EP0704826A2 - Arrangement and method for utilizing a lockable space - Google Patents

Arrangement and method for utilizing a lockable space Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0704826A2
EP0704826A2 EP95850150A EP95850150A EP0704826A2 EP 0704826 A2 EP0704826 A2 EP 0704826A2 EP 95850150 A EP95850150 A EP 95850150A EP 95850150 A EP95850150 A EP 95850150A EP 0704826 A2 EP0704826 A2 EP 0704826A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
card
information
lock
reading device
memory unit
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP95850150A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Nils-Arne Lindström
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Brana AB
Original Assignee
Brana AB
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Brana AB filed Critical Brana AB
Publication of EP0704826A2 publication Critical patent/EP0704826A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/10—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property
    • G07F17/12—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/20—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
    • G07C9/27—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass with central registration
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an arrangement for utilizing a lockable space, which arrangement comprises a locking device which is lockable by means of a controllable lock.
  • the invention also relates to a method for utilizing a lockable space.
  • lockers for storage of luggage and the like can be found.
  • Conventional lockers operate according to the principle that a certain fee is inserted in a coin slot, after which the box can be locked and a key is released. By means of the key, the box can be unlocked later.
  • a paper slip can be fed out, which slip indicates a code which is entered on a key pad when the locker is to be opened again.
  • a problem which concerns conventional lockers is that the customers wishing to use the boxes must have small change available. This is a particularly large problem in those cases where the customers are travelling abroad, and have not yet been able to acquire coins of correct currency. Furthermore, no receipt of the paid fee is normally given, which is a drawback for business travellers who are obliged to verify their expenses during their travels.
  • a main object of the present invention is to provide a device in connection with lockers and similar lockable spaces, in which the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks are solved, and in which the customer does not have to use coins in order to release a key.
  • a device of the kind mentioned initially which is characterized in that it comprises a reading device adapted for reading of an information-bearing card, which reading device is connected to the lock and to a memory unit for storing of information read by means of the reading device, wherein the reading device comprises means for setting of the lock in a locked, alternatively unlocked, condition depending on information read from a card and information stored in the memory unit.
  • an automatic charging can also be carried out.
  • the device comprises a card reader 1 for reading credit cards or equivalent information-bearing cards in which information regarding the identity of the card's owner, the validity time of the card, etc., is stored.
  • Conneced to the card reader 1 is at least one, preferably several, lockers 2.
  • Each one of the lockers 2 comprises a door 3 which can be locked by means of a lock 4, which can be controlled electrically for locking and unlocking thereof in a manner which is known per se.
  • the card reader 1 comprises a computer unit which is adapted to read a credit card and, under certain conditions, to generate signals which are transmitted via electrical wires (not shown) to a lock 4 for unlocking or locking thereof.
  • the card reader 1 is connected to a computer-based memory unit 5 which is adapted to store information which is read and delivered by means of the card reader 1.
  • the stored information can relate to the point in time of the reading of a certain credit card (i.e. the point in time when a customer begins using a particular locker 2), the type of credit card being used, the validity of the card etc.
  • the information which is read from the card can then form a basis for computing the time which the customer should be charged for.
  • the memory unit 5 is connected to a telephone modem 6 of conventional type, which is adapted to communicate with a central computer via the public telephone network 7.
  • the central computer 8 which of course can be adapted to communicate with a plurality of card readers, is responsible for the administration of the charging, i.e. it receives information regarding which card has been used for utilizing a certain locker and for how long the locker has been utilized. From this information, a certain charging amount is calculated in the central computer 8. To this end, the central computer 8 is adapted to gather the above-mentioned information from the memory unit 5 at certain time intervals. Moreover, the central computer 8 is adapted to communicate (via the telephone network 7) with the respective credit card company so that the customers can be charged.
  • the card reader 1 comprises a reading unit 10 through which a customer can pass a credit card.
  • the card reader 1 also comprises a computer unit (not shown) which, by means of a computer program, controls the reading of the credit card when this is brought through the reading unit 10.
  • a computer unit not shown
  • the card reader 1 comprises a display 11 which is adapted to present various messages to the customer, for example "All lockers occupied", "The card is not valid", etc., according to that which will be described below.
  • the card reader 1 can be provided with several keys 12 which can correspond to different services. For example, by pressing a particular key, the customer may indicate that he wishes to use more than one locker on one particular occasion. Alternatively, by pressing another key the customer can choose the locker size (in the case where the card reader is connected to a plurality of lockers of different sizes). In that case, the charging can be based on the size of the locker chosen by the customer.
  • a flow chart illustrating the operation of the device according to the present invention is shown.
  • the system Before a customer can use a locker the system must first confirm that at least one box is available (box 13). This is possible since the card reader is connected to a certain number of locks and the card reader's computer unit contains information regarding which locks are unlocked and locked, respectively (due to the fact that information regarding those locks to which signals for unlocking and locking, respectively, have been transmitted is stored in the computer unit). If all of the lockers belonging to a certain card reader are occupied, the text "All lockers occupied” or the like is shown on the card reader's display (box 14). If at least one locker is available, the reading of a credit card is enabled (box 15) and consequently the text "Welcome! Please pass your card through the reader” or the like is shown on the display.
  • the card reader's computer unit checks whether the card is "valid", "active” or “invalid” (box 16).
  • a “valid” card should be defined as one being ready for use, in order to start utilizing a particular locker.
  • An “active” card defines that a locker has been utilized a certain time period and is now to be unlocked.
  • an “invalid” card is one having a validity time which has expired, alternatively that the card could not be read in a proper manner. If a read credit card is judged by the system to be invalid, the display of the card reader will show the text "The card is invalid" during a certain time period, for example 30 seconds (box 17). After that, the customer may, if so desired, make another attempt to have the card read.
  • the card reader locks the lock which belongs to a certain unoccupied locker, the door of which stands ajar (box 18). After that, the text "Please use locker no. 12" or the like is shown on the display (box 19). The customer can then place his luggage in the locker in question and close the door, after which the locker will be locked. The point in time for locking of the locker will be registered by the card reader's computer unit and stored in the memory unit.
  • the very first time a certain card is read it is in the "valid" state i.e. the memory unit 5 lacks information that the card has been used in the card reader in question
  • the memory unit 5 lacks information that the card has been used in the card reader in question
  • Information regarding the identity of the card and the point in time for the reading is stored in the memory unit.
  • the second time the same card is read a comparison between the read information and the information which was stored in the memory unit 5 during the first reading is made.
  • the card reader's Computer unit can establish that the same card has been read at a certain earlier occasion and that the lock was locked on that occasion. This indicates that the card is in the "active" state, which is equivalent to the case where the customer wishes to open the lock and collect his luggage.
  • An important principle behind the invention is that it comprises means, i.e. the card reader, for setting the lock 4 in a certain locked position upon a reading of a card and in an open position upon a subsequent reading of the same card. These setting are made dependent on the information which is read from the card and the information which is stored in the memory unit 5.
  • the same card is used when a customer starts utilizing a locker (i.e. when he intends to place his luggage or the like in the locker) and when he intends to unlock the box (i.e. when he wishes to empty it of its contents).
  • the invention implies that neither keys nor code slips have to be used in order to lock or unlock a certain locker, which is an advantage which simplifies the operation as compared with previously known systems.
  • the invention is adapted for use with conventional credit cards, which provides for a simple operation.
  • a card reader 1 can be connected to one single locker 2.
  • one single reading unit comprising a card reader and a lock (which of course, in turn, can be connected to a modem and a memory unit) is used.
  • no display is necessary.
  • a green and a red light emitting diode indicating an available, alternatively an occupied locker, can be used.
  • the communication between the modem 6 and the central computer 8 and between the central computer 8 and the respective credit card company can be carried out via permanent cable lines or radio connections instead of the public telephone network.
  • the connection between the card reader and the respective lock may be wireless, for example via a radio connection.
  • a special "main card” of the same kind as a main key can be attached to the system, by means of which a large number of locks can be unlocked.
  • Such a “main card” can be utilized in order to open the lockers for example if the customers do not collect their luggage within a certain time period.
  • the invention can also be used for other lockable spaces than lockers.
  • a parking space (either in the form of a single parking place or a parking lot having a number of parking places) for vehicles can be blocked by means of a vertically adjustable bar, the function of which can be controlled in the above-mentioned manner.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Coin-Freed Apparatuses For Hiring Articles (AREA)
EP95850150A 1994-09-01 1995-08-31 Arrangement and method for utilizing a lockable space Withdrawn EP0704826A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9402905A SE9402905L (sv) 1994-09-01 1994-09-01 Anordning och förfarande för utnyttjande av ett låsbart utrymme
SE9402905 1994-09-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0704826A2 true EP0704826A2 (en) 1996-04-03

Family

ID=20395084

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95850150A Withdrawn EP0704826A2 (en) 1994-09-01 1995-08-31 Arrangement and method for utilizing a lockable space

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0704826A2 (sv)
SE (1) SE9402905L (sv)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0803846A1 (en) * 1994-10-19 1997-10-29 Hitachi, Ltd. Transaction-oriented electronic accommodation system
WO1999012133A1 (en) * 1997-08-29 1999-03-11 Metra Inz^¿Eniring D.O.O. Locker, particularly suitable for hotels, leisure pools and the like
US6230971B1 (en) 1996-04-29 2001-05-15 Hitachi, Ltd. Transaction-oriented electronic accommodation system
EP1583052A1 (de) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-05 Klaus-Dieter Dipl.-Ing. Rösler Verfahren zur Steuerung einer Aufbewahrungsvorrichtung, Aufbewahrungsvorrichtung und System von Aufbewahrungsvorrichtungen
GB2413150A (en) * 2004-04-13 2005-10-19 James Patrick Hayes Security locker for an open drink
CN108109277A (zh) * 2017-12-05 2018-06-01 中科富创（北京）科技有限公司 一种快递取件方法及系统
EP4383220A1 (de) * 2022-12-05 2024-06-12 BURG Lüling GmbH & Co. KG System zur elektronischen zugriffskontrolle, insbesondere für möbelstücke

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0803846A1 (en) * 1994-10-19 1997-10-29 Hitachi, Ltd. Transaction-oriented electronic accommodation system
US6116506A (en) * 1994-10-19 2000-09-12 Hitachi, Ltd. Transaction-oriented electronic accommodation system
US6230971B1 (en) 1996-04-29 2001-05-15 Hitachi, Ltd. Transaction-oriented electronic accommodation system
WO1999012133A1 (en) * 1997-08-29 1999-03-11 Metra Inz^¿Eniring D.O.O. Locker, particularly suitable for hotels, leisure pools and the like
EP1583052A1 (de) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-05 Klaus-Dieter Dipl.-Ing. Rösler Verfahren zur Steuerung einer Aufbewahrungsvorrichtung, Aufbewahrungsvorrichtung und System von Aufbewahrungsvorrichtungen
GB2413150A (en) * 2004-04-13 2005-10-19 James Patrick Hayes Security locker for an open drink
GB2413150B (en) * 2004-04-13 2007-01-10 James Patrick Hayes Safety means
CN108109277A (zh) * 2017-12-05 2018-06-01 中科富创（北京）科技有限公司 一种快递取件方法及系统
EP4383220A1 (de) * 2022-12-05 2024-06-12 BURG Lüling GmbH & Co. KG System zur elektronischen zugriffskontrolle, insbesondere für möbelstücke

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE9402905L (sv) 1996-03-02
SE9402905D0 (sv) 1994-09-01

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