WO1998024071A1 - Security and alarm device for keys/key cards - Google Patents

Security and alarm device for keys/key cards Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998024071A1
WO1998024071A1 PCT/NO1997/000315 NO9700315W WO9824071A1 WO 1998024071 A1 WO1998024071 A1 WO 1998024071A1 NO 9700315 W NO9700315 W NO 9700315W WO 9824071 A1 WO9824071 A1 WO 9824071A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
key
guest
circuit
signal
security
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO1997/000315
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Per Ole BJØRN
Original Assignee
Security Signs & Service As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Security Signs & Service As filed Critical Security Signs & Service As
Priority to AU52357/98A priority Critical patent/AU5235798A/en
Publication of WO1998024071A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998024071A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0227—System arrangements with a plurality of child units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/20—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/18—Status alarms
    • G08B21/24—Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/22—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G08B5/222—Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems
    • G08B5/223—Personal calling arrangements or devices, i.e. paging systems using wireless transmission

Definitions

  • the invention concerns a security and alarm device for keys/key cards, especially for use in hotels, ships, etc. in connection with guest bedrooms, cabins, etc. All over the world today demands are being made on security in connection with lounges and guest bedrooms in hotels or on means of transport.
  • sign systems have been developed to ensure that people in a crisis situation can find an emergency exit, and special direction signs, both physical and electronic, have also been developed.
  • One problem which has not been solved, however, is that of checking which and how many people are located, for example, in a hotel in the event of a fire or other emergencies.
  • a great many hotel guests for example, take their key or key card with them when they leave the hotel. Even though they are within the hotel area, they are difficult to find.
  • the alarm systems which are currently used to warn hotel guests are based to a great extent on the telephone, radio or television as a alarm means.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a security and alarm system whereby contact can be achieved with a guest, regardless of where he is in the hotel, and which preferably also registers whether the hotel guest leaves the hotel with his key, and alerts him to hand in his key.
  • the invention concerns use of the device in a system for monitoring the number of people present in a building at a specific time, or for summoning people.
  • the device By means of the device according to the invention it will be possible to alert persons who are about to leave the hotel in the same way as shops secure their exits against thieves.
  • the key device for example, there is a built-in electronic circuit which influences a thereto adapted detector which is set up in the hotel's exits. When the guest passes the detector in the exit it will emit a whistle signal, or the detector can be connected to a central unit where it is registered that the guest is leaving the building with the key, thus enabling a registration to be made as to whether he is within the hotel area or not. This will give a clear indication of which persons are in the hotel and which have left the building.
  • the key device may also comprise of a transmitter and/or receiver circuit, which can transmit signals which indicate whether the guest, for example, is in the dining room or in his room, thereby making it easy to reach the guest if a message should come for him.
  • This system can be designed in such a manner that it does not supply information on where the guest is in the hotel.
  • the key device being equipped with a receiver, thus permits a signal to be transmitted to the guest's key card from, for example, the hotel reception without knowing where the guest is.
  • This signal being received for example, in the form of a flashing light or as a alarm signal, causes the guest to register that there is a message for him and enables him to acknowledge his presence either by telephone or by going to reception.
  • the key may be equipped with a light source, with the result that in a crisis situation a light is automatically switched on in the key, and in the event of a power cut the guest is given a light by which to find his bearings and enabling him, for example, to search for reflecting or luminous signs in order to find the way out.
  • the device according to the invention can be adapted to a diversity of uses, thereby permitting it, for example, to be designed without a beeper function or also without a alarm function when the person leaves the hotel.
  • the hotel can still register that the person is outside the building due to the fact that he cannot be reached through the beeper part.
  • the key can also be developed for use as an internal credit card, when, for example, the guest is paying in the restaurant, he uses the key to charge the bill to his room.
  • a credit card system of this kind can also be developed for a wider use than this.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a key together with a key card for use in a device according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative design of the registration unit according to the invention.
  • Fig. la illustrates a card 1 with a key part 2, a light-emitting diode 3, a sound emitter 4 and an emergency light 5.
  • the system also comprises a control unit 6 (fig. 2) for controlling the various elements in the card.
  • the key part 1 may be of the piped key, magnetic strip key type, etc.
  • Fig. lb shows a similar card attached to an ordinary key.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the device according to the invention.
  • the device is connected to a control unit 6 which controls transmission and reception of the different signals and which may, for example, be a computer, which cooperates with several transmitter/receiver circuits, an alarm 15 and a display unit 9.
  • the figure illustrates the existing possibilities and it will be possible to vary the number and type of circuits.
  • the control unit 6 When calling a guest the control unit 6 will transmit a call signal to the receiver 7 on the card 1 , which in turn will activate the light-emitting diode 3 and/or the sound emitter 4. The guest is thereby informed that there is a message for him.
  • the card 1 For registering the presence of a guest the card 1 has a transmitter 8 which emits a signal.
  • the control unit records the presence and is, for example, connected to a display unit 9 which shows the number of people who are in the building at any time.
  • the transmitter 10 connected to the control unit emits a signal which is received by a receiver 1 1 (in the card) and which activates the switching on of the emergency light
  • the card 1 In the event of a guest leaving the building without handing in his key, the card 1 will cross an electromagnetic field created by means of a transmitter 12 (for example an antenna) which continuously emits a signal in a specific area on the way out of the building.
  • the alarm activation unit 13 on the card 1 will in turn emit a signal which is received by the receiver 14 and which activates the alarm 15.
  • the guest's attention is thereby drawn to the oversight. Should the guest still go out with the card, the contact to the receiver 14 will be broken after a short time due to the transmitter's limited range.
  • the card may also contain a unit 16 which can emit a unique identifier, for example in connection with a payment.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative design of the registration part.
  • a board is employed for placing keys/key cards. When they are placed in the pockets in the board a light beam is interrupted, which is detected by a sensor and a registration signal is transmitted to the control unit.

Abstract

A security and alarm device for keys/key cards (1), especially for use in hotels, ships, etc. in connection with guest bedrooms, cabins, etc. comprises an electronic circuit which is built into the key or permanently connected thereto and can be remotely activated from a control unit (6). This circuit can influence or be influenced by a dedicated electromagnetic field for activation of an alarm signal (13), and/or the ciruit comprises at least one transmitter (8, 10, 12, 16) and/or receiver circuit (7, 11, 14) for registering the key's presence in a specific area, or activating a light source (3, 5) in the key, and/or emitting a call signal (4, 15).

Description

SECURITY AND ALARM DEVICE FOR KEYS/KEY CARDS
The invention concerns a security and alarm device for keys/key cards, especially for use in hotels, ships, etc. in connection with guest bedrooms, cabins, etc. All over the world today demands are being made on security in connection with lounges and guest bedrooms in hotels or on means of transport. For this purpose sign systems have been developed to ensure that people in a crisis situation can find an emergency exit, and special direction signs, both physical and electronic, have also been developed. One problem which has not been solved, however, is that of checking which and how many people are located, for example, in a hotel in the event of a fire or other emergencies. A great many hotel guests, for example, take their key or key card with them when they leave the hotel. Even though they are within the hotel area, they are difficult to find. The alarm systems which are currently used to warn hotel guests are based to a great extent on the telephone, radio or television as a alarm means.
The object of the present invention is to provide a security and alarm system whereby contact can be achieved with a guest, regardless of where he is in the hotel, and which preferably also registers whether the hotel guest leaves the hotel with his key, and alerts him to hand in his key.
It is a further object of the invention to be able to give the guest a signal if, for example, there is a telephone call for him and he is in one of the public rooms, without the necessity of calling the guest's name over a loudspeaker system or the like. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device which can give the hotel guest better security, for example in the form of a light source which can help him to find signs or the like which can show the way to an emergency exit. Another practical use of the invention is that it will also be able to be employed as an "internal" payment credit card, and billed to the guest's room.
These objects are achieved with a security and alarm device which is characterized by the features which are presented in the patent claims. The invention concerns use of the device in a system for monitoring the number of people present in a building at a specific time, or for summoning people.
By means of the device according to the invention it will be possible to alert persons who are about to leave the hotel in the same way as shops secure their exits against thieves. In the key device, for example, there is a built-in electronic circuit which influences a thereto adapted detector which is set up in the hotel's exits. When the guest passes the detector in the exit it will emit a whistle signal, or the detector can be connected to a central unit where it is registered that the guest is leaving the building with the key, thus enabling a registration to be made as to whether he is within the hotel area or not. This will give a clear indication of which persons are in the hotel and which have left the building.
The key device may also comprise of a transmitter and/or receiver circuit, which can transmit signals which indicate whether the guest, for example, is in the dining room or in his room, thereby making it easy to reach the guest if a message should come for him. This system can be designed in such a manner that it does not supply information on where the guest is in the hotel. The key device, being equipped with a receiver, thus permits a signal to be transmitted to the guest's key card from, for example, the hotel reception without knowing where the guest is. This signal being received, for example, in the form of a flashing light or as a alarm signal, causes the guest to register that there is a message for him and enables him to acknowledge his presence either by telephone or by going to reception. Furthermore, the key may be equipped with a light source, with the result that in a crisis situation a light is automatically switched on in the key, and in the event of a power cut the guest is given a light by which to find his bearings and enabling him, for example, to search for reflecting or luminous signs in order to find the way out.
The device according to the invention can be adapted to a diversity of uses, thereby permitting it, for example, to be designed without a beeper function or also without a alarm function when the person leaves the hotel. The hotel can still register that the person is outside the building due to the fact that he cannot be reached through the beeper part. In this connection the key can also be developed for use as an internal credit card, when, for example, the guest is paying in the restaurant, he uses the key to charge the bill to his room. A credit card system of this kind can also be developed for a wider use than this.
It will be possible to design the electronic circuits in the key device with miniaturised components, thus using very little space. With the device in a key card, for example, it will be possible quite simply to make the gripping part of the key card a few millimetres thicker, thus making room for the necessary elements. The electronic circuits will be of a known type, the invention thereby comprising only the special use and the device in a key system.
The invention will now be illustrated in more detail by means of an embodiment, which is illustrated purely schematically in the drawing.
Figure 1 illustrates a key together with a key card for use in a device according to the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a device according to the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an alternative design of the registration unit according to the invention.
Fig. la illustrates a card 1 with a key part 2, a light-emitting diode 3, a sound emitter 4 and an emergency light 5. The system also comprises a control unit 6 (fig. 2) for controlling the various elements in the card.
The key part 1 may be of the piped key, magnetic strip key type, etc.
Fig. lb shows a similar card attached to an ordinary key.
The function of the different elements will now be explained in more detail with reference to fig. 2.
Fig. 2 illustrates the device according to the invention. The device is connected to a control unit 6 which controls transmission and reception of the different signals and which may, for example, be a computer, which cooperates with several transmitter/receiver circuits, an alarm 15 and a display unit 9. The figure illustrates the existing possibilities and it will be possible to vary the number and type of circuits. When calling a guest the control unit 6 will transmit a call signal to the receiver 7 on the card 1 , which in turn will activate the light-emitting diode 3 and/or the sound emitter 4. The guest is thereby informed that there is a message for him.
For registering the presence of a guest the card 1 has a transmitter 8 which emits a signal. The control unit records the presence and is, for example, connected to a display unit 9 which shows the number of people who are in the building at any time.
In the event of fire or another emergency situation the transmitter 10 connected to the control unit emits a signal which is received by a receiver 1 1 (in the card) and which activates the switching on of the emergency light
5.
In the event of a guest leaving the building without handing in his key, the card 1 will cross an electromagnetic field created by means of a transmitter 12 (for example an antenna) which continuously emits a signal in a specific area on the way out of the building. The alarm activation unit 13 on the card 1 will in turn emit a signal which is received by the receiver 14 and which activates the alarm 15. The guest's attention is thereby drawn to the oversight. Should the guest still go out with the card, the contact to the receiver 14 will be broken after a short time due to the transmitter's limited range. The card may also contain a unit 16 which can emit a unique identifier, for example in connection with a payment.
Fig. 3 illustrates an alternative design of the registration part. Here a board is employed for placing keys/key cards. When they are placed in the pockets in the board a light beam is interrupted, which is detected by a sensor and a registration signal is transmitted to the control unit.
The examples show the diversity of possibilities offered by the invention. All the alternatives may be used or only some, depending on the local conditions. Thus many variations are possible, also with regard to the construction of circuits.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS
1. A security and alarm device for keys/key cards, especially for use in hotels, ships, etc. in connection with guest bedrooms, cabins, etc., characterized in that the device comprises an electronic circuit built into the key or permanently connected thereto which can be remotely activated from a control unit, the circuit being able to influence or be influenced by a dedicated electromagnetic field for activation of an alarm signal, and/or that the circuit comprises at least one transmitter and/or receiver circuit for registering the key's presence in a specific area, or activating a light source in the key, and/or emitting a call signal.
2. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the receiver circuit is in the form of a bleeper, which emits a light signal and/or a sound signal during calling.
3. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the key's electronic circuits can be charged in a key switch in the guest bedroom.
4. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the light signal is emitted by a light diode.
5. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiver circuit is designed to emit several differentiated signals.
6. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the electronic circuit is designed to emit a unique identifier when used in a payment service.
7. Application of the key device according to claim 1 or 2 in a system for monitoring the number of people present in a building at a specific time.
8. Application of the key device according to claims 1-3 in a system for summoning people.
PCT/NO1997/000315 1996-11-25 1997-11-25 Security and alarm device for keys/key cards WO1998024071A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU52357/98A AU5235798A (en) 1996-11-25 1997-11-25 Security and alarm device for keys/key cards

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO965015A NO965015D0 (en) 1996-11-25 1996-11-25 Security and warning device for keys / key cards
NO965015 1996-11-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998024071A1 true WO1998024071A1 (en) 1998-06-04

Family

ID=19900104

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO1997/000315 WO1998024071A1 (en) 1996-11-25 1997-11-25 Security and alarm device for keys/key cards

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5235798A (en)
NO (1) NO965015D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1998024071A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000041111A2 (en) * 1998-12-30 2000-07-13 Walker Digital, Llc Device and method for promoting the selection and use of a credit card
GB2389576A (en) * 2001-12-31 2003-12-17 David Stuart Smith Key location system
US7090123B2 (en) 1998-12-30 2006-08-15 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0202408A2 (en) * 1985-03-15 1986-11-26 Rambam Maimon A paging system, particularly for hotels
EP0416792A2 (en) * 1989-09-06 1991-03-13 Incomefirst Limited Access control devices and systems incorporating such devices
US5218344A (en) * 1991-07-31 1993-06-08 Ricketts James G Method and system for monitoring personnel
US5278539A (en) * 1992-02-11 1994-01-11 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Alerting and warning system
WO1995010101A1 (en) * 1993-10-05 1995-04-13 Pac/Scan, Inc. Retail theft prevention and information device
US5528222A (en) * 1994-09-09 1996-06-18 International Business Machines Corporation Radio frequency circuit and memory in thin flexible package

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0202408A2 (en) * 1985-03-15 1986-11-26 Rambam Maimon A paging system, particularly for hotels
EP0416792A2 (en) * 1989-09-06 1991-03-13 Incomefirst Limited Access control devices and systems incorporating such devices
US5218344A (en) * 1991-07-31 1993-06-08 Ricketts James G Method and system for monitoring personnel
US5278539A (en) * 1992-02-11 1994-01-11 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Alerting and warning system
WO1995010101A1 (en) * 1993-10-05 1995-04-13 Pac/Scan, Inc. Retail theft prevention and information device
US5528222A (en) * 1994-09-09 1996-06-18 International Business Machines Corporation Radio frequency circuit and memory in thin flexible package

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000041111A2 (en) * 1998-12-30 2000-07-13 Walker Digital, Llc Device and method for promoting the selection and use of a credit card
WO2000041111A3 (en) * 1998-12-30 2001-03-08 Walker Digital Llc Device and method for promoting the selection and use of a credit card
US6325284B1 (en) 1998-12-30 2001-12-04 Walker Digital, Llc Device and method for promoting the selection and use of a credit card
US7090123B2 (en) 1998-12-30 2006-08-15 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card
US7806320B2 (en) 1998-12-30 2010-10-05 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card
US7988044B2 (en) 1998-12-30 2011-08-02 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card
US8632005B2 (en) 1998-12-30 2014-01-21 Inventor Holdings, Llc Method and apparatus for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card
GB2389576A (en) * 2001-12-31 2003-12-17 David Stuart Smith Key location system
GB2389576B (en) * 2001-12-31 2004-08-04 David Stuart Smith Key management

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO965015D0 (en) 1996-11-25
AU5235798A (en) 1998-06-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5680119A (en) Vehicle responsive alert system
US4998095A (en) Emergency transmitter system
US5483223A (en) Personal security system with end-to-end test
US5717378A (en) Security system with fall back to local control
US4931780A (en) Illuminated address identifier and alarm device
USRE41171E1 (en) System for monitoring a person's location in a defined area
US20070265911A1 (en) Advertising and communication system and method therefor
US20150087259A1 (en) Person and property protection system and method
WO2001042739A1 (en) Electronic visitor guidance system
GB2193359A (en) Area communication systems
US6268797B1 (en) Integrated portable tracking signal and access authorization signal generator
US20030132859A1 (en) Cabin situation alert system
JPS60209898A (en) Monitor
US7085568B2 (en) Provision of local data in a wireless system
WO1998024071A1 (en) Security and alarm device for keys/key cards
EP1012807A1 (en) Security and emergency alarm system
US7102506B2 (en) Means arrangement capable of selecting and signal a public transportation means to stop at its stopping place, and to detect said stopping place of said transportation means, particularly apt to be used by handicapped people, more particularly still, by people with visual incapacities
GB2254756A (en) Personnel location monitoring system
JP3093947B2 (en) Receiver with reception confirmation function
JPH09223253A (en) Boarding management device
US11854375B1 (en) Emergency medical services (EMS) visual light guidance aiding device to guide EMS to a specific location
JPH08110995A (en) Wireless security system
RU77790U1 (en) WIRELESS STAFF CALL SYSTEM
JP2005244401A (en) Emergency reporting system
JP2007025795A (en) Emergency report system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase