[0001] 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.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] In particular, the infrared remote control 2 comprises a set of selector keys T
1, ...T
n, each of which is associated with a coded signal SC
1, ... 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 SC
1, ... SC
n to be generated based on the key T
1, ...T
n typed by a user, and an emitter device, preferably an infrared diode 5, which emits
the coded signals SC
1, ... SC
n generated by the processing unit 4.
[0019] The coded signals SC
1, ... 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.
[0020] 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 C
1, ... C
n is stored, chosen by a user as opening combination C of the safety device 3.
[0021] 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).
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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).
[0025] Once the "learning" mode is activated, there is the storage step of coded signals
SC
1, ... SC
n associated with respective selector means of the remote transmission means, such
as for example the keys T
1, ...T
n of an infrared remote control 2 which the user already possesses at home or in the
office.
[0026] When the user presses a key T
1, ...T
n of the remote control 2 (step 21), e. g. the key T
1, the processing unit 4 of the remote control 2 recognizes the signal SC
1 associated with the key T
1 and transmits it to the infrared diode 5, which in turn will transmit the coded signal
SC
1 to the learning receiver 6 installed in the safety device 3.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the coded signals SC
1, ... 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.
[0028] The coded signal SC
1 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).
[0029] The above-described operations are repeated (step 23, no) for all or part of the
keys T
1, ...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 SC
1, ... SC
n corresponding with the keys T
1, ...T
n of the remote control 2.
[0030] Once the storage step of the codes associated with the signals SC
1, ... 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 C
1, ... C
n of coded signals SC
1, ... SC
n which will form the opening combination C of the safety device 3.
[0031] 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.
[0032] Figure 3 illustrates the third and last step of the opening process for a safety
device according to the present invention.
[0033] 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).
[0034] In the "user" functioning step, the user types on the remote control 2 a prearranged
sequence SP
1, ... 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 SP
1, ... 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 SP
1, ... 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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 SC
1, ... SC
n associated with the keys T
1, ...T
n of a remote control and storing a chosen arbitrary sequence of coded signals C
1, ... C
n, as well as the "user" mode, i.e. the step of comparing between a prearranged sequence
SP
1, ... SP
n of transmitted coded signals and the combination C, and if they correspond with each
other, opening the safety device.
[0037] 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 SC
1,...,SC
n and a new opening combination C of the safety device.
[0038] The above-described invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations
within its protective scope as defined by the claims.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
1. 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,...,SCn) including selector means (T1,...,Tn) 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,...,SCn) 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,...,SCn) received in input by said receiver means (6), as well as an arbitrary sequence (C1,...,Cn) of said coded signals (SC1,...,SCn) 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, ... SPn) of coded signals (SC1,...,SCn) emitted by said remote transmission means and coinciding with said opening combination
(C).
2. 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,...,Tn), each of which is associated with a corresponding coded signal (SC1,...,SCn).
3. An opening system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said remote control is an infrared remote control.
4. An opening system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said remote control is a radiofrequency remote control.
5. 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).
6. A valuables safe equipped with the opening system according to any claim 1 to 5.
7. An armored cabinet equipped with the opening system according to any claim 1 to 5.
8. An armored door equipped with the opening system according to any claim 1 to 5.
9. 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,...,SCn), said remote transmission means (2) being equipped with selector means (T1,...,Tn) of coded signals (SC1,...,SCn);
b) equipping said safety device with learning receiver means (6) for learning coded
signals (SC1,...,SCn) 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,...,SCn) in said storage means (10);
d) storing, in said storage means (10), an arbitrary sequence (C1,...,Cn) of coded signals (SC1,...,SCn) constituting an opening combination (C) of said safety device (3);
e) selecting, by means of said selector means (T1,...,Tn), a prearranged sequence (SP1,...,SPn) of coded signals (SC1,...,SCn) which is the same as that constituting the opening combination (C) stored in said
storage means (10);
f) comparing said prearranged sequence (SP1,...,SPn) 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).
10. A process according to claim 9,
characterized in that said step (c) of storing said coded signals (SC
1..., 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,...,Tn) 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,...,Tn).
11. 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,...,Tn) 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..., SCn) 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,...,Tn) to form said opening combination (C) of said safety device (3).
12. 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,...,SPn) of coded signals (SC1,...,SCn) 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.
13. A process according to any claim 9 to 12, characterized in that said coded signals (SC1,...,SCn; C1,...,Cn; SP1,...,SPn) are amplified and filtered.
14. 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,...,SCn) in said storage means (10) of the microprocessor (9);
b) storing, in said storage means (10), an arbitrary sequence (C1,...,Cn) of coded signals (SC1,...,SCn) constituting an opening combination (C) of said safety device (3);
c) comparing a prearranged sequence (SP1,...,SPn) of coded signals (SC1,...,SCn) selected by means of selector means (T1,...,Tn) 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).