EP3956874B1 - System for managing a plurality of alarmed individual spaces - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of protection and security of individual spaces. The invention relates in particular to a system for managing a plurality of individual spaces under alarm. The invention is particularly applicable, without this being exclusive or limiting, to the field of space management systems or individual storage or warehousing boxes. Such systems are generally intended for the management of buildings comprising hundreds of individual storage spaces or boxes, each of the spaces or boxes being placed under individual alarm. The invention is also applicable, without this being exclusive or limiting, to the field of management systems for individual private safes, or emergency exits, placed under alarm.

The invention also relates to a method for inhibiting the alarm of an individual space under alarm, as well as a computer program product for implementing this method.

State of the art

We know of centralized management systems for individual spaces. Such a centralized management system is for example described in the patent document US 2017/0243416 A1 . The system described in this document is intended for the management of a building comprising several zones or individual rooms. Individual areas can, for example, be lockers in a gym, or individual rooms in a hotel. Each locker or each room is equipped with an electronic lock and an access controller allowing the lock to be unlocked by an individual access card. All electronic locks and access controllers are managed centrally, via a dedicated management center. Such a central unit can thus generate and configure access information intended for access cards.

Furthermore, in the field of protection of individual spaces such as individual storage spaces under alarm, there is a need to be able to automatically disarm the alarm of one of the individual spaces without disarming the alarms of the other individual spaces managed by the same network. This need is all the more crucial as such individual spaces, such as boxes or safes, are generally allocated by name to the general public and/or to particular companies, and it is therefore appropriate to allow flexible management. and individualized arming and disarming of alarms.

On conventional systems of moderate size, typically of the order of ten individual spaces under alarm to manage, known solutions make it possible to meet this need by allowing individual and uncorrelated arming and disarming of alarms. However, these systems known from the prior art do not allow such management in the case of a larger number of individual spaces to manage, typically of the order of a hundred or more individual spaces. This limitation results directly from the intrinsic hardware limitations of such systems, which generally only allow the management of at most eight or even sixteen separate armings and disarmings. However, in the field of individual storage or warehousing space management systems, the number of individual spaces to manage is typically around a hundred. Such systems of the prior art then prove to be completely inoperative and ineffective for the management of alarms relating to such a number of individual spaces.

The document US 6,700,224 discloses the connection of a telephone line to a hotel room telephone when a user inserts their identification card into the room's card reader. If no card is inserted, the telephone line is switched to connect the room's intrusion sensors to a central alarm station.

Summary of the invention

The invention therefore aims to provide a system for managing a plurality of individual spaces under alarm, allowing flexible, individualized and automatic management of the arming and disarming of each alarm without affecting the other alarms of the system, and this without structural limitation in terms of the number of alarms that can be managed.

To this end, the invention relates to a system for managing a plurality of individual spaces under alarm as defined in claim 1.

Thanks to the combined presence of a user central connected to the various access controllers, and alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules connected to the user central, the alarm centrals and the different detection points, the system according to the invention allows flexible and individualized management of the arming and disarming of each alarm without affecting the other alarms of the system. Furthermore, such a configuration offers the advantage of not structurally limiting the number of alarms assigned to individual spaces and which can be managed by the system. This is particularly advantageous in contexts or areas where a large number of individual spaces under alarm have to be managed, such as for example the area of storage or individual warehousing spaces, or even that of the management of individual private safes. .

Each alarm inhibition and disinhibition module is further configured to selectively inhibit and disinhibit the detection point to which it is connected, and to trigger the inhibition of this detection point following identification of a user by the access controller associated with the individual space. This allows, thanks to individual identification of the user via the access controller, to temporarily inhibit the detection point associated with the personal space alarm. In fact, each detection point is in permanent service, and the user of an individual space can temporarily inhibit the associated detection point, via a means of personal identification compatible with the access controller.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, each alarm inhibition and disinhibition module consists of an electrical or electronic circuit.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, each alarm inhibition and disinhibition module comprises memory means and data processing means connected to the memory means, the memory means storing an application comprising program instructions, the data processing means being configured to execute the program instructions of the application.

For this purpose, the invention also relates to a method of inhibiting the alarm of an individual space under alarm, implemented by one of the alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules of the system as described above, the method comprising an initial step of receiving an alarm inhibition trigger signal from the user central, following an identification of 'a user by the access controller associated with the individual space corresponding to the module; and a step of inhibiting the detection point to which the module is connected.

Advantageously, during the initial step of receiving an alarm inhibition trigger signal, predefined time delay data accompanies the signal and is transmitted to said alarm inhibition and disinhibition module by the user center ; and the step of inhibiting the detection point to which the module is connected lasts at least as long as the predefined time delay. This allows, at the end of the predefined delay, automatic reactivation of the detection point associated with the personal space alarm.

According to a particular technical characteristic of the invention, the duration of the predefined time delay is between 0 and 255 minutes.

Advantageously, the method further comprises a step of receiving by the module a confirmation signal for closing the individual space corresponding to the module, which signal comes from the user central unit; and the method further comprises a step of disinhibition of the detection point to which the module is connected, said disinhibition step being carried out when the predefined time delay has expired and the confirmation signal is received. Such a step makes it possible to check the correct closure of the detection point to which the module is connected, before disinhibiting the detection point and thus reactivating the alarm of the individual space. This makes it possible to increase the reliability and responsiveness of the system.

For this purpose, the invention also relates to a computer program product recorded on a computer-readable medium and/or executable by data processing means, and comprising program instructions adapted to implement the steps of the alarm inhibition method as described above, when the program product is executed on a computer or by the data processing means of one of the alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules of the system as described above.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un système de gestion de plusieurs espaces individuels sous alarme selon l'invention, le système comprenant plusieurs modules d'inhibition et de désinhibition d'alarme ; et
• la figure 2 est une représentation schématique d'un des modules d'inhibition et de désinhibition d'alarme, selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention.

The aims, advantages and characteristics of the management system according to the invention will appear better in the following description on the basis of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings in which:

• there figure 1 is a schematic representation of a system for managing several individual spaces under alarm according to the invention, the system comprising several alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules; And
• there figure 2 is a schematic representation of one of the alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

There figure 1 represents a system 1 for managing several individual spaces 2 under alarm. In the particular embodiment illustrated on the figure 1 , seven individual spaces 2 are managed by the system 1. Such individual spaces 2 can be for example, without this being limiting in the context of the present invention, individual storage or storage spaces of the box type, individual private safes, or even emergency exits, placed under alarm. Each user of the system 1 can access, for example via an individual identification means such as an access controller 8a-8g, to one of the individual spaces 2, and only to this space 2.

System 1 includes a set of detection points 4a-4g, at least one alarm center 6a-6c dedicated to detection points 4a-4g, a set of access controllers 8a-8g, and a user center 10. System 1 also includes, for each individual space under alarm 2, an alarm inhibition and disinhibition module 12a-12g. Preferably, the system 1 also includes, for each individual space under alarm 2, a display means 13a-13g of the indicator light type. In the particular embodiment illustrated on the figure 1 , system 1 includes seven detection points 4a-4g, three alarm centers 6a-6c, seven access controllers 8a-8g, seven alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules 12a-12g, and seven means of display 13a-13g.

Each detection point 4a-4g equips one of the individual spaces 2, for alarming this space 2. Each detection point 4a-4g comprises for example, without this being limiting in the context of the present invention, a or several of the following elements taken alone or in combination: an intrusion detector such as an infrared motion detector or broken glass detector, a smoke detector, or even a temperature detector.

The or each alarm center 6a-6c is connected to the detection points of a subset of the set of detection points 4a-4g. For example, in the illustrative example of the figure 1 , a first alarm center 6a is connected to three first detection points 4a-4c, a second alarm center 6b is connected to two other detection points 4d-4e, and a third alarm center 6c is connected to two more 4f-4g detection points. Each 6a-6c alarm center is thus dedicated to the management of a subset of the 4a-4g detection points. It should be noted that in the case of a system 1 managing a small number of individual spaces 2 under alarm, the system 1 only has one alarm center, the latter then being connected to all the points detection.

Each alarm center 6a-6c is in permanent service, that is to say that the individual space(s) 2 associated with a central data 6a-6c are under alarm. In addition to the detection points that it manages, each 6a-6c alarm center can also be connected to external equipment, such as for example remote control or keyboard type controllers, electrical devices managed by home automation, home automation sirens. alert, communication devices such as telephones or data transmitters, computers, as well as wired or non-wired networks such as a local wired network or an Internet network. Such elements, which by no means constitute an exhaustive list, are not represented in the figures for reasons of clarity. Each 6a-6c alarm center is thus configured to receive information from the detection points it manages, as well as from any controllers to manually activate or deactivate an alarm. Each 6a-6c alarm center is also configured to transmit data to different external equipment.

Each access controller 8a-8g is associated with one of the individual spaces 2 and is configured to identify a user of this space 2. Each access controller 8a-8g is connected to the user central 10. Each access controller 8a -8g can also be connected to a device for unlocking the individual space 2 with which it is associated, such a device not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. Each access controller 8a-8g can for example be an individual smart card reader, or even an individual badge reader by magnetic contact, without this being limiting in the context of the present invention.

The user center 10 manages alarm inhibitions and disinhibitions for all detection points 4a-4g. To do this, the user center 10 stores for example a list of correspondence between identifiers associated with access controllers 8a-8g, and identifiers of users authorized to use the individual spaces 2 associated with the access controllers. User center 10 is configured in addition to generate alarm inhibition trigger signals, and confirmation of closing of an individual space, intended for the alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules 12a-12g.

Each alarm inhibition and disinhibition module 12a-12g is connected to the user central 10, and is connected between the detection point 4a-4g equipping the individual space 2 with which it is associated on the one hand, and the alarm center 6a-6c dedicated to this detection point on the other hand. Each module 12a-12g is configured to selectively inhibit and disinhibit the detection point 4a-4g to which it is connected. Each module 12a-12g is further configured to trigger the inhibition of its detection point 4a-4g following identification of a user by the access controller 8a-8g associated with the corresponding individual space 2. Each module 12a-12g can also be configured to trigger the disinhibition of its detection point 4a-4g following the expiration of a predefined delay, which delay is known to the module 12a-12g following receipt of data from time delay transmitted by the user center 10.

According to a first embodiment shown on the figure 1 , each alarm inhibition and disinhibition module 12a-12g consists of an electrical or electronic circuit.

According to a second embodiment shown on the figure 2 , each alarm inhibition and disinhibition module 12a-12g comprises memory means 14 and data processing means 16 connected to the memory means 14. The memory means 14 store an application 18 comprising program instructions. The processing means 16 are configured to execute the application 18. The processing means 16 are for example in the form of one or more processors, dedicated to each module 12a-12g or shared between the modules 12a-12g. The application 18, when executed by the processing means 16, is capable of implementing the alarm inhibition method which will be described subsequently.

Alternatively, the alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules 12a-12g can be produced directly in the form of functionalities implemented by software components, the latter being implemented on independent infrastructures or sharing a single hardware infrastructure . According to this variant, the software components constituting the modules 12a-12g are for example implemented in the memory means of one or more server computer(s).

Each indicator light type display means 13a-13g, which equips one of the individual spaces 2, is connected to one of the alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules 12a-12g. Each alarm inhibition and disinhibition module 12a-12g is for example configured to trigger the lighting of a display means 13a-13g, typically in the form of a colored light signal, simultaneously with the inhibition from its detection point 4a-4g. Each alarm inhibition and disinhibition module 12a-12g is further configured to turn off the corresponding display means 13a-13g, at the end of the predefined time delay and after having received a confirmation signal closing the associated individual space 2.

In the particular embodiment shown on the figure 1 , the data connections between the different elements are made in the form of wired connections. As a variant, the different data links can naturally be produced in any known manner, such as for example in the form of wireless links of the radio link type.

The method of inhibiting the alarm of an individual space 2 according to the invention, implemented by one of the alarm inhibition and disinhibition modules 12a-12g of the management system 1, will now be described. For convenience of description, we will subsequently assume that the module 12a implements the alarm inhibition method according to the invention. It should however be noted that each of the modules 12a-12g is able to implement this alarm inhibition process.

It is assumed that initially a user of the individual space 2 associated with the module 12a identifies himself with the access controller 8a corresponding to this space. It is also assumed that, following this identification of the user by the access controller 8a, the user center 10 verifies the conformity of the user's identity and, if this verification is positive, generates a trigger signal d inhibition of the alarm for this individual space.

The method comprises an initial step during which the module 12a receives the alarm inhibition trigger signal from the user central 10. Preferably, during this initial step, predefined timing data accompanies the signal and is transmitted to the module 12a by the user center 10. The duration of the predefined time delay is typically between 0 and 255 minutes. This duration can be adjustable and pre-configured in the user center 10 for example.

The method comprises a following step during which the module 12a inhibits the detection point 4a to which it is connected, thus causing inhibition of the associated alarm. Detection point 4a is then inhibited but, from the point of view of the alarm center 6a which manages it, this detection point 4a is still in service and operational. Typically, this step of inhibiting the detection point 4a and the associated alarm lasts at least as long as the predefined time delay. The user of individual space 2 can then access this space for this duration, without risking untimely triggering of the associated alarm. Preferably, simultaneously with the inhibition of its detection point 4a, the module 12a triggers the lighting of a display means 13a, typically in the form of a colored light signal, making it possible to visually indicate to the user that its space 2 is free of access.

Preferably, at the end of this step of inhibiting the detection point 4a, and therefore at the end of the expiration of the predefined time delay, the module 12a checks whether it has received from the central users 10 a confirmation signal for closing the associated individual space 2. Such a signal is for example transmitted to the user center 10 by the access controller 8a, and makes it possible to check the correct closing of the individual space 2 and therefore of the associated detection point 4a. If this verification is positive, the module 12a disinhibits the detection point 4a as well as the associated alarm. Otherwise, the module 12a waits for the reception of such a closing confirmation signal of the individual space 2, before disinhibiting the associated detection point 4a. The individual space 2 concerned is then placed under alarm again, and the corresponding detection point 4a is put back into service entirely automatically. Preferably, simultaneously with the disinhibition of its detection point 4a, the module 12a turns off the display means 13a.

• le système permet une gestion souple, individualisée et automatique de l'armement et du désarmement de chaque alarme sans affecter les autres alarmes du système ;
• il n'y a pas de limitation du point de vue du nombre de points de détection pouvant être gérés, et donc du nombre d'alarmes affectées à des espaces individuels, puisque les points de détection sont gérés par une ou plusieurs centrales d'alarme ;
• la gestion des utilisateurs des espaces individuels est facilitée via la présence d'une centrale utilisateurs dédiée et de contrôleurs d'accès connectés à la centrale utilisateurs ;
• le système permet de vérifier la bonne fermeture de chaque point de détection, et, en cas de mauvaise fermeture d'un point de détection, de remettre en service l'alarme associée uniquement après la re-fermeture du point de détection ;
• le système permet une remise en service entièrement automatique de chaque alarme ;
• le système permet une identification individuelle de chaque utilisateur d'un espace individuel donné soit par code ou par tout autre moyen (badge, empreinte iris, etc.).

We can thus see that the management system according to the invention has several advantages, including:

• the system allows flexible, individualized and automatic management of the arming and disarming of each alarm without affecting the other alarms in the system;
• there is no limitation in terms of the number of detection points that can be managed, and therefore the number of alarms assigned to individual spaces, since the detection points are managed by one or more alarm centers ;
• the management of users of individual spaces is facilitated via the presence of a dedicated user center and access controllers connected to the user center;
• the system makes it possible to check the correct closure of each detection point, and, in the event of incorrect closure of a detection point, to reactivate the associated alarm only after re-closing of the detection point;
• the system allows fully automatic reactivation of each alarm;
• the system allows individual identification of each user of a given individual space either by code or by any other means (badge, iris print, etc.).

Claims (8)

1. A system (1) for managing a plurality of alarmed individual spaces (2), the system (1) comprising:

   • a set of detection points (4a-4g) associated with the alarms, each detection point (4a-4g) equipping one of the individual spaces (2);

   • at least one alarm center (6a-6c) dedicated to the detection points (4a-4g), the or each alarm center (6a-6c) being linked to the detection points of a subset of said set of detection points, for the management of said detection points;

   • a set of access controllers (8a-8g), each access controller (8a-8g) being associated with one of the individual spaces (2) and being configured to identify a user of said space (2);

   • a user center (10) to which said access controllers (8a-8g) are connected; and

   • for each alarmed individual space (2), an alarm disabling and re-enabling module (12a-12g) linked to the user center (10) and connected between the or one of the alarm center(s) (6a-6c) and the detection point (4a-4g) equipping said individual space (2),

   characterized in that the user center (10) manages the alarm disabling and re-enabling for all detection point (4a-4g) and in that each alarm disabling and re-enabling module (12a-12g) is configured to selectively disable and re-enable the detection point (4a-4g) to which it is linked, and to trigger the disabling of said detection point (4a-4g) following an identification of a user by the access controller (8a-8g) associated with said individual space (2) and a verification of the identity of an user by the user center (10).
2. The system (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each alarm disabling and re-enabling module (12a-12g) consists of an electrical or electronic circuit.
3. The system (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each alarm disabling and re-enabling module (12a-12g) comprises memory means (14) and data processing means (16) linked to the memory means (14), the memory means (14) storing an application (18) comprising program instructions, the data processing means (16) being configured to execute the program instructions of the application (18).
4. A method for disabling the alarm of an alarmed individual space (2), characterized in that the method is implemented by the components of the system (1) as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein a user center (10) manages the alarm disabling and re-enabling for all detection point (4a-4g), the method comprising an initial step of reception of an alarm disabling triggering signal from the user center (10), following an identification of a user by the access controller (8a-8g) associated with the individual space (2) corresponding to the module (12a-12g) and and a verification of the identity of an user by the user center (10); and a step of disabling of the detection point (4a-4g) to which the module (12a-12g) is linked.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, during the initial step of reception of an alarm disabling triggering signal, a predefined timer datum accompanies the signal and is transmitted to said alarm disabling and re-enabling module by the user center (10), and in that the step of disabling of the detection point (4a-4g) to which the module (12a-12g) is linked lasts for at least the predefined timer time.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the duration of the predefined timer is between 0 and 255 minutes.
7. The method as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the method further comprises a step of reception by the module (12a-12g) of a signal confirming closure of the individual space (2) corresponding to the module (12a-12g), which signal is sent from the user center (10) ; and in that the method further comprises a step of re-enabling of the detection point (4a-4g) to which the module (12a-12g) is linked, said re-enabling step being performed when the predefined timer has elapsed and the confirmation signal is received.
8. A computer program product (18) saved on a computer-readable medium and/or that can be executed by data processing means (16), and comprising program instructions adapted to implement the steps of the alarm disabling method as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, when the program product (18) is executed on a computer or by the data processing means (16) of one of the alarm disabling and re-enabling modules (12a-12g) of the system (1) as claimed in claim 3.

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