GB2024922A

GB2024922A - Electronic locks

Info

Publication number: GB2024922A
Application number: GB7922080A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: MARLOK Inc
Current assignee: MARLOK Inc
Priority date: 1978-06-27
Filing date: 1979-06-25
Publication date: 1980-01-16
Also published as: GB2024922B; NL7904964A; NO792077L; JPS557398A; DK266379A; AU4826379A; SE7905521L; FI792010A

Abstract

A key for a solenoid-released door lock has a first and second series of light-reflective discrete encoded clocking and data bars formed thereon. The lock cylinder includes photodiode means 42.1, 42.2, 52.53 for reflectively decoding the encoded data on the key upon insertion of the key into the lock cylinder, thereby generating a first identification code. The first code is compared with at least one other predetermined identification code and if the two signals correspond, the control signal is generated thereby unlocking the door by energising a solenoid 50. The identification code may be changed remotely by selecting one of alternative codes stored in a memory in a door control unit. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to a door control The present invention relates to a door control unit for electronically locking and unlocking one or more doors.

Door control units for electronically controlling the locking and unlocking of a door are well known in the art, as described for example in U.S.

Patent Specification No. 3,889,501, among others.

In general, doors may be unlocked electronically by utilising a key which is formed with a series of holes, notches or apertures along the shaft thereof in a predetermined arrangement to form encoded clocking and data signals which can be "read" by electronic detection circuitry installed within the door to permit unlocking of the door when the proper encoded signals are detected.

A disadvantage of prior art units is that they are not easily adaptable to presently existing door locks within the door, such as in the door knob, as an additional locking structure must be installed in the door to provide the electronic mode of operation, which increases the cost of the system.

The capabiiity of remotely changing the "combination" of the particular door lock is also known, but in order to achieve this, the combination itself has generally been located in a memory location in a master control unit, which requires continuous communication between the door unit and the master unit. Should a power failure occur, the door control unit must be switched to a mechanical mode of operation for unlocking the door, which requires an additional locking structure to be included within the door itself, as the eiectronic mode of operation of the system is then not possible.

In prior art systems such as described in U.S.

Patent Specification No. 3,926,021, a reading or decoding device is provided in th,e door itself for decoding the combination which is in the form of a data card. These systems generally require a complex decoding or reading structure to be incorporated into the door lock itself.

Another problem occurring with prior art systems is that dirt and dust can collect in the hollow spaces or apertures of the encoded keys, which can affect accurate decoding of the key resulting in failure of the door control unit to unlock the door as desired.

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a door control unit comprising; door locking means having a rotatable lock cyiinder for locking and unlocking a door; engaging means engaging said lock cylinder for normally locking said door; means responsive to a control signal for disengaging said engaging means from said lock cylinder; a key having a first and second series of lightreflective discrete encoded bars formed thereon, said first series being laterally opposite to said second series;; said key plug including photodiode means carried thereon for reflectively decoding said first and second series of decoded bars upon insertion of said key into said key plug thereby forming a first identification code, and processor means for comparing said first identification signal with at least one other predetermined identification code for generating said control signal when said first code corresponds to said other code thereby unlocking said door.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a door control system for selectively controlling the locking and unlocking of a plurality of doors comprising: a plurality of door control units, each of said units including door locking means having a rotatable lock cylinder for locking and unlocking a door; engaging means engaging said lock cylinder for normally locking said door; means responsive to a control signal for disengaging said engaging means from said lock cyclinder; a key having a first and second series of lightreflective discrete encoded bars formed thereon, said first series being laterally opposite to said second series; said key plug including photodiode means carried thereon for reflectively decoding said first and second series of decoded bars upon insertion of said key into said key plug thereby forming a first identification code; and processor means for comparing said first identification signal with at least one other predetermined identification code for generating said control signal when said first code corresponds to said other code thereby unlocking said door.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and so that further features thereof may be appreciated the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a system block diagram of a system for controlling a plurality of door control units according to the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram of a door control unit of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of a typical door lock which has been modified according to the present invention; FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3; FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3; FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 3; FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 3; FIGURES 8 and 9 are elevational views of keys; FIGURES 10 and 11 are respectively front and side elevational view of a lock forming another embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view of part of a lock forming another embodiment of the present invention;; FIGURE 13 is an elevational view of a key for use with the lock of Figure 12; FIGURE 14 is a sectional view of part of the key of Figure 13; and FIGURE 1 5 is a perspective view of the master control unit of Figure 1 in more detail.

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown therein a block diagram of a system for controlling a plurality of door control units.

In Figure 1, the master control unit 10 receives proper supply voltage from AC supply 12 or, in the event of a power failure, battery voltage 13.

Master control unit 10 provides appropriate displays on printer 11 via bus 19, as will be described.

The master control unit 10 is connected to a plurality of door control units 1 5, 1 6 and 17, contained within doors 5, 6, 7. The units 15-17 can be installed in presently existing buildings having a iarge number of doors such as hotels, motels, and institutional, government and office buildings.

Master control unit 10 communicates with each of the door control units 1 5-1 7 via date link buses 20, 21, power bus 22, and ground bus 23.

However, communications between the master control unit 10 and door control units 1 5-1 7 could be by house wiring, ultrasonic techniques or other well known communication methods.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown therein a schematic diagram for one of the door control units 15-17 of Figure 1.

In Figure 2, a door control unit (DCU) such as DCU 1 5 of Figure 1 is connected to the master control unit 10 via buses 20-23. Data link buses 20, 21 are connected to transceiver 30 in door control unit 1 5. Power and ground buses 22, 23, respectively, are connected to conventional voltage regulator 26 which provides proper DC voltage on buses 45, 48.

In the event of a power failure, a conventional battery 27 is provided automatically to provide the necessary voltage on buses 45, 48.

The heart of the door control unit 15 of Figure 2 is formed by conventional microprocessor 35, such as Intel's Model 8021 and includes conventional loader 36, Random Access Memory (RAM) 37 and register 38. The master control unit 10 of Figure 1 communicates with processor 35 via data link buses 20, 21 and transceiver 30. The program for controlling the operation of processor 35 is included as Appendix I.

Transceiver 30 includes conventional receive buffer 28 and transmit buffer 29 for transmitting data between a door control unit and master control unit 1 0.

The decoding or reading structure contained within a door lock is depicted in Figure 2, including a conventional key plug 51 which has been modified to contain or carry thereon light-emitting diodes 42 and corresponding photo-sensitive transistors 52, 53. The decoding structure will be described in more detail in conjunction with Figures 3-9.

An encoded key containing light-reflective bars is inserted into key plug 51, and photodiode sensing means comprising LED 42-1 phototransistor 52 and LED 42-2 -- photo transistor 53 pairs, reflectively, decode the clocking and data information on the key. The necessary voltage for the LED's is provided by power bus 45 from DCU 15.

The encoded clocking and data signals are coupied to the DCU via buses 46, 47, respectively, to register 38 in processor 35.

The encoded data is compared with a previously encoded "combination" stored in RAM 37. In one embodiment, RAM 37 stores up to sixteen different "combinations" thereby allowing up to sixteen different encoded keys to open the door. Other variations are, of course, possible.

If the encoded data on buses 47, 46 corresponds to the data stored in memory 37, register 38 provides an enable signal via bus 43 to transistor 44 which is connected to door solenoid 50 via bus 49. Power to solenoid 50 is provided by bus 45. As the solenoid 50 is activated, the lock cylinder is released from its normally locked position and the door may be opened.

The door frame 59 and door edge 60 provide completion of the nescessary electrical circuits for buses 45-49 when the door is normally in a closed position. Another method of completing the electrical circuit could be with use of a conductive door hinge such as described in U.S. Patents 3,838,234 and 3,659,063.

Processor 35 can easily be adapted to be connected to a conventional smoke detector or fire detector sensor via buses 32, 33 which will provide a control signal informing the processor of the presence of fire or smoke in the particular room. The processor can then inform the master control unit 10 via the communication buses 20, 21 of the presence of fire or smoke.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown therein a cross-sectional view of a typical door lock well known in the art which may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. Figure 3 depicts a modified Schlage heavy duty D/lock, and will be described briefly in conjunction with Figures 4-7. It should be remembered that the present invention may be easily incorporated into other types of existing door locks.

In Figure 3, the door lock is carried within a door such as door 5 of Figure 1, and includes door knobs 74, 75 for opening the door from the inside and outside, repectively. When either door knob is rotated, this serves to enable tongues 73 to withdraw into the door in the well known manner and translate a door latch (not shown) to enable opening of the door.

In Figure 3, the door lock has been modified in the following manner. The conventional pintumbler or key plug has been replaced by a modified key plug 51 which is carried within cylinder 54. An Allen screw 77 is provided to connect key plug 51 to cylinder 54.

Support plate 63 is modified to carry thereon the locking means which will be described in conjunction with Figure 4. Cable protector 64 is provided for protecting buses 45-49, 57 and 58.

Allen screw 72 insures that support plate 63 can be fixedly connected to the door lock.

A rose or cap 62 is slightly modified to enable the locking structure to be completely covered by the enlarged rose 62. Pin 71 is provided to normally retain the door in a locked position and will be shown more clearly in Figure 4. Key plug 51 contains slots 66, 67 carried thereon for providing a channel or slot for buses 46, 47, 57, 58. Allen screw 89 provides biasing for a ball bearing arrangement which will be described in conjunction with Figure 6.

In Figure 4, there is depicted a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3.

In Figure 4, buses 45-49 and 57, 58 are carried through support plate 63. Buses 45 and 49 provide power for conventional solenoid 50, which is carried on the face of support plate 63 and supported by retaining pin 78. Pin 71 is shown for normally engaging the door lock in flocked position, as lock cylinder 54 and key plug 51 cannot be rotated while pin 71 is in an engaged position.

When solenoid 50 is actuated, solenoid arm 55 is raised to raise lever 80, which in turn raises pin 71. When power to solenoid 50 is disconnected, spring 81 which is connected to arm 82 provides bias control means for returning pin 71 to its engaged or locked position. Pin 79 normally prevents lever 80 from disengaging pin 71 from the locking means.

In Figure 5, there is shown therein a crosssectional view of Figure 3 taken along line 5-5.

Key plug 51 contains key slot 41 milled therethrough in a conventional manner. Allen screw 76 insures that key plug 51 and cylinder 54 are fixedly connected. Slots 66-69 carry buses 57, 46, 58, and 47, respectively.

In Figure 6, there is depicted therein a crosssectional view of Figure 3 taken along line 6-6.

Key 85 is engaging ball bearing 90 which is spring biased via Allen screw 89. The engagement-of key 85 and ball bearing 90 provides a "mechanical" feel to the door control unit as the bearing 90 engages a key inserted into plug 51. It has been observed that a mechanical feel when unlocking a door gives a feeling of security not normally present when an encoded key is inserted into a decoding device.

In Figure 7, there is depicted therein a crosssectional view of Figure 3 taken along line 7-7 and in which photodiode means 42-1, 52 and 42 2, 53, repectively, are carried by plug 51 for reflectively decoding the data and clocking information on key such as 85. The photodiode means are conventional and well known in the art and are arranged in one embodiment to reflectively decode the encoded information.

In Figures 8 and 9, there is shown one typical way of encoding a key. In Figure 8, clocking bars 88 are recessed and provide appropriate clocking data when inserted into key plug 51. The data bars 87 may be arranged in any predetermined fashion to form an encoded data signal or code when decoded by the door control unit. In Figure 9, it can be seen that the identical data is encoded on the reverse side of the key thereby providing a reversible key for the door control unit.

In Figures 10 and 1 1,there isdepicted therein another door lock in which the present invention can be adapted easily.

Figures 10 and 11 depict a hotel lock with a well known mortise cylinder 1 01, which when actuated engages dead bolt 103 in the normal fashion. Door knobs 102, 108 engage latch 104 to permit opening of the door if dead bolt 103 is recessed into door lock 105. The key cylinder 101 of the mortise lock is adapted to carry key plug 51 and key way 41 in a manner similar to that of Figure 3.

In Figure 11, an elevational view of the mortise door lock of Figure 10 is shown in which door knob 102 and 108 will engage latch 104. Dead bolt 103 may be engaged by turning thumb turn 107 or actuating mortise cylinder 101. It can be seen that the door control unit of the present invention can be easily adapted for the door lock of Figures 10 and 11.

In Figure 12, the means for reflectively decoding the information on the bars can be modified to use optic fibers. Optic fibers 110, 111 are connected to light source 42 and carried flush with key way 89 in key plug 51. Optic fibers 112, 113 are connected to photosensitive transistors corresponding to transistors 52, 53 of Figure 2 and are carried parallel to optic fibers 110, 111.

In Figures 13 and 14, there is shown an arrangement of clocking and data information on the key. As shown in Figure 13, the clocking and data information is arranged with "dimples" as seen in Figure 14. As the key 115 of Figure 13 is inserted into key way 89 of Figure 12, and the flat part of the key passes the optic fibers, there is no space for reflection and a "zero" is read. When a dimple or any recessed part passes the fibers, a reflection is detected and a "one" is read. An advantage of this is that no dirt or dust collect in the hollow spaces and there is no intermediate or defective decoding of the information.

Referring now to Figures 1 5 and 16, there is shown therein a master control unit 10 of Figure 1 and a block diagram for the master control unit.

Referring to Figure 1 5, the front panel of the master control unit 10 of Figure 1 is shown and includes the following controls and displays. The multidigit LED display 130 provides an alphanumeric readout of a particular room number and a decoded key.

The multikey numeric/function key pad 131 enables a particular key to be programmed to gain access to a particular door control unit. The system manager's mode selector switch 133 provides one level of access to a number of the door control units. The operator's key mode selector switch 135 enables one particular key to gain access to a door control unit. The supervisor mode selector switch 134 provides another level of gaining access to another predetermined number of door control units.

The status LED displays inform the supervisory personnel which mode of operation and other states of the master control unit.

The key reader 132 decodes the information on an encoded keV to allow for programming a particular key to a particular door control unit.

A printer is connected to the master control unit as shown in Figure 1 and provides for permanent recording of entries as obtained by the master control unit.

In Figure 15, display 130 serves to verify proper numeric and control function entries. Any alarm conditions will cause an alphanumeric alarm code to be displayed, with room number or other date if required. Also, an audio alarm can be easily adapted into the system to inform supervisory personnel or others that in fact an alarm exists at a particular door control unit or with the master control unit.

The key pad 131 includes the following keys.

Numbers 0-9, an entry, clear, key number, room number, set time, set day, assigned master, assigned su bmaster, assigned maid, assigned guest, reset alarm. A record of all commands can be recorded on the printer with the command and time.

The status LEDs include the following: power, alarm indication, busy, ready, system manager mode, supervisor mode, operator mode, paper low, and key pad error.

The system manager's mode switch 133 is provided for system manager functions (set time, set date, assigned master), and allows certain alarm conditions to be cleared.

All system transactions initiated by the master control unit and any error conditions reported by the door control units can be logged with time of day information onto the printer. A log entry can be made initially each morning, giving a new date.

A sonalert or other audible larrn is triggered at the master control unit if a system alarm condition is detected. The alarm will remain active until manually reset. If the alarm is a result of system managerfunction violation (e.g., illegal attempt to assign master key), the alarm will remain active until reset with the manager's switch in place. The audible alarm is used for operator feedback when entering data on the key pad when appropriate.

The subsystems of the master control units will be described briefly in conjunction with Figure 1 6.

The master control unit includes the power supply 12, the previously described display 130, printer 11, key pad 1 31, operator key switch 135, central processing unit 141, program memory 146, data memory 145, the interface to the DCU bus, and real time clock 140, all of which are interconnected via system data/address/control bus 120 in a manner well known in the art.

The power supply 12 contains a standard 110 volt or 240 volt AC single phase power supply. In the event of a mains power cut or failure, battery 1 3 is automatically switched to provide power for a specified period, or until mains power is resumed.

The 60 or 50 Hertz AC line operated clock 140 allows master control unit 10 to keep track of the' time of day and date. During loss of line power, a crystal clock automatically supplants the line clock.

The central processing unit 141 provides necessary control of the operation of the system through techniques well known in the art.

The data and program memory are stored in the RAM 145 and ROM 146, respectively.

In a typical operation, a quantity of keys such as depicted in Figure 3 are supplied, no two of which are alike. The quantity is large enough to include all change keys as well as all master keys for various levels.

A key is assigned to a particular room by taking a key at random, inserting that key into master control unit's reader and punching in the room number. This procedure programs the processor in the addressed door to open when that key is inserted. The key will be honored by that door until it is cancelled or a new replacement key is assigned through the master control unit.

Multilevel master keys are assigned in similar manner. The authorized operator switches the master control unit to the master key mode, inserts a randomly selected key into the reader and assigns that key to any unit number of rooms.

Lost or stolen keys are rendered useless by simply programming the particular lock or locks not to accept a specific key. Lock combinations are readily changed for any reason and at any time. Locks can be programmed to permit entry in response to specific keys only at specific hours during the day. Each lock has the capacity to memorize, in one embodiment, up to sixteen different key combinations.

The printer as shown connected to the master control unit is provided for maintaining a permanent record of all assigned key codes, room number, date and time.

Alarms may be provided which may be activated when an unauthorized key is repeatedly inserted into a lock or the key slot is tampered with. An alarm could also be triggered when an unauthorized person attempts to assign master keys.

The key, of conventional size and shape, is made of nickel-silver with a light-reflective finish.

Various keyways may be milled into the key. In lieu of slots, holes, or apertures, the key code is assigned by black vertical bars recessed into the blade of the key. Hence, the problem of clogging of the keys having holes or apertures does not occur with the use of light-reflective bars. Each side of the key has two sets or series of "clocking" bars and "data" bars defined by the black bars.

The two sets of bars make the key reversible. Each set of sixteen clocking bars and coresponding data bars result in 216 or 65, 536 unique combinations. The clocking and data bars may be reversed, doubling the combinations to 131,072 per keyway.

The mechanical parts of the door lock, i.e. the door knobs, the latch, dead bolt, striker, etc., remain conventional. Only the pintumbler cylinder is replaced with an identical sized cylinder (such as for the key plug) which contains the reader and latch mechanism actuated by the solenoid. Each door contains a microprocessor and related circuitry for electronically locking and unlocking the door.

An operator inserts the key into the master control unit and encodes or keys in the proper room number. The room number addresses the desired door and the master control transmits the code along with the room address to all doors. The door with the appropriate address recognizes the command and is stored in the microprocessor unit.

The door transmits the information back to the master control unit for verification.

Communication between the doors and master control unit is in one embodiment done serially via hard wiring. Other communications can be via house wiring, infrared means, or ultrasonic means.

In summary, the present invention incorporates conventional lock hardware with no two keys coded alike. Various keyways are possible and rekeying can be confined to the central location of the master control unit. Lost or stolen keys are easily erased and door combinations can be changed instantly. Multilevel master keying is available and keys may be programmed for particular access periods for situations such as cleaning the hotel room by a maid. All systems are provided with a battery backup and an optional mechanical override is available. An alarm indicates insertion of an unauthorized key, lock tampering and unauthorized attempts to assign master keys. The printer can record all transactions.

Claims

1. A door control unit comprising: door locking means having a rotatable lock cylinder for locking and unlocking a door; engaging means engaging said lock cylinder for normally locking said door; means responsive to a control signal for disengaging said engaging means from said lock cylinder; a key having a first and second series of lightreflective discrete encoded bars formed thereon, said first series being laterally opposite to said second series; said key plug including photodiode means carried thereon for reflectively decoding said first and second series of decoded bars upon insertion of said key into said key plug thereby forming a first identification code; and processor means for comparing said first identification signal with at least one other predetermined identification code for generating said control signal when said first code corresponds to said other code thereby unlocking said door.

2. A door control unit according to claim 1, wherein said lock cylinder operating with a key plug adapted to be carried within and rotatable with said lock cylinder.

3. A door control unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said responsive means comprise solenoid means responsive to a control signal for disengaging said engaging means from said lock cylinder.

4. A unit according to claim 3, wherein said locking means include pin means for engaging said lock cylinder for normally locking said door and a spring biased lever movable from a first position in which it locks said door to a second' position in which said pin means are disengaged from said lock cylinder to unlock said door by said solenoid means.

5. A unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said photodiode means include light-emitting diodes and a phototransistor means connected to said processor means for generating said first identification code on detecting light reflected by the key from said light emitting diodes.

6. A door control system for selectively controlling the locking and unlocking of a plurality of doors comprising: a plurality of door control units, each of said units including door locking means having a rotatable lock cylinder for locking and unlocking a door; engaging means engaging said lock cylinder for normally locking said door; means responsive to a control signal for disengaging said engaging means from said lock cylinder; a key having a first and second series of lightreflective discrete encoded bars formed thereon, said first series being laterally opposite to said second series; said key plug including photodiode means carried thereon for reflectively decoding said first and second series of decoded bars upon insertion of said key into said key plug thereby forming a first identification code;; processor means for comparing said first identification signal with at least one other predetermined identification code for generating said control signal when said first code corresponds to said other code thereby unlocking said door; and master control means for selectively generating said second predetermined identification codes for each of said processor means, and for selectively changing said second predetermined identification codes in each of said processor means.

7. A system according to claim 6 further including smoke detector means connected to said processor means for providing a second control signal representing the presence of smoke or fire whereby said processor means transmits a third control signal representing the presence of fire or smoke to said master control unit.

8. A system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said processor means includes alarm means for indicating attempts at unauthorized opening of said door control unit.

9. A system according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein said master control means includes timing means for selectively permitting the opening of said doors by predetermined keys during predetermined times of the day.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said master control means includes first mode selector means for generating a first predetermined number of said identification codes.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein said master control means includes second mode selector means for generating a second predetermined-number, different from said first number, of said identification codes.

12. A door control unit substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 9, 15 and 16 of the accompanying drawings.

1 3. A door control unit substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 9, 1 5 and 16 as modified by Figures 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.

14. A door control unit substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 9, 1 5 and 16 as modified by Figures 12 to 14 of the accompanying drawings.

1 5. A door control system substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 9, 15 and 16 of the accompanying drawings.

1 6. A door control system substantially asherein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 9, 15 and 16 as modified by Figures 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.

1 7. A door control system substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 9, 15 and 16 as modified by Figures 12 to 14 of the accompanying drawings.

1 8. Any novel feature or combination features disclosed herein.