GB2432025A

GB2432025A - Remote access control by way of authorisation data comunicated from a users mobile phone

Info

Publication number: GB2432025A
Application number: GB0522381A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter John Walden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-11-02
Filing date: 2005-11-02
Publication date: 2007-05-09
Also published as: GB0522381D0

Abstract

The system uses a host control computer (3), an onsite control unit (5) and mobile phones (6). Individual arranging visits to a given site at the host control unit by way of the internet. The approach of an individual(s/) to the site is automatically detected (e.g. motion sensor). An attempt is made by the onsite host to communicate with a mobile phone device (via e.g. Bluetooth (RTM)) carried y the user. The onsite control unit (5) can then verify with the host control unit (3) via the internet whether the individual is permitted to enter the site. If permission is allowed then the onsite control unit opens gate (10). The control unit may be solar powered with battery back up.

Description

Remotely Controlled Access and Method The present invention relates to

allowing access to authorised third party visitors to a secure site or premises having first checked that the visitor is able to comply with all the Health and Safety requirements of the site owner, It can operate on any site or premises subject only to mobile phone network coverage and does not affect the site owners own existing method of access.

Large property portfolios usually include unmanned sites. From time to time these unmanned sites require third party contractor and tenant access for various types of installation and maintenance. In order to facilitate this the property owner or his agent will either arrange for the contractor to collect a key, hoping that it will be returned promptly, or meet the contractor on site. Either method has a time and cost impact on the owner (or their agent) and the third party.

The foneloc' system of controlled access provides for visits to be pre-booked and approved and avoids the need to send someone to site or for the contractor to pick up a key. As such it reduces time input by all parties, reduces mileage and therefore carbon emissions and gives back to the owner control over keys. It does this without affecting the owners existing method of site access.

Accordingly, this invention provides a remote means of access by combining mobile telephone, Bluetooth, SMS, Encrypted World Wide Web, PIR, LED and solar power technology to give incoming and outgoing connectivity to the host computer. This allows an information flow to be established before the visit and recognition of a particular mobile phone when it arrives on site.

This in turn triggers the opening of an electronically controlled locking device to allow access.

A primary control unit capable of a two way connection t the service providers host control computer, via mobile phone and World Wide Web, will be installed at the site and this control unit will use hard wired technology to communicate a lcsking mechanism, typically an electro mechanical lock, fixed to a perimeter gate. The cotrpl unit will have the capability of being powered by solar cells with a back-up battery and also have the capability, of a mains power connection.

The control unit is able to sense an arrival of personnel at the gate which triggers Bluetooth communication to mobile phones in the vicinity of the gate. The control unit contains recognition software which verifies, via communication with the host computer whether any of the mobile phones located have been authorised to access the site at that particular time. The visitor to the site must have a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. The system will communicate via SMS text message to indicate that the authorised time period for the visit is coming to an end giving the visitor time to leave or extend the visit. The control unit provides confirmation to the host computer that the site has been left locked.

Figure I shows a block schematic of the connection between the person requesting site access (the visitor) using a computer or other World Wide Web access medium 1 and the locking device, e.g. an electro mechanical lock 9 attached to the gate in the perimeter fence of a secure area 10.

The visitor 1 will establish an Internet connection, via the World Wide Web, 2 to the system host computer 3. This allows the visitor to record the details of the visit online and for the site owner to authorise or reject the visit. The recorded details form a permanent and recoverable record of the authorised access and work to be undertaken. The authorised visit is ascribed a unique site access reference number. Confirmation of the authorisation is returned to the visitor's computer 1 via the Internet connection 2.

The host control computer 3 holds the details of the authorised visit. Once the visitor arrives at the site gate 10, the onsite control unit's 5 movement sensor activates its Bluetooth scan 7 searching for a Bluetooth enabled mobile phones 6. The onsite control unit 5 records all such phones located within the vicinity of the site gate 10 and uses its mobile phone network, GSM or similar, connection 4 to validate the authorisation of that unique phone to enter the site at that particular time. The onsite control unit S indicates to the visitor using coloured LED's whether the access is permitted and whether the electro-mechanical lock 9 is opening. The onsite control unit 5 using the wired connection 8 signals the lock 9 to open. The unit 5 will signal the lock 9 to lock itself after a predetermined interval. The visitor may activate the cycle of locking and unlocking as many times as required during the authorised time period booked for the visit The visitor is required in the authorisation of the visit to ensure that the perimeter gate 10 is locked at all times. If the visitor fails to close the gate the lock 9 via the wired connection 8, control unit 5, the GSM connection 4, the host computer 3 and the Internet connection 11 instruct the SMS computer 12 to send a text message 13 to the authorised mobile phone 6 indicating that the gate lock 9 has been left unlocked and that the gate 10 should be closed. This same series of connections, 9;8;5;4;3;11;12;13, is used to advise mobile phone 6 by text message that the visit period is about to end. After completion of the visit the series of connections, 3;4;5;8;9, is used to test whether the site gate 10 is locked and if not notifies the site owner and the visitor using connections 3;11;12;13. This information is logged on the host computer 3.

Claims

CLAIMS

I. A remote access system including an onsite control unit, and a locking device fitted to a gate or door.

2. A remote access system with an onsite control unit which has the ability to detect movement and trigger a scan seeking authorised mobile phones and establishing a communications link.

3. A remote access system where the onsite control unit has a hard wired connection to the locking device 4. A remote access system with solar cells to power the onsite control unit with internal back up batteries and the capability to use mains supplied power.

5. A remote access system where the onsite control unit has the capability of housing mobile communications transceivers.

6. A remote access system as claimed in any preceding claim which uses an Internet connection or radio connection to send and receive information to and from a host computer system.

7. A remote access system with a host computer which allows on-line booking and authorisation of a site visit.

8. A remote access system with a host computer which allows calculation of carbon emission savings made by using the system.

9. A remote access system where the onsite control unit has the capability of housing display LED's to indicate authorisation to enter a site.

10. A remote control access system where the onsite control unit can remotely confirm whether the site is secure.

11. A remote access system substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying schematic drawing, Figure 1.