EP2864966A1

EP2864966A1 - Electronic padlock, mobile terminal adapted for controlling the electronic padlock, and method for controlling the electronic padlock

Info

Publication number: EP2864966A1
Application number: EP13726514.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Romain Gassion; Gilles Vidalenche; Thierry Chiche
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Priority date: 2012-06-22
Filing date: 2013-06-03
Publication date: 2015-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-03
Also published as: WO2013189721A1; FR2992342B1; FR2992342A1; EP2864966B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic padlock (CAD) and to a mobile terminal (TM) for controlling the electronic padlock through a wireless connection, e.g. NFC. The electronic padlock particularly enables the management of the lockout of electric apparatuses. The invention also relates to a control method used for controlling the electronic padlock. Said control method is used to manage requests from different mobile terminals (TM) for closing and opening the electronic padlock (CAD).

Description

Electronic padlock, mobile terminal arranged to control the electronic lock and method of controlling the electronic padlock

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to an electronic padlock, a mobile terminal for controlling the electronic padlock and a method of controlling the electronic padlock. This invention finds application in the management of consignation of electrical appliances of an installation.

State of the art

It is known to record an electrical appliance by using a lock pad. For example, a lockout lock ensures that an employee can not inadvertently activate a power supply while another employee is working on it. Consignment locks differ from conventional padlocks in that they are often brightly colored and generally have a label indicating the name and possibly the photograph of the employee who closed the padlock and thereby sentenced the lock. apparatus. They may be associated with a consignment sheet showing the name of the person responsible for the consignment and the reasons for the consignment. A lock has a unique key held by a single employee. A lock-up lock held by an employee can not be opened by another employee. The same employee may have several locks and a single key to open all padlocks, but no other employee may open the padlock. The same device can be condemned by several locks attached by different people placed under the responsibility of a consignor.

The use of these locks has a number of disadvantages, among which:

- the need to put several padlocks on the same device if several different users are involved in the conviction of the device, - the need to provide each device with a sufficient number of slots to accommodate all padlocks, - the need to present all consignment information related to each device logged, at the risk of not knowing who the people involved in the consignment are and why the device was recorded,

- the need for management of padlocks and associated keys,

- the need for key transfer procedures when a person changes assignments or responsibilities.

The object of the invention is to provide an electronic padlock to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

Presentation of the invention

This object is achieved by an electronic padlock intended to be placed on an electrical apparatus, said electronic padlock comprising:

an electromechanical system powered by a power source and able to authorize or prohibit the opening of the electronic padlock,

a communication interface for exchanging data over a communication link with one or more mobile terminals,

processing means arranged to handle applications for opening or closing the electronic padlock issued by said one or more mobile terminals,

a non-volatile memory,

the processing means comprising:

a storage module, in the non-volatile memory, closure requests issued by each mobile terminal through the communication link,

a module for generating a different unique code associated with each stored closure request,

a module transmitting the unique code to the mobile terminal that has issued the closing request,

a storage module in the non-volatile memory of an image of said unique code in connection with the memorized closing request, a comparison module between the unique code received from a mobile terminal and its image during an opening request sent by said mobile terminal.

According to a particular feature, the electronic padlock comprises a module for verifying closure requests in progress and an authorization module for opening the electronic padlock, activated by the comparison module if the unique code received during the opening request is identical to the stored image and if no other closing request is stored.

According to another feature, the communication interface is wireless and near-field type.

In another feature, the storage module is arranged to store in the non-volatile memory a unique identifier of the electrical device.

In another feature, the storage module is arranged to store the open or closed state of the electronic lock.

According to another particularity, the storage module is arranged to store in the non-volatile memory an identifier of each mobile terminal having formulated a closing request as well as opening and closing rights attached to this user.

According to another particularity, the storage module is arranged to store in the non-volatile memory information related to a timestamp of requests for closing and opening.

The invention also relates to a mobile terminal used to control several electronic locks intended to be placed on one or more electrical appliances, at least one electronic padlock being in accordance with that defined above, said mobile terminal comprising:

a communication interface for exchanging data through a communication link with each electronic padlock, a non-volatile memory,

processing means arranged to manage the control of each electronic padlock,

the processing means comprising:

a transmission module for issuing a closing request through the communication link to at least one electronic padlock among said several electronic padlocks, a memory module, in its non-volatile memory, of a unique code received from the electronic lock in response to the issued closing request,

a module for transmitting an opening request, said opening request comprising said unique code stored in the non-volatile memory following the closing request.

According to one feature, the communication interface is wireless and of a near-field type.

According to another particularity, the mobile terminal comprises an identification module of each electrical device condemned by an electronic lock.

According to another particularity, the identification module is arranged to read a near field communication electronic label or a barcode.

According to another particularity, the processing means comprise an interface for managing an identifier of each electrical device, information on users of the electronic locks placed on each electrical device, rights of opening and closing of said users, and timestamp of each request for opening or closing.

According to another particularity, the mobile terminal includes a communication interface for connecting to a remote server.

The invention also relates to a method of controlling an electronic padlock, said electronic padlock comprising a wireless communication interface for exchanging data over a wireless link with one or more mobile terminals, said method comprising steps of :

first request to close the electronic padlock from a first mobile terminal,

transmission by the electronic padlock to the first mobile terminal of a first unique code associated with said first request for closure and storing of the first unique code in the first mobile terminal,

- Second request to close the electronic padlock from a second mobile terminal,

transmission by the electronic padlock to the second mobile terminal of a second unique code associated with said second request for closure and storing of the second unique code in the second mobile terminal, the opening of the padlock being conditioned by a recognition by the electronic padlock of the first unique code issued by the first mobile terminal during a request to open the electronic padlock and recognition by the electronic padlock of the second unique code issued by the second mobile terminal when requesting an opening of the electronic lock.

Brief description of the figures

Other features and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows, in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represents, schematically, a system comprising an electronic padlock and a mobile terminal according to the invention,

- Figure 2 shows a timing diagram for illustrating the control method of the invention.

Detailed description of at least one embodiment

The invention relates to a CAD electronic lock that can be controlled through a wireless link using one or more mobile terminals. The invention also relates to a mobile terminal TM comprising an application dedicated to the control of one or more CAD electronic padlocks of the type of the invention. Finally, the invention also relates to the control method established between a CAD electronic padlock and several TM mobile terminals for controlling the electronic padlock.

The invention is particularly applicable to the recording of electrical appliances. CAD electronic lock of the invention is thus positioned on an electrical device (not shown) to lock its use. A single CAD electronic lock according to that of the invention allows in particular to replace several conventional locks.

According to the invention, the electronic padlock CAD and each mobile terminal TM communicate through a wired or wireless link. Preferably, the link is wireless and operates for example in the near field, that is to say via a NFC type technology (for "Near Field Communication"). Other technologies such as Bluetooth, or Zigbee can also be used. In the following the description, we will focus more particularly on a wireless link in the near field but it must be understood that this choice is not limiting.

Referring to Figure 1, seen from the outside, the CAD electronic padlock of the invention is presented as a conventional padlock. It thus comprises a housing and a ring that is movable relative to the housing and controlled between a locking position, that is to say closing, and an unlocking position, that is to say opening.

In contrast, compared to a conventional padlock, the CAD electronic padlock of the invention further comprises:

a communication interface in the near field, enabling it to exchange data with a mobile terminal also equipped with a near-field communication interface,

an electromechanical system EM powered by a source of electrical energy and controlled to authorize or prohibit the opening of the padlock,

CPU1 processing means arranged to handle requests for opening or closing the CAD electronic padlock,

a non-volatile memory M1.

The energy that makes it possible to supply the electromechanical system during the opening or closing of the electronic padlock CAD can come from a source internal to the padlock, for example a battery or a converter able to convert mechanical energy, luminous, thermal, vibrational, electrical energy. It can also come from a source external to the padlock, for example the mobile terminal TM. It may pass from the mobile terminal to the padlock via a wireless link, for example by the electromagnetic coupling present during the communication in the near field, or via a wired connection by connecting the electronic padlock to a connector of the mobile terminal TM, by example on the audio jack type "jack" of the mobile terminal TM. If the energy source used is a battery, if the battery is discharged or removed, the CAD electronic padlock remains in its current state (that is, open or closed). Only a replacement of the battery will allow a change of state of the CAD electronic padlock. The near-field communication interface comprises, for example, an antenna ANT1 and an NFC chip (NFC1) controlled to exchange data via the antenna ANT1 with the mobile terminal TM.

The processing means CPU1 of the electronic padlock CAD are arranged to manage closing requests and requests for opening from one or more mobile terminals. Currently, an electrical device can be logged by several locks. The electronic padlock of the invention makes it possible to replace all these padlocks and is able to handle several requests for closure from different users, so different mobile terminals.

The processing means CPU1 CAD electronic lock thus preferably include:

a storage module, in the non-volatile memory M1, closure requests issued by each mobile terminal through the wireless link,

a module for generating a unique and single-use code (commonly called a token) different associated with each stored closure request,

a memory module, in the non-volatile memory M1, of an image of said unique code in connection with the memorized closing request,

a comparison module between the unique code received from a mobile terminal TM and its image during an opening request sent by said mobile terminal,

a module for recognizing the open or closed state of the electronic padlock.

In addition, they also include:

a module for verifying closure requests in progress and an authorization module for opening the electronic padlock CAD, activated by the comparison module if the unique code received during the opening request is identical to the stored image and if no other closing request is stored, a module for erasing a unique code from its memory M1 when it validates an opening following receipt of an opening request.

Preferably, the processing means CPU1 CAD electronic lock are arranged to manage different user profiles with different rights. The opening authorization module determines the right to open the CAD electronic lock, taking into account the rights of the users. The electronic padlock manages for example four user profiles, each having different rights:

the super-administrator can open the electronic padlock unconditionally and define all the operating rules of the electronic padlock CAD, for example the logic of opening or closing the padlock,

- the consignor has the rights to manage the condemnation of the electrical device for a group of stakeholders,

- the independent consignor has the right to condemn on his own behalf,

- The intervener can only sentence the CAD electronic lock if a consignor has already sentenced him.

Prior to its use, the CAD electronic lock of the invention is not attached to any particular electrical device or to any particular logging mission. Initially, its non-volatile memory M1 contains only a unique identifier ld _C AD, corresponding for example to its serial number.

In use, the electronic lock CAD is made to store in its non-volatile memory various information, for example:

the identifier ld _A pp of the electrical apparatus that is logged,

the identifier ld _T Mi, \ d _JM2 of each mobile terminal having sent a closing command to the electronic padlock, as well as the rights attributed to this identifier,

- for a consignor, the list of the persons placed under his responsibility and having sent a closing order, - the timestamp of closing requests and requests to open the lock,

- additional information about users,

information normally contained in the consignment record, - geolocation information of the recorded device.

A mobile terminal TM, capable of controlling one or more electronic CAD padlocks through the wireless link in the near field, preferably comprises:

a communication interface in the near field enabling it to exchange data with the electronic padlock CAD also equipped with a near-field communication interface,

a non-volatile memory M2 memorizing in particular an identifier ld _T M of the mobile terminal TM,

CPU2 processing means arranged to control the CAD electronic padlock,

- A man-machine interface allowing the user to act on the control of the electronic padlock. This man-machine interface will for example be a touch screen.

The identifier ld _T M of the mobile terminal may be an identifier specific to the mobile terminal, for example its serial number, an identifier chosen by the user, such as an address, a photo, a telephone number, or a combination several identifiers.

The near field communication interface of the mobile terminal TM comprises, for example, an antenna ANT2 and an NFC type chip (NFC2) controlled to exchange data via the antenna ANT2 with the electronic padlock CAD.

The processing means CPU2 of the mobile terminal TM comprise a computer application for managing electronic locks of the type described above. The application presents all the necessary modules to enter and read the information related to the recording of a device made with a padlock CAD electronics of the invention and to control said locks in a logging frame. This application will be accessible in particular via the human-machine interface of the mobile terminal TM. It allows to manage the different user profiles described above.

The application includes:

a module for transmitting a closing request to the CAD electronic padlock,

a module for memorizing the unique code issued by the electronic padlock CAD following the issue of a closing request,

a module for transmitting an opening request to the electronic padlock CAD, the opening request being accompanied by the unique code stored following the request to close the same padlock CAD,

a module for reading the open or closed state of the electronic CAD padlock.

The mobile terminal TM may comprise an identification module of each electrical device condemned by the electronic padlock managed by the user of the mobile terminal. This identification module activates an interface adapted to reading an identifier on the electrical apparatus, for example the near-field communication interface for reading an electronic label present on the electrical apparatus or a reading interface of a barcode present on the electrical device.

For each electronic lock CAD managed by the mobile terminal TM, the mobile terminal TM stores in its nonvolatile memory various information, such as the identifier ld _A pp of the device condemned by the padlock, the identifier ld _C AD of each padlock managed, information related to the device log, including the name of the logger and the reasons for the logging.

According to the invention, the processing means CPU2 of the mobile terminal TM preferably comprise a consignation delegation module. Activation of this module allows a first user to delegate his logging to a second user by sending the second user's mobile terminal the unique code corresponding to the logging. Once the unique code has been transferred, this one is erased from the nonvolatile memory of the first user's mobile terminal. The second user will thus be able to make a valid opening request to the electronic lock. The delegation module thus guarantees the presence of a single unique code, initially held by the first user and transferred to the second user.

According to the invention, the processing means CPU2 of the mobile terminal TM are, for example, arranged to communicate with a remote server S1 for example via a wireless link, for example of the 3G or 4G type. Through this communication channel, the mobile terminal TM sends information related to logging in progress or already completed. It is thus possible to archive certain information in the remote server S1 and thus to conserve memory space in the mobile terminal TM, for example for the management of current consents.

Preferentially, the mobile terminal TM comprises a geolocation system, for example a GPS chip enabling it to determine its geographical position. From the application, the user can activate a geolocation module determining the geographical location where the logging takes place. The information of the geographical position will for example be stored in the mobile terminal TM or in the remote server S1.

Referring to Figure 2, the method of controlling the CAD electronic lock is described below. For a first conviction of an electrical appliance using a CAD electronic padlock, the method is as follows:

- At t ₀ , the padlock is open.

A first user U1, having placed the CAD electronic lock on the device, approaches his mobile terminal TM1 of the electronic padlock CAD to enter the electronic padlock CAD in the field of the communication interface in the near field of the mobile terminal TM1.

- At ti, the first user U1 generates a request to close the padlock from the human-machine interface of his mobile terminal

TM1. The transmitting module of the mobile terminal sends the closing request by controlling the communication interface. The closing request is accompanied by the identifier of the mobile terminal and the rights attached to the user (consignor, intervener ...). The closing request may also be accompanied by the identifier ld _A pp of the electrical device previously retrieved by the user using the mobile terminal TM1, as well as an identifier of the logging operation.

The mobile terminal TM1 can activate its geolocation module to determine the geographical position at which the logging takes place.

The electronic padlock CAD that receives the closure request t ₂ activates the storage module of the closing request, the identifier of the mobile terminal, the rights of the user and other information received such as for example the identifier of the device.

The CAD electronic padlock activates the module generating a unique code Cd1. The unique code will for example be a CRC ("Cyclic Redundancy Check") calculated from the identifier of the mobile terminal, the identifier of the electronic padlock and possibly the identifier of the device to be condemned.

The electronic padlock activates its transmitting module of the unique code Cd1 for the mobile terminal TM1.

The electronic padlock activates its storage module of an image Cd1 'of the unique code transmitted to the mobile terminal TM1.

The CAD electronic padlock activates the EM electromechanical system allowing the closure of the padlock.

The CAD electronic padlock activates the padlock status memory module.

At t ₃ , the mobile terminal TM1 activates its storage module of the unique code Cd1 received. At t ₃ , the electronic padlock is in the closed state.

In the context of the same device logging, a new request to close the electronic padlock can be issued to t ₄ by a second user U2, from a second mobile terminal TM2. The control method then proceeds in the same manner as before (at times t ₅ , t ₆ ). The CAD electronic padlock then stacks the closing requests. Each mobile terminal TM1, TM2 having formulated a request to close the electronic padlock has received a unique code Cd1, Cd2 different. At t ₆ , the lock is closed.

As represented in FIG. 2, at t ₇ , the second user U 2 sends, using his mobile terminal TM 2, a request to open the electronic lock CAD by sending the unique code Cd 2 stored in his memory. At t ₈ , the electronic padlock activates its comparison module to compare the unique code Cd2 received with the image Cd2 'stored. If the two codes are identical, the electronic padlock activates the erasing module of the image Cd2 'of the unique code contained in its memory. The image Cd2 'of the unique code is thus erased. The CAD electronic lock remains closed. It will be opened when it has received two opening requests from the two mobile terminals TM1, TM2 having previously issued a request for closure. As for you, the first user U1 sends with his mobile terminal TM1 an opening request to the electronic padlock CAD and accompanies it with its unique code Cd1. At ₂ , the electronic padlock activates its comparison module to compare the unique code Cd1 received with the image Cd1 'stored. If the two codes are identical, the electronic padlock activates the erasure module of the image Cd1 'of the unique code contained in its memory. The image Cd1 'of the unique code is thus erased. At ₃ , the CAD electronic lock that received two valid opening requests is then opened. At t ₉ , if a user UX sends, from a TMX mobile terminal, a request to open the electronic lock CAD with an invalid unique code, the electronic lock CAD will refuse the opening. At t ₀ , the padlock remains closed.

Preferably, the CAD electronic lock takes into account the profile of the user. If the user is an intervener or an independent logger, the CAD electronic lock removes from his memory the image of the code received during the opening request. On the other hand, if the user is a logger, the erase module erases the unique code only if no closing request from a user under the responsibility of the user is in progress.

The solution of the invention will thus have several advantages, in particular:

Deconsign an electrical appliance in a safe manner. All stakeholders gave permission to the consignor to open the CAD electronic lock. Know the identity of the person who has placed a lock on the lock. The identifier ld _T M of each mobile terminal is stored in the electronic lock CAD.

Know which log file the CAD electronic lock is attached to. The log file is stored in the electronic padlock and / or possibly in the remote server.

Add a single CAD electronic lock for multiple users. Only one location is needed, regardless of the number of users.

Easily transfer deconsignation rights from one user to another.

To be able to find easily a recorded device. The geographical position of the logged electrical device is captured using the geolocation system located in the mobile terminal during the closing request.

Can manage different user profiles with different logging rights.

To be able to warn of the consequences of a deconsignation. The handheld displays the log.

Avoid losing a key to a padlock. The super administrator is still able to unlock a padlock.

To be able to configure the padlock and its logic of logging according to the application to be secured. The super-administrator is able to define the logic of closing and opening the padlock according to various parameters, such as user profiles, the application to secure, ...

Claims

1. Electronic padlock (CAD) for placement on an electrical apparatus, said electronic padlock comprising:

an electromechanical system (EM) powered by a source of energy and able to authorize or prohibit the opening of the electronic padlock,

processing means (CPU1) arranged to handle applications for opening or closing the electronic padlock (CAD) transmitted by said one or more mobile terminals,

a non-volatile memory (M1),

characterized in that the processing means comprises:

a storage module, in the non-volatile memory (M1), closure requests issued by each mobile terminal through the communication link,

a storage module, in the non-volatile memory (M1), of an image of said unique code in connection with the memorized closing request,

a comparison module between the unique code received from a mobile terminal and its image during an opening request issued by said mobile terminal.

2. Electronic padlock according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a module for checking closure requests in progress and an authorization module for opening the electronic padlock, activated by the comparison module if the unique code received. when the opening request is identical to the stored image and if no other closing request is stored.

3. Electronic padlock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the communication interface is wireless and near-field type.

4. Electronic padlock according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the storage module is arranged to store in the non-volatile memory (M1) a unique identifier (ld _A pp) of the electrical apparatus.

5. Electronic padlock according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage module is arranged to store the open or closed state of the electronic lock (CAD).

6. Electronic padlock according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the storage module is arranged for storing in the non-volatile memory (M1) an identifier (\ d _JM ) of each mobile terminal having formulated a request for closure as well as opening and closing rights attached to this user.

7. Electronic padlock according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the storage module is arranged to store in the non-volatile memory information related to a timestamp closing and opening requests.

8. Electronic padlock according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the processing means comprise a module for erasing the image of the unique code of its non-volatile memory (M1) when it validates an opening. upon receipt of an application for opening.

9. Mobile terminal (TM) used to control one or more electronic locks intended to be placed on one or more electrical appliances, at least one electronic lock (CAD) being according to that defined in one of claims 1 to 8, said mobile terminal comprising:

a communication interface for exchanging data through a communication link with each electronic padlock, a non-volatile memory (M2),

processing means (CPU2) arranged to manage the control of each electronic padlock,

characterized in that the processing means (CPU2) comprises:

a transmission module for issuing a closing request through the communication link to at least one electronic padlock among said several electronic padlocks, a memory module, in its non-volatile memory (M2), of a unique code received from the electronic lock in response to the issued closing request,

10. Mobile terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that the communication interface is wireless type and near field type.

1 1. Mobile terminal according to claim 9 or 1 0, characterized in that it comprises an identification module of each electrical device condemned by an electronic lock.

12. Mobile terminal according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the identification module is arranged to read a near field communication electronic label or a barcode.

1 3. Mobile terminal according to one of claims 9 to 1 2, characterized in that the processing means (CPU2) comprise an interface for managing an identifier (ld _A pp) of each electrical device, information on users of the electronic locks on each electrical device, the opening and closing rights of said users, the timestamp of each request for opening or closing.

14. Mobile terminal according to one of claims 9 to 1 3, characterized in that it comprises a communication interface for connecting to a server (S1) remote.

A method of controlling an electronic padlock (CAD), said electronic padlock comprising a wireless communication interface for exchanging data over a wireless link with one or more mobile terminals, said method comprising steps of:

first request to close the electronic padlock (CAD) from a first mobile terminal (TM1),

- issuing by the electronic padlock to the first mobile terminal a first unique code (Cd1) associated with said first request for closing and storing the first unique code (Cd1) in the first mobile terminal (TM1),

second request to close the electronic padlock (CAD) from a second mobile terminal (TM2), transmission by the electronic lock (CAD) to the second mobile terminal (TM2) of a second unique code (Cd2) associated with said second request for closure and storing of the second unique code (Cd2) in the second mobile terminal,

characterized in that the opening of the padlock is subject to recognition by the electronic lock (CAD) of the first unique code (Cd1) issued by the first mobile terminal when requesting the opening of the electronic lock (CAD) and to recognition by the electronic lock of the second unique code (Cd2) issued by the second mobile terminal when requesting the opening of the electronic lock (CAD).