CA2013671A1 - Alarm and door lock controller - Google Patents
Alarm and door lock controllerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2013671A1 CA2013671A1 CA002013671A CA2013671A CA2013671A1 CA 2013671 A1 CA2013671 A1 CA 2013671A1 CA 002013671 A CA002013671 A CA 002013671A CA 2013671 A CA2013671 A CA 2013671A CA 2013671 A1 CA2013671 A1 CA 2013671A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- alarm system
- card
- alarm
- authorization code
- keyed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
- G08B25/008—Alarm setting and unsetting, i.e. arming or disarming of the security system
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B19/00—Alarms responsive to two or more different undesired or abnormal conditions, e.g. burglary and fire, abnormal temperature and abnormal rate of flow
- G08B19/005—Alarms responsive to two or more different undesired or abnormal conditions, e.g. burglary and fire, abnormal temperature and abnormal rate of flow combined burglary and fire alarm systems
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B29/00—Checking or monitoring of signalling or alarm systems; Prevention or correction of operating errors, e.g. preventing unauthorised operation
- G08B29/18—Prevention or correction of operating errors
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A security system comprises a standard alarm system and a door having an electrically operated lock. A controller associated with the alarm system and the electrically operated lock simultaneously locks the door and arms the alarm or unlocks the door and disarms the alarm in response to key means. This reduces the incidence of false alarms and reduces the risk of leaving a building without activating the alarm system. The system typically uses a card as the key, the card being read by a card reader. The card reader may also be used to program the alarm system control unit.
A security system comprises a standard alarm system and a door having an electrically operated lock. A controller associated with the alarm system and the electrically operated lock simultaneously locks the door and arms the alarm or unlocks the door and disarms the alarm in response to key means. This reduces the incidence of false alarms and reduces the risk of leaving a building without activating the alarm system. The system typically uses a card as the key, the card being read by a card reader. The card reader may also be used to program the alarm system control unit.
Description
2~3~
0~785-~ RDF
Alarm and Door Lock Controller This invention relates to a controller to simultaneously unlock an entranceway barrier and disarm an alarm system.
A building alarm system typically has a number o~ alarm sensors such as contacts which are installed between a window and the window frame and which are broken on the opening of the window, motion sensors to sense motion within the building, and heat sensors to detect fire. These sensors are connected to an alarm control panel so that signals from the sensors input the panel.
The panel, on receipt of a signal from one of the sensors, may activate a local alarm indicator, such as a siren. The alarm panel may also translate the signal received from an alarm sensor to a code representing the type and location of the alarm. For example, a code `'311' may represent a motion indication signal from the motion sensor in a particular room. The panel then sends this code to a remote monitoring station along with an address code for the particular alarm system.
Such an alarm system typically has a keypad located inside the main entrance (or entrances) of the building and hooked into the alarm panel. When the alarm system is armed and an individual enters the main entrance, this typically trips a motion detector or breaks contacts on the entranceway door. The alarm system is programmed to ignore the signal from this alarm sensor for a preset number of seconds which gives the lndividual the opportunity to approach the keypad and key in a code which causes the alarm panel to disarm the alarm.
With such an alarm system, if the proper code to disarm the alarm is not keyed in within the preset time period, the alarm '7 ~
control panel will activate the local alarm indicator and will alert the remote monitoring station. Consequently, where an authorised individual forgets his code or is distracted from entering the code within the preset period of time, a false alarm results with its attendant problems.
~ hen such an alarm system ls re-armed, there is again the possibility of a false alarm if the individual who has re-armed the alarm fails to exit the building within the time limited by the alarm system for him to do so. Fur~her, there is always the possibility the individual will simply forget to re-arm the alarm as he leaves.
In these alarm systems, the alarm panel is normally programmed with, amongst other things, the authorised disarming codes and the code numbers which are to be sent to the remote station upon receipt of a signal from each alarm sensor. Programming is effected through the keypad which is installed inside the main entranceway. This has the drawback that ~he programmer is effectively working blind. That is, little or no feedback is provided from the alarm panel which would allow the programmer to check whether he has entered the intended codes. Further, the data entry is a laborious process. This approach has the further disadvantage that each alarm installer tends to use different codes to represent the different alarm conditions which increases the overhead for the remote station in order that it may properly decode messages from each of the alarm systems which it monitors.
The subject invention seeks to overcome drawbacks of previous alarm systems.
Accordingly, tlle subject invention comprises a control means for a security system having an alarm system and a lockable barrier, the control means comprising:(a) first means for association with an alarm system activation means of an alarm system operable to selectively signal an alarm system to arm or disarm; (b) second means for association with a lock means of a lockable barrier operable to selectively lock or unlock said lock means; (c) keyed means responsive to a key for operating both said first means and said second means in order to either arm said alarm system and lock said lock means or disarm said alarm system and unlock said lock means.
In another aspect the present invention comprises a method of controlling access to a building having a lockable barrier and an alarm system, comprising the following steps: (a) verifying a key entered by an individual; (b) interpreting a request entered by an individual where the verification step indicates the re~uest is authorised; ~c) attempting to arm an alarm and, on confirmation the alarm is armed, locking a lockable barrier where the interpretation step indicates the request is for the building to be secured; (d~
disarming an alarm and unlocking a lockable barrier where the interpretation step indicates the request is for the building to be opened.
In yet another aspect, the present invention comprises a security system Eor an enclosure comprising: (a) an alarm system having sensor means for sensing alarm conditions, signalling means for signalling alarm conditions sensed by said sensing means, alarm system activation means for arming and disarming said alarm system and a programmable alarm system control unit responsive to signals 2~
04785-5 RDE~
from said sensor means for generating an indication of the nature and location of the sensed alarm condition; (b) keyed means responsive to authorised keys, said keyed means including: (i) card reader means for reading a key comprising an encoded card; (ii) card code memory means having an indication of a card code; and (iii) indicator means responsive to said card reader means and said card code memory means for indicating whether a card is an authorised card; (c~ controlling means responsive to said keyed means and operatively associated with said alarm system activation means for controlling said alarm system activation means in response to said keyed means; (d) a programmable alarm system control unit program input indicating means settable by an operator; wherein said controlling means is associated with said programmable alarm system control unit and is responsive to said program input indicating means to route data read by said card reader means to the program input oE said programmable alarm system control unit whereby information on a card means read by said card reader is input to said programmable a~arm system control unit via said control means when said program entry indicating means is set.
In the drawings which represent example embodiments of the inven-tion, figure 1 is a schematic view of a security system employing the subject invention, figure 2 is an enlarged front view of a portion of figure 1, and figure 3 is a detailed schematic view of a portion of figure 1.
: . ., 2 ~
Turning now to Eigure 1, an alarm and door lock controller 10 is located proximate the lockable front door (barrier) 11 of a building. The controller has keyed means, namely a keypad 12, a card access port 14 containing a card reader (66 in figure 3) for reception and reading of a card 16, and a number of ~.E.D.s 40.
The controller 10 is electrically connected to electrically operated door lock 18 of the door 11 via path 20 and a programmable alarm system control unit (or panel) 22 via path 24. A number of sensors comprising contacts 26, 28, and 30, motion sensor 32, and heat sensor 34 are electri.cally connected to the alarm panel 22.
The alarm panel is also connected to phone line 36 whereby the alarm panel may transmit to a remote monitoring station. 'rhe panel may have a keypad ~5 associa-ted with it. The panel is further connected with a signal:ling means comprising bell 37 and with an indicator panel 47~ The alarm panel may obtain operating power from a power source through plug 38 or from the battery back up 41.
This operating power may be distributed to other components oE the system through electrical connections from the alarm panel (not shown).
The keypad 12, as detailed in figure 2, is seen to comprise number keys 50 and function keys, namely, "open" key 52, llclosell key 54, "temp" key 56, "prog" key 58, "canc" key 60, and "end" key 62.
The controller 10 is further detailed in figure 3. Turning to figure 3, the controller is seen to comprise microprocessor 60, memory 62, keypad 12~ current generator 64, card reader 66, and timer 68. The processor 60 is connected for two-way communication with the memory 62 on line 70. The processor is connected to ~3~ ~
receive signals Erom number keys 50 of keypad 12 on path 50a, the "open key" 52 on line 52a, the "close" key 54 on line 5Aa, the "temp" key 56 on line 56a, the "prog" key 58 on line 58a, the "canc" key 60 on line 60a, and the "end" key 62 on line 62a. The processor may send an activation signal to the current generator on line 72a or 72b. More particularly, a signal on line 72a will cause the current generator to energise path 20 with a current which will unlock electrically operated lock 18 and a signal on line 72b will result in a current which will lock the electrically operated lock.
The electrically operated lock could comprise an electrically operated cam for selectively locking a strike plate against pivotin~ and freeing it for pivoting. Alternatively, the lock could be an electric deadbolt or an electromagnetic loclc. Suitable electrically operated locks are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not further detailed. Electronic locks are also known. These are similar to the electrically operated locks but carry their own current source. An electronic lock may be employed with the subject invention by omitting current generator 64 and feeding lines 72a and 72b directly to such a lock.
The processor 60 also receives signals from the card reader 66 on line 74 and it is connected to the reset and enable input of the timer 68 on line 76 and receives a time-out signal from the timer on line 78. The processor outputs signals to the alarm panel 22 on path 24a and receives a "confirmation alarm armed" signal from the panel on line 24b.
In the operation of the system, a number of access cards 16 having magnetic strips may be magnetically encoded with card codes which identiEy each card. An authorization code nu~ber is then stored in memory 62 at an address which is indicated by each card code. The access cards and the authorization code number associated with each access card are together the key that operates the controller. Each authorised individual may then be given one of the access cards and told the authorization code number associated with the card.
When an authorised individual wishes to gain access to the building when it is locked and the alarm system is activated, he may place his access card through port 14 of controller 10 into the card reader 66 of the controller and then enter an authorization code number on the number keys 50 oE keypad 12 and a desired action by depressing one of the function keys, in this case "open" key 52.
The card reader 66 reads the card code from the magnetic strip of the card 16 and sends this code to the processor 60 on line 74.
The processor also receives the authorization code keyed in on the keypad on path 50a. The processor interrogates the address of the memory 62 indicated by the card code and the memory returns the authorization code stored at that address. The processor compares the stored code with the authorization code received from the keypad and on a match accepts the function request, in this case the "open" request, input from the keypad to the processor on line 52a. To respond to the "open" request, the processor sends a disarm signal to the alarm panel on path 24a and on receipt of a confirmation signal from the panel that the alarm is disarmed (sent from the panel on line 24b), the processor sends an activation signal on line 72a which causes the current generator to unlock the electrically operated lock 18. The authorised individual may then ~ ~,,3~r`~ ~
04785-5 RDE`
open the door and enter the building without fear o~ the alarm sounding. If the individual i5 distracted from completing what is necessary to disarm the alarm or mis-keys the access code, there is no danger of generating a false alarm.
After a completed "open" request, the alarm remains disarmed and the door unlocked until an authorised individual inserts his access card and keys in the proper authori~ation code along with a "close" request from key 54. The processor responds to the close request by sending an "arm" signal to the alarm panel on path 24a and on receipt of a confirmation signal from the panel that the alarm is armed (sent from the panel on line 24b), the processor sends an activation signal to the current generator on line 72b which results in the locking of the electrically operated lock.
The alarm panel responds to an arm request from the processor and returns a con~irmation that the alarm is armed unless it is receiving a signal from one or more of the alarm sensors indicating one or more alarm conditions. In such a circumstance the alarm panel will not arm the alarm system and the processor will indicate an alarm condition problem, such as by way of one of the L.E.D.s 40 on the controller 10. This will prompt the user to re-enter the building and look at the indicator panel 47 of the alarm system which provides an indication of which alarm sensors are yenerating the alarm condition so that the user may take appropriate action (such as by closing a window left open).
A "close" operation does not re~uire as high a level of security as an "open" operation. Accordingly, it is possible to modify the programming o~ the processor 60 so that the processor -" 2~3~
wlll respond to a "close" request upon entry of an authorised card without the need for keying in an authorization code.
Since the door locking operation with the "close" function automatically re-arms the alarm, the risk oE leaving the building without re-arming the alarm is remote.
When the door is locked and alarm armed, an authorised individual may disarm the alarm and temporarily unlock the door by inserting his access card and keying in the proper authorization code followed by -the "temp" key 56. Once the processor has authenticated the request (as described hereinbefore in respect of an "openl' request), the processor responds to a "temp" request by sending a disarm signal to the alarm on path 24a and upon receipt of a "disarm" confirmation signal from the alarm panel via path 24b sends an unlocking activation signal to the current generator on line 72a. The processor also simultaneously sends a reset and enable signal to timer 68 on line 76~ Once the timer 68 times out, it sends a time out signal to the processor on line 78. In response to this signal, the processor sends a signal to the current generator on line 72b which results in a current on line 20 which locks the electrically operated lock 18. Accordingly, the "temp" request allows an authorised individual to disarm the alarm and to unlock the door for a preset number of seconds in order that the individual may enter the building, after which the door is relocked.
If the authorised individual wishes to abort his request, he may do so by depressing the "canc" key 60 of the keypad. A cancel request enters the processor on line 60a and causes the processor to abort the current operation.
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The system of this invention may be used to program the alarm panel, as follows A programmer may insert a special access card in card reader 66 and key in a special programmer's authorization code and then depress the "prog" key 58. If the processor determines the request is authorised, it responds by reading data from the magnetic strips of consecutive cards which the programmer may insert in the card reader and enters this program information to the alarm panel 22 on path 24a. This operation is concluded by the programmer keying in an "end" request with key 62 which inpu~s the processor on line 62a. This method of programming the alarm panel avoids data entry errors which are a major problem when the data is entered "blind" from a keypad 45 associated with the alarm panel~ Further, the use of cards for programming simplifies the task of standardising the programming codes for alarm systems as the prograrnming cards may readily be supplied to all installers and also reduces installation tim`e.
The aforedescribed controller may be installed on existing alarm systems as well as with new systems. Where installation is with an existing system, the alarm panel 22 will typically have a keypad 45 associated with it. Such an alarm panel ls programmed to respond to several different codes keyed in on keypad 45 to flip-flop between an armed and a disarmed state; the alarm panel also forwards the particular code used to disarm the alarm to the remote station via phone line 36. Different ones of these codes may then be given to different authorised individuals so that an indication of the identity of the individual accessing the building is given to the remote. When the controller 10 of this invention is used with such an alarm panel, the authorization codes r~ ~
associated with each card may be the codes which the panel would respond to were they keyed in on keypad 45. The "arm" or "disarm"
signal the processor 60 sends to the alarm panel 22 on path 24a would then simply be an indication of the authori~ation code. That is, the processor would emulate keypad 45~ The system would then also forward an indication of the individual accessing the building to the remote station. With an alarm panel which flip flops between an armed and disarmed state, the processor stores an indication of the current state of the alarm system ~armed or disarmed) so that should the alarm be disarmed and an "open"
request be issued on keypad 12, the processor would not send a signal to the alarm panel which would cause it to toggle to an armed state. The codes to which this alarm panel responds may also be programmed via the card reader.
The controller may include a number of L.E.D.s (illustrated in figures 1 and 2 at ~0) whereby the processor may provide status information to a user (for example, to indicate the alarm has not been re-armed on a "close" request, a red L.E.D. could be turned on for a pre-determined number of seconds). The details of construction of such a feedback means would be obvious to one skilled in the art and is not fu~ther detailed.
The system has been described in connection with a card reader and a keypad as the keyed means. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that these could be replaced with other mechanisms such as a simple keyed lock mechanism. With a keyed lock mechanism, the door would be unlocked and the alarm disarmed in response to insertion of an authorised key in the keyed lock mechanism and the turning of same in one direction. The door would be locked and the 2 ~ :~ 3 ~ PI ~-alarm would be armed ln response to insertion of the key and the turning of same in the opposite direction.
Other modifications within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art as the foregoing is by way of example. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined in the claims.
.
'
0~785-~ RDF
Alarm and Door Lock Controller This invention relates to a controller to simultaneously unlock an entranceway barrier and disarm an alarm system.
A building alarm system typically has a number o~ alarm sensors such as contacts which are installed between a window and the window frame and which are broken on the opening of the window, motion sensors to sense motion within the building, and heat sensors to detect fire. These sensors are connected to an alarm control panel so that signals from the sensors input the panel.
The panel, on receipt of a signal from one of the sensors, may activate a local alarm indicator, such as a siren. The alarm panel may also translate the signal received from an alarm sensor to a code representing the type and location of the alarm. For example, a code `'311' may represent a motion indication signal from the motion sensor in a particular room. The panel then sends this code to a remote monitoring station along with an address code for the particular alarm system.
Such an alarm system typically has a keypad located inside the main entrance (or entrances) of the building and hooked into the alarm panel. When the alarm system is armed and an individual enters the main entrance, this typically trips a motion detector or breaks contacts on the entranceway door. The alarm system is programmed to ignore the signal from this alarm sensor for a preset number of seconds which gives the lndividual the opportunity to approach the keypad and key in a code which causes the alarm panel to disarm the alarm.
With such an alarm system, if the proper code to disarm the alarm is not keyed in within the preset time period, the alarm '7 ~
control panel will activate the local alarm indicator and will alert the remote monitoring station. Consequently, where an authorised individual forgets his code or is distracted from entering the code within the preset period of time, a false alarm results with its attendant problems.
~ hen such an alarm system ls re-armed, there is again the possibility of a false alarm if the individual who has re-armed the alarm fails to exit the building within the time limited by the alarm system for him to do so. Fur~her, there is always the possibility the individual will simply forget to re-arm the alarm as he leaves.
In these alarm systems, the alarm panel is normally programmed with, amongst other things, the authorised disarming codes and the code numbers which are to be sent to the remote station upon receipt of a signal from each alarm sensor. Programming is effected through the keypad which is installed inside the main entranceway. This has the drawback that ~he programmer is effectively working blind. That is, little or no feedback is provided from the alarm panel which would allow the programmer to check whether he has entered the intended codes. Further, the data entry is a laborious process. This approach has the further disadvantage that each alarm installer tends to use different codes to represent the different alarm conditions which increases the overhead for the remote station in order that it may properly decode messages from each of the alarm systems which it monitors.
The subject invention seeks to overcome drawbacks of previous alarm systems.
Accordingly, tlle subject invention comprises a control means for a security system having an alarm system and a lockable barrier, the control means comprising:(a) first means for association with an alarm system activation means of an alarm system operable to selectively signal an alarm system to arm or disarm; (b) second means for association with a lock means of a lockable barrier operable to selectively lock or unlock said lock means; (c) keyed means responsive to a key for operating both said first means and said second means in order to either arm said alarm system and lock said lock means or disarm said alarm system and unlock said lock means.
In another aspect the present invention comprises a method of controlling access to a building having a lockable barrier and an alarm system, comprising the following steps: (a) verifying a key entered by an individual; (b) interpreting a request entered by an individual where the verification step indicates the re~uest is authorised; ~c) attempting to arm an alarm and, on confirmation the alarm is armed, locking a lockable barrier where the interpretation step indicates the request is for the building to be secured; (d~
disarming an alarm and unlocking a lockable barrier where the interpretation step indicates the request is for the building to be opened.
In yet another aspect, the present invention comprises a security system Eor an enclosure comprising: (a) an alarm system having sensor means for sensing alarm conditions, signalling means for signalling alarm conditions sensed by said sensing means, alarm system activation means for arming and disarming said alarm system and a programmable alarm system control unit responsive to signals 2~
04785-5 RDE~
from said sensor means for generating an indication of the nature and location of the sensed alarm condition; (b) keyed means responsive to authorised keys, said keyed means including: (i) card reader means for reading a key comprising an encoded card; (ii) card code memory means having an indication of a card code; and (iii) indicator means responsive to said card reader means and said card code memory means for indicating whether a card is an authorised card; (c~ controlling means responsive to said keyed means and operatively associated with said alarm system activation means for controlling said alarm system activation means in response to said keyed means; (d) a programmable alarm system control unit program input indicating means settable by an operator; wherein said controlling means is associated with said programmable alarm system control unit and is responsive to said program input indicating means to route data read by said card reader means to the program input oE said programmable alarm system control unit whereby information on a card means read by said card reader is input to said programmable a~arm system control unit via said control means when said program entry indicating means is set.
In the drawings which represent example embodiments of the inven-tion, figure 1 is a schematic view of a security system employing the subject invention, figure 2 is an enlarged front view of a portion of figure 1, and figure 3 is a detailed schematic view of a portion of figure 1.
: . ., 2 ~
Turning now to Eigure 1, an alarm and door lock controller 10 is located proximate the lockable front door (barrier) 11 of a building. The controller has keyed means, namely a keypad 12, a card access port 14 containing a card reader (66 in figure 3) for reception and reading of a card 16, and a number of ~.E.D.s 40.
The controller 10 is electrically connected to electrically operated door lock 18 of the door 11 via path 20 and a programmable alarm system control unit (or panel) 22 via path 24. A number of sensors comprising contacts 26, 28, and 30, motion sensor 32, and heat sensor 34 are electri.cally connected to the alarm panel 22.
The alarm panel is also connected to phone line 36 whereby the alarm panel may transmit to a remote monitoring station. 'rhe panel may have a keypad ~5 associa-ted with it. The panel is further connected with a signal:ling means comprising bell 37 and with an indicator panel 47~ The alarm panel may obtain operating power from a power source through plug 38 or from the battery back up 41.
This operating power may be distributed to other components oE the system through electrical connections from the alarm panel (not shown).
The keypad 12, as detailed in figure 2, is seen to comprise number keys 50 and function keys, namely, "open" key 52, llclosell key 54, "temp" key 56, "prog" key 58, "canc" key 60, and "end" key 62.
The controller 10 is further detailed in figure 3. Turning to figure 3, the controller is seen to comprise microprocessor 60, memory 62, keypad 12~ current generator 64, card reader 66, and timer 68. The processor 60 is connected for two-way communication with the memory 62 on line 70. The processor is connected to ~3~ ~
receive signals Erom number keys 50 of keypad 12 on path 50a, the "open key" 52 on line 52a, the "close" key 54 on line 5Aa, the "temp" key 56 on line 56a, the "prog" key 58 on line 58a, the "canc" key 60 on line 60a, and the "end" key 62 on line 62a. The processor may send an activation signal to the current generator on line 72a or 72b. More particularly, a signal on line 72a will cause the current generator to energise path 20 with a current which will unlock electrically operated lock 18 and a signal on line 72b will result in a current which will lock the electrically operated lock.
The electrically operated lock could comprise an electrically operated cam for selectively locking a strike plate against pivotin~ and freeing it for pivoting. Alternatively, the lock could be an electric deadbolt or an electromagnetic loclc. Suitable electrically operated locks are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not further detailed. Electronic locks are also known. These are similar to the electrically operated locks but carry their own current source. An electronic lock may be employed with the subject invention by omitting current generator 64 and feeding lines 72a and 72b directly to such a lock.
The processor 60 also receives signals from the card reader 66 on line 74 and it is connected to the reset and enable input of the timer 68 on line 76 and receives a time-out signal from the timer on line 78. The processor outputs signals to the alarm panel 22 on path 24a and receives a "confirmation alarm armed" signal from the panel on line 24b.
In the operation of the system, a number of access cards 16 having magnetic strips may be magnetically encoded with card codes which identiEy each card. An authorization code nu~ber is then stored in memory 62 at an address which is indicated by each card code. The access cards and the authorization code number associated with each access card are together the key that operates the controller. Each authorised individual may then be given one of the access cards and told the authorization code number associated with the card.
When an authorised individual wishes to gain access to the building when it is locked and the alarm system is activated, he may place his access card through port 14 of controller 10 into the card reader 66 of the controller and then enter an authorization code number on the number keys 50 oE keypad 12 and a desired action by depressing one of the function keys, in this case "open" key 52.
The card reader 66 reads the card code from the magnetic strip of the card 16 and sends this code to the processor 60 on line 74.
The processor also receives the authorization code keyed in on the keypad on path 50a. The processor interrogates the address of the memory 62 indicated by the card code and the memory returns the authorization code stored at that address. The processor compares the stored code with the authorization code received from the keypad and on a match accepts the function request, in this case the "open" request, input from the keypad to the processor on line 52a. To respond to the "open" request, the processor sends a disarm signal to the alarm panel on path 24a and on receipt of a confirmation signal from the panel that the alarm is disarmed (sent from the panel on line 24b), the processor sends an activation signal on line 72a which causes the current generator to unlock the electrically operated lock 18. The authorised individual may then ~ ~,,3~r`~ ~
04785-5 RDE`
open the door and enter the building without fear o~ the alarm sounding. If the individual i5 distracted from completing what is necessary to disarm the alarm or mis-keys the access code, there is no danger of generating a false alarm.
After a completed "open" request, the alarm remains disarmed and the door unlocked until an authorised individual inserts his access card and keys in the proper authori~ation code along with a "close" request from key 54. The processor responds to the close request by sending an "arm" signal to the alarm panel on path 24a and on receipt of a confirmation signal from the panel that the alarm is armed (sent from the panel on line 24b), the processor sends an activation signal to the current generator on line 72b which results in the locking of the electrically operated lock.
The alarm panel responds to an arm request from the processor and returns a con~irmation that the alarm is armed unless it is receiving a signal from one or more of the alarm sensors indicating one or more alarm conditions. In such a circumstance the alarm panel will not arm the alarm system and the processor will indicate an alarm condition problem, such as by way of one of the L.E.D.s 40 on the controller 10. This will prompt the user to re-enter the building and look at the indicator panel 47 of the alarm system which provides an indication of which alarm sensors are yenerating the alarm condition so that the user may take appropriate action (such as by closing a window left open).
A "close" operation does not re~uire as high a level of security as an "open" operation. Accordingly, it is possible to modify the programming o~ the processor 60 so that the processor -" 2~3~
wlll respond to a "close" request upon entry of an authorised card without the need for keying in an authorization code.
Since the door locking operation with the "close" function automatically re-arms the alarm, the risk oE leaving the building without re-arming the alarm is remote.
When the door is locked and alarm armed, an authorised individual may disarm the alarm and temporarily unlock the door by inserting his access card and keying in the proper authorization code followed by -the "temp" key 56. Once the processor has authenticated the request (as described hereinbefore in respect of an "openl' request), the processor responds to a "temp" request by sending a disarm signal to the alarm on path 24a and upon receipt of a "disarm" confirmation signal from the alarm panel via path 24b sends an unlocking activation signal to the current generator on line 72a. The processor also simultaneously sends a reset and enable signal to timer 68 on line 76~ Once the timer 68 times out, it sends a time out signal to the processor on line 78. In response to this signal, the processor sends a signal to the current generator on line 72b which results in a current on line 20 which locks the electrically operated lock 18. Accordingly, the "temp" request allows an authorised individual to disarm the alarm and to unlock the door for a preset number of seconds in order that the individual may enter the building, after which the door is relocked.
If the authorised individual wishes to abort his request, he may do so by depressing the "canc" key 60 of the keypad. A cancel request enters the processor on line 60a and causes the processor to abort the current operation.
_ g _ 2 ~ ~ s~
The system of this invention may be used to program the alarm panel, as follows A programmer may insert a special access card in card reader 66 and key in a special programmer's authorization code and then depress the "prog" key 58. If the processor determines the request is authorised, it responds by reading data from the magnetic strips of consecutive cards which the programmer may insert in the card reader and enters this program information to the alarm panel 22 on path 24a. This operation is concluded by the programmer keying in an "end" request with key 62 which inpu~s the processor on line 62a. This method of programming the alarm panel avoids data entry errors which are a major problem when the data is entered "blind" from a keypad 45 associated with the alarm panel~ Further, the use of cards for programming simplifies the task of standardising the programming codes for alarm systems as the prograrnming cards may readily be supplied to all installers and also reduces installation tim`e.
The aforedescribed controller may be installed on existing alarm systems as well as with new systems. Where installation is with an existing system, the alarm panel 22 will typically have a keypad 45 associated with it. Such an alarm panel ls programmed to respond to several different codes keyed in on keypad 45 to flip-flop between an armed and a disarmed state; the alarm panel also forwards the particular code used to disarm the alarm to the remote station via phone line 36. Different ones of these codes may then be given to different authorised individuals so that an indication of the identity of the individual accessing the building is given to the remote. When the controller 10 of this invention is used with such an alarm panel, the authorization codes r~ ~
associated with each card may be the codes which the panel would respond to were they keyed in on keypad 45. The "arm" or "disarm"
signal the processor 60 sends to the alarm panel 22 on path 24a would then simply be an indication of the authori~ation code. That is, the processor would emulate keypad 45~ The system would then also forward an indication of the individual accessing the building to the remote station. With an alarm panel which flip flops between an armed and disarmed state, the processor stores an indication of the current state of the alarm system ~armed or disarmed) so that should the alarm be disarmed and an "open"
request be issued on keypad 12, the processor would not send a signal to the alarm panel which would cause it to toggle to an armed state. The codes to which this alarm panel responds may also be programmed via the card reader.
The controller may include a number of L.E.D.s (illustrated in figures 1 and 2 at ~0) whereby the processor may provide status information to a user (for example, to indicate the alarm has not been re-armed on a "close" request, a red L.E.D. could be turned on for a pre-determined number of seconds). The details of construction of such a feedback means would be obvious to one skilled in the art and is not fu~ther detailed.
The system has been described in connection with a card reader and a keypad as the keyed means. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that these could be replaced with other mechanisms such as a simple keyed lock mechanism. With a keyed lock mechanism, the door would be unlocked and the alarm disarmed in response to insertion of an authorised key in the keyed lock mechanism and the turning of same in one direction. The door would be locked and the 2 ~ :~ 3 ~ PI ~-alarm would be armed ln response to insertion of the key and the turning of same in the opposite direction.
Other modifications within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art as the foregoing is by way of example. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined in the claims.
.
'
Claims (15)
1. A control means for a security system having an alarm system and a lockable barrier, the control means comprising:
(a) first means for association with an alarm system activation means of an alarm system operable to selectively signal an alarm system to arm or disarm;
(b) second means for association with a lock means of a lockable barrier operable to selectively lock or unlock said lock means;
(c) keyed means responsive to a key for operating both said first means and said second means in order to either arm said alarm system and lock said lock means or disarm said alarm system and unlock said lock means.
(a) first means for association with an alarm system activation means of an alarm system operable to selectively signal an alarm system to arm or disarm;
(b) second means for association with a lock means of a lockable barrier operable to selectively lock or unlock said lock means;
(c) keyed means responsive to a key for operating both said first means and said second means in order to either arm said alarm system and lock said lock means or disarm said alarm system and unlock said lock means.
2. The control means of claim 1 further including means for confirming said alarm system has armed in response to a signal from said first means and wherein said keyed means operates said second means to lock said lock means only after confirmation from said confirmation means that said alarm system has armed.
3. The control means of claim 2 wherein said keyed means includes:
(i) card reader means for reading a key comprising an encoded card;
(ii) card code memory means having an indication of a card code;
and (iii) indicator means responsive to said card reader means and said card code memory means for indicating whether a card is an authorised card whereby said keyed means operates said first means and said second means only where said indicator means indicates an authorised card.
(i) card reader means for reading a key comprising an encoded card;
(ii) card code memory means having an indication of a card code;
and (iii) indicator means responsive to said card reader means and said card code memory means for indicating whether a card is an authorised card whereby said keyed means operates said first means and said second means only where said indicator means indicates an authorised card.
4. The control means of claim 3 wherein said keyed means further includes:
(iv) authorization code memory means for storing an authorization code;
(v) data entry means for entering an authorization code; and (vi) authorization code comparator means for comparing said stored authorization code with said entered authorization code, whereby said keyed means operates said first means and said second means only where said authorization code comparator means indicates a match between said stored authorization code and said entered authorization code.
(iv) authorization code memory means for storing an authorization code;
(v) data entry means for entering an authorization code; and (vi) authorization code comparator means for comparing said stored authorization code with said entered authorization code, whereby said keyed means operates said first means and said second means only where said authorization code comparator means indicates a match between said stored authorization code and said entered authorization code.
5. The control means of claim 4 including:
(d) timer means; and (e) timed unlock indicator means settable by an operator said timer means being activated when said timed unlock indicator means is set, said authorization code comparator means indicates a match, and said indicator means indicates a card is an authorised card, said second means being responsive to a time out signal from said timer means to lock said locking means.
(d) timer means; and (e) timed unlock indicator means settable by an operator said timer means being activated when said timed unlock indicator means is set, said authorization code comparator means indicates a match, and said indicator means indicates a card is an authorised card, said second means being responsive to a time out signal from said timer means to lock said locking means.
6. The control means of claim 3 comprising:
program input indicating means settable by an operator third means for association with a programmable alarm system control unit of said alarm system and responsive to said program input indicating means to route data read by said card reader means to said programmable alarm system control unit.
program input indicating means settable by an operator third means for association with a programmable alarm system control unit of said alarm system and responsive to said program input indicating means to route data read by said card reader means to said programmable alarm system control unit.
7. A security system for an enclosure having an entranceway which may be blocked by a lockable barrier comprising:
(a) an alarm system having sensor means for sensing alarm conditions, signalling means for signalling alarm conditions.sensed by said sensing means and alarm system activation means for arming and disarming said alarm system;
(b) an enclosure entranceway barrier locking means for locking and unlocking an enclosure entranceway barrier; and (c) control means including (i) keyed means responsive to authorised keys and (ii) controlling means responsive to said keyed means and operatively associated with said alarm system activation means and with said locking means for substantially simultaneously controlling said alarm system activation means and said locking means in response to said keyed means whereby, in response to an authorised key, either said barrier locking means is unlocked and said alarm system is disarmed or said barrier locking means is locked and said alarm system is armed.
(a) an alarm system having sensor means for sensing alarm conditions, signalling means for signalling alarm conditions.sensed by said sensing means and alarm system activation means for arming and disarming said alarm system;
(b) an enclosure entranceway barrier locking means for locking and unlocking an enclosure entranceway barrier; and (c) control means including (i) keyed means responsive to authorised keys and (ii) controlling means responsive to said keyed means and operatively associated with said alarm system activation means and with said locking means for substantially simultaneously controlling said alarm system activation means and said locking means in response to said keyed means whereby, in response to an authorised key, either said barrier locking means is unlocked and said alarm system is disarmed or said barrier locking means is locked and said alarm system is armed.
8. The security system of claim 7 wherein said controlling means further including means for confirming said alarm system has armed and wherein said controlling means controls said locking means to lock said lock means only after confirmation from said confirmation means that said alarm system has armed.
9. The security system of claim 8 wherein said sensor means include entranceway entry sensing means.
10. The security system of claim 7 wherein said keyed means includes:
(i) card reader means for reading a key comprising an encoded card;
(ii) card code memory means having an indication of a card code;
and (iii) indicator means responsive to said card reader means and said card cods memory means for indicating whether a card is an authorised card whereby said control means controls said alarm system activation means and said locking means only where said indicator means indicates an authorised card.
(i) card reader means for reading a key comprising an encoded card;
(ii) card code memory means having an indication of a card code;
and (iii) indicator means responsive to said card reader means and said card cods memory means for indicating whether a card is an authorised card whereby said control means controls said alarm system activation means and said locking means only where said indicator means indicates an authorised card.
11. The security system of claim 10 wherein said keyed means further includes:
(iv) authorization code memory means for storing an authorization code;
(v) data entry means for entering an authorization code; and (vi) authorization code comparator means for comparing said stored authorization code with said entered authorization code, whereby said control means controls said alarm system activation means and said locking means only where said authorization code comparator means indicates a match between said stored authorization code and said entered authorization code.
(iv) authorization code memory means for storing an authorization code;
(v) data entry means for entering an authorization code; and (vi) authorization code comparator means for comparing said stored authorization code with said entered authorization code, whereby said control means controls said alarm system activation means and said locking means only where said authorization code comparator means indicates a match between said stored authorization code and said entered authorization code.
12. The security system of claim 11 wherein said control means includes:
(i) timer means; and (ii) timed unlock indicator means settable by an operator said timer means being activated when said timed unlock indicator means is set said authorization code comparator means indicates a match, and said indicator means indicates a card is an authorised card and said control means being responsive to a time out signal from said timer means to lock said locking means.
(i) timer means; and (ii) timed unlock indicator means settable by an operator said timer means being activated when said timed unlock indicator means is set said authorization code comparator means indicates a match, and said indicator means indicates a card is an authorised card and said control means being responsive to a time out signal from said timer means to lock said locking means.
13. The security system of claim 10 comprising:
a programmable alarm system control unit responsive to signals from said sensor means for generating an indication of the nature and location of the sensed event;
means to transmit the generated event indication to a remote station;
program input indicating means settable by an operator and wherein said control means is associated with said programmable alarm system control unit and is responsive to said program input indicating means to route data read by said card reader means to the program input of said programmable alarm system control unit whereby information on a card means read by said card reader is input to said programmable alarm system control unit via said control means when said program entry indicating means is set.
a programmable alarm system control unit responsive to signals from said sensor means for generating an indication of the nature and location of the sensed event;
means to transmit the generated event indication to a remote station;
program input indicating means settable by an operator and wherein said control means is associated with said programmable alarm system control unit and is responsive to said program input indicating means to route data read by said card reader means to the program input of said programmable alarm system control unit whereby information on a card means read by said card reader is input to said programmable alarm system control unit via said control means when said program entry indicating means is set.
14. A method of controlling access to a building having a lockable barrier and an alarm system, comprising -the following steps:
(a) verifying a key entered by an individual;
(b) interpreting a request entered by an individual where the verification step indicates the request is authorised;
(c) attempting to arm an alarm and, on confirmation the alarm is armed, locking a lockable barrier where the interpretation step indicates the request is for the building to be secured;
(d) disarming an alarm and unlocking a lockable barrier where the interpretation step indicates the request is for the building to be opened.
(a) verifying a key entered by an individual;
(b) interpreting a request entered by an individual where the verification step indicates the request is authorised;
(c) attempting to arm an alarm and, on confirmation the alarm is armed, locking a lockable barrier where the interpretation step indicates the request is for the building to be secured;
(d) disarming an alarm and unlocking a lockable barrier where the interpretation step indicates the request is for the building to be opened.
15. A security system for an enclosure comprising:
(a) an alarm system having sensor means for sensing alarm conditions, signalling means for signalling alarm conditions sensed by said sensing means, alarm system activation means for arming and disarming said alarm system and a programmable alarm system control unit responsive to signals from said sensor means for generating an indication of the nature and location of the sensed alarm condition;
(b) keyed means responsive to authorised keys, said keyed means including: (i) card reader means for reading a key comprising an encoded card; (ii) card code memory means having an indication of a card code; and (iii) indicator means responsive to said card reader means and said card code memory means for indicating whether a card is an authorised card;
(c) controlling means responsive to said keyed means and operatively associated with said alarm system activation means for controlling said alarm system activation means in response to said keyed means;
(d) a programmable alarm system control unit program input indicating means settable by an operator;
wherein said controlling means is associated with said programmable alarm system control unit and is responsive to said program input indicating means to route data read by said card reader means to the program input of said programmable alarm system control unit whereby information on a card means read by said card reader is input to said programmable alarm system control unit via said control means when said program entry indicating means is set.
(a) an alarm system having sensor means for sensing alarm conditions, signalling means for signalling alarm conditions sensed by said sensing means, alarm system activation means for arming and disarming said alarm system and a programmable alarm system control unit responsive to signals from said sensor means for generating an indication of the nature and location of the sensed alarm condition;
(b) keyed means responsive to authorised keys, said keyed means including: (i) card reader means for reading a key comprising an encoded card; (ii) card code memory means having an indication of a card code; and (iii) indicator means responsive to said card reader means and said card code memory means for indicating whether a card is an authorised card;
(c) controlling means responsive to said keyed means and operatively associated with said alarm system activation means for controlling said alarm system activation means in response to said keyed means;
(d) a programmable alarm system control unit program input indicating means settable by an operator;
wherein said controlling means is associated with said programmable alarm system control unit and is responsive to said program input indicating means to route data read by said card reader means to the program input of said programmable alarm system control unit whereby information on a card means read by said card reader is input to said programmable alarm system control unit via said control means when said program entry indicating means is set.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002013671A CA2013671A1 (en) | 1990-04-02 | 1990-04-02 | Alarm and door lock controller |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002013671A CA2013671A1 (en) | 1990-04-02 | 1990-04-02 | Alarm and door lock controller |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2013671A1 true CA2013671A1 (en) | 1991-10-02 |
Family
ID=4144650
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002013671A Abandoned CA2013671A1 (en) | 1990-04-02 | 1990-04-02 | Alarm and door lock controller |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2013671A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020160068A1 (en) * | 2019-02-01 | 2020-08-06 | SimpliSafe, Inc. | System for alarm system arming and door lock operation |
-
1990
- 1990-04-02 CA CA002013671A patent/CA2013671A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020160068A1 (en) * | 2019-02-01 | 2020-08-06 | SimpliSafe, Inc. | System for alarm system arming and door lock operation |
| US11028616B2 (en) | 2019-02-01 | 2021-06-08 | SimpliSafe, Inc. | System for alarm system arming and door lock operation |
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