GB2368437A

GB2368437A - Locking system

Info

Publication number: GB2368437A
Application number: GB0112389A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Bernard Jarman; Andrew Christopher Holding
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-07-06
Filing date: 2001-05-22
Publication date: 2002-05-01
Also published as: GB0112389D0

Abstract

A locking system provides access to a secure location 1 where unlocking can be achieved by the presentation of an operation code by an authorised person 4. The operation code changes occasionally in manner that is known to a remote coordination facility 3. The authorised person 4 obtains the operation code a short time before use; the release of this code is linked to an authorisation procedure coordinated by the remote facility 3. The operation code may be computed using time-based algorithms that are imitated by the lock at the secure location 1, unlocking occurring when the operation codes coincide. The lock can provide access to a key safe, which in turns holds keys that provide access to a secondary secure location.

Description

LOCKING SYSTEM

This invention relates to a locking system whereby the means of access to the system is provided remotely from the lock itself in order that access by any number of authorised persons is possible in a secure and controllable fashion.

Current systems intended to allow access in this way may be wired to a remote computing facility, or rely on expensive wireless transmission of information between the lock and a coordinating computer. Alternatively lock designs exist that update entry codes based on a previous use, these systems are not sufficiently flexible for some applications.

This invention overcomes the problem of secure lock activation to many different parties at varying times by providing a means of remotely supplying a unique access code which, when recognised by the lock in question, causes the lock to activate. This invention provides for a method of coordinating information relating to the valid entry code between the lock and a remote facility in a far more cost effective manner than previously possible.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a locking system which includes: lock means having a memory capable of storing data relating to at least one valid security code and being configured to unlock upon presentation of a valid security code, and security code supply means located remotely from the lock means, wherein the security code supply means transfers data relating to a valid security code directly or indirectly to an authorised user, thereby allowing the authorised user to present the valid security code to the lock means to unlock it, and

the lock means and the security code supply means each include a means for generating data relating to the valid security code according to a series of executable steps.

The series of executable steps may include time related values. The valid security code may be updated at intervals.

The valid security code may represent a time counter running from an initial point in time.

The lock means may further include means for obtaining time data from an external source. The lock means may further include means for amending or deleting data relating to the valid security code after a preset period of time.

The series of executable steps may update the valid security code after it has been presented to the lock means a preset number of times.

The lock means may include means for a user to enter at least one value into the lock means. The user value entry means may include a keypad. The user value entry means may include a communications network interface.

An authorised person or means carried by the authorised person may transfer data to the lock means. The transferred data may include time related information.

The user entered value may be used by the valid security code generation series of executable steps.

The lock means may further include means for transferring data stored in its memory to a remote location.

The lock means may provide access to a receptacle containing key or keys allowing access to a locked facility. The receptacle may be fixed to an external wall. The receptacle may be unsuited to the storage of many goods in that it cannot contain a cube shaped package of dimensions 250mm x 250mm x 250mm.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of allowing access to a facility, the method including steps of: storing data relating to at least one valid security code in a lock means for controlling access to the facility; supplying data relating to the valid security code from a location remote from the facility to a person requiring access to the facility; the person presenting a security code to the lock means; the lock means comparing the received security code with the valid security code data, and the lock means unlocking if the comparison is positive, thereby allowing the person to access the facility.

According to yet another aspect of this invention, there is provided lock for the control of access to a physical location, said lock including: a microprocessor and having at least one means for unlocking with an operation code that changes; said lock having a time tracking means that is or can be known to a remote computing means to an uncertainty equivalent or better than +/-1 month or an equivalent duration; where the lock operation code is self-generated in a manner that can be anticipated or computed by said computing means.

The lock may have an identity characteristic known to said computing means, (which may take the form of a code or a known offset of the time tracking means to an external time such as Greenwich Mean Time).

The lock operation code may have a limited duration of operation, the limitation may be by time or by number of operations.

The lock operation code may be activated by said authorised person via a keypad. Alternatively, the lock operation code may be activated by said authorised person via a key programmed directly or indirectly by said computing means.

This key may be valid for use on a limited number of occasions.

The lock may be unlocked by the use of said lock operation code and one of a limited number of authorisation codes.

An authorised person or means carried or close to the authorised person may transfer data to the lock. This data may include time related information.

The lock may be integral to a small box, a key safe, suitable for storing household keys. The key safe may have a method for securely fixing it to an external wall.

The lock may have a method for storing data as to whom or which key operated said lock.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for enabling the operation of a lock by a suitably authorised person, said system including:

a lock and a computing means ; said lock having at least one means for unlocking with an operation code that changes; said computing means being situated remotely from the lock and storing sufficient information to provide, directly or indirectly, said unlock code; said authorised person with a means to input said unlock code to the lock; where said lock operation code is self-generated in said lock in a manner that can be anticipated or computed by said computing means and where unlocking is done by the authorised person using a means or code provided directly or indirectly by said computing means.

The lock operation code may be manually encoded into said lock. Alternatively the lock operation code may be encoded into said lock using a wire or wireless link.

The lock may have an identity characteristic known to said computing means.

The lock may have a time tracking means that is or can be known to said computing means to an uncertainty equivalent to or better than +/-1 month.

Such a key may be valid for use on a limited number of occasions. The lock may be unlocked by the use of said lock operation code and one of a limited number of authorisation codes.

The lock may be integral to a small box, a key safe, suitable for storing household keys. This key safe may have a method for securely fixing it to an external wall.

The computing means may operate a database or series of databases of said locks or/and their location or/and their user/s. The database may include a record of who could authorise access. The database may include at least one password or other code, which must be given to authorise access.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking system substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1-3 of the accompanying drawings.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a view of the lock Figure 2 shows a view of the internal layout of the lock Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the lock operation code coordination system Figure one shows the outside of a'key safe'unit, 5, with keypad code entry system, 7. Inside the unit is a battery, 9, which powers the lock's microprocessor based control

unit, 8. The control unit has a battery backed electronic clock and an identification code stored in memory.

When a user operates the keypad the microprocessor uses an algorithm to calculate a valid entry code specifically linked to the time given by the internal clock and the locks identification code. If the user entered code matches this valid entry code the unit will unlock allowing access to a set of keys, 6. These keys in turn will allow entry to a secondary location.

The user obtains the valid entry code from a remote coordinating facility, 3. The remote coordinating facility has available to it a database of lock locations and identity codes and an internal clock synchronised to the clocks inside the key safe units. It also has an analogue of the algorithm used in the lock's microprocessor based control unit. A computer at this facility uses this information and algorithm to calculate valid entry codes when authorised and requested to do so. This code is then transmitted to the authorised user, 4, immediately prior to use.

Figure 3 shows a system for coordinating the use of the lock. The owner of the lock, 1, authorises use of the lock, for example to authorise access when he will be out. This authority is securely transmitted, 2, to the remote coordinating facility, 3. The authority is linked to a specific user, 4, and is held until required. The user, 4, arrives at the lock and contacts the coordinating facility, 3. If the user is properly authorised, the valid entry code for that time and lock is calculated and transmitted to the authorised user. He can then use this to open the key safe, 5, before the code becomes no longer valid because the locks internal clock has moved on to a new time period.

The Key Safe 5 Box: Large enough to take keys and small set of instructions.

Keypad 7: Numbered 0-9 C (clear) 0 (open) Memory Chip 9: The Lock's identity code Clock 9: Initialised at manufacture. Battery backed 9; lasts say five years with accuracy better than ±15minutes. Time, day, date. (or could have radio or mains synchronisation) Microprocessor 9: Generates a Special Code for every hour, based on a manipulation of the time and Lock identity code.

The Special Code will only operate the lock for the designated hour and for one hour before and after. (To allow for slight lack of time synchronisation) The Remote Coordinating Facility-3 Database: All owners of Locks with location and Lock identity codes.

Clock: Synchronised to the clocks on all installed Locks Authority data: Knowledge of which users have been authorised to use which locks.

Computer: Generates the Special Code corresponding to particular Lock at a particular Time.

Claims

Claims 1. An electronic locking system including : lock means for controlling access having a memory capable of storing data relating to at least one valid security code and being configured to unlock upon presentation of a valid security code, and security code supply means located remotely from the lock means, wherein the security code supply means transfers data relating to a valid security code directly or indirectly to an authorised user, thereby allowing the authorised user to present the valid security code to the lock means to unlock it, and the lock means and the security code supply means each include a means for generating data relating to the valid security code according to a series of executable steps.
2. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the series of executable steps includes time related values.
3. A system according to Claim 2, wherein the valid security code is updated at intervals.
4. A system according to Claim 2, wherein the valid security code represents a time counter running from an initial point in time.
5. A system according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the lock means further includes means for obtaining time data from an external source.
6. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the lock means further includes means for amending or deleting data relating to the valid security code after a preset period of time.
7. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the series of executable steps updates the

valid security code after it has been presented to the lock means a preset number of times.
8. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the lock means further includes means for a user to enter at least one value into the lock means.
9. A system according to Claim 8, wherein the user value entry means includes a keypad.
10. A system according to Claim 8, wherein the user value entry means includes a communications network interface.
11. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an authorised person or means carried by the authorised person transfers data to the lock means.
12. A system according to Claim 11, wherein the transferred data includes time related information.
13. A system according to any one of Claims 7 to 12, wherein the user entered value is used by the valid security code generation series of executable steps.
14. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the. lock means further includes means for transferring data stored in its memory to a remote location.
15. A system according to any of the preceding Claims wherein the lock means provides access to a receptacle containing key or keys allowing access to a locked facility.
16. A system according to Claim 15 wherein the receptacle is fixed to an external wall.
17. A system according to Claim 15 or 16 wherein the receptacle is unsuited to the storage of many goods in that it cannot contain a cube shaped package of dimensions 250mm x 250mm x 250mm.
18. A method of allowing access to a facility, the method including steps of : storing data relating to at least one valid security code in a lock means for controlling access to the facility; supplying data relating to the valid security code from a location remote from the facility to a person requiring access to the facility; the person presenting a security code to the lock means; the lock means comparing the received security code with the valid security code data, and the lock means unlocking if the comparison is positive, thereby allowing the person to access the facility.
19. A lock for the control of access to a physical location, said lock including a microprocessor and having at least one means for unlocking with an operation code that changes; said lock having a time tracking means that is or can be known to a remote computing means to an uncertainty equivalent or better than +/-1 month or an equivalent duration; where the lock operation code is self-generated in a manner that can be anticipated or computed by said computing means.
20. A lock according to Claim 19 where the said lock has an identity characteristic known to said computing means, (which may take the form of a code or a known offset of the time tracking means to an external time such as Greenwich Mean Time).
21. A lock according to Claim 19 or 20 where the said lock operation code has a limited duration of operation, the limitation may be by time or by number of operations.
22. A lock according to any of Claims 19 to 21 where said lock operation code is activated by said authorised person via a keypad.
23. A lock according to any of Claims 19 to 22 where said lock operation code is activated by said authorised person via a key programmed directly or indirectly by said computing means.
24. A lock according to Claim 23 where said key is valid for use on a limited number of occasions.
25. A lock according to Claims 23 or 24 where said lock is unlocked by the use of said lock operation code and one of a limited number of authorisation codes.
26. A lock according to any of claims 19 to 25, wherein an authorised person or means carried or close to the authorised person transfers data to the lock.
27. A lock according to Claim 26, wherein the transferred data includes time related information.
28. A lock according to any of Claims 19 to 27 where said lock is integral to a small box, a key safe, suitable for storing household keys.
29. A lock according to Claim 28 where said key safe has a method for securely fixing it to an external wall.
30. A lock according to any of Claims 19 to 29 where said lock has a method for storing data as to whom or which key operated said lock.
31. A system for enabling the operation of a lock by a suitably authorised person, said system including a lock and a computing means; said lock having at least one means for unlocking with an operation code that changes; said computing means being situated remotely from the lock and storing sufficient information to provide, directly or indirectly, said unlock code;

said authorised person with a means to input said unlock code to the lock ; where said lock operation code is self-generated in said lock in a manner that can be anticipated or computed by said computing means and where unlocking is done by the authorised person using a means or code provided directly or indirectly by said computing means.
32. A system according to Claim 31 where the said lock operation code has a limited duration of operation, the limitation may be by time or by number of operations.
33. A system according to Claim 31 or 32 where the said lock operation code is manually encoded into said lock.
34. A system according to Claim 31 or 32 where said lock operation code is encoded into said lock using a wire or wireless link.
35. A system according to any of Claims 31 to 34 where said lock has an identity characteristic known to said computing means.
36. A system according to any of Claims 31 to 35 where said lock has a time tracking means that is or can be known to said computing means to an uncertainty equivalent to or better than +/-1 month.
37. A system according to any of Claims 31 to 36 where said lock operation code is activated by said authorised person via a keypad.
38. A system according to any of Claims 31 to 37 where said lock operation code is activated by said authorised person via a key programmed directly or indirectly by said computing means.
39. A system according to claim 38 where said key is valid for use on a limited number of occasions.
40. A system according to any of claims 31 to 39 where said lock is unlocked by the use of said lock operation code and one of a limited number of authorisation codes.
41. A system according to any of Claims 31 to 40 where said lock is integral to a small box, a key safe, suitable for storing household keys.
42. A system according to claim 40 where said key safe has a method for securely fixing it to an external wall.
43. A system according to any of Claims 31 to 42 where said lock has a method for storing data as to whom or which key operated said lock.
44. A system according to any of Claims 31 to 43 where said computing means operates a database or series of databases of said locks or/and their location or/and their user/s.
45. A system for authorised access according to Claim 44 where said database includes a record of who could authorise access.
46. A system for authorised access according to Claim 44 or 45 where said database includes at least one password or other code, which must be given to authorise access.
47. A locking system substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1-3 of the accompanying drawing.