Abstract:
The invention relates to an electronically tested high-security coder/decoder device, comprising a key ( 1 ) consisting of a mechanically produced code, a body with integrated interpretation and actuation unit ( 2 ) and an electronic processing device ( 3 ) connected thereto. The key ( 1 ) has at least one pressure generator and pressure sensor unit ( 12 ) with code producing pressure elements ( 121, 122, 12   n ) and with one pressure transmitting part each. The interpretation and actuation unit ( 2 ) is provided with a unit ( 22 ) that converts pressure values known as such to electrical signals, an authorization unit ( 23 ) and an exe ( 24 ). The conversion unit ( 22 ) has an input ( 221 ) and an output ( 22 ). The output ( 22 ) is connected to the input ( 311 ) of the central processing unit ( 31 ). The central processing unit ( 31 ) and the interface ( 32 ) cooperate to give the electronic processing unit ( 3 ). The interface output ( 322 ) is connected to the input ( 232 ) of the authorization unit ( 23 ) whose output ( 231 ) is connected to the input ( 241 ) of the execution unit ( 24 ).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an electronically monitored, high-security, coder-decoder device, which can preferably be used on various locks, lock inserts, banking equipment and in all other cases where a close-open (correct-incorrect) state can be detected and evaluated and, as a consequence, can be operated as an appropriate executing unit. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   It is common knowledge that there are numerous solutions for making lock inserts with increased security. Such solutions include the KABA Benzing electric cylinder inserts and keys, for which the electronics (Elektronischer Schlussel KABA nova) are disposed in the head of the key and the flat sides and edges of the body follow complex etched lines. With this solution, coding is effected via the complex simultaneous movement of the parts within the lock, which allows the lock to be opened and ensures that it is both difficult and time-consuming to copy the key. Further information on this solution and on the master and control key systems can be found in the publication associated with the order number 32.205-0.67/296. The deficiencies in this solution are that the surface tooling works of the key are complicated, the lock employs a large number of insert bars and the numerous electronic parts built into the key are vulnerable and the recorded code may be reproduced after it has been made. 
   There also exist coder/decoder circuits that serve primarily to decode electric pulses created in association with television, video and audio signals, digital information, data, and the coded signals that carry telephone numbers are read (such as the solution described in the HU patent specification with application number P8705247); however, such circuits are not suitable for use with various locks, lock inserts, and banking equipment. 
   Another technical solution is represented by the key-lock combination distributed by the company OMRON, for which the electronics is disposed within the key. The deficiency in this solution is that the key may be copied and anyone (including unauthorised persons) may use it. 
   The objective of the present invention is to eliminate the deficiencies inherent in these known solutions and to create an electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device, wherein the key can be produced from easily available materials in a simple way and without the use of electric parts; which employs an adaptive coding, such that the device identifies itself in a secure way, wherein the code is defined by mechanical elements and being associated with pressure compensation and cannot be copied; each key employs only a single code but this can be used to operate several “trained” decoders; for which faults caused by temperature changes and wear may be corrected continuously; and which is economic to manufacture. 
   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The solution according to the invention is based on the recognition that if we create an electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device that comprises a body and a key carrying a mechanically produced code, a reading/operating unit disposed in the body, and an electronic processing unit connected to this unit, wherein the key includes at least a pressure-coding unit, in which the containing pressure values comprises n elements, the reading/operating unit comprises a pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit and an executing unit; the pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit has an input and an output; the output is coupled to one of the inputs of an electronic processing unit, which consists of a central control unit and an interface; the output of an approval unit is connected to the input of the executing unit; the input of the approval unit is connected to an output of the interface; the input/output group of lines of the central control unit being connected to the group of input/output lines of the interface; the central control unit has a second input and the interface has an optional input/output line group, so that a pressure code is generated, which is not precisely known from the key, and the reading/operating unit together with the electronic processing unit learning in an adaptive fashion by sensing and storing the pressure code of the key, whereby an electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device is constituted that has a key that can be manufactured easily from materials that are easy to procure and without the use of electric parts; which employs an adaptive coding, such that the device identifies itself in a secure way; the mechanically produced code supplemented with a pressure compensation cannot be copied, wherein each key employing only a single code but may be used to operate several “trained” decoders, and errors caused by changes in temperature and wear can be corrected continuously; and which is economic to manufacture. 
   A further object of the invention is an electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device, comprising a body and a key including a mechanically produced code, the body comprises a reading/operating unit and an electronic processing unit connected to the reading/operating unit. The essence of the invention lies in that the key comprises at least one pressure value code generator/transmitter unit, containing n pressure value elements, whose function is to produce a code series, and that each pressure value element has a part that transmits this pressure. 
   The reading/operating unit comprises a per-se known pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit, an approval unit and an executing unit. The pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit has an input and an output, with the output connected to one of the inputs of the central control unit of the electric processing unit, which itself comprises the central control unit and an interface, the output of the approval unit is connected to the input of the executing unit, the input thereof is connected to the output of the interface, and the input/output line group of the central control unit is connected to the input/output line group of the interface. The central control unit has a second input, and the interface has an optional input/output line group. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the central control unit of the electronic processing comprises a function analyser operating proportional to the pressure, a self-learning adaptive unit, an intelligent code comparator, a storage unit and an evaluating unit. 
   The adaptive unit, the intelligent code comparator, the storage unit and the evaluating unit can be disposed at a physically separate location from the central control unit depending on how the device is used. The output of the function analyser is connected to the input of the adaptive unit, to the input of the storage unit and to the input of the intelligent code comparator, the output of the adaptive unit is connected to the input of the storage unit, the output of the storage unit is connected to the other input of the intelligent code comparator, and the output of the intelligent code comparator to the input of the evaluating unit. The input/output line group of the evaluating unit functions simultaneously as the input/output line group of the central control unit. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention for use in cylinder lock inserts, the key is made of a metal or a plastic material, and the device comprises a pressure value code generator/transmitter unit. The pressure value components disposed within the drill-holes are springs, between 6 and 10 in number, preferably seven, and the parts that transmit pressure, have the same number and these parts are balls, and for sealing off the drill-holes, the pressure value code generator/transmitter unit has pins in a number equal to the number of pressure value components. 
   In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention for use in cylinder lock inserts, the receiving body for the reading/operating unit is cylindrical in shape and is equipped with a keyhole of a simple geometry. The pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit is preferably a piezoelectric sensor or an expansion sensor gauge, the enabling unit is an electromechanical locking/unlocking apparatus, preferably a relay, and the executing unit is a bolt feeder. 
   In another preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention for use in banking equipments, the receiving body for the reading/operating unit has a shape depending on the mode of use, and being provided for sensing the codes disposed on both sides of the key with respective pressure sensor/electric signal converter units, and the enabling unit is of an electronic type, and the executing unit is a automatic teller machine. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further details of the electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, as follows: 
       FIG. 1  is a conceptual assembly drawing of the electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device according to the invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows a side-view of a preferred embodiment of the key for use in cylinder lock inserts; 
       FIG. 3  shows a side-view of a preferred embodiment of the reading/operating unit for use in cylinder lock structures; and 
       FIG. 4  shows a side-view of a preferred embodiment of the reading/operating unit for use with banking equipment. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  shows a schematic assembly drawing of the electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device according to the invention. The device has a key  1 , with a body  11 , a receiving body  21  in a reading/operating unit  2  being connected to an electronic processing unit  3 . The key  1  is equipped with at least one pressure value code generator/transmitter unit  12 , which contains n pressure value elements  121 ,  122 , . . . ,  12   n  generating together a code series, and each pressure value element  121 ,  122 , . . . ,  12   n  has a pressure transmitting part  1211 ,  1221 , . . . ,  12   n   1 . The reading/operating unit  2  comprises a conventionally designed pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit  22 , an [approval] enabling unit  23  and an executing unit  24 . The pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit  22  has an input  221  and an output  222 . The output  222  is connected to an input  311  of an electronic processing unit  3 , comprising a central control unit  31  and an interface  32 . An output  231  of the enabling unit  23  is connected to an input  241  of the executing unit  24 , an input  232  of the enabling unit  24  is connected to an output  322  of the interface  32 , and the input/output line group  313  of the central control unit  31  is connected to the input/output line group  321  of the interface  32 . The central control unit  31  has a second input  312  and the interface  32  has an optional input/output line group  323 . The central control unit  31  of the electronic processing unit  3  has a function analyser  31 A that analyses preferably the pressure pattern, an adaptive unit  31 B, an intelligent code comparator  31 C, a storage unit  31 D, and an evaluating unit  31 E. The adaptive unit  31 B, the intelligent code comparator  31 C, the storage unit  31 D, and the evaluating unit  31 E can be placed in a location that is physically separate from the central control unit  31 , depending on the mode of use. An output A 1  of the function analyser  31 A is connected to the input B 1  of the adaptive unit  31 B and one of the inputs C 1  of the intelligent code comparator  31 C. An input D 2  of the storage unit  31 D is connected to output B 2  of the adaptive unit  31 B. Output D 1  of the storage unit  31 D is connected to a second input C 2  of the intelligent code comparator  31 C, and output C 3  of the intelligent code comparator  31 C is connected to input E 1  of the evaluating unit  31 E. Finally, the input/output line group of the evaluating unit  31 E functions simultaneously as the input/output line group  313  of the central control unit  31 . 
     FIG. 2  shows the cross sectional side view of a preferred embodiment of the key  1  for use with cylinder lock inserts. In this embodiment the key  1  has preferably a pressure value code generator/transmitter unit  12 . The pressure value elements  121 ,  122 , . . . ,  12   n  are springs disposed in drill-holes and their number is preferably seven (n=7). The pressure transmitting parts of the same number  1211 ,  1221 , . . . ,  12   n   1  are balls, while for sealing off the drill holes, the pressure value code generating/transmitting unit  12  has pins  1212 ,  1222 , . . . ,  12   n   2  of a number equal to the number of pressure value elements  121 ,  122 , . . . ,  12   n   1 . 
     FIG. 3  shows a side view in cross section of a preferred embodiment of the reading/operating unit  2  for use in cylinder lock inserts. In this embodiment the reading/operating unit  2  has a receiving body  21  that has a size and shape as prescribed by international standards. The cylinder has a keyhole with a simple geometry. The pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit  22  is expediently a piezoelectric sensor or a tension gauge, the enabling unit  23  is an electromechanical locking/unlocking apparatus, preferably a relay, and the executing unit  24  is a bolt feeder. 
     FIG. 4  shows a side view, in cross section, of a preferred embodiment of the reading/operating unit  2  for use in banking equipment. In this embodiment, the receiving body  21  of the reading/operating unit  2  is of a shape depending on the mode of use, and for sensing the codes disposed on both sides of the key  1  the device comprises preferably two pressure sensor/electric signal converter units  22 , furthermore, the enabling unit  23  is an electronic device and the executing unit  24  is an automatic teller machine. 
   The electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device according to this invention functions as follows: 
   As the key  1  is inserted into the lock, the changing pressure signals generated by the n pressure transmitter parts  121 ,  122 , . . . ,  12   n  of the pressure code generator/transmitter unit  12  disposed within the key  1  and correspond to a specific pattern, these parts reach the input  221  of the pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit  22  and this unit  22  senses the varying pressure values. At the output  222  of the pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit  22  an analogue signal is generated that is proportional to the pressure values arising as the key  1  is introduced into the lock. This signal is filtered by the analogue signal converter and sent to the input  311  of the electronic processing unit  3 . This signal reaches the function analyser  31 A of the central control unit  31 , which performs a digital filtering operation and determines the characteristic values of the pressure function, then stores these values into a temporary memory. 
   The electronic processing unit  3  carries out any correction required due to temperature changes and wear. The analogue signal present at the output A 1  of the function analyzer  31 A is then passed both to the input B 1  of the adaptive unit  31 B and one of the inputs C 1  of the intelligent code comparator  31 C. 
   The codes, which correspond to the selected key  1  are stored through the programming input  312  of the central control unit  31 , forming also the input  312  of the adaptive unit  31 B. The process occurs such that the selected key  1  is inserted into the reading/operating unit  2 , and the executing unit  24  provides the opening of this unit  2 . When the correct password is given, the code is stored in the storage unit  31 D through the output B 2  of the adaptive unit  31 B, rendering that particular key  1  usable thereafter. The intelligent code comparator  31 C compares the value stored in the temporary memory of the function analyzer  31 A and forwarded to the input C 1  with the earlier stored learned value passed to its other input C 2 . If the values agree, then an enabling signal is sent through the output C 3  to the input E 1  of the evaluating unit  31 E. The evaluating unit  31 E, depending on the actual mode of use, determines and prepares the signals and information necessary for the interface  32  to continue operating and processing, and sends them to its input/output line group  313 . A control signal appears at the output  322  of the interface  32 , which is sent to the input of the enabling unit  23 . If the actual value of the code is equal to the taught value, i.e. if the code is correct, then the enabling signal reaches the output  231  of the enabling unit  23 , which then proceeds as an operating signal to the input  241  of the operating unit  24  and gives the operating unit  24  the command to release the lock and allow it to be opened. 
   The interface  32  comprises an optional input/output line group  323 , through which information such as light signals or, in case of an intrusion, alarm or other alert signals can be sent. In case of an unauthorized entry-attempt an alarm report can also be sent through either a mobile or conventional telephone, or the system can be connected directly to the police or to any other security or monitoring organization. An external computer or a telephone modem can also be connected to the optional input/output line group  323 , through which the device can be programmed or certain approval signals can be sent or certain keys  1  can be blocked or enabled. For use in hotels, the doors can be connected on-line to a computer and code reader located at the reception desk, so that when the receptionists provides a guest with a key  1 , the validity of the code of the key  1  of that room can be defined for the period until the guest checks out. In this way the users can create independent master and service key systems and can make changes to meet individual needs. With master and service key systems both the opening and closure times can be recorded and retrieved or the bearers of the key  1  can be identified. A code can be selected after the password has been given and a key  1  has been inserted into the reading/operating unit  2 ; the adaptive unit  31 B requires information on the associated memory cell or, in case of hotels, through on line or telephone connections a one-time opening of the lock can be permitted, e.g. when a caretaker must be let in to see to a burst pipe. If a key  1  is lost or gets stolen, the code can be inactivated by telephone. 
   Depending on the mode of use, the adaptive unit  31 B, the intelligent code comparator  31 C, the storage unit  31 D and the evaluating unit  31 E can be arranged at physically separate locations from that of the central control unit  31 . In such cases the separate units can be operated through the optional input/output line group  323  (e.g. when the device is used for banking applications). 
   With the electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device according to the present invention, the pressure-coded key  1  can be made in several designs. The key  1  can be made to have pressure-coded/pressure transmitting elements at both sides in any required form e.g. tubular, disc-shaped, etc. The material of the key  1  can be a cheap metal or plastic. Such keys can be used preferably in hotels. The device does not include any electric parts, it is not fragile but is disposable, and can be manufactured simply and economically. The creation of the pressure or pressure function can occur by using pressure value components  121 ,  122 , . . . ,  12   n  that allow for secure coding, including solutions employing springs, magnets, balls, or pneumatic or hydraulic solutions, etc. that can provide the possibility of secure coding. Depending on the solution chosen and on the actual design employed, various mechanical parts can be used (including pins, springs, balls, threaded bolts, magnets, etc.). The number of the pressure value elements  121 ,  122 , . . . ,  12   n  can be selected depending on the number of segments in the code. For general use, the number of pressure value components  121 .  122 , . . .  12   n  can be between 6 and 10. 
   The actual design of the reading/operating unit  2  depends on the selected mode of use. This unit  2  can be placed in a location relatively far from the place of operation. For doors and safes it would be a cylinder lock insert, a non-cylinder lock, a safe lock, etc., while for banking equipment, depending on the specific application, it can be e.g. a code reader unit. For use in cylinder lock inserts, the reader/operating unit  2  can also be manufactured in several designs, and the pressure sensor/electric signal converter unit  22  can be e.g. a piezoelectric sensor, possibly including a pressure transmitting element such as a spring providing also a pressure compensation. The pressure compensation can be achieved by using either a counter-pressure or a tension redactor. The enabling unit  23  is an electromechanically designed locking/unlocking apparatus controlled either manually or automatically. In a preferred embodiment, a relay or a motor may be used. The executing unit  24  can be e.g. a bolt feeder or a similar device that can ensure that the locked apparatus (door, safe, locker, money in an automatic teller machine) be opened and the objects it safeguards be accessed only at a given place and time by a specified individual. The reader/operating unit  2  may also employ various electronic or mechanical elements, depending on use (e.g. a mechanical opening element for use with a cylinder lock insert). 
   The electronically monitored, high-security coder/decoder device according to the present invention fulfils all set objectives and offers the following advantages:
         the code is built into the key only and cannot be copied,   coding occurs securely and adaptively, in self-identifying fashion,   each key is associated with a respective code, so that of keys randomly produced (nearly 17 million planned variations), the user may choose any and may use it to his/her own reading/operating unit,   production errors increase the number of code variations,   the electronic processing unit corrects discrepancies resulting from temperature changes or wear,   a single key can be used to operate as many “trained” reader/operating units as desired,   manufacture is both simple and economical.