GB2356426A

GB2356426A - A key with a barcode and a lock with a barcode reader

Info

Publication number: GB2356426A
Application number: GB9927348A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Marsden
Original assignee: GUESTKEY SOFTWARE Ltd
Current assignee: GUESTKEY SOFTWARE Ltd
Priority date: 1999-11-18
Filing date: 1999-11-18
Publication date: 2001-05-23
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-18
Also published as: GB9927348D0; GB2356426B

Abstract

A lock and key assembly comprises: a lock portion comprising a code reader and actuation means which enable a mechanical lock member to be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position; and a key member adapted to co-operate with the lock portion. The key member has a machine readable barcode marked on an internal elongate core and is surrounded by an opaque but infra-red transmissive cover. The core may be made from a light transmitting plastics material which is adapted to transmit light from a source within the lock to a position on the exterior part of the key, e.g the head. Such a core provides an indication as to whether the barcode on the key matches that to which the lock has been designed to respond. A mechanism, e.g. a ball-bearing and micro-switch, may be located within the lock to activate the optical circuitry of the code reader when the key is inserted into the lock. Key codes may be remotely programmed into the lock from a host computer system over a hard-wired communications line. The lock and key assembly would be suitable for use in a hotel environment.

Description

2356426 LOCK AND KEY ASSEMBLIES This invention relates to lock and key

assemblies, particularly suitable for use in multiple lock installations such as in hotels or secure office accommodation.

In recent years, purely mechanical locking systems are increasingly being replaced in such environments by electronically supported systems, where instead of a metal key, the hotel guest or other person needing access is provided with a card bearing some form of encoding. A card reader is fitted to each relevant door, and sophisticated electronic systems, often controlled by or embodied in a central computer, can be used to issue keys which are disposable, and the use of which can be monitored and logged. This enables much enhanced security to be maintained, and materially assists management of the building. Many of these systems have been complex, prone to failure on occasion, and expensive. They have also been relatively 2 inflexible.

The present invention aims to provide systems which can be designed and manufactured to provide a simple, low cost, easy-to-fit lock apparatus for installation in or adjacent a door, and which uses a simple key structure which provides a high degree of security. For simplicity herein, the system may be seen as consisting basically of a "reader", which is fitted in fixed position, and which incorporates actuation means enabling a mechanical lock member to be moved from a locking position to a release position, and a key.

The reader is designed to work in cooperation with a high volume production key design. The keys can be fabricated in lots of 5000-50,000. The keys may be made in two variants, f or example one f or staf f use and one for guests, and where the primary difference between these keys can be the shape of the head; guest-keys may be quite large and aesthetically pleasing but staf f keys can be smaller and unobtrusive with a hole for key ring mounting. The keys use a proprietary barcode, laser etched directly inside the blade of the key and hidden by a optically opaque infra-red transmissive cover, e.g.

of acrylic plastics material.

The reader houses optical circuitry capable of reading the key as it is inserted into the reader. To minimise standby power consumption a mechanism is provided to activate the reader electronics whenever a key is inserted. This may be achieved, for example, by using ball bearing centred on the pin of a micro-switch which is located in the path of the key.

Because environmental conditions are difficult to predict the mechanical enclosure of the reader may be hermetically sealed. The main aperture for the key forms a blind hole through which no moisture can pass. 5 The physical description of a typical key is as follows:

A proprietary barcode based key system is employed where the substrate f or the barcode is moulded polycarbonate such GE Lexan, laser etched and over-moulded with an optically opaque IR transmissive acrylic. The plastic key skeleton is preferably so configured that it also serves as a light guide transmitting (f rom a light source within the reader) e.g.green light to the head of the key upon a successful read and red light for failure modes. Various designs can be used f or the head of the key, which may also be over- moulded in Dupont Hytrel or a similar elastomer.

For the reader assembly a two part telescopic arrangement is employed with the outer sheath providing the front fixing detail and the inner barrel providing a sealed enclosure f or the opto-electronics and batteries. The lower end of the outer sheath also houses an electrical connector in the form of a 'moulded-in' PCBmounted 14 way DIL header.

A single o-ring of <50mm can be fitted around the inner barrel to seal the mated assemblies.

To prevent unauthorised removal of the reader inner barrel a miniature push button tamper switch may be located on the barrel's front face. Correct installation should ensure that the switch is permanently depressed and only activated e.g. by removal of a decorative faceplate mounted last.

The door unit inner barrel is essentially an intelligent optical sensor capable of detecting the transmissive differential between the contrasting bars on the blade of a key. The opto-electronic sensors are situated toward the front of the barrel immediately behind a secondary sealed window. The devices are PCB-mounted along with the microprocessor detection circuitry and electrical interface logic. To active the electronics upon insertion of the key a waterproof micro- switch may be present, activated and released by a single notch in the key.

A suitable optical sensing device for use in the reader is, for example, a Honeywell HOSO-625-001 high resolution transmissive sensor.

The electronic architecture of the system may vary widely and be designed to suit the particular area of use of the invention. In a hotel environment, the door unit may be thought of essentially as an intelligent barcode reader capable of sending or receiving messages and activating a 12 Volt DC strike or a secondary service output. The reader preferably includes a local re-chargeable battery. This battery helps to provide the peak currents necessary to activate the strike and also ensures that the unit remains operable in the event of a line power failure.

We have found that satisfactory reader electronics may - 5 conveniently be based on a Hitachi H8 series single-chip microcomputer.

Operation of lock and keys systems according to the present invention may vary in detail, but in many applications may be kept very simple. For example, in a hotel environment, in the first instance key codes may be remotely programmed into the door unit's memory by a host computer system over a hard-wired communications line. Then, as keys are presented to the reader, a comparison is made between the bar code etched on the key and the codes that have already been programmed. If a comparison is found then the incident is logged and the key lights up. As the key is removed f rom the reader the door strike is activated, enabling the user to open the door.

The host system may also interrogate the reader's internal memory and obtain a key use audit trail.

Certain critical events such a tamper alarms and room access may be transmitted immediately to the host system using RS485 communications and a proprietary protocol. Alternatively the reader's internal memory may be interrogated using an infra red link e.g. with a hand-held computer device supporting the IrDA protocol.

Certain designated key functions may be provided, e.g. for activation of services such as air conditioning and communicating room status (such as "housekeeper inspected") to the host system.

The door unit may be subject to certain installation constraints. Typically the reader will be fitted in a wall cavity adjacent to the door it operates. Two pairs of free wires are routed f rom the reader to a 12V DC strike which is mounted in the door frame about the mid point of the lock. The f irst pair is used to activate the strike and the second to monitor a door open alarm switch. Three additional pairs of free wires are routed from the reader, through the ceiling, where they are connected to the charge, data and room services control buses for the system.

The system may be implemented in compact fashion. For example, the mechanical profile of the aperture for the reader can be cylindrical with a radius of no more than 50mm and a depth of no more than 85mm. The cylindrical reader enclosure (or barrel) houses the battery components of the reader system, the processor and the opto-electronics.

A sealed connection scheme is highly desirable to ensure that moisture from the surrounding area does not affect the operation of the reader. Free ends from the reader will generally be routed through brickwork so it is desirable for one half of the connection assembly (the fixing plate) to remain permanently affixed to the wall.

This approach enhances the serviceability of the reader electronics whilst ensuring that the electrical installation is undisturbed.

All fixing detail is situated to the front of the reader and may be covered by a f ace plate following installation.

The accompanying drawings, to which reference should be made when reading the description above to assist in showing how the system according to the invention may look, show diagrammatically a front view of an installed reader, top, side and end views of a typical key, and horizontal and vertical sections through the installed reader.

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Claims

1 A lock and key assembly comprising a code reader fixed in position in the lock portion thereof and incorporating actuation means enabling a mechanical lock member to be moved from a locking position to a release position, and a key member adapted to cooperate with and where appropriate release the lock mechanism, the key member consisting of a barcode marked on an internal elongate core and a cover surrounding the core which is optically opaque, but infrared transmissive.

2. An assembly according to Claim I wherein the code reader houses optical circuitry adapted to read the code on the core of the key.

3. An assembly according to Claim 2 wherein the reader includes a mechanism adapted to activate the optical circuitry only when the key is inserted into the lock.

4. An assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the core of the key is made of light transmitting plastics material adapted to transmit light from a light source located within the reader to a position on the exterior of a part of the key which is still visible when the key has been inserted into the reader.

5. A lock and key assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6. A key incorporating a readable code and a light transmitting inner core substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6. A key structure consisting of a head and a blade, 9 the blade comprising an internal member carrying a barcode and an external optically opaque infrared transmissive cover thereon, the internal member being optically transmissive and having a portion exposed to the exterior and located on the blade and a separate portion exposed to the exterior being located in the head.

7. A key incorporating a readable code and a light transmitting inner core substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows to CLAIMS 1. A lock and key assembly comprising a code reader f ixed' in position in the lock portion thereof and incorporating actuation means enabling a mechanical lock member to be moved from a locking position to a release position, and a key member adapted to cooperate with and where appropriate release the lock mechanism, the key member consisting of a barcode marked on an internal elongate core and a cover surrounding the core which is optically opaque, but infrared transmissive, and wherein the core of the key is made of light transmitting plastics material adapted to transmit light from a light source located within the reader to a position on the exterior of a part of the key which is still visible when the key has been inserted into the reader.

4. A lock and key assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

5. A key structure consisting of a head and a blade, the blade comprising an internal member carrying a barcode and an external optically opaque infrared transmissive cover thereon, the internal member being optically transmissive and having a portion exposed to the exterior and located on the blade and a separate portion exposed to the exterior being located in the t head.