EP3465636A1

EP3465636A1 - Door system

Info

Publication number: EP3465636A1
Application number: EP17727186.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabio BERTOLINO
Original assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
Current assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
Priority date: 2016-05-31
Filing date: 2017-05-29
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Also published as: WO2017207476A1

Abstract

The disclosure proposes a door management system, an external wireless communication device and a method for managing a door. The method comprises the steps of transferring data for managing the door between the server unit and the external wireless communication device via the wide area wireless communication network. The method comprises, consecutively, establishing a connection between the external wireless communication device and the door control module and transferring the data between the external wireless communication device and the door control module via the local wireless interface.

Description

TITLE

Door system TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure pertains to the field of doors and means for managing doors. More particularly the disclosure is related to managing doors by means of a door system.

BACKGROUND

Doors are typically used for allowing access to trusted users and hence keeping non-trusted users out. Traditionally a door is locked and only trusted users are authorized to unlock the door using a physical key. Physical keys are sometimes replaced with an electronically controlled lock that can be unlocked e.g. by a remote control that can unlock the door e.g. via wireless communication interface such as infrared (IR) or radio. In order to allow plural users to access the door, the door can be programmed to authorize certain users to be able to unlock the door electronically. In order to manage the door, e.g. to update the door with authorized users, or any other service information such as new software, a dedicated service equipment such as a personal computer with adequate software can be physically connected to the door in order to manage the door such as transferring data regarding authorized users. This can be both time consuming and costly since a service person needs to physically visit the door and connect the service equipment. As an alternative to physically connecting service equipment to the door, the door can be connected to a network via a cable or wirelessly by using a cellular network. This however requires either a network cable to be connected to the door or a wireless connection to a cellular network using a costly subscription and advanced equipment. Some doors cannot be connected wirelessly since they are located outside of the coverage area of a cellular network, either because they are located in rural areas or because the door is located in a basement of a building or in a tunnel, in subway system, on a ship etc. SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device and a method which seek to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination. In this disclosure, a solution to the problem outlined above is proposed. In the proposed solution, a door can be managed, e.g. updated with authorized users, via a door system that doesn't require dedicated service equipment to be connected and thereby saving costly visits by a service person, further the door doesn't need to be connected to a network via a cable or wireless connection to a cellular network using a costly subscription.

The disclosure proposes a method for managing a door by means of a door system, wherein the door system comprises the door, a server unit and an external wireless communication device. The door comprises a door control module controlling the operation of the door and a memory unit. The door control module is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface. The server unit is configured to communicate via a wide area wireless communication network. The external wireless communication device is configured to communicate via the local wireless communication interface and to communicate via the wide area communication network. The method comprises the steps of a) transferring data for managing the door between the server unit and the external wireless communication device via the wide area wireless communication network. and b) consecutively,

i) detecting that the external wireless communication device is within a range required to establish a connection with the door control module of the door via the local wireless communication interface,

ii) establishing a connection between the external wireless communication device and the door control module and

iii) transferring the data between the external wireless communication device and the door control module via the local wireless communication interface.

The method further comprises the step c) storing the data in the memory unit of the door or obtaining the data from the memory unit of the door.

Hence, data for managing the door can be transferred between the server and the external wireless communication device, and further the data for managing the door can be transferred between the external wireless communication device and the door control module of the door.

According to some aspects of the disclosure the method the step of transferring the data between the server unit and the external wireless communication device is performed by receiving, in the external wireless communication device, the data from the server unit. Then, the step of transferring the data between the external wireless communication device and the door control module is performed by sending, in the external wireless communication device, the data to the door control module. Thereafter storing the data in the memory unit of the door is performed. In this way data can be sent from the server to the door control module of the door and be stored in the memory unit of the door.

According to some aspects of the disclosure the method for managing the door comprises obtaining the data from the memory unit of the door to the door control module of the door and then the transferring of the data between the external wireless communication device and the door control module is performed by receiving, in the external wireless communication device, the data from the door control module. Thereafter the step of transferring the data between the server unit and the external wireless communication device is performed by sending, in the external wireless communication device, the data to the server unit. This means that data stored in the memory unit of the door can be sent to the server unit.

According to some aspects of the disclosure the door control module is configured to communicate via an additional local wireless communication interface and the method comprises the step communicating, in the door control module, with an additional wireless device via the additional local wireless communication interface. Hence, the door control module of the door can communicate with plural wireless devices over plural local wireless communication interfaces.

According to some aspects of the disclosure the additional wireless device is an authentication device for requesting access through the door. The method then comprises the steps of receiving, in the door control module, an identification from the authentication device via the additional local wireless communication interface. Then to determine, in the door control module, that the identification is associated with an authentication device allowed access through the door based on the data stored in the memory unit of the door. This means that the door control module can e.g. receive a request to open the door from a user via an additional local wireless communication interface.

According to some aspects of the disclosure the data is authentication data comprising identification information about the authentication devices that are allowed access through the door. Hence, this means that data sent to the door and stored in the memory of the door can be used to manage the door. According to some aspects the disclosure proposes a door management system comprising a door comprising a door control module controlling the operation of the door and a memory unit. The door control module is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface. The system further comprises a server unit configured to communicate via a wide area wireless communication network and an external wireless communication device configured to communicate via the local wireless communication interface and to communicate via the wide area communication network. The external wireless communication device is configured to transfer data for managing the door between the server unit and the external wireless communication device via the wide area communication network. The external wireless communication device is further configured to transfer the data between the external wireless communication device and the door control module of the door via the local wireless communication interface.This is carried out when it is detected that the external wireless communication device is within a range required to establish a connection between the external wireless communication device and the door control module of the door via the local wireless communication interface and the connection is established. The door control module is configured to store the data in the memory unit of the door and/or reading the data from the memory unit of the door.

Hence, by use of the door management system, data for managing the door can be transferred between the server and the external wireless communication device, and further the data for managing the door can be transferred between the external wireless communication device and the door control module of the door. The door management system is configured to perform any of the aspects of the methods described above, of which some are further specified in the dependent claims associated with the door management system.

According to some aspects the disclosure proposes an external wireless communication device for management of a door system. The door system comprises a door comprising a door control module controlling the operation of the door and a memory unit, The door control module is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface. A server unit configured to communicate via a wide area wireless communication network. An external wireless communication device configured to communicate via the local wireless communication interface and to communicate via the wide area communication network. The external wireless communication device is configured to transfer data for managing the door between the server unit and the external wireless communication device via the wide area communication network. The external wireless communication device is configured to transfer the data between the external wireless communication device and the door control module of the door via the local wireless communication interface. This is carried out when it is detected that the external wireless communication device is within a range required to establish a connection between the external wireless communication device and the door control module of the door via the local wireless communication interface and the connection is established.

Hence, by use of the external communication device, data for managing the door can be transferred between the server and the external wireless communication device, and further the data for managing the door can be transferred between the external wireless communication device and the door control module of the door. The external communication device is configured to perform any of the aspects of the methods described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of the example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the example embodiments.

Figure la illustrates a door system according to some aspects of the invention.

Figure lb illustrates a door system as illustrated in Figure la, but comprising plural external wireless communication devices and plural additional wireless communication devices. Figure 2a illustrates transfer of data from a server unit to a memory unit of a door in an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2b illustrates obtaining of data from a memory unit of a door and transfer of the data to a server unit in an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates an external wireless communication device at a door that is out of coverage of a wide area wireless communication network but in the range of a local wireless communication interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The apparatus and method disclosed herein can, however, be realized in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like numbers in the drawings refer to like elements throughout.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Figure la illustrates a door system that according to some aspects comprising a door (1), a server unit (2) comprising a wide area wireless communication unit (22), an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), an additional wireless communication device (4a, 4b). Figure la further illustrates a wide area wireless communication network (9), a local wireless communication network (8) and an additional local wireless communication interface (7). The door (1) comprising a door control module (10), a memory unit (11) and a local wireless communication unit (12). The disclosure proposes a method for managing a door (1) by means of a door system as illustrated according to some aspects in figure la and lb. The door system comprises the door (1), a server unit (2) and an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c). The door (1) comprises a door control module (10) controlling the operation of the door (1) and a memory unit (11). The door control module (10) is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface (8). The server unit (2) is configured to communicate via a wide area wireless communication network (9). The external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to communicate via the local wireless communication interface (8) and to communicate via the wide area communication network (9). The method comprises the steps of a) transferring data for managing the door (1) between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) via the wide area wireless communication network (9).

and b) consecutively,

i) detecting that the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is within a range required to establish a connection with the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8), ii) establishing a connection between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) and

iii) transferring the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) via the local wireless interface (8).

The method further comprises the step c) storing the data in the memory unit (11) of the door (1) or obtaining the data from the memory unit (11) of the door (1).

Hence, data for managing the door (1) can be transferred between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), and further the data for managing the door (1) can be transferred between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1).

According to some aspects of the disclosure the door (1) comprises a local wireless communication unit (12) for local wireless communication. According to some aspects of the disclosure the door (1) comprises a local wireless communication unit (12) for communication via the local wireless communication interface (8).

According to some aspects of the disclosure the server unit (2) is connected to a wide area wireless communication unit (22) for wide area wireless communication. According to some aspects of the disclosure the server unit (2) is connected to a wide area wireless communication unit (22) for communication via the wide area wireless communication network (9).

According to some aspects of the disclosure the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) comprises a local wireless communication unit for local wireless communication and a wide area communication unit for wide area wireless communication. According to some aspects of the disclosure the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) comprise a local wireless communication unit for communication via the local wireless communication interface (8) and a wide area communication unit for communication via the wide area wireless communication network (9).

The server unit (2) may be configured to send data to the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) . The door control module (10) may be configured to receive data from the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c). The door control module (10) may be configured to send data to the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c). The server unit (2) may be configured to receive data from the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c).The door control module (10) may be configured to retrieve the data from the memory unit (11).

Data is transferred between the door control module (10) of the door (1) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) only when the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is in the vicinity of the door. When the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is within the radio coverage area of the local wireless communication interface (8), the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) can detect that it is within a range required to establish a connection with the door control module (10) of the door (1) and establish a connection between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c)and the door control module (10) utilizing the local wireless communication unit (12), via the local wireless communication interface (8). From a security aspect this means that data can only be transferred between the door control module (10) of the door and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) when the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) physically is in the vicinity of the door, e.g. the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is used by person passing the door (1) already trusted by the door owner. The server unit (2) can control what external wireless communication devices (3a, 3b, 3c) that are allowed to access the door control module (10) of the door (1). Hence, there is an advantage from a security aspect that fraud and illegal acts in form of hacking and break in is minimized to an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) that has to be in the vicinity of the door (1) and not any device connected to the Internet.

This will e.g. allow data for managing the door to get from the server unit (2) to the door control module (10) of the door (1) without a need for a service person to physically visit the door (1) and connect the service equipment. This will also allow data for managing the door (1) to get from the door (1) to the server unit (2) in the same way. An advantage with this is that the door (1) doesn't need to be connected to a network via a cable or wireless connection to a cellular network using a costly subscription. Further, there is no need for the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) to simultaneously be connected to the server unit and the door control module of the door.

Data such as a software update and authentication data, e.g. adding authorized persons that are allowed to get access to the door (1), can be transferred from the server unit (2) and stored temporarily in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and await that the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) comes within range of the door (1). All the data stored in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) doesn't necessarily need be transferred from the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) to the door control module (10) of the door (1).

According to some aspects of the disclosure selected parts of the data transferred from the server unit (2) to the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is transferred from the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) to the door control module (10) of the door (1). For instance, a software update may only be allowed to be transferred if the user is a particular user, such as a caretaker or the owner of the door, since the amount of data to be transferred may require the presence of the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) for a time period that is longer than what a normal user is within range of the door (1).

According to some aspects of the disclosure, the data can be transferred to plural external wireless communication devices (3a, 3b, 3c). The first external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) within range of the door (1) then transfers one part of the data to the door control module (10). A second external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) within range of the door (1) then transfers another part of the data to the door control module (10) etc. The door control module (10) can be arranged to detect what data that is has already got and when establishing a connection with an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) the door control module (10) can in a request to the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) ask for specific data.

According to some aspects data has a life time so that when an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) has been within range of the door control module (10) of the door, data is transferred to the door control module (10) and/or deleted from the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c).

The server unit (2) can transfer data to an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) when the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is not connected to the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8). The transfer of the data to the door control module (10) of the door (1) can be performed at a later occasion when the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) has established a connection with the door control module (10) of the door (1). In the same way this will also allow data for managing the door (1) to get from the door (1) to the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) without requiring that the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is simultaneously connected to the server unit (2). The transfer of data from the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) to the server unit (2) can hence take place when the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) has established a connection with the server unit (2) over the wide area wireless communication network (9). This allows communication with the door (1) even if the door (1) is placed where there is no coverage of a wide area wireless communication network (9), such as far out in a forest, in a basement of a building, or deep down in a mine. Hence data can be transferred between the memory unit (11) of the door (1) and the server unit (2) by using an existing infrastructure of e.g. a cellular network and e.g. an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) in form of a smartphone or tablet that is carried by a person that is in the vicinity of the door (1), e.g. by an employee or any person that passes the door (1).

As used herein a door includes any type of door, gate or barrier obstructing passage, such as a revolving door, a swing door, a hinged door, an up and over door, a roll door, a garage door, an industrial door, a gate, a barrier, an or any device having the same function as a door. According to some aspects of the disclosure the door (1) is a gate. The door control module (10) of the door (1) is controlling the operation of the door (1). According to some aspects of the disclosure the controlling of the door (1) is opening and closing the door (1). This could be either automatically utilizing additional means for operating the door, such as an electric motor, or manually controlling of the door (1) by unlocking and locking a door (1) that is operated manually by manpower. According to some aspects of the disclosure the door (1) comprises a memory unit (11) that is a Random-access Memory (RAM), a Flash memory, a hard disk, or any storage medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed.

According to some aspects of the disclosure a server unit (2) may be a server in a cloud comprising plural servers that are connected via a network. According to some aspects of the disclosure a server unit (2) is an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c). According to some aspects of the disclosure a server unit (2) is a computer such as a personal computer or laptop. According to some aspects of the disclosure the communication between the different parts of the system is utilizing ordinary Internet protocol standards such as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The door control module (10) is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface (8).

According to some aspects of the disclosure the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is in form of a smartphone or tablet such as an Android Smartphone, an Apple iPhone, an Android tablet or an Apple iPad. According to some aspects of the disclosure the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) has a memory for storing data and an operation system for operating software such as mobile applications and other software. According to some aspects of the disclosure the wide area wireless communication network (9) is a standardized cellular mobile network such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), WiMax or UMB or similar network. According to some aspects of the disclosure the local wireless communication interface (8) is a standardized network such Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth™, ZigBee, Ultra-Wideband, Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or similar.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, that is illustrated in figure 2a, in the method for managing the door (1) the step of transferring the data between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is performed by receiving, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data from the server unit (2). Then, the step of transferring the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) is performed by sending, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data to the door control module (10). Thereafter the step of storing the data in the memory unit (11) of the door or obtaining the data from the memory unit (11) of the door is storing the data in the memory unit (11) of the door (1). Thus, according to these aspects, the method comprises the consecutive steps receiving, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), data from the server unit (2), sending, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data to the door control module (10) and storing the data in the memory unit (11) of the door (1).

In this way data can be sent from the server unit (2) to the door control module (10) of the door (1) and be stored in the memory unit (11) of the door (1). Hence, data sent from the server unit (2) is received in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c). In the next step, that can take place at a later time, data is sent by the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) to the door control module (10) of the door (1), where the data is stored in a memory unit (11). Transferring the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1) can occur at any time and doesn't necessary require that the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) has a connection with the server unit (2) over the wide area communication network (9) at the very moment of the transfer. The data can be transferred from the server unit (2) to the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) when the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is in coverage of the wide area wireless communication network (9). At a later stage, even when the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is out of coverage of the wide area wireless communication network (9), the data can be transferred from the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) to the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8) as illustrated in figure 3. Hence data can be transferred from the server unit (2) to the door control module (10) of the door (1) by using an existing infrastructure of e.g. a cellular network and e.g. an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) in form of a smartphone or tablet that is carried by a person that is in the vicinity of the door (1), e.g. by an employee or any person that passes the door. In one example, the data that is transferred from the server unit (2) to the door control module (10) and memory unit (11) of the door is e.g. a software update to the door control module (10) of the door. Such software update can be a larger amount of data. Different external wireless communication devices (3a, 3b, 3c) may communicate differently with the door control module (10) and memory unit (11) of the door. A software update may only be allowed by e.g. the owner of the door (1) or managers or caretakers of a company owning the door (1) etc. In one example, the data that is transferred from the server unit (2) to the door control module (10) and memory unit (11) of the door is authentication data, e.g. adding information about authorized devices or persons that are allowed to get access to the door (1).

According to some aspects of the disclosure, as illustrated in figure 2b, in the method for managing the door (1) the step of storing the data in the memory unit (11) of the door or obtaining the data from the memory unit (11) of the door is obtaining the data from the memory unit (11) of the door (1) to the door control module (10) of the door (1). Then the transferring of the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) is performed by receiving, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data from the door control module (10). Thereafter, the step of transferring the data between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is performed by sending, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data to the server unit (2). Thus, according to these aspects, the method comprises the consecutive steps obtaining the data from the memory unit (11) of the door (1) to the door control module (10) of the door (1), receiving, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data from the door control module (10) and sending, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data to the server unit (2). This means that data stored in the memory unit (11) of the door (1) can be sent to the server unit (2). Hence data can be obtained from the memory unit (11) of the door (1) to the door control module (10) of the door (1). The data from the door control module (10) is then received in the external communication device (3a, 3b, 3c). In the next step, that can take place at a later time, data is sent by the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) to the server unit (2).

The data can be obtained from the memory unit (11) of the door and transferred to the door control module (10) of the door (1). When a user of an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is within coverage of the local wireless communication interface (8) the data can be transferred to the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c). The external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) doesn't necessarily need to be within coverage of the wide area wireless communication network (9) when this occurs. The data can then be temporarily stored in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and transferred to the server unit (2) when the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is within coverage of the wide area wireless communication network (9). Hence data can be transferred from the memory unit (11) of the door (1) to the server unit (2) by using an existing infrastructure of e.g. a cellular network and e.g. an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) in form of a smartphone or tablet that is carried by a person that is in the vicinity of the door (1), e.g. by an employee or any person that passes the door (1). In one example data transferred from the memory unit (11) of the door (1) to the server unit (2) can be diagnostic data, statistical data, e.g. number of persons accessing the door, number of times and how long the door has been open, software version data, list of authorized users etc. This data can be used for planning maintenance of the door in order to optimize the maintenance occasions and prevent failure and breakdown.

Hence, according to some aspects of the disclosure the server unit (2) may be configured to exchange data with the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) via the wide area wireless communication network (9). Further, according to some aspects of the disclosure the door control module (10) may be configured to exchange data with the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) via the local area wireless communication interface (8).

According to some aspects of the disclosure, as illustrated in figure la and lb, the door control module (2) is configured to communicate via an additional local wireless communication interface (7) and the method comprises the step communicating, in the door control module (10), with an additional wireless device (4a, 4b) via the additional local wireless communication interface (7). Hence, the door control module (10) of the door (1) can communicate with plural wireless devices over plural local wireless communication interfaces which may be different from each other. For example the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) can be connected to the door control module (10) of the door (1) via a local wireless communication interface (8) that is using a radio interface, such as, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth™, Zigbee, Ultra-Wideband, Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or similar and the additional wireless communication device (4a, 4b) can be connected to the door control module (10) of the door (1) via an additional local wireless communication interface (7) that is e.g. an infrared (IR) interface or an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio interface, e.g. a remote control operating on 868 MHz, but also an interface using Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or similar. According to some aspects of the disclosure the additional wireless communication device (4a, 4b) a remote control device, such as is a portable battery driven remote control device. According to some aspects of the disclosure the additional wireless communication device (4a, 4b) is a passive tag such as an RFID or NFC tag.

According to some aspects of the disclosure the additional wireless device (4a, 4b) is an authentication device for requesting access through the door (1). The method then com prises the steps of receiving, in the door control module (10), an identification from the authentication device via the additional local wireless communication interface (7). Then to determine, in the door control module (10), that the identification is associated with an authentication device allowed access through the door (1) based on the data stored in the memory unit (11) of the door (1). This means that the door control module (10) can e.g. receive a request to open the door (1) from a user via an additional local wireless communication interface (7). According to some aspects of the disclosure the additional local wireless communication interface (7) is an Infrared, Bluetooth™, or UHF radio or similar communication interface. The request from the authentication device can e.g. be a code or any identification sent by a radio remote control or infrared (IR) remote control. It can also be e.g. a RFID tag or NFC tag with certain identification. The identification is received by the door control module (10) of the door (1) and can then be compared with data stored in the memory unit (11), e.g. a list of identifications that are authorized to access the door (1).

According to some aspects of the disclosure the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is the authentication device for requesting access through the door (1). The method then comprises the steps of receiving, in the door control module (10), an identification from the authentication device via the local wireless communication interface (8). The external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) can be in form of a smartphone or tablet and the request can be sent using any local wireless communication interface standard including infrared (IR) as the wireless communication interface.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, the data is data for managing the door (1), i.e. the data relates to management of the door (1). The data may be management data, such as door management data. According to some aspects of the disclosure the data is authentication data comprising identification information about the authentication devices that are allowed access through the door (1). Hence, this means that data sent to the door (1) and stored in the memory unit (11) of the door (1) can be used to manage the door (1), e.g. to control access of persons that has access to the door (1), even if the request to open the door (1) is received via an additional local wireless communication interface (7). According to some aspects of the invention, the authentication data comprising identification information about the authentication devices that are allowed access through the door (1) can be removed from the memory unit (11) of the door upon a request sent from the server unit (2) via the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) to the door control module (10) of the door. According to some aspects of the disclosure authentication data comprising identification information about the authentication devices that are allowed access through the door (1) can be added in the memory unit (11) of the door (1) by sending the authentication data from the server unit (2) via the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) to the door control module (10) of the door. According to some aspects the disclosure proposes a door management system as illustrated in figure la and lb, comprising a door (1) comprising a door control module (10) controlling the operation of the door (1) and a memory unit (11). The door control module (10) is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface (8). The system further comprises a server unit (2) configured to communicate via a wide area wireless communication network (9) and an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) configured to communicate via the local wireless communication interface (8) and to communicate via the wide area communication network (9). The external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to transfer data for managing the door (1) between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) via the wide area communication network (9). The external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is further configured to transfer the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8).This is carried out when it is detected that the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is within a range required to establish a connection between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8) and the connection is established. The door control module (10) is configured to store the data in the memory unit (11) of the door (1) and/or reading the data from the memory unit (11) of the door (l).

The door management system is configured to perform any of the aspects of the methods described above.

According to some aspects the disclosure proposes a door management system wherein the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to receive the data from the server unit (2) and send the data to the door control module (10), wherein the door control module (10) is configured to store the data in the memory unit (11) of the door (1). According to some aspects of the disclosure the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to receive the data from the server unit (2) and temporarily store the data in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c). According to some aspects of the disclosure the data is temporarily stored in the wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and deleted when the data is sent to the door control module (10). Hence, by use of the door management system, data can be sent from the server unit (2) and stored in the memory unit (11) of the door (1) via an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) that can e.g. be in a form of a smartphone or tablet.

According to some aspects the disclosure proposes a door management system wherein the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to receive the data from the door control module (10) and send the data to the server unit (2), wherein the data received from the door control module (10) is data that has been stored in the memory unit (11). According to some aspects of the disclosure the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to receive the data from the door control module (10) and temporarily store the data in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c). According to some aspects of the disclosure the data is temporarily stored in the wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and deleted when the data is sent to the server unit (2).

Hence, by use of the door management system, data can be transferred from the memory unit (11) of the door (1) to the server unit (2) via an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) that can e.g. be in a form of a smartphone or tablet.

According to some aspects the disclosure proposes a door management system wherein the door control module (10) is configured to communicate via an additional local wireless communication interface (7). According to some aspects of the disclosure, the additional local wireless communication interface (7) is an infrared (IR interface or an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio interface, e.g. a remote control operating on 868 MHz, but also an interface using Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), or similar. According to some aspects of the disclosure the additional local wireless communication interface (7) is a using the same communication standards as the local wireless communication interface (7). The additional local wireless communication interface (7) enables a further communication interface for the door (1) for local communication.

According to some aspects the disclosure proposes a door management system wherein the door control module (10) is configured to communicate with an additional wireless device (4a, 4,b) via the additional local wireless communication interface (7). According to some aspects of the disclosure the additional wireless communication device (4a, 4b) is a portable battery driven remote control device. According to some aspects of the disclosure the additional wireless communication device (4a, 4b) is a passive tag such as an RFID or NFC tag.

According to some aspects the disclosure proposes a door management system wherein the additional wireless device (4a, 4b) is an authentication device for requesting access through the door (1), wherein the door control module (10) is configured to receive an identification form the authentication device via the additional local wireless communication interface (7), and to determine that the identification is associated with an authentication device allowed access through the door (1) based on the data stored in the memory unit (10) of the door (1). According to some aspects the disclosure the authentication device is a radio remote control or infrared remote control. According to some aspects the disclosure the authentication device is a RFID tag or a NFC tag.

According to some aspects the disclosure proposes a door management system wherein the data is authentication data comprising identification information about authentication devices that are allowed access through the door (1). According to some aspects of the disclosure the request from the authentication device is authentication data comprising identification information if form of e.g. a code or any identification sent by a radio remote control or infrared remote control. It can also be e.g. a RFID tag or NFC tag with certain identification. The identification is received by the door control module (10) of the door (1) and can then be compared with data stored in the memory unit (11), e.g. a list of identifications that are authorized to access the door (1).

According to some aspects the disclosure proposes an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) for management of a door system. The door system comprises a door (1) comprising a door control module (10) controlling the operation of the door (1) and a memory unit (11), The door control module (10) is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface (8). A server unit (2) configured to communicate via a wide area wireless communication network (9). An external wireless communication device configured to communicate via the local wireless communication interface (8) and to communicate via the wide area communication network (9). The external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to transfer data for managing the door (1) between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) via the wide area communication network (9). The external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to transfer the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8). This is carried out when it is detected that the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is within a range required to establish a connection between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8) and the connection is established.

Hence, by use of the external communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), data for managing the door (1) can be transferred between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), and further the data for managing the door (1) can be transferred between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1). The external communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to perform any of the aspects of the methods described above. According to some aspects of the disclosure the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is in form of a smartphone or tablet such as an Android Smartphone, an Apple iPhone, an Android tablet or an Apple iPad. In one example the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is a dedicated device with hardware and software configured to perform any of the aspects of the methods described above. According to some aspects of the disclosure the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) has a memory for storing data and an operation system for operating software such as mobile applications and other software. According to some aspects of the disclosure the external communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to run software to perform any of the aspects of the methods described above. In one example software can either be preinstalled on the the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) or downloaded from an external source over the wide area wireless communication network (9). The door management system may be configured to perform any of the aspects of the methods described above.

In some implementations and according to some aspects of the disclosure, the functions or steps noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession can in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary aspects of the disclosure. However, many variations and modifications can be made to these aspects without substantially departing from the principles of the present disclosure. Thus, the disclosure should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and not as being limited to the particular aspects discussed above. Accordingly, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed and the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that the example embodiments may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments. However, many variations and modifications can be made to these embodiments. Accordingly, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the embodiments being defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Method for managing a door (1) by means of a door system, wherein the door system comprises the door (1), a server unit (2) and an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), wherein the door (1) comprises a door control module (10) controlling the operation of the door (1) and a memory unit (11), wherein the door control module (10) is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface (8), wherein the server unit (2) is configured to communicate via a wide area wireless communication network (9), and wherein the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to communicate via the local wireless communication interface (8) and to communicate via the wide area communication network (9), wherein the method comprises the steps

a) transferring data for managing the door (1) between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) via the wide area wireless communication network (9); and

b) consecutively

i) detecting that the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is within a range required to establish a connection with the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8),

ii) establishing a connection between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10), and

iii) transferring the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) via the local wireless communication interface (8);

wherein the method further comprises the step

c) storing the data in the memory unit (11) of the door or obtaining the data from the memory unit (11) of the door; and

wherein the door control module (10) is configured to communicate via an additional local wireless communication interface (7) and the method comprises the step communicating, in the door control module (10), with an additional wireless communication device (4) via the additional local wireless communication interface (7).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the step a) of transferring the data between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is performed by receiving, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data from the server unit (2);

the step b) iii) of transferring the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) is performed by sending, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data to the door control module (10); and

the step c) is performed by storing the data in the memory unit (11) of the door; and

wherein the steps are performed in the order a), b), c).

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the step c) is performed by obtaining the data from the memory unit (11) of the door (1) to the door control module (10) of the door;

the step b) iii) of transferring the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b,

3c) and the door control module (10) is performed by receiving, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data from the door control module (10); and

the step a) of transferring the data between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is performed by sending, in the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c), the data to the server unit (2); and

wherein the steps are performed in the order c), b), a).

4. Method according to claim 1, wherein the additional wireless communication device (4) is an authentication device for requesting access through the door (1), wherein the method comprises the steps

receiving, in the door control module (10), an identification from the authentication device via the additional local wireless communication interface (7),

determine, in the door control module (10), that the identification is associated with an authentication device allowed access through the door based on the data stored in the memory unit (11) of the door (1).

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the data is authentication data comprising identification information about the authentication devices that are allowed access through the door (1).

6. A door management system comprising

a door (1) comprising a door control module (10) controlling the operation of the door (1) and a memory unit (11), wherein the door control module (10) is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface (8);

a server unit (2) configured to communicate via a wide area wireless communication network (9); and

an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) configured to communicate via the local wireless communication interface (8) and to communicate via the wide area communication network

0);

wherein the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to transfer data for managing the door between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) via the wide area communication network (9), and

the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to transfer the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8) when it is detected that the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is within a range required to establish a connection between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8) and the connection is established, wherein the door control module (10) is configured to store the data in the memory unit (11) of the door (1) and/or reading the data from the memory unit (11) of the door; and

wherein the door control module (10) is configured to communicate via an additional local wireless communication interface (7).

7. System according to claim 6, wherein the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to receive the data from the server unit (2) and send the data to the door control module (10), wherein the door control module (10) is configured to store the data in the memory unit (11) of the door (1). System according to claim 6 or 7 ', wherein the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to receive the data from the door control module (10) and send the data to the server unit (2), wherein the data received from the door control module (10) is data that has been stored in the memory unit (11).

System according to claim 7, wherein the door control module (10) is configured to communicate with an additional wireless device (4a, 4,b) via the additional local wireless communication interface (7).

System according to claim 9, wherein the additional wireless device (4a, 4b) is an authentication device for requesting access through the door (1), wherein the door control module (10) is configured to receive an identification form the authentication device via the additional local wireless communication interface (7), and to determine that the identification is associated with an authentication device allowed access through the door (1) based on the data stored in the memory unit (10) of the door (1).

System according to claim 10, wherein the data is authentication data comprising identification information about authentication devices that are allowed access through the door (1).

An external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) for management of a door system which door system comprises a door (1) comprising a door control module (10) controlling the operation of the door (1) and a memory unit (11), wherein the door control module (10) is configured to communicate via a local wireless communication interface (8); a server unit (2) configured to communicate via a wide area wireless communication network (9); and an external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) configured to communicate via the local wireless communication interface (8) and to communicate via the wide area communication network (9);

wherein the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) configured to transfer data for managing the door (1) between the server unit (2) and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) via the wide area communication network (9), and the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is configured to transfer the data between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door (1) via the local wireless communication interface (8) when it is detected that the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) is within a range required to establish a connection between the external wireless communication device (3a, 3b, 3c) and the door control module (10) of the door via the local wireless communication interface (8) and the connection is established.