EP1400930A1 - Method and device for exchanging information - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for exchanging information between a central information unit (1) and a person or an object by use of short range radio signaling, e.g. Bluetooth (RTM). Accordingly an identification signal is transmitted from a radio module to a receiver unit (4), from where it is transferred to the central information unit, which processes the identification signal and produces an output signal, which is transmitted to an output unit. The invention also relates to a corresponding device for method implementation.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for exchanging Information between a central information unit on the one hand and one Person and / or an object on the other hand.

Methods of the aforementioned type are numerous in the prior art Forms are known and have proven themselves in practice. An example mentioned use case is the exchange of information between one central information unit and a person who has access to one access-protected area searches or the information about this area want to receive.

About people and / or objects, possibly only certain people and / or objects, access to an access-protected area allow, it is known from the prior art, corresponding To use means of identification. For example, from the prior art Technology known magnetic cards, all necessary for identification Save data. This data can be read out by a card reading unit be interpreted. In this way it can be ensured that only actually authorized persons and / or objects have access to a secured Preserved area.

Application examples for the use of magnetic cards as authorization or Identification means are locking and opening systems for doors and gates as well as barriers, for example in parking lots or parking garages. With these Systems are basically given an authorized person or object magnetic card with an access code. For an actual entry in the access-protected area, for example a parking garage, is the card in one to introduce the appropriate reader. Once this is done and a positive one Authorization was recognized by the card reader, the door opens or in Example of the parking garage the barrier. After entering the Access-protected area will be used again for those not authorized to access closed. To now leave the secured area again is in the same way the magnetic card in a corresponding reading unit to enter, whereupon access is released again. This system has also for regular customers or long-term parkers of parking lots and Parking garages proven.

A disadvantage of the system described above, however, is that it is sometimes lengthy and possibly complex handling of the magnetic cards. On the one hand it takes a certain time to have the magnetic card ready, then in introduce the card reader and the processing process of the card reader wait for the barrier to open. When using this Systems in parking lots or in parking garages can combine this time requirement with the for driving up to the barrier and opening the Barrier disadvantageously take time so long that it takes a long time Train queues in front of parking lots or car parks.

Other disadvantages of the magnetic card system, which are not only those described above Use case are based on the fact that the magnetic card with regard to the arrangement of their magnetic strips for reading out the data stored on them Data only in the correct orientation in a corresponding Card reader may be entered. However, if the card has a misalignment of the magnetic stripe, i.e. by 180 ° either around the longitudinal or the transverse axis is twisted into the card reader, so that on cards stored in the magnetic stripe cannot be read in, and consequently access to the secured area remains denied. Only when the right one Card orientation is recognized by the user, the card reader can be successful Read the magnetic stripe on the magnetic card.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for Exchange of information between a central information unit on the one hand and a person and / or an object on the other hand, which is an easy to carry out and fast information exchange enables and also in a simple way in existing ones Communication systems can be integrated inexpensively.

In addition, the invention is intended to be a device for carrying out the method be proposed.

With regard to the method, the solution of the invention is proposed a process for exchanging information between a central Unit of information on the one hand and a person and / or an object on the other hand, when using a short-range radio from a radio module Identification signal to a receiving unit and from there to the Information unit is transmitted, in which the information unit Identification signal processed and an output signal generated, which then on a corresponding output unit is transmitted.

The particular advantage of the method according to the invention lies in its use founded by short-range radio. This is a much easier one and faster information exchange, since it is no longer additional aids such as e.g. Magnetic cards and Magnetic card readers to use.

For a successful implementation of the procedure is first of all from the person and / or to send an identification signal to the object. This is done using of a radio module. The identification signal is received by a Receiving unit that transmits this to an information unit. The Identification signal is unique and unique, so that about this Identification signal a clear assignment can be made. The identification signal transmitted to the information unit is transmitted by this with the Result processed that an output signal is generated, which is then to a corresponding output unit is transmitted.

A transmission unit or alternatively to this can be provided as the output unit a signal processing device. The difference between transmitter unit and Signal processing device consists in the manner in which the Output unit generated output signal of the person and / or the object is presented. The transmitter unit preferably serves one Communication of information, i.e. that generated by the information unit Output signal is by means of the transmitter unit as from the person and / or Object-perceptible information transmitted to the radio module. For example it can be provided that the radio module displays information, for example, a display or the like, with which a visual Information transfer is made possible. It is also conceivable that the radio module has loudspeakers so that acoustic information is conveyed can. Application example for such a method for the exchange of Information is the search for a parking space in a parking garage or on a parking lot. The car park seeker can use his radio module in front of one Driving through the parking lot or parking garage the central information unit contact the car park or car park. This then transmits Information about whether the parking lot or the parking garage is still free Parking lots has and gives path information to find one if necessary such free parking lot.

According to the alternative embodiment, the output unit for the output signal generated by the information unit Signal processing device used. In contrast to the one described above Transmitting unit does not transmit the signal processing device visually or information to be recorded acoustically to the person and / or the object, then rather the transmitted output signal sets into a defined one Work instructions and carries them out. Application example is the Restriction of parking lots or parking garages. A car park seeker drives up to the barrier of the parking garage or the parking lot and over there Radio signal a corresponding identification signal. This is from the Information unit processed and interpreted in such a way that the parking space seeker Seeking access to the parking garage or parking lot. Then the Access barrier to the parking lot or parking garage from the Unit of information controlled by the output signal generated by it and the parking barrier opens, so that those looking for a parking space enter the Parking or the parking garage receives.

In addition to the identification signal, the person and / or the object can also transmit an additional request signal to the information unit. On such a request signal could refer to the example of a parking space or Parking garage the request for valid tariff systems or the like, so that a parking space seeker can achieve three things via his radio module. To a the barrier of the parking lot or parking garage opens and the Those looking for a parking space will therefore receive entry. Furthermore, he gets information transmitted, which concern the finding of the next free parking space. And third, he can provide information about the tariff structure of the parking lot or the Car park are supplied.

Overall, the method according to the invention thus becomes a method for Sharing information is proposed in a very simple way is to be carried out and a quick transfer of information or a quick Exchange of information enables.

According to a particularly advantageous proposal of the method, it is provided a method for exchanging information, in particular for identifying a person and / or an object for access to one access-secured area, in which by means of short-range radio from one Radio module sends an information signal to a fixed in the area of access arranged receiving unit sent and to the information unit is transmitted, the information unit the transmitted information signal checked and gives access if the test is successful.

The transmitted information signal is checked using a Comparison tests between one from the information unit to the pre-stored one Identification and the transmitted information signal, the access is released if identity between the transmitted information signal and the saved identification exists. For this purpose it is first for a successful implementation of an identification process for everyone to be authorized Generate person and / or for each object to be authorized. This Identification is then in the information unit, for example as the central Computer unit is formed, stored. The identification is unique and unambiguous, so that an unambiguous individual assignment is possible via this code can be done. It can be provided that the identification either in an initial registration to be carried out or alternatively for this purpose an identification automatically with the first use, i.e. the first procedure is determined. In this alternative variant finds a registration of the person and / or the object at that moment instead of using the process for the first time and the system using the receives identification signal transmitted by its radio module.

Every identified person and / or identified object is with one Radio module provided that in the event that access to the secured access Is sought, the individually assigned identification to a fixed location in the Area of access arranged receiving unit sends. This sending process can advantageously take place automatically as soon as the radio module in the Area of the receiving unit, for example, an area in the vicinity of 10 m around the receiver unit can be selected.

After receiving the identification signal, the receiving unit transmits this Signal to the information unit. This is then checked in a comparative test the identification signal transmitted by the receiving unit with the previously saved identification. Are the transmitted identification signal and the stored identification identically matches, so the information unit access to the secured area is released.

In an advantageous manner, one difference can be made with the proposed method time-optimized access to the method known from the prior art access-protected area can be realized. Unnecessary queues can thus be avoided.

In particular, the aforementioned method was suitable for use on and off Exits from parking lots and parking garages, as with an identification provided Parker now only with their radio module in the area of the Access to the parking lot or the parking garage arranged reception unit need to retract so that the parking lot or the parking garage the locking barrier automatically opens. Time consuming acts of the Motorists like driving up to the barrier and stopping the vehicle Crank down the window and then insert one Identification cards in a readout unit are thus advantageously dispensed with Completely.

It goes without saying that the method according to the invention is not only for Entry into a secured area but also for leaving same area can be used. Based on the Example of a parking garage, this means that a driver driving the parking garage or the Wishes to leave the parking lot, approaches the exit barrier, this opens automatically as soon as the radio module carried by the driver in the Area of the receiving unit arranged at the exit.

Another advantage of the method according to the invention is the possibility of inexpensive and easy to retrofit already existing opening and closing systems. So only those for Procedure implementation required receiver units in the area of Arrange access as well as in the area of the exit and with communication of the existing opening and closing system. Furthermore is one radio module for each authorized person or object to provide, wherein according to a particular embodiment of the invention, which will be described in more detail below, as radio modules at Existing mobile phones can be used by consumers, so that the additional purchase and provision of a separate radio module eliminated. This results in relation to the retrofitting of the invention Procedure that only corresponding receiver units in the area of Access and exit are to be provided, which is a retrofit very makes inexpensive.

With a retrofit of the method according to the invention, this already becomes existing system is not switched off or deleted without replacement, rather it is possible to run an existing system in parallel with the invention Operate procedures so that an access authorization both after the inventive method as well as according to the existing method can be carried out. Such a combination of existing and new The method is particularly useful when different people and / or Object groups have access to an access-protected area. So For example, in the case of parking lots or car parks, the group of Differentiate individual parkers from the group of permanent or regular parkers. at a combination of the new procedure with one in a parking lot or in a process already installed in a parking garage could be provided To grant individual parkers access via the existing system, permanent or Regular parkers, on the other hand, have the option of simplified access via the Offer methods according to the invention.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that according to a successfully identify a person and / or an object additional Information is transmitted from the information unit to the radio module. For example, additional information can be provided that the access protected area and the access seeker a Help. With regard to a parking lot or a parking garage, such can additional information such as the current parking situation concern the parking lot or in the parking garage, so that in the parking garage Entrants can be informed immediately at which point of the Parking garage or parking lot free parking spaces can be found. Further Information in this context could, for example Location information regarding disabled parking spaces, women's parking spaces or Exits. Additional information is transmitted preferably only at the request of the person and / or the object, so that a Information is only transmitted if this is desired.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the Short-range radio between radio module and receiver unit and / or Sending unit using the Bluetooth standard. The advantage of using it The Bluetooth technology consists in the ability of the radio module to be very fast to establish a connection to the receiver unit, the radio signals Matter such as clothes, bags, glass and the like can penetrate and there is no need for visual contact between the Manufacture radio module and the receiver unit. It is also an advantage that a radio module based on Bluetooth technology has a Bluetooth identification number which is unique and unique and within the framework of the the inventive method can be used as an identification signal can.

Advantageously, existing technical devices that have a radio module based on Bluetooth technology as a radio module can be used for the method according to the invention. To be mentioned in this Connection, for example, devices such as mobile phones, palm pilots, laptops or similar.

For a successful implementation of the method according to the invention is only the Bluetooth identification number of the already in possession User or a user located technical device, for example of a cell phone, to determine and as an identification signal in the central Save information unit. As soon as the user with his as Radio module serving mobile phone in the range according to the If the receiver unit installed according to the method occurs, the opens corresponding door or barrier of a parking lot or one Parking garage. As an alternative to this, provision can also be made for one specifically for the Access to a radio module provided with an access-protected area Provide Bluetooth technology base. This would have the advantage that the Radio module as an invisible door or barrier opener on one for this intended space can be permanently deposited. It could be so offer, for example, such a radio module permanently, for example, in Glove box to deposit a car, so that regardless of the owner or owner of the vehicle retracting the vehicle onto those Parking lots or in those multi-storey car parks that allow the application of the enable method according to the invention.

It can also be advantageously provided that the identification with an assignment to the method according to the invention to go further Information regarding the identified person and / or the identified object is possible. For example, a discount and Tariff system or the like. For example, it can be provided that with the automatic detection of the entrance as well as the exit of one Parking garage or a parking lot calculates the parking time, a previously agreed Tariff assigned and the resulting parking fee is calculated. In Then an automatically carried out periodically Invoices are issued.

With regard to the device is to solve that of the invention underlying task proposed a device for performing of the method, which is characterized by a receiving unit and a relative radio module movable to this receiving unit, the receiving unit and the radio module is connected for communication purposes by means of short-range radio are.

The device according to the invention advantageously consists of only two Components, namely the receiving unit on the one hand and the radio module on the other hand. The receiving unit is arranged in a fixed position. The radio module is carried as a separate component by the user and is thus compared to the Receiver unit relatively movable. The user wants to be in communication contact step with the information unit, he only has his radio module for this serve. The radio module sends a corresponding identification signal or a request signal to the receiving unit. This transmits the received Signals in turn to the information unit that receives the incoming signals processed and a corresponding output signal generated.

According to a special embodiment of the invention, it is proposed a device for performing the method, in particular for Identify a person and / or an object to access access-secured area, which is characterized in that in the area of the Access to the secured area is a fixed one Receiving unit is provided which communicates with a Information unit is connected.

The receiving unit when using Bluetooth technology So-called access point is used to install the invention Device both in the area of access and optionally in Arranged area of the exit. Then there is a communication link between the receiving unit and the existing communication structure manufactured. If this does not yet exist, a corresponding one would be build. Is the connection to the central computer established, i.e. the Information unit, the device according to the invention is ready for use.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that in the area of Access and optionally also in the area of the exit one with the central one Computer unit provided communication unit connected for communication purposes is. This sending unit is used to provide additional information from the central Unit of information to be sent, which the access seeker a possible Help.

According to the invention it is further provided that the radio module has both one Includes transmitter as well as a receiver. This ensures that Radio module not only appropriate radio signals for detection by the Output receiver unit, but also signals of any provided Sending unit can receive. This has to display received messages Radio module in an advantageous manner via a communication unit, preferably a display, which is transmitted by the central information unit displays additional information.

According to a further feature of the device it is provided that the communication connection between the receiving unit and / or the Sending unit on the one hand and the central information unit on the other LAN or a landline is. This type of communication link stands out on the one hand by its reliability, on the other hand by its speed and is therefore in connection with the inventive method in can be used advantageously.

According to a further feature of the device according to the invention Radio module a radio module that complies with the Bluetooth standard. Which resulting advantages in particular with regard to the use of already existing devices as radio modules, e.g. Bluetooth-enabled Cell phones or laptops are already related to that method explained.

Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the description with reference to Figure 1, which shows the application of the The method according to the invention in a parking garage as access-secured Area shows.

An access-secured area 7, as it is, is shown schematically in FIG. 1 for example in a restricted parking garage. The secured access Area 7 borders on one hand on an access area 8 and on the other hand on one Exit area 9 on. For driving into the parking garage, i.e. entering the access-protected area 7 is to be passed through access area 8. On Area 7 is inevitably exited via exit area 9.

In the area of access 8 there is an input card reader 2 for corresponding cards provided with a magnetic stripe. A corresponding one Reader, an output card reader 3 is provided in the exit area 9. The input card reader 2 and the output card reader 3 are over a communication link 6 with a central information unit 1 connected.

To get into the access-protected area 7, go to the Input card reader 2 to enter a corresponding card or one corresponding card can be found. Once this is done, one will have access blocking barrier opened and entry into area 7 enables. at Driving out of area 7 is the card for opening the barrier in the Introduce output area 9 into the output card reader 3.

Furthermore, both in the access area 8 and in the exit area 9 one receiving and one transmitting unit 4 are provided. These are to the Communication link 6 connected.

It is advantageously provided that for communication with the central Information unit 1 a LAN network is provided and the receiving and Transmitter units 4 are designed as so-called Bluetooth LAN access points, the receiving and transmitting unit therefore operate using Bluetooth technology.

1 shows a radio module 5 in the access area 8 as an example. As Radio module 5 can be used, for example, a cell phone. This radio module 5 communicates with the receiving and transmitting unit 4. This communication is indicated by the arrow 10.

As an alternative to the use of the input card and Output card readers 2 and 3 can block the access area 7 Barriers can also be opened or closed by means of the radio module 5. As soon as the radio module 5 enters the access area 8 and thus in Communication range to the receiving and control unit 4 is a Identification signal sent to the receiving and transmitting unit. In the Using Bluetooth technology, this identification signal is preferably the bluetooth identification code, which is both unique and is clear. This Bluetooth identification code serves as an authorization code and is sent via the communication link 6 to the central information unit 1 sent. There is a comparative check with a previous one stored identification. In the case of identity, the central information unit 1 the signal to open the barrier. Otherwise it remains closed.

The process steps described above are carried out in the same way, if the access-protected area 7 leaves via the exit area 9 shall be.

The embodiment described above is only used to explain the Invention and is in no way restrictive.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Information unit

2

Input card reader

3

Output card reader

4

Receiving and sending unit

5

radio module

6

communication link

7

access-protected area

8th

access area

9

output range

10

arrow

Claims (26)

Procedure for the exchange of information between a central Information unit (1) on the one hand and a person and / or an object on the other hand, in which a radio module (5) uses short-range radio an identification signal to a receiving unit (4) and from there to the Information unit (1) is transmitted, in which the information unit (1) processes the identification signal and generates an output signal that is then transmitted to a corresponding output unit. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in addition to the identification signal, a request signal is sent from the radio module (5) to the receiving unit (4) and transmitted to the information unit (1). Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the information unit (1) processes the identification signal and the request signal and generates an output signal which is then transmitted to a corresponding output unit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output signal is output by means of a transmitter unit (4) as the output unit, a corresponding signal being sent to the radio module. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the output signal is output by means of a signal processing device as the output unit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification signal is sent automatically from the radio module (5) to the receiving unit (4) as soon as the radio module (5) is in the area (8) of the receiving unit (4). Procedure for the exchange of information according to one of the previous claims, in particular for identifying a person and / or an object for access to an access-secured Area (7) in which a radio module (5) is used by means of short-range radio Identification signal to a stationary in the area of the access (8) Arranged receiving unit (4) sent and to the information unit (1) is transmitted, the information unit (1) the transmitted Identification signal checked and access if successful releases. Method according to Claim 7, characterized in that the transmitted identification signal is checked by means of a comparison test between an identification previously stored by the information unit (1) and the transmitted identification signal, access being released when the transmitted identification signal and the stored identification are identical. Method according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that this is also carried out when the person and / or the object of the access-protected area (7) is left. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that after successful identification of the person and / or the object, additional information is transmitted from the information unit (1) to the radio module (5). A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the transmission of additional information takes place only on request of the person and / or the object. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the short-range radio between radio module (5) and receiving unit (4) and / or transmitting unit (4) takes place by means of the Bluetooth standard. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by a receiving unit (4) and a radio module (5) movable relative to this receiving unit (4), the receiving unit (4) and the radio module (5) using short-range radio for communication purposes are interconnected. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the receiving unit (4) is connected for communication purposes to the information unit (1), the communication connection being a LAN network and / or a fixed network. Device according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the radio module (5) is a Bluetooth radio module. Device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a transmitter unit (4) and / or a signal processing device are provided as the output unit. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 12, in particular for identifying a person and / or an object for access to an access-protected area, characterized in that in the area of access (8) to the access-protected area (7) there is a fixed arranged receiving unit (4) is provided, which is connected in terms of communication technology to an information unit. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that a stationary receiving unit (4) is provided in the area of the exit (9) for the access-protected area (7) and is connected for communication purposes to a central information unit (1). Device according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that in the area of the access (8) and optionally also in the area of the exit (9) a transmission unit (4) connected to the information unit (1) is provided. Device according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the radio module (5) comprises both a transmitter and a receiver. Device according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the communication connection between the receiving unit (4) and / or the transmitting unit (4) on the one hand and the central computer unit (1) on the other hand is a LAN network or a fixed network. Device according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the radio module (5) is a radio module corresponding to the Bluetooth standard. Device according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the radio module is a separate, portable radio module. Device according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the radio module is connected to a communication unit, preferably a display, which displays the additional information transmitted by the information unit (1). Device according to one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that the receiving unit (4) and the transmitting unit (4) are combined with one another and form a Bluetooth LAN access point. Device according to one of claims 17 to 25, characterized in that the access-protected area (7) is a parking garage or a parking lot.

Images