EP0724056B1 - Remote control device using hertzian, infra-red waves or similar for controlling motorised locking mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

The control system includes a receiver (3) associated with a closing system (2) and provided with, a central processing unit (5) for controlling motor (6) operation and a decoding unit (8) designed to interpret the data transmitted by a transmitter (4) towards a coding unit (9). The transmitter (4) and the receiver (3) contain an EPROM (11, 10) in which is programmed a code (12, 12A) which is decomposed into at least two parts (13, 14; 13A, 14A) one of which (13; 13A) permits the identification of a transmitter (4) with respect to a receiver (3) and the other part (14; 14A) corresponding to the control key is encoded by the transmitter (4) according to a defined algorithm known by the decoding unit (8) of the receiver (3). The EPROM (10) of the receiver (3) is programmed to be able to recognise an initialisation procedure transmitted to the receiver (3), with the aid of appropriate control means (16) so as to put into phase the second part (14A) of the code (12A) corresponding to the receiver (3) and to that (14) of a transmitter (4) previously identified with respect to the first part (13; 13A) of the code (12; 12A).

Description

The invention relates to a device for remote control by radio waves, infrared or the like, in particular motorized locking systems, such as roller shutters, as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention is able to find its application in all types of devices for remote control by radio, infrared or similar waves and, in particular, when such a device makes it possible to manage the operation of the motorized closing system such as rolling shutters in a home.

We already know a number of remote control devices that allow to manage, either by radio transmission or by radiation infrared, motorized locking systems, such as gates, garage doors or even roller shutters. So, at the level of the closure system itself, is associated with a receiver which is able to perceive and interpret the transmitted order by a transmitter to control, in function, the partial or total opening or even total or partial closure of said closure system.

In order to avoid that any transmitter can control this system of closing, the order transmitted via this transmitter is coded through a appropriate coding unit, while the receiver has a decoding unit so that it executes the order transmitted by a transmitter, only if it recognizes the code.

According to a first known embodiment, the code can be chosen by the user who, for this, intervenes, on the one hand, on a multitude of switches with two positions at the level of the transmitter. The combination thus produced is transferred, on the other hand, to the switches of analog configuration associated with the receiver so that it is able to recognize the transmitter code.

The major drawback of this type of remote control device is that it suffices to locate the position of the switches, whether at the transmitter or the receiver and enter the code thus read, at the level of another transmitter which may, at its turn, control the closing system. However, it is not uncommon for the receiver to be easily accessible from outside the home, especially for a somewhat clever refine.

In addition, on each transmission, there is transmission of the code which, again, can be picked up at during this operation by an unauthorized person equipped with the equipment adequate. However, then having all of the code, it is easy for him to obtain a commercially available transmitter, write down this code and order the closing, in view, for example, of accessing the interior of a dwelling.

It is, moreover, known from document EP-A-0 372 285, a device for the remote transmission of a safety command comprising a transmitter capable of transmit coded messages and a receiver connected to the load to be controlled. This receiver has a decryption unit for the transmitted code, as well as a processing which, after verification and reading of said code, is capable of transmitting a control signal to said load.

The transmitter's encryption module is broken down into a microprocessor and a EEPROM memory, this set making it possible to determine an evolving code according to a defined algorithm which, moreover, is known by the decryption and decoding unit of the receiver.

Thus, it should be noted that the code transmitted by the transmitter is systematically calculated on the basis of the code previously transmitted, the receiver, having the same calculation data, is capable, with each new transmission, of determining a code which must be identical to that received. Therefore, it is only after having noted the concordance of the transmitted code and the new code calculated by the receiver that the unit of treatment of the latter makes it possible to act on the load so that it performs the command requested. It is observed that the code transmitted by the transmitter is broken down into a basic code and a dynamic code. It is precisely the latter that evolves in function of the algorithm known by the microprocessor. So, if for one reason or another, the receiver, located at a distance too far from the transmitter, does not perceive the code emitted by the latter, the two elements are no longer in phase. It is then provided, in this previous document, the possibility for the receiver to get back in phase with the transmitter as soon as the instant he can identify the base code. If this condition is met, it comes to store in memory the new dynamic code which allows it, during a new broadcast on the part of the transmitter, to calculate the new dynamic code at the base of the precedent known in memory.

As a result, this device presents only security relative since, knowing the algorithm implemented by the microprocessor and after identification of the basic code, everyone is able to design a compatible transmitter with the receiver.

It is further described in document EP-A-0.385.070 a remote control device comprising a receiver associated with a locking system as well as a transmitter to transmit a coded command, the code breaking down into two parts, one of which allows the identification of an emitter relative to the receiver. The other part, being encrypted by a transmitter according to an algorithm defined and known by the unit of decoding of the receiver.

In case of loss of a transmitter, it is planned to reset the evolving part of the code which ultimately leads to desynchronize the transmitters in relation to the receivers.

Through this reset the evolutionary part of the code is brought back to an initial state. Then following a procedure using a key switch, it is possible to make accept to the receiver, as code starting point, the evolving code of transmitters still in the possession of the user. This resynchronization is not possible, however, that when an emitter has been identified on the through its first part of code, not variable.

The purpose of the solution according to the present invention is to respond effectively to all of the above problems by view of increased safety of such control devices with distance which emit either by radio waves or by infrared for example.

The invention, as characterized in the claims, solves the problem and consists of a control device to distance by radio, infrared or similar waves, in particular of motorized locking systems, such as roller shutters, including a receiver associated with each closing system and provided, on the one hand, with a unit of central processing capable of managing the operation of resources motors and, on the other hand, a decoding unit capable of interpret the information transmitted by a transmitter through a coding unit, the transmitter and the receiver having an EEPROM memory at the level of which a code broken down into at least two parts, one of which allows the identification of a transmitter relative to a receiver and the other part of which corresponds to the control key, is encrypted by the transmitter according to an algorithm defined and known by the receiver decoding unit, the EEPROM memory of the receiver being programmed to be able to recognize a initialization procedure in the form of cut sequences of the electrical power supply from this receiver to with the aid of suitable cut-off means, with a view to phase the second part of the code corresponding to the receiver at that of an issuer previously identified in relation to the first part of said code.

The advantages of the present invention consist of which only the first part of the code introduced at the level of receiver and transmitter is likely to be known. In fact, it is through this first part of the code that receiver will recognize a transmitter that will be able to order. As for the second part of the code, it is not defined neither by the manufacturer nor by the user. She is the result of a calculation carried out through an algorithm known by the transmitter and the receiver, so this second part code evolves with each order transmission between the issuer and the receiver.

So even if you have a transmitter with memory EEPROM at which a first was introduced part of code corresponding to the first part of code known by the EEPROM memory of a receiver, it cannot receive an order from this issuer only after a procedure specific initialization, intended to set them in phase.

In this regard and according to the invention, the initialization procedure is transmitted to the receiver by control means consisting, essentially, of a cut-off sequence of supplying electrical power to said receiver.

As a result, for a shark who wishes to maneuver the closure system, he must steal the one and only transmitter which is in phase with the receiver, otherwise it needs have a transmitter whose EEPROM memory has first of all knowledge of the first part of the code. Now, this entry first part of code can be determined based on manufacturing conditions (serial number, or other) so that it is known only by the manufacturer. Then he must have the encryption algorithm known to the receiver. Finally, he must have knowledge of the procedure receiver initialization and be able to access the means of command to perform this procedure initialization.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the transmitter can also only transmit a limited number of times during a determined time the code from which this implementation results phase with the receiver.

It is obvious, under these conditions, that through a remote control device according to the invention, a haddock will have more difficulty in controlling a system of closure than in the past.

The invention is set out below in more detail with the aid of drawings representing only an execution mode.

Figure 1 is a very schematic view of a closure system, particularly a motorized roller shutter with which a remote control device is associated, according to the invention.

Thus, as shown in Figure 1 of the attached drawing, the invention relates to a device 1 for remote control by radio waves, infrared or the like, particular of motorized closing systems such as roller shutters 2.

This device 1 comprises a receiver 3 and a transmitter 4 associated with each system of closing 2.

More particularly, the receiver 3 includes a central processing unit 5 programmable able to manage the operation of the motor means 6 of said system 2. In this regard, this management of the motor means 6 can be ensured at through an adequate power interface 7. This receiver 3 also receives a decoding unit 8 capable of interpreting the information transmitted by the transmitter 4 to the through a coding unit 9.

The receiver 3 and the transmitter 4 both have an EEPROM 10, 11, associated with their unit, respectively decoding 8 and coding 9 and who has knowledge a code 12, 12A which is subdivided into at least two parts 13, 13A; 14, 14A. One 13, 13A of these parts of code 12 called in the following description for a question of ease of compression, first part 13, 13A, corresponds to a code of identification of a transmitter 4 with respect to a receiver 3. More specifically, this first part 13, 13A of code 12 is identical in each of memories 10, 11. In in addition, it is likely to be known, in particular by the manufacturer to whom it is possible, thus, to conform a transmitter 4 with respect to a receiver 3.

As for the other part 14, 14A, called the second part in the description, it corresponds to the control key. In fact, this second part 14, 14A of code 12 is calculated and therefore encrypted by the coding unit 9 of the transmitter 4 according to an algorithm defined 15, 15A known by the receiver 3 so that the latter is able to calculate, at turn this second part 14A of code 12A and identify it with second part 14 code 12 transmitted by said transmitter 4.

Consequently, through algorithm 15, defined in the EEPROM memory 11 of the transmitter 4, this second part 14 of the code 12 evolves with each transmission information at the level of the receiver 3. The latter, if it is in phase with the transmitter 4, is able to recognize the encrypted code since this receiver 3 also has in its EEPROM 10 memory of the well defined algorithm 15A which allows it to calculate it and ultimately to identify it.

It is obvious, however, that, as has just been specified, the receiver 3 is not able through its decoding unit 8 to decode the second part 14 of the code 12 which is transmitted to it by the transmitter 4 only if, beforehand, they have been put in phase so that, during each command, the calculation of the following code, through algorithm 15, 15A, leads to a result which also agrees.

Consequently, with each transmission through the transmitter 4, the receiver 3, at through its decoding unit 8 and its EEPROM memory 10 calculates the code that must normally transmit transmitter 4 to him during this order transmission. However, it may happen that an order is transmitted by the transmitter 4 without it being perceived by the receiver 3. At this point, it is obvious that the code at the level of transmitter 4 has evolved compared to that of receiver 3 that receiver 3 will calculate during the next transmission. However, if the two devices are in phase, the receiver 3 must be able to find, by carrying out several successive calculations and by putting in application the common algorithm, the same code transmitted by the transmitter 4. Also, it is provided that upon receipt of a command from the associated transmitter 4, the receiver 3 proceeds, through its decoding unit 8, to at most N rotations consisting in calculating at most N times the second part 14A of the code 12A and in comparing it to the second part 14 of the code 12 transmitted by the transmitter 4. If during these N rotations of the calculation, the decoding unit 8 of the receiver 3 did not find the encrypted code transmitted by the transmitter 4, it interprets the transmission as being a maneuver of hacking and gets into a blocking position.

Just like associating any new transmitter 4 with a receiver 3, unlocking requires, according to the invention, the implementation of an initialization procedure and, therefore, of phasing of the second part 14, 14A of the code 12, 12A knowing that, of all way, the first part 13 of the code 12 at the transmitter 4 must have been previously granted to the first part 13A of the code 12A known to the receiver 3.

This procedure for initializing the second part of the code is known by memory EEPROM 10 of receiver 3 so that it is able to recognize it when it is carried out by means of appropriate control means 16. This initialization procedure consists, in fact, in making the receiver 3 accept a second part of code 14 which is transmitted to it by a transmitter 4 respecting a first part of code 13 identical to that 13a known by this receiver 3.

Advantageously, these control means 16 are constituted by means of interruption of the electrical power supply 18 to the receiver 3. As for the procedure initialization itself, it is based on the identification of cut sequences of this electric power supply 18. More specifically, the EEPROM memory identifies as an initialization procedure when it recognizes, during the sequences of cut of the electric power supply 18, their number and their duration.

Consequently, once this procedure has been performed, the receiver 3 is able to to accept the second part 14 of code 12 transmitted by a transmitter 4. However, this is preferably only possible for a period of time "T1" determined beyond from which this receiver 3 returns to a blocking position requiring the resumption of the initialization procedure. Therefore, the initialization procedure initiates “T1” time counting means. Finally, except during the manufacture of the closure system 2 and the first assignment of a transmitter 4 to the receiver 3 of this locking system 2, the initialization procedure will only be undertaken, the more frequently, that due to loss or damage to this transmitter 4. In these conditions, a new transmitter is then ordered from the manufacturer who, having knowledge of the first part of the receiver code 13A 3 will send the user a transmitter 4 the first part 13 of code 12 of which has been previously granted.

However, it may happen that during this expedition, this new transmitter 4 is stolen and that there is, again, a risk of piracy. In order to avoid this risk or, at the very minus, to minimize it, the code 12, 12A includes at least a third part 19, 19A which can be described as an after-sales service key and which is only known by the maker. Preferably, this after-sales service key cannot be used, therefore transmitted by the transmitter 4 to the receiver 3 a limited number of times when they are put phase. In addition, this third part 19 of the code at the transmitter 4 comes to disappear and, therefore, is burned beyond a time "T2" defined after conception and programming of transmitter 4. Thus, if during this time "T2", transmitter 4 is not not recognized by the receiver 3 with which it must be associated, this transmitter 4 becomes unusable with respect to said receiver 3 and it is necessary to recommend another transmitter 4 to the manufacturer. In fact, the time "T 2" will be determined so that it is sufficient for the user to have the possibility of receiving the commanded transmitter 4 to the manufacturer, this in case of compliance with a normal shipping time and, of course, perform the receiver initialization procedure 3.

It should be noted that in the event of loss or damage to a transmitter 4, it must be possible, through a backup procedure, known by the EEPROM memory 10 of the receiver 3 to close the closing system 2 if it is open.

Advantageously, this backup procedure is carried out through control means 16 identical to those allowing the procedure to be carried out initialization. Thus, said backup procedure is based on the identification of the number and the duration of power supply cut-off sequences for receiver 3 electric. In fact, beyond this backup procedure, the receiver 3 accepts the control of a transmitter corresponding to a neighboring locking system only if this command is identified as the closing of said closing system 2.

Advantageously, the initialization procedure and the backup procedure are identical. As for the time “T1” during which the receiver 3 becomes captive for the identification of a new transmitter 4 beyond this initialization procedure or backup, it is determined sufficient that after the execution of the latter, the user has the possibility of ordering then receiving a new transmitter 4 from the maker.

The advantages deriving from the present invention consist, essentially, in that that it leads to very large remote control locking systems security compared to what exists today. The present invention thus responds to an increasingly asserted need due to the generalization of such motorized closing systems. Also, it represents a clear progress compared to the state of the prior art.

Claims (7)

1. Remote control device using hertzian, infrared waves or similar for controlling, in particular, motorised locking mechanisms (2), such as roller blinds, including a receiver (3) associated with each locking mechanism (2) and provided, on the one hand, with a central processing unit (5), capable of controlling the operation of driving means (6), and, on the other hand, with a decoding unit (8), capable of interpreting the information transmitted by a transmitter (4), through a coding unit (9), the transmitter (4) and the receiver (3) having an EEPROM memory (11, 10) at the level of which is programmed a code (12 ; 12A) comprised of at least two portions (13, 14 ; 13A, 14A) one (13 ; 13A) of which allows identifying a transmitter (4) with respect to a receiver (3) and the other portion (14; 14A) of which, corresponding to the control key, is encrypted by the transmitter (4) according to a defined algorithm known to the decoding unit (8) of the receiver (3), characterised in that the EEPROM memory (10) of the receiver (3) is so programmed that it is capable of recognising an initialising procedure in the form of sequences of interruption of the electric power supply (18) to this receiver (3), through appropriate interrupting means, with a view to bringing into phase the second portion (14A) of the code (12A) corresponding to the receiver (3) with that (14) of a transmitter (3) previously identified with respect to the first portion (13 ; 13A) of said code (12 ; 12A).
2. Remote control device according to claim 1, characterised in that the carrying out of the initialising procedure of the receiver (3) triggers means for counting a period of time "T1" during which the receiver (3) is capable of accepting, as the second portion (14A) of the code (12A), the second portion (14) of the code (12) transmitted by a transmitter (3) previously identified with respect to the first portion (13 ; 13A) of said code (12 ; 12A).
3. Remote control device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the code (12 ; 12A) includes at least a third portion (19; 19A) corresponding to a customer-service key known to the manufacturer, which can be transmitted by the transmitter (4) to the receiver (3) only a limited number of times during a defined period of time "T2" upon programming of said transmitter (4), this third portion (19) of the code (12) at the level of the transmitter (4) being burnt after that period of time "T2", so that this transmitter (4) can no longer be identified by the receiver (3).
4. Remote control device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the EEPROM memory (10) of the receiver (3) is capable of identifying an emergency procedure transmitted by appropriate control means (16) authorising the closing of the locking mechanism (2) in the absence of the associated transmitter (4).
5. Remote control device according to claim 4, characterised in that the emergency procedure is transmitted to the receiver (3) through control means (16) formed by means for interrupting the electric power supply (18) to said receiver (3).
6. Remote control device according to claims 1 and 5, characterised in that the emergency procedure and the initialising procedure of the receiver (3) are identical.
7. Remote control device according to claim 1, characterised in that, pursuant to a transmission by a transmitter (4) identified by the decoding unit (8) of a receiver (3) with respect to the first portion (13 ; 13A) of the code (12 ; 12A), said decoding unit (8) proceeds to a maximum of N rotations consisting in calculating maximum N times the second portion (14A) of the code (12A) and in comparing it with the second portion (14) of the code (12) transmitted by the transmitter (4), so that, when the decoding unit (8) of the receiver (3) has, after these N rotations, not been able to identify said second portion (14) of the code (12) transmitted by this transmitter (4), the receiver (3) passes to a locking position.

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