FR2782112A1 - Access control system comprising electronically operated lock includes sensor and key holding data, or keypad for entry of code which has time-limited validity - Google Patents

Abstract

The system enables provision of limited access for given time. The procedure for controlling access to a shared location uses a sensor co-operating with a proximity key using a code, and an alphanumeric keypad associated with a memory circuit. Access is authorised by any person offering the stored key code, or manually entering the required code into the keypad. The bearer of the key programmes the code and inscribes it in the memory after the key has been applied to the sensor. The programming of the code into the memory is validated by a further new presentation of the key to the sensor. The access code may have a time-limited validity, and/or a limited number of possible access occasions. Both the code and the permitted number of access occasions may be determined by the bearer at the time of entering the code.

Description

The present invention relates to methods of controlling access to a place

  collective and, more particularly, such a method using a sensor for

  read a coded proximity or application key and an alphanumeric type keypad associated with a memory circuit, according to which access is authorized to any person having a memorized key or manually entering a code previously entered in the memory .

  The invention also relates to a device allowing the implementation of such a method.

  We know, for example from document FR-A-2 733 270, electrical control devices for opening a door comprising a means for transmitting a code

  and a control circuit arranged to compare the code transmitted with a stored code and to transmit an electric signal for controlling the opening of the door.

  Also known, for example from document FR-A-2 726 112, is an electronic remote door opener device of adjustable duration and frequency

  variable without any manual intervention, especially provided for people of the Israelite faith on religious holidays.

  There is also known from FR-A-2 732 396 a lock with a corresponding proximity reader unit actuated by the presentation of a proximity card, and causing the activation of dormant digital circuits and the consecutive emission of a signal. of high frequency which allows the sending of coded information to the reader unit, We also know from FR-A-2 624 181 a control installation

  and control of the various coded electric locks fitted to the doors of a hotel.

  All of these documents and more constitute a background

technological invention.

  In short, in conventional key access systems to a collective place, the loss or theft of a key implies the change of all the keys used to open the lock concerned. In addition, conventional key systems do not

  not allow access to an unexpected visitor and / or emergency services.

  In common code systems, the code is widely distributed and is inevitably known to all. In addition, a code change leads to practical complications for all users and their visitors, which limits it.

  greatly interest and affects security of access.

  Mail delivery services and security services (firefighters, ambulances and the like) require an access system that can be used without having to know the codes stored in memory and whose access key is neither reproducible nor usable. by third parties in the event of loss or theft. To this end, a complex proximity key device has been developed, the validity of which is strictly limited in time. However, such a system does not obviate access problems for

  visitors not provided with such a key.

  The object of the present invention is to obviate the aforementioned problems which relate to the devices of the prior art. According to the invention, the device for controlling access to a collective place comprises, in combination, a sensor for a proximity or coded application key and a keyboard with programmable keys of the alphanumeric type associated with a memory circuit, in such a way that access is only authorized to a person presenting a proximity key already memorized or manually entering a previously programmed code

using such a key.

  Preferably, the sensor and the keyboard are carried on a plate

common.

  Advantageously, the code is programmed using the keyboard after

  presentation of an authorized key read by the sensor.

  Preferably, the sensor is linked to an electronic memory and detects an identifier carried by the key used, an identifier which is compared with identifiers

  authorized and previously entered in the electronic memory.

  Such a device implements the method according to the invention and according to which the bearer of an authorized key programs a code and writes it in the memory of the

  keyboard after presentation of the key in front of the sensor.

  Preferably, the recording of the code in the memory is validated by presenting the key again in front of the sensor, and the code has a limited validity in the

  time, the duration of which is chosen by the holder of the key.

  Preferably also, the possible number of accesses authorized by means

  code may be chosen by the key holder.

  The invention will be better understood, and other aims, advantages and

  characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description which

  follows a preferred embodiment given without limitation.

  The device which has just been described succinctly implements proximity keys or application keys, each key comprising a one-to-one identifier of

its carrier.

  Thus, in accordance with the new regulations in force, the mail delivery services and the security services may have such a key, the validity of which is limited to a few hours and which does not allow access to a programming of the control device d access according to the invention. Thus, the loss or theft of the key has only a very limited consequence, since the key is absolutely not

  reproducible without access to or without possession of the appropriate validation device.

  On the other hand, the user carrying an authorized key, that is to say whose identifier is already memorized by the device, can, on the one hand, have access to the place 2 5 concerned by simple presentation of his key before an appropriate sensor, and, on the other hand, write in memory an access code for temporary use for a third party who does not have

an authorized key.

  For example, the holder of an authorized key wishing to program a code for a specific visitor, must first present his key to the sensor. He will have indicated beforehand by specific presses on certain keys of the keyboard that he will program a new code, or else, for the same effect, present his key to the sensor 5 for a determined time, for example 5 seconds. He must then dial the code he wishes to store for his

  visitor, then indicate the duration of validity of the code, and / or the number of times this code can be used during this duration, and, finally, validate the whole by a new presentation of his key in front of the sensor.

  As a result, each visitor has their own access code which disappears soon after their use and / or is canceled after a given number of uses, for example after two or three uses. This is particularly useful if the code is indicated to the visitor by the window, as is commonly done when the visitor has forgotten the code, since it cannot be used by a third party who comes later to the

same door.

  Preferably, for additional security, before programming a code to be memorized, the bearer of the authorized key must give the device a code which is specific to his key and validate it with his key, this to avoid that '' a malicious third party uses a lost or stolen key to enter a code that can be used later. The bearer of the authorized key writes to memory the period of validity of the key, for example, by pressing a certain number of times on a determined key. It

  the same is true for the possible number of accesses authorized by means of the code.

  It will be noted that thus a plurality of codes can be written into the memory in relation to each of the keys. It is thus possible to memorize a specific code for each visitor, this code being able, for example, to be chosen in advance by each of the visitors. 5 Those skilled in the art will recognize that by the expression proximity or application key is meant any type of magnetic, electromagnetic or real electrical contact key or equivalent, allowing the activation and reading of a specific identifier

and one-to-one entered in the key.

  Although it has been described what is currently considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is obvious that those skilled in the art will be able to make various changes and modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the present. invention.

Claims (7)

  1 - Method for controlling access to a collective place using a sensor for a proximity or coded application key and an alphanumeric type keypad associated with a memory circuit, according to which access is authorized to any person presenting a memorized key or manually making a code 5 previously entered in said memory, characterized in that the bearer of said key programs said code and writes it in said memory after   presentation of said key to said sensor.   2- Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the programming of said code in said memory is validated by presenting again said key to said sensor.   3 - Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said code has a validity limited in time and / or in possible number of accesses by means of said code. 4 - Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the duration of the validity of said code and / or the possible number of accesses authorized by means of said   2 0 code is (are) chosen by the bearer of the said key.   - Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each key comprises a one-to-one identifier of its holder.   6 - Method according to claim 5, characterized in that a plurality of codes can be written in said memory in relation to each of said keys.   7 - Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearer of said key also composes a code linked to said   key before programming a code to memorize.   8 - Device for controlling access to a collective place, characterized in that it comprises, in combination, a sensor for a proximity or coded application key and a keyboard with programmable keys of the alphanumeric type15 associated with a circuit of memory, in such a way that access is only authorized to a person presenting an already memorized proximity key or manually making a   code previously entered in said memory using a said key.   9 - Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said   2 0 sensor and said keyboard are carried on a common plate.   - Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said code is programmed by means of said keyboard after presentation of said key to said sensor. 11 - Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said sensor is connected to an electronic memory and detects an identifier carried by said key, identifier which is compared with authorized identifiers and previously registered   in the so-called electronic memory.