Assembly comprising a plurality of objects of use and an automatic management functionality, and object intended and suitable for such assembly

Abstract

 An assembly comprising a plurality of objects which are each provided with at least one lock and with an object computer provided with an object memory, the assembly further comprising a plurality of keys intended for operating at least a plurality of locks, the assembly comprising a central computer, means being provided for at least periodically establishing a communication between the central computer and the respective object computers, the object computer being arranged, when bringing a key into or near a lock of the relevant object, to make an examination into the use, the keys of the assembly each being provided with a writable memory, the assembly being provided with at least one key programming unit for the input of data in the memory of the keys. The invention also relates to an object intended and suitable for such an assembly.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of objects which are each provided with at least one lock and with an object computer provided with an object memory, the assembly further comprising a plurality of keys intended for operating at least a number of the locks present in the assembly, the assembly further comprising a central computer, means being provided for at least periodically establishing a communication between the central computer and the respective object computers.

[0002] Such an apparatus is known from EP-A-0 451 482. The main claim of this patent application is directed to a car hiring system comprising a fleet of cars, in which system by means of transmitting/receiving means a contact is made with a central computer which determines whether the car can be used by a user who identifies himself/herself at a car. The data about the possibility of receiving or refusing permission to use a relevant car are stored in the central computer. A problem of this known system is that communication between the car and the central computer is not always possible at the moment a user identifies himself/herself at a car by means of his/her chip card. The car may, for instance, be located outside the range of transmission or in a car parking station where the transmitting/receiving means cannot establish a connection between the car computer and the central computer. Although from the central computer the most actual data are always used to determine whether the user can still be permitted to use the car, the system has a very great disadvantage, namely that sometimes no use is possible because no communication is possible between the car computer and the central computer, while the use should have to be permitted in view of the fact that the user theoretically meets the criteria of use. This system is therefore very susceptible to trouble so that it is useless in practice.

[0003] FR-A-2 612 319 discloses a method for controlling the use of several cars for hiring purposes. In this method each user has a chip card, and each car is provided with a reading/writing unit. When a user wishes to use a car, he/she inserts his/her chip card in the reading/writing unit of the relevant car. After the input of a pin code the card is read out, and the central computer determines on the basis of the data stored on the chip card whether this card still meets the criteria to permit the use of the car. A disadvantage of this method is that the data on the card can only be updated by the car computer itself. In practice, it will only reduce the available balance of use. To increase the balance on the chip card, the user will have to go to one of the offices of the manager of the hiring system. The advantage of this system is that it does not depend on communication between the car computer and a central computer. Consequently, the system is relatively insensitive to trouble. A drawback, however, is that the user himself/herself will periodically have to go to the manager of the hiring system to "load" his chip card or to buy a new chip card.

[0004] A third hiring system is known from EP-A-0 788 946. In this system the keys are programmable. Each key has a identification number programmed therein, which number is unique for a customer. Via a transmitter in the car or a separate unit such as, for instance, a transmitting column, a user can load his key with data giving him/her access to a specific car (see column 14, lines 33-56 of the relevant publication). The key is therefore made suitable for only one object and not for a series of objects. As a result, it is not easy to exchange cars. Moreover, it is not possible to put into use a car that forms part of the system and is found empty. It is a fact that in the known system the key has been made suitable for a single car only. Moreover, in the known system the customer has to telephone the hire service to reserve a specific car. The hire service then passes to a car located in a specific position a code corresponding with the code of the key so that this car can only be opened with that key. As a result, it is therefore necessary that the car is located within the transmission range of the transmitter of the central computer. In this sense the system known from this publication is therefore comparable with the system described in the above-discussed publication EP-A-0 451 482 and also has the disadvantages thereof.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an assembly having the advantages of the first two above-described systems while it has overcome the disadvantages. In addition, with the system the key has to be suitable for unlocking a series of objects and not only one, so that an object sharing system is actually obtained.

[0006] To this end, the invention provides an assembly of the type mentioned in the opening paragraph, which is characterized in that each object computer includes at least one profile of use, the or each profile of use comprising a plurality of criteria of use, the object computer being arranged, when bringing a key (K) into or near a lock (L) of the relevant object (O), to make an examination into the use which comprises checking whether the key meets the criteria of use stored in a profile of use, which in a positive case leads to the operability of the lock and in a negative case to the non-operability of the lock with the relevant key, the keys of the assembly each being provided with a writable memory, the assembly being provided with at least one key programming unit for the remote input of data in the memory of the keys and/or each object computer being provided with a key programming unit for the input of data in the memory of a key brought into or near the lock of the relevant object, the profiles of use in the object computers being so adjusted to the criteria of use in a key that, at least when the relevant key is not blocked, this key is suitable for unlocking more than one object, so that a real object sharing system is created therewith.

[0007] The great advantage of this assembly is that the use check is carried out completely by the object computer by means of the data stored in the key. For checking the use, no communication is therefore required between the object computer and the central computer. Even when the object is located outside the range of transmission of the central computer, the use of the object can take place, at least when the key of the user meets the criteria of use stored in the profile of use of the object computer. The assembly according to the invention has the additional advantage that the data on the basis of which the use is checked are the most actual data. It is a fact that by means of either the central key programming unit or the key programming unit included in each object the key of the user is provided with the most actual user data. Even when the user has changed his agreement of use or when a new period, for instance a new month with a fresh balance, has started, the key of the user, as soon as it comes into the range of reception of a key programming unit, can be provided with the most actual data. When checking the use, a verification is therefore always made on the basis of the most actual data, without it locally always being necessary to establish a connection between the object computer and the central computer. Moreover, by storing the data of the user, therefore also his/her available balances of use, in his/her own key, the necessity of storing all the balances of use of all the users in each object computer is prevented. In order that when bringing a key into or near a lock of a relevant object, instantaneous communication between the object computer and the central computer is prevented, this would in fact be the alternative that could be used instead of storing the user data in the key of the user. First, this alternative solution leads to the possibility of fraud with the system. It is a fact that all the data of the users are essentially present in all the objects and could therefore be diddled out of an object computer by a hacker. Second, the alternative possibility leads to very heavy data transmission between the central computer and all the object computers. By storing the relevant data of the user apart from in the computer only in the key of the relevant user, the necessary wireless data transmission in the assembly is reduced to a minimum and a very effective and reliable assembly is obtained.

[0008] Another advantage of the assembly according to the invention is that each object computer only needs to contain one or a limited number of profiles of use, on the basis of which the use is checked. This means that the memory of the object computer may have a relatively limited capacity. This also applies to the memory of the keys in which it only needs to be stored for which profiles of use the user is basically permitted the use, and the actual values of the criteria of access belonging to the relevant profile of use such as, for instance, budgets or balances still available.

[0009] As is clearly apparent from claim 1, there are basically two possibilities of inputting data in the memories of the key. The first possibility is that each object is provided with a key programming unit that withdraws the data from the object computer which is regularly provided by the central computer with the data required. The second possibility is that the assembly is provided with at least one central key programming unit for the remote input of data in the memory of the keys. This has to be done by using wireless communication, for instance via a public mobile telephone network, for instance in the manner in which the known buzzers or message watches are provided with data. It is to be noted that the terms central computer and object computer are understood to mean any electronic processing unit that has the functionality described.

[0010] According to a further elaboration of the invention the means for at least periodically establishing a communication between the central computer and the respective object computers may comprise a mobile telephone network as well as both a mobile telephone modem unit in the object and a telephone modem unit at the central computer. Such a way of communication between the object and the central computer is very favorable in connection with the low cost for the transmitting and receiving means to be included in the object. It is a fact that a mobile telephone network is a standard component. Moreover, the range of transmission is very extensive, since the degree of cover of the present mobile telephone networks is very large.

[0011] According to a further elaboration of the invention it is very favorable if the keys are provided with a transponder with a writable memory. Such transponders are known from practice and are provided with an antenna which in the surroundings of a transmitting/receiving unit enables wireless exchange of data between the transmitting/receiving unit and the transponder.

[0012] According to a further elaboration of the invention each object is preferably provided with a transmitting/receiving unit serving as key programming unit, which is arranged for communication with the transponder in a relevant key. Thus, with economically advantageous component parts a very reliable and comfortably operating assembly can be created.

[0013] It is self-evident that for the keys other programmable data carriers may also be used, such as, for instance, chip cards or magnetic cards. Each object then has to be provided with a card reading/writing unit.

[0014] The objects may be vehicles or vessels, but also holiday homes, hotel rooms, computers or such expensive objects of use.

[0015] When checking the use, different criteria of use can be applied. Thus, a criterion of use on the basis of which a verification is made when checking the use may be the moment at which the key is brought into or near the lock. A criterion of use on the basis of which a verification is made when checking the use may also be whether the relevant user is allowed at all to operate the lock into or near which a relevant key is brought. Thus, for instance, the access to a hotel room may be allowed, because the lock of the front door of this hotel room can be opened, but not the use of the refrigerator present in this hotel room, because the lock of the refrigerator cannot be opened. Such levels of use can be expressed in profiles of use granted to the user and stored in the key of the user.

[0016] According to a further elaboration of the invention a criterion of use may be stored in the memory of the key in the form of a budget which is reduced at least after each use of an object. A budget may, for instance, be formed by a still available period of use, a still available distance which can be covered by a user with the object, or a still available financial balance.

[0017] In case the objects are vehicles or vessels, it is very favorable according to another elaboration if each object is provided with a positioning system, such as for instance GPS, in which periodic exchange of data between respective object computers and the central computer takes place to make the positions of the respective objects known to the central computer. Thus, by making contact with the central computer, for instance via the Internet, telephone or via a manager of the assembly, the users can easily determine where the nearest vehicle or vessel available for use is located.

[0018] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing on the basis of two practical examples.

Fig. 1 shows a first practical example of an assembly according to the invention; and

Fig. 2 shows a second practical example of an assembly according to the invention.

[0019] Both figures show a practical example of an assembly comprising five objects 0, a central computer CC and five keys K. Each object 0 comprises an object computer OC, a lock L and an object modem OM. When the object O is a vehicle or a vessel, the object modem OM is designed as a mobile telephone modem unit connected with an antenna A. The central computer CC is provided with a central modem CM for communication with the object modems via a network, such as, for instance, a public mobile telephone network represented in the drawing by dotted lines.

[0020] The assembly of Fig. 1 is characterized in that each object O is provided with a key programming unit KPU. The key K is provided with a transponder T. When the key K comes near an object O, data transmission can take place from the object computer OC via the key programming unit KPU to the key K. During this data transmission, inter alia the most actual user data can be loaded into the memory of the transponder T in the key K. Of course, this data transmission does not take place via a mobile telephone network but via a transmitting/receiving unit included in the object O and serving as key programming unit KPU, which transmitting/receiving unit is designed for wireless communication with the transponder T from the key K. Such transmitting/receiving units are known per se and commercially available in standard designs.

[0021] The assembly shown in Fig. 2 is provided with only one central key programming unit CKPU which is connected to the central computer CC. The central computer CC will regularly update the user data stored in the respective keys K. Although Fig. 2 shows the central key programming unit CKPU as a separate unit, it is also possible that the central modem CM performs this function. In that case the key programming unit is not present as a physical unit. The data are then transmitted via a network, for instance a public mobile telephone network, to the respective keys K, for instance in the manner as this is done with the buzzers or message watches known from practice.

[0022] It is to be noted that the invention is not limited to the practical examples described but that various modifications are possible within the scope of invention. Thus, instead of being provided with a transponder, the keys may also comprise a magnetic card or a chip card. The key programming units KPU included in the objects O will then be designed as a card reading/writing unit.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a plurality of objects (O) which are each provided with at least one lock (L) and with an object computer (OC) provided with an object memory, the assembly further comprising a plurality of keys (K) intended for operating at least a number of the locks (L) present in the assembly, the assembly further comprising a central computer (CC), means (CM, OM) being provided for at least periodically establishing a communication between the central computer (CC) and the respective object computers (OC), wherein each object computer (OC) includes at least one profile of use, the or each profile of use comprising a plurality of criteria of use, the object computer (OC) being arranged, when bringing a key (K) into or near a lock (L) of the relevant object (O), to make an examination into the use which comprises checking whether the key (K) meets the criteria of use stored in the profile of use, which in a positive case leads to the operability of the lock (L) and in a negative case to the non-operability of the lock (L) with the relevant key (K), the keys (K) of the assembly each being provided with a writable memory, the assembly being provided with at least one key programming unit (CKPU) for the remote input of data in the memory of the keys and/or each object (O) being provided with a key programming unit (KPU) for the input of data in the memory of a key (K) brought into or near the lock (L) of the relevant object (O), the profiles of use in the object computers (OC) being so adjusted to the criteria of use in a key (K) that, at least when the relevant key (K) is not blocked, this key (K) is suitable for unlocking more than one object, so that a real object sharing system is created therewith.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (CM, OM) for at least periodically establishing a communication between the central computer (CC) and the respective object computers (OC) comprise a mobile telephone network as well as both a mobile telephone modem unit (OM) in the object (O) and a telephone modem unit (CM) at the central computer (CC).

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the keys (K) are provided with a transponder (T) with a writable memory.

4. An assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that each object (O) is provided with a transmitting/receiving unit serving as key programming unit (KPU), which is arranged for communication with the transponder (T) in a relevant key (K).

5. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the keys (K) are chip cards, magnetic cards or such programmable data carriers.

6. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the objects (O) are vehicles or vessels.

7. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the objects (0) are holiday homes, hotel rooms, computers or such expensive objects of use.

8. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a criterion of use on the basis of which a verification is made when checking the use is the moment at which the key (K) is brought into or near the lock (L).

9. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a criterion of use on the basis of which a verification is made when checking the use is whether the relevant user is allowed at all to operate the lock (L) into or near which a relevant key (K) is brought.

10. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a criterion of use is stored in the memory of the key (K) in the form of a budget which is reduced at least after each use of an object (O).

11. An assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the budget is formed by a still available period of use, during which a user can still enjoy the use of an object (O).

12. An assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the objects (O) are vehicles or vessels, the budget being formed by a still available distance which the user can cover with the object (O).

13. An assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the budget is formed by a still available financial balance which is reduced under the influence of each use of an object (O).

14. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the objects (O) are vehicles or vessels, each object (O) being provided with a positioning system, such as for instance GPS, in which periodic exchange of data between respective object computers (OC) and the central computer (CC) takes place to make the positions of the respective objects (O) known to the central computer (CC).

15. An object suitable and intended for use in an assembly according to any of the preceding claims.

Drawing