FR2992342A1 - ELECTRONIC PADLOCK, MOBILE TERMINAL AGENCY FOR CONTROLLING THE ELECTRONIC PADLOCK AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE ELECTRONIC PADLOCK - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic lock (CAD) and a mobile terminal (TM) for controlling the electronic padlock through a wireless link, for example of the NFC type. The electronic lock is used to manage the recording of electrical devices. The invention also relates to the control method used to control the electronic padlock. This control method is used to manage closure requests and requests to open the electronic lock (CAD) from different mobile terminals (TM).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electronic padlock, a mobile terminal for controlling the electronic lock and a method for controlling the padlock. electronic. 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 drawbacks, 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 sufficient number of slots to accommodate all locks, the need to present all logging information related to each device logged, at the risk of not knowing who the people involved in the consignment and why the device has the need for padlock and associated key management, 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. DESCRIPTION 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 adapted to allow or prohibit the opening of the electronic padlock, a communication interface for exchanging data through a communication link with one or more mobile terminals, processing means arranged to handle applications for opening or closing the electronic lock issued by said one or more mobile terminals, a memory non-volatile, 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 generating a different unique code associated with each request memorized closure, a module for transmitting the unique code to the destination mobile terminal having issued the closing request, a storage module in the non-volatile memory of an image of said unique code in connection with the stored closure 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. 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 padlocks intended to be placed on one or more electrical devices, 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 request for closure to through the communication link to at least one electronic padlock among said plurality of electronic padlocks, a memory module, in its non-volatile memory, a unique code received from the electronic padlock in response to the issued closing request, a module for issuing an application for opening, said application for opening 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 closing and storing the first unique code in the first mobile terminal, - second request for closing the electronic lock from a second mobile terminal, - issuing by the electronic lock to the second mobile terminal a second unique code associated with said second closing request and storing the second code unique in the second mobile terminal, the opening of the padlock etan t conditioned to an acknowledgment by the electronic lock of the first unique code issued by the first mobile terminal during a request to open the electronic lock and recognition by the electronic lock of the second unique code issued by the second mobile terminal when the a request to open the electronic padlock. 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 schematically represents a system comprising an electronic padlock and a mobile terminal conforming In the invention, FIG. 2 represents 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 remainder of 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, allowing it to exchange data with a mobile terminal also equipped with a communication interface in the near field, 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 applications for opening or closing the electronic padlock CAD, a non-volatile memory Ml.

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, closing requests issued by each mobile terminal through the wireless link, a module for generating a code unique and single-use (commonly called token), associated with each stored closure request, a single code transmission module for the mobile terminal that has issued the closing request, a storage module, in the non-volatile memory M1, an image of said unique code in connection with the stored closure request, a comparison module between the unique code received from a mobile terminal TM and its image during an opening request issued 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 checking 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 erases a unique code from its memory M1 when it validates an opening after receiving 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 CAD electronic padlock, for example the logic of opening or closing. closure of the lock, the consignor has the rights to manage the conviction of the electrical appliance for a group of stakeholders, the independent consignor has the right to condemn on his own account, the intervener can not condemn the electronic padlock CAD only 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 IdcAD, corresponding for example to its serial number. In use, the electronic padlock CAD is made to store in its non-volatile memory various information, for example: the IdApp identifier of the electrical device logged, the identifier IdTml, ldTM2 of each mobile terminal having sent an order electronic lock, as well as the rights attributed to this identifier, - for a consignor, the list of the persons under his responsibility who have sent a closing order, - the timestamp of closure requests and requests for closure. - opening of the lock, - additional information on the users, - information normally contained in the consignment record, geolocation information of the recorded device. A mobile terminal TM, capable of controlling one or more CAD electronic padlocks through the wireless link in the near field, preferably comprises: a near-field communication interface enabling it to exchange data with the electronic padlock CAD also equipped with a communication interface in the near field, a non-volatile memory M2 storing in particular an IdTm identifier of the mobile terminal TM, processing means CPU2 arranged to control the electronic padlock CAD, a human-machine interface allowing the user to act on the control of the electronic lock. This man-machine interface will for example be a touch screen.

The identifier Idrm 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 of several identifiers. The near-field communication interface of the mobile terminal TM 25 comprises, for example, an antenna ANT2 and an NFC 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 modules necessary to enter and read the information related to the recording of a device made using a CAD electronic lock 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 comprises in particular: a module for transmitting a closing request to the electronic padlock CAD, a module for memorizing the unique code transmitted by the electronic padlock CAD following the issue of a closing request, a module for transmitting an opening request to the CAD electronic padlock, the opening request being accompanied by the unique code stored following the request to close the same CAD padlock, - an open state reading module or closed the CAD electronic 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 padlock CAD managed by the mobile terminal TM, the mobile terminal TM stores in its nonvolatile memory various information, such as the IdApp identifier of the device sentenced by the padlock, the identifier ldcAD of each padlock managed, information related to the consignment of the device, including the name of the consignor and the reasons for the consignment. 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, it 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 51, 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 51 and thus to conserve memory space in the mobile terminal TM, for example for the management of current logging. 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 51.

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

A first user U1, having placed the CAD electronic lock on the device, approaches his mobile terminal TM1 CAD electronic lock to enter the CAD electronic lock in the field of the communication interface in the near field of the mobile terminal TM1. At t1, the first user U1 generates a request to close the lock 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 can also be accompanied by the IdApp identifier 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 CAD padlock that receives the closing request at t2 activates the storage module for the closure request, the identifier of the mobile terminal, the rights of the user and other received information 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 t3, the mobile terminal TM1 activates its storage module for the unique code Cd1 received. At t3, 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 at t4 by a second user U2, from a second mobile terminal TM2. The control method then proceeds in the same manner as before (at times t6, t6). The CAD electronic padlock then stacks the closing requests. Each mobile terminal TM1, TM2 having formulated a request to close the electronic lock has received a unique code Cd1, Cd2 different. At t6, the lock is closed. As shown in FIG. 2, at t7, the second user U2 sends, using his mobile terminal TM2, an opening request to the electronic padlock CAD by sending the unique code Cd2 stored in his memory. At t8, 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 open when it has received two opening requests from the two mobile terminals TM 1, TM2 having previously issued a request for closure. At t11, the first user U1 sends with his mobile terminal TM 1 an opening request to the electronic padlock CAD and accompanies it with its unique code Cd 1. At t12, the electronic padlock activates its comparison module to compare the unique code Cd 1 received with the image Cd 1 'stored. If the two codes are identical, the electronic padlock activates the erasure module of the image Cd 1 'of the unique code contained in its memory. The image Cd 1 'of the unique code is thus erased. At t13, the CAD electronic lock that has received two valid opening requests is then opened. At t6, 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 t10, 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 IdTm 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 (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. Electronic padlock (CAD) intended to be placed on an electrical apparatus, said electronic padlock comprising: an electromechanical system (EM) powered by a power source and able to allow or prohibit the opening of the electronic padlock, a communication interface for exchanging data through a communication link with one or more mobile terminals, processing means (CPU1) arranged to handle requests for opening or closing the electronic lock (CAD) issued by said one or more mobile terminals, a non-volatile memory (M1), characterized in that the processing means comprise: a storage module, in the non-volatile memory (M1), closing requests sent by each mobile terminal through the communication link, a module of generating a different unique code associated with each stored closure request, a module for transmitting the unique code to destination ion of the mobile terminal having issued the closure request, a storage module, in the non-volatile memory (M1), of an image of said unique code in connection with the stored closure request, a comparison module between the unique code received. of 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 (IdApp) of the electrical device. 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 to store in the non-volatile memory (M1) an identifier (IdTm) of each mobile terminal having formulated a request for closure and as opening and closing rights attached to that 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 lock among said several electronic locks, a storage module, in its non-volatile memory (M2), a unique code received from the electronic padlock 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. 10. Mobile terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that the communication interface is wireless type and near field type. 11. Mobile terminal according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises an identification module of each electrical device condemned by an electronic lock. 12. Mobile terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that the identification module is arranged to read a near field communication electronic label or a bar code. 13. Mobile terminal according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the processing means (CPU2) comprise an interface for managing an identifier (IdApp) of each electrical device, information on users of electronic locks. placed 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 13, characterized in that it comprises a communication interface for connecting to a server (Si) 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), transmission by the electronic padlock to the first mobile terminal of a first unique code (Cd1) associated with said first request for closure and storing the first unique code (Cd1) in the first mobile terminal (TM1), the second request to close the electronic padlock (CAD) from a second mobile terminal (TM2), transmission by the electronic padlock (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 terminal mobile device, characterized in that the opening of the padlock is conditioned by a recognition by the electronic lock (CAD) of the first unique code (Cd1) transmitted by the first mobile terminal during a request to open the electronic padlock (CAD) and 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).