EP1962247A1

EP1962247A1 - Opening system and process for a safety device

Info

Publication number: EP1962247A1
Application number: EP07003800A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luigi Rubinelli
Original assignee: CONFORTI SpA
Current assignee: CONFORTI SpA
Priority date: 2007-02-23
Filing date: 2007-02-23
Publication date: 2008-08-27

Abstract

The invention relates to an opening system for a safety device (3) equipped with locking/unlocking means (11), the opening system having a remote transmitter (2) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) including a selector (T₁,...,T_n) of signals to be transmitted. The safety device (3) comprises a learning receiver (6) suitable for learning coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) transmitted by the remote transmitter (2), a microprocessor (9) operable by the receiver means (6) and including a storage (10) for storing the coded signals (SC₁,... ,SC_n) received in input by the receiver (6), as well as an arbitrary sequence (C₁,...,C_n) of the coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) intended to act as opening combination (C) of the safety device (3), and a comparator suitable for activating the operation of the locking/unlocking means (11) for the opening of the safety device (3) upon the reception of a prearranged sequence (SP₁, ... SP_n) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) emitted by the remote transmitter and coinciding with the opening combination (C).

Description

The present invention relates to a system and a process of opening via learning, particularly for a safety device for the custody of valuables, such as a safe, a cabinet, and also for armored door, a gate or the like, by means of remote control.
The need is increasingly felt for equipping homes and offices with safety devices such as safes and cabinets for the custody of valuables, movable and wall devices, as well as armored doors. The safety devices of this type imply the use of various lock types, e. g. double bitted key locks, or locks with mechanical and/or electronic combination.
In general, at an access door to the safety device, a keyhole is provided for the insertion of an operation key of the lock in the case of double bitted key lock, one or more handles if a mechanical combination lock, and a keyboard if an electronic combination lock, all components which constitute weak points' for the overall defense against burglary attacks ensured by the safety device, as is the case, for example, of the keyhole, which permits direct injection of explosive gaseous mixtures in the valuables container.
In homes and in offices, audio/video electronic apparatuses are generally also available, e. g. televisions, video recorders, DVD (Digital Video Disc) players and the like, conventionally equipped with remote control having its own coding system of the signals which it is intended to emit. As is known, a remote control can be handled by a user for emitting coded signals, e. g. infrared signals (IR) or radiofrequency signals (RF), suitable for activating a specific number of functions, for example turning on, turning off etc. an electronic device operated by it.
In recent years, so-called "universal" remote controls have been developed, which can be programmed so to control several electronic devices produced by different manufacturers, e. g. a television and a video recorder.
At the state of the art, moreover, so-called learning receivers are known, which are capable of recognizing and learning the codes associated with coded signals transmitted by any one remote control device, and hence once such codes are learned they can respond to commands transmitted by a generic remote control which a user has available in his own home or office.
Learning televisions are also known capable of learning and being remote controlled by control codes generated by any one remote control device. On the television video there appear instructions on the procedure to follow in order to suitably program the television for learning command codes and assigning the same codes to particular routines which can be executed by the television itself.
The main object of the present invention is that of providing a system of opening via learning specifically suitable for a safety device, which can thus lack components, e. g. the keyhole for key locks, handles and keyboards, which constitute "weak" points for a safety device since they permit an easy attack with mechanical or chemical burglary means.
Another object of the present invention is that of providing an opening via learning system for a safety device remotely operable by means of a common remote control, typically a remote control for televisions and/or video recorders already available in a home or office, so to be of easy and immediate use by a user who is already familiar with his own remote control, without the need to use a specific remote control for the safety device.
Another object of the present invention is that of providing an opening via learning system for safety devices of high versatility and efficiency, easy and simple to use and which can be made at competitive costs.
A further object of the present invention is that of providing a process for the opening via learning of a safety device operable by a normal remote control.
Not the least object of the present invention is that of providing a code which can be executed by a microprocessor provided in a safety device and stored in storage means of said microprocessor, the code permitting the execution of a series of steps for the opening via learning of a safety device.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an opening system for a safety device equipped with locking/unlocking means, the opening system having remote transmission means of coded signals including selector means of signals to be transmitted, and being characterized in that said safety device comprises learning receiver means capable of learning coded signals transmitted by said remote transmission means, a microprocessor operable by said receiver means and including storage means for storing said coded signals received in input by said receiver means, as well as an arbitrary sequence of said coded signals intended to act as opening combination of said safety device, and comparator means suitable for activating the operation of said locking/unlocking means for the opening of said safety device upon receiving a prearranged sequence of signals emitted by said remote transmission means and coinciding with said opening combination.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a process is provided for the opening via learning of a safety device equipped with locking/unlocking means, which comprises the following steps in sequence:

a) prearranging remote transmission means of coded signals, said remote transmission means being equipped with selector means of coded signals;
b) equipping said safety device with learning receiver means for learning coded signals transmitted by said remote transmission means, and a microprocessor including storage means, as well as comparator means suitable for activating the operation of said locking/unlocking means;
c) storing said coded signals in said storage means;
d) storing, in said storing means, an arbitrary sequence of coded signals constituting an opening combination of said safety device;
e) selecting, by means of said selector means, a prearranged sequence of coded signals which is the same as that constituting the opening combination stored in said storage means;
f) comparing said prearranged sequence with said opening combination of said safety device to verify that they coincide; and
g) if they coincide, emit a direct control command to said locking/unlocking means for the opening of said safety device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a code is provided which can be executed by a microprocessor and stored in storage means of said microprocessor, for the opening via learning of a safety device equipped with locking/unlocking means, the code permitting the execution of the steps of:

a) storing coded signals in said microprocessor storage means;
b) storing, in said storage means, an arbitrary sequence of coded signals constituting an opening combination of said safety device;
c) comparing a prearranged coded signal sequence selected by means of selector means with said opening combination of said safety device to verify that they coincide; and
d) if they coincide, emit a control command to said locking/unlocking means for the opening of said safety device.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be clearer from the following description of a currently preferred embodiment thereof, provided as a merely exemplifying and non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an opening via learning system for a safety device according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a flow diagram, which schematically illustrates the learning steps of a plurality of coded and storage signals of an opening combination of the safety device of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 is a flow diagram which illustrates the step of comparing between a prearranged sequence of coded signals selected by means of selector means and an opening combination of the safety device, with consequent opening, if the two correspond with each other, of the safety device.

First with reference to Figure 1, an opening via learning system 1 for a safety device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes remote transmission means, e. g. a remote control of infrared type 2, for remote control of a safety device 3, for example a safe for the custody of valuables, a cabinet, as well as an armored door, a gate or the like.
In particular, the infrared remote control 2 comprises a set of selector keys T₁, ...T_n, each of which is associated with a coded signal SC₁, ... SC_n (the coding type varies with the brand and model of the remote control used), a processing unit 4, which determines the particular coded signal SC₁, ... SC_n to be generated based on the key T₁, ...T_n typed by a user, and an emitter device, preferably an infrared diode 5, which emits the coded signals SC₁, ... SC_n generated by the processing unit 4.
The coded signals SC₁, ... SC_n transmitted by the infrared diode 5 of the remote control 2 are received by a learning receiver 6 installed in the safety device 3, processed according to known modes, e. g. amplified by an amplifier 7 and filtered by a band pass filter 8, and then transmitted to a microprocessor 9 provided in the safety device 3 for their storage, during a learning step of the learning receiver 6, step which will be described in further detail below with reference to Figure 2, in suitable storage means 10 of said microprocessor 9.
In a subsequent storage step, it too described in detail with reference to Figure 2, in the storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9, an arbitrary sequence of coded signals C₁, ... C_n is stored, chosen by a user as opening combination C of the safety device 3.
The safety device 3 is equipped with traditional locking/unlocking means 11, such as for example a system of latches or thrust means comprising a pin slidably mounted in a support and elastically loaded by a helical spring, preferably operated by an electric motor (not shown in the drawings).
In a third and final opening step of the safety device 3, it too described in further detail below with reference to Figure 3, if the user type a prearranged sequence of keys corresponding to the combination C, previously stored in the storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9, an unlocking signal will be generated of said locking/unlocking means of the safety device 3 with consequent opening of the device itself.
In Figures 2 and 3, the various steps of a process for opening a safety device are illustrated according to another aspect of the present invention.
In particular, as shown in Figure 2, first a user sets the receiver 6 in "learning" mode (step 20), for example following the pressing of a "learning" mode / "user" mode switch button 12 provided in the safety device 3 (Figure 1).
Once the "learning" mode is activated, there is the storage step of coded signals SC₁, ... SC_n associated with respective selector means of the remote transmission means, such as for example the keys T₁, ...T_n of an infrared remote control 2 which the user already possesses at home or in the office.
When the user presses a key T₁, ...T_n of the remote control 2 (step 21), e. g. the key T₁, the processing unit 4 of the remote control 2 recognizes the signal SC₁ associated with the key T₁ and transmits it to the infrared diode 5, which in turn will transmit the coded signal SC₁ to the learning receiver 6 installed in the safety device 3.
In the illustrated embodiment, the coded signals SC₁, ... SC_n emitted by the infrared diode 5 have the shape of a train of pulses propagated on a light wave in the infrared spectrum, wave for which, to be clearly detectable, i.e. without interference from other light sources, is preferably modulated in the 32-40 KHz frequency interval, according to the brand and model of the remote control employed.
The coded signal SC₁ received by the learning receiver 6 is transmitted, preferably amplified and filtered according to known modes, to the microprocessor 9 and the code associated therewith, e. g. a bit sequence, is stored in the storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9 (step 22).
The above-described operations are repeated (step 23, no) for all or part of the keys T₁, ...T_n of the infrared remote control 2, so that at the end of the learning step, the storage means 10 will count all or part of the codes associated with the respective coded signals SC₁, ... SC_n corresponding with the keys T₁, ...T_n of the remote control 2.
Once the storage step of the codes associated with the signals SC₁, ... SC_n has been completed (step 23, yes), the subsequent step is that of storing, in the storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9, an arbitrary sequence C₁, ... C_n of coded signals SC₁, ... SC_n which will form the opening combination C of the safety device 3.
More in detail, the user types on the remote control 2 a first key (his choice) of the combination C (step 24). The coded signal associated with the chosen key is emitted by the emitter diode 5 of the remote control 2, received by the learning receiver 6 and compared with each signal previously stored in the storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9 (step 25). If the signal is recognized as one of the stored signals in the storage means 10 (step 26, yes), it is saved in said storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9 (step 27). If it is not recognized, the user must type a different key (step 26, no). The above-described operation is repeated for all the keys forming the opening combination C of the safety device 3 (step 28, no), whose corresponding coded signal is in the storage means 10. The user is informed of the storage of the coded signal by a signal device, e. g. a LED 14 placed in an appropriate position in the safety device 3.
Figure 3 illustrates the third and last step of the opening process for a safety device according to the present invention.
More in detail, the opening system, is brought into a so-called "user" mode (step 30), in which a user can open the safety device 3, remote controlling it by means of a common infrared remote control. To bring the opening system into "user" mode, it suffices, for example, to once again press the "learning" mode/ "user" mode switch button 12 (Figure 1).
In the "user" functioning step, the user types on the remote control 2 a prearranged sequence SP₁, ... SP_n corresponding with the combination C chosen by the user and stored in the storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9 (step 31). Such prearranged sequence SP₁, ... SP_n of keys is transmitted by the remote control 2, received by the learning receiver 6 and compared by the comparator means with the combination C stored in the storage means 10 (step 32). If the transmitted sequence SP₁, ... SP_n is recognized, i.e. coincides with the opening combination C of the safety device 3 (step 33, yes), then the microprocessor transmits a control signal to the locking/unlocking means with consequent opening of the safety device 3 (step 34). If it is not recognized (step 33, no), the user must type a new sequence of coded signals.
Advantageously, in the case of error in the typing of the combination C, it is possible to define a time interval t, e. g. equal to 5 minutes, within which the user may type a new sequence corresponding to the opening combination C of the safety device 3 or determine a maximum number of possible typing attempts of the combination C. Once said time interval has passed or the maximum number of possible attempts has been reached, the system is locked, and to restore its functioning the intervention of specialized technical personnel will be necessary.
In the storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9, it is possible to store an executable code, which is suitable for managing the learning mode of the device of a safety device 3, i.e. the steps of storing coded signals SC₁, ... SC_n associated with the keys T₁, ...T_n of a remote control and storing a chosen arbitrary sequence of coded signals C₁, ... C_n, as well as the "user" mode, i.e. the step of comparing between a prearranged sequence SP₁, ... SP_n of transmitted coded signals and the combination C, and if they correspond with each other, opening the safety device.
Moreover, in the storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9, it is possible to store a so-called "factory" protocol. In such a manner, in the case of malfunctions of the system, qualified technical personnel - having available auxiliary transmission means, e. g. a service remote control - can interact in a safe and definite manner with the learning receiver means installed on a safety device 3. The qualified technician can for example cancel the contents of the storage means 10 of the microprocessor 9 and make the receiver means learn new coded signals SC₁,...,SC_n and a new opening combination C of the safety device.
The above-described invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations within its protective scope as defined by the claims.
Thus, for example, even if the system was described and illustrated with reference to an infrared remote control, it is of course possible to use a remote control of another type, e. g. a radiofrequency remote control (RF) of the type largely used in antitheft devices and for the opening of gates. Unlike the infrared remote controls, in which as said the coded signal is propagated on a light wave in the infrared spectrum, the radiofrequency remote controls contain a plurality of dip switches, or rather a plurality of very small switches. Moving such switches up and down, the transmitted code is varied, and is propagated on a radio wave. The learning step of the codes remains unaltered. Radio waves are, however, suitable for passing over obstacles such as the walls of a home or an office, so that they are easily picked up, which could be a problem in terms of safety, the primary and most important aspect regarding the application of a safety device.
Moreover, unlike the infrared remote controls, the radiofrequency remote controls have a reduced number of keys, generally no more than four, which could represent a limit in terms of the number of possible combinations.

Claims

An opening system for a safety device (3) equipped with locking/unlocking means (11), the opening system having remote transmission means (2) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) including selector means (T₁,...,T_n) of signals to be transmitted, and being characterized in that said safety device (3) comprises learning receiver means (6) suitable for learning coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) transmitted by said remote transmission means (2), a microprocessor (9) operable by said receiver means (6) and including storage means (10) for the storage of said coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) received in input by said receiver means (6), as well as an arbitrary sequence (C₁,...,C_n) of said coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) intended to act as opening combination (C) of said safety device (3), and comparator means suitable for activating the operation of said locking/unlocking means (11) for the opening of said safety device (3) upon the reception of a prearranged sequence (SP₁, ... SP_n) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) emitted by said remote transmission means and coinciding with said opening combination (C).
An opening system according to claim 1, characterized in that said remote transmission means of coded signals comprises a remote control (2) comprising a plurality of selector keys (T₁,...,T_n), each of which is associated with a corresponding coded signal (SC₁,...,SC_n).
An opening system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said remote control is an infrared remote control.
An opening system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said remote control is a radiofrequency remote control.
An opening system according to any claim 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises auxiliary remote transmission means for the correction of malfunctions of a safety device (3).
A valuables safe equipped with the opening system according to any claim 1 to 5.
An armored cabinet equipped with the opening system according to any claim 1 to 5.
An armored door equipped with the opening system according to any claim 1 to 5.
A process for the opening via learning of a safety device (3) equipped with locking/unlocking means (11), which comprises the following steps in sequence:
a) prearranging remote transmission means (2) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n), said remote transmission means (2) being equipped with selector means (T₁,...,T_n) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n);

b) equipping said safety device with learning receiver means (6) for learning coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) transmitted by said remote transmission means (2) and with a microprocessor (9) including storage means (10), as well as comparator means adapted to activate the operation of said locking/unlocking means (11);

c) storing said coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) in said storage means (10);

d) storing, in said storage means (10), an arbitrary sequence (C₁,...,C_n) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) constituting an opening combination (C) of said safety device (3);

e) selecting, by means of said selector means (T₁,...,T_n), a prearranged sequence (SP₁,...,SP_n) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) which is the same as that constituting the opening combination (C) stored in said storage means (10);

f) comparing said prearranged sequence (SP₁,...,SP_n) with said opening combination (C) of said safety device (3) to verify that they coincide with each other; and

g) if they do coincide, emitting a direct control command direct to said locking/unlocking means (1) for the opening of said safety device (3).
A process according to claim 9, characterized in that said step (c) of storing said coded signals (SC₁..., SC_n) in said storage means (10) comprises the steps of:
c1) prearranging said learning receiver means (6) in a "learning" mode;

c2) operating a selector means (T₁) of said selector means (T₁,...,T_n) of said transmission means (2) for the remote transmission of a coded signal (SC₁) associated with said selector means (T₁);

c3) reception of said coded signal (SC₁) as transmitted by said learning receiver means (6);

c4) storing said coded signal (SC₁) in said storage means (10) in said microprocessor (9); and

c5) repetition of steps c1) - c4) for at least one other selector means (T₁,...,T_n).
A process according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said step (d) of storing said opening combination (C) of said safety device (3) comprises the steps of:
d1) operating a selector means among said selector means (T₁,...,T_n) of said remote transmission means (2) for the remote transmission of a coded signal associated with said operated selector means;

d2) reception of said coded signal as transmitted by said learning receiver means (6);

d3) comparing, by said comparing means, of said coded signal with said coded signals (SC₁..., SC_n) stored in said storage means (10) for the recognition or non-recognition of said coded signal;

d4) storing said coded signal in said storage means (10), only if said coded signal is recognized by said comparator means; and

d5) repeating steps d1) - d4) for at least one other selector means of said selector means (T₁,...,T_n) to form said opening combination (C) of said safety device (3).
A process according to any claim 9 to 11, characterized in that said step (e) of selecting, by means of said selector means, a prearranged sequence (SP₁,...,SP_n) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) which is the same as that constituting the opening combination (C) stored in said storage means (10) is preceded by a step of prearranging said learning receiver means (6) in "user" mode.
A process according to any claim 9 to 12, characterized in that said coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n; C₁,...,C_n; SP₁,...,SP_n) are amplified and filtered.
A code which can be executed by a microprocessor (9) and stored in storage means (10) of said microprocessor (9), for the opening via learning of a safety device (3) equipped with locking/unlocking means (11), the code being arranged to execute the steps of:
a) storing coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) in said storage means (10) of the microprocessor (9);

b) storing, in said storage means (10), an arbitrary sequence (C₁,...,C_n) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) constituting an opening combination (C) of said safety device (3);

c) comparing a prearranged sequence (SP₁,...,SP_n) of coded signals (SC₁,...,SC_n) selected by means of selector means (T₁,...,T_n) with said opening combination (C) of said safety device (3) so to verify that they coincide; and

d) if they do coincide, emitting a direct control command to said locking/unlocking means (11) for the opening of said safety device (3).