lock (3), said active lock (3) being actuable by means of an activation key to be received from a passive receiver (4) during a data exchange with the active lock (3), - a plurality of passive receivers (4) comprising an activation key corresponding to the active lock (3) to be actuated, characterized in that: - said active lock has a default unlocked state allowing passage to authorized persons not wearing a passive receiver (4) and approaching the active lock,and a specific locked state allowing access to be blocked by unauthorized persons wearing a passive receiver (4) and approaching the active lock; - the activation key to be transmitted from a passive receiver to an active lock is a security-blocking key for unauthorized users of the controlled area wearing a passive receiver (4); - said security-blocking activation key allows the lock (3) to pass from its current unlocked state to its specific locked state.

2. Access security system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the active lock (3) and the passive receiver are radio frequency.

3. Access security system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the passive receivers (4) are arranged on secure wristbands (5).

4. Access security system (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the passive receivers (4) are integrated into cards (6) or tags for insertion into clothing or an accessory intended for unauthorized persons.

5. Access security system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the active lock (3) is coupled to a motorized door allowing the door to close when the safety-locking mode is activated.

6. Access security system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the active lock (3) also includes a "neutralized" mode, allowing it to maintain an unlocked current state despite the presence in the detection zone of one or more receivers with a security-locking key.

7. A method for securing access to a controlled access location accessible through a control door (2), said method comprising the following steps: - installing on the control door (2) an active lock (3) equipped with an active reader designed to interrogate one or more passive receivers (4) that may be located within a detection zone of the active lock (3), said active lock (3) being operable by means of an activation key to be received from a passive receiver (4) during a data exchange with the active lock (3), - installing a plurality of passive receivers (4) each having an activation key corresponding to the active lock (3) to be operated, characterized in that: - said active lock is by default in an unlocked state allowing passage to authorized persons not wearing a passive receiver (4) and approaching the active lock,- a passive receiver (4) is provided for each unauthorized person accessing the access-controlled area, this receiver having a security-blocking activation key allowing the lock (3) to switch from its default unlocked state to a locked security mode, thus blocking passage to persons wearing a passive receiver (4) and approaching the active lock; - when a passive receiver (4) enters the detection zone of the active lock, a security-blocking activation key is transmitted from this passive receiver (4) to the active lock (3), triggering the lock to switch to locked security mode.

Images