NL8203334A - SECURITY SYSTEM WITH NUMBER OF ACCESS LEVELS. - Google Patents

Description

% * ι - ____________________________ _____ · ..___________________________________ I vo 3693

Security system with a number of access levels.

'\

The invention relates to a security system, and more particularly to a system for providing different levels of access to the security system.

Security systems in general require the input of a predetermined digital pass or access code to disable the system so that authorized users of the system can operate freely within a protected area. The protected area can be a business, a home or even a residence in a building. These protected areas are usually covered by two generally different types of systems. The first type of system is usually open 2k hours a day and may include a fire or emergency report, e.g. operating could be a panic switch, occurrence of a medical emergency, or operating a "panic button" to indicate an unspecified emergency. Other types of continuously monitored systems include tampering or accommodation monitoring including the transfer of data for recording and analysis, such as temperature of the bonfire, boiler pressure, etc.

Other types of protection provided by security systems include those operated intermittently, e.g. * at night or when staff leave protected accommodation. This type of notification contains volumetric protection, whereby motion sensors of the supersonic, passive infrared or microwave type report movement within a certain area. Other types of systems operated intermittently include circumferential signaling systems, and more particularly point signaling systems, e.g. door contacts are used to report the entry of a door into the building. Vibration detectors e.g. report footsteps or the use of saws and acetylene burners, while glass break detectors report through glass breakage. In addition, for safes, capacitive proximity 8203334

ϊ I

- 2 detectors used. It is a feature of the latter types of protection that after expiration they must be put out of service by maintenance personnel, cleaning staff one el or others, who need access to the accommodation. However, it is gross that no general access given to such personnel in order to avoid endangering the entire system. More specifically, it is very disadvantageous to give a single passcode to anyone who needs access to a building, because this allows reset of the system, bypassing user-selected protection loops or a user the system can reprogram. Such a situation is equivalent to spending a lo-per, which provides unlimited access to an accommodation. In summary, a single pass code cannot provide different access levels. Thus, a single pass code system cannot distinguish between the work of a general manager and that of a doorman. It is therefore advantageous that a system be arranged to deal with codes which can even be assigned daily for the purpose of thus providing only limited access for certain levels of personnel.

20 For voning applications, it is sometimes human to give people access to a home for a limited period of time, such as during a vacation, without revealing a permanent passcode, which would not allow access at a time other than what is permitted.

In fact, purchasing a persistent passcode would give someone a runner, which could be used at any time.

Security systems using a single passcode suffer from the impossibility of setting different access levels to the property. Moreover, when a single pass code is used, it cannot easily be changed for temporary access situations, mainly due to difficulties in arcing all users of the system.

In the present system, altbans are only access levels. provided by providing a permanent pass or access code and a changeable temporary pass or access code, including 8203334 * 3 - the temporary pass code can be set after the input of the permanent pass code. The bit gives the top-level user the option of optionally accessing all functions of the security system, but provides limited access to another level of personnel. The permanent pass code may e.g. Disable the system or enable selected portions of the system, resetting all or part of the sensors used in the system, loop bypassing and programming, including setting the initial pass code. On the other hand, the use of the temporary pass code may allow the shutdown of only parts of the system. Assuming limitless fire detector sensors in a 2k hour loop, for example, it would not be wise for anyone. other than a general manager, to allow these sensors to be reset, since the decision that an initial emergency is over or not implausible is usually taken at a very high level of authority. In addition, granting temporary auxiliary access for reprogramming a conventional system would frustrate the security provided by the system.

In an embodiment, a four-digit code is selected and permanently stored in a programming hair death memory (PROM). The four-digit code allows access to selectable functions, which may include an alarm deactivation function for both "home" and "off", whereby sensors in a so-called night loop can be deactivated as well as a key, such as a voter, who would report an alarm status to, for example, a police station, a fire station or a remote central surveillance office For systems equipped with alarm delays to allow entry or exit, the entry of the four-digit code would also be a 30 can provide instantaneous alarm indication by removing the delay The four-digit code may also allow bypassing shielding loops, such as, for example, the perimeter signaling loops, the motion detector loops, and the detector loops, which, for example, cover a safe within the protected area. The input to the four-digit code 35 also allows operation of the testing system, the 820 3334 »which in many cases does not include a run-through test of all sensors used in the system. The four-digit code allows entry or deletion of a temporary passcode. Finally, the input of the permanent four-digit code may serve to reset the entire system, which may include unlocking control lamps and resetting sensors throughout the property.

• On the other hand, the temporary passcode may only provide an alarm shutdown function, disabling local alarms to allow access by the lower level 10 staff to the property. The use of temporary passcode may also be for disconnecting an alarm condition from a remote location.

Additionally, temporary override access codes may be for unlatched alarm condition indications, such as e.g. accidentally steering a panic button, which steering could have been accidentally caused by second-level personnel. For all latched alarm conditions, such as e.g. fire or unauthorized access to the perimeter, temporary personnel cannot access the system as an additional precaution against threats to the system by temporary personnel.

Temporary staff can therefore be excluded from being able to scrape out electric fences, photoelectric sensors used to protect the grounds of a particular accommodation, etc.

The entry of the temporary access code, in its embodiment, does not affect the 2k hour loops, whereby a fire alarm loop may be ineffective or temporary personnel may be within the area.

- Equipping the security system with a number of access levels by providing temporary pass codes allows selection of the protection loops which can be enabled or disabled by designated personnel levels, as well as providing an easy code change to protect against the effects of temporary personnel leaving the circle and, therefore, the scheme of authorized users of the scheme. In addition, an additional safety layer can be used. are obtained by providing temporary pass codes. with decreasing complexity, so that 8203334 Fri> * - 5 - B.T. a permanent passcode can have four digits, while a j temporary passcode can have three digits. The system may be configured to operate with more than two access levels, but fewer access functions may be affected at reduced access levels.

As an additional security feature, in one embodiment, a timing circuit is provided for establishing a time window during which a temporary pass code is to be programmed into an erasable memory. As an additional security precaution, if no temporary pass code has been entered, the temporary pass code portion of the system is turned off, at least until the permanent pass code spring is entered and a code key is pressed.

The invention is further elucidated with reference to the drawing, in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the security system, wherein the use of a permanent and a temporary pass code is clarified;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating selected access to the security system through the use of different passcodes; and

Figure 3 is a more detailed block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the system shown in Figure 2. "

To provide a number of access levels to a security system, and referring now to Figure 1, the system usually comprises a control unit 10 and a number of sensors located throughout the building to be protected, the sensors usually being connected by multi-wire cables. are connected to the control unit. The sensors are generally usually divided into two groups, the first of which is a group of resettable sensors operated for 2 hours per day. are therefore designated as 2b hour loops. The resettable sensors, as shown in the dashed line block 12, include fire detectors 14, or an emergency detector 16, which may have inputs as a robbery switch, a medical emergency remote transmitter, or a panic button designed to to alert safety personnel when operating 8 "2 0 3 3 3 4 •% ί --------------------------------- -------------------------- "'' j ί · - 6 - 1 in an unspecified emergency. The alarm and status signals; from the resettable sensors 12 over a transfer line 18! which also includes command signals and power, which is transferred from the control unit to the resettable sensors.

On the other hand, xsreen group sensors 20, which are sensors intermittently operated, which are usually operated at night to report intrusion into a particular area. These sensors are divided into two classes, the first of which is a volumetric protection group 22, which is supersonic motion sensors 10 passive infrared sensors 26 or microwave motion sensors 28

can contain. The second group is a peripheral protection and / or point reporting group 30, which is generally located at the periphery of the accommodation to be protected, and includes door contacts 32 or a glass breakage detector 3. Point detect ears in the protected area may include a vibration detector 36 or a capacitive safe alarm 38. The types of sensors described above are not exhaustive in any way for the types of sensors which may fall into the previous two categories, but are quite detailed to represent classes of sensors which may be disabled during normal working hours. and may be operated after hours or during non-work hours. These sensors are connected via cable b-0 to the control area 10, which also supplies power and control signals to the sensors. The control unit includes a keyboard k2 and function switches, one of the outputs of the control unit being coupled to a local bare announcement unit b6. The room announcement may be in the form of an illuminated panel board, not only indicating the occurrence of a specified alarm condition, but also its location, but also sirens. and the like may include to provide an audible indication of an alarm condition that has been detected. Subject to local announcement, announcement outside the building may be effected by using a key H8, which generally includes a dialer for choosing a police station, fire department or security office outside the building. In one embodiment, the output of the control panel is coupled via a line 50 through a delay circuit 52 to the key, of which delay unit the target

8 2 0 3 3 3 4.:: -Τ- j · 1 consists of delaying the notification of an r alarm condition outside the building pending determining whether the alarm condition indication is to be transferred outside the building in rather than being addressed by on-site personnel.

A persistent pass code 5 ^ is entered into the keyboard k2 to enable or disable the entire system or to allow system changes to meet particular needs. The input of the permanent pass code may e.g. enable a blocking function, by which the whole system or 10 parts of it can be deactivated * After using the permanent pass code, in addition, certain resettable sensors can be reset or certain loops or loops can be entered. loops are bypassed. In addition, the input of the persistent pass code may allow programming of a temporary pass code in an erasable memory in the controller to enable said second access level to the system. Furthermore, the entry of the persistent pass code allows the execution of a test program. When a temporary pass code is used, a temporary pass code, as depicted at 20 56, can be entered into the keyboard, with the ability to change the system limited to blocking the night loops as an example. As mentioned above, the use of a temporary or second level pass code greatly simplifies the security of the system while allowing temporary access during off-hours. As schematically depicted by the broken line 58, the use of the temporary passcode may e.g. Disconnect from outside the building, such as by operating the switch 60, or block the alarm state signals from the sensors 2Q from being transferred to the control unit, as indicated by the switch 62. In addition, a local notification of an alarm state may be blocked by e.g. the switch 6U, wherein all of the above switches are operated to open the associated chains when the temporary pass code is entered into the control unit.

As to how such a system might be available, 8203334-8 is illustrated in FIG. 2, where the same reference numerals have been used to designate like elements in FIG. 1. In this figure, FIG. as shown, the control unit 10 with the keyboard h2 and the function keys kk. One of the function keys may be a so-called "code key" which, together with the input of a persistent pass code, directs the output of the keyboard to a temporary address code memory for programming it with a temporary pass code. The keyboard is coupled in the illustrated embodiment. to a temporary pass code detector 66 and a permanent pass-10 code and function detector 68, the function keys being coupled to the permanent pass code and function detector 68. In the system shown in Figure 2, resettable latch sensors 70 are coupled to a multi-wire transmission line 72, e.g. Is used to supply DC power from a DC power source 7k to the sensors through a DC power interrupt circuit 76. Control signals for the sensors including their input and decalculation are generated by a sensor control unit 78 »of a conventional type may be for providing control signals along one of the wires of the multi-wire cable to the sensors. Ground 20 wire is also, as shown, one of the wires of the multi-wire cable 72. The control unit 10 further has a sensor state detector 79 coupled to a signal line, which is one of the lines of the multi-wire cable, the purpose of which is to provide a determining an alarm condition signal from one of the sensors attached to the multi-wire cable. In one embodiment (not shown), the alarm signal in the signal line may be in the form of a current taken from this line, the current indication including the current indication. The output of the state detector 79 is a signal which is applied to the local announcement unit k6 via line 80. In the embodiment shown, this unit may include a panel of lights or other tickers 82, which indicate not only the presence of an alarm condition, but also the location of the alarm condition. The location can be determined by conventional examination techniques, in which a clocked sensor examination locator 8k is coupled to the sensor control 78 for providing the time over time. t ·. ·.

sent sequence scans or inquiries from. the different sensors. The return of an alarm state indicating signal the moment a sensor is examined is sensed at the sensor examining locator 8U, which operates an associated announcement pointer 82.

The plant and state signals may also be applied to the key ^ 8, which may include a dialer, which is automatically operated according to a trigger signal from a trigger chain 86 for e.g. choosing a fire department or police station, and transferring the state and location signals to the plants outside the building.

One of the outputs of the permanent pass code and function detector is a signal supplied to a test program unit 87 »coupled to the multi-wire transfer line to start a test program while simultaneously blocking sensor control j8 . During testing, unit 87 assumes all sensor control functions to be able to operate the sensors according to a predetermined test program. The test program may include a "walk by" test or other conventional test techniques.

An alternating current power source 88 may be coupled to the sensor controller 78 to provide alternating current power for one of the sensors that requires it, or to provide high-frequency carrier signals, if desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, a. tamper chain 9¼ coupled across the leads of the multi-wire cable, the tamper detection being an alarm condition for which a signal is applied through the leading 96 to the sensor state detector 79.

During operation, the input of a temporary pass code 30 is sensed by the temporary pass code detector 66, which develops a lock signal, which, as shown, is applied to the local announcer ^ 6 and the trigger circuit 86 to block local announcement and connection outside the building. Blocking the local announcement can also include blocking an audible indication of an alarm condition, as provided by a loudspeaker B 2 0 TT3 4 ~ ....... "^ - 10 - 98. Obviously, the persistent pass code and function detector t at the input of a persistent pass code also provides a lock signal for the same purposes. However, the entry of a permanent pass code provides additional access levels to the system, where the temporary pass code can be programmed, the system can be tested, in which system various loops can be bypassed, as indicated by the line running from the permanent pass code and function detector to the sensor control 78 or may result in applying the reset signal for 10 reset all resettable latches ens or and .. As usual, resettable sensors can be reset by simply breaking the DC power to the latching re-winding ,. usually used in the sensor, which is accomplished in the illustrated manner.

The functions of examining the sensors, sensing the types of alarms provided by the sensors, testing procedures and the ability to provide a loop bypass function are common and are not described here. It is clear, however, that it is a feature that the use of a temporary passcode only allows limited access to the system, in that, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2, its only possibility is to block local announcement and announcement outside the building. On the other hand, entering the persistent pass code allows additional functions, such as blocking, programming, bypassing a .... loop., testing and resetting. While the relatively simplified system of Figure 2 is effective in describing the effects of multi-level access, the number of functions that must be accessible to a user of a certain level is variable with the particular system application. Although only two access levels have been described in conjunction with the embodiment of Figure 2, it is clear that any number of access levels involving different numbers of functions may be contained within a security system and be within the scope of the invention.

35 When describing a type of system for bet on a number of sr20'3T3r ·· .............'.................. ..................- i - 11 - ».

pass levels of a code and now referring to FIG. 3; a keyboard 100 used to control a decoding circuit 102 which decodes the output of the keyboard. In general, keyboards are nimic input devices as opposed to providing function keys 10U, which may also be provided. Thus, the main function of the keyboard is to provide a pass code, while the function keys provide operation of various system functions, such as activation, providing front protection when the floor is occupied <SF empty, protection when the ground is not occupied. , testing the safety system, closing entry or exit delays, resetting or tripping. The decoder decodes the outputs of the keyboard or function keys and provides decoded functions on line 106, while the decoded numbers entered at the keyboard are coupled through line 108 to a shift register 110 »A death to be programmed memory 112 (PROM) is pre-programmed with a four-digit persistent pass code. The PROM is connected to a comparator circuit Ilk, which compares the permanent pass code with the code entered in the shift register 110. In order to access the system from the main level, the permanent pass code is keyed on the keyboard 100 and decoded at 102 such that the numbers, e.g. 1 ,. 3, 2 and 1; are entered in the shift register 110 in sequence. When the indicated code occurs, comparator 11H produces an output signal over line Ιΐβ, which serves as a full opening signal for the entire system. By "fully opening" is meant that access can be made to any system function. This is provided by opening a system control unit 117, which provides resets, looping, and test programs, indicated by the function keys and decoded at the decoder 102. The signal on line 161 is generated. additionally applied to a trigger pulse controlled multivibrator 118 to provide a timing window for programming a temporary passcode ... In this embodiment, the multivibrator produces an output pulse with a duration of h-5 seconds and corresponding 1_ "820" 3 33. · 47 "" ""; -12 - coming with an opening impulse of 1 * 5 seconds. The output of the trigger pulse-controlled multivibrator is provided to a readily accessible memory 120 (SAM) as an opening pulse allowing writing of the temporary pass-through code into RAM. in this case for 1 * 5 seconds. The decoder 102 decodes one of the function keys, e.g. the code key, for opening the allocated three RAM segments, assigned to the second level or the temporary pass code, which in this case is a three-digit code. Then, during the opening pulse of 1 * 5 seconds from the trigger pulse-controlled multivibrator 118, the keyboard 100 is operated, the decoded temporary pass code is fed into the designated segments in the RAM 120 to thereby provide a temporary pass code of 7 »3, 5, as indicated. During the 1 * 5 second window, provided by the multivibrator provided by a trigger pulse, no temporary pass-through is entered, zeros are entered in the selected RAM segments.

The system is arranged in such a way that it does not address zeros, and the temporary pass code system is thus closed. In addition, if a function key is operated after the code key, a signal on line 106 serves to reset the trigger pulse-controlled multivibrator 118 to prevent the writing of the no-code key functions into RAM.

As an additional precaution against unauthorized access, a second trigger pulse multivibrator 119 is placed in line 16 to provide another timing window, within which a function key is operated. This prevents the function keys from being operated for e.g. one hour after a permanent passcode is entered. In one embodiment, the window duration is 1 * 5 seconds, which means that a function key must be operated within 1 * 5 seconds or its operation is not accepted by the system.

After a. temporary pass-through code is entered into the RAM 120, secondary access to the security system can be obtained through the input to the keyboard 100 of the temporary pass-through code. In entering the first three segments of the shift register 110 with the pass code 820, the pass code and at a matching output of the three RAM segments, a comparator 122 produces an opening signal from the second level over line 124, which signal is used to block an alarm condition sensing circuit 126 and an announcing circuit 12T, which may be an area pointer or any type of audio or visual alarm indication. applied, the signal on line 124 additionally blocks all night loop inputs to a delay unit 128, transmitted through a gate 129, which is coupled to a key 130. The key 130 is started by reception at the trigger 132 of night loop or 24 hourly loop signals, allowing the system to block the transmission of 24-hour loop signals outside the building only by entering a persistent passcode e. This is in contrast to the system of Fig. 2, where both pass codes block transmission outside the building. It is further noted that in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the use of the temporary pass code breaks night loop signals, so that the trigger circuit is blocked only for these signals. Obviously, the 24 hour loop signals are not broken thanks to the provision of a temporary pass code, so that the 24 hour loops are continuously monitored thanks to the key. It should also be noted that the breaking of the transmission of the 24-hour loop signals only takes place when the permanent pass code has been entered. Moreover, what can be provided for is that if the key is in line during the entry of a pass code, the key can continue its transfer throughout the transfer period.

What is clear is that both the full opening and second level opening signals are operable to block alarm condition sensing and notification, and certain transfers occurred around the building. However, the second level opening signals are unable to block 24 hour loop signal transmission or reset a latched sensor, such as a smoke detector, while the higher level pass code makes resetting of the entire system impossible.

It is also clear that although two access levels have been extended 3203334

. I

In terms of a decreasing complexity of pass codes, a number of access levels may be provided with increasing or decreasing. ! complicated passcodes.

Set is a feature of the present system, that the output 5 of the shift register is applied to a keyboard shutdown circuit 132. the purpose of which is to count the number of entries in the shift register. In. an embodiment e.g. at 16 individual consecutive entries in the shift register, decoder 102 is pressed shut for one minute to thereby at least "exclude to some extent further tampering with the security system in an attempt to provide all possible codes. The decoding unit 102 can be closed by simply entering a series of zeros that the rest of the system does not address.

Thus, what has been provided is a relatively simple system for providing certain levels of the staff with limited access to secure accommodation, allowing the temporary pass code to be changed using a higher level pass code and different function keys. This increases the level of security for the accommodation against at least 20 unauthorized access on a previously unavailable mode with single level systems.

After indicating a preferred embodiment of the invention above, it will come to those skilled in the art that modifications and changes can be applied within the scope of the invention. It is therefore the intention to limit the scope of the invention only as stated in the following claims.

......... 8 20 3 3 3 4 ........ “.......................... ....................

Claims (12)

Security system, characterized by pass code input means in the form of a keyboard (k2), and by means (10) for controlling various functions of the security system in response to the input of different pass codes (5, 56) on the keyboard for thus equipping the security system with a number of access levels. System according to claim 1, characterized by resettable detectors (12) and different Inssen (22 or 30) with the detector, the function control means comprising means (66) for blocking selected system functions, means (68) for the bypassing selected loops and means (66, 68, 100, 102, 120) for addressing an input passcode (5 ^) with a first level on the keypad [b2] for temporarily programming the passcode system (b) 56) with a second level. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the first level pass code (5b) allows access (117) for resetting, bypassing a loop, blocking the system and programming a pass code (56 ) of a second level. ! +. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the function rule-20 comprises means (66, 68, 100, 102, 118, 120) which are responsive to an input pass code (5 ^) having a first level at the keyboard (½) for temporary programming of the system with a second level passcode (56). System according to claim 4, characterized in that the first and second level pass codes (5, 56) differ in the number of digits (11Q, 120) of the pass code. System according to claim bt, characterized in that the function control means comprise function control keys (10k), which contain a code key, the temporary programming means (120) being responsive to the input of the code (5, 111, 116), 118) of the first level, and pressing the code key (100, 10,6} to program a subsequent sequence of digits entered at the keyboard (100) 8203334:.-16- as the pass code (56) of The second level T. System according to claim 6, characterized in that the function control means comprises means (11) for establishing a time window, starting from the input of the first pass code; 5 (5k) of the first level, within which window the second level pass code (56) can be programmed, the temporary programming means (120) being operated only during this time window. System according to claim 1, characterized by local announcements 10 (12T), wherein the function control means comprises means (110, 112, Ilk, 116, 120, 122, 12¼) for blocking the local announcer, responsive to the input of a pass code. . System according to claim 1, characterized by a key (130) outside the building, the function control means comprising means (110, 112, 15 11¼, 116, 119, 132) for locking the key, responding to the input of a predetermined pass code. System according to claim 1, characterized by resettable sensors (12), the function control means. means (117) for resetting only the resettable sensors in response to the input of one of the pass codes. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the function control means comprises means (120) for programming the system with a temporary pass code in response to the input (100) of a pass code with a predetermined first level (102, 108, 110, 112, 11l, Il6, 118). System according to claim 11, characterized in that the temporary pass code and the first level pass code have different complexities, 13. Method of increasing the security of a keypad accessible security system, characterized by the step of providing different levels of access to the system using different keypad codes entered which allow the control of different system functions. 35 1¼. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the different transmission codes have different levels of complexity. 15 »Method of operation according to claim 1, characterized in that the with a; ; restricted access permissive passcode is a less complicated passcode. A method according to claim 13, characterized in. that the numbers of different access levels and different pass codes, two; exceeds. IT. The method of claim 13, characterized continuously monitored loops with sensors, and intermittently monitored loops with sensors, wherein the access provided by one of the pass codes excludes access for controlling the continuously monitored loops with sensors. 18. A method according to claim 13, characterized by the step of preventing access to selected functions of the system at times other than within a time window, beginning with the input of a predetermined pass code, * 3203334