Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
  • E05B49/00—Electric permutation locks; Circuits therefor ; Mechanical aspects of electronic locks; Mechanical keys therefor
  • E05B49/002—Keys with mechanical characteristics, e.g. notches, perforations, opaque marks
  • E05B49/006—Keys with mechanical characteristics, e.g. notches, perforations, opaque marks actuating opto-electronic devices
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
  • G02B5/04—Prisms
  • G02B5/045—Prism arrays

Definitions

• the present invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to optical devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an improved apparatus for guiding or directing optical signals and to a locking system mechanism which may employ such an apparatus.
• optical signals It is becoming increasingly common in electronics applications to replace electrical connections between components with optical connections.
• the greatly increased speed at which optical signals can be transmitted means that they can support much higher data and switching rates than conventional electrical signals.
• optical signals do not generate electrical or electromagnetic noise which can distort electrical conductors through cross-talk or other interference. Nor are they susceptible to such noise generated by nearby electrical conductors.
• optical signal communication there are inherent problems involved in the use of optical signal communication and this has thus far limited the spread of this technology.
• One such problem lies in the control and/or directivity of the optical signals. Unlike the use of electrical signals where an air gap may be used as an electrical insulator, air is a good optical conductor and so means must be provided for total control of the light signals.
• optical components are relatively costly to assemble due to the difficulty in aligning the components to the very small tolerances required for effective signal transmission and conduction.
• Optical fibres most commonly consist of a cylindrical glass core which is surrounded by an outer sheath or cladding having a lower refractive index than that of the core.
• Light propagation through the fibre is achieved through the principle of total internal reflection (TIR).
• TIR total internal reflection
• a beam of light is continually reflected back into the core by the cladding so as to be propagated along the length of the fibre.
• Optical fibres often having an overall diameter in the region of around 100- 150 microns, usually exhibit good mechanical flexibility and are able to be bent or twisted to a certain extent without deterioration of the signal.
• the manner in which light is propagated through the optical fibre means that the radius of the bend in the fibre must be relatively high.
• an apparatus for conducting an optical signal comprising a plurality of optically conductive blocks, units or members (hereafter “blocks”), each block cooperating with another to define a pathway for the optical signal in at least two dimensions.
• each block is regular in shape having at least one face or surface which cooperates with that of another block.
• at least one of the blocks comprises a cube having six faces.
• at least one of the blocks is substantially rectangular in shape.
• each of the blocks is substantially identical in size and/or shape.
• the blocks may be arranged in a two- or three-dimensional matrix thereby to form the apparatus.
• At least one of the blocks (which may be referred to as a "thru" block) has two opposing, optically conductive faces (which may be referred to as “active” faces) thereby to define a substantially straight pathway for an optical signal therebetween.
• the remaining face or faces of the block (which may be referred to as “inactive” faces) may be reflective or substantially opaque to reduce or substantially eliminate transmission of the optical signal therethrough.
• At least one of the blocks (which may be referred to as a "corner" block) includes a reflective member for changing the direction of transmission of an optical signal incident thereon.
• the reflective member may comprise a mirror or other reflective surface which may be disposed within the body of the block and inclined relative to one of the faces thereof.
• a mirror is disposed within the block at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the active faces thereof, which active faces are mutually perpendicular.
• the reflective member may be reflective on two opposing sides thereof.
• the corner block may include four active faces for the conduction of two optically isolated signals therethrough, each optical signal being turned through approximately 90°.
• a thru block there may be two active faces which are plane parallel.
• a corner block there may be two active faces which are orthogonal.
• At least one of the blocks (which may be referred to as a "dead" block) is substantially optically non-conductive and may be employed to terminate one or more optical pathways within the apparatus or to optically isolate optical signals within the apparatus.
• the or each thru and corner blocks may be formed from any suitable material including: polyurea, urea formaldehyde, polymethylacrylate, polystyrene, CD grade polycarbonate, conventional or optical grade glass, all of which may have appropriate mechanical and/or optical properties.
• the or each dead block may be formed from a substantially opaque material.
• a locking mechanism for a door, window or the like comprising a lock barrel and a key adapted for insertion into the barrel, at least one of the lock barrel and the key including an apparatus as described in the preceding paragraphs.
• a locking mechanism for a door, window or the like comprising a barrel having a passage or keyway disposed therein, a key arranged for insertion into the passage or keyway, one or more light sources for generating and transmitting an optical signal and one or more receivers for receiving the or each optical signal, wherein the key includes a plurality of optically conductive units arranged substantially regularly therein for optically coupling the light sources and the receivers thereby to operate the locking mechanism.
• Figure 1 illustrates a known optoelectronic locking system requiring the use of an optical guide arrangement
• Figure 2 illustrates a key for use with the system of Figure 2
• FIG 3 illustrates a first form of apparatus embodying the invention suitable for use with the system of Figure 1;
• Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a first type of block which may be employed by the apparatus of Figure 3;
• Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a second type of block which may be employed by the apparatus of Figure 3;
• Figures 6a - 6c illustrate a second form of apparatus embodying the invention suitable for use with the system of Figure 1.
• the device 10 is a security system in the form of an optoelectronic locking mechanism which is described in co-pending patent application number EP01921592.0 (Publication No. EP1272721), the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
• the system 10 is intended mainly for locking and unlocking the doors of vehicles such as cars, vans or the like, although it can be used for substantially any application in which a locking function is required.
• the system 10 includes a barrel 12 and a key 14, the key 14 having a handle portion 15 and a shank 16.
• the bore of the barrel 12 and the shank 16 of the key 14 have substantially identical cross-sections so that the key may be inserted therein.
• the shank 16 of the key 14, which is best illustrated in Figure 2 is cross-shaped along its length and comprises four orthogonal arms or ridges 18a - 18d.
• each ridge Disposed along the three faces of each ridge is a plurality of apertures 20.
• Each of the apertures 20 is connected to another aperture by means of a fibre optic link (not shown) running within the shank 16 of the key 14. Because of the flexibility of the optical fibres, any two apertures 20 can be linked together providing a large number of permutations of the key.
• a plurality of apertures 22 are disposed within the barrel 12 and correspond in number and position to the apertures 20 disposed on the shank 16 of the key 14.
• Each of the apertures 22 in the barrel 12 is optically connected either to a transmission circuit 40 or to a receiver circuit 50.
• the transmission circuit 40 includes a plurality of light sources, such as LED's or the like, and is operable to activate the light sources to generate a plurality of light signals, each of which is transmitted to one of the apertures 22 in the barrel 12 via a respective optical conductor such as a fibre optic 24.
• the receiver circuit 50 includes a plurality of sensors operable to detect light signals.
• the sensors are connected to the apertures 22 in the barrel 12 by means of further optical conductors such as optical fibres 26.
• the receiver circuit 50 is connected to a control circuit which is additionally connected to the lock actuator 70 of the vehicle door.
• Insertion of the key 14 in the barrel 12 causes the apertures 20 in the shank 16 of the key to be aligned with the apertures 22 in the barrel 12 such that a continuous transmission path is provided between the transmission circuitry 40, through the key 14, to the receiver circuitry 50.
• the locking mechanism provides a unique "combination” wherein only one key having a specific arrangement of apertures 20 is correctly able to "fit" the lock.
• the apparatus 100 is suitable for conducting one or more optical signals, such as visible, IR or UV light signals, in one, two or three dimensions and is therefore suitable for use in the key 14 of the apparatus described above.
• optical signals such as visible, IR or UV light signals
• the apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of discrete, multi-sided, optically transmissive bodies 102 arranged in a three-dimensional matrix 104.
• each body 102 takes the form of a block or cube having six generally planar sides or faces of substantially equal dimensions.
• the matrix 104 consists of a regular arrangement of blocks 102, each of which is positioned with at least one face thereof adjacent to or in abutment with a corresponding face of another block.
• the matrix 104 consists of twenty seven blocks 102 arranged in a 3 x 3 x 3 lattice structure.
• the blocks 102 are held together by support means in the form of a plurality of pins 106 which locate between the blocks and define a cage arrangement.
• the apparatus 100 may include any desired number of blocks 102 arranged in any desired shape or configuration, which may depend on the purpose for which the apparatus 100 is intended.
• the matrix 204 of blocks 202 may be elongate and cross-shaped in section so as to conform to the shape of the shank 16.
• Each block 102 is optically conductive or transmissive, being either fully or partially transparent.
• each block 102 is formed from a translucent or transparent plastics-based material.
• an optical signal that is transmitted into an outer one of the blocks 202 will be conducted through the matrix 204 in a substantially straight line as though the matrix were formed from a single block.
• FIG. 4a this is a perspective view of a first type of block 110.
• the block 110 comprises a regular, transparent or translucent cube having six faces HOa - HOf of substantially equal surface area.
• the refractive index of the cube HO is substantially uniform throughout such that an optical signal S directed into one face, for example face 110a, of the cube is conducted through the material without significant deviation and exits from the opposite side of the block, through face 11 Oe in this example, at approximately the same angle of incidence. It will be understood, therefore, that the thru block functions in a manner similar to an air gap.
• the faces HOa, HOe through which the optical signal S enters and exits the block are termed “active" faces.
• the remaining faces, HOb, c, d, f are referred to as “inactive” faces since the optical signal S does not, in normal use, pass therethrough.
• Figure 4b illustrates this block in front elevation.
• Figure 5a is a perspective view of a second type of block 120.
• This block is referred to as a "corner" block and is similar or substantially identical in size and shape to the thru block described above.
• the block 120 is cuboid in shape, formed from a generally transparent material and has six substantially equal faces 120a - 12Of.
• the block 120 is adapted to change the direction of optical signals transmitted into the block by up to 90°.
• the active faces 120a, 120c of the corner block 120 are mutually orthogonal.
• the block 120 includes a beam directing element in the form of a reflective member 122 which is disposed within the block 120 and is oriented at an angle of approximately 45° to the active faces 120a, 120c of the block.
• the block is formed from two right-angled prisms 121a, 121b.
• the first prism 121a is triangular in cross section and includes the active faces 120a, 120c, which are generally square and oriented perpendicularly to one another, a third surface (not labelled) representing the hypotenuse of the prism and two triangular side faces which form substantially half of the side faces 120b, 12Od of the block 120.
• the second prism 121b is similar in shape to the first prism 121a but this time includes the inactive faces 12Oe, 12Of, an hypotenuse surface and two side surfaces which again form substantially half of the side faces 120b, 12Od of the block 120.
• the two prisms 121a, 121b are joined or coupled together at their hypotenuse surfaces, for example by means of an adhesive or a mechanical joint.
• the reflective member 122 is disposed at the interface between the prisms 121a, 121b and, in one embodiment, is formed by coating the hypotenuse face of the first prism 121a with a metallic or otherwise reflective material.
• An optical signal S transmitted into the block 120 through the active face 120a is reflected by the reflective member 122 and turned through 90° in order to exit the block through the other active face 120c.
• the corner block can be used to deflect an optical signal through a right angle, thereby defining an optical path in at least two dimensions.
• the second prism 121b is formed from a metal, chromic or other reflective material, rather than from the translucent material from which the first prism 121a is formed. This may facilitate manufacture of the corner blocks since the number of component parts is reduced, the second prism 121b itself forming the reflective member 122.
• such a corner block may be formed by extruding a length of transparent material which is triangular in cross section and adhering or otherwise fixing it to a similarly shaped length of the reflective material to form a single, square-section bar.
• the conjoined extrusions can then be cut or diced to the desired length in order to form the corner blocks.
• the two types of blocks 110, 120 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 can be coupled together, for example in the form of a matrix 104 described with reference to Figure 3, to create a modular apparatus for guiding or directing an optical signal.
• a sequence of adjacent blocks can be arranged define a one-, two- or three-dimensional optical pathway wherein an optical signal input to the apparatus through the active face of a first one of the blocks can be transmitted or conducted through the structure and exit through the active face of a different block, for example in a different direction and/or in different plane.
• this is achieved by covering the "inactive" faces of each block with an opaque or reflective coating to prevent light being transmitted therethrough.
• an opaque or reflective coating for example, referring back to Figure 4b, which illustrates the thru block 110 in front elevation, the inactive faces 110b, c, d, f are covered by a reflective or substantially opaque coating which hinders or prevents light being transmitted through these faces.
• the inactive faces of the corner block 120 can be coated in a similar manner.
• the inactive faces of the blocks are clad in a material having a lower refractive index to the material forming the body proper of the block.
• signal propagation through the block may be achieved by the principle of total internal reflection in a manner similar to a conventional optical fibre.
• a third type of block (not shown) is employed.
• This third type of block is referred to as a "dead" block and comprises a cube, of similar dimensions to the thru and corner blocks 110, 120, formed from an optically non-conductive material such as opaque plastic.
• Figures 6a - 6c these illustrate an apparatus 214 which is suitable for use in the key 14 of the optoelectronic locking system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and which incorporates a modular structure embodying the present invention.
• Figure 6a is a cross section through the apparatus 214 in the Y-Z plane
• Figure 6b is a cross section through the apparatus 214 in the X-Y plane
• Figure 6c is a cross section through the apparatus 214 in the X-Z plane.
• the apparatus 214 consists of a three-dimensional matrix 214 of blocks which, in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 6a - 6c, are arranged to conform to the shape of the shank 16 of the key 14 shown in Figure 2.
• the cross section of the matrix 214 is in the shape of a cross.
• the matrix 214 defines a plurality of individual optical pathways extending therethrough such that the ends of each optical pathway correspond to one of the apertures or windows 20 in the shank housing 18 of the key 14.
• a light beam or other optical signal transmitted into a pathway through one of the apertures 20 in the shank housing 18, is conducted through the pathway and exits the housing through another window 20.
• an exemplary optical signal denoted by the arrowed line S, is shown being transmitted along an optical pathway defined by the blocks within the apparatus 214.
• the optical signal S is shown entering the apparatus through an active face of a thru block Tl and exiting the key through an active face of another thru block T6.
• the pathway through which the optical signal is conducted is represented by the following sequence of blocks: Thru block Tl, corner block Cl which turns the signal through 90° in the X-Z plane, thru block T2, thru block T3, corner block C2 which turns the signal through 90° in the X-Y plane, thru block T4, corner block C3 which turns the signal through 90° in the Y-Z plane, thru block T5 and thru block T6.
• the apparatus 214 is capable of defining an almost unlimited number of other pathways by suitably arranging the thru and corner blocks.
• the number of possible pathways depends only on the number of blocks used in the matrix 214 and the shape thereof.
• the key 214 is thus able to function in substantially the same manner as the key 14 in the locking system of Figures 1 and 2. It is envisaged that, where used in a key similar to that shown in Figure 2, the matrix 214 may be assembled prior to insertion into the shank housing 18 or, alternatively, that the blocks may be inserted or dropped individually, in clusters or in layers into the shank housing 18 thereby to form the matrix once all blocks have been inserted.
• the size and number of blocks used in the matrix structure can be selected as desired.
• the shape of the structure will depend to a large extent on the application to which it is to be put.
• the matrix structure is a simple cube.
• the matrix defines a shape corresponding to the interior of the key shank housing. Nevertheless, any desired shape may be employed in dependence on the application.
• each block may have sides of between 0.5 and 10mm in length, with preferred sizes for cubic blocks being approximately 1 — 2mm.
• block as used herein is not intended to be limiting in any way and it is envisaged that each block may be of any desired shape which permits a regular arrangement thereof to be constructed or which allows two such blocks to cooperate to form an optical path in at least two dimensions.
• each block may be in the form of a sphere, spheroid, prism, cone, pyramid or any other three-dimensional shape which permits a regular arrangement or matrix to be assembled.
• the blocks may be formed from any suitably transparent or translucent material.
• the material may be selected for their transparency at the wavelengths of the optical signals.
• the material used may be selected from, amongst others, polyurea, urea formaldehyde, polymethylacrylate, polystyrene or CD grade polycarbonate. Such materials are easy to manipulate and are suitable for injection moulding, permitting low cost fabrication to very high tolerances.
• conventional or optical grade glass, such as BK7 may be used.
• the refractive index of the material may be selected as desired but in one embodiment is between 1.54 — 1.58.
• the propagation of optical signals along the optical pathways may be controlled and/or manipulated through the use of so-called channel-drop filters which are arranged to permit transmission only of optical signals having a specified range of wavelengths.
• channel-drop filters which are arranged to permit transmission only of optical signals having a specified range of wavelengths.
• blocks may be provided which permit transmission only of signals at infrared wavelengths.
• Such channel drop filters may be formed by providing relevant blocks with a coating which is transparent only to light at the desired wavelengths.
• each individual block may be adapted to conduct two or more individual signals.
• the reflective element 122 may be reflective on both faces thereof such that a first optical signal entering the block through the face 120a will be reflected through 90° to exit the block through face 120c (and vice versa) whilst a second optical signal entering the block through the face 12Oe will be reflected through 90° to exit the block through face 12Of (and vice versa).
• the two signals will be optically isolated from each other by virtue of the reflectivity/opacity of the reflective element 122.
• each block contains or encapsulates an optical fibre or other optical conductor in order to conduct optical signals therethrough.
• the optical conductor comprises a through-bore or air core which may be used for transmission of the optical signal through the block.
• the encapsulated conductor could be a relatively linear or straight conductor for the purposes of a thru block or could be curved for the purposes of a corner block.
• the body proper of the block since the body proper of the block is not needed as a conductor, it may not be necessary to form the block from transparent or translucent material.
• Mirrors or other optical devices may also be embedded within the blocks which, being highly accurate and uniform elements, serve to create a modular structure permitting a substantially infinite number of variations thereof.
• any gaps formed between the blocks could be filled with index matching fluid where desired or UV curable adhesive resin.
• the blocks can be used to form a three-dimensional structure of substantially any desired shape.
• the structure defined by the arrangement of blocks is generally cross-shaped, as dictated by the shape of the key housing within which the blocks are disposed.
• the blocks are held together by the pins 106 and hence define a substantially cubic matrix.
• each block may be provided with means permitting it to interlock with one or more other blocks, in various orientations, so that a structure of substantially any desired shape can be constructed.
• at least one face of a first block may be provided with a male interlocking part, such as a protruding pin or plug, which is adapted to engage with a corresponding female interlocking part, such as a hole or socket, formed in a face of a second block so as to secure the blocks together.
• each block may include a male interlocking part on one face thereof and a female interlocking part on another, possibly opposing, face thereof.
• the blocks may be interlocked to form a substantially self-supporting, three-dimensional structure of any desired shape, significantly increasing the range of applications for the apparatus.
• the blocks may be surrounded by a protective sheath which may be flexible and "shrink wrapped" around the three- dimensional structure of blocks.
• the above described aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for conducting and/or guiding one or more optical signals which is simple to manufacture, easy to assemble and which provides a large number of optical pathways with almost infinite variation. It will be appreciated that the present invention provides an apparatus for conducting and/or guiding one or more optical signals which is simple to manufacture, easy to assemble and which provides a large number of optical pathways with almost infinite variation.
• the present application describes the invention in the context of a locking system, no limitation is intended by this and it is envisaged that the apparatus may be employed in substantially any application in which one or more optical signals are required to be conducted between two or more locations. It is particularly envisaged that matrices of blocks of the type described above may eventually replace optical fibres in optical or optoelectronic systems of any kind.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
• Optical Elements Other Than Lenses (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

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• 2006
  • 2006-03-20 EP EP06726446A patent/EP1866675A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2006-03-20 WO PCT/GB2006/001011 patent/WO2006097763A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2006-03-20 JP JP2008501423A patent/JP2008536025A/ja active Pending

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