GB2567197A - Entrance apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An entrance apparatus comprising: a door 70; and a lock mechanism 75, wherein the door comprises a video device 78, and the lock mechanism comprises a remote control (400; Fig 13a); a local interface 74 comprising a biometric interface arranged to open the lock mechanism; and a network connection. The video device may comprise a camera or a display screen. The remote control apparatus may be a portable key fob (fig 13a) or it may be an independently provided device (i.e. smartphone). The biometric interface may be a scanner such as a fingerprint scanner. The local interface may also comprise a mechanical lock mechanism override. The device may further comprise a bell. A button may be provided on the inside of the door to provide alerts to other remote users of the device, for instance if the person currently in a residence does not recognise someone outside their door.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to entrance apparatus, in particular entrance apparatus for a property; more particularly but not exclusively apparatus for remotely controlling access to a property.

Background

Increasing security awareness and fear of home invasions are a feature of many societies across the world.

Video cameras and intercoms have been common for some time particularly in apartment buildings but provide limited information and rely on the homeowner being at home in order to operate them. Keys alternatively or additionally need to be either hidden or passed over. This can be problematic particularly for example where premises are let on a short-term basis.

Prior Art

CN 102 071 867 (GUOYUAN) discloses an intelligent safety door with holographic fingerprint identification, comprising a fingerprint identification control unit, a vibration sensing alarming unit, a camera imaging and recording unit, a controller , a laser camera, a display, a keypad and an electronic lock. The holographic camera identifies a fingerprint and records images and sounds of illegal personnel who attempt to open or force a door and stores data for subsequent investigation.

CN 2 911 807 (CHE) discloses a fingerprint door lock device controlling an electric control lock comprising a fingerprint sampler, a main CPU, a slave CPU, a screen, a key-press, a real-time clock circuit, an electric control lock drive circuit and a communication interface. The communication interface, the slave CPU and the electric control lock drive circuit are connected to the main CPU. The LCD screen, the key-press, the real-time clock circuit and the electric control lock drive circuit are connected with the slave CPU. The electric control lock drive circuit is connected with the electric control lock. The device has a tamper alarm, a duress alarm, and an abnormal open door alarm, as well as actuating an electromagnetic lock.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an entrance apparatus comprising: a door; and a lock mechanism, wherein the door comprises a video device, and the lock mechanism comprises a remote control; a local interface comprising a biometric interface arranged to open the lock mechanism; and a network communication.

In some embodiments the local interface may comprise a fingerprint reader or an eye or facial recognition scanner.

The remote control may include a wireless enabled device, for example utilising a Bluetooth (RTM) device, an infra-red (IR) device or shortwave radio frequency (RF) device. For example a radiant energy receiver, such as a radio frequency receiver, may be disposed on the door frame and is operative to open or close the lock mechanism.

Optionally a keychain-sized remote control transmitter unit may be carried by a person desiring access such that when a button on the remote control transmitter is pressed it transmits a coded signal received by the radiant energy receiver. Upon receipt of an authorised code a release mechanism is actuated to unlock a door.

In some embodiments the remote control comprises an independently available device, for example a smartphone or a similar portable electronic device. When programmed, for example under instruction from application specific software (APP) the smartphone or portable electronic device is operative to selectively transmit an authorisation entry code.

In some embodiments the video device comprises a display screen, and/or a video camera, which display screen may be used to display images from the video camera, or which display screen may be utilised to provide interaction with the user in regards to the remote or local use of the mechanism. For example the screen may comprise a display arranged to indicate a successful biometric match from an input signal when compared with stored image data.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise at least one light source. Such light source is ideally arranged to provide lighting in front of and around the area surrounding the door; as well as optionally, on the inside and/or outside of the door, so as to assist light the way for users. The light source is preferably arranged for illuminating a field of view of the video camera.

Such light source may for example comprise a floodlighting solution for users external the door, for security and/or ease of use of the apparatus. Such light source may comprise at least one sensor, such as passive infra-red (PIR) device, that is arranged so as to activate the light source automatically upon recognition of a presence.

In some embodiments the sensor may comprise a separate notification or alert system to the light source, for example such that a remote user may be enabled to monitor the notifications. In this way the user may advantageously monitor presences at the apparatus, even when remotely located.

In some embodiments of the network communication the apparatus may be wirelessly connected to a domestic or commercial internet router in use. In other embodiments of the network communication the apparatus may comprise wiring, such as ethernet wiring to connect to a local network. In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise an ethernet port or similar to facilitate this connection.

In some embodiments of the network communication the apparatus thereby forms a home hub using the serial number of the door apparatus as an IP ADDRESS of the individual property and the individual street address to create a virtual mailbox allowing receiving I editing I sending of digital post and marketing materials.

In this way the apparatus of the present invention is not just about security, and is also to allow the owner of the property to receive home deliveries and allow access to contractors / friends / family from anywhere in the world.

In some embodiments the apparatus comprises a microphone, which microphone is arranged to allow persons to communicate with the user or homeowner of the apparatus, for example wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one loudspeaker. In some embodiments it may be envisaged that the loudspeaker is located on the remote control device, for example wherein the apparatus comprises a means of relaying the audio from the microphone to an independently provided loudspeaker.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise an input means, which input means may enable the user to input details or data into the apparatus. This input means may comprise a means of operating the lock mechanism. The input means may comprise a part of the local interface and may comprise a keypad. The input means may be additionally or alternatively operable using the remote control, for example wherein the user may be enabled to input data into their personal electronic apparatus, which may be enabled by a downloadable software application.

In this way the apparatus of the present invention provides an entire door system which can be locked and unlocked using fingerprint technology and also remotely.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise a bell or knocker local interface. In some such embodiments the bell may comprise a fingerprint scanner, for example wherein the combination may enable the user to scan their fingerprint, and a stranger to ring the bell. In other embodiments the bell and fingerprint scanner may comprise discrete interfaces.

In some embodiments the electronically operated door lock may be arranged to have a manual key override if the power goes down, for example comprising a standard key mechanism mechanical override.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3 show isometric views of handles from the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the handle shown in Figures 3;

Figure 5 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the handle shown in Figures 3;

Figures 6 show isometric views of a lock for the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 7 show isometric views of a video camera for the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 8 show isometric views of a light source for the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 9 show isometric views of a display screen for the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 10 show isometric views of a key for the embodiment shown in Figure 1, and the video camera shown in Figures 7, respectively;

Figure 11 shows an exploded isometric view of the lock shown in Figures 6;

Figures 12 show isometric views of the key shown in Figure 10a;

Figures 13 shows an isometric view of the key shown in Figure 10a, and the video camera shown in Figures 7, respectively; and

Figures 14 show isometric views of a light source for the embodiment shown in Figure 8.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the apparatus 99 generally comprising a door 70 and a lock mechanism 75 wherein the door 70 comprises a video device 78/61, and the lock mechanism 75 comprises a remote control 400; a local interface 74/57 arranged to open the lock mechanism 75.

The apparatus is arranged to be connected through wired or wireless signals to the property’s internet router.

In particular the local interface comprises a fingerprint scanner 57 and the apparatus further comprises a bell portion 74, having a bell button 47 and microphone 48 on either side of the door. When fingerprint entry used the videocamera 61 takes a screen shot of the individual and note the date and time of the usage.

In this way external users of the door may alert internal users of the apparatus of their presence; and internal users may alert remote users promptly of security concerns, for example with regards to external callers, or otherwise communicate with persons located remotely and connected through the property’s internet router.

In particular the apparatus 99 comprises a front door 70 further arranged with a strip light source 79, having a plurality of light emitting diodes 39, surface mounted on reflective surfaces, and housed in a housing 41 to stand off the door and enable direction downwards and a diffuser 38; which light source 79 is located at the top of the door 70, on its exterior face.

The door 70 further comprises a display screen 78 on the interior face, and a video camera 61 on the exterior face, both arranged at face height. In the envisaged embodiment there will be a speaker and microphone both inside and outside on the system allowing full communication between two parties without having to open the door.

The apparatus 99 comprises a key fob 400 for local control of the closure mechanism, which comprises a chain between a split ring 48 and a fob 57 with an internal electronic module providing a transmitter 48, transmission lens 44 and two buttons 45, 46.

The door handle 105 comprises the locking mechanism and a means to be connected to and connect remotely to a wireless hub or router, through wireless capability.

The door handle 105 comprises a manual key override 58. The override 58 is located on either side of the door, in case of accidental electronic jamming of the lock mechanism. The door further comprises standard letter box 77 and robust hinges 76 to the door frame 80.

The handle 105 further comprises a spindle passing through the door and two lever handles 59 to either side of the door, as well as an exterior module comprising a fingerprint scanner 57 on the exterior of the door proximate the lever.

The display screen 78 may be a touchscreen monitor in some embodiments, and in the pictured embodiment is mounted on articulated mount to an arm extending down and away from a plate 79 bolted to the door 70. The touchscreen monitor may be a detachable carryable tablet or a static non movable monitor. The detachable monitor will charge when attached to the door via metal connections or plug into a USB socket.

The video camera 61 comprises a bipartite construction with two parts joined through the door, namely a plate on the interior and a fisheye lens 18 and surrounding visibility LEDs 17 on the exterior, with a port 16 for wiring to the rear of the lens. All wiring may be passed through the door frame and door panel construction, for example within the metal reinforcement of thermoplastics bodies. The video camera may also include a microphone and infrared motion sensor.

The apparatus is connected to the building’s electrical mains power. The apparatus has integrated wireless internet capability which will connect to the internet router of the property, so as to allow access to the door functions, which also includes the video camera 61 and associated microphone, such that when the door bell is rung or the door knocked, the user can see who is at the door and communicate with them.

The embodiment of the apparatus is envisaged to work in conjunction with a software application to electronically control the mechanism. For example the mechanism may be controlled using a code, such that the user can send the code to third parties on occasion; or electronically using a keyring fob such as shown in Figure 10a; or a portable electronic device such as a smartphone, for example enabled with a proximity radius and wireless capability. Advantageously this means that the user does not have to use their hands if necessary.

A specific code may be sent in some embodiments to non-users to access the home if the occupier is away. In the envisaged embodiment within a software app the user creates or sets and stores a 6 digit release code to be used when the lock is to be unlocked. The door will automatically lock again once closed.

In the envisaged embodiment the input of the code may be sent using Bluetooth (RTM) or similar wireless capability, and only devices registered with the apparatus using the 6 digit code set by themselves can gain entry

The user’s software application may be enabled to notify the user when the motion sensor is triggered, allowing the user to view the live video stream, access audio and open the door if necessary.

The floodlight light source is arranged to be activated when the infrared motion sensor is triggered.

Data from the video camera and microphone is saved onto an SD card and/or cloudbased storage.

The lock comprises indication light to show green or red lights to show whether unlocked or locked.

The apparatus has mounting locations that will not allow parts to be removed from the outside.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims (11)

Claims

1. Entrance apparatus comprising: a door; and a lock mechanism, wherein the door comprises a video device, and the lock mechanism comprises a remote control; a local interface comprising a biometric interface arranged to open the lock mechanism; and a network communication.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the video device comprises a video camera.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the video device comprises a display screen.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the remote control comprises .a portable key fob.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim 1 to 3 wherein the remote control comprises .an independently provided device such as a smartphone.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the network communication comprises a wireless internet router.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the biometric interface comprises a biometric scanner.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the scanner comprises a fingerprint scanner.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the local interface comprises a mechanical lock mechanism override.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a bell.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 comprising a bell on both sides of the door to alert remote users.