WO2017051345A1

WO2017051345A1 - Universal interface for electronic anti-intrusion systems

Info

Publication number: WO2017051345A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/055664
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giampaolo ERA
Original assignee: ROSAS, Valeria
Priority date: 2015-09-24
Filing date: 2016-09-22
Publication date: 2017-03-30
Also published as: EP3353760A1; ITUB20153846A1

Abstract

A universal interface (ISA) is described, which is adapted for direct connection to an electronic anti-intrusion system, so as to control the activation and management of said electronic anti-intrusion system in an exclusive manner, without requiring any further external connections, characterized in that it comprises: - a bus for connecting to said electronic anti-intrusion system; - an electronic printed circuit board (PCB) housed inside a plastic container closed on all sides, which in turn is secured to the inside of a metal container; - a series of RJ11 or RJ9 or RJ45 connection sockets on the sides of said plastic and metal containers, for connecting external anti-intrusion detectors; - a bus for connecting a badge reader for activation; - a telephone socket; - an LCD keyboard socket; - a USB port for interconnection and programming of the anti-intrusion system; - at least one hole in said plastic and metal containers for the passage of cables fitted with RJ11 or RJ9 or RJ45 plugs; - a magnetic or mechanic contact connected to a h24/24 tamper line of the anti-intrusion system for protection against illicit opening.

Description

UNIVERSAL INTERFACE FOR ELECTRONIC ANTI-INTRUSION SYSTEMS

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of electronic anti-intrusion systems, and more specifically to a universal interface for electronic anti-intrusion systems.

Background art

In the field of electronic anti-intrusion systems, no interface systems are known which can facilitate application, installation and expansion also by unskilled users, especially as concerns peripherals, interfaces, stand-alone electronic boards, patch-panels and similar quick-connection systems for high-end wired anti-intrusion systems.

Anti-intrusion system manufacturers provide courses for installers about software and new- entry updates, but at present nothing is being proposed as far as installation easiness, simplification and standardization are concerned.

Some sort of standard is thus imposed by anti-intrusion system manufacturers, according to which only skilled personnel can install such systems, by wiring the various electronic boards and programming them as required by the system to be created. No ready-for-use anti-intrusion systems exist, coming already programmed and equipped with quick connections.

Therefore, no systems are known which allow making installation and programming easier by using "plug and play" technology.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore one object of the present invention to propose a universal interface for electronic anti-intrusion systems, which is aimed at overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks.

The system as a whole comprises an "ISA" quick connection interface, i.e. a connection board specifically designed for quick connection to any anti-intrusion system, and a system connected thereto and programmed as a standard system.

Such a system can be expanded without requiring any program changes, which would otherwise be absolutely necessary, e.g. when intrusion detectors (sensors) are added, nor any changes to the conformation of the interface structure, which comprises components such as: control panel, ISA interface, keyboard, detectors (sensors), sirens, via suitable programming. The interface makes the anti-intrusion system virtually expandable at will, possibly by adding other interconnected ISA interfaces in other zones that need to be protected. The interface can be connected to specific expansions of the system in use, so that it can be installed easily and, most importantly, without lowering the security level. The ISA interface can be applied to any anti-intrusion system because it can be fully programmed via a PC.

An object of the present invention is a universal interface (ISA) adapted for direct connection to an electronic anti-intrusion system, so as to control the activation and management of said electronic anti-intrusion system in an exclusive manner, without requiring any further external connections, characterized in that it comprises:

- a bus for connecting to said electronic anti-intrusion system;

- an electronic printed circuit board PCB housed inside a plastic container closed on all sides, which in turn is secured to the inside of a metal container;

- a series of RJ11 or RJ9 or RJ45 connection sockets on the sides of said plastic and metal containers, for connecting external anti-intrusion detectors;

- a bus for connecting a badge reader for activation;

- a telephone socket;

- an LCD keyboard socket;

- a USB port for interconnection and programming of the anti-intrusion system;

- at least one hole in said plastic and metal containers for the passage of cables fitted with RJ11 or RJ9 or RJ45 plugs;

- a magnetic or mechanic contact connected to a h24/24 tamper line of the anti-intrusion system for protection against illicit opening.

The present invention also relates to a method of installation of said universal interface (ISA).

In particular, the present invention relates to a universal interface for electronic anti- intrusion systems as set out in detail in the claims, which are an integral part of the present description.

Brief description of the drawings

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment (and variants) thereof referring to the annexed drawings, which are only given by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a first example of a general diagram of the interface according to the present invention and of its connection to an alarm control panel; Figure 2 shows a second example of a general diagram of the interface according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows an example of a general diagram of the internal layout of the interface according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a further example of a general diagram of the connections of the interface according to the present invention to an alarm control panel and to the external components;

Figure 5 shows a further example of the connection of the interface, enclosed in its casing, to an alarm control panel and to the external components.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals and letters identify the same items or components.

Detailed description of some embodiments of the invention

With reference to the annexed drawings, the following will describe some non-limiting examples of embodiment of the interface and its connections to the anti-intrusion system and to external components.

In one embodiment, the interface consists of an electronic printed circuit board PCB housed inside e plastic container closed on all sides, which is secured to the inside of another metal container (which ensures additional mechanic protection). On the sides of the plastic container various RJl l connection sockets are available, which may alternatively be of the RJ9 or RJ45 type, and a USB port for interconnection and programming of the anti- intrusion system (which will be used for any online checks to be carried out in connection with the control center).

The metal container encloses and protects the connections to the RJl l sockets that will be made inside of it, when wires fitted with RJl l (or RJ9 or RJ45) plugs are inserted therein through a suitable hole. The metal container is protected against illicit opening by a magnetic or mechanic contact connected to an h24/24 Tamper line of the anti-intrusion system. All connections to RJl l sockets are established within the metal container. For each one of them, on the ISA interface there is a further individual h24/24 Tamper protection or an alarm signal for peripheral absence, connected to respective inputs of the control panel and appropriately programmed for protection against cable cutting or peripheral/sensor disconnection. Cutting or opening a line will trigger an alarm status (thus activating sirens and phone calls for sabotage). All peripherals connected to the ISA interface have h24/24 protection against disconnection, should one succeed in opening the metal container while eluding the detectors (sensors) and the protection of the alarmed container and then in disconnecting the RJ 11 connectors.

Therefore, all the peripherals and sensors connected to the ISA interface are protected and cannot be tampered with, opened or cut at any point of the building or installation without the system realizing that a status change has occurred.

A sabotage attempt will trigger an alarm status even when the alarm system is not armed. Peripherals, sensors and sirens are equipped with pre-wired connection cables ready for connection to the ISA interface. Each peripheral or sensor shall have a cable of appropriate length fitted with an RJ11 connector for connection to the ISA interface. Should their length be insufficient, the cables can be extended by using differently sized extensions fitted with RJ11 connectors.

Extension cables are of a standard type, with RJ11 connectors at their ends. After the peripherals and sensors have been connected, the system will recognize them and will configure itself (by using the control panel software), and it will be by no means possible to disconnect the extension cables without triggering an alarm. This means that also the connections of the cables used for extending peripherals or sensors will be provided with h24/24 Tamper protection. The anti-intrusion sensors may be of the dual-technology IR or magnetic-contact type.

The ISA interface board can thus be connected to a control panel of the anti-intrusion system from the outside, via a single connection cable, which will allow, through the BUS system of the control panel, when located in different zones of the building, connecting additional sensors and sirens, and also relaying the same BUS signal to other identical peripherals connected in cascade.

In another embodiment, the ISA interface board can be housed inside the same box used for the control panel of the anti-intrusion system and connected thereto via pin headers, while offering the same security and performance features as the previously discussed version. Different types of interfaces may also be connected, whether located inside the control panel or outside of it.

The basic version of the interface consists of five anti-intrusion sensors designated 1 to 5, wherein sensor no. 1 is timed and, if used, will protect the entrance of the building or shop, allowing the user some time to go out when arming the system and to disarm the system when he/she comes in. All other anti-intrusion inputs (2-3-4-5) are programmed as instant inputs. The interface as described above offers the possibility of changing the positions of the anti-intrusion sensors among the RJl l sockets, and of choosing the one that is best suited for specific requirements without the software needing any modifications. Different interface boards may be used, having a different number of inputs for 4 to 32 sensors, 1 to 10 BUS IN/OUT, 1 to 10 sirens, telephone and GSM inputs, PSTN, 1 to 10 relay outputs, while still using the same RJ9, RJ11, RJ45 connection type. The interface may be conceived as and utilize all existing connection types, from jack to xlr, RCA, all types of USB, SERIAL, DVI, HDMI, HDI, s-video, BNC, and any other types of signal and ultra-low voltage connection available on the market, in addition to novel or customized connections. Pre-wired RJl l plugs will have to be placed into all unused inputs, fitted with a grip for facilitating insertion and having the function of maintaining the on-off state of each sensor input channel in the absence of the sensor. Such plugs will have to be removed when other sensors are added, up to a number of 5.

The system also includes other outputs, e.g. for connection of an internal siren and an external siren; in these cases as well, pre-wired RJl l plugs will have to be inserted into the respective sockets when not in use.

The installation procedure is as follows:

1. not connecting the alarm control panel to the 230V power supply and disconnecting the batteries;

2. unscrewing the screws of the metal container and removing the cover;

3. opening the control panel in the same way;

4. making the ISA interface - control panel connections;

5. inserting the cables with RJl l connectors of the output peripherals and of each detector (sensor), one at a time, through the hole in the metal container, and connecting them into the respective sockets as labelled;

6. last, connecting the cable of the telephone socket to the ISA peripheral;

7. closing the container, paying attention that it is positioned correctly, since it will be alarmed;

8. connecting the battery in the control panel and closing the container;

9. connecting the plug to the power outlet;

10. the system will turn on, the siren will sound briefly, while the telephone dialer will start dialing;

11. at this stage, the system will be acquiring all detectors (sensors) and peripherals;

12. after a few seconds, the alarm will have to be switched on and thereafter switched off; this procedure will stop the sirens and the telephone dialer, bringing the whole system into the idle condition;

13. activation can then be carried out in two way s :

• by sliding the badge on the reader by moving it slowly downwards (after approx. 2 seconds the keyboard will indicate that the system is activated);

• the keyboard will display the symbol T (Total) on the area line, indicating that activation has occurred;

• this step must then be repeated with the badge in order to disarm the system;

• the letter D (Disarmed) will appear, replacing the letter T on the area line;

14. the system will now be ready for operation;

15. the red LED will go off (a blinking LED will indicate an alarm memory that can be removed by repeating the system arming/disarming function);

16. second arming/disarming mode:

• on the keyboard, enter the secret code hidden by scrapable paint, then press OK and press OK again. Press Esc;

17. the system will now be ready for operation;

18. the system will be ready for arming only if a blue LED is on, meaning that all sensors must be in the idle condition (i.e. not detecting the presence of people or open door contacts).

The badge is a miniaturized integrated circuit (in which a coding is stored) that may have several shapes for easy handling and storage. The various possible shapes resemble a credit or debit card or sometimes a simple key holder. The badge shows no electric contacts, and it is sufficient to bring it close to the special badge reader (by sliding or laying it thereon) for its coding to be read, since it uses transponder technology. Each badge is programmed and univocally recognized by the electronic anti-intrusion system.

In one embodiment, the complete system includes an alarm control panel, e.g. of the INEVI 51 OB type; an ISA interface, to be positioned externally to the control panel and connected thereto via suitable cables. The ISA interface will have to be located in the lower part of the control panel case and firmly anchored thereto and/or to a wall. The ISA interface will have to be equipped with a series of RJ11 - RJ45 sockets, to be in turn connected to the various sensors, sirens, keypads, on/off switches, etc.

A series of pre-wired RJ11 plugs are connected to the inputs/outputs, which will only be activated when used for expanding the basic version. For example, there are two dual- technology IR sensors, which can be expanded, for example, up to five. There is also a USB port for connection to a PC.

All connection cables will be provided ready for use, numbered and identified one by one in order to simplify the connections, and equipped with quick-connection RJ11 or RJ45 connectors. The sizes of the cables may vary, and several cable kits may be available.

Cables are readily available, since they are CAT5 network cables or simple flat telephone cables, fitted with RJ11 plugs.

The anti-intrusion sensors are also fitted with RJ11 sockets/plugs, and in some cases they may be equipped with input and output ports (IN - OUT) in order to facilitate the making of multiple connections to several sensors by using the same cable starting from the control panel.

One cable will connect in the same way the internal siren, which is normally located in the immediate vicinity of the control panel.

One cable will connect the external siren, via a connector that in this case will be an IP65 watertight connector. Another cable will have to be connected between the interface and the telephone line of the installation site.

In the ISA interface there is a software program that does not directly affect the interface, but rather the peripherals (keyboards, on-off switches, sensors of different types, sirens, telephone dialers, etc.).

The ISA interface is a means for simplifying the connections, and programming is done by taking its presence into account. Therefore, electronic anti-intrusion systems of different brands and models will use their own management software, which, once connected to the ISA interface, will only be useful for changing the connection types and, depending on the electronic anti-intrusion system's program settings, a number of parameters will be set for controlling the security of the ISA interface and of the connections inside and outside of it. It follows that the man skilled in the art will be able to design the software part without having to introduce any additional implementation details for it.

The above-described non-limiting example of embodiment may be subject to variations without departing from the protection scope of the present invention, including all equivalent designs known to a man skilled in the art.

The elements and features shown in the various preferred embodiments may be combined together without however departing from the protection scope of the present invention. The advantages deriving from the application of the present invention are apparent. The ISA interface can solve the following problems.

• It simplifies the installation and programming of high-end wired anti-intrusion systems programmed from a PC by skilled technicians.

• It cuts down installation costs, since installation time is reduced by a third.

• It allows anyone to install a high-end anti-intrusion system in any location even without being technically skilled or being a qualified installer, at relatively low costs.

• RJl 1 connectors and cables are readily available, should one need to move a sensor or a peripheral or to extend a cable.

• The anti-intrusion system can be easily reinstalled in different places, since it can be easily positioned and connected (e.g. in boxes or scaffolds on building yards, mobile commercial entities, exhibitions, etc. )

From the above description, those skilled in the art will be able to produce the object of the invention without introducing any further construction details.

Claims

1. Universal interface (ISA) adapted for direct connection to an electronic anti-intrusion system, so as to control the activation and management of said electronic anti-intrusion system in an exclusive manner, without requiring any further external connections, characterized in that it comprises:

- a bus for connecting to said electronic anti-intrusion system;

- an electronic printed circuit board (PCB) housed inside a plastic container closed on all sides, which in turn is secured to the inside of a metal container;

- a bus for connecting a badge reader for activation;

- a telephone socket;

- an LCD keyboard socket;

- a USB port for interconnection and programming of the anti-intrusion system;

2. Universal interface (ISA) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises further outputs for connecting an internal siren and an external siren to the interface.

3. Universal interface (ISA) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

- for each one of said series of sockets for RJ11 or RJ9 or RJ45 connections, a further individual h24/24 tamper protection or alarm signal for peripheral absence, connected to respective inputs of the control panel and programmed for protection against cable cutting or peripheral/detector disconnection, line cutting or opening by triggering an alarm status, such as siren activation or phone calls for sabotage;

- for each peripheral connected to the interface (ISA), h24/24 protection against disconnection, should the metal container be opened after eluding the detectors and the alarmed container protection by disconnecting the RJ11 connectors.

4. Universal interface (ISA) according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises pre-wired RJ11 or RJ9 or RJ45 plugs in all unused inputs, fitted with a grip for facilitating insertion, having the function of maintaining the on/off state of each detector input channel in the absence of the sensor.

5. Method of installation of a universal interface (ISA) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the successive steps of:

• not connecting the alarm control panel to the 230V power supply and disconnecting the batteries;

· unscrewing the screws of the metal container and removing the cover;

• opening the control panel in the same way;

• making the ISA interface - control panel connections;

• inserting the cables with RJl l connectors of the output peripherals and of each detector, one at a time, through the hole in the metal container, and connecting them into the respective sockets as labelled;

• last, connecting the cable of the telephone socket to the ISA peripheral;

• closing the container, paying attention that it is positioned correctly, since it will be alarmed;

• connecting the battery in the control panel and closing the container;

· connecting the plug to the power outlet;

• the system will turn on, the siren will sound briefly, while the telephone dialer will start dialing;

• at this stage, the system will be acquiring all detectors and peripherals;

• after a few seconds, the alarm will have to be switched on and thereafter switched off; this procedure will stop the sirens and the telephone dialer, bringing the whole system into the idle condition;

• activation can then be carried out in two ways:

• by sliding the badge on the reader by moving it slowly downwards (after approx. 2 seconds the keyboard will indicate that the system is activated)

· the keyboard will display the symbol T (Total) on the area line, indicating that activation has occurred;

• the system will now be ready for operation;

· the red LED will go off (a blinking LED will indicate an alarm memory that can be removed by repeating the system arming/disarming function);

• second arming/disarming mode:

• the system will now be ready for operation;

• the system will be ready for arming only if a blue LED is on, meaning that all detectors must be in the idle condition (i.e. not detecting the presence of people or open door contacts).