EP1244069A1 - Device for limiting access to a confined space - Google Patents

Abstract

Locks (40,42,58) controlling access to confined spaces (32,34) open on receipt of bus (62) signals consistent with stored data. The banknote distributor (44) has data entry means (50) with screen (52) which are connected with the locks to a coordination unit (54). The coordination unit which consists of a microprocessor is connected to a remote computer (28) which oversees and has priority over all operations. Independent claims are also included for the following: (i) Banknote distributor which uses the locks and computer control system. (ii) Network for managing groups of the banknote distributors.

Description

The present invention relates to locks intended to limit access to a confined and secure space, devices and ATMs banks, as well as networks formed by devices fitted with such locks.

• un verrou, susceptible d'occuper des première et seconde positions dans lesquelles il est respectivement possible d'accéder ou non à l'espace confiné,
• un dispositif électromécanique, pour permettre ou non le déplacement du verrou de l'une à l'autre des positions du verrou,
• un circuit de commande pour adresser des ordres au dispositif électromécanique, et
• une interface de communication.

The present relates more particularly to a lock of the type comprising:

• a lock, capable of occupying first and second positions in which it is respectively possible to access or not the confined space,
• an electromechanical device, to allow or not the displacement of the lock from one to the other of the positions of the lock,
• a control circuit for addressing orders to the electromechanical device, and
• a communication interface.

Such locks are used, for example, in security devices. distribution of banknotes, better known as "ATM", in ordering the opening of hotel rooms or in the safe rooms banks, to order safes.

In known systems, such as those described, for example, in the application EP 0 985 790, the means for controlling the lock include a microprocessor, memory and keyboard, arranged so that, to access the confined space, an operator enters a access code using the keyboard. The microprocessor checks this code, by function of the information it will seek in the memory, and give or not the order to release the lock.

In the patent application mentioned above, the code entered by the operator is different each time. This code is generated, in synchronism, by the microprocessor of the lock and by a computer external to the lock, generally located at the headquarters of the company responsible for accessing housing.

The code from the external computer is transmitted to the operator from his visit the machines or, by phone, before accessing a ATM given.

With such solutions, each lock has autonomous means of treatment. It is therefore not possible to provide remote control. But he appears that the safety of the people involved in the management of this housing and that of objects which if found would be considerably improved if the lock could only be ordered when it received a order from a place other than the site where the device is located.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to allow safer control access to confined and secure spaces. This goal is achieved thanks to the fact that the interface is arranged so that it can be connected at least mediately to a computer type management system.

Thanks to this particular configuration, it is possible to control the lock, in real time and remotely.

• une mémoire dans laquelle est stockée au moins une information en corrélation avec un code susceptible de commander l'ouverture de la serrure,
• des moyens de comparaison de l'information et du code, et
• un générateur d'impulsions pour commander le dispositif électromécanique lorsqu'il y a concordance entre le code reçu et l'information mémorisée.

Advantageously, the control circuit comprises:

• a memory in which is stored at least one item of information in correlation with a code capable of controlling the opening of the lock,
• means of comparing information and code, and
• a pulse generator for controlling the electromechanical device when there is a match between the code received and the information stored.

Such a solution guarantees secure access that does not require necessarily a permanent control of the management system.

In order to allow remote monitoring of the history of the lock, its maintenance and its monitoring, the memory is arranged to keep, in in addition, information relating to the last interventions carried out. Of more, the control circuit is arranged so that it can address to the management system, when it gives the order, the information relating to these interventions.

• un premier train d'impulsions définissant le dispositif concerné,
• un deuxième train définissant la longueur totale du message,
• un troisième train comportant les informations relatives à l'ordre, et
• un quatrième train destiné à vérifier l'absence d'erreur.

In order to allow simple and efficient communication between the management system and the lock, the latter are arranged so that they communicate with each other according to a protocol in which the message addressed comprises:

• a first pulse train defining the device concerned,
• a second train defining the total length of the message,
• a third train containing the information relating to the order, and
• a fourth train intended to verify the absence of error.

• une serrure, de type commandé par un code d'entrée, agencée pour limiter l'accès à cet espace et comportant un circuit de commande et une interface de communication,
• des moyens d'entrée de données pour permettre à un opérateur d'introduire le code d'entrée.

The present invention also relates to security devices for managing access to a confined and secure space. It relates more particularly to a device comprising:

• a lock, of the type controlled by an entry code, arranged to limit access to this space and comprising a control circuit and a communication interface,
• data entry means to allow an operator to enter the entry code.

In order to allow the monitoring, in real time, of the operations carried out by the operator, in particular to make sure that it is indeed the person having received the mandate, the device according to the invention further comprises a coordination, connected to the lock and to the data entry means, and provided a connection to connect it to a type management system computer, the coordinating member and the lock being arranged so that, unless prohibited by the management system, the opening of the lock can be controlled by the operator, by his intervention on the means data entry, by entering the entry code.

Such a device lends itself well to simultaneous monitoring of several locks. To this end, it further comprises a bus connecting these locks to the coordinating body.

• un premier train d'impulsions définissant la serrure concernée,
• un deuxième train définissant la longueur totale du message,
• un troisième train comportant les informations relatives à l'ordre, et
• un quatrième train destiné à vérifier l'absence d'erreur.

Advantageously, the coordinating member, the interface and the control circuit are arranged so that they communicate with each other according to a protocol comprising:

• a first train of pulses defining the lock concerned,
• a second train defining the total length of the message,
• a third train containing the information relating to the order, and
• a fourth train intended to verify the absence of error.

• un coffre définissant un espace confiné et destiné à contenir les billets, et muni d'une porte,
• une serrure du type commandé par un code d'entrée, pour permettre ou non l'ouverture de la porte et, ainsi limiter l'accès au coffre,
• un mécanisme de distribution pour extraire les billets du coffre,
• des moyens d'entrée de données pour permettre à un opérateur d'adresser des ordres au distributeur,
• un organe de coordination relié aux moyens d'entrée de données, et
• des moyens de liaison pour relier l'organe de coordination à un système de gestion.

The device described above finds an application in the field of bank cash dispensers, which include:

• a chest defining a confined space and intended to contain tickets, and provided with a door,
• a lock of the type controlled by an entry code, to allow or not the opening of the door and, thus limit access to the trunk,
• a distribution mechanism for extracting the banknotes from the safe,
• data entry means to allow an operator to send orders to the distributor,
• a coordination body linked to the data entry means, and
• connecting means for connecting the coordinating body to a management system.

To allow real-time monitoring and management of the distributor, everything by simplifying the structure of its lock, it is also connected to the coordinating body, from which it receives signals carrying the code input.

Advantageously, the management system, the coordinating body and the distributor lock are arranged so that the information from the management system prevail over those from the means data entry. It is thus possible to prohibit access to a distributor if a doubt arises, from the management system, even in during the boot opening procedure.

• une serrure pour limiter l'accès à l'espace confiné, la serrure comprenant:
  • un dispositif électromécanique agencé pour permettre ou non l'accès à cet espace,
  • un circuit de commande comprenant une mémoire dans laquelle est stockée au moins une information en corrélation avec un code susceptible de commander l'ouverture de la serrure, des moyens de comparaison de l'information et du code, et un générateur d'impulsions pour commander le dispositif électromécanique lorsqu'il y a concordance entre le code reçu et l'information mémorisée,
• des moyens d'entrée de données agencés pour permettre à un opérateur d'introduire le code d'entrée, et
• un organe de coordination relié à la serrure et aux moyens d'entrée de données.

To ensure optimal working conditions, the devices as defined above are advantageously integrated into a management network to control access to confined and secure spaces. In this network, each device includes:

• a lock to limit access to the confined space, the lock comprising:
  • an electromechanical device arranged to allow or not access to this space,
  • a control circuit comprising a memory in which is stored at least one item of information in correlation with a code capable of controlling the opening of the lock, means for comparing the information and the code, and a pulse generator for controlling the electromechanical device when there is agreement between the code received and the information stored,
• data entry means arranged to allow an operator to enter the entry code, and
• a coordinating body connected to the lock and to the data entry means.

In addition, the network includes a computer and connection means for connect the computer to each of the devices. The control circuit and the organ are arranged so that the confined space is not accessible only insofar as the entry code is in accordance with information in memory, and that the computer does not prevent access.

Advantageously and to increase safety, the circuit control of each device is arranged so that it addresses command pulses only if the code is in accordance with the information stored and that the computer gives its agreement.

• les figures 1 et 2 représentent selon l'invention, respectivement et de manière schématique, une serrure et un réseau de distributeur de billets.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawing, in which:

• Figures 1 and 2 show according to the invention, respectively and schematically, a lock and an ATM network.

FIG. 1 represents a lock 10 which comprises a lock 12 capable of to occupy a first and a second position, one of which, called closed, is intended to prevent access to a confined space, in order to secure it. It is provided with a toothed rack 12a. The displacement of the lock 12 is provided by a control lever 14, accessible from outside the confined space provided with a toothed sector 14a in engagement with the teeth 12a.

The lock 10 further comprises an electromechanical device 16 provided with a cleat 18 and an electromagnet 20 controlling the movement of the cleat 18 which hinders or not the movement of the latch 12. The device is controlled by a circuit 22, which receives orders from an interface 24, provided with a first terminal 24a connected to the control circuit 22 and a second terminal 24b, intended to allow a connection with the outside, as will be explained further.

The circuit 22 essentially comprises a memory 22a in which are stored information, a comparison circuit 22b, intended for compare the information received from interface 24 with that found in the memory 22a, and a pulse generator 22c arranged so as to what, in case of conformity of the information received with reference to information in memory, it gives the order to the electromagnet 20 to release the lock 12. Advantageously, the memory 22a can, in addition memorize information relating to the last interventions carried out on lock 10.

All parts of the lock, except for the control handle 14 and of the output 24b of the interface 24 are inside the confined space.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a network for managing a set of safety devices 26 for controlling access to confined and secure spaces, which will be described in more detail below, and a management system essentially comprising a computer central 28 and connecting means 30, generally formed of a network cable.

In this figure only one of the safety devices 26 is shown in detail. It includes two confined spaces defined by chests 32 and 34, respectively fitted with doors 36 and 38 and locks 40 and 42 of the type of that described with reference to Figure 1.

The safe 32 is an integral part of a banknote dispenser 44. It contains a mechanism for distributing banknotes 46. These are issued through a hatch 48.

The distributor 44 further comprises data input means 50 consisting of a keyboard and a magnetic or chip card reader, and display means produced by means of a screen 52.

A coordination member 54, advantageously formed by a microprocessor, ensures receipt of orders given by data entry means 50 and interprets them in order to control the mechanism 46 and the screen 52. The coordinating member 54 is in permanent contact with the computer 28, through network 30, to monitor transactions and cases if necessary, interrupt it in the event of a problem or embezzlement. The information is transmitted by a high security coded language. We will note that one or more safety devices 26 can be connected by the same line 30 to the central computer 28.

The trunk 34 is a night treasure with a tilting door 56, allowing there introduce cassettes not shown in the drawing, ordered by a lock 58.

The safety device 26 is arranged in a box 60 provided with doors and unreferenced cutouts, to allow access to boxes 32 and 34, the hatch 48, at the door 56 as well as the data entry means 50 and screen 52.

As it appears in Figure 2, the locks 40, 42 and 58 are connected to the by means of a bus 62, to the coordinating member 54 and, through it, to the central computer 28. The connection between the locks and the member 54 can be realized by means of a four-wire line, such as those used in the field of telephony.

If an operator has to order the opening of either lock 40, 42 or 58, he sends a message to the coordinating body by through the data input means 50, for example by means a card and / or a number dialed on the keyboard. This message contains information relating to the operator's identity, the lock concerned and the code which, compared to the information contained in the memory 22a, allows access to one of the confined spaces.

As the data entry means 50 are connected to both the locks 40, 42 and 58, and to the central computer 28, through the coordinating body 54, the message can be analyzed by the central computer 28 before the considered lock is not open. The authorization to open can be given in real time, which means that each time a message is entered, the computer 28 analyzes it and gives its agreement or not. It can also be anticipated, in which case the computer 28 gives, in advance, to the coordination 54 the indications relating to the messages to be taken into account.

• un premier train d'impulsions T1 définissant la serrure impliquée, avec une indication si cette dernière est émettrice ou réceptrice,
• un deuxième train T2 définissant la longueur totale du message,
• un troisième train T3 comportant les informations relatives à l'ordre transmis, et
• un quatrième train T4 destiné à vérifier l'absence d'erreur.

The transmission of information between the locks 40, 42 and 58 and the coordinating member 54 is carried out according to a protocol comprising:

• a first pulse train T1 defining the lock involved, with an indication whether the latter is transmitting or receiving,
• a second train T2 defining the total length of the message,
• a third train T3 comprising the information relating to the transmitted order, and
• a fourth train T4 intended to verify the absence of error.

T1, T2 and T4 have a fixed length, usually 8 bits (or 1 byte). In in most cases, this is sufficient to cover the needs. T3 has, however, a variable length, which can be up to 255 bytes. If that is not enough, the message can be broken down. This may, for example, be necessary when the computer 26 requests a lock to transmit the information relating to the last interventions carried out on the locks.

Such a solution not only increases security in the control of access to confined spaces, the locks being able to be permanently under control, but also to reduce their cost, the means internal controls may be limited. It is therefore no longer necessary to ask an operator, who must go to the site, to interrogate the circuit command 22 to know which are the last operations carried out on either lock. This can be done either in real time or periodically. There is also no risk that a door remains open. by mistake or by incorrect handling.

The programs in the computer 28 relate equally to the distribution of banknotes only to lock management. It is also this computer may address, through a network not shown at drawing, information relating to the distribution of tickets to a first computer and those relating to second locks people responsible for these two aspects are not the same.

It will be noted that the link between the coordinating member 54 and the computer 28 is the subject of the greatest attention in known systems, addressed messages that must be coded with maximum security. In consequence, the risk of an intervention on the line in order to obtain a Unauthorized lock opening is practically zero.

The network described with reference to FIG. 2 relates to the distribution of banknotes and night treasures management. It goes without saying that means used could be used for other purposes, in particular for the safes management in a bank vault.

Claims (11)

Lock (10) intended to limit access to a confined and secure space, comprising: a lock (12), capable of occupying first and second positions in which it is respectively possible to access or not the confined space, an electromechanical device (16), to allow or not the displacement of the lock (12) from one to the other of said positions, a control circuit (22) for addressing orders to the electromechanical device (16), and a communication interface (24) provided with a terminal (24b) forming an entrance to the lock, characterized in that said interface (24) is arranged so as to be able to be connected by said terminal (24b), at least medially, to a computer-type management system (28, 30). Lock according to claim 1, characterized in that said control circuit (22) comprises: a memory (22a) in which is stored at least one item of information in correlation with a code capable of controlling the opening of the lock (10), means for comparing the information and the code (22b), and a pulse generator (22c) for controlling the electromechanical device (16) when there is a match between the code received and the information stored. Lock according to claim 2, characterized in that said memory (22a) is arranged to store, moreover, information relating to the last interventions carried out and in that said control circuit (22) is arranged to address to said management system (28, 30), when he gives the order, information relating to said interventions. Lock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control circuit (22) and the interface (24) are arranged in such a way that the information coming from outside the lock and addressed to the input terminal (24b) comply with a protocol comprising: a first pulse train (T1) defining the device concerned, a second train (T2) defining the total length of the message, a third train (T3) containing the information relating to the order, and a fourth train (T4) intended to verify the absence of error. Security device (26) for managing access to a confined and secure space (32, 34), comprising: a lock (40, 42, 58), of the type controlled by an entry code, arranged to limit access to said space and comprising a control circuit (22) and a communication interface (24), data entry means (50) to allow an operator to enter said code, characterized in that it further comprises a coordinating member (54), connected to the lock (40, 42, 58) and to the data entry means (50), and provided with a connection for connecting it to a computer type management system (30), said coordination member (54) and said lock (40, 42, 58) being arranged so that, unless prohibited by the management system (30), the opening said lock (40, 42, 58) can be controlled by said operator by its intervention on the data input means (50), by entering said code. Safety device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of locks (40, 42, 58) and a bus (62) connecting these locks to said coordinating member. Safety device according to claim 6, characterized in that the coordination member (54), the interface (24) and the control circuit (22) are arranged so that they communicate with each other according to a protocol comprising: a first train of pulses (T1) defining the lock concerned, a second train (T2) defining the total length of the message, a third train (T3) containing the information relating to the order, and a fourth train (T4) intended to verify the absence of error. Banknote dispenser (44), comprising: a chest defining a confined space (32) and intended to contain said tickets, and provided with a door (36), a lock (40) of the type controlled by an entry code, to allow or not the opening of the door (36) and, thus limit access to said trunk, a dispensing mechanism (46) for extracting the banknotes from the safe, data input means (50) to allow an operator to address orders, a coordination unit (54) connected to said data input means (50), and connecting means (30) for connecting said member (54) to a management system (28), characterized in that said lock (40) is also connected to said member (54), from which it receives signals carrying said code. Distributor according to claim 8, characterized in that the management system (28), the coordination member (54) and the lock (40) are arranged so that the information from the management system (28) prevails on those coming from the data input means (50). Network for managing a set of security devices (26) for controlling access to confined and secure spaces (32, 34), characterized in that each device comprises: a lock (40, 42, 58) for limiting access to said space, said lock comprising: an electromechanical device (16) arranged to allow or not access to said space, a control circuit (22) comprising a memory (22a) in which is stored at least one item of information in correlation with a code capable of controlling the opening of the lock, means for comparing the item of information and the code (22b) , and a pulse generator (22c) for controlling the electromechanical device (16) when there is agreement between the code received and the information stored, data input means (50) arranged to allow an operator to enter said code, a coordination member (54) connected to the lock (40, 42, 58) and to the data entry means (50), and in that said network further comprises a computer (28) and connection means (30) for connecting the computer (28) to each of said devices, and in that the control circuit (22) and said member (54) are arranged so that said space (32, 34) is accessible only insofar as the signals are in accordance with the code and that said computer (28) does not prevent access. Network according to Claim 11, characterized in that the said control circuit (22) is arranged so that it addresses the command pulses only insofar as the said code is in accordance with the stored information and that the computer agrees.

Images