GB2219676A - A locking control system for preventing unauthorized entry into a secure area - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking control system for preventing unauthorized entry into a secure area includes: a transmitter (10) with e.g. keypad forming a hand-held portable unit; a receiver (14); a power supply unit (18); processor unit (20); a real time clock (22) having a display panel (24) and a programming device (26); an alarm system (28); a time delay system (30); and a release mechanism (32), with manual over-ride (34), associated with the hint of entry into the secure area. A code punched into the key-pad is transmitted e.g. via an infra-red link to the receiver (14). The code received is compared with a code stored in the processor unit (20) and if agreement is obtained, the time delay system (30) is energized so that after a predetermined delay the release mechanism is actuated to enable access into the secure area. If the correct code is not punched in within a predetermined adjustable time, the alarm system is energized. <IMAGE>

Description

"A LOCKING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY INTO A SECURE AREA" The present invention relates to a locking control system for preventing unauthorized entry into a secure area.

There are at present many types of alarm systems available. These range from simple domestic burglar alarms to more sophisticated devices used by banks for protecting their strong rooms or vaults. None of the various known systems employ remote controlled opening mechanisms.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned disadvantage.

According to the present invention there is provided a locking control system for preventing unauthorised entry into a secure area, said system including: (a) a processor unit; (b) an encoding device; (c) transmitter/receiver means between the encoding device and the processor unit; (d) code detection means for ascertaining whether or not a correct code has been inserted into the encoding device; (e) means for initiating the unlocking of the secure area in the event that a correct code has been detected; and (f) alarm means for giving an audible and/or visual indication that an incorrect code has been inserted into the encoding device.

The encoding device may be a key-pad by means of which a code is punched in and relayed to the processor unit by means of the transmitter/receiver means.

Preferably the key-pad and transmitter are combined in a portable hand-held unit. Information pertaining to the code may be transmitted between the transmitter and the receiver by means of an infra-red link, having been modulated onto a carrier wave.

The code detection means may be contained within the processor unit, which also contains a programmable memory containing the correct code and comparison means for comparing the received code with the stored code.

The code may be a four digit code and the code detection means may contain provision for at least- one error to be made provided that the correct four digit code in sequence is punched in within a given number of digits exceeding four and within a given adjustable time-limit.

The system may further include a time delay system which gives a predetermined adjustable delay period between the processor having accepted the correct code and the actuation of release mechanism associated with a door to the secure area through which access is obtainable.

A further time delay ensures that the door is only open for an adjustable predetermined time and an over-ride mechanism may be associated with the door by means of which further time is available, without triggering the alarm means.

The present invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram of one preferred form of locking control system for preventing unauthorized entry into a secure area; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred form of key-pad for use in the system shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a receiver unit which is associated with the key-pad of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of a cabinet which house the main power supply to the system, the real time clock, its programmer and display unit; and Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the sequence of operation necessary to be performed in order for any authorized person to gain access into the secure area without sounding the alarm, and also the various safeguards which prevent unauthorized entry.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the locking control system for preventing unauthorized entry into a secure area comprises: a transmitter 10, having sixteen buttons on a key-pad 12 numbered 0 to 9 and A to F, a receiver unit 14 having six light emitting diodes 16 numbered 1 to 6; a power supply unit 18; a central processor unit 20; a real time clock 22; a display panel 24 associated with the real time clock; a programming device 26 also associated with the real time clock; a duress alarm system 28; a time delay system 30; a release mechanism 32; a manual over-ride system 34 associated with the main entrance to the secure area; external alarm devices 36; and an external device 38 associated with the real time clock 22.

The units 10 and 14 together form an infra-red transmitter and receiver, whereby a code which is punched in on the key pad 12 can be transmitted to the central processor unit 20 in order to ascertain whether or not the correct code has been entered in order to gain access into the secure area.

The power supply unit 20, the real time clock 22, the programming device 26, the display panel 24 and an emergency battery (not shown) are all housed in a cabinet 40 as shown in Fig. 4. Four status lamps 41 to 44 respectively indicate the following: 41 mains power on; 42 battery on charge; 43 adequate DC volts across battery; 44 wrong battery connection.

In order to service the battery, the cabinet 40 is provided with a door and associated key-operated knob 45 for opening the front of the cabinet.

The programming device 26 is provided with a plurality of buttons 46 which enable a plurality of different functions and timing to be programmed into the system. For example, where the locking control system is used in conjunction with the strong room of a bank, building society or other vault containing money and/or valuables, the system can be programmed so that the strong room or vault is only operable during certain hours of the day, e.g.

during normal office or banking hours. Thus by using the button 46, the "open window" times can be programmed into the system in advance for the following week or month, thus ensuring that the strong room or vault can only be opened during the desired "open window" times.

The function of the time delay system 30 is to ensure that there is a predetermined adjustable delay period between the time that the processor unit 20 has received the correct code punched in from the key-pad 12 and the time that the door to the strong room or vault can be opened.

Such a time delay is, for example, 30 minutes. As mentioned above, this time delay is adjustable from the programming device 26 and may be changed to suit different circumstances. By having the time delay provision, it is possible for the locking control system to prevent entry into the strong room immediately in the event of an attempted robbery.

Referring now to Fig.2 in particular, it will be noted that the key-pad 12, provided on the transmitter 10 is provided with sixteen buttons numbered 0 to 9 and A to F.

The code which is necessary to open the strong room or vault door is preferably a four digit code, for example 6847. The processor 20 may be programmed to compare each digit punched in in turn with the correct code stored in its memory. In the event that either an incorrect digit is received or the whole code is not punched within a given time limit, the duress alarm system 30 will be activated. The given time limit is preferably 10 seconds, but is variable and different time limits and/or functions can be programmed into the system using the programming device 26. Instead of the system only accepting the correct code, provision can be made for allowing errors, for example the system will accept the correct code even if an initial error is made, provided that the correct sequence is punched in in sequence within nine digits and within the predetermined time limit.For example, supposing an error is made in the third digit of the code, a "5" being punched in instead of a "4". If now the correct code is immediately punched in from the beginning of the sequence, the processor 20 will accept the complete sequence 6856847, if it is within the predetermined time limit.

The buttons A to F may be used for other functions.

For example button C could be used to provide a secret duress alarm operation in the event of a hold-up. Thus under duress, the operator could go through the sequence of punching in the correct code, so that the local duress alarm system 30 is not brought into operation, but end the sequence by punching in the "C". This would provide an external alarm to be operated, e.g. at the local Police Station. Also the button "F" could be used to reset the whole locking control system in the event that a decision was taken not to open the strong room or vault at some stage before the expiry of the time delay provided by the time delay system 30. The operation of button F would effectively cancel the entry command previously punched in and return the system to its initial quiescent state.

The transmitter 10 in the described embodiment is a hand held device provided with the key-pad 12. It communicates with the receiver 14 via an infra-red communication link. However, the electro-magnetic transmission means could equally well be micro-wave, short wave radio, long wave radio or even ultra-sonic waves, indeed even optical fibre transmission could have its applications.

The receiver unit 14 as mentioned above is provided with six light emitting diodes 16, whose function is to give an indication of the exact status of the locking control system at any instant. The function of the six light emitting diodes 16 is as follows: 1. System quiescent 2. Code punched in on the key-pad 12 of the transmitter 10, accepted by the processor unit as being correct.

3. The time delay system 30 is in operation.

4. The door release mechanism 32 to the strong room or vault has been operated.

5. The manual over-ride system 34 has been operated.

6. The duress alarm system 28 has been activated.

In addition the receiver unit 14 incorporates a buzzer located behind a grill 48, which draws attention to the fact that there is a change in the status of the locking control system.

The release mechanism 32 can be an electromechanical, electro-magnetic, a motor or servo driven release device. Alternatively, it may be a hydraulically or pneumatically operated release device. Where the locking system is applied to a bank strong room or vault the release mechanism is preferably in an electro-mechanical solenoid device which is built into the door of the strong room or vault. The actuation of the release mechanism 32 is achieved upon the expiry of the delay provided by the time delay mechanism 30. Thus, once the processor unit 20 has ascertained that the correct code has been imputed via the key-pad 12, the time delay mechanism 30 is energized and after the expiry of the predetermined delay period set in, e.g. 30 minutes, the release mechanism 32 is actuated to unlock the door to the strong room or vault so that it can then be opened for entry thereinto.

Once the release mechanism 32 has been actuated there is a further period, e.g. 5 minutes, again adjustable by means of the buttons 46 of the programming device 26, during which time access to and from the strong room or vault is permitted. If this time is exceeded, then firstly the release mechanism is actuated to its locked state with the door open and secondly the duress alarm system 28 is energized. However, the over-ride system 34 can be actuated from the strong room or vault which prevents the release mechanism 32 from locking and the duress alarm system 28 from being energized.

The duress alarm system 28 is preferably provided in the room adjacent the strong room or vault and is energized upon any one of the above conditions not being met. In addition, upon energisation of the duress alarm system 28, the external devices 36 are also operated. These may be located in other areas of the building or even in remotely located offices outside the building, e.g. the local Police Station.

The power supply 20 which is housed within the cabinet 40 provides the whole locking control system with a regulated and stabilized DC voltage derived from the normal mains supply. The emergency battery is a known type of rechargeable battery, which may be a sealed type of battery, and means additionally provided to ensure that this battery fully charged, and circuit means for detecting the failure of the mains supply in order to switch in the emergency battery as the power supply to the locking control system.

The processor unit 20 is the central nerve system of the locking control system and controls the sequence of events for the unlocking of the door of the strong room or vault. In addition to all the functions and operations described above the processor unit 20 may be connected to a computer terminal and printer (not shown) which enable an exact printout of the day's events in unlocking and relocking the door to the strong room or vault.

The cabinet 40 containing the real time clock 22 and the programming device 26 is preferably housed within the secure area so there is no way in which any alteration to the program or its sequence can be altered from outside the secure area. In addition to controlling the time slots within which the locking control system can be operated, it may also extend time control to the external device 38.

These may include locks, lights, and warning devices.

Since the transmitter 10 containing the key-pad 12 is portable, further security can be obtained by removing it from the premises when not needed, e.g. during the night or outside normal business or office hours. Indeed, it may be kept in another safe located in another part of the building.

The operation of the locking control system will now be described in greater detail with reference to the flow chart shown in Fig 5, in the case where the system is applied to a bank strong room or vault. At step A the operator takes the transmitter 10 and punches in the code 6847 using the key-pad 12. This code is instantaneously transmitted to the receiver 14 in step B for onwards transmission to the processor unit 20 in step C. If for any reason an alarm condition results, because either firstly an error has been made in the code, or secondly the transmitter has been tampered with by an unauthorized person, or thirdly the correct code has not been punched in within the predetermined time allowed, the alarm is initiated at step Z and the whole system goes into a lockout condition, so that nothing further can happen until it has been reset. If no alarm condition is detected the processor unit 20 energizes the time delay system in step D, and after the predetermined delay the release mechanism is energized in step E. This allows the door to the strong room or vault to be opened and to remain open without initiating an alarm condition for a second predetermined delay. If the operator desires to keep the door open for a period which exceeds the second predetermined delay, he operates the manual over-ride system 34 which prevents the door being locked in the open position and the alarm being sounded. When the operator has finished his business within the strong room or vault he closes the door in step G which initiates a reset signal to return the locking control system back to the quiescent state ready for the next request to open.

It will be appreciated that it would be undesirable for the locking control system to be operated if there was insufficient time to complete the whole system of events described above before the "window" closed, e.g.

at the end of normal business or banking hours. The processor can be programmed to prevent such an occurrence happening so that the system remained locked-out a good time before the end of the time window, e.g. at least 45 minutes before the "window" closed. The system cannot be over-ridden when in the lock-out mode. In addition at any point during the above described sequence of events, the operation of the unlocking of the system can be aborted or the system switched to a duress alarm condition, if so desired by the operator, by operation of the buttons F and C on the receiver 14.

Whilst the key-pad 12 is the preferred method of encoding a signal for transmission to the processor unit 20, it will be appreciated that other types of devices could equally well be employed, e.g. card reader, bar code reader, finger print or cornea reader, voice analyzer, or electronic or magnetic code recognition system.

The above described system provides a reliable and fool proof method of operating a locking control system for preventing unauthorized entry into a secure area. Moreover, it has various built-in safeguards which make it difficult for a burglar or hold-up gang to evade or circumnavigate.

Moreover, since the transmitter is portable, it can be removed or locked away in another part of the building when not in use, thus providing extra security.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS:

1. A locking control system for preventing unauthorized entry into a secure area, said system including: (a) a processor unit; (b) an encoding device; (c) transmitter/receiver means between the encoding device and the processor unit; (d) code detection means for ascertaining whether or not a correct code has been inserted into the encoding device; (e) means for initiating the unlocking of the secure area in the event that a correct code has been detected; and (f) alarm means for giving an audible and/or visual indication that an incorrect code has been inserted into the encoding device.

2. A locking control system according to claim l, wherein the encoding device is a key-pad by means of which a code is punched in and relayed to the code detection means by means of the transmitter/receiver means.

3. A locking control system according to claim 2, wherein the key-pad and transmitter are combined in a portable hand-held unit.

4. A locking control system accordingly to any one of the preceding claims, wherein information pertaining to the code is transmitted between the transmitter and the receiver by means of an infra-red link.

5. A locking control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the code detection means is contained within the processor unit.

6. A locking control system according to claim 5, wherein the processor unit is provided with a programmable memory containing the correct code and comparison means with the code stored in the programmable memory.

7. A locking control system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the code detection means has provision for at least one error to be made provided that the correct digit code in sequence is punched in within a given number of digits which exceeds the number of digits in the code and within a given adjustable time limit.

8. A locking control system according to claim 7, where the code has four digits, and said given total number of digits is nine.

9. A locking control system according to any one of the preceding claims, additionally including a time delay system which gives a predetermined adjustable delay period between the processor unit having accepted the correct code and the actuation of a release mechanism associated with a door to the secure area through which access is obtainable.

10. A locking control system according to claim 9, wherein the system provides a further time delay which ensures that the door is only open for another adjustable predetermined time.

11. A locking control system according to claim 10, wherein an over-ride mechanism is associated with the door be means of which further time is available without triggering the alarm means.

12. A locking control system according to any one to the preceding claims, additionally including a real time clock, and a programming device associated therewith, whereby the periods during which the system is operable to gain authorized entry into the secure area can be programmed in advance.

13. A locking control system constructed substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings