CA1255387A - Coded electronic lock - Google Patents

Abstract

The lock includes an optical key, a microswitch engaged by this key and an opto-electronic encoder. This encoder consists of a permissive encoder or a permissive level transmitter encoder, and / or by a word generator encoder and / or by a two-key keyboard encoder. The key is provided with perforations which are distributed over a surface, for activating or not activating photoreceptors arranged in the encoder. The invention is more particularly applicable to the protection of access to a space or to a machine.

Description

~ 255387 ELECTRONIC LOCK WITH CODES
The present invention relates to an electronic code lock.
Known electronic locks generally use keys magnetic or electrical circuit keys, carrying one or several codes corresponding to the lock and, if necessary, ~
the user. However, magnetic keys are tricky because their content can be modified by external influences magneti-ques, electric, or by alterations of the magnetic support. Of the keys ~ electrical circuits are relatively expensive and should be treated with care, to avoid distortions harmful to their functioning ~ ent.
Furthermore, the codes of these two types of keys cannot be recognized directly by the user, without special devices, which can be annoying if there are several 3 keys of the same device rence.
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a new type of electronic lock, capable of remedying the drawbacks 9U8-mentioned.
Various advantageous embodiments will be mentioned below locks with opto-electronic encoders according to the present invention, with their specific advantages.
The opto-electronic lock can essentially consist of a permissive encoder or by a permissive level transmitter encoder, and / or by a word encoder, and / or by a keyboard encoder normal or with two keys, or by a modem, and by an optional key than corresponding.
The permissive, permissive-level encoders, and g ~ néra-words are opto-electronic coders constituted by a network of photocouples which are produced, on the one hand, by a photo-~, 2s5387 single transmitter or by a network of photo-transmitters, working, by example, in the infrared domain, and, on the other hand, by a array of photoreceptors, such as photodiodes or phototran-sistors, among others. Only the nature of the electrical network connecting the photoreceptors together define the type of optoelectronic encoder than.
Permissive encoder fulfills the permissive role of a mechanical lock classic; while the general word encoder allows individual-read an optical key from among several keys of the same lock, each key generating its own word.
The permissive level transmitter coder and a permissive coder which is associated with a modulator which is a simple network and which makes cspsble, on the one hand, to receive a sequence of logical levels or analog at its electrical input, and, on the other hand, trans-put these same levels, in the same order or in a different order towards its exit.
A keyboard encoder allows to generate an external code in software mode.
that and which is applied to the input of the level transmitter. This code outside can represent any instruction or simply express knowledge by the user of his own code generated by the key. In order to simplify the whole lock as much as possible, it is recommended the use of a keyboard encoder ~ two keys thus making all more compact, more reliable and less expensive.
It is obvious that the two-key keyboard encoder in accordance with the vention can replace with profit in many other uses an encoder with normal keyboard. The keyboard encoder can finally be replaced by a modem if you want to apply the ana- levels to the level transmitter logical.
The role of the above coders is to enable the realization of Access protocols as complex as we want. This explains the exception security provided by a lock with opto-electronic encoders.
~ 2553B7 The set of access protection problems corresponds to two major categories of salt, ~ namely, one-key locks, and locks rures with multiple individual keys ~ and each lock category res correspond to specific functional organizations, which, highlighted, facilitate the choice of suitable structures.
In the case of a single role lock, the lock as a permissive device authorizes an action by delivering a signal, which is a signal allowed ~ if, allowing said action of the cbmmandé object. Follow-before the conditions for installing hardware links, such as cables, between the control member formed by the lock and the object mandé, we can distinguish two functional structures, namely a bonded structure protected from unwanted manipulation and a structure ture with unprotected connection. The first case concerns a compact lock te, like a conventional mechanical lock in which the transfer of permissive signal authorizing the movement of the deadbolt takes place uni-cement inside the bo ~ tier of the lock, and therefore safe from3 manipulations. The functional structure of such an opto- ~ lec- lock tronic then includes a permissive encoder alone.
In the case of an unprotected link, it could be possible, if special precautions are not taken, to authorize or even even to trigger the command of an action, by manipulation of the connection, as for example in the case of the command to start a vehicle. Indeed, it is possible to start a vehicle without ignition key by accessing the control wires. These manipulations can may be avoided if the permissive signal is in coded form.
For this purpose, the functional structure must be constituted by a permissive level transmitter and word generator fixed, both being controlled by a unique key.
In the case of a single lock authorizing an individualized command for multiple accesses, each individualized command allowing access to one element among the set of individual elements, it is possible to carry out either a direct order by individual code or a order by verified individual code.
i.2SS387 In the first ca ~, the individual code is generated by the same key, and the permissive coder authorizes or not its acceptance. The structure functional ~ in this case, is composed of a permissiF trans-word generator and word generator coder or source any words.
Ordering by verified individual code is a use of laser ~
rure in conversational mode which corresponds to the mode of use of a credit card and its functional structure includes a personal encoder missive word transmitter, a word generator coder and a source words outside the lock, such as an encoder ~ keypad or modem.
Examples of encoders and two examples of practical application are shown in the appended drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 shows schematically the overall structure of a service rure according to the invention, in the form of functional blocks;
- Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of an op-to-electronic coder, the drawing being simplified;
- fig ~ re 3 represents the ur, possible aspects of an opto-elec key ~
tronic;
- Figure 4 shows, in a simplified way, the sectional view of a key positioned in the lock;
- Figure 5 is a block diagram of an opto ~ lec-tronic AND logic circuit;
- Figure 6 is a block diagram of an opto-electronic logic circuit NON - OR;
- Figure 7 is a block diagram of an opto-electronic encoder permissive;
~; 2 SS387 - Figure 8 is a block diagram of an opto-electronic encoder word generator;
- Figures 9 to 12 show some examples of associations among others of a modulator network and a permissive encoder to form a encoder enabled ~ if level transmitter;
- Figure 13 shows an explicit example of a permissive encoder logic level transmitter;
- Figure 14 shows a functional diagram of a c ~ coder double-tap;
- Figure 15 shows a concrete example of a keyboard encoder with two keys according to figure 14, the logical levels succeed sifs being generated alternately, and, - Figure 16 shows an example of a concrete application of the service.
optoelectronic mode to the protected command to start a car automotive turs.
According to the invention, Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings shows more particularly the overall structure of an opto-electro- lock complete picnic. Permissive optical encoders or ni-calves 1, with a word generator 2, are made in the form of a integrated cooked, the opto-electronic elements being deposited on common rigid supports. Key 5 is entered into the encoder. In limit switch, it activates a microswitch 3 thus establishing the a-electronic supply of the assembly. A device 4 outside the lock such as a keyboard encoder or modem can provide a code external access control individualis ~, which in this case is ap-bent at the input of the level transmitter.
An opto-electronic encoder differs from another encoder only by the electrical structure of the photoreceptor networks constituting it, their presentation and their technical realization being identical. A
~ 25 ~; 387 such opto-electronic encoder is es ~ entirely constituted, like the shows figure 2, by a set of photocouples, which, as example, can be made on two plates ~ upport ~ 6-6 ' made of rigid material. So, by integrated circuit techniques, for example, a network of light emitting diodes 7, while on the other support 6 ′ is deposited se a network of photodiodes or phototransistors 7 ', the assembly thus realized working, for example, in the infrared field.
The two networks are made according to the same geometric arrangement.
that, arbitrary, but remaining fixed for all the coders. The 2 shows such networks in a planar arrangement, the more interesting because of its simplicity ~. The assembly of diodes photo-emitters can be replaced by a single source such as the daylight or a laser source diffusing the illumination on the seems to be photoreceptors.
The two support plates 6-6 'are assembled one face ~ the other so ~ form photocouples. A space is provided between the two plates in which the optical key 5 is placed (FIG. 4). This last one is perforated in specific places (figure 3) to allow the illumination of certain photoreceptors 7 ′, while closing the others, according to the network of photoreceptors 7 ′. If the optical key 5 corresponds to the electrical configuration of the encoder, said encoder vre a level or a series of electrical levels r ~ its output.
The perrnissive code encoder is the fundamental element of the lock, since any process occurring within the lock is under his control. Such an encoder is based on optic logic circuits.
pure electronics developed as a result of the specialist doctoral thesis ciality supported by the inventor and having as subject: "Analogous sources PIN current photociodes "(June 1975, Strasbourg).
these are logic circuits made only by photocouples.
The permissive encoder is a combination of two of the logic circuits basic, which are represented by figures 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 represents an AND logic circuit, and FIG. 6 represents feels a NOR logic circuit.
By designating Li as the ith light source, in case of multiple sources multiple, such as a light emitting diode (LED), a laser source or daylight, for example, by Di the corresponding photoreceptor, such as a photodiode or a phototransistor, receiving an Ei illumination, the logic value S relating to the potential difference V5 across the terminals of the charge R is linked to the illumination3 Ei by:
S = El x E2 in the case of an AND circuit (Figure 5), and S = E3 x E4 = E3 + E4 ~ in the case of a NOR circuit. We rained 5 generally, respectively:
S = El x E2 x ... x En (AND circuit), and El + E2 + ~ - + En (NON-OR circuit) for n photoreceptors, a single light source which can, on the other hand, be sufficient to illuminate all of the photoreceptors.
The relations above show that all the photodiodes or photo-transistors in series with the charge R must be lit, and invert-that all the photodiodes in parallel with the charge must stay in the ob ~ curity to have a high level at the limits of the charge R.
By replacing the additional resistance Ra of figure 6 by the p photoreceptors in series with the resistive load R of Figure 5, we realizes a permissive encoder 1 according to the principle diagram of the gure 7, comprising (p + n) photoreceptors.
The load can be resistive, inductive or capacitive, or of a nature more complex, and we can collect a permissive signal at its level as a current flowing through it, or as a difference of potential across its boundaries.
~ ,.
. , ~
~ 25 ~; 38 ~ 7 The network structure of such an encoder is expressed by the relation general logic:
S = El x E2 x ~ - x Ep x Ep + lx Ep + 2 x p + n If only one of the photDeceptors is not in conditions defined by the above relation, the output is at low logic level, for example. The optical key 5, placed between the light sources and photoreceptors, has the role of blocking the photoreceptors in parallel on the charge R, so that they remain in the dark and allow the photoreceptors to be illuminated by series with charge R. This is made possible by the ~ perforations of the key in defined places.
If n is the total number of photoreceptors, the number of combinations logic C that allows the network according to figure 7 is: C = 2n.
Thus, for n = 20, we obtain C _ 1 048 580, hence the particular interest bind represented by the permissive encoder.
The microswitch ~ incorporated in the encoder is actuated by the key 5 during from its complete introduction into coder 1. Thus, at rest, the co-deur does not consume current but, and especially, one avoids that the transient states, upon entering key 5, become par-times active. The identification of the complete code is thus done only when key 5 is in place.
The word generator encoder 2, the block diagram of which is shown felt by figure 8, has the role of generating a logical word from a cl ~ optical 5 perforated, which defines the word, the structure of the electric bucket ~ both fixed. Depending on whether the photoreceptor Di is lit or not, the logic level across its load Ri is high or low. A 2 ~ register, for example with a parallel input, and connected to a clock 29, transfers all of these levels to its output series. The originality of this encoder 2, compared to the optical reader classic, does not reside in the network, but in the reading mode, ~, , ~ ....
1255; 387 g the latter taking place along a plane delimited by the active surface ve of the cl ~ 5 and in which the photoreceptors are located, and not following a row as in the ca ~ of a conventional optical drive.
On the other hand, the use of this encoder dan ~ the field of the lock, pre-feels its second original aspect.
The optical cl ~ 5 can take any geometric shape and be made of any material. In particular, it can present in the form of a magnetic credit card. The active surface total key can be divided into separate functional areas, such as an area where the perforations correspond only to the co-permissive odor 1 and an area where the perforations correspond to the their word generator 2. These areas can also be nested or confused. A specific function area can in turn be divided in sub-zones intended for partial use of a complete zone, in order to simplify the realization of additional locks to the main lock and of secondary importance. The subzone can have the same functional specificity or not as the main zone ~
Considering the network of a permissive encoder, it appears that, if the permissive code of the optical key is correct, a current I crosses the load R, and ~ this current corresponds to a potential difference V8 aux terminals of R. This difference in potential V8 can be modulated if one modulates the current I. For this purpose, it suffices to modulate the illumination of any of the photoreceptors, or of all of the photoreceptors by modulating the current from a photo-emitting source or from the seems to be photo-emitting sources. You can insert a serial network 24 according to Figures ~ and 10, at the entrance of which applies a control signal Ve. It is the same if in one of the two branches of photoreceptors we insert an analog network 24 ca-able to modulate the current of the branch used, and if we apply it than adequate control signals (Figures 11 and 12).
Figure 13 shows, as a concrete example, a simple diagram of a permissive encoder that transmits logic levels 1. In such a encoder, the potential difference V8 can be directly proportional signal to the VE control signal, the encoder then presenting itself as a ~ 2553B ~

analog level transmitter ~. On the other hand, if, as is the case of Figure 13, the transmission is done by all or nothing, it it is a logic level transmitter and we have, in the case of the figure, the relation: V8 - Ve. Transmission of nivesux cannot only if the optical code of the key 5, symbolically represented in figure 13, is correct, so that the level transfer is only permitted with the use of the appropriate key.
A two-key keyboard encoder 4 (Figures 14 and 15) is intended for replace a normal keyboard encoder. This encoder 4 is intended for use reading of the lock in conversational mode, for identification cation of the key holder. Such an encoder 4 has a structure simplified while keeping a coding capacity comparable to that a normal keyboard. In principle, such an encoder 4 consists by a logic level generator B, by a keyboard ~ two keys 9, 10, by a device 25 for materializing the levels from B, by a logic network 27 for managing these available logic levels at the output of generator 8, ain ~ i only by a register 12 where are stored kés the selected levels forming the keyword, whose structure depends on the order in which keys 9 and 10 are pressed. A
comparator 13 compares the word from register 12 to the reference word ~
contained in a word source 26 such as, for example, a set of ble of registers. Obviously elements 12, 1 ~ and 26 can make part of a microptocessor, the element 26 being, for example, a met dead moire. The set works in the following way: each pressing one of the two Y keys 9 and 10 causes a change or not of the logic output level of the generator ~ according to a series of ni-random or preset logic calves. The device 25 materializes these levels in audio or visual form. From the nature of the level hangs on the choice of the key to press 9, 10. One of the keys takes counts the level chosen for the formation of the complete word, the other key eliminates the corresponding level. Each genbre pressure simulates the next level at the output of the level generator 8.
The inclusion or elimination is decided at the network level logic 27 according to the key pressed according to the nature of the level materialized. All the logical levels taken into account are stored ~ 2 ~; 5387 in the same order in the parallel series register 12 in order to be compared by the comparator 13 with the reference words contained in the word source 26. At the coincidence of the words compared, the comparator delivers a determinate level ~ signifying acceptance of the code word on the keyboard. The most simple level generation case is that where each time one of the two keys is pressed, the levels alternate.
In this case, the materialization of the levels is superfluous and the coding of the word is simplified. This coding is expressed by two deci ailments, for example 1 and 2, the number 1 signifying, for example, acceptance level and corresponding to the numbered key 1 and the number

2 elimination of the same level and corresponding to the numbered key 2. The user must know the decimal sequence, for example 11212212 for a word of eight successive levels and ignore their meaning.
This means, that arriving in order at the output of the generator levels, here on the assumption of alternating levels, a bistable can fill this role, the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 7th levels are accepted according to the aforementioned convention, the 3rd, 5th, 6th and Bth level being refused.
It follows that the coded word stored in the register is a word of 4 bits since four levels are accepted and transmitted to the register. The first level when powering up the keypad and lock must always be the same level of departure. If, for example, this first level, in this case, is a low level and, taking into account the causes the levels at the output of generator B to alternate, then the word in memory is a word composed of successive levels BHHB which can deduce by the correspondence table below.

BHBH ~ HBH
1 ~ 1 1 BHHB
Coding can be made more complex, without modifying the electrical circuits of encoder 4, by completing the two-key keyboard with additional dummy keys, 14, 15, the number of which can be ~ s ~ 3 ~ 7 12a greater than two, linked or not each to one of the two keys prlncipales 9 et 10. Thus, all ~ ouches become active and allow the code to be expressed by several digits, although pressing a dummy key 14, 15 corresponds to pressing one of the main keys 9, 10.
Taking as an example a four-key keyboard including two dummies, we can associate each key with a number 1 to 4. Assuming that the even digit keys and those odd numbers are connected electrically two by two, it follows that a code can be expressed in several ways, so the following codes are equivalent:
(a) 1121221 - main keys 9 and 10 only;
(b) 1341243, ~ with dummy keys 14 and 15 (c) 3121421, Of course, the user should ignore the meaning of the figures, i.e. the way in which the dummy keys 14 and 15 are linked ~ es inside the keyboard to main keys 9 and 10, only having the code cipher ~, which indicates the keys to press to confirm his personal code.
v ,. . .
~ 25 ~ 7 12b A copy of a concrete application from a two coder associated q keys ~ the opto-electronic lock is shown by figure 15, in which one recognizes, by numbers of identical reference, the elements shown in Figures 1 to 14. In addition, the indication M / A designates a witness to on / off, T a self-timer, SSR the serial output of the register 12, ETN the input of the level transmitter, SC la comparator output, STN the level transmitter output, and SDV a doubly validated output.
Furthermore, in FIGS. 15 and 16, we have designated by A
E of the connection terminals, by 28 a logic circuit NO, by 33a to 33g of ohmic resistors, by 34 a capacity, by 35 an AND logic circuit, by 36 a diode, by 38 a fuse, by 39 an accumulator battery, by 40 a transistor and by 41 an electrical relay coil.
Figure 16 is the explicit diagram given ~ title example of a transmitter encoder lock application levels (1) in the automotive industry It represents the motor vehicle start command. At the introduction of the optical key 5 in the lock, the switch 3 ~ establishes the power supply of the electronic assembly. The permissive encoder, via the key S authorizes the transmission, the input to the output of the transmitter encoder ~ 5 ~; 3 ~ 7 ~ ~ 3 -levels, of the word contained in a preprogrammed register 31 by authorizing to the rhythm of the clock 29 the transmission of the successive levels. The parallel serial register 12 accepts the word that comparator 13 includes against the word recorded in 26. If the identity is established, the comparator 13 toggles a bistable 30, which in turn authorizes the function-starter 32 (by turning the key) through the switch ~ & This last operation is, in fact, useless, but it is here intended not to change the user's preferences. he is ~ to note, on the one hand, that the real volume of the ~ errure should not exceed the volume of the conventional mechanical lock while putting other ~ protections and simultaneous commands. Likewise, the receiver part could be in the form of a single circuit compact integrated size of a DIL ~ 14 pin integrated circuit. Else apart, the whole ensures almost absolute protection of the car thanks to the tamper-resistant optical encoder, but also thanks to the fact that the connecting wires between lock 16 and receiver 17 are electrically only inactive and not exposed to short circuits which could except for the short circuit between the positive pole and the ground.
Theft protection is virtually flawless if the lines 19, 20, 21 and 22 remain difficult to access for manipulations undesirable. In this diagram, the number of connecting wires A, B, C, D, which is four if we take into account that the binding of the masrie E is made by the car body, is a number minimum possible. Since the currents transmitted by these wires are of the order of ten mA, the connection can therefore be made using a small diameter four-wire cable.
Note that in the diagram in Figure 16, we used the register 31 as a reference word source, in order to make more clear how the whole works, but it is obvious that a co-the word optoelectronic generator can fulfill this role, while by simplifying the same scheme. So the permissive code and the word references are generated simultaneously by the same key.
In the description above, the term lock is used in the sense very broad word to designate a device with optoelectronic encoders ques very original and simple design thanks to its physical nature.
~ 2 ~ s ~ 8q It provides security to protect access to a space or ~ a mactline ~ quite exceptional. Such security is due to the ability of the ~ errure to work simultaneously in permissive mode normal, which is the mode of conventional mechanical locks, and in conversational mode. This lock can receive instructions from the outside in logical or analog form, by cable, by channel by telephone or over the air. Thus, a vast field of application-tion is open in the field of access protection to a space or to a machine, 'cant in the building, automotive the, electric or electric or ~ electronic machines, that safes, etc ..., the opto-electric lock that can provide problems posed simple, effective and often very simple solutions ginal. In many cases, it competes directly with ~ magnetic card errors due to its security-cost price ratio.
The volume occupied by the lock, produced in an integrated form, can be much less than the volume of a conventional mechanical lock. Its price of returns can become extremely interesting thanks to the possibility of the mass production of most of the encoders.

Claims (7)

THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE INVENTION ABOUT WHICH A RIGHT TO
OWNERSHIP OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED, ARE DEFINED AS
FOLLOWS: 1. Opto-electronic lock comprising at least one key removable optics, an opto-electronic encoder intended to cooperate with this key and a microswitch controlling the power supply electric encoder and mechanically actuated by the key, the key comprising a network of optical passages which cross it, and the encoder comprising a network of lighting sources, a network of photoreceptors arranged opposite the sources of lighting and separated from them by a housing provided for the key, and at least one charge associated with the network of photoreceptors and at which a signal is collected electrical output, characterized in that the encoder is consisting of an encoder chosen from the group comprising:
a) a permissive encoder;
b) a permissive level transmitter encoder;
c) a word generator coder; and d) a combination of an encoder of type (a) or (b) with a type (c) encoder;
and in that said load is connected in series with at least part of the photoreceptors, 2. Lock according to claim 1, characterized in that the permissive encoder has a circuit logic AND opto-electronic with several optical inputs.
composed of a first group of said photoreceptors connected in series between them and in series with the load, and a logic circuit NO OR opto-electronic with several compound optical inputs of a second group of said photoreceptors connected in parallel between them and parallel to the load. 3. Lock according to claim 2, characterized in that the permissive encoder transmitting levels is a permissive encoder with which we associate a network modulator connected to at least one of the lighting sources or to at least one of the logic circuits, so as to modulate the signal of the permissive encoder, a control signal being applied to the input of the modulator and is found in a form corresponding to the permissive encoder output. 4. Lock according to claim 3, characterized in that the input of the modulator is connected to a unit. chosen from the group comprising a keyboard encoder and a modem, and is arranged to receive information by means chosen from the group comprising the cable and the hertzian way. 5. Lock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the word generator coder has a group of lighting sources arranged in a foreground, and the same number of photoreceptors arranged in a second plane parallel to the first, the assembly forming n photocouples, the key can be introduced between sources and photoreceptors by activating certain photocouples, each photoreceptor having its own charge in which it delivers a current if it is lit, the set of levels across the set charges defining a logical word on which the structure depends the geometric arrangement of the optical passages of the key, and in that each resistive load is connected to one of the inputs a shift register with parallel input and serial output, the logical word being collected at the serial output of the register under the form of a succession of logical levels which follow one another in the time, 6. Lock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the optical passages of the key are distributed over a so-called active surface which includes different functional areas corresponding respectively to at least two encoders of different types, and that these areas functional are at least partially nested. 7. Lock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coder further comprises a coder with two-key keyboard consisting, on the one hand, of a keyboard with two keys of a type chosen from the group with or without dummy keys and, on the other hand, by an electronic assembly comprising a level generator, a device for visual or sound materialization of the levels from the generator, a logic of taking into account or not the levels generated by the generator, and controlled by said two-key keyboard, a storage register for successive levels taken into account, a source of words from reference and a comparator, comparing the word stored in the register to one of the reference modes from the word source and delivering a pulse in case of coincidence of the two words compared,