GB2158867A

GB2158867A - Electronic locking system

Info

Publication number: GB2158867A
Application number: GB08505131A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Patrick Butterworth
Original assignee: Pickersgill-Kaye Ltd; Pickersgill Kaye Ltd
Current assignee: Pickersgill-Kaye Ltd; Pickersgill Kaye Ltd
Priority date: 1984-02-28
Filing date: 1985-02-28
Publication date: 1985-11-20
Also published as: GB8505131D0; GB8405117D0; GB2158867B

Abstract

An electronic locking system, comprising a key (3), a lock mechanism (2, 12 to 20) adapted to receive the key, and electronic lock control means, the key (3) storing electronically readable key- authorisation data, the electronic lock control means being operable to read the key- authorisation data stored in the key, when the key is received in the lock mechanism, to verify that the key- authorisation data is appropriate to authorise opening of the lock mechanism by the key and, this being so, to cause the lock mechanism to adopt a condition in which the lock mechanism can be opened. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Electronic locking system The present invention relates to an electronic locking system.

According to the present invention there is provided an electronic locking system, comprising a key, a lock mechanism adapted to receive the key, and electronic lock control means, the key storing electronically readable keyauthorisation data, the electronic lock control means being operable to read the key-authorisation data stored in the key, when the key is received in the lock mechanism, to verify that the keyauthorisation data is appropriate to authorise opening of the lock mechanism and, this being so, to cause the lock mechanism to adopt a condition in which the lock mechanism can be opened.

An embodiment of the invention provides a lock which reads an "electronic" key. The key is for example similar in appearance to and used in a similar manner as a normal key. The lock can be mounted in a door in the normal way, preferably as a mortice lock, rather than a rim lock, for added physical security.

The key is electronically machine readable.

"Passive" keys, for example bearing magnetic stripes, can be used, but "active" keys are presently preferred. Such an active key may incorporate one or more LED's which, when the key is inserted in the lock, emit a coded pattern of light (sequence or sequences of pulses) in accordance with contents of a memory, e.g. a semiconductor memory device, also incorporated in the key (in the handle part of the key, which may be bigger than usual). The contents of the memory provide the key-authorisation data. The lock has a photosensor(s) for reading the light pattern, and the read pattern is sent to a microcomputer mounted with the lock in the door.

The microcomputer verifies that the pattern is valid for the lock (i.e. that the key-authorisation data is appropriate to authorise opening of the lock by the key) and then actuates a solenoid which cooperates with a part of the lock mechanism to allow the mechanism to be operated (opened). If the light pattern is invalid, the lock mechanism is not operable.

The detailed mechanical structure of the lock mechanism is not important, so long as it can be made operable/inoperable by the solenoid.

A system embodying the present invention can find particular application in hotels for instance.

Thus, a key may, upon issue to a hotel guest or staff member, have its memory contents (key-authorisation data) coded to permit the key to be used to gain access to a room or a number of rooms.

The key-authorisation data may include an identification code unique to the key.

Moreover, the memory contents (key-authorisation data) may specify a time period for which the key can be validly used. In this case the microcomputer in a lock will recognise the specified time period (compare it with its internal clock) and decide on the validity of the key taking this into account.

A guest's key can be made valid for the expected period of his stay, whereas a master key issued to a staff member can be made valid for only a very short time period e.g.

1/2 hour.

Another possibility is that a key may be made valid for only one, or only a specified number, of lock opening operations.

A further possibility is that a lock when opened by a key will place information in the memory of the key indicating the identity of the lock opened (e.g. room number) and the time of opening. Thus is of especial value for detecting thefts.

Moreover, individual lock microcomputers may be linked to a central control, or may even be replaced by central computer controlling all locks in a building.

Nonetheless, as will be apparent each lock may be a stand alone unit which can be door mounted as for a normal lock.

With central control, central monitoring and recording of use of keys and locks is possible.

Further, central control of key validity is possible. For example a selected lock or locks, or even all locks, may be rendered inoperable in certain circumstances (e.g. for a selected period or periods of time) under central control, regardless of the key-authorisation data in a key. Effectively, by central control, all keyauthorisation data in keys would be rendered invalid for the locks concerned. Also, it would be possible, for example in an emergency, to render all keys valid for all locks.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic locking system in which the lock can be mounted in or on a door in the normal way. The lock is capable of reading key-authorisation data stored in the key, which may be active or passive, and becomes openable only when the key-authorisation data is verified as being valid for opening the lock.

Mechanical operation, for example turning of the key or turning of a door knob or lever handle, is then effected to act upon mechanical elements of the lock, to open the lock.

Reference is made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a mainly cross-sectional view of a key and the cylinder of a lock, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view, at right angles to the cross-section of Fig. 1, of the key and cylinder of Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a lock mechanism of a lock according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As seen in Figs. 1 and 2, a cylinder lock body 1 is provided in which is mounted a rotatable cylinder 2. A key 3 is also provided which can be inserted into the cylinder 2.

Fixed into the key 3 are two electronic devices 4A and 4B, respectively a light-emitting diode (LED) and a photo-sensitive switch.

Also provided in the key are means by which a coded signal (for example a series of electrical impulses) giving key-authorisation data can be stored and transmitted via the devices 4A and 4B.

Mounted in the cylinder lock body 1 in such a position as to be able to interact with the electronic devices 4A and 4B in a correctly located key 3 are further electronic devices 5A and 5B, respectively light-emitting diodes and photo-sensitive switches.

In the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, fibreoptic filaments may be interposed between the devices 5A and 4B and 5B and 4A in order to reduce transmission losses between them. The key 3 is symmetrical in section and can be inserted into the cylinder 2 either way up. Additional devices 5A and 5B are provided at 180 to the first to ensure that the key can always be "read".

Also provided is a pin and plunger mechanism 7, which is similar to those in mechanical cylinder locks. This mechanism 7 serves to locate the cylinder lock body 1 and to ensure alignment of the electronic devices in the key and cylinder lock when the key is inserted. A small measure of physical security is incidentally provided.

A means of detecting the insertion of a key is provided: for example, as shown here, a light emitting diode 9B is so arranged as to illuminate a photo-sensitive switch 9A. A key being inserted into the cylinder 2 interrupts the light path so as to cause the light-sensitive switch 9A to register the change of light level.

A sleeve 8 is used to retain the mechanism 7 and to protect the electronic devices and their wires from damage.

External to the cylinder lock but connected electronically to it is an electronic logic device (not shown) e.g. a microcomputer which is capable of interpreting the coded impulses (key-authorisation data) given off by the key 3 when activated by the cylinder lock as described below.

When the key is remote from the cylinder lock, the light-emitting diode 9B is constantly illuminated as described above. Insertion of the key 3 interrupts the light received by the switch 9A and the cylinder lock logic device is thus signalled to activate.

The key, once fully inserted, is then subjected by the logic device via the device 5A to a coded signal. This signal is received by the device 4B in the key and is interpreted by an electronic switch within the key as a signal for the key to transmit its own coded signal (keyauthorisation data) via the LED 4A.

The signal from the key is received by the light-sensitive switch 5B and transmitted to the cylinder lock logic device, which decides whether the key signal is correct, i.e. verifies whether or not the key-authorisation data is appropriate to authorise opening of the lock by the key. If the key signal is interpreted as correct, the logic device can then signal an electromechanical device (for example a solenoid-see Fig. 3) to activate and either in itself release the lock, or remove or insert means (for example a lever or clutch) by which the lock is made operable, for instance so that the key can be used to turn the cylinder 2 to operate the cylinder lock in a conventional manner. Additionally, or alternatively, mechanical operation of a lever handle, door knob or other such device may be required to open the lock.

The cylinder lock as described above may be employed to operate a suitable mortice lock, for example as shown in Fig. 3.

A case 11 houses a bolt 1 2 which is maintained in its position by a spring 1 3. A cam piece 14 is provided which when rotated engages the tail of the bolt 12 and withdraws it. The cam piece 14 has means by which it can be rotated by a cylinder lock as described above; for example, the cylinder barrel 2 may have an extension piece of a square section, which engages in a square hole in the cam piece 14.

The cam piece is prevented from turning in one direction by a stop pin 18, and in the other direction by a lever 1 5.

The lever 1 5 is pivoted about a point 16, and held in position by a light tension spring 1 7. A solenoid 1 9 is provided which when energised, impinges upon the lower end of the lever 1 5 and moves it about the pivot 1 6 and against the spring pressure 1 7 to the position 1 so.

When the lever 1 5 is moved by the solenoid 19, the cam piece 14 can be rotated by the action of turning a key in the lock cylinder barrel 2 and is thus able to withdraw the bolt 12.

An electronic logic device (not shown) is provided, either contained in the lock case 11 or mounted separately from the mortice lock, but connected electronically to the connector block 20. Means are provided in the cylinder lock for electrical connection between the connector block 20 and the electronic devices in the cylinder lock when the latter is correctly installed, by contact pins 10.

Although as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the cylinder and the solenoid are separately provided, the solenoid and cylinder may be combined in a single cylinder unit, similar to a normal cylinder, so that the unit can be inserted as usual into a normal lock mechanism, e.g. as a replacement for a standard mechani cal cylinder.

With the lock of Fig.1 only a small measure of physical security is provided by the pin and plunger mechanism 7, as indicated above.

Greater physical security may be provided by combining the electronically operating features of the cylinder of Fig.1 with the mechanical features of a normal cylinder lock: that is, by providing features of a normal pintype (e.g. Yale type) cylinder together with the electronic features. In this way the key must also mechanically cooperate properly with the pins of the cylinder to open the lock, when the key-authorisation data has been verified as appropriate to authorise opening of the lock.

It is possible to arrange matters so that, in the event of electronic deactivation of the system or the lock, the lock can be opened by mechanical operation alone, for example mechanical key or handle operation.

It is also possible to provide that, in the event of electronic deactivation, the lock can be opened by a separate key by mechanical operation only.

It can also be provided that whereas the need to operate normal pin type cylinder features of the lock to open the lock is avoided when the electronic system is activated, in the event of electronic deactivation mechanical key operation of the pin type cylinder features would be necessary and sufficient to open the lock.

As a further possibility the lock may incorporate a separate mechanically operable (e.g.

pin type) cylinder by operation of which the lock can be opened.

It will be understood that the use of a pintype cylinder features is mentioned by way of example only; other types of mechanically operable cylinder or mechanism may be employed.

Power supply for the lock mounted in a door (e.g. ffor the solenoid etc) may be provided from mains supply (if necessary transformed to a suitable supply voltage) or from a battery mounted with or in proximity to the lock.

Mains supply may be supplemented by a back-up battery used in the event of mains supply failure.

Thus, in an electronic locking system embodying the present invention, as illustrated above, there are provided: 1. The mechanical "lock" case and mechanical components 2. The combined computer communications and locking/unlocking system.

This, as mentioned above could be contained within the one cylinder, which would provide the means to read a key, communicate intelligently with the computer and mechanically lock/unlock the mechanical system securing the door or other opening.

3. The comouter The system has the flexibility to deal with security requirements and may be externally networkable.

4. The key The key may be active or passive.

A passive key is any coded system used to input information to the cylinder mentioned at 2. above, which might be read only or read /write .

An active key would be any key that is capable of being read and written to via the cylinder mentioned at 2. above or any other read/write device.

A variety of advantages can be afforded: ADVANTAGE OF SYSTEM 1. Interfacing of microelectronic technology and computer intelligence to mechanical locks Lever/cylinder or other mechanical locks use relatively simple intelligence whereby a mechanical key is "matched" to a fixed mechanical pattern of levers, wards, pins or other contrivances to enable the opening of the lock.

2. Almost infinite intelligence capability compared to traditional mechanical mortice or rim locks The application of computer intelligence to traditional mechanical locking systems introduces the very broad possibilities in utilising intelligently a broad range of data inputs and outputs.

3. Simplify more complex mechanical locks Traditional mechanical locks in providing additional features (e.g. guest privacy in hotel locks) complicate their manufacture. This invention provides the opportunity to introduce switches (or other devices) to notify the computer intelligence of the lock of a condition that could result in locking, unlocking, alarming or other data transmission to one or more external devices either locally at the lock site or at a distance.

ADVANTAGES OF THE CYLINDER 1. One unit integration The cylinder can integrate the functions of: (a) locking/unlocking.

(b) reading/writing to the key.

(c) data transmission between lock and computer intelligence, being internal/external or at a distance from the lock site.

This invention therefore replicates the functions of a mechanical cylinder but more powerfully as under (b) the cylinder will enable writing to the key and under (c) data transmission is possible outside the lock case to an intelligent device.

ADVANTAGE OF THE KEY 1. The key The keys envisaged may be "active" or "passive".

A "key" is defined as any coded system used to input information to the cylinder read or read/write unit.

An "active key" is defined as a key that is capable of being read and written to form the cylinder, or other read/write device.

The key may utilise technology related to sight, sound or touch, or some combination of these principles. The main principles to be used relate to electro/ magnetism which includes optics.

Using the above, a particular form of key may use as input to the key, fingerprint information, temperature, sound or a combination.

A "passive key" is defined as a key that can only be read by the cylinder.

2. Advantages of the active key 1. Securify It is virtually impossible to copy, the stored code being deleted on opening or trying to access the key.

2. It can store information The key can be updated with information from the lock computer or an external device.

3, It can transmit information 4. It can act intelligently The key can read information from the lock and take decisions on that information reading back to the lock intelligence a decision.

Claims

1. An electronic locking system, comprising a key, a lock mechanism adapted to receive the key, and electronic lock control means, the key storing electronically readable keyauthorisation data, the electronic lock control means being operable to read the key-authorisation data stored in the key, when the key is received in the lock mechanism, to verify that the keyauthorisation data is appropriate to authorise opening of the lock mechanism and, this being so, to cause the lock mechanism to adopt a condition in which the lock mechanism can be opened.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock mechanism includes a solenoid controlled by the electronic lock control means and arranged to cooperate with mechanical elements of the lock mechanism to bring about the said condition when it is verified that the key-authorisation data is appropriate to authorise opening of the lock mechanism.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a lever handle, such that when the lock mechanism adopts said condition in which the lock mechanism can be opened, mechanical operation of the lever handle causes the lock mechanism to open.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the key is adapted for mechanical operation, when received in the lock mechanism, to act upon mechanical elements of the lock mechanism, such that when the lock mechanism adopts said condition in which the lock mechanism can be opened, mechanical operation of the key causes the lock mechanism to open.

5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the key comprises a semiconductor memory device which stores the keyauthorisation data.

6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the key comprises a magnetic medium which stores the key-authorisation data.

7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the key comprises one or more LED's, and is operable, when received in the lock mechanism, to transmit the key-authorisation data as a pattern of light pulses from the LED or LED's, there being provided in association with the lock mechanism, as part of the electronic lock control means, one or more photosensors arranged for receiving the light pulses.

8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the key-authorisation data includes an identifying code unique to the key.

9. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the key-authorisation data includes validity information indicating a time period in which the key may validly be used for opening the lock mechanism.

1 0. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the key-authorisation data includes information indicating a time at which the key was last used.

11. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the key-authorisation data includes information identifying the lock mechanism in which the key was last used.

1 2. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lock mechanism is such that it can be opened solely by mechanical operation of a key, when received in the lock mechanism, in the event of electronic deactivation of the system.

1 3. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the key of claim 1 2 is the key of claim 1.

14. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the key of claim 1 2 is different from the key of claim 1 and is solely a mechanical key.

15. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the lock mechanism includes two cylinders, respectively for receiving the key of claim 1 and the key of claim 12, the latter cylinder being a mechanical pin-type cylinder.

16. A system as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the lock mechanism includes a single cylinder, incorporating the features of a me chanical pin-type cylinder.

1 7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electronic lock control system comprises a micro-computer, operable to effect verification with respect to read keyauthorisation data and to provide control signals for controlling the condition of the lock mechanism.

1 8. A system as claimed in claim 17, wherein a plurality of such micro-computers, respectively associated with a plurality of such lock mechanisms, are linked to a central system controller.

1 9. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, having a plurality of such lock mechanisms, wherein the electronic lock control system comprises a central system controller operable to effect verification with respect to read key-authorisation data from each respective lock mechanism and to provide respective control signals for controlling the condition of each respective lock mechanism.

20. A system as claimed in claim 1 8 or 19, wherein the central system controller is operable to provide data for delivery to a lock mechanism for writing into a key as set forth in claim 1 when received in the mechanism.

21. An electronic locking system, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A key as set forth in claim 1, for an electronic locking system as claimed in any preceding claim.

23. A lock mechanism as set forth in claim 1, for an electronic locking system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21.