GB2410592A

GB2410592A - Lockable security device with automatic user prompt

Info

Publication number: GB2410592A
Application number: GB0402080A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Greene
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-30
Filing date: 2004-01-30
Publication date: 2005-08-03
Also published as: GB0402080D0

Abstract

A lockable security device detects the presence of an object in a first region S1 outside of the device and indicates S3 to the user the object should be placed inside the device. The indication may be by means of an audible or visual alarm and may be disabled when the object is placed inside the security device. The security device may unlock S3 on detection of the object in the first region and lock S5 when the object is detected inside the device. The object may be detected using radio frequency tags. The object may be a set of keys.

Description

24 1 0592 Security apparatus and method for an object The present

invention relates to a security apparatus for an object and a method of securing an object, and relates particularly, but not exclusively to a method and apparatus for securing keys within a building.

Thieves are known to break into houses by connecting a magnet to a pole, such as a fishing rod, and pushing it through the letter-box of a door. The magnet can attach to a bunch of keys and the pole is withdrawn through the letter-box, bringing the keys attached to the magnet with it. This allows easy access to the building without the need for damaging the door. This technique is also used to gain access to car keys without the need to enter the building. If a letter-box is not available, the same technique can be used by breaking a small window or cutting a small hole in a window.

It is therefore advisable not to keep keys close to a door or window. However, this is the place where keys are most likely to be left so as to allow easy access to the keys when unlocking the door or exiting the building. Existing key holding devices, such as simple hooks, are generally located near to the door they unlock and therefore do not assist in securing the keys from the above method of attack.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome the above described disadvantages of the prior art.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security apparatus comprising: first detector means adapted to produce at least one first signal in response to entry of at least one predetermined object into a first region; and indicator means for alerting a user in response to at least one said first signal and thereby indicating to said user that the or each said object should be placed within a second region.

By providing a security device as set out above, the advantage is provided that the user is prompted to place the keys in a safe place. The keys are therefore placed either in a location away from any access point (such as a letter box in a door) or in a secure holding device such as a locking box. As a result, the technique of attaching a magnet to a pole and retrieving the keys through an access point is prevented. The apparatus provides the further advantage that the keys will always be located in the same place in the building. This therefore reduces the time that is spent looking for a set of keys which are not in the place where they are usually left.

The apparatus may further comprise holding means at least partially containing said second region and adapted to receive at least one said object.

In a preferred embodiment said holding means is linked to at least one further security apparatus.

The apparatus may further comprise a second detector means adapted to deactivate said indicator means in response to location of at least one said predetermined object in a second region.

The first detector means may comprise at least one first radio frequency detector adapted to detect at least one radio frequency transducer adapted to be mounted to a respective said object.

By using a radio frequency detector and radio frequency transducer the advantage is provided that a very lower power consumption transducer can be used which will last almost indefinitely on the power of a small battery or a transducer requiring no power supply can be used. The detectors can be powered via a mains supply. Thus there is little or no opportunity for a user to forget to change the batteries in the transducer which is typically formed as part of a key ring.

In a preferred embodiment said indicator means is adapted to generate at least one audible alarm.

In a preferred embodiment said indicator means is adapted to be permanently located within said first region.

Alternatively, said indicator means is adapted to be attached to at least one said object.

In a preferred embodiment said holding means comprises locking means for locking at least one said object in position in said second region.

The locking means may be adapted to unlock in response to at least one said first signal and may further be adapted to lock in response to at least one said second signal provided by said second detector means in response to location of at least one said object in said second region.

By providing a lockable enclosure, the advantage is provided that extra security is provided for the keys, thereby allowing the enclosure to be located adjacent a door, where the keys are conveniently located but without the risk of the keys being removed from outside of the building. Furthermore, if the keys are locked within an enclosure, and in particular if this is connected into a further security system, the advantage is provided that if a building is broken into the keys in the enclosure remain secured. Therefore, for example, car keys cannot be stolen allowing easy access to a car.

In a preferred embodiment said locking means is adapted to unlock in response to at least one unlocking signal, and to lock in response to at least one locking signal and/or after a predetermined period of time.

The locking means may comprise at least one lo cable enclosure and may comprise a plurality of lockable enclosures adapted to receive at least one respective object.

In a preferred embodiment said second detector means comprises at least one second radio frequency detector adapted to detect at least one radio frequency transducer mounted to at least one said object.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a security system comprising: an apparatus as defined above; and at least one detectable element adapted to be connected to at least one respective said object.

In a preferred embodiment the or each detectable element comprises at least one radio frequency transducer.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of securing an object, the method comprising the steps of: producing at least one first signal in response to detection of at least one first predetermined object passing into a first region; and alerting a user in response to at least one said first signal and thereby indicating to said user that the or each said object should be placed with a second region.

The method may further comprise the step of lc;king at least ore said object in position in said second region.

The method may further comprise dlscorltining allot ing said user in response to location of at least one saici pledetm,ned object in a second region.

Preferred embodiments of the present invenr.ion will row be described, by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure l is a perspective view of an enclosure of an embodi,ent- of the present invention; Figure is a flow diagram showing the steps taken tin using the invention to secure an object; Figure.3 is a plan view of a building including an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic view of an enclosure of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing the steps taken in using the invention to secure an object; and Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing the steps taken in using the invention to retrieve an object.

Referring to Figure 1, a security apparatus 10 for an object, typically a bunch of keys, has a first detector which is located within the security apparatus 10 or may be located adjacent thereto. The detector, typically a radio frequency detector, is adapted to detect a radio frequency transducer attached to a set of keys passing into a first region which is located within the vicinity of the detector. The security ipiaiatus 10 has a holding means, in the form of an enclosure 12 Y'.ch has separate compartments 14 located the,-eir.. Enclosure 12 is substantially cylindrical and has an opening 16 allowing access to compartments 14. The security apparatus is also provided with a locking means 38 which is adapted to open and optionally close the enclosure 12 in response to locking signal. The locking means may be a fingerprint recognition unit, an iris recognition unit, a numeric keypad, a key activated lock or any other lock opening mechanism. The apparatus is also provided with a lock status indicator SAC for indicating whether che apparatus LS ocked or unlocked.

typically, the apparatus will be secured to an immovable surface such as a wall and the apparatus 10 may also be linked into a further security system such as an alarm for a domestic premises so that in the event the apparatus is tampered with, an alarm is sounded.

In use, the apparatus is located within a building, and creates a radio frequency field around the detector. This field defines a first region which should typically extend throughout the building and at least covers the building's entry points.

For a domestic premises with a single entry point, the apparatus may be located within a short distance of the entrance and have a limited field such that as a person enters through the entrance door, the object, typically a set of keys, always passes into the first region.

The apparatus 10 will typically also have an adjustment means for altering the strength of radio frequency field emitted.

This allows the apparatus to detect the keys at an appropriate distance from the apparatus. For example if the field is too strong and the keys are detected outside the building the alert will sound too soon. If the field is too small the alert may not sound at all if the apparatus is located away from point of entry.

On detection of the radio frequency transducer attached to the keys entering the first region (indicated at step S1), the first detector produces a first signal (step.S2) which causes an alarm signal to sound either from within the apparatus or from an adjacent audio signal producing device (step S3). In addition, or alternatively, a visual indicator may be provided, this could be a flashing light on the lock indicator 20. These audio and visual signals are to remind the person entering the building to place their keys into the apparatus 10.

As well as producing the audio and/or visual signal, the enclosure 12 rotates from a position where the opening i6 is covered by the rear portion 22 of the apparatus 10. Thus the compartments 14 are open to the user and the keys can be located therein (step S4). After a predetermined period of time, the enclosure 12 rotates back so that opening 16 is covered by back portion 22 (step S5). Thus the keys are secured within the apparatus 10 (step S6). Alternatively, the locking means 18 may be adapted to respond and lock the enclosure 12 in advance of the time period expiring in response to a locking command for example a finger placed on the finger print detector. As a further alternative, a detection means may be provided within the enclosure compartments 14 to detect the insertion of the keys into the enclosure 12. In response to this signal, the enclosure 12 may close. The locking status indicator 10 will indicate that the enclosure is locked.

When the user requires their keys again, they return to the apparatus 10 and activate the locking means 18. For example, by pressing a finger onto the fingerprint detection unit and in response to this signal, the enclosure 12 unlocks by rotating so as to expose the opening 16. The keys can be removed from compartment 14 and after a predetermined period, the enclosure 12 rotates such that the opening 16 is covered by back portion 22. Alternatively the locking means 18 can be reactivated to close the enclosure 12 or a detector located within compartment 14 may detect the removal of the keys and respond by closing the enclosure.

Referring to Figure 3 in an alternative embodiment, a security apparatus for an object, typically a bunch of keys, has a first detector 32 for detecting when the keys pass into a first region 34 defined by a building 36. As the keys pass into building 36, first detectors 32 produce a signal which travels along wire 38. Detectors 32 are radio frequency detectors which produce a signal in response to a radio frequency transducer, attached to the keys, passing between them. If building 36 had other entrance doors further first detectors 32 would be installed adjacent these entrance points.

An indicator means formed as part of holding means 40 alerts the user in response to the first signal. This is typically by an audible alarm and/or a flashing light. The holding means 40 is in the form of a series of four locking boxes 42 as shown in Figure 4. Each locking box 42 has a lid 44 and a locking mechanism 46. The locking mechanism 46 can be key activated or opened in response to fingerprint or iris recognition, or may contain a keypad. Each box 42 has a second detector (not shown) which can detect the keys, passing into a second region defined by the box 42. The second detector is another radio frequency detector which responds to a radio frequency transducer attached to the keys. When the second detector detects the keys being placed into the box, a second signal is sent to the indicator means which discontinues alerting the user.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 each of the four boxes 42 is designated to a different person. Each person is issued with a different radio frequency transducer which produces a different output and is discernable by the first and second detectors. The second detectors do not send the second signal until the correct bunch of keys, carrying the respective transducer, has been put into the correct box 42. Each locking mechanism 46 can be adapted to open only for the designated person of that box. For example, this could be by fingerprint recognition or an access code for a key pad.

The holding means can be linked into another home security system. Thus when keys are locked into the boxes 42 any attempt to tamper with the boxes will set off the building's alarm.

Referring to Figure 5, when the invention is in use, and a user enters building 36 carrying the keys (step S10), the first detectors 32 produce a first signal (step S11). The indicator means sounds an alert to the user (at step S12) and the enclosures, dedicated to that person, opens (at step S12).

When the keys are placed into the enclosure (step S13), the second detector produces a second signal (step S14) and the indicator means discontinues its alert in response to this second signal. The previously opened lid 44 closes (at step S15) and the keys are then locked in box 42 (step S16). - 1 0

Where two sets of keys enter the building at the same time, and each set of keys has a different radio frequency transducer, the detectors 32 can distinguish between the two transducers and the indicator means alerts the users. In this instance the indicator means will not be shut off until both sets of keys are placed in the holding means (whether that is both keys together in the same enclosure or in respective enclosures).

Referring to Figure 4, when the keys are locked in the box 42 (step S17) in response to an unlock signal from the user, by use of a code, a fingerprint or iris recognition, or use of a key (step S18), the box 42 opens (step S19). If the keys are not removed (step S20) after a predetermined time, the box lid 44 will close and lock. Otherwise, once the keys are removed, and the second detector detects that the radio frequency transducer is no longer within the second region, the enclosure closes and locks (step S21).

If the first detectors 32 do not detect the keys leaving building 36 the alert is sounded again (step S22) to prompt the user to return the keys to the box. This alarm can be deactivated either by a manual deactivation (step S23), for example by closing the lid 44, or by leaving the building (step S24).

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment has been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the first detectors 32 and the second detectors in the holding means 40 may be other short-range detectors known to a person skilled in the art. Detectors 32 and the indicator need not be connected by wire 38, an alternative connection such as a radio frequency link may be provided. The indicator need not be attached to holding means 40 and can be connected to the keys in the form of a key ring which may vibrate or produce a sound to alert the user.

Various alternatives to the holding means can be provided, for example a simpler version having a single box and a single radio frequency transducer attached to any number of sets of keys could be provided. Alternatively a locking hook system working in a similar manner to the boxes could be provided. As a further alternative, an open or non-locking holding means could be provided in a location which would not be accessible through a letter-box or a small window. Such a holding means could be a simple key hook system or a bowl, either of which containing the second detector means so that when keys were placed into the bowl or on to a hook, the alert discontinues from sounding. Such a system still provides the advantage of prompting the user to put the keys into a predetermined safe place.

The apparatus is not only suitable for domestic premises.

It can be used in a variety of situations to provide additional security for keys and for other objects. For example, the apparatus could be used in hotel bedrooms for securing valuables with the radio frequency transducer attached to either the room key or the item to be secured. In car valeting bays, the device could be used to provide secure access to car owners' keys after valeting and at garages the same principle could be applied, customers retrieving the keys to their vehicle once it has been serviced. The apparatus could also be used at vehicle dealerships for holding spare vehicle keys. In offices, the apparatus could be used to act as a reminder to place keys or other objects into the secure location upon entry into the office. Estate agents and premises letting companies as well as key holding companies could similarly all make use of this apparatus to securely hold keys and to make sure that they were located in a secure place and even in a correct location within that secure place. The device could further be used in care and nursing homes to ensure that residents' keys were not lost. In police stations and other security related companies, the apparatus could ensure that high security keys and other valuable or security related objects are locked in the secure apparatus.

The above list are merely examples of the uses to which the apparatus may be put and the scope of the invention is not limited to this list. - 1

Claims

Claims 1. A security apparatus comprising: first detector means adapted to

produce at least one first signal in response to entry of at least one predetermined object into a first region; and indicator means for alerting a user in response to at least one said first signal and thereby indicating to said user That tile or each said object should be placed within a second region.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising holding means at least partially containing said second region and adapted to receive at least one said object.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said holding means is linked to at least one further security apparatus.
4. An apparatus according to any one of the precedi.nq claims further comprising a second detector means adapted to deactivate said indicator means in response to location of at least one said predetermined object in a second region.
5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first detector means comprises at least one first radio frequency detector adapted to detect at least one radio frequency transducer adapted to be mounted to a respective said object.
6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said indicator means is adapted to generate at least one audible alarm. b
7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said indicator means is adapted to be permanently located within said first region.
8. An apparatus according to any one of claims] to 6 wherein said indicator means is adapted to be attached to a least one said object.
9. An apparatus according to any one claims 2 to 7, wi'reir said trod cling means comprises locking means for Iccki,ng L i-c,t one said object in position in said second region.
lO. An apparatus according to claim 9, wh.eroln saint locking means is adapted to unlock in response to at least one said first signal.
11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said locking means is adapted to lock in response to at least one said second signal provided by said second detector means in response to oration of at least one said object in said second region
12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 1, wherein said locking means is adapted to unlock in re;por.se to at least one unlocking signal, and to lock in response to at least one locking signal and/or after a predetermined periods of time.
13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein said locking means comprises at least one lockable enclosure.
14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein said locking means comprises a plurality of lockable enclosures adapted to receive at least one respective object.
15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein said second detector means comprises at least one second radio frequency detector adapted to detect at least one radio frequency transducer mounted to at least one said object.
16. A security apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. A security system comprising: an aE,para.s according to any one of the preceding Prims; and at leas, one detectable element adapted to be connected to at J east one respective said object.
18 system according to claim 17, wherein the or each detectable element comprises at least one radio frequency transducer.
19. A method of securing an object' the method comprising the steps of prodcing at least one first signal in response to detection of at least one first predetermined object passing into a first region; and alerting a user in response to at least one said first signal and thereby indicating to said user that the or each said object should be placed with a second region.
20. A method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of locking at least one said object in position in said second region.
21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising discontinuing alerting said user in response to location of at least one said predetermined object in a second region.
22. A method of securing an object, the method substantially as hereinloefore des<::rilecl with reference to the accompanying clrawinas.