ITUB20159419A1 - CONTROL EQUIPMENT FOR ANTI-STAPLER SYSTEMS. - Google Patents

Description

"CONTROL EQUIPMENT FOR ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS"

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a control apparatus for anti-theft systems. The invention also relates to a computer program consisting of the apparatus.

Electronic devices are known for managing anti-theft systems, in particular anti-theft booths, also known in jargon as anti-theft bushes. These cabins usually regulate access to an area in which valuables are kept, for example the interior of a bank, and include at least two doors, a first door that allows access to the cabin and a second door that allows access access to the area to be protected. Typically, safety devices, for example scanners, are arranged inside the cabin to check whether the user has metal objects such as weapons with him; The opening of the second door takes place only once the checks carried out by these devices have been completed. During the check, the user remains locked inside the cabin and only if the checks are successful, one door (internal door) opens, while the other door (external door) remains closed, allowing the user to control access to the area to be protected.

The electron devices known for controlling such anti-theft systems generally consist of electronic cards which have configurations in functional and hardware terms which have not undergone significant changes over time.

Typically, such known electronic equipment has discrete components and an 8Bit CPU (acronym Central Processing Unit) for software execution. If on the one hand these electronic circuits present some appreciable aspects, they are not free from drawbacks, including the fact that they do not allow to fully exploit the potential offered by the most recent technologies such as for example the remote management of the electron cards themselves. . This has disadvantages in that in case of problems it is necessary to send a specialized technician to check the state of the electronic equipment and possibly repair or replace it. With the electronic apparatuses of the known art, the intervention of the technical personnel is also necessary to modify some operating parameters or even to know the status of the electronic board. Some improvements have been introduced through the use of serial interfaces, which allow the sending of character strings relating to some configuration parameters. These strings are often a sequence of characters that are not always easy to interpret since their meaning is not necessarily immediate.

Another drawback of known appliances is due to the fact that the addition of other functions takes place by adding to the anti-theft system other devices which are completely independent of the appliances themselves.

For example, the exchange of voice messages was a user of the anti-theft system and an operator of a control counter usually takes place with the use of common usually wired intercoms which have limits in terms of application distances and voice quality.

In the state of the art, an electronic control equipment for anti-theft systems that allows the exchange of management information and that allows to implement various functions efficiently without the use of external devices.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome the limitations of the prior art highlighted above by proposing a new control apparatus capable of allowing to communicate with and receive commands from a remote control center.

Within the scope of this aim, the object of the present invention is to allow a remote control center to check the status of the control equipment, and in particular the configuration parameters in a simple and intuitive manner.

A further object of the invention is to allow the exchange of voice communications between an operator of a remote control center and a user of said aritirapina system.

Another task of the present invention is that of providing an apparatus which allows in a simple way the addition of new functions and the integration of new components.

Another aim of the present invention is to make the data exchange independent of the geographical position of the control center and therefore of the distance between the place where the control equipment is located or the control center itself.

Not least object of the present invention is to present a structure that is simple, relatively easy to implement in practice, safe in use and effective in operation, as well as having a relatively low cost.

This aim and these and other objects which will become clearer in the following, are achieved by a control apparatus for anti-theft systems according to claim 1 and a computer program according to claim 12.

Advantageously, the electronic components used in the apparatus are technologically more advanced than those commonly present on known control apparatuses.

Conveniently, the equipment is equipped with non-volatile memories, for example ROM (acronym for Rcad-Only Memory}, EPROM (acronym for Erasabie Programmablc Read-Only Memory}), or flash memories that store programs, or "firmware" suitable for implementing dedicated functions.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, given in the form of an illustrative and non-limiting example, accompanied by the relative figures in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of the apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows the layout of an embodiment of the apparatus in figure Ί;

Figure 3 shows an aspect of the apparatus of Figure 1.

An exemplary architecture of the apparatus, globally indicated with the reference number 10, object of the present invention is summarized in the block diagram of line 1, which comprises a plurality of logic blocks each relating to particular hardware components and logic functions included in Apparatus 10. In particular, the apparatus 10 comprises a printed circuit board (also known as PCB acronym for Printed Circuit Board) and various hardware components. Such hardware components comprise: at least one processor adapted to execute instructions of the software type; a plurality of non-volatile memories which contain stored software instructions and; other additional circuitry, generically adapted to implement specific logic functions and which can be controlled by the processor (s) of the control equipment.

This additional circuitry, known as "electronic hardware", can comprise both active and passive components such as for example encoders, A / D converters, sensors, amplifiers, power management devices.

The processor, the non-volatile memories and the additional circuitry are preferably of the "SMD" type (acronym for Surface-Mount Device), ie they are mounted or arranged directly on the printed circuit using SMT technology, short form for Surf ace-inount technology. The control equipment can be connected to a remote control center 11, also known as a "control room", comprising a plurality of operator stations equipped with an electronic computer and able to communicate, in a more detailed manner below, with the equipment 10.

In the following it will be assumed that the logic blocks shown in Figure 1 are assigned to specific functions and are associated with specific portions of the apparatus 10.

However, it is to be understood that the arrangement of the components may vary and some components of a logic block, for example the processor, may concur in executing / implementing functions associated with another block.

In the following, when reference is made to a logic block for simplicity, it is understood that the considerations made for the block extend to specific components and specific functions belonging to the block.

11 block 1 is responsible for the exchange of multimedia messages and the management of some of the electronic components of the control equipment 10.

Block 1 is associated with at least one processor, defined as master CPU or main processor of the control equipment, with means for encoding management information in one or more web-like pages and means for making one or more of these web-like pages accessible. to a remote control center 11; block i can also be associated with means for managing voice data and / or multimedia data sessions of the VOIP type (acronym for Voice over IP).

In particular, block 1 includes sub-blocks A, B and D.

The sub-block A c devolved to the encoding of control information in web-like pages and to the implementation of a Web-Server to make them accessible through a common Web-Browser, (for example the ircfox®, Microsoft Edge ©, Google Chrome®) such web-like pages to the remote control center 11.

Sub-block A comprises interactive modules for the exchange of configuration and status parameters (service data), which can be used for the control of the equipment 10, and for the possible correction of anomalies of the control equipment 10, as well as the exchange of multimedia data in particular of voice messages, which can be listened to by a user in the vicinity of the anti-plug system. Advantageously, thanks to a device belonging to the logic block L in charge of connecting the equipment 10 to the telecommunication network, this equipment 10 can be reached from the remote control center 11 regardless of the geographical area in which the equipment 10 is located.

Sub-block B is devoted to the management of VOIP communication and can be associated with a VoIP voice system, managed by the main processor of the equipment 10 and includes a Codec module useful for compressing and sending voice data.

Advantageously, the sub-block B allows to obtain a communication without distance and access limits between the equipment 10 installed on the antirapinn system and the control center 11.

Sub-block D comprises the main processor of the board called the Master CPU.

This processor is preferably of the 32Bit architecture type. Advantageously, this processor is versatile and is preferably programmable in C ++ language and in Assembler.

The logic block 2 is used for the management of multimedia data 1i, particularly images and / or films taken or transmitted in the area where the anti-theft system is located.

The logic block 2 comprises a second processor, defined as slave CPU, as well as resume connection means. In particular, block 2 comprises the sub-blocks C and D.

The arisen-block C can be associated with the recording means which are preferably a webcam. This webcam permeates you to see images relating to the equipment 10 or to the area in which the anti-theft system is located and can be used for technical or management reasons without distance limits.

Sub-block b can be associated with the slave CPU which is able to communicate with the master CPU through a data bus to control the webeam and the electronic components relating to the logic blocks M, N and 0. Preferably, the slave CPU is structurally similar or identical to the master CPU.

Logic block 3 is devoted to the management of vocal messages. Block 3 includes:

- means for connecting to a microphone or comprises a microphone;

- an analog / digital converter;

means for processing a digital data by transforming it into a message that can be transmitted in VOIP by means of the sub-block B;

means for synthesizing and reproducing vocal messages.

In particular, block 3 comprises the sub-blocks M and N.

The sub-block M concerns the output section of a voice system, preferably entirely managed by the Slave CPU, which through this system synthesizes and then makes audible the data received through the Voi? or, as data for pre-recorded service communications and stored in memories accessible to the Slave CPU.

Sub-block N is associated with the input section of the voice system, preferably entirely managed by the Slave CPU, which through the AD conversion device converts the signal picked up by a microphone into digital and makes it available to be sent through the VoIP system. to the remote control center 11.

Block 0 can be associated with input and output systems, preferably entirely managed by the Slave CPU.

Such systems comprise opto-isolated SMD components for the management and reading of the data of the various sensors connected or included in the control apparatus 10 which are preferably entirely mapped on suitable cores to speed up their use and production.

The logic block P can be associated with the circuitry for powering the apparatus 10 and a part of the sensors of the apparatus 10.

In particular, block P can be associated with the power supply section, as well as with the sensors for controlling and measuring the currents and voltages, whose management and reading is preferably carried out through the Slave CPU.

Through the Ethernet module and the slave CPU, it is possible to remotely view the control data detected by these sensors by coding them in web pages.

The logic block F is responsible for moving the parts of the anti-theft system, for example the two sliding doors of an anti-theft system. In particular, it includes the section concerning the Motor Driver system, preferably entirely managed by the Master CPU, mechanically and electrically integrated on the printed circuit in order to avoid induced and parasitic disturbances from inductive loads to which the motors are generally subject ,

The logic block G concerns the portion of the control equipment 1Q devoted to the management of the analog inputs. In particular, the logic block G comprises an analog input system, preferably managed by the Master CPU, and for which the interfacing is conveniently carried out through a 16Bit AD converter.

Logic block II relates to the portion of the control equipment 10 devolved to interfacing by means of serial ports, preferably of the RS-2B2, RS-485 type, preferably entirely managed by the Master CPU of the logic sub-block D, usable for connecting equipment accessory to control equipment 10.

The logic block T relates to the portion of the control equipment 10 devolved to interfacing of the USB type (USB hardware port - acronym for Universal Serial Bus), preferably entirely managed by the Master CPU of the logic sub-block D, and can be used for connection to accessory equipment or interfacing of additional memory units suitable for recording and storing data relating to the equipment 10.

T1 logic block L relates to the portion of the control equipment 10 devolved to the management of data exchange by means of an Ethernet type card, preferably entirely managed by the Master CPU of the logic sub-block D, and used for connection to the local network or to the outside world of the web.

Advantageously, thanks to this Ethernet card, the apparatus 10 can be reached from a remote control center 11. In this way the various data collected and generated by the various logic blocks can be made available to the remote control center. Also the apparatus 10 can receive commands coming from the remote control center Vi.

Advantageously, the combination of the functions or devices associated with the blocks / sub-blocks. Logici allows you to perform various operations.

For example, blocks A, G, F, L and 0 allow the remote center 11 to control the equipment 10 and view its parameters.

For example, blocks A, C, E, D and L allow the exchange with the remote center 11 of images coming from the Webcam positioned inside the anti-theft system on which the device 10 is applied. Such images can be inserted in web pages.

Furthermore, the blocks A, B, a, M, N and L, allow to carry out bidirectional voice communications through the Web without limitations imposed by the distance between the equipment 10 or the remote center 11.

Again, blocks A, 0, E, F, G, P and L allow the generation of web pages that show interactive web pages that allow the management and exchange of sensitive data linked therein to 1 device 10 and to the anLirapina system.

Figure 2 shows a logic diagram of an embodiment of the control equipment 10. In this figure, some components logically belonging to the same logic block can also be arranged in relatively distant positions and according to configurations that provide for the interposition of other elements . Figure 3 shows the layout of a web page showing the status and configuration parameters of the control equipment 10 and viewable via the web browser of the remote control center 11.

For example, in the first line, the speed of one of the doors of the anti-theft system, created by means of the cabin, is set to 67. From the remote control center 11, an operator, using a personal computer, can therefore reach the equipment 10 via the web -browser and modify this value, choosing it from those allowed (for example choosing a value between 0 and 127). The web page offers the possibility to enter other commands to control the cabin, which can be entered remotely. For example, an operator can command to open the doors, close them, reset the parameter values to the factory values.

Other commands are possible and easily integrated with each of these as us (insertable for example by clicking on a graphic object corresponding to a button on the page weo corrisoonde 1 'execution from cards of the electronic equipment 10 processors of instructions of the software type.

These software-like instructions, also known as "firmware" are stored on various non-volatile memories of the control equipment 10.

In one embodiment, such software can be realized as distinct firmware, each corresponding to a function (for example voice call management) and each stored in a specific non-volatile memory.

Obviously, the way the software instructions are stored in the various non-volatile memories and their organization can vary.

It has thus been shown that the described apparatus achieves the intended aim and objects. In particular, it has been seen how the apparatus thus conceived allows to overcome the qualitative limits of the known art through a control equipment that allows to realize multimedia interfacing for the exchange and management of technical control data and for communication. audio and video. The equipment 10, which can be manufactured as an electronic card to be interconnected or integrated with an anti-theft system, is easily configurable via a simple web page. Preferably, the apparatus 10 can be made as a single electronic card (single-card), having for example superimposed layers or skis and various components, active and passive, of the type SMD. Preferably, the execution of the software is achieved by means of two 32B1L CPUs, master and slave which communicate with each other through a preferably 16 Bit data bus and jointly manage the various periierics that are on board the equipment and communicate in real time. with the remote control center 11 to which they are connected.

Clearly, numerous modifications are evident and can be readily carried out by the export of the branch without entering from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Therefore, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the illustrations or preferred embodiments illustrated in the description in the form of examples, but rather the claims should include all patentable novelty features residing in the present invention, including all the characteristics which would be LrattaLe as equivalent by the person skilled in the art.

Claims (7)

CLAIMS 1. Control apparatus (10) for anti-theft systems comprising a printed circuit and a plurality of electronic components applied to said printed circuit and adapted to be interconnected by means of a bus for data transmission; said electronic components comprising one or more processors, at least one memory bank and means for controlling (F) an anti-theft system; The control apparatus (10) being characterized in that it further comprises: - means (B) for managing multimedia data; - means (L) for interconnection to a telecommunications network such as the Internet or a local network; - means (A) for generating control information including configuration and status parameters - means suitable for encoding said control information in one or more web-type pages; - means suitable for receiving a request for access to said control information from a web browser which can be associated with a remote control center (11) which can be connected to said equipment (10) by means of said telecommunication network; - means for making said one or more web-type pages and / or one or more of said multimedia data accessible to said remote control center (the) . 2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that said interconnection means (L) comprise an Ethernet type card. 3. Apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that said means (B) for managing multimedia data comprise means for managing voice data and / or multimedia data sessions of the VOIP type; said data sessions comprising a call generated by said remote control center (11) or by means included or connectable to said equipment (10). 4. Apparatus (10) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said means (B) for managing multimedia contents comprise a microphone adapted to pick up an acoustic signal; an analog / digital converter adapted to transform said acoustic signal into a digital data and; means for processing said digital data in a message of the VOIP type. 5. Apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that said means (B) for managing multimedia data comprise means suitable for synthesizing and reproducing vocal messages; said messages being stored in a memory of said apparatus (10) or being sent by said remote control center (11); said voice messages being reproducible by means of a loudspeaker included in or connected to said apparatus (10). 6. Apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises or is connected to image recording means (c), said recording means (C) comprising a webcam. 7. Apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a plurality of sensors suitable for detecting said status and configuration parameters. Θ. Apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that said means for controlling (F) said anti-robbery system comprise: a) means suitable for moving parts of the anti-theft system, for example sliding doors and; b) sensors for detecting the current or voltage in portions of said apparatus (10). 9. Apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that it further comprises one or more hardware ports, preferably of the type: serial port (H); USB port (I); a port (G) for an analog data input connectable to a preferably 16bit analog / digital converter. 10. Apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that said electronic components are applied by means of technology of the SMD type. 11. Apparatus (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that said printed circuit comprises the following portions on which said electronic components are applied: a first portion comprising: a first processor, defined as the master CPU; said means for encoding said management information in one or more pages of the web type; said means for making said one or more web-type pages accessible to a remote control center (11); said means for managing voice data and / or multimedia data sessions of the VOIP type; a second portion comprising a second processor, defined as slave CPU and said means for connecting to said webcam or said webcam; - a third portion comprising: said means for connecting to a microphone or said microphone; said analog / digital converter; said means for processing said digital data in a message of the VOIP type; said means suitable for synthesizing and reproducing voice messages; - a fourth portion comprising an interface for reading the data detected by said plurality of sensors; - a fifth section comprising the circuitry for powering said apparatus and the remaining part of said plurality of sensors; - a sixth portion comprising said means for moving parts of the anti-theft system; a portion for each of said hardware ports; wherein said first processor and said second processor are connected by means of a bus; said second processor being responsible for controlling the components arranged in said third and fourth portion; said first processor being responsible for controlling the components arranged in the other portions. 12. Computer program comprising a plurality of software modules stored on one or more non-volatile memories comprised in the fourth portion; said first processor being responsible for controlling the components arranged in the other portions. 12. Computer program comprising a plurality of software modules stored on one or more non-volatile memories included in the control apparatus (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11 and executable by at least one processor of said control apparatus {10), said plurality of software modules by implementing instructions suitable for: - coding management information and generating one or more web-type pages including said coded management information; - making one or more web-type pages accessible to a remote control center (11); manage voice data and / or multimedia data sessions of the VOIP type; - control a webcam or means of connecting to a webcam; controlling a microphone connecting means; convert an analog data into a digital data and; process digital data in a VOIP type message; synthesize and reproduce said voice messages; reading and processing data detected by a plurality of sensors; control the movement of parts of the anti-theft system; manage a plurality of input / output interfaces and hardware ports.