CZ30195A3 - System of a locking tumbler and keys for the lock, a key, identification device, access card and identification system - Google Patents

Abstract

Locking roller and key lock system opening is ensured by electromechanical closing a device (162) operable by the control device (210). The locking roller (124) includes rotatable a cylindrical core (136) with a key insertion hole (156) wherein the key (102) is on its part that is retractable provided with a machine-readable opening (156) access information. Locking the roller (124) has at least partially a cylindrical housing (126) an information reader (194, 214) arranged to read, connectable to the electromechanical control device (210) closing device, to capture and transmit information from keys to the control device (210), the control device (210) verify that the information captured by the reader use of the lock, and in the affirmative finding sets electromechanical closing device (162) to open to open the lock. Machine readable information is realized by optically readable character, which is illuminated in the locking roller (124) is optically illuminated sensed by optical fiber (214) and corresponding the light signal is transmitted to the control device (210), which transmits a light signal to an electrical signal in a digital manner processes.

Description

Lock cylinder and key system for lock, key, identification device, access card and identification —--.

system

Technical field

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a locking cylinder and lock key system which is secured against unwanted opening by an electromechanical locking device operable by a control device, the locking cylinder having a cylindrical housing with a cylindrical core for operating the lock. around its axis, wherein the key further comprises machine-readable information on a portion thereof retractable into the insertion opening which entitles the key to use the lock, and wherein the locking cylinder has at least partially an information reading device arranged in a cylindrical housing connectable to a control device of an electromechanical locking device for capturing information from the key and for transmitting the captured information to the control device, wherein the control device is arranged to verify the and the information captured by the information reading device authorizes the use of the lock and upon positive detection sets the electromechanical locking device to the open state for opening the lock.

DE-OS 28 18 730 discloses a locking cylinder and key system of the type mentioned above. The key, which is formed as a flat key of this known system, is provided on the narrow side of the key shaft with an information carrier of many flat or loop, electrically conductive elements, which are arranged in some way on the electrically nonconductive, magnetic material.

wherein the electrically conductive elements form a machine-readable security code. The locking cylinder is provided with a read head that is housed in a cylindrical housing for electrically-inductive reading of the information sample from the key. The read head is adapted to serially read information from the key as the key is inserted into the key insertion slot, transmitting a serial information signal to an evaluation device that controls the separate, electromechanical lock device of the lock and releases the lock for opening when accepted key information as valid information to open the lock.

The read head comprises four read windings, which are supplied from the evaluation device by alternating current signals with set different frequencies or set phase shifts, and mutually electromagnetically

I w affect the conductive sample with the conductive sample and the magnetic carrier material. The resulting inductive interaction, or feedback, on the read head signal detected by the evaluation device is sensed from the evaluation device and converted into a digital information signal for evaluating and verifying the authorization of the key.

One disadvantage of the known locking cylinder and key system is the evaluation of the cost of providing the key with an information carrier of an electrically non-conductive, magnetic material, a conductive sample of the electrically conductive material treated thereon, and a protective layer for the conductive sample. This evaluation shows that it is very costly and difficult to realize a reading head in which four inductor windings would be located in close space at exactly spaced intervals, while at the same time giving rise to the possibility of mutual interference between these reading threads.

The evaluation device of the known locking cylinder and key system must be adapted to produce four alternating current signals for the reading threads of the read head to allow the evaluation of the information, wherein the frequency of the alternating current signals must be spaced apart from one another. This requirement is considerably complicated by the design of the evaluation device. In this context, it is also evident that external electromagnetic interference fields can easily lead to errors in the inductive scanning of information and its transmission.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,639,906 discloses a key identification system in which a flat key can be inserted into a key insertion hole in a locking cylinder by its mechanical profile with the notches set to a predetermined axial position by four axially displaceable, guiding and resiliently prestressed pins. These pins 15 have at their distal ends a block provided with a through hole, wherein each through hole accommodates an optical fiber that guides the light of the external light source to the respective through hole. Only in the absolutely precise axial position of the respective pins are the through holes in alignment with the phototransistors, which only in this position of the pins detect light emanating from the optical fibers and transmit this light as an electrical signal to the evaluation device.

The use of optical fibers in conjunction with the lock system 25 and the key is also known from EP-0 235 703, wherein optical keys that transmit the light of the laser diode provided on the lock to the array of photodiodes in the key holder are integrated in the key. to electrically supply a stored memory and control device in the key holder which remembers the information ³⁰ permitting the use of the key. In this case, the optical fibers are used solely to supply light energy to the photodiodes for the electrical supply of the memory and control device.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a locking cylinder and key system of the above type with respect to the production of a machine-readable information key and the reading of information from the key as well as the transmission of captured information to the control device. and will be largely insensitive to interference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ₀ This object is according to the invention in that the machine-readable information keys are implemented optically readable feature, and the device for reading the information is provided with an illumination means for illumination of the indicia within the housing of the lock cylinder and at least one optical fiber for optical scanning feature which ₅ at least by its optical input end, it is fed to the lock cylinder housing, the optical fiber being adapted to transmit light from the key symbol in the lock cylinder housing to a photodetector device which converts the input light signal into an electrical information q signal for the control device electromechanical locking device.

The key may be provided with an optically readable feature very easily. Advantageously, the feature is formed by depressions on the upper surface of the key portion which can be inserted into the key insertion opening, wherein > 5, these depressions together with the undamaged sections of the upper surface forming an optically readable information feature. The depressions have other reflection and / or scattering properties for light from the lighting device than undamaged sections of the top surface. Depending on whether the optical input end of the information-sensing optical fiber is facing an undamaged upper region of the feature or a rough surface, the optical fiber transmits more or less light, which changes in light intensity into an electrical information signal from the photodetector. a device which is optionally converted into a corresponding binary form by a control device, preferably comprising a microprocessor.

The depressions in the key surface can be formed in a simple and inexpensive manner by laser beam firing, scraping with a suitable tool, chemical etching and the like. Such generation of information can be performed on traditional keys, for example flat keys or key blanks. The information is increasingly secure against counterfeiting as well as insensitive to damage during normal use of the key. By this arrangement, a greater information density and thus a greater number of lock variations can also be achieved.

Optical sensing and transmission of information by optical fiber is insensitive to electromagnetic disturbance fields, to mechanical oscillations as well as to temperature changes, so that interference-free information transmission is ensured. The optical fiber for sensing information, in the form of a glass or artificial fiber, or a corresponding fiber bundle, requires little space in the locking cylinder, so that the space saved can be used for further security measures. With respect to the mounting of the locking cylinder, the optical fiber is more easily manageable in comparison with known induction read heads or optoelectric information reading means, so that the manufacture of the locking cylinders can become simpler and cheaper. The optical fiber also allows information to be captured in hard-to-reach places in the locking cylinder.

The control device for decoding the information and for controlling the electromechanical locking device may be located in the form of an integrated circuit with a connected photodetector in the housing of the locking cylinder or outside the locking cylinder. By using a known or standardized information code, existing software equipment can be used for reverse decoding, further reducing manufacturing costs.

Further, in order to create an optically readable information feature, through holes in the key may be formed instead of the depressions in the upper surface of the key. In this case, the information is sensed by the transillumination principle, the light source in the optical reading of the information being arranged on the opposite side of the key to the optical input surface of the optical fiber, so that the optical fiber transmits light when its optical input surface is opposite the through hole in the key.

Light filters, in particular polarizing filters, may be provided in the through holes. In such a case, for example, the polarization changes in the light polarized by the filter can be used as additional information, whereby the amount of lock variations can again be increased.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the information reading device has a plurality of optical fibers for parallel scanning

2θ of the information feature, wherein the optical input ends of the optical fibers are arranged in a predetermined relative spatial arrangement and are arranged in at least one predetermined position of the lock cylinder core to the key insertion opening so that they are directed towards certain elements of the key feature when the key has reached position in the locking cylinder.

A plurality of optical fibers may be co-arranged into a single image-transmitting bundle of glass fibers to transmit a given feature as an image to an image sensor, such as

CCD-sensor.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the glass fiber is adapted for series sensing of the key feature during insertion of the key into the key insertion opening, the feature elements being formed one behind the other in the key insertion direction. In this case, the optical input end of the optical fiber is arranged in the lock cylinder housing such that the feature elements pass serially around the optical input end when the key is inserted.

Possible lighting means are one or more light sources provided in a cylindrical housing, for example in the form of one or more laser diodes.

Indeed, an optical fiber or fiber bundle is preferably fed to illuminate the information sign. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the optical fiber supplied for illumination is formed separately from the optical fiber adapted for sensing information and is optically associated with a light source which can be provided in the cylindrical housing or outside the cylindrical housing.

In one preferred embodiment, one and the same optical fiber or the corresponding fiber bundle is used for both illumination and information acquisition and transmission. In this case, θ is sensed by sensing light reflected from the key information sign. For this purpose, the optical fiber is optically associated with the light source at its end intended to be connected to the photodetector by means of a beam splitting device to bring the light of the light source for illuminating the sign into the key insertion channel, the beam splitting device delivering light reflected from the sign. on the key and fed back to the photodetection device.

For example, the beam splitting device may be a prism beam splitting arrangement or a partially transparent mirror that transmits light coming from the light source to the optical fiber and transmits light coming back from the optical fiber to the photodetector.

In order to arrange the optical fiber, or possibly more optical fibers, in the cylindrical housing, it is proposed that the cylindrical core have a tangentially extending groove on its circumference, which intersects the male insertion opening, wherein at least one optical fiber section with an optical input end is arranged. such that the optical input end in the key insertion opening points transversely to the key insertion direction of the key insertion opening when the cylindrical core is in a position corresponding to a locked locked state with the key withdrawn, in which the key is retractable or retractable a key insertion opening, wherein the feature, when the key is inserted into the key insertion opening, is arranged in the key region extending transversely by a groove and thus facing the optical input end of the optical fiber, and wherein the key is provided with a groove, which is in alignment with the groove of the cylindrical core in the final key position in the key insertion opening.

In this way, the optical fiber is safely arranged in a position suitable for reading information while avoiding major structural modifications, while the movement of the key and cylinder core of the locking cylinder is not prevented.

When a separate optical fiber is used to illuminate the information indicia, the separate optical fiber may be arranged accordingly so that its section containing the optical exit surface is received in the groove.

Preferably, the locking roller has mechanical pin tumblers to secure the cylindrical core against unauthorized movement from its locked position. In this case, the key is provided with notches by which the mechanical tumblers are set in the cylindrical core to the released position for displacement.

According to one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electromechanical locking device of the lock is provided in a cylindrical housing in a locking cylinder and so arranged that it secures the cylindrical core against unauthorized movement from the locked position. The electromechanical locking device integrated in the locking cylinder is designed for the locking cylinder both with and without mechanical pin tumblers. Especially with locking tumblers with mechanical tumblers, the electromechanical locking device may be provided outside the locking cylinder in the lock to prevent the lock from opening when the key is not authorized to use the lock.

Optical inlet ends and / or optical outlet ends of the optical fibers can be optically associated or mechanically coupled to, for example, focusing, light

5 by means of connecting or light-disconnecting optical elements.

Visible light, ultraviolet light and / or infrared light may be needed for the optical acquisition of information.

Modulated light may be used to avoid disturbances.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the key feature comprises colored, in particular multicolored and / or gray-scale elements, wherein the photodetector device is adapted to sense different spectral and / or intensity properties of light transmitted by the optical fiber or optionally multiple optical fibers, and to transmit to the control device electrical signals indicating these different spectral and / or intensity properties, and wherein the control device is adapted to evaluate the electrical signals to verify the acceptability of the key.

The use of color or multi-grayscale characters allows a significant increase in the number of possible different codes authorizing the use of a lock when the corresponding spectral or gray value information is included in decoding and evaluation. The feature may be a color bar code that is scanned when the key is inserted into the key slot. In this context, it can be noted that said color and / or gray value information can also be used to mark bit positions within the bar code, which in evaluation greatly simplifies and reduces the possibility of reading errors in the evaluation.

The photodetector may have, for differentiated spectral sensing, an element spectrally decomposing the received light, such as a prism and one or more rows of photodetectors at suitable locations behind the prism, each photodetector may sense a specified spectral region by prisms of spectrally distributed light. the keys to the photodetector are usable by a series of photodetectors for the control device.

the reading of the information from the key can also take place in this case on the reflection principle or on the transillumination principle, and in the case of reading the information on the transillumination principle, color filters in the corresponding through holes in the key can serve as character elements.

It is also within the scope of the invention that the feature is a flat image of color elements and / or elements of different shades of gray that is transmitted in parallel by a fiber optic light conductor beam to a photodetector. Especially for this case is

2θ designed to use video technology for image evaluation, such as a color video camera or a black and white video camera. Especially preferred in this connection is the use of a color CCD sensor in particular.

Furthermore, it is proposed to arrange the illumination means to emit light with a predetermined spectral distribution, in particular by means of control by the control device, and to arrange the photodetector device to detect differences in the spectral properties of the light transmitted by the optical fiber or several optical fibers. The use of light with a predetermined spectral distribution serves in particular to make the system safer against tampering. The control device adjusts the released state of the electromechanical lock device only when the light received from the photodetector device has a corresponding spectral distribution or a spectral distribution altered by the light-influencing elements.

For the aforementioned reasons, it is furthermore proposed to use an illumination means which, if appropriate, by a control means

The device also emits characteristically modulated light, in particular with modulated intensity, such as modulated and / or phase modulated light with a certain modulation frequency, so that also the light transmitted by the optical fiber or multiple optical fibers from the key to the photodetector device and optionally the electrical signal emitted the photodetector device is characteristically modulated, the control device being adapted to evaluate the characteristically modulated signal.

Thus, if someone attempts to manipulate the lock cylinder by bringing any light into the optical fiber to fraudulently replace the lock-enabling information, this will not succeed because the control device will verify that any light is not characteristically modulated. In this case, however, the control device does not release the electromechanical locking device.

Of particular importance within the scope of the invention is a key for a locking cylinder system and a key which has a part which can be inserted into the locking cylinder having an optically readable information feature, in particular a bar code which preferably consists of colored feature elements which reflect and / or scatter light differently . This feature may comprise elements which are formed by depressions and / or roughening on the upper surface of the key at predetermined locations of the key portion retractable into the locking cylinder, and which are in particular formed by laser firing, mechanical scratching or chemical etching. Said feature elements together with the regions of the upper surface of the key lying therebetween form an optically readable information feature. Such key coding is feasible at a low cost, more secure against tampering and insensitive to damage in normal use. Conventional keys can be used which are provided with an information symbol, and the optically readable encoding allows for a higher information density and thus a greater number of lock variations.

One particular advantage is that any dirt deposits in the depressions do not interfere with the reading of the key information, since they provide a higher reflection contrast between the depressions and undamaged areas of the upper surface of the feature. The undamaged upper surfaces of the feature by constant friction on the keyring, fabrics, guide roller guide surfaces and the like remain clean and retain good reflective properties. Therefore, there is no reason to treat the information symbol on the key with particular care or to clean up the information symbol.

The invention also relates to an identification device for releasing a locking device, in particular to provide access to a locked area and / or to permit use and / or handling of the device while providing valid identification information in an optically readable feature on an authorized release card, with an optical reading device. information that can be attached to the release card for optical reading of the identification information located thereon, and a control device that receives the information read by the optical information reading device and which is arranged to verify the validity of the information and produce a release signal for releasing the shutter device, if the information to be verified corresponds to valid identification information.

An identification device of the above type is known, for example, from DE 39 38 995 C1. This release device belonging to the release card has a character field with light-reflecting elements and with elements that mainly absorb light. This card is used by extending a groove in the identification device in a read position relative to the optical information acquisition device, so that the character field is opposed to the photodetector device. The photodetector device has pairs of light-emitting diodes and five phototransistors, which are assigned to certain character positions of the card, the light-emitting diodes used to illuminate the feature elements at corresponding positions and the phototransistors to record reflected light from the corresponding feature elements.

θ If certain phototransistors receive reflected light and thus are opposed to well reflecting elements of the feature, and other phototransistors do not receive a light signal sufficient to open them and therefore face strongly absorbing elements of the feature, the logic control circuit containing these phototransistors will close the relay to release electrically operated equipment. The known identification device is provided. o only for evaluating the binary states of the feature elements, namely the states of strong reflection and weak reflection. Thus, the feature on the release card also consists only of black or white elements. Since the character on the release card cannot be sufficiently large for spatial reasons and each element within the character must be at least large enough to be uniquely assigned to the corresponding phototransistors of the identification device, the number of possible different characters and thus the number of possible release codes is limited for practical reasons to a relatively small amount. It follows that the clear feature of the release card known from DE 39 38 995 C1 is relatively easy to reproduce, so that a high security against counterfeiting is not ensured.

The identification device according to the invention aims to increase the number of possible different access codes compared to the prior art and to increase the security against counterfeiting.

This object is solved according to the invention, as contained in claim 25, in that the identification device for identifying the identification features of the release card formed by the color information and / or the stepwise contrast information on the color and / or different contrast shades is arranged such that the signal for the closure device has been issued depending on whether the color information and / or contrast information corresponds to the valid color information and / or contrast information, the optical information acquisition device having a photodetection device for differential scanning of the spectral properties and / or stepped values of the light intensity of the corresponding feature elements coming from at least one light source illuminating the feature elements during optical scanning, the photodetector device for verifying these color and / or contrast colors s information transmitted to the control device an electrical signal corresponding to the spectral characteristics and / or properties of light intensity.

With respect to a variant using spectral properties, the identification device according to the invention allows the verification of cards with color features, in particular with multicolored features. Thus, the code secrecy may consist in the spatial arrangement of the corresponding feature elements as well as in the colors of the feature elements. The number of possible different access codes can be greatly increased compared to the prior art without increasing the space for the feature on the release card. This implies that color code codes are disproportionately more difficult to falsify than the prior art black and white codes.

The above advantages will also be achieved if a variant with differential scanning of different 5 shades or shades of gray is used. The feature elements are not only limited to the known black / white or well reflecting / strongly absorbing states, but may have shades of gray that lie between these extremes and are distinguishable by the identification device of the invention. The number of grayscale values depends on the desired solution. Thus, this number can be only 3 for simple systems and 256 for more complex systems.

The identification device according to the invention is adapted to release the closure device, the term closure device being understood in its broadest sense. In this sense, the closure device may be, for example, a mechanically closable lock, whereby the access device is controlled by the identification device, such as a guarded area, a closed box and the like. The closure device according to the invention may also be, for example, an electronic circuit which is adapted to prevent unauthorized use of the device or to prevent unauthorized interference with electronically protected information.

The subject of the invention is also according to claim 26 a release card for an identification device according to the invention and according to claim 27 an identification system which consists of an identification device and a release card. Preferred embodiments of the identification system or the identification device and the release card are contained in claims 28 to 37.

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a key according to the invention for a locking cylinder system and a key according to the invention;

Fig. 2a shows, in partial longitudinal section, a side view of a double locking cylinder with a key inserted in a first embodiment of the locking cylinder and key system according to the invention, the locking cylinder being secured by an electromechanical locking device;

Fig. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the locking cylinder of Fig. 2a along the plane II-II;

Fig. 3a shows a view of the locking cylinder corresponding to Fig. 2a, wherein the cylinder is in a released condition for use;

Fig. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the locking cylinder of Fig. 3a taken along line III-III;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the locking cylinder of Figs. 2a or 3a, taken along the line IV-IV shown in Fig. 3a, wherein the core of the locking cylinder is shown displaced from the key release position;

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a control device for the closure device shown in Figs. 2a, 3a and 7a;

Figure 6 schematically illustrates how one optical fiber is used for both illumination and retransmission of optical information;

Fig. 7a shows, in partial longitudinal section, a side view of a double locking cylinder with a key inserted, another embodiment of the locking cylinder system and the key according to the invention, wherein the control device for operating the electromechanical locking device is integrated in the locking cylinder;

Fig. 7b is a cross-sectional view of the locking cylinder of Fig. 7a taken along line VII-VII;

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an identification system according to the invention as an entrance control system with an access release card carrying a color information feature;

Fig. 8a shows a detail of the photodetection device of the input control system of Fig. 8;

Figure 9 shows a release card for the identification system of the invention shown in Figure 10;

Fig. 9a shows an enlarged area of the feature of Fig. 9;

10 shows another identification system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Giant. 1 shows a key 2 according to the invention for a first embodiment of a locking cylinder system and a key according to the invention. In the example shown, the key 2 is a flat key and has a handle or a gripping portion 4 and a shaft 8 which can be inserted into the key insertion opening in the locking cylinder. Notches 8 for actuating the mechanical tumblers are formed in a conventional manner on the shaft 6. Newly, the key 2 is provided with machine-readable information 10 which is removable by means of an optical element and serves as an authorization to use the respective locking cylinder with the key 2 (see further Figures 2a to 4). In the example shown in Fig. 1, the machine-readable information 10 is implemented by a bar code 12. The character 12 is located on the key surface 14 in the vicinity of FIG. 1 of the upper, narrow side 16 of the shaft 6 and is formed in the key surface 14 by successive feature elements 20 in the direction of key insertion 20 and interposed, undamaged areas 22. the upper surfaces of the shank 6. The key feature elements 20 are fired by a laser beam and have the property of less reflecting and / or diffusing the light beam striking substantially perpendicular to the key surface 14 than the undamaged areas 22 of the upper surface between the elements 20 of the symbol, so that by means of optical scanning of the symbol 12 there is detectable information contained therein about the admissibility to use the lock.

Creating feature elements 20 by means of a laser beam is only one preferred coding option. The feature elements 20 may alternatively be realized by mechanical scraping and / or chemical etching.

Alternatively, a strip with an embossed feature may be placed in the recess at a suitable location in the shaft 6, alternatively.

Fig. 2a shows a combination of a locking cylinder 2q and a key, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the key 2 'is suitable mechanically, but does not carry any or no machine-readable information to permit the use of the lock. The locking cylinder 24 is in the example shown a double cylinder for a mortise lock (not shown). The locking cylinder 24 has a cylindrical sleeve 26 that consists of two annular portions 28, 29 interconnected by a flat web 30. Between the annular portions 28, 29 is a recess 32 in which a projection or tooth 34 is disposed. the core 36, 38, is rotatably supported by a mechanical transmission connected to the tooth 34.

The locking cylinder portion 40 shown in FIG. 2a on the left is provided with mechanical tumblers to prevent the core 36 shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b in the free-keyed position.

42, which consist of a tip 44 housed in the core, a pin 46 housed in the housing, and a compression spring 48. If the core is in the key insertion position shown in Figures 2a and 2b, there is a bore 50 in which the tip 44 is axially displaceable. coaxially in alignment with the bore 52 in which an axially displaceable pin 46 is guided, which is biased by the pressure spring 48 in the direction of the core axis 54. Until a mechanically corresponding key is inserted into the key insertion hole 56 formed in the core 36 in the longitudinal direction of the core axis 54, the tip 44 and the pin 46 are biased by a pressure spring 48 into the locking position secured in the core 36, the boundary surfaces 58 between the tips 44 and pins 46 of the mechanical tumblers 42 are not aligned with the peripheral surface 60 of the core 36, so that the core 36 cannot be displaced.

The key 2 'shown in FIG. 2a mechanically conforms to the locking cylinder 24, since it can with its notches 8' set the mechanical tumblers 42 to a relaxed position in which the boundary surfaces 58 between the tips 44 and pins 46 are aligned with the peripheral surface 60 of the core. 2a. In this state, the core 36 is no longer secured by mechanical tumblers 42.

However, the core 36 cannot nevertheless be moved by the key 2 'from its key insertion position since it is still blocked by the electromechanical locking device 62. In the illustrated example, the electromechanical locking device 62 comprises a locking pin 64 which is axially displaceable in a guide bore 66 formed transversely to and which is biased by a compression spring 68 in the direction of the core axis 54, which compression spring 68 is supported on respective arms 70, 72 of the locking pin 64 or guide bore 66.

Θ ³ by its front end 74 which is adjacent to the core 36 and is substantially hemispherical shape, intervenes in the position of the core 36 allowing insertion of the key, which is shown in figures 2a and 2b, the locking pin 64 into a conical bore 76 which is formed on the peripheral surface of the core. In the closed state of the electromechanical locking device 62 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the locking pin 64 is locked in the axial position shown by the electromagnet 78 and by engaging the front end 74 in the conical bore 76, the core 36 is secured against unauthorized displacement about the core axis 54.

The electromagnet 78 comprises an electromagnetic coil 80 which is longitudinally mounted in a flat web and whose axis extends transversely to the axis of the locking pin 64. The electromagnet 78 has a movable ferromagnetic core axially along the coil axis as an armature 82 which is biased by spring 84 into FIG. 2a shows a locked position in which, at its end 86 adjacent to the locking pin 64, it extends below the face 88 of the locking pin 64 remote from the core to lock the locking 5 pin in this locked position. 2a and 2b to move the armature 82 from the locked position shown in Fig. 2a to the relaxed position shown in Fig. 3a in which the end 86 of the armature 82 is spaced apart For this purpose, the electromagnetic coil 80 is energized from the control device, so that the armature 82 is displaced by the coil 80 against the action of the spring 84 and thereby pushed deeper into the coil 80. from the core to the anchor 82 released. Due to the widening inclined surfaces of the conical bore 76, this ejection of the locking pin 64 itself occurs when the core 36 is rotated by the wrench 2. Thus, the locking pin 64 is no longer in a position to block the core 36 and the locking cylinder 24 may be used.

Fig. 4 shows the locking cylinder 24 in cross-section along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3a, wherein the core 36 is shown in a position that is offset from the key insertion position. Thus, the locking pin 64 is not inserted into the conical bore 76 and rests with its end 74 on the peripheral surface 60 of the core 36 under the action of the compression spring 68. The locking pin 64 can slide itself into the conical bore 76 when the core 36 moves back to the key ejection position.

In the embodiment of Figures 3a and 4, it is assumed that the key 2 is the key shown in Figure 1. The key 2 mechanically belongs to the lock and carries on it the information permitting manipulation of the lock in the form of machine-readable information 10, which in FIG. 3 lies on the side of the key 2 facing away from the viewer. An optical information reading device 92 is provided for reading machine readable information 10. The optical device comprises at least one optical fiber 94, or optionally a fiber bundle, to illuminate the 5 feature elements 20 and regions 22 of the upper surface of the key 2 in the key insertion opening 56. As shown in Fig. 3b, the optical fiber 94 extends through its optical exit end 98 so far through the cylindrical housing 26 through an opening extending through the annular portion 28 of the cylindrical housing that the optical exit end 98 reaches the key 36 to engage the key immediately to the insertion opening. 56. For this purpose, the core 36 is preferably provided near the inlet 100 of the insertion opening 56 along a circumferential surface 60 formed by a tangential groove 101 that intersects the insertion opening 56, allowing the optical fiber to be introduced into the insertion opening 56 and ensuring that the core 36 is movable and the optical fiber 94 does not interfere, nor is it damaged or displaced from the set position. The key 2 is also provided with at least one groove 103 which, when the key 2 is inserted into the end position in the insertion opening 56, is aligned with the > 0 tangential groove 101 of the core 36 and allows rotation of the key 2 undisturbed by the optical fiber 94.

At its outer end 106 (FIG. 5) outside the lock cylinder 24, the optical fiber 94 is optically associated with the light source 108 of the control device 110. The light connection to the outer end 106, which is the optical input end, of the optical fiber 94 may be the need is made by means of any suitable optical elements, such as prisms and / or lenses.

The second optical fiber 114, or optionally the fiber bundle, serves to sense reflected light of the illuminating optical fiber 94 from the feature elements 20 and the top surface regions 22 of the key 2 in the insertion opening 56. The second optical fiber 114 also extends through the opening 96 in the annular portion 28 of the cylindrical housing. 26, wherein the front optical inlet 116 is located immediately adjacent the optical output end 98 of the illuminating optical fiber 94 in the axial direction of the core 36 such that it can sense reflected light of the illuminating optical fiber 94 from the key 2 in the region of feature 12 in the cylindrical housing. 98 of the optical fiber 94 and the front optical input 116 of the second optical fiber 114 are arranged with respect to the feature 12 of the key 2 so that the feature 12 extends in front of them when the key 2 is fully inserted into the end position so that dashed code, on key 2.

Optionally, the optical output end 98 of the optical fiber 94 and the front optical input 116 of the second optical fiber 114 may be provided with optical connection means such as prisms and / or microlenses. Preferably, the light input and output is performed without such elements.

The external optical output 118 of the second optical fiber 114 outside the cylindrical housing 26 is optically coupled to the photodetector 120 of the control device 110, as schematically shown in FIG. The photodetector 120, such as a phototransistor, converts the light information transmitted by the second optical fiber 114 into an electrical signal for the control device 110, which digitally modifies these signals to verify the lock usage information encoded in the machine readable information 10 on key 2. 110, on the basis of the transmitted information, verifies the authorization of the key 2 to use the lock, conducting a current signal 122 to the electromagnetic coil 80 of the electromagnet 78, thereby moving the armature 82 in the electromagnetic coil 80 to release the locking pin 64 to release the core 36.

Thus, if, as in FIG. 3a, the insertion opening 56 of the core 36, in the insertion position, is inserted, a key 2 which satisfies both the mechanical shape of the notches 8 and the

With respect to the machine-readable information 10, the tumblers 42 move axially from their locking position to the released position shown in FIGS. 2a and 3a. As the key 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 56, the bar code feature 12 passes on the key 2 around the optical output end 98 of the optical fiber 94 and the front optical input 116 of the second optical fiber 114. it reflects more or less light from the key 2 into the second optical fiber 114, so that a serial optical information stream is transmitted from the second optical fiber 114 to the photodetector 120 (FIG. 5). 25

The control device 110 verifies, according to predetermined criteria, the information stream converted by the photodetector 120 into an electrical signal in order to ascertain the permission of the key 2 for handling. The information evaluation of the optically transmitted bar code or information or other codes, in particular with its own clock, takes place in a known manner and therefore does not need a more detailed description.

If the control device 110 detects that the transmitted information does not match the valid information enabling the lock to be used, it does not drive the electromagnet 78 to release the locking pin 64. The locking cylinder will then remain in the locked position shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b in which the electromechanical locking device 62 secures the core 36 against unauthorized rotation. However, when the control device 110 verifies the information transmitted by the second optical fiber 114 as valid information for the use of the lock, it controls the electromechanical locking device 62 by applying a current signal to the electromagnetic coil 80 so that the armature 82 reaches the position shown in FIG. and the lock can be used.

The control device 110 may also be independent of the optical information permitting the use of the lock as desired, for example it may be adapted for general time-dependent access as well as only mechanically matching keys 2 '. For certain 15-day periods, only those keys would be allowed to satisfy both mechanically and machine-readable information 10.

The machine-readable information 10 may contain, in addition to the access code 20, other information, such as the key owner, that can be evaluated by the control device 110.

Although the above-described embodiment of the locking cylinder and key system of the present invention comprises two optical fibers ₂₅ , 94, 114 or corresponding fiber bundles, only one optical fiber can be used according to the invention when the other optical fiber 114 operates for both illumination and reverse optical transmission. 6 as shown schematically in FIG. 6 shows the external optical output 118 of the second optical fiber

The fiber optic 94 is not used in this variant of the exemplary embodiment. The semipermeable mirror 123 supplies the reflected light beam 125 of the light source 108 reflected from it in the second optical fiber

114, which in the described manner brings this light into the cylindrical housing 26 to illuminate the character elements 20 and the top surface region 22 of the key inserted 2. Depending on whether the front optical inlet 116 of the second optical fiber 114 is located in the cylinder 26 2 into the insertion opening 56 just against the less reflective feature element 20 or the better reflective region 22 of the upper surface, less or more light is reflected back into the second optical fiber 114, which finally exits the outer optical output 118 of the second optical fiber 114 and partially passes through the semipermeable This light passed through the semi-transparent mirror 123 comes to a photodetector 120 which converts this light into an electrical information signal for the control device 110.

In the foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention, it is noted that the key feature 12 more or less reflects or diffuses well in different directions.

Correspondingly, the machine-readable information may alternatively be realized through through-holes at corresponding locations of the elements. According to one such variant of the invention, the information can be sensed by a light passage process, wherein an optical fiber 94 'is provided for illumination as shown in Fig. 3b, and a second optical fiber 114 is adapted to sense light from the optical fiber 94' that has passed holes in the key.

The front optical input 116 of the second optical fiber 114 lies opposite the optical output end 98 'of the optical fiber 94'. wherein, in the key insertion position 36, the insertion opening 56 lies between the front optical input 116 of the second optical fiber 114 and the optical output end 98 'of the optical fiber 94'.

The simple and versatile embodiment of the key features of the key 2 described in connection with FIG. 1 has the advantage of providing reflection or scattering of light. In this context, it is pointed out that the areas 22 of the upper surface of the shaft 6 which lie between the feature elements 20 are automatically kept clean by daytime use and by friction in the keyring, the fabric or the guiding surfaces of the locking cylinder. for light as opposed to 20 character elements. In a broader sense, the feature elements 20 may be formed by depressions or indentations. However, any dirt deposits in such recesses or indentations do not interfere with the functionality of the system, since such soiling retains a worse reflectance than further outwardly disposed, and between the feature elements 20, of the top surface area 22 that are clean by continuous use.

Therefore, it can be said that the solution of optical reading optical information on a key by means of an optical fiber according to the invention allows reliable reading and trouble-free transmission of key access information to the lock by virtually external electromagnetic fields. In particular, a conventional flat key may be used as the key 2, which only needs to be slightly modified to carry machine-readable information. As already mentioned, this can be done, for example, by laser beam firing, scratching, etching and the like. Such key coding is feasible by very simple means and very cheaply. It can also offer a large number of variations to create unique keys.

The optical fibers also occupy extremely little space in the locking cylinder, and electronic components for reading the key information in the locking cylinder can be completely dispensed with.

In the key 2 shown in FIG. 1, machine-readable information is provided on the wider surface 14 of the key shank 6. Of course, the corresponding information feature may alternatively or additionally be provided at another location on the key 2, such as the upper narrow side 16 in FIG. In the case of the information feature located on the narrow side 16 of the key 2, the optical fibers or the optical fiber 94 or the second optical fiber 114 could be led to the annular portion 28 as shown in dashed lines in FIG. In such a variant, the tangential groove 101 in the core 36 could be omitted.

In the described embodiment of the invention, an electromechanical locking device is disposed in the cylinder housing of the locking cylinder.

^{However, the} electromechanical locking device may also be located outside the lock cylinder housing on the lock and cooperate therewith with the locking element which releases the lock by releasing the lock caused by the rotation of the locking cylinder core, the electromechanical locking device being arranged to prevent the locking element from releasing or releasing the closure element if the optically read information is not recognized by the control device as valid access information.

_In contrast to the embodiment described and illustrated in the figures, the locking cylinder according to the invention can also be formed without mechanical tumblers 42, whereby only the electromechanical locking device 62 assumes the locking function of the locking cylinder. In the latter case, the key 2 can be formed without notches 8.

A corresponding embodiment is shown in Figs. 7a and 7b.

In the embodiment of Figs. 7a and 7b, the parts corresponding to the parts or elements of the previously described embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals added 100. In the following, only the differences of the embodiment of Figs. described embodiment. The other corresponds to the description of the first exemplary embodiment.

In the lock cylinder and key system of FIGS. 7a and 7b, the circuit (shown schematically) constituting the control device 210 is provided in the flat web 130 of the cylindrical housing 126. The optical fibers 194 and 214 extend from the control device 210 through the tangential groove 201 of the core 136 the upper regions of the annular portion 128, wherein the optical output end 198 and the optical fiber optic front 216 are arranged as previously described 5 such that when the key 102 is inserted into the insertion opening 156, the information mark on the key 102 can be read serially. and the front optical input 216 of the optical fibers 194 and 214 are coupled to a θ light source (not shown) or a photodetector in the control device 210 as described. The control device 210 is coupled in a cylindrical housing via a line 222 to an electromagnet 178 to control the electromagnet 178 previously described. way.

The control device 210 and the solenoid 178 are supplied with 5 electricity by a power line (not shown) from an external power source.

Although the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 7a and 7b with an integrated control device and optical fibers housed θ exclusively in the cylindrical housing is shown without mechanical tumblers, the mechanical tumblers could nevertheless be modified in such a variant, in which case the key would have notches for actuation. of these tumblers.

In the described exemplary embodiments, a serial reading of the information from key 2 or 102 is based.

Also included within the scope of the invention is the possibility of parallel reading the information symbol by means of a plurality of optical fibers 5 fed to the control device.

The plurality of optical fibers may be arranged together in a single image-transmitting beam, for example, to convey the image-shaped information symbol on the key by image transfer to a photodetector of the corresponding control device. Such a photodetector that receives an image may be, for example, a CCD sensor, wherein the control device is arranged to process the image points supplied from the CCD sensor and verify the access possibilities of the key.

It is also within the scope of the invention that the key information feature comprises colored, in particular multicolored, elements and / or elements with different shades of gray. In one such variant, it is proposed that the photodetector device be arranged such that

2θ sense the difference in spectral properties and / or characteristics of the light intensity transmitted by an optical fiber or several optical fibers are arranged for example in a bundle and, on the control device handed down electrical signals which indicate the different spectral characteristics and intensity properties, the control ₂₅ is arranged so as to evaluate these electrical signals to verify key access information.

Such an information feature may be a bar code which, as described, may be scanned serially. However, the information feature may also be a flat glued image feature whose image is transmitted by a fiber bundle to the photodetector. In this case, a color CCD sensor for detecting pixels is particularly suitable as a photodetector.

It is further proposed that the illumination means, by means of control by the control device, emit light of a predetermined spectral distribution and that the photodetector device be arranged so as to differentially sense the spectral properties of the fed back light from the optical fiber or multiple optical fibers. In this way, the light used for illumination has a specific characteristic. During the evaluation, this specific characteristic is ascertained. If the light received by the photodetector device does not have the appropriate spectral distribution, the control device maintains the electromechanical shutter device in the locked state. An attempt to manipulate, for example in the form of supplying external light to an optical fiber to simulate an access code, will be unsuccessful because the external light will not have a corresponding spectral distribution. For the aforementioned safety reasons, it is proposed that the illumination means be arranged to emit characteristically modulated light, in particular with modulated intensity, such as modulated and / or phase modulated light with a certain modulation frequency, so that also light transmitted by optical fiber or multiple optical fibers from the key to the photodetector device and optionally the electrical signal emitted by the photodetector device are characteristically modulated, the control device being adapted to evaluate the characteristically modulated signal. The attempt to manipulate the system according to the invention by means of external light also remains unsuccessful in this case, since the external light will not have characteristic modulating features.

Finally, it is also noted that the electromechanical locking device 62 or 162 in the previously described exemplary embodiments θθ is only one possible variant of such an electromechanical locking device. Within the scope of the invention, it is only included that the electromechanical locking device is operable by the control device to prevent the release movement of the locking element in the closed state of the lock.

2a, 3a and 7a to the right of the recesses 32 and 132 may be formed functionally identical to the left-hand part of the locking cylinder described. Optionally, an electromechanical locking device may be omitted for the portion of the locking cylinder shown in the figures shown at right.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an identification system according to one separate aspect of the invention, in the form of an access control system for providing access to a locked area unlockable upon providing identification information.

The locked area is the space behind the wall 310 shown in FIG. 8 that can be closed by doors 300 that automatically close or open. The door 300, shown as automatically movable, is automatically opened by a drive means not shown (indicated by arrows 320). when the information reading device 330, which is immovably positioned next to the door 300, provides valid identification information for the control device (not shown) associated with the information reading device 330 that controls the movement of the door. The identification information is in the form of the embossed access card 336 of embossed feature 332, which is optically removable and has elements 334 that are multicolored, wherein feature 332 is a color bar code in the example shown.

Access to the closed area desired by the user can be achieved by inserting his access card 336 into the slot 338 of the information reading device 330, which card is a credit card format plastic card, wherein

2q, the card sliding mechanism pulls the card into the information reading device 330, such that the character elements 334 on the release access card 336 are routed in front of the photodetector device 340 which includes illumination means for illuminating the character elements 334 in the information reading device 330 .

As shown in Fig. 8a, the photodetector device 340 includes an optical fiber 342 whose optical input end 344 is located in the information reader 330 so as to point a location along which the character elements 334 will be guided when the access card 336 is inserted. Optical fiber 342 transmits light of the illuminant reflected from the feature elements 334 to a prism 346 that spectrally decomposes the light, so that the distributed spectrum can be sensed along line 348. Along line 348 is a series of multiple photodetectors 350, each of which is a signal line 352 is connected by an analog-to-digital converter (not shown), the analog-to-digital converter connected to the control device.

If, for example, an element 334 reflecting only red light is facing the optical input end 344 of the optical fiber 342, only the photodetector 350 (R) is activated substantially. since only the light ray (R) from the red region of the spectrum that is assigned to the photodetector 350 (R) is contained in the spectrum. Analog output signal of photodetectors 350 (R). in the associated analog-to-digital converter, it is converted into a digital information variable, so that a digital information signal is available for the control device. The control device continually queries the analog-to-digital converter to determine in this way how the color has light reflected from the individual feature elements 334.

Thus, the control device is provided with color information of the feature elements, and from there it can evaluate the information contained in the bar code spatial arrangement in a conventional manner to verify the access authorization or the identity of the release card. In this way, the number of possible permissible access codes can be substantially increased. The card described is, on a larger scale, safer against falsification, since color features with corresponding spectral properties cannot be imitated immediately.

In the presently described embodiment, it has been assumed that the illumination of the information symbol in the information reading device took place with a wide spectrum light, for example artificial white light. However, it can be noted that the reference numerals G and B indicate a possible green or blue light beam. The colors of the feature elements may not be exactly spectrally pure, but mixed colors are also contemplated, with the result that multiple photodetectors will be activated simultaneously in a series of photodetectors.

Furthermore, the color information of certain character elements can be used to designate bit positions within the bar code, which greatly simplifies and reduces the possibility of reading errors in serial character reading when evaluating.

In one embodiment (not shown) of the embodiment described above according to FIG. 8, the feature elements represent different shades of gray, for example 256 shades are considered. In this case, spectral decomposition of light can be omitted, and a single photodetector connected to the control device via an analog-to-digital converter is sufficient for continuous shooting.

Fig. 9 schematically shows an access card for another embodiment of the identification device according to the invention, which is schematically shown in Fig. 10.

The access card 502 has an information symbol 504 in the form of a two-dimensional array of, for example, columns 506 and rows 508. In the area of the information symbol 504, magnified in Fig. 9a, various symbols in the character elements indicate that these character elements have different contrasts or shades of gray. . The different shades of gray result in corresponding elements of the feature correspondingly reflecting or absorbing light accordingly, so that by measuring the light intensity of the light source reflected from each of the features of the feature, blackness or gray level information can be obtained which can be used by differential evaluation for decoding .

The card of Fig. 9 has a credit card format and may be provided, for example, with a visually readable number 510, a user's photograph 511 and other identifying features in addition to the information symbol 504.

The identification device of Fig. 10 has a card insertion slot 512 into which the access card 502 shown in Fig. 9 is inserted, such that the information symbol 504 of the access card 502 is brought into a read position relative to the information reading device 514. which is housed in the housing 513.

The information reading device 514 is for the CCD sensor or video camera to read the information symbol 504 from the access card 502 and to transmit the corresponding pixel information to the evaluation and control computer 516, which stores this information in the image memory.

Some predetermined elements of information symbol 504 serve as reference points and form a predetermined position iC _xe reference pattern. Thereby a certain tolerance of the location of the information symbol with respect to the CCD sensor can be allowed in reading the information symbol, and the evaluation and control computer is preferably programmed to search the image memory for the stored picture of the positional reference pattern. of the reference pattern has created an unambiguous assignment between the geometric positions of all the character elements and the corresponding memory addresses of its image memory, it can now check the contents of the memory cells that are uniquely assigned to certain elements of the information card 504 of the access card 502. cells, with comparative values, which includes the evaluation and control computer 516 as identifying reference values. If, in this comparison, a match is found between the corresponding intensity values of the feature elements and the reference values, the evaluation and control computer 516 recognizes the access card 502 as valid. Only in such a case, the evaluation and control computer 516 outputs the release signal which is fed to the information processing device 518 according to FIG. This information processing device 518 will only interfere with certain stored information if it contains a release signal from the evaluation and control computer 516. The information processing device 518 and its software causing unrestricted access to the information thus serve as a shut-off device that allows corresponding use after release through identification device.

Certain elements of information symbol 504 are formed as gray reference elements, the gray reference elements having different shades of gray from each other. Evaluation and control computer

516, based on the corresponding image information of these gray reference elements, can calibrate its evaluation scales or its gray scale resolution and, if necessary, adjust the evaluation-comparison values prepared accordingly. One gray reference element can be provided for each possible shade of gray. On the other hand, it may be sufficient that a limited number of gray 30 reference elements are provided, which are support points spaced along a possible gray scale, between which the evaluation and control computer 516 may interpolate to calibrate its gray scale comparison values.

The exemplary embodiment of claim 10 is characterized by a high degree of flexibility in terms of decoding. Thus, for example, the number of information symbol elements 504 used to validate can be reduced by reprogramming the evaluation and control computer 516 specifically for the user. Depending on the user, it can also be specifically selected which elements of information symbol 504 will be used for verification.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, as already mentioned, θ, a contrast image of the information symbol 504 taken by the CCD camera is stored in the evaluation and control computer 516 for evaluation. It was also noted that the contrast differences consisted in different reflective properties of the corresponding elements of the broadband light feature.

According to one variation of the embodiment of FIG. 10, the access card information symbol 504 is provided with different colored elements of the symbol. The corresponding information reading device 514, which is formed by a CCD camera, is in this case a color CCD video camera which not only stores the intensity or saturation value ⁰ for storage, but also video-senses the spectral information of the feature elements so that Finally, color information about the corresponding feature elements may also be included.

In the presently described embodiments of the identification system according to the invention, the reflection information is captured, the information symbol is illuminated and the reflected light is evaluated.

Also included within the scope of the invention are variants which operate on the principle of backlighting. Then, the light source and the photodetector device are located on the opposite sides of the access card when scanning information, and the information symbol is more or less translucent at the locations of the element elements and possibly differently colored. Such an information feature can be created, for example, by using light-effect filters, such as color filters, gray filters, and the like. In this case, the photodetector detects the image of the information sign illuminated from the rear. Intensity and / or spectral information is commonly used for evaluation.

For optical sensing of the information, the light used, both in the reflective principle and the transillumination example, may be visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, or light with a preset coded spectral distribution to make the system even more secure against tampering. Thus, the control device can be arranged to adjust the released state of the electromechanical shutter device only when the light 5 received from the photodetector device has a corresponding spectral distribution or a spectral distribution altered by the light-influencing elements.

For the above reasons, it is further proposed to use 10 lighting means which, optionally by control means, emits characteristically modulated light, in particular with modulated intensity, such as modulated and / or phase modulated light with a certain modulation frequency, so that the light sensed by the photodetector is characteristically modulated,

Wherein the control device is adapted to evaluate this characteristic modulated signal. Therefore, the manipulation possibilities of the outside light, which is not characteristically modulated in this way, are avoided.

It should further be noted that the access card described in connection with the identification device does not necessarily take the form of a card. For example, a key with corresponding color or gray elements should also be included in the access card designation.

Claims (33)

1. Locking cylinder and key system for the lock, which is secured against unwanted opening by electromechanical 5 is a closing device operable by means of a control device, the locking cylinder having a cylindrical housing with a cylindrical core for operating the lock, which is provided with an insertion opening for a key and is rotatable about its axis by a key; 10 is retractable into the insertion opening by machine-readable information that authorizes the key to use the lock, and wherein the locking cylinder has at least partially arranged in a cylindrical housing an information reading device connectable to a control device of an electromechanical locking device for 15 for capturing information from the key and for transmitting the captured information to the control device, the control device being arranged to verify whether the information captured by the information reading device authorizes the use of the lock and, upon positive detection, sets the electromechanical locking device to the open state for 20 of a lock opening, characterized in that the machine-readable information (10) of the key (2; 102) is realized by an optically readable feature (12) and the information reading device (94, 114; 194, 214) is provided with illumination means (94; 194) for illuminating the feature (12) in the lock cylinder housing (26; 126) and at least one 25 is an optical fiber (114; 214) for optical sensing of a feature (12) which is at least its optical input end (116; 216) fed into a lock cylinder housing, the optical fiber (114; 214) being adapted to transmit light to the illumination means (94; 194) coming from the key feature (12) of the key (2; 102); 30 of a locking cylinder housing (26; 126) for a photodetector device (120) that converts the input light signal into at least one electrical information signal for the control device (110; 210) of the electromechanical locking device (62; 162). System according to claim 1, characterized in that the feature (12) of the key (2; 102) is formed by elements (20; 22) that reflect and / or diffuse differently the light from the illumination means (94; 194). The system of claim 1, wherein the feature is formed by through holes in the key extending transversely to the key insertion direction, and the optical fiber is arranged to sense light of the lighting means in the lock housing. 10 of a roller that has passed through these through holes. System according to claim 3, characterized in that light-transmitting filters, in particular polarizing filters, are provided in the through holes. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information reading device comprises a plurality of optical fibers for parallel reading of the key feature. System according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elements (20, 22) are arranged on the key one after the other in the insertion direction of the key (2; 102) and the optical fiber (114; 214) is provided. for series sensing the character (12) when the key (2; 102) is inserted into the insertion hole (56; 156). System according to claim 6, characterized in that the cylindrical core (36; 136) has on its circumference (60; 160) a tangential groove (101; 201) which intersects the male insertion opening (56; 156), being in this tangential groove (101; 201) 5, at least one optical fiber section (114; 214) is provided with an optical input end (116; 216) such that the optical input end (116; 216) in the key insertion hole (56; 156) is transverse to the insertion direction of the key the key hole (56; 156) when the cylindrical core (36; 136) is in the keyed position 10 can be inserted into or retracted from the key insertion opening (56; 156), the feature (12) being arranged in the key region extending in the key region when the key (2; 102) is inserted into the key insertion opening (56; 156) transversely tangential groove (101; 201) and thereby facing the optical input end (116; 216) of the optical 15, and wherein the key (2; 102) is provided with a groove (103; 203) which, in the final position of the key (2; 102) in the key insertion opening (56; 156) is aligned with the tangential a groove (101; 201) of the cylindrical core (36; 136). 20 May The system of claim 2 or one of claims 5 to 10 7, in so far as they relate to claim 2, characterized in that the optical fiber (114; 214) at its end opposite the optical input end (116; 216) is connected to the light source (108) by means of a beam splitter (123). ) 25 wherein the light of the light source (108) is guided to illuminate the key feature (12) in the insertion opening (56; 156), and the beam splitting device (123) is adapted to provide light reflected from the feature (12), and fed back by the optical fiber (114; 214) to the photodetector device (120). System according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one second optical fiber (94; 194) is used as the illumination means for optical connection with the light source. System according to claim 7 and 9, characterized in that at least one section of the second optical fiber (94; 194) with the optical output end (98; 198) is arranged in a tangential groove (101; 201) of the cylindrical core (36; 136). so that optical 10, the output end (98; 198) of the second optical fiber (94; 194) in the key insertion hole (56; 156) is disposed transversely to the key insertion direction of the key insertion hole (56; 156) when the cylindrical core (36; 136) in the key free position. 15 Dec System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key feature (202) is a bar code. System according to one of the preceding claims, 20, characterized in that the locking cylinder has mechanical tumblers (42) for securing the cylindrical core (36) against unauthorized rotation from the locked position, the key (2) being provided with notches (8) for adjusting the mechanical tumblers (42) in the cylindrical core (36). 36) into a relaxed position to rotate it. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromechanical locking device (62; 162) is provided in the locking cylinder (24; 124) to secure the cylindrical core (36; 136) against unauthorized rotation from the outside. 30 locked position. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the key feature comprises colored, in particular different colored elements and / or elements with different shades of gray, wherein the photodetector device is adapted for scanning. 5 spectral and / or intensity properties of light transmitted by the optical fiber or, optionally, a plurality of optical fibers, and for transmitting electrical signals to a control device indicating these different spectral and / or intensity properties, the control device being adapted for evaluation 10 of these electrical signals and verifying the admissibility of the key. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photodetector device comprises a CCD sensor, in particular a color CCD sensor. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination means is adapted to emit light with a predetermined spectral distribution and the photodetector is adapted to sense. 20 differences in the spectral properties of the light transmitted by the optical fiber or several optical fibers. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting means is 25, emitting characteristicly modulated light, in particular with modulated intensity and / or phase modulated light, wherein the light transmitted by the optical fiber or multiple optical fibers from the key to the photodetector and the electrical signal emitted by the photodetector are also 30, and wherein the control device is adapted to evaluate the characteristic modulated signal. System key according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an optically removable information feature (12), in particular a bar code, on its part (6) which can be inserted into the locking cylinder. Key according to claim 18, characterized in that the information feature consists of elements (20, 22) that reflect and / or diffuse differently. A key according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the information mark (12) comprises elements (20) which are formed by depressions and / or indentations in the upper surface of the key at predetermined locations of the key portion insertable into the locking cylinder. Key according to claim 20, characterized in that the elements (20) are formed by laser beam firing, mechanical scraping and / or chemical etching. 20. The key of claim 18, wherein the information feature comprises elements that are formed through through holes in the key. 23. The key of claim 22, wherein: v 25 and / or light transmissive elements, in particular gray filters and / or color filters and / or polarizing filters, are provided on the through holes. Key according to one of Claims 18 to 23, characterized by: 30, characterized in that the information feature comprises color elements, in particular multicolored elements and / or elements with different shades of gray. 25. An identification device for releasing a locking device, in particular for granting access to a blocked area and / or to permit the use and / or handling of the device while providing valid identification information in an optically readable feature on the 5 is an authorized release access card, with an optical information reader that can be affixed to the release access card for optically scanning the identification information located thereon, and a control device that receives information read by the optical information reader and is arranged such that 10 verifies the validity of this information and generates a release signal for releasing the closure device if the verified information corresponds to valid identification information, characterized in that for identifying the identification information of the release access card (336; 502) formed by the color information 15 and / or stepwise contrast information on color and / or different contrast shades, is adapted to provide a release signal to the closure device depending on whether the color information and / or contrast information corresponds to the valid color information and / or contrast information, 20, wherein the optical information acquisition device (330; 514) has a photodetection device (340; 514) for differential scanning of spectral properties and / or light intensity step values of corresponding elements of a feature coming from at least one light source illuminating the optical reading 25, the photodetector device for verifying the color and / or contrast information transmits to the control device an electrical signal corresponding to spectral and / or light intensity characteristics. An identification access release card according to claim 25, characterized in that for optical reading by the identification device information reading device (330; 514), it is provided with a color information information (332; 504). 5 identifying elements, in particular multicolored elements and / or elements with different contrasting shades. 27. An identification system comprising an identification device according to claim 25 and a release The access card of claim 26. The identification system of claim 27, wherein the information feature (504) of the access card (502) is a two-dimensional array with a plurality of elements. 29. The identification system of claim 28, wherein the identification device is adapted only to evaluate the validation of information taken from certain elements of the information feature (504). Identification system according to one of Claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the photodetector device comprises a CCD sensor (514) for optical reading of the information symbol (504). 25 Identification system according to claim 27, 28, 29 or 30, characterized in that the information card (504) of the access card (502) is provided with position reference elements at predetermined locations, the identification device being adapted to verify the position reference elements for the access card. 30 associating optically scanned identifying element information with the spatial location of the identifying elements. Identification system according to one of Claims 27 to 31, characterized in that color reference elements and / or contrasting reference elements are provided as reference calibration elements for the identification device on the access card. 5 shades. Identification system according to one of Claims 27 to 32, characterized in that the access card (336; 502) is in the form of a card, in particular a credit card. An identification system according to any one of claims 27 to 33, characterized in that the information symbol comprises selectively reflecting spectrum elements. 15 Dec Identification system according to one of Claims 27 to 34, characterized in that the information mark is formed on the access card through holes in or on which light transmitting color filters and / or gray filters are provided. 36. The identification system of claim 27, wherein the information symbol is implemented as a color bar code (332). The identification system of claim 27, wherein the information reading device (330) for optical sensing of the feature (332) is provided with at least one optical fiber or fiber bundle that transmits light to the photodetector (340). coming from the character elements (334).