DE29804066U1 - Cylinder key - Google Patents

Abstract

The lock has mechanical identification in the form of mechanical cuts (4) into the key shaft (2) for aligning mechanical tumblers (8) in the associated cylinder lock (5). There is additional electronic identification which individualizes the key and causes a release reaction in the lock cylinder only for an access authorized key. The additional electronic identification has a sensor (13) on at least one gripping surface (3a) of the key head (3) for detecting predefined person-specific data of the current key user. The sensor works in conjunction with evaluation electronics with a data memory. The current data are compared with previously stored data and a release triggering signal is only generated only in the event of a defined degree of coincidence.

Description

2*&sgr;. 02.1998

Cylinder key

The present invention relates to a cylinder key according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such cylinder keys are known, for example, from EP 0 743 412 Al.

In addition to its mechanical identification, this cylinder key has an electronic identification that is attached to the key shaft. If, in addition to the mechanical identification, the electronic identification matches an electronic comparison identification stored in the locking cylinder, an additional rotation lock on the cylinder core is electromechanically disengaged, thus releasing the locking core.

While in the cylinder key according to EP 0 7 43 412 A1 0 the data exchange takes place via the information attached to the key shaft, EP 0 187 3 63 B1 discloses a possibility according to which the data exchange takes place via a detector/counter-detector which is located on the key head/lock cylinder.
35

With this arrangement of information provider/information receiver, the data exchange is also contactless, because in general the front edge of the key head, where the detector is located, is opposite the front face of the locking cylinder.

linders, where the counter detector is located, "should be free from interference.

Furthermore, it is known from DE 44 22 906 C2 to transfer coded signals from a vehicle transmitter to a key, from where the coded signals are returned to a vehicle receiver.

Here, data exchange is generally wireless and takes place from the wider area of the transmitter and receiver.

However, all of the above-mentioned embodiments have one basic idea in common:

All that matters here is the data coordination between the key and the locking cylinder. Once the key with access authorization is available, anyone can gain access using this key.

EP 0 224 607 Bl aims to avoid this disadvantage.

For this purpose, an electronic monitoring device is connected to the key, which interacts with a counterpart on the locking cylinder.
25

Although the disclosure of EP 0 224 607 B1 assumes that this makes it possible to identify the respective key user, this idea can only be limited to the use of the correctly coded key.
30

Under no circumstances can this arrangement be used to derive the authorization of the current key user to use the cylinder key, because no distinction is made between different users.
35

It is therefore the object of the present invention to further develop the known cylinder key with both mechanical and additional electronic identification in such a way that a clear assignment of the current user with regard to

to a predetermined personal access authorization is possible.

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

The invention combines the mechanical identification of the key with a unique, personal identification, which alone provides access authorization for the key in question.

It is essential that the electronic identification is based on the determination of predetermined personal data of the current key user.
15

The electronic identifier can therefore be clearly assigned to a specific key user. Each key is therefore unique and tied to a specific person. The electronics for the identifier therefore check the user's authorization to use the key.

If the user loses his key, this is irrelevant as the electronic unique identifier can only be activated by the authorized user and no one else.

This was not possible with the previously known combination keys with mechanical and electronic identification.
30

Whereas previously it was a question of the correct combination of mechanical and electronic identification, it is now a question of the correct combination of mechanical and personal identification, whereby only the correct personal identification triggers the correct electronic identification, which then triggers the release/holding action.

The invention therefore uses the idea that person-specific characteristics - provided that sufficient individual characteristics are used -

are - in this combination* "unique" and* therefore completely unambiguous.

Personal data that can be used includes fingerprints, iris constellations, etc.

In this respect, it is also not necessary to check the personal data in its entirety for identity.
10

It is therefore sufficient to check the minimum number of anatomical characteristics required by case law in order to realise the unique identification.

Let us explain this using the example of a fingerprint:

According to current case law, it is possible to clearly identify a person from a fingerprint if the basic pattern of the fingerprint is identified and eight anatomical features match.

The basic patterns are, for example, the loop, the swirl and the arch (right and left respectively).

Anatomical features include, for example, interruptions, bifurcations, and multiplications of individual lines.

It is therefore not necessary to compare a fingerprint in all details with a fingerprint previously stored in the data storage in order to reliably determine personal access authorization.

The sole determination of the matching basic pattern in conjunction with eight or, without a basic pattern, with twelve anatomical features ensures uniqueness.

This type of biometric data, in which the sensor records unchangeable biometric data, is particularly advantageous.

This refers to data that remains unchanged throughout a person’s life, such as fingerprints.

Since fingerprints - as mentioned above - only require a small amount of individual data to ensure uniqueness, the further development according to claim 3 is therefore appropriate.

After that, it is no longer necessary to place the finger whose print is to be checked on the sensor in the correct translational and rotational position.

The comparatively small amount of data required makes it possible to integrate the corresponding mathematical mapping rule into a very small processor, which can then advantageously be housed together with the memory on the key head.

Other embodiments are also possible for the realization of the invention:

In addition to the integration of sensor, processor and memory into the key head, special attention is paid to a further development in which only the sensor is located on the key head. The data recorded by the sensor is then transmitted wirelessly or via contact to the locking cylinder, where the data is then processed accordingly in a processor. From there, the release/hold action takes place, provided that access authorization has been proven using this data.

This development is particularly secure against manipulation because the data recorded by the sensor can practically not be imitated in detail.
40

The large number of data that must be entered cannot therefore be transferred to the locking cylinder in a simple manner.

In the version with sensor, processor and memory on the key handle, in the simplest case - provided access authorization has been established - a release signal can be sent to the locking cylinder.

In order to protect this release signal from easy imitation, it can be additionally coded and the coded signal then transmitted to the locking cylinder via a transponder circuit.

If the sensor, processor and memory are integrated into the same chip, this offers the advantage of easy installation on the key head.

Such a chip can be arranged directly on the key head or by means of a chip carrier, which in turn is connected to the key head.

In this way, conventional key blanks can also be easily used for the invention.
25

Advantageous further developments arise from the subclaims. In this case, particular attention is paid to a further development in which the sensor is assembled from individual sensor elements in a matrix form and is probably known as a fingerprint sensor (see e.g. Siemens).

Such a sensor should be suitable for the present application because, after determining the basic pattern (loop, vertebra, arch), it only requires the determination of up to a maximum of eight anatomical features in order to arrive at a clear statement about access authorization.

Therefore, despite the complex structure of a fingerprint, only a very small number of computer and

Storage capacity is necessary in order to arrive at a reliable statement.

Since such a sensor is also extremely flat, it can easily be integrated into a key head, preferably in conjunction with a transponder which - if the fingerprint matches - transmits a coded signal to the locking cylinder.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. They show:

Fig.l a first embodiment of the invention with

Arrangement of processor and memory on the
key head,

Fig.2 an embodiment of the invention with a

A multitude of data lines to the locking cylinder in the processor located there,

Fig.3a an embodiment with integrated processor and memory,

Fig.3b View of the illustration in Fig.3a in the direction

I-l,

Fig.3c an enlarged view according to Fig.3b,
Fig.4a an embodiment with separately on the
5 Key head arranged holder,

Fig.4b Embodiment according to Fig.4a in viewing direction

II-II, and

Fig.4c an embodiment with holders arranged on both sides.
30

Unless otherwise stated below, the following description always applies to all figures.

The figures show a cylinder key 1, consisting of a key shaft 2 and a key head 3. On the key head 3, the large side surfaces are marked with grip surfaces 3a, 3b. The key shaft 2 has a mechanical identifier, formed from incisions 4 on the key shaft 2 for the alignment of mechanical locking elements (not shown), which are in the associated locking cylinder 5 and

are brought into the release position by means of the incisions? - provided that the mechanical identifier has access authorization.

Such mechanical locking elements are state of the art. They are located in holes in the locking cylinder 5 and are spring-loaded towards the locking core 6. Each locking element consists of two sub-elements that touch each other.

The partial element facing the locking core 6 is held in a depth position by an associated notch 4 of the key shaft such that the contact zone between the two partial elements is aligned exactly in the separating joint 7 between the locking core 6 and the locking cylinder 5.

In this way, the locking core 6 can be rotated within the locking cylinder 5 as soon as all mechanical locking elements 8 are seated with their mutual contact zones in the separating joint 7.

In addition, this locking cylinder has a device which only causes an additional release/holding action in the locking cylinder when the key is authorized to access it.

The additional device is implemented here by an electromagnetically driven blocking pin 9, which is actuated by a control device 10 in such a way that it is pulled out of engagement with the locking core when the key is authorized for access, but otherwise is in engagement with the locking core.

The energy source 11 required for this can be housed in the lock cylinder 5. The activation of this device is dependent on the output signal of an electronic identifier for individualizing the key. It is now essential that the additional electronic identifier is provided by a sensor 13 which is mounted on one of the handle surfaces 3a of the key head 3 for detecting predetermined

personal data of the "current" key user, and that the sensor 13 interacts with an evaluation electronics 12 with a data memory 14, where the currently available data is compared with data previously stored in the data memory 14, and that only in the case of a predetermined extent of agreement between the current individual data and the stored individual data is a signal generated to trigger the additional release/hold action.

In the present case, this is achieved by placing the sensor 13 on the visible side surface of the cylinder key 1, approximately where the user places his thumb. The sensor is used to digitally record individual data from the thumb print. The output of the sensor 13 is connected to a processor 12, where the data recorded by the sensor 13 is compared with corresponding data stored in the electronic data memory 14. If necessary, the processor can also have a mathematical mapping rule programmed so that the precise geometric alignment of the current person-specific data in the sense of congruence with the data stored in the memory 14 for determining access authorization is carried out by the processor.

If the processor detects a match or a predetermined degree of match between the data on both sides, the signal to trigger the release/hold action can be given.

For this purpose, a data transmission device 20 is used, which is arranged on the key head and which corresponds to a data transfer device 21, which is arranged in the locking cylinder 5.

The signal to release the electromagnetically or electromotor-operated blocking pin 9 is therefore sent via this data transmission path when the processor 12 gives the command to do so.

In order to prevent a Perlon from merely sending the data release signal to the data transfer device 21 without the processor having given a corresponding command, as intended, ^it is additionally proposed to design the data transfer device 20 as a transponder which sends a coded signal which cannot be easily copied.

In order to keep the programming effort to a minimum, it is suggested that the sensor be designed to capture unchangeable biometric data. This could be, for example, fingerprints or iris colors.

Such biometric data can be clearly assigned only to individual persons and cannot be falsified.

In addition, the current state of electronic data processing makes it possible to record the data recorded by the processor in any geometric angular position and in any translational position and to subject it to a mathematical mapping in the processor so that the current angular position and the current translational position are aligned in the sense of the stored angular position and the stored translational position.

For this purpose, however, it is not necessary, especially for the fingerprint method, to follow all the lines precisely. Since only a small number of anatomical features are important here to enable a clear assignment, the sensor 13 is constructed in the form of a matrix. For example, sensors have become known that have arrays of 256 x 256 sensors. The resolution corresponds to 500 dpi.

5 This should be more than sufficient to meet the safety requirements.

While in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the sensor, processor and memory are located on the key head, Fig. 2 shows a different embodiment.

Here only the sensor sits on the key head.

The data recorded by the sensor are transmitted, for example, via a bus line to the locking cylinder, where the processor 12 and the data memory 14 are also located.

Even in this embodiment, manipulation of the matrix signal generated by the sensor is not possible.
10

In addition, Fig. 3a shows a sensor 13 which is integrated together with an underlying processor 12 and a still underlying memory 14 in a single chip, whereby the chip disappears as a compact unit in a recess 22 of the key head 3.

The height of the entire chip is so small that the recess 22 only takes up a part of the material thickness of the key head 3.
20

The chip can be held in the recess 22 by a radial clamping device.

For this purpose, the chip carrier 16 has a locking toothing 17 which can grip into the recess 22.

Deviating from this, Fig. 4a to 4c show arrangements of the chip carrier in a separate holder 18, which is positioned on the handle surface 3a of the key and held there.

For this purpose, the holder 18 surrounds the key head 3 from two opposite sides with a type of clamp 23, so that the holder sits firmly and immovably on the key head 3.

In this way, two opposing holders 18,19 can also be arranged on the key head.
40

For this purpose, the adjacent clamps of the two holders simply have to mesh with each other in a tooth-like manner, so that one tooth of one holder and another tooth of the other holder alternately follow one another.
5

In addition, data transmission devices, in particular transponders 20, can also be integrated into the holder, as shown in Fig. 4a.

In addition, an energy source 11 can also be accommodated in the holder.

With regard to the invention, a method is provided for checking access authorization to a mechanically and additionally electronically coded cylinder lock, which is to be operated with a mechanically and additionally electronically coded cylinder key. In this method, personal biometric data from an authorized user is stored electronically and when the cylinder lock is operated, the corresponding biometric data of the current user is recorded and the electronic coding is triggered to trigger a release/hold action in the cylinder lock when a predetermined degree of correspondence is found between the biometric data of the current user and the biometric data of the authorized user.

In a further development, a method can be derived from the invention in which the required match 0 is checked by a processor arranged on the cylinder key and which - if evaluated positively - transmits a coded signal to the cylinder lock to trigger the release/hold action.

5 In an alternative embodiment, the current biometric data is recorded on the cylinder key and transmitted to the cylinder lock, where it is checked by a processor located there, from where the signal for triggering the release/holding action is issued to the corresponding device.

Reference list:

1 Cylinder key 2 Key shaft 3 Key head 3a Handle surface 3b Handle surface 4 Incisions 5 Lock cylinder 6 Locking core 7 Separation joint 8th mechanical locking elements 9 electromagnetically operated blocking pin 10 Control device 11 Energy source 12 Evaluation electronics, processor 13 sensor 14 electronic data storage 15 individual sensor elements 16 Chip carrier 17 Locking teeth 18 first separate holder 19 second separate holder 20 Data transmission device 21 Data transfer device 22 Sinking 23 Clamping

Claims (1)

20.02.1998 Expectations : 1. Cylinder key (1) with mechanical identification, formed from incisions (4) on the key shaft (2) for aligning mechanical locking elements (8) which are accommodated in an associated locking cylinder (5) and which are brought into the release position by the incisions (4) - provided that the mechanical identification is authorized to access - and with additional electronic identification for individualizing the key, which only causes an additional release/holding action in the locking cylinder (5) when the key is authorized to access, characterized in that the additional electronic identification on at least one handle surface (3a) of the key head (3) has a sensor (13) for detecting predetermined personal data of the current key user, and that 1.1 the sensor (13) interacts with an evaluation electronics (12) with a data memory (14), where 1.2 the currently available data are compared with data previously stored in the data memory (14), and that 1.3 only in the event of a predetermined degree of agreement a signal is generated to trigger the additional release/hold action. 2. Cylinder key according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (13) is designed to detect unchangeable biometric data. 3. Cylinder key according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor (13) is constructed in a matrix-like manner from individual sensor elements (15) and that the data are recorded independently of their geometric angular position and are subjected to a mathematical mapping, which aligns the current angular position in accordance with the stored angular position. 4. Cylinder key according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that on the key head (3) in addition to the sensor there is also a data transmission device (20) which corresponds to a data transfer device (21) in the locking cylinder, and that at least the processor (12) and preferably also the data memory (14) are located in the locking cylinder. 5. Cylinder key according to claim 3, characterized in that the processor (12) and the electronic memory (14) are also accommodated on the key head (3), and that preferably a transponder (20) is located on the key head (3), which is controlled by the processor (12) and optionally transmits a coded release signal to the locking cylinder (5). 6. Cylinder key according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensor (13), processor (12) and memory (14) are integrated in the same chip. 7. Cylinder key according to claim 6, characterized in that the chip is arranged directly on the key head (3). 8. Cylinder key according to claim 6, characterized in that the chip is arranged indirectly via a chip carrier 0 (16) on the key head (3). 9. Cylinder key according to claim 8, characterized in that the chip carrier (16) can be arranged selectively on one of two grip surfaces (3a, 3b). 10. Cylinder key according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the chip carrier (16) is connected to the key head (3). ns 11. Cylinder key according to claim 1, characterized in that the chip carrier (16) is connected to the key head (3) via an adhesive connection. 12. Cylinder key according to claim 10, characterized in that the chip carrier (16) is connected to the key head (3) via a locking toothing (17). 13. Cylinder key according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the chip carrier (16) is positioned and held on the handle surface (3a; 3b) of the key via a separate holder (18; 19). 14. Cylinder key according to claim 13, characterized in that two mutually corresponding holders (18.19) together enclose the key head (3) from opposite sides and are designed to receive the chip carrier (16). 15. Cylinder key according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the chip carrier (16) is optionally positioned and held by one (18) or by the other holder (19). 16. Cylinder key according to claim 14, characterized in that each of the two holders (18, 19) positions and holds a chip carrier (16). 17. Cylinder key according to claim 14, characterized in that a key identification plate can be used as an alternative in one of the two holders instead of one of the two chip carriers (16). 18. Cylinder key according to one of claims 13 to 16, 5 characterized in that in the holder (18,19) additional elements for energy and data transmission (11.20) between the cylinder key (1) and the locking cylinder (5). 19. Cylinder key according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that a transponder (20) with an additional coded electronic key identification is located in the holder (18, 19). 20. Cylinder key according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor is one or more pressure sensors. 21. Cylinder key according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor is one or more capacitive sensors. 22. Cylinder key according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor is a touch sensor for detecting specific features of a fingerprint, preferably a thumbprint. 23. Cylinder key according to claim 22, characterized in that, within the scope of the predetermined degree of agreement of the currently recorded data, only the basic pattern(s) of the current fingerprint and not more than 20, preferably not more than 12 characteristic anatomical features are compared with the data of the data memory corresponding thereto. 24. Cylinder key according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the sensor (13) is embedded in an ergonomically shaped thumb recess (22).