JP2008014070A - Key system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key system performing electronic authentication of a key by a management server without wiring a communication line and a feeder line to an object article mounted with a lock. <P>SOLUTION: The key 10 transmits a key ID stored in a memory 24, to the management server 80. The management server 80 authenticating the key ID transmits an unlocking permission signal to the key 10. The key 10 receiving the unlocking permission signal transmits an unlocking instruction signal to the lock 50. The lock 50 receiving the unlocking instruction signal puts a lock mechanism for locking/unlocking an equipment door, into an unlockable state with the key 10. When the management server 80 authenticates the key ID, the unlocking permission signal can be transmitted to the lock 50 through the key 10. Consequently, the lock does not need to communicate with the management server 80. Further, electric power for operating the lock 50 is supplied from a power supply 18 of the key 10. This constitution can achieve the key system performing electronic authentication of the key 10 by the management server 80 without wiring the communication line and feeder line to the object article mounted with the lock 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a key system including a lock, a key for unlocking the lock, and a management server.

For example, devices such as pachinko machines, medal machines, money changers, game machines installed at game centers, and vending machines installed at vending machine corners are unspecified persons who visit the game hall. It is arranged at a position where can be touched. Therefore, a lock is attached to such a device on an operation panel or the like that is difficult for general visitors to operate. Some locks restrict the opening and closing of the door that covers the operation panel, and some locks electrically disable the operation panel. More specifically, a lock is attached to restrict the opening and closing of the main body frame and the wooden frame of the gaming machine. In this specification, it is called a lock that can be attached to a device including those locks. Moreover, restricting the opening and closing of the door that covers the operation panel, or electrically disabling the operation of the operation panel is referred to as locking the device.
Keys for unlocking such locks are owned by the staff of the game hall that maintains the equipment. Since a large number of gaming machines are installed in the amusement hall, the total number of equipment to be installed may be several tens to a thousand or more in a large-scale gaming hall, and a lock is attached to each equipment. When individual keys are prepared for each lock, the number of keys carried by the game hall staff increases, so at least a part of the locks individually attached to the equipment installed in the game hall is a common one. It is desirable that it can be unlocked with a key. For this reason, in the game hall, a plurality of locks that can be unlocked in common with one key are prepared and attached to individual devices.

Since the key is carried around, there is a risk of loss. If the key is lost, all locks that can be unlocked with the lost key must be exchanged to ensure the security of the device. The same applies when there is a possibility that the key has been illegally copied. Replacing many locks each time a key is lost is both work and cost intensive.
Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which an ID chip storing authentication ID data is attached to a key, and the lock cannot be unlocked without electronic authentication of the ID data by a game hall management server. ing. Hereinafter, the ID data may be simply referred to as ID for simplification.
The technology of Patent Document 1 is a key system including a key having an ID chip for storing an ID, a lock having a cylinder lock unit and a cylinder lock unlocking control unit, and a management server. In this key system, the unlocking control unit of the lock reads the ID stored in the ID chip and transmits it to the management server. The management server stores in advance an ID that permits unlocking. When the ID sent from the lock matches the stored ID, the management server transmits a signal permitting unlocking to the lock. The lock that has received the signal permitting unlocking makes the cylinder lock unlockable. The lock is unlocked by inserting a key into the cylinder lock that can be unlocked and rotating it. According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the ID stored in the key ID chip is authenticated by the management server (the ID stored in the management server matches the ID stored in the key ID chip). Unless it is done, a key system that cannot be unlocked can be realized.
According to a key system in which the lock cannot be unlocked unless the key ID is authenticated by the management server, if the key is lost, the lost key can be disabled by deleting the key ID from the management server. When the key is lost or when there is a possibility of illegal copying, the security of the lock can be maintained without exchanging the lock.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-135808

In the case of a key system that authenticates the key ID by the management server, the management server that has authenticated the key ID needs to send a signal to the lock to enable the lock to be unlocked. For this purpose, it must be possible to transmit signals between the management server and each lock. In order to enable transmission of signals between the management server and each lock, it is conceivable that the management server and the lock can be configured to communicate with each other. FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1 also discloses a key system in which each lock is configured to be able to communicate with a management server. That is, each lock requires a device that reads the ID stored in the key ID chip and a device that communicates with the management server.
By the way, in the amusement hall, gaming machines are periodically replaced. To attach a lock with a device that communicates between the ID reader and the management server to a new gaming machine every time a new gaming machine enters, use a communication line with the server, power supply for driving the communication device or the ID reader Must be wired to the gaming machine. To attach a new lock to the gaming machine up to the wiring of the communication line and the power supply line is burdensome both in terms of work and cost. Depending on the state of the gaming machine or other equipment, there may be no space for wiring. In such a case, the lock cannot be attached. Although the above explanation has been given for a game arcade as an example, the problem that the burden of wiring the communication line and power supply line for the lock on the product to be attached to the lock is a common problem for key systems used everywhere. It is a problem.
There is a demand for a key system that can perform electronic authentication of a key by a management server without increasing the work cost when attaching the lock.

  The present invention can be embodied in a key system including a lock, a key for unlocking the lock, and a management server. The key of this key system includes a key side storage device that stores a key ID for identifying itself, a power source capable of supplying power to the lock, and transmits the stored key ID to the management server to send an unlock permission signal from the management server. A key-side control device that transmits an unlocking instruction signal to the lock when receiving. The lock of this key system is operated by receiving a power supply from a power supply of the key and receiving an unlocking instruction signal transmitted from the key. It has a lock side control device which makes a lock possible state. The management server of this key system has a server-side control device that transmits an unlocking permission signal to the key that has transmitted the key ID when the key ID transmitted from the key satisfies a predetermined condition. The unlocking permission signal and the unlocking instruction signal may be signals having the same contents.

In the case of a key for electronic authentication by the management server, it is necessary to send data to be authenticated, such as a key ID, to the management server. In the present invention, the key and the management server communicate directly. Specifically, the key transmits its own key ID to the management server without using a lock. By doing so, the lock does not need to communicate with the management server, and it is not necessary to add a wiring for communication to the product to which the lock is attached.
Simply enabling communication between the key and the management server does not establish a key system for performing electronic authentication. This is because, when the management server authenticates the key ID, the management server needs to transmit a signal for unlocking the lock or a signal for allowing the lock to be unlocked.
Therefore, the present invention focuses on the point that when the lock is unlocked with the key, the key and the lock come into contact with each other, or at least the key and the lock are located at a short distance. In order for the key to transmit its key ID to the management server, the key comprises a device for communicating with the management server. If so, it is possible to inform the key that the management server has authenticated the key ID. When the management server authenticates the key ID, a signal permitting unlocking may be transmitted from the management server to the key, and a signal instructing unlocking may be transmitted from the key to the lock. When the key and the lock are in physical contact, if the electrical terminal is provided at the contact point, the key and the lock can be directly communicated by wire. It is only necessary to provide a terminal on the lock. Alternatively, since the key and the lock are located at a short distance, communication may be performed using a low-cost short-range communication device applied to a wireless tag or the like.
Furthermore, electric power is required for the lock side control unit to operate. Here, “operation” refers to a process of receiving a signal for instructing unlocking from the key and a process of setting the lock mechanism in the locked state to the unlockable state when the signal for instructing unlocking is received. Therefore, in the present invention, attention is again paid to the fact that a key always exists beside the lock when unlocked. That is, the key is equipped with a power source. The lock-side control device of the lock operates by receiving power from the key power supply. By doing so, it is not necessary to provide a power source for the lock. There is no need to add power supply wiring to the product to which the lock is attached. In a key system that can perform electronic authentication of a key by the management server, it is possible to eliminate the need for power supply wiring and communication wiring for the management server.
Note that the power source of the key may be configured to be able to supply power to the lock by transmitting electromagnetic waves, as in the technology used in so-called RF tags.

Here, “to make the lock mechanism in the locked state unlockable” may be any of the following four operations.
(1) Put the lock mechanism in the locked state into the unlocked state.
(2) The lock mechanism that locks and unlocks the device uses the first lock mechanism that locks and unlocks the device by physically engaging the key, and the lock-side control device inside the lock uses electric power. It has the 2nd lock mechanism part which locks and unlocks an apparatus, and a lock | rock side control apparatus will make a 2nd lock mechanism part an unlocked state, if the unlocking instruction | indication signal is received from a key.
(3) The lock mechanism that locks and unlocks the device has a main lock mechanism that locks and unlocks the device by physically engaging the key, and the main lock mechanism that physically engages the key. The main lock mechanism has a sub-lock mechanism that restricts the movement of the main lock mechanism so that the device cannot be unlocked, and the lock-side control device receives the unlock instruction signal from the key. The main lock mechanism is made unlockable by releasing the restraint of the main lock mechanism by the part.
(4) The lock mechanism that locks and unlocks the device includes a main lock mechanism that locks and unlocks the device by physically engaging the key, and a sub-lock that restricts physical engagement between the main lock mechanism and the key. The lock-side control device has a lock mechanism, and when the lock-side control device receives the unlock instruction signal from the key, it can unlock the main lock mechanism by releasing the restriction of the main lock mechanism by the sub-lock mechanism To do.
Note that “physically engaging the key” means, for example, inserting a key pile of the key into the keyhole of the lock.
Said (1) can be paraphrased as the case where one electric lock which electrically locks the door of an apparatus is attached to the door. (2) is a case where the first lock mechanism portion and the second lock mechanism portion for locking and unlocking the door are independently attached to the door, and the door can be opened only when both are unlocked. can do. In other words, (3) and (4) can be said to be the case where a sub-lock mechanism for further locking / unlocking the main lock mechanism is attached to the main lock mechanism for locking / unlocking the door.

The management server of this key system transmits an unlocking permission signal to the key that has transmitted the key ID when the key ID transmitted from the key satisfies a predetermined condition. In other words, the case where the key ID transmitted from the key satisfies the predetermined condition is a case where the management server authenticates the key ID. For example, authentication can be realized by the following configuration. The management server includes a server-side storage device that stores a specific key ID, and the predetermined condition is that the key ID transmitted from the key matches the specific key ID stored. Or you may comprise as follows. The lock includes a lock-side storage device that stores its own lock ID. The key reads the lock ID from the lock, and transmits the read lock ID to the management server. The management server stores a set of a specific key ID and a specific lock ID,
The predetermined condition is that a set of a key ID and a lock ID transmitted from a key matches a stored set of a specific key ID and a specific lock ID. With the latter configuration, it is possible to manage a lock and a key permitting unlocking as a set. Even in the latter configuration, the lock can send the lock ID to the management server by transmitting its own lock ID to the key. As described above, communication between the lock and the key can be performed by a short-range wireless communication method using a wired or low-cost communication device. That is, since the lock ID is transmitted from the lock to the management server via a key that contacts the lock or at least a key that exists near the lock, it is not necessary to provide an expensive communication device for the lock. A key system for a game hall that can authenticate a key and a lock as a set can be realized at a low cost.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a key system that performs electronic authentication of a key by a management server without performing communication and power supply wiring for the lock on an object to which the lock is to be attached.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment FIG. 1A shows a schematic perspective view of a key 10 and a lock 50 of a key system 100 according to a first embodiment. A lock 50 shown in FIG. 1A shows a state where a lock cover 51 is attached to a lock body 52. FIG. 1B shows the lock body 52 with the lock cover 51 removed. FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the key 10 and the lock 50. FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view showing a state where the key 10 and the lock 50 are physically separated. FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view showing a state where the key 10 and the lock 50 are physically engaged. 2A and 2B depict internal components so that the internal structure of the key 10 and the lock 50 can be easily understood.

The key system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a key 10, a lock 50, and a management server 80. Although there are a plurality of keys and locks, only one key and one lock are shown in FIGS.
The key 10 includes a key pile 12 and a push switch 16 on the outside thereof. Inside the key 10, a key side coil 14, a battery 18, a key side control unit 20, a key side antenna 22, and a memory 24 are arranged.

The lock 50 is attached to a device 90 such as a gaming machine arranged in a game arcade. The lock 50 includes a cylinder 62 and a stopper 64 connected to the rear of the inner cylinder of the cylinder 62. The device 90 is provided with a door (not shown) that covers an operation panel (not shown) that a general visitor does not want to touch. The stopper 64 serves as a latch that prevents the door from being opened. The cylinder 62 is provided with a key hole 58. When the key pile 12 of the key 10 is inserted into the key hole 58 and the key 10 is rotated, the inner cylinder of the cylinder 62 is rotated. When the key 10 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the stopper 64 connected to the inner cylinder of the cylinder 62 is also rotated and the door of the device 90 is latched. When the key 10 is rotated counterclockwise, the stopper 64 connected to the inner cylinder of the cylinder 62 is also rotated to release the latch of the door of the device 90. That is, the door of the device 90 can be locked and unlocked by physically engaging the key 10 and the lock 50 via the key pile 12 and the key hole 58. The above functions of the cylinder 62, the fastener 64, the key hole 58, and the key ring 12 are the same as those of a general lock and key.
In addition, the lock 50 includes a ratchet pin 54, a drive coil 66, and a spring 68. The ratchet pin 54 is urged by a spring 68 in a direction in which the ratchet pin 54 is pressed against the cylinder 62. When the cylinder 62 is in a position where the stopper 64 is latched on the door of the device and the drive coil 66 is not energized, the tip of the ratchet pin 54 fits into the groove 62 a of the cylinder 62. In a state where the tip of the ratchet pin 54 is fitted in the groove 62 a of the cylinder 62, the inner cylinder of the cylinder 62 cannot be rotated by the key 10 even if the key pile 12 is inserted into the key hole 58. That is, the ratchet pin 54 restrains the movement of the cylinder 62 so that the cylinder 62 cannot be unlocked even when the cylinder 62 that locks and unlocks the door of the device 90 is physically engaged with the key 10. 2A shows a state in which the tip of the ratchet pin 54 is fitted in the groove 62a of the cylinder 62. FIG.
On the other hand, when the drive coil 66 is energized, the drive coil 66 moves the ratchet pin 54 away from the cylinder 62 against the spring 68. As a result, the tip of the ratchet pin 54 is released from the groove 62a of the cylinder 62. That is, the restraint of the cylinder 62 by the ratchet pin 54 is released. Then, the inner cylinder of the cylinder 62 can be rotated by the key 10 physically engaged with the cylinder 62. That is, the cylinder 62 can be unlocked. As described above, once the cylinder 62 is locked, the cylinder 62 cannot be unlocked even if the key 10 is physically engaged with the cylinder 62 unless the ratchet pin 54 is released from the groove 62a of the cylinder 62. Can not. The ratchet pin 54 may be configured to restrict the key 10 from physically engaging the cylinder 62. Specifically, for example, the ratchet pin 54 is configured to protrude into the key hole 58 of the cylinder 62. When the ratchet pin 54 protrudes into the key hole 58, insertion of the key 10 into the key hole 58 is restricted. When the drive coil 66 is energized, the ratchet pin 54 protruding into the key hole 58 is retracted from the key hole 58. When the ratchet pin 54 is retracted from the key hole 58, the key 10 can be inserted into the key hole 58.
In addition, the lock 50 includes a lock coil 56, a capacitor 60, and a lock control unit 70. Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the electrical operations of the key-side control unit 20 and the like disposed on the key 10 and the lock-side control unit 70 and the like disposed on the lock 50 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of electrical components included in the key 10, the lock 50, and the management server 80.
The electrical components of the key 10 are a key side coil 14, a push switch 16, a battery 18, a key side control unit 20, a key side antenna 22, and a memory 24. The electrical components included in the lock 50 are a lock coil 56, a capacitor 60, a drive coil 66, a lock controller 70, and a diode bridge 72.
The management server 80 includes a server-side antenna 82, a database 84, and a management server control unit 86.
The memory 24 included in the key 10 stores a key ID for identifying the key 10 in advance. A specific key ID is stored in advance in the database 84 of the management server 80. The specific key ID stored in the database 84 is a key ID given to a key that may unlock the lock 50.

  When the owner (not shown) of the key 10 operates the push switch 16 of the key 10, power is supplied from the battery 18 to the key-side control unit 20. Then, the key side control unit 20 reads the key ID from the memory 24. The read key ID is transmitted to the management server 80 via the key side antenna 22. In addition, the key-side control unit 20 energizes the key-side coil 14 with a current having a predetermined frequency. An electromagnetic wave having a predetermined frequency is generated from the key side coil 14.

  In the management server 80, the management server control unit 86 receives the key ID transmitted from the key side control unit 20 via the server side antenna 82. That is, the key 10 and the management server 80 can communicate wirelessly. The management server control unit 86 determines whether or not the received key ID matches the key ID stored in the database 84. If they match, the management server control unit 86 transmits an unlocking permission signal to the key side control unit 20 (that is, the key 10 having the key side control unit 20) that has transmitted the key ID.

  The key-side control unit 20 that has received the unlocking permission signal transmitted by the management server 80 transmits an unlocking instruction signal to the lock-side control unit 70 included in the lock 50 this time. The unlocking signal is transmitted to the lock 50 using the key coil 14 as an antenna.

In the lock 50, the lock side coil 56 receives electromagnetic waves generated by the key side coil 14. An induction current flows through the lock-side coil 56 that has received the electromagnetic wave due to electromagnetic induction. A diode bridge 72 is connected to the lock side coil 56, and an induced current flowing through the lock side coil 56 is detected, and a direct current component of the induced current is accumulated in the capacitor 60. When the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor 60 reaches a predetermined amount, the capacitor 60 functions as a power source for driving the lock side control unit 70. The lock side control unit 70 is activated using the capacitor 60 as a power source. That is, the lock-side control unit 70 can operate by receiving power supply from the battery 18 included in the key 10. The activated lock side control unit 70 receives the unlock instruction signal transmitted from the key side control unit 20 via the lock side coil 56. The lock-side control unit 70 that has received the unlocking instruction signal transmitted by the key-side control unit 20 energizes the drive coil 66. Then, the ratchet pin 54 is released from the groove 62a of the cylinder 62 as described above. As a result, the key 10 inserted into the key hole 58 of the cylinder 62 can be rotated. In other words, the cylinder 62 can be physically engaged with the key pile 12 of the key 10 to be unlocked. That is, the cylinder 62 can be unlocked.
The power supply from the key 10 to the lock 50 and the transmission of the unlock instruction signal are performed wirelessly via the key side coil 14 and the lock side coil 56. As a technique for performing power supply and signal transmission with a pair of antennas (key-side coil 14 and lock-side coil 56), for example, a technique realized by a device called a wireless tag or an RF tag may be used. When the lock 50 is to be unlocked, the lock 50 and the key 10 are located close to each other, so that the wireless power supply and signal transmission technology used in the short distance used in the wireless tag should be used as it is. Can do.
Further, the data content of the unlocking permission signal transmitted from the management server 80 to the key 10 and the data content of the unlocking instruction signal transmitted from the key 10 to the lock 50 may be the same or different. Also good. The “unlocking permission signal” and the “unlocking instruction signal” are both signals for instructing the lock-side control device 70 of the lock 50 to perform the operation of bringing the cylinder 62 into the unlockable state. The use of the term “unlocking permission signal” means that the partner to transmit the signal is the lock 50. The data content of the unlocking instruction signal is determined in advance, and the lock 50 (locking side control unit 70) receives the signal so as to perform the operation of bringing the cylinder 62 into the unlocked state (in terms of hardware or software). To be configured).

  As described above, the key system 100 has a large number of locks 50 and keys 10. Each key 10 stores a unique key ID for identifying each key 10 in a memory 24 provided in each key 10.

  In the first embodiment described above, in the key system in which the management server 80 authenticates the key ID given to each key 10, the lock 50 does not need to communicate directly with the management server 80. In the key system in which the management server 80 authenticates the key ID, it is necessary to transmit an unlock instruction signal from the management server 80 to the lock 50 when the management server 80 authenticates the key ID. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the unlock instruction signal is transmitted from the management server 80 to the lock 50 via the key 10, so that the management can be performed without direct communication between the lock 50 and the management server 80. An unlock instruction signal can be transmitted from the server 80 to the lock 50. Furthermore, the key system 100 according to the first embodiment does not require the lock 50 to be provided with a power supply, and the device 90 need not include wiring for supplying power to the lock 50. The lock 50 is always supplied with power from the key 10 existing near the lock when unlocked. In the key system 100 of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to provide communication wiring and power supply wiring on the target product to which the lock 50 is attached. In an environment where the device (gaming machine) to which the lock is attached is periodically replaced, such as in a game hall, it is burdensome in terms of work and cost if the device to which the lock is attached does not have to be wired for communication and power supply. Can be reduced. It should be noted that the burden reduction by eliminating the need for a lock communication line and power supply wiring for an object to which the lock is to be attached is an advantage for a key system applied to any place.

When a key system is applied to a game arcade where a large number of devices are arranged, the same number of locks as the number of devices are required, so a large number of locks are necessary. If a device that reads an ID or a device that communicates with the management server is incorporated in each lock, there arises a problem that the cost of the key system increases rapidly as the number of locks increases. In game arcades where the number of devices is from several tens to more than one thousand, an increase in the unit price of the lock significantly increases the cost of the key system.
In particular, in the case of a key system applied to a game arcade, there is a fact that the number of keys is overwhelmingly smaller than the number of locks. That is, the management server collects the devices necessary for electronic authentication of the key ID (specifically, a device that communicates with the management server and a power source for supplying power to both the key and lock control units) into the key. It is possible to provide a key system that can electronically authenticate the key ID by using a low cost. It is possible to reduce the cost of the key system by skillfully utilizing the situation peculiar to the game hall where the number of keys is overwhelmingly smaller than the number of locks.

Here, a conventional configuration in which the lock 50 and the management server 80 communicate directly will be considered. In that case, the management server 80 needs to communicate with many locks 50 individually, and the distance between the management server 80 and the locks 50 may be several tens of meters. In order to communicate in such a situation, a protocol for performing communication by specifying a partner such as TCP / IP is required. An electronic component that realizes a communication protocol for specifying a partner like TCP / IP is expensive. If expensive electronic components are arranged in the individual locks 50, the total cost of the system increases in a gaming system that requires a large number of locks 50. Alternatively, in order to connect each lock 50 and the management server 80 by wire, it is difficult to route the wires and the cost increases.
In the first embodiment, the lock 50 and the key 10 need to communicate, but the communication is performed over a short distance. In addition, since the key 10 only needs to be able to communicate with the nearby lock 50, the communication between the key 10 and the lock 50 does not need to employ a complicated protocol for identifying the other party like TCP / IP. Therefore, it is possible to use a wireless communication technique that does not specify a partner via a simple coil antenna (key-side coil 14 or lock-side coil 56) like communication used in a wireless tag. As the electronic component provided in the lock 50 for communication, an inexpensive component can be used like the wireless tag. In the key system of the first embodiment, the lock 50 can be realized at low cost. As a result, the key system can be realized at low cost. In addition, the effect demonstrated above can be acquired also in the other Example demonstrated below and the modification of an Example.

Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, each lock has an individual lock ID. The management server can manage a set of lock IDs and key IDs that are allowed to be unlocked.
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the key system 100b of the second embodiment. The same parts as those shown in the block diagram of FIG.
The lock 50b of the key system 100b shown in FIG. The memory 76 stores a lock ID unique to the lock 50b.
In the key system 100b shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the unlock instruction signal, it is necessary to transmit a lock ID request signal for instructing the lock 50b to transmit a lock ID from the key 10b to the lock 50b. Further, it is necessary to transmit the lock ID from the lock 50b to the key 10b. That is, bidirectional communication is performed between the key 10b and the lock 50b of the key system 100b. Therefore, the key-side control unit 20b of the key 10b includes TX + and TX− terminals that are signal transmission terminals and an RX terminal that is a signal reception terminal. The TX + terminal and the TX− terminal are connected to both ends of the key side coil 14. Further, a differential amplifier 74 for taking a difference between current values (or voltage values) at both ends of the key side coil 14 is provided, and an output of the differential amplifier 74 is connected to an RX terminal of the key side control unit 20b. Yes.
Similarly, the lock side control unit 70b of the lock 50b has TX + and TX− terminals which are signal transmission terminals and an RX terminal which is a signal reception terminal. The TX + terminal and the TX− terminal are connected to both ends of the lock coil 56. Further, a differential amplifier 74 for taking a difference between current values (or voltage values) at both ends of the lock side coil 56 is provided, and an output of the differential amplifier 74 is connected to an RX terminal of the key side control unit 20b. Yes.
When the key-side control unit 20b outputs a signal to be transmitted to the lock 50b between the TX + terminal and the TX- terminal, an electromagnetic wave having a frequency corresponding to the output is output from the key-side coil 14. In the lock 50b, an induced current flows due to the electromagnetic wave generated by the key-side coil 14. The change in current in the induced current is detected by the differential amplifier 74 and input to the RX terminal of the lock side control unit 70b. That is, a signal output between the TX + terminal and the TX− terminal of the key side control unit 20b is transmitted to the RX terminal of the lock side control unit 70b. Similarly, a signal output between the TX + terminal and the TX− terminal of the lock side control unit 70b is transmitted to the RX terminal of the key side control unit 20b. In this way, bidirectional communication between the key-side control unit 20b (that is, the key 10b) and the lock-side control unit 70b (that is, the lock 50b) becomes possible.

Next, functions of the key 10b and the lock 50b of this embodiment will be described. The power supply from the key 10b to the lock 50 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
When the push switch 16 is pushed by the holder of the key 10b, the key-side control unit 20b transmits a lock ID request signal to the lock 50b via the key-side coil 14. The lock 50 b that has received the lock ID request signal reads the lock ID stored in the memory 76 and transmits the lock ID to the key 10 b via the lock coil 56. The key 10b that has received the lock ID transmits the received lock ID and its own key ID read from the memory 24 to the management server 80b.

The database 84b of the management server 80b stores a lock ID table and a key ID table shown in FIG. A predetermined group name is assigned to each lock ID in the lock ID table. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a group name “G1” is assigned to a lock ID “101”. In the key ID table, a predetermined group name is assigned to each key ID. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, two group names “G1” and “G2” are assigned to a key ID “201”. When receiving the key ID and lock ID from the key 10b, the management server control unit 86b of the management server 80b extracts the group name assigned to the lock ID and the group name assigned to the key ID with reference to the database 84b. To do. If the lock ID and the key ID are assigned to the same group name, it is determined that the combination of the lock ID and the key ID is a group that permits unlocking. That is, the lock ID and key ID are authenticated. For example, it is assumed that the lock ID sent from the key 10b is “101” and the key ID is “201”. As shown in FIG. 5, both the lock ID “101” and the key ID “201” are assigned to the same group name “G1”. Therefore, the combination of the lock ID and the key ID sent from the key 10b is authenticated as a set that permits unlocking.
When the management server control unit 86b authenticates the combination of the received key ID and lock ID, the management server control unit 86b transmits an unlocking permission signal to the key 10b that has transmitted the key ID. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.
According to the second embodiment, it is possible to manage whether or not unlocking is permitted by a set of a lock ID and a key ID.

Here, an example of wireless power feeding from the key 10b to the lock 50b and a communication protocol between the key 10b and the lock 50b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a waveform of an electromagnetic wave exchanged between the key 10b and the lock 50b. FIG. 6A shows an example of a power supply waveform and a data header waveform of an electromagnetic wave transmitted from the key 10b. FIG. 6B is an example of a data waveform of electromagnetic waves transmitted by the key 10b. FIG. 6C is an example of a waveform for data of electromagnetic waves transmitted from the lock 50b. When the key-side control unit 20b of the key 10b supplies a current to the key-side coil 14, an electromagnetic wave having a waveform shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is transmitted. An induced current flows in the lock side coil 56 of the lock 50b by the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the key side coil 14. The waveform of the induced current is obtained by reversing the waveform of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the key-side coil 14 between positive and negative.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the key 10b first transmits a pulse wave with a period U over a period S. The waveform of this period S is a waveform for supplying electric power to the lock 50b. An induced current having the same waveform as the power supply waveform (positive and negative is reversed) flows through the lock side coil 56 of the lock 50b. This induced current is detected by the diode bridge 72, and only the direct current component is accumulated in the capacitor 60. The period S is set to a length that allows a sufficient charge to drive the lock side control unit 70 for the period L to be accumulated in the capacitor 60. Therefore, the key 10b can perform data communication with the lock 50b over the period L after transmitting the power supply waveform over the period S. After the period L has elapsed, if the key 10b transmits the power supply waveform again over the period S, data communication with the lock 50b is possible again over the subsequent period L.
After transmitting the power supply waveform over the period S, the key 10b maintains the output zero over the period 2U, and has a predetermined level (for example, the same level as the pulse of the power supply waveform) over the subsequent period 2U. Is output. Hereinafter, the predetermined level is referred to as “High level”. The zero level output in the period 2U and the high level output in the subsequent period 2U indicate that the waveform appearing in the subsequent period is data. That is, the zero level output in the period 2U and the subsequent high level output in the period 2U serve as a data header. During the period S, the lock-side control unit 70b is activated and the terminal 50 is monitored for the lock 50b. If it is determined that the signal received at the terminal RX is a high level signal in the period 2U following the zero level signal in the period 2U, the lock side control unit 70b determines that the next period is a data communication period. I can judge.
The key 10b outputs a data waveform following the output of the data head waveform. This data waveform is output based on the binary representation of the data to be transmitted. Specifically, 1-bit data is sent every period 2U. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the zero level output in the period 2U following the data head waveform represents “0”, and the zero level output in the subsequent period 2U represents “0”. Further, the high level output in the subsequent period 2U represents “1”, and the zero level output in the subsequent period 2U represents “0”. That is, the data waveform shown in FIG. 6B represents data “0010”.
When the key 10b needs to receive data from the lock 50b, a data waveform similar to that shown in FIG. 6B is output from the lock coil 56 of the lock 50b. An induced current flows through the key side coil 14 by the output of the lock side coil 50b. The key-side control unit 20b detects the induced current from the RX terminal. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the lock-side control unit 70b outputs a waveform having a level of zero-high-zero-high-zero-zero every period 2U. The key-side control unit 10b that has received this waveform can determine that the received waveform is “010100”. The above-described data communication protocol is the same protocol as general serial communication in which a data bit is transmitted following a start bit at a predetermined baud rate.
The above communication is automatically started when the push switch 16 of the key 10b is pressed. Note that the push switch 16 is also preferably configured to be pushed by physical contact between the key 10b and the key pile when it is inserted into the key hole of the lock 50b.
In such a configuration, the key ID transmission mode (for example, the transmission timing and the content of data to be transmitted) is changed from the locked state to the unlocked state or from the unlocked state to the locked state. A configuration for controlling according to the above may be added. As a configuration for controlling the transmission time of the key ID, for example, a configuration in which the key ID is transmitted when attempting to change from the locked state to the unlocked state and the key ID is not transmitted after the key ID is transmitted can be considered. . Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by incorporating, on the lock 50b side, a device that detects the tilt of the key 10b, a device that detects a contact state (contact location, degree of contact, etc.) with the key 10b, and the like. As a detection method in this case, any method such as mechanical, electrical, optical, or other methods may be used. In this way, after being unlocked (specifically, the period α in which the key 10b remains in the unlocked state while being attached to the lock 50b, the period β in which the unlocked state changes to the locked state, the key 10b) Since the key ID is not transmitted during the period γ) in which the key is in the locked state while being attached to the lock 50b, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the battery 18 of the key 10b. It is possible to prevent a situation in which an unintended authentication is performed due to transmission of a key ID during β or period γ.

In the second embodiment in which the lock ID is read by the key 10b and transmitted to the management server 80b together with its own key ID, it is also preferable to use the public key cryptosystem together as follows. The configuration will be described next. Since the physical configuration is the same as the block diagram of FIG. 4, description will be made using the reference numerals shown in FIG.
Each key (an example is the key 10b), each lock (an example is the lock 50b), and the management server 80b have a public key and a private key for encrypting / decrypting data. . Data encrypted with the public key can be decrypted with the private key, and data encrypted with the private key can be decrypted with the public key. The public key possessed by the management server 80b is C0, and the secret key is C0 ′. The public key of the key 10b is CB, and the secret key is CB ′. The public key of the lock 50b is CA, and the secret key is CA ′. The public key C0 of the management server 80b is owned by the management server 80b and all keys and locks, but the secret key C0 ′ is owned only by the management server 80b. The public key CB of the key 10b is owned by the management server 80b, but the secret key CB ′ is owned only by the key 10b. The public key CA of the lock 50b is owned by the management server 80b, but the secret key CA ′ is owned only by the lock 50b.
The lock 50b generates a random number when transmitting the lock ID to the key 10b. Let that random number be random number A. The lock 50b stores the generated random number A and encrypts the lock ID and the random number A with the public key C0 of the management server 80b. The cipher is expressed as C0 (lock ID, random number A). The lock 50b transmits C0 (lock ID, random number A) to the key 10b.
The key 10b generates a random number (referred to as a random number B). The key 10b stores the generated random number B and encrypts the received C0 (lock ID, random number A), its own key ID, and the generated random number B with the public key C0 of the management server 80b. The cipher is expressed as C0 (C0 (lock ID, random number A), key ID, random number B). The key 10b transmits C0 (C0 (lock ID, random number A), key ID, random number B) to the management server 80b. Since the management server 80b has the secret key C0 ′ for the public key C0, the management server 80b decrypts C0 (C0 (lock ID, random number A), key ID, random number B) received by the secret key C0 ′, and C0 (lock ID, random number A) is decrypted. By doing so, the management server 80b obtains the decrypted lock ID, key ID, random number A, and random number B. Then, it is determined whether or not the lock ID and key ID are registered in the database 84b. That is, the lock ID and key ID are authenticated.
When the lock ID and the key ID are authenticated, the management server 80b encrypts the public key CB and the random number A of the key 10b with the public key CA of the lock 50b. This cipher is expressed as CA (public key CB, random number A). Further, the management server 80b encrypts CA (public key CB, random number A) and random number B with the public key CB of the key 10b. This cipher is expressed as CB (CA (public key CB, random number A), random number B). The management server 80b transmits CB (CA (public key CB, random number A), random number B) to the key 10b as an unlocking permission signal. Since the key 10b has its own secret key CB ′, it is possible to decrypt CB (CA (public key CB, random number A), random number B), CA (public key CB, random number A) and random number B. Get. Here, if the obtained random number B matches the random number stored in the key 10b, the key 10b is an CB (CA (public key CB, random number A), random number B) sent from the management server 80b. It can be confirmed that the lock permission signal is indeed a response to the signal transmitted to the management server 80b when the self generates the random number B. Next, the key 10b encrypts its own key ID this time with the private key CB ′ it has. This cipher is expressed as CB ′ (key ID). The key 10b transmits CA (public key CB, random number A) and CB ′ (key ID) to the lock 50b as an unlock instruction signal.
The lock 50b decrypts CA (public key CB, random number A) with its own private key CA 'to obtain public key CB and random number A. If the random number A obtained in this way matches the random number stored by itself, the unlock instruction signal sent from the key 10b surely shows the signal transmitted to the key 10b when the self generated the random number A. It can be confirmed that it is a response. Further, CB ′ (key ID) is decrypted with the public key CB obtained by decryption to obtain a key ID. If the key ID obtained in this manner matches the original key ID, the lock 50b drives the drive coil 66 to move the ratchet pin 54, thereby bringing the cylinder 62 into the unlockable state.

As described above, when the public key technology is applied, the random number A and the random number B included in the communication contents are different each time. Therefore, in the communication between the key 10b and the management server 80b and the communication between the key 10b and the lock 50b, Even if the contents to be originally transmitted (the contents indicating unlocking permission, the contents indicating unlocking instruction, the contents indicating key ID, and the contents indicating lock ID) are the same, the signal data as a whole is different every time. Communicated. Therefore, even if the communication between the key 10b, the lock 50b, and the management server 80b is read by someone and the signal is copied, the copied signal is useless. That is, the security of the key system 100b can be maintained.
If the processing described above is simplified, it can be expressed as follows. The lock 50b (lock side control unit 70b) generates and stores an arbitrary symbol (in the above embodiment, a random number) when sending its own lock ID to the key 10b (key side control unit 20b). Is sent to the key 10b together with its own lock ID. The key 10b transmits the lock ID and symbol read from the lock to the management server 80b (management server control unit 86b) together with its own key ID. When the key ID and lock ID transmitted from the key 10b match the stored key ID and lock ID, the management server 80b transmits the unlocking permission signal with the received symbol to the key 10b. The key 10b that has received the unlocking permission signal transmits an unlocking instruction signal with the symbol to the lock 50b that has read the lock ID. The lock 50b makes the cylinder 62 (locking mechanism) unlockable when the symbol attached to the unlocking instruction signal when the unlocking instruction signal is received matches the symbol generated by itself. .

  According to the said Example, the following effect can also be acquired. The lock need not include a device for communicating with the management server. Furthermore, the lock need not have a power source. Therefore, the size of the lock is not increased. A key system for authenticating the key ID by the management server can be realized without increasing the size of the lock. Since the lock is attached to the equipment of the game hall, it is preferable that the lock be as compact as possible. Since the size of the lock is not increased, the size restriction when the lock is attached to the device can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, it is also preferable to create a master key that does not require authentication by the management server, for example, when there is a problem in communication with the management server. The key side control unit of the master key may be configured to be able to transmit the unlocking permission signal alone when communication with the management server is not established.
Further, when creating a master key in the public key cryptosystem, the following configuration may be adopted. The master key public key (CM) and the master key key ID (ID_M) are registered (stored) in advance in all locks. Registration of the master key public key and key ID can be performed by the following procedure. The public key (CM) and key ID (ID_M) of the master key are encrypted with the public key CA of the lock 50b, and transmitted from the management server 80b to the lock 50b together with a “master key registration instruction” command. The lock 50b acquires the public key (CM) and the key ID (ID_M) of the master key using its own secret key CA ′. Since the command from the management server 80b is “master key registration”, the lock 50b stores the acquired public key (CM) and key ID (ID_M) in its own storage device.
If the master key cannot communicate with the management server 80b, it transmits data CM ′ (ID_M) obtained by encrypting its own key ID with its own secret key (CM ′) to the lock 50b. The lock 50b that has received the data is decrypted with the public key CM of the stored master key to obtain ID_M. If the obtained ID_M matches the key ID of the stored master key, it can be confirmed that the sent data CM ′ (ID_M) is certainly data from the master key. In that case, the lock 50b drives the drive coil 66 to move the ratchet pin 54, thereby bringing the cylinder 62 into an unlockable state.
If the master key is lost, the key ID of the lost master key is specified from the management server 80b and a “master key data deletion instruction” command is transmitted to the lock 50b. This command is transmitted by registering a new master key by the above-described master key registration procedure or by unlocking the lock 50b with another already registered master key. Even when the operation of unlocking the lock 50b with another master key is performed, the command issued by the management server 80b is transmitted to the lock 50b via the other master key. The lock 50b that has received the instruction of “master key data deletion instruction” deletes the key ID of the master key specified together with the instruction from its own storage device.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the key and the lock are configured to perform wireless communication. Communication between the key and the lock and power supply from the key to the lock may be performed by wire. For example, the key and the lock are provided with signal terminals that come into contact with each other when the key pile is inserted into the keyhole of the lock. By doing so, the key and the signal terminal of the lock come into contact with each other when the key pile is inserted into the keyhole of the lock. That is, the key and the lock can be electrically connected. With such a configuration, communication and power supply can be performed between the key and the lock with a simple structure. The lock can be realized at a lower cost.

  Further, the management server may record the key ID (or the combination of the key ID and the lock ID) sent from the key together with the time of reception. By doing so, it is possible to leave a history of key (or key and lock) usage.

  Further, the technical elements described in the present specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings can achieve a plurality of purposes at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the purposes.

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a key and a lock of the key system in the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of the lock body with the lock cover removed. FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view showing a state where the key and the lock are physically separated in the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a schematic plan view showing a state where the key and the lock are physically engaged in the first embodiment. It is a typical block diagram of the electrical related parts with which a key, a lock, and a management server are provided. It is a block diagram of the key system of 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the content of the database of the management server in 2nd Example. It is a figure explaining the protocol of electric power feeding and communication of a key and a lock.

Explanation of symbols

10, 10b: key 12: key mountain 14: key side coil 16: push switch 18: battery 20, 20b: key side control unit 22: key side antenna 24, 76: memory 50: lock 52: lock body 54: ratchet pin 56 : Lock side coil 58: Key hole 60: Capacitors 70 and 70 b: Lock side control unit 72: Diode bridge 80 and 80 b: Management server 84 and 84 b: Database 86 and 86 b: Management server control unit 100 and 100 b: Key system

Claims (6)

A key system including a lock, a key for unlocking the lock, and a management server;
The key is
A key storage device for storing a key ID for identifying itself;
A power source capable of supplying power to the lock;
A key-side control device that transmits the stored key ID to the management server and receives an unlocking permission signal from the management server, and transmits an unlocking instruction signal to the lock;
The lock is
A lock mechanism for locking and unlocking the device;
It has a lock-side control device that operates by receiving power supply from the power source of the key, and when the unlocking instruction signal transmitted by the key is received, makes the lock mechanism in the locked state unlockable.
The management server
A key system comprising a server-side control device that transmits an unlocking permission signal to a key that has transmitted a key ID when the key ID transmitted from the key satisfies a predetermined condition.   2. The management server includes a server-side storage device that stores a specific key ID, and the predetermined condition is that a key ID transmitted from a key matches a specific key ID stored therein. Key system as described in The lock includes a lock storage device that stores its own lock ID,
The key reads the lock ID from the lock, sends the read lock ID to the management server,
The management server stores a set of a specific key ID and a specific lock ID,
The key system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that a set of a key ID and a lock ID transmitted from a key matches a set of a specific key ID and a specific lock ID stored therein. The lock mechanism part of the lock includes a main lock mechanism part that locks and unlocks the device by physically engaging with the key, and the main lock mechanism part even if the main lock mechanism part physically engages with the key. It has a sub-lock mechanism that restrains the movement of the main lock mechanism so that the device cannot be unlocked.
The lock-side control device releases the restraint of the main lock mechanism by the sub-lock mechanism when receiving the unlock instruction signal from the key, and sets the main lock mechanism to the unlockable state. The key system according to any one of 1 to 3. The lock mechanism portion of the lock includes a main lock mechanism portion that locks and unlocks the device by physically engaging the key, and a sub-lock mechanism portion that restricts physical engagement between the main lock mechanism portion and the key. Have
The lock-side control device, when receiving an unlocking instruction signal from a key, releases the restriction of the main lock mechanism by the sub-lock mechanism so that the main lock mechanism can be unlocked. Item 4. The key system according to any one of Items 1 to 3.   The key system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the power source of the key can supply electric power to the lock by transmitting electromagnetic waves.

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