Background Art The present invention relates to a door access control method and device using fingerprint, in which a passer's password and fingerprint are recognized in opening the door automatically.

Everyone has a different fingerprint on the bottom of the end of a finger.

The fingerprint remains unchanged through life and makes each person different or recognizable.

There are various door access control devices known to have the door open only to authorized persons based on their fingerprints.

Such door access control devices are usually provided on the outdoor side to recognize the fingerprint of a passer and automatically open the door only to an authorized person.

However, the related art door access control devices, provided on the outdoor side to control the opening of the door with a fingerprint recognizer located on the outdoor side, have a problem in that an authorized person can open the door by disassembling the outdoor access control device and manipulating it.

Disclosure of Invention Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a door access

control method and device using a fingerprint in which an outdoor unit provided on the outdoor side recognizes a passer's fingerprint or password and sends a door opening signal to an indoor unit provided on the indoor side when the recognized fingerprint or password is an authorized person's lest that an unauthorized person should be allowed to open the door by disassembling the outdoor unit and manipulating the disassembled outdoor unit.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a door access control method and device using a fingerprint in which a single indoor unit connected to a plurality of outdoor units controls opening of a plurality of doors based on the signals received from the plural outdoor units.

It is further another object of the present invention to provide a door access control method and device using a fingerprint in which a plurality of indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit control opening of a single door based on the signal received from the outdoor unit.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a door access control method and device using a fingerprint in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to a plurality of outdoor units and one of the plural indoor units controls opening of a plurality of doors based on the signals received from the plural outdoor units.

It is still further another object of the present invention to provide a door access control method and device using a fingerprint, which stores the video of a passer and accurately identifies the passer based on the stored video when the passer attempts to open the door in an unauthorized way.

It is still further another object of the present invention to provide a door access control method and device using a fingerprint, which is in communication with a commercially available burglar alarm device to prevent the access of an unauthorized person, generate an alarm and informing a master/sub master that there is an invading unauthorized person.

To achieve the above object, there is provided a door access control method and device that has at least one outdoor unit provided in the exterior side of each door and at least one indoor unit integrally associated with the outdoor unit and provided in the interior side of the door and/or in an access control site, the outdoor unit preliminarily storing the ID numbers and the fingerprints of a master, a sub master and other authorized persons, comparing the ID number and the fingerprint of a passer with the stored ID number and fingerprints in order to determine whether the passer is the master, the sub master or an authorized person, and sending the opening signal to the indoor unit when the passer is verified as an authorized person, then the indoor unit opening the door as requested by the outdoor unit, as a result of which the indoor unit will not allow the door open to an unauthorized person who attempts to open the door by disassembling the outdoor unit.

The door access control method and device of the present invention also stores the video information about the unauthorized person for using purpose in the later identification of a suspect, thereby assisting scientific investigation.

Furthermore, the door access control method and device automatically informs the managers of an emergent situation in communication with a burglar alarm device and provides initial repression of a criminal, for example, by spouting a gas.

Brief Description of Drawings The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together will the description serve to explain the principles of the invention: In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a door access control device in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the door access control device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating still another embodiment of the door access control device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating still further another embodiment of the door access control device in accordance with the present invention; Figs. 5 to 16 are signal flowcharts showing the operation of an outdoor unit in a door access control method of the present invention, wherein Fig. 5 is a signal flowchart showing a main routine of the outdoor unit, Fig. 6 is a signal flowchart showing the master registration routine shown in Fig. 5, Fig. 7 is a signal flowchart showing the data processing routine of the outdoor unit shown in Fig. 5, Fig. 8 is a signal flowchart showing the key signal processing routine of the outdoor unit shown in Fig. 5, Fig. 9 is a signal flowchart showing the sub master registration routine shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 10 is a signal flowchart showing the master transfer routine of the master shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 11 is a signal flowchart showing the password change routine shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 12 is a signal flowchart showing the normal passer registration routine shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 13 is a signal flowchart showing the normal passer deletion routine shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 14 is a signal flowchart showing the door opening routine 1 shown in Fig. 8, Fig. 15 is a signal flowchart showing the door opening routine 2 shown in Fig. 8, and Fig. 16 is a signal flowchart showing the conversation routine of the outdoor unit

shown in Fig. 8; and Figs. 17 to 19 are signal flowcharts showing the operation of an indoor unit in the door access control method of the present invention, wherein Fig. 17 is a signal flowchart showing a main routine of the indoor unit, Fig. 18 is a signal flowchart showing the key signal processing routine of the indoor unit shown in Fig. 17, and Fig. 19 is a signal flowchart showing the data processing routine of the indoor unit shown in Fig. 17.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a door access control device using fingerprints in accordance with the present invention.

As illustrated in the figure, the door access control device of the present invention includes an outdoor unit 100 provided in the exterior side of the door for storing the fingerprints and the identification (ID) numbers of the individual authorized persons, sending a door opening signal when a passer inputs the same password or fingerprint as the previously stored password or fingerprint, and simultaneously, photographing a video of the passer and providing communication with the passer via an interphone; and an indoor unit 200 provided in the interior side of the door for opening the door as requested by the outdoor unit, providing communication with the passer via the video interphone, and storing and outputting video information about the passer or generating an alarm upon detection of an unauthorized passer.

The outdoor unit 100 includes an outdoor microprocessor 102 for controlling the outdoor unit 100 to store the passwords and the fingerprints of the individual authorized persons, send the opening signal to the indoor unit 200 when the passer is verified as an

authorized person from his fingerprint, photographing the passer and activating an interphone function to bring the outdoor unit 100 in communication with the indoor unit 200 via a video interphone; a video camera 104 operated under the control of the outdoor microprocessor 102 to photograph the passer; an outdoor ID determiner 106 for determining the ID number of the outdoor unit 100 and sending the determined ID number to the outdoor microprocessor 102; a fingerprint detector 108 for detecting the input fingerprint and sending the detection results to the outdoor microprocessor 102; a key input 110 for sending a key signal input by the passer to the outdoor microprocessor 102; a memory 112 for storing and outputting the passer's fingerprint and password and the ID number of the outdoor unit 100 under the control of the outdoor microprocessor 102; a microphone 114 for receiving a voice signal of the passer; a voice synthesizer 116 for synthesizing and outputting a predefined information voice signal under the control of the outdoor microprocessor 102; and an amplifier 118 operated under the control of the outdoor microprocessor 102 for amplifying the voice signals from the microphone 114, the voice synthesizer 116 and the indoor unit 200 and sending the amplified voice signals to a speaker 120.

The indoor unit 200 includes an indoor microprocessor 202 for controlling the indoor unit 200 to open the door as requested by the outdoor microprocessor 102 of the outdoor 100, generate an alarm upon detection of an unauthorized passer, display a video signal received from the video camera 104, activate a video interphone function for communication with the outdoor unit 100, and generate a burglar alarm in the presence of an unauthorized passer; a video compression storage/reproducer 204 for compressing the video signal received from the video camera 104 and storing and outputting the compressed video signal under the control of the indoor microprocessor 202; a switch 206 for selectively outputting the video signals from the video camera 104 and the video compression storage/reproducer 204 under the control of the indoor microprocessor 202; a video display 208 operated under the control of the indoor microprocessor 202 to display

the video signals selectively output by the switch 206; a burglar alarm device 210 operated under the control of the indoor microprocessor 202 to generate an alarm sound, activate an alarm lamp, spout a gas and inform an exterior part that an unauthorized person has attempted to open the door; an indoor ID determiner 212 composed of a dip switch for determining an ID number of the indoor unit 200 and sending the determined ID number to the indoor microprocessor 202; an alarm part 214 for generating an alarm sound under the control of the indoor microprocessor 202; a burglar sensor 216 for detecting an unauthorized passer. and sending the detection signal to the indoor microprocessor 202; a door lock part 218 for opening the door under the control of the indoor microprocessor 202; a door lock sensor 220 for detecting the door lock status of the door lock part 218 and sending the detected door lock status to the indoor microprocessor 202; a key input 222 for sending an operational instruction input by an indoor resident to the indoor microprocessor 202; a microphone 224 for receiving the voice signal of the indoor resident ; and an amplifier 226 operated under the control of the indoor microprocessor 202 for amplifying the output voice signals from the microphone 224 and the outdoor unit 100 and sending the amplified voice signals to a speaker 228.

The door access control device of the present invention with such a construction causes a master to input his password and fingerprint through the key input 110 and the fingerprint detector 108 of the outdoor unit 100, and the outdoor microprocessor 102 to store the master's password and fingerprint in the memory 112 and register the master.

The outdoor microprocessor 102 also registers a sub master who will take the place of the master in charge of the door access control in the master's absence, and other authorized persons.

To register a sub master, the master first operates the key input to inform about the registration of the sub master and input his fingerprint and then the sub master's password and fingerprint. The outdoor microprocessor 102 stores the sub master's password and fingerprint in the memory 112 and terminates registration of the sub master.

To register a normal passer, the master/sub master first operates the key input 110 to inform about the registration of the normal passer and inputs his fingerprint and then the normal passer's ID number and fingerprint. The outdoor microprocessor 102 stores the normal passer's ID number and fingerprint in the memory 112 and terminates registration of the normal passer.

With the master, the sub master and the normal passer registered, upon detection of the master/sub master's password input via the key input 110 or a normal passer's fingerprint via the fingerprint detector 108, the outdoor microprocessor 102 compares the password and the fingerprint with those stored in the memory 112 to determine whether the passer is an authorized person, and sends a door opening signal to the indoor unit 200 when the passer is verified as an authorized person.

On receiving the door opening signal from the outdoor microprocessor 102, the indoor microprocessor 202 of the indoor unit 200 controls the door lock part 218 to open the door and sends to the outdoor unit 100 a signal indicating that the door is open.

Upon registering the master, the sub master or the normal passer, or receiving from the indoor unit 200 the signal indicating that the door is open, the voice synthesizer 116 of the outdoor unit 100 outputs a defined information voice signal, which is amplified at the amplifier 118 and sent to the speaker 120, under the control of the outdoor microprocessor 102.

If a passer selects a call key of the key input 110, the outdoor microprocessor 102 informs the indoor unit 200 that there is a passer, and operates the video camera 104 to generate a video signal of the passer and send the generated video signal to the indoor unit 200. Then, the indoor microprocessor 202 of the indoor unit 200 activates the alarm part 214 to generate an alarm indicating the presence of a passer and operates the video display 208 to display the video signal of the passer received from the video camera 104 so that an indoor resident can verify the passer. After an elapse of a predetermined period of time, the indoor microprocessor 202 controls the video compression storage/reproducer

204 to store the video information of the passer generated at the video camera 104.

The video compression storage/reproducer 204 is a commercially available device that compresses the video of the passer photographed by the video camera 104 and stores and outputs the compressed video in a first in first out manner by about eight or twenty cuts according to the full color or monochromic film under the control of the indoor microprocessor 202.

As such, when the indoor resident selects a call key on the key input 222, the indoor microprocessor 202 operates the amplifier 226 and simultaneously calls the outdoor unit 100 to have the outdoor microprocessor 102 operate the amplifier 118 and be in interphone-mediated communication.

That is, the voice signal of the indoor resident is output to the speaker 120 sequentially via the microphone 224 and the amplifiers 226 and 118, the voice signal of the passer being output to the speaker 228 via the microphone and the amplifiers 118 and 226 in sequence, so that the indoor resident can have a conversation with the passer via the interphone.

If the indoor resident manipulates the key input 22 to raise a burglar alarm, the indoor microprocessor 202 determines from the output signal of the burglar sensor 216 whether there is an invading unauthorized passer. Upon detection of such an unauthorized passer, the indoor microprocessor 202 activates both the alarm part 214 and the burglar alarm device 210.

The burglar alarm device 210 is a commercially available device that, in a case where the indoor microprocessor 202 detects an invading unauthorized passer, operates a red flashing lamp, calls the master and/or the sub master to the telephone to inform the presence of the unauthorized invader, and spouts out a gas to the invader.

The door access control device of the present invention may have a plurality of outdoor units 100 and a plurality of indoor units 200.

For examples, the indoor unit 200 may be connected to the outdoor unit 100 on a

one-to-one basis to control one door at the same site as illustrated in Fig. 1; or a single indoor unit 200 may be connected to a plurality of outdoor units 100 to control a plurality of doors based on the signal of the plural outdoor units 100, as illustrated in Fig. 2; or a plurality of indoor units 200 may be connected to a single outdoor unit 100 to control one door based on the signal of the outdoor unit 100, as illustrated in Fig. 3; or a plurality of indoor units 200 may be connected to a plurality of outdoor units 100, as illustrated in Fig.

4, such that selected one of the plural indoor units 200 controls a plurality of doors based on the signal of the plural outdoor units 100.

A description will now be given to a door access control method of the present invention adapted to the above-structured door access control device with reference to Figs. 5 to 19.

Fig. 5 is a signal flowchart showing a main routine of the outdoor unit 100.

As shown in the figure, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs an initialization in step S101 and determines in step S102 whether a master is registered. If the master is not registered, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs a master registration routine that will be described later, to register the master, in step S 103.

With the master registered, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S 104 whether defined data are received from the indoor unit 200, and upon receipt of such data, performs a data processing routine of the outdoor unit that will be described later, to perform a defined operation based on the received data in step S105.

If there is no data received from the indoor unit 200, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S106 whether a defined key signal is received from the key input 222, and upon receipt of the key signal, performs the data processing routine of the outdoor unit that will be described later, to perform a defined operation based on the received key signal, in step S 107.

The master registration routine of step S103 is designating a master who will manage the door access control device. In the master registration routine as shown in Fig.

6, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S I I I whether a key signal is received from the key input 110, and upon receipt of such a key signal, determines in step S112 whether the received key signal indicates predefined key selection for master registration, i. e.,"#"and"0"in sequence.

If the key signal indicates the predefined master registration key input, the outdoor microprocessor 102 controls both the amplifier 118 and the voice synthesizer 116 in step S113, i. e., a voice signal notifying the master to input his fingerprint, such as"Input your fingerprint, please"is generated and output to the speaker 120 via the amplifier 118.

The master inputs his fingerprint via the fingerprint recognizer 108 according to the information notifying input of the master's fingerprint. The outdoor microprocessor 102 receives the master's fingerprint in step S114 and controls the voice synthesizer 116 in step Sol 16, i. e., a voice signal notifying the master to input his password, such as"Enter your password, please"is generated and output to the speaker 120 via the amplifier 118.

The password of the master is designated with, for example, five to fifteen numeric keys.

At this stage, the master inputs his password to the outdoor microprocessor 102 with five to fifteen numeric keys on the key input 110 in step S 116, and selects the end key, i. e.,"*"in step S117. On determining that the input of the master's password has been completed, the outdoor microprocessor 102 stores the master's fingerprint and password in the memory 112 in step S 118, and generates a voice signal, i. e.,"The master has been registered"to the speaker 120 in step S 119, then returning to the main routine.

The data processing routine of the outdoor unit of step S 1 OS is receiving defined data from the indoor unit 200 and performing an operation based on the received data.

Referring to Fig. 7, upon receiving the defined data from the input unit 200, the outdoor microprocessor 102 stores the received data in step S 121. verifies the ID number from the stored data in step S122 and determines in step S123 whether the ID number is in accord with its ID number.

The data the outdoor unit 100 transfers to the indoor unit 200 has a format of, for example,"read in signal + ID number of the outdoor unit 100 set at the outdoor ID determiner + ID number of the indoor unit 200 set at the indoor ID determiner + instruction (door opening signal) + read out signal".

If the input ID number is not in accord with the ID number of the outdoor microprocessor 102 in step S123, the outdoor microprocessor 102 checks on the instruction from the stored data in step S124. With the instruction verified as a call instruction in step S125, the outdoor microprocessor 102 maintains a standby mode in step S126; and with the instruction verified as a call canceling instruction in step S127, the outdoor microprocessor 102 cancels the standby mode and enters a normal mode.

The reason that the outdoor microprocessor 102 maintains the standby mode still in the case where the input ID number is not in accord with its ID number and the instruction is a call instruction is to prevent possible confounding that may occur when the outdoor microprocessor 102 operates while another outdoor unit 100 communicates a video and an interphone-mediated conversion with the indoor unit 200.

If the input ID number is in accord with the ID number of the outdoor microprocessor 102 in step S123, the outdoor microprocessor 102 verifies the instruction from the stored data in step S129. With the instruction verified as a call instruction in step S130, the outdoor microprocessor 102 activates the video camera 104 as well as the interphone in step S 131.

That is, the outdoor microprocessor 102 operates the video camera 104 to photograph the passer and transmit the video of the passer to the indoor unit 200. The outdoor microprocessor 102 also operates the amplifier 118 not only to amplify the voice signal of the passer input through the microphone 114 and transmit the amplified voice signal to the indoor unit 200, but also to amplify the voice signal of the indoor resident transferred from the indoor unit 200 and output the amplified voice signal to the speaker 120 so that the passer can listen to the voice signal of the indoor resident.

With the instruction verified as the call canceling instruction in step S132, the outdoor microprocessor 102 suspends the video camera 104 and the interphone in step 133; and with the instruction verified as a door opening indication in step S134, the outdoor microprocessor 102 controls the voice synthesizer 116 and the amplifier 118 in step S135 to generate an information voice signal, i. e.,"Door is open, and pass the door, please." The key signal processing routine of step S107 is performing a defined operation based on the key signal received from the key input 110. Referring to Fig. 8, upon receiving the key signal from the key input 110, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in steps S141 to S148 whether the input key signal is a sub master registration key, a master transfer key, a password change key, a normal passer registration key, a normal passer deletion key, a door opening key 1, a door opening key 2 or a call key.

With the sub master registration key input, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs in step S149 a sub master registration routine that will be described later, to register the sub master; with the master transfer key input, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs in step S 150 a master transfer routine that will be described later, to register transfer of the master or the sub master; with the password change key, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs in step S151 a password change routine that will be described later, to alter the password of the master or the sub master; and with the normal passer registration key input, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs in step S152 a normal passer registration routine that will be described later, to register a normal authorized passer.

With the normal passer deletion key input, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs in step S153 a normal passer deletion routine that will be described later, to delete the registration of a corresponding normal passer or all the normal passers; with the door opening key 1 or the door opening key 2 input, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs in step S 154 or S 155 a door opening routine 1 or a door opening routine 2 that

will be described layer, to open the door; and with numeric keys and a call key sequentially input according to the ID number of a target indoor unit 200, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs in step 156 an indoor conversation routine that will be described later, to enable conversation with the indoor resident.

The sub master registration routine of step S149 is designating a sub master who will take in charge of the master's duty in the absence of the master, and activated in the event that sub master registration keys, e. g.,"#"and"*"are sequentially selected.

In the sub master registration routine, as shown in Fig. 9, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides information notifying to input the master's fingerprint in step S161. With the master's fingerprint input in step S162, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S163 whether the input fingerprint is in accord with the registered master's fingerprint.

If the input fingerprint is not in accord with the registered master's fingerprint in step S 163, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S 164 whether such discordance occurs for predetermined times, e. g., three times. If less than three times, the outdoor microprocessor 102 notifies to input the master's fingerprint again in step S165, and returns to step S 162.

With the input fingerprint not in accord with the registered master's fingerprint for the predetermined times in step S 164, the outdoor microprocessor 102 terminates the sub master registration routine.

If the input fingerprint is in accord with the registered master's fingerprint in step S163, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides information notifying to enter the sub master's password, in step S166. When the sub master's password is entered in step S167 and the end key"*"is selected in step S168, the outdoor microprocessor 102 notifies the passer to input the sub master's fingerprint in step S169 and receives the sub master's fingerprint via the fingerprint recognizer 108 in step S 170.

The outdoor microprocessor 102 stores the sub master's password and fingerprint

in the memory 112 to register the sub master in step S171, and provides sub master registration ending information, e. g.,"The sub master has been registered"in step S172, then terminating the sub master registration routine.

The master transfer routine of step S150 is registering another master/sub master in the absence of the master/sub master due to long-term absence, disease or retirement, and activated in the event that master transfer keys, e. g.,"#"and"1"are sequentially selected.

In the master transfer routine, as shown in Fig. 10, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides information notifying to input the fingerprint of the master/sub master who will transfer his duty to another, in step 181. When the transfer's fingerprint is input in step S182, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S183 whether the transfer's fingerprint is in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master.

If the input fingerprint is not in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master in step S183, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S184 whether such discordance occurs for predetermined times, e. g., three times. If less than three times, the outdoor microprocessor 102 notifies to input the transfer's fingerprint again in step S185, and returns to step S182.

When the input fingerprint is not in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master for the predetermined times in step S184, the outdoor microprocessor 102 terminates the master transfer routine.

If the input fingerprint is in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master in step S183, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides transfer's password input information notifying to enter the transfer's password, in step S186. When the transfer's password is entered in step S187 and the end key is selected in step S188, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S 189 whether the input password is in accord with the previously stored password.

That is, if the fingerprint input in step S182 is the master's, the outdoor

microprocessor 102 determines in step S 187 whether the input password is in accord with the registered master's password; or if the fingerprint input in step S182 is the sub master's, the outdoor microprocessor determines in step 187 whether the input password is in accord with the registered sub master's password.

If the input password is not in accord with the password of the registered master/sub master in step S189, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S190 whether such discordance occurs for predetermined times. If less than the predetermined times, the outdoor microprocessor 102 notifies to enter the transfer's password again in step S191, and returns to step S187.

When the input password is not in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master for the predetermined times in step S190, the outdoor microprocessor 102 terminates the master transfer routine.

If the input password is in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master in step S189, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides transferee's password input information notifying to enter the password of the transferee, in step S192. When the transferee's password is entered in step S193 and the end key is selected in step S194, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides transferee's fingerprint input information notifying to input the fingerprint of the transferee, in step S195. If the transferee's fingerprint is input in step S196, the outdoor microprocessor 102 stores the transferee's password and fingerprint in the memory 112 in step S 197 to designate the transferee as the succeeding master/sub master, and provides registration ending information in step S 198.

That is, if the transfer's fingerprint and password input in steps S182 and S187 are the master's, the outdoor microprocessor 102 resets the transferee's fingerprint and password input in steps S193 and S196 as the succeeding master's; or if the transfer's fingerprint and password are the sub master's, the outdoor microprocessor 102 resets the transferee's fingerprint and password as the succeeding sub master's.

The password change routine of step S151 is changing the password of the

master/sub master, and activated in the event that password change keys, e. g.,"#"and"2" are sequentially selected.

In the password change routine, as shown in Fig. 11, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides master/sub master's fingerprint input information notifying to input the fingerprint of the master/sub master who will change his password, in step 201. When the master/sub master's fingerprint is input in step S202, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S203 whether the master/sub master's fingerprint is in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master.

If the input fingerprint is not in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master in step S203, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S204 whether such discordance occurs for predetermined times, e. g., three times. If less than three times, the outdoor microprocessor 102 notifies to input the master/sub master's fingerprint again in step S205, and returns to step S202.

When the input fingerprint is not in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master for the predetermined times in step S204, the outdoor microprocessor 102 terminates the password change routine.

If the input fingerprint is in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master in step S203, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides master/sub master's password input information notifying to enter the password of the master/sub master, in <BR> <BR> step S206. When the master/sub master's password is entered in step S207 and the end key is selected in step S208, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S209 whether the input password is in accord with the previously stored password.

That is, if the fingerprint input in step S202 is the master's, the outdoor <BR> <BR> microprocessor 102 determines in step S209 whether the input password is in accord with<BR> <BR> the registered master's password; or if the fingerprint input in step S202 is the sub master's, the outdoor microprocessor determines in step 209 whether the input password is in accord with the registered sub master's password.

If the input password is not in accord with the password of the registered master/sub master in step S209, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S210 whether such discordance occurs for predetermined times. If less than the predetermined times, the outdoor microprocessor 102 notifies to enter the master/sub master's password again in step S211, and returns to step S207.

When the input password is not in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master for the predetermined times in step S209, the outdoor microprocessor 102 terminates the password change routine.

If the input password is in accord with the fingerprint of the registered master/sub master in step S209, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides new password input information notifying to enter a new password, in step S212. When the new password is entered in step S213 and the end key is selected in step S214, the outdoor microprocessor <BR> <BR> 102 stores the new password in the memory 112 in step S215 and provides new password registration ending information in step S216, then terminating the password change routine.

The normal passer registration routine of step S152 is designating a normal authorized passer other than the master and the sub master, and activated in the event that normal passer registration keys, e. g.,"#"and"3"are sequentially selected.

In the normal passer registration routine, as shown in Fig. 12, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides master/sub master's fingerprint input information notifying to input the fingerprint of the master/sub master in step S221. When the master/sub master's fingerprint is input in step S222, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in <BR> <BR> step S223 whether the input fingerprint is in accord with the registered master/sub master's fingerprint.

If the input fingerprint is not in accord with the registered master/sub master's fingerprint in step S223, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S224 whether such discordance occurs for predetermined times, e. g., three times. If less than three times,

the outdoor microprocessor 102 notifies to input the master/sub master's fingerprint again in step S225, and returns to step S222.

When the input fingerprint is not in accord with the registered master/sub master's fingerprint for the predetermined times in step S224, the outdoor microprocessor 102 terminates the normal passer registration routine.

If the input fingerprint is in accord with the registered master/sub master's fingerprint in step S223, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides normal passer's ID number input information notifying to enter the ID number of a normal passer to be <BR> <BR> registered, in step S226. The normal passer's password is entered in step S227 and the<BR> <BR> outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S228 whether the end key is selected from the key input 110.

Here, the ID number of the normal passer is a serial combination of the ID number of the corresponding indoor unit and the personal number assigned to the passer.

With the end key selected in step S228, the outdoor microprocessor 102 notifies to input the normal passer's fingerprint in step 229 and receives the fingerprint via the fingerprint recognizer 108 in step S230. Thereafter, the outdoor microprocessor 102 stores the ID number and the fingerprint of the normal passer in the memory 112 to register the <BR> <BR> normal passer in step S231, and provides normal passer registration ending information in step S232, then terminating the normal passer registration routine.

The normal passer deletion routine of step S153 is canceling the registration of a normal authorized passer and restraining the entrance of the passer, and activated in the event that normal passer deletion keys, e. g.,"#"and"4"are sequentially selected.

In the normal passer deletion routine, as shown in Fig. 13, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides master/sub master's fingerprint input information notifying to input the fingerprint of the master/sub master in step S241. When the master/sub master's fingerprint is input in step S242, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in <BR> <BR> step S243 whether the input fingerprint is in accord with the registered master/sub

master's fingerprint.

If the input fingerprint is not in accord with the registered master/sub master's fingerprint in step S243, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S244 whether such discordance occurs for predetermined times. If less than for the predetermined times, the outdoor microprocessor 102 notifies to input the master/sub master's fingerprint again in step S245, and returns to step S242.

When the input fingerprint is not in accord with the registered master/sub master's fingerprint for the predetermined times in step S244, the outdoor microprocessor 102 returns to the main routine.

If the input fingerprint is in accord with the registered master/sub master's fingerprint in step S243, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides normal passer's ID number input information notifying to enter the ID number of a normal passer to be <BR> <BR> deleted, in step S246. The normal passer's password is entered in step S247 and the<BR> <BR> outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S248 whether the end key is selected from the key input 110.

For example, with the ID number'0000'indicating that all normal passers should be deleted, the outdoor microprocessor 102 deletes the ID numbers and fingerprints of all <BR> <BR> registered normal passers from the memory 112 in step S252 and provides information that all normal passer have been deleted, in step S253.

If judging that all normal passers should not be deleted, in step S250, the outdoor microprocessor 102 deletes the ID numbers of the corresponding normal passers in sep S252 and provides information that the corresponding normal passers have been deleted, in step S253.

The door opening routine 1 of step S154 is a normal passer's opening the door with his ID number and fingerprint or a master/sub master's opening the door with his own password, and activated in the event that"ID number or password"and"*"keys are sequentially selected.

In the door opening routine 1, as shown in Fig. 14, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S261 whether the input number is in accord with the ID number registered in the memory 112. If the number is in accord with the ID number in the memory 112, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides information notifying the passer to input his fingerprint in step S262. With the fingerprint input via the fingerprint recognizer in step S263, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S264 whether the fingerprint is in accord with the stored fingerprint corresponding to the ID number.

When the input fingerprint is not in accord with the stored fingerprint in step S264, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step 265 whether such discordance occurs for predetermined times, and if less than the predetermined times, provides information notifying the passer to input his fingerprint again in step S266, then returning to step S263.

If the input fingerprint is not in accord with the stored fingerprint of the passer for predetermines times in step S265, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides in step S270 information indicating that there is no corresponding fingerprint, then returning to the main routine.

If the input fingerprint is in accord with the stored fingerprint corresponding to the input ID number in step S264, the outdoor microprocessor 102 sends a door opening signal to the indoor unit 200 corresponding to the input ID number in step S268.

Here, the data the outdoor unit 100 transfer to the indoor unit 200 has a format given as, for example,"read in signal + ID number of the outdoor unit 100 + instruction (door opening signal) + ID number of the indoor unit 200 for the door to be opened + read out signal".

As such, the indoor unit 200 opens the corresponding door based on the door opening signal from the outdoor unit 100 and sends the outdoor unit 100 defined data indicating that the door has been opened. Then, the outdoor unit 100 performs the data processing routine of Fig. 7 to provide door open information.

When the input number is not in accord with any one of the stored ID numbers in

step S261, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S269 whether the input number is in accord with the password of the registered master/sub master. If the input number is not in accord with the password of the registered master/sub master, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides information indicating that there is neither ID number nor password corresponding to the input number, in step S270, then returning to the main routine. If the input number is in accord with the password of the master/sub master, the outdoor microprocessor 102 sends the indoor a door opening signal to the indoor unit 200 in step S288.

In this situation, when the outdoor unit 100 is connected to a single indoor unit 200, the outdoor microprocessor 102 sends the door opening signal to the single indoor unit 200; and when the outdoor unit 100 is connected to a plurality of indoor units 200, the outdoor microprocessor 102 sends the door opening signal to one of the indoor units 200 that has the highest priority, i. e., the indoor unit 200 having the earliest ID number.

The door opening routine 2 of step S155 is opening the door with the fingerprint of the master/sub master or a normal passer, and activated in the event that"*"key is selected.

In the door opening routine 2, as shown in Fig. 15, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides fingerprint input information in step 271. As the fingerprint is input via the fingerprint recognizer 108 in step S272, the outdoor microprocessor 102 compares the input fingerprint with the respective stored fingerprints in step S273 and determines in step S274 whether the input fingerprint is in accord with any one of the stored fingerprints.

When there is no corresponding fingerprint in step S274, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step 275 whether such discordance occurs for predetermined times, and if less than the predetermined times, provides information notifying to input the fingerprint again in step S276, then returning to step S272.

If the input fingerprint is in accord with none of the stored fingerprints for predetermines times in step S275, the outdoor microprocessor 102 provides in step S277

information indicating that there is no corresponding fingerprint, then returning to the main routine.

If the input fingerprint is in accord with one of the stored fingerprints in step S274, the outdoor microprocessor 102 verifies the ID number or password corresponding to the input fingerprint in step S278 and sends a door opening signal to the indoor unit 200 corresponding to the ID number or having the highest priority in step S279.

The conversation routine of the outdoor unit is activated then a passer selects a call key of the key input 110.

In the conversation routine, as shown in Fig. 16, the outdoor microprocessor 102 sends defined data to the indoor unit 200, informing the presence of a passer in step S281.

At this stage, when the passer inputs the corresponding ID number of the indoor unit 200 and selects the call key, the outdoor microprocessor 102 informs the indoor unit 200 of the ID number that there is a passer; or upon the passer's selection of the call key only, the outdoor microprocessor 102 informs the indoor unit 200 having the highest priority that there is a passer.

The outdoor microprocessor 102 operates the video camera 104 to photograph a video of the passer and send the video to the indoor unit 200 in step S282, and determines in step S283 whether defined data is transferred from the indoor unit 200.

Without the defined data received from the indoor unit 200 in step S283, the outdoor microprocessor 102 determines in step S284 whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and if not, determines in step S285 again whether the call key is selected.

If the call key is not selected in step S285, the outdoor microprocessor 102 returns to step S282, repeatedly operating the video camera 104 and determining receipt of the defined data from the indoor unit 200. If the call key is selected in step S285, the outdoor microprocessor 102 clears the counted time in step S286 and returns to step S281, repeatedly informing the indoor unit 200 that there is a passer, operating the video camera 104 and determining receipt of the defined data from the indoor unit 200.

In such a situation, when the defined data is not received from the indoor unit 200 until an elapse of the predetermined time, the outdoor microprocessor 102 suspends the video camera 104 in step S287 and returns to the main routine.

With the defined data received from the indoor unit 200 prior to the elapse of the predetermined time, the outdoor microprocessor 102 performs the data processing routine of the outdoor unit of Fig. 7, allowing the passer to have a conversation with the indoor resident via the interphone.

Fig. 17 is a signal flowchart showing a main routine of the indoor unit 200.

As shown in the figure, the indoor microprocessor 202 performs an initialization in step S291, determines in step S292 whether a defined key signal is received from the key input 222, and if so, performs a key signal processing routine of the indoor unit in step S293.

In the key signal processing routine of the indoor unit, as shown in Fig. 18, the indoor microprocessor 202 determines in steps S301 to 304 whether the input key signal is a call key, a door opening key, a video display key or a burglar alarm key. If the key signal corresponds to the call key, the indoor microprocessor 202 determines in step S305 whether the interphone is presently in the normal mode.

If the interphone is not in operation in step S305, the indoor microprocessor 202 sends the corresponding ID number and calling canceling instruction in step S308, and suspends both the video display 208 and the amplifier 226 to interrupt conversation via the interphone in step S309.

In such a situation, when connected to a single outdoor unit 100, the indoor microprocessor 202 determines the current operation of the interphone upon selection of the call key; or when connected to a plurality of outdoor units 100, the indoor microprocessor 202 determines the current operation of the interphone upon selection of the call key as well as the ID number of the desired outdoor unit 100 for interphone conversation in step S301, thereby controlling the operation of the interphone.

If the input key signal corresponds to the door opening key in step S302, the indoor microprocessor 202 opens the door in step S310 and sends the outdoor unit 100 data indicating the door is open, in step S311, thereby providing voice information notifying that the door is opened, in the data processing routine of the outdoor unit of Fig.

7.

In such a situation, when connected to a single outdoor unit 100, i. e., only one door, the indoor microprocessor 202 opens the door based on the door opening key input; or when connected to a plurality of outdoor units 100, the indoor microprocessor 202 opens the door of the outdoor unit 100 presently in communication via the interphone.

Alternatively, upon selection of the door opening key as well as the ID number of the outdoor unit 100, the indoor microprocessor 202 opens the door corresponding to the input ID number of the outdoor unit 100 and sends data indicating that the door is open.

If the input key signal corresponds to the video display key in step S303, the indoor microprocessor 202 operates the video display 208 for a predetermined period of time in step S312, generating a video display signal. The video compression storage/reproducer 204 reproduces the compressed video signal and the operating terminal of the switch 206 is connected to a fixed contact"b"of the other side, so that the video signal output from the video compression storage/reproducer 204 is input to the video display 208 via the switch 206 and displayed so as for the indoor resident to verify the passer.

If the input key signal corresponds to the burglar alarm key in step S304, the indoor microprocessor 202 determines in step S314 whether the burglar alarm function is currently activated. With the burglar alarm function activated, the indoor microprocessor 202 cancels the burglar alarm function in step S315; whereas, with the burglar alarm function inactivated, the indoor microprocessor 202 activates the burglar alarm function in step S316 and returns to the main routine.

After the completion of the key signal processing routine of the indoor unit, the

indoor microprocessor 202 determines in step S294 whether the burglar alarm function is<BR> <BR> currently activated, and if so, determines in step S295 whether an abnormal situation has occurred, i. e., whether the burglar sensor 216 detects an invading unauthorized person or the door lock sensor 220 detects the opening of the door.

When such an abnormal situation occurred in step S295, the indoor <BR> <BR> microprocessor 202 controls the alarm part 214 to generate an alarm sound in step S296 and operates the alarm device 210 in step S297.

If the burglar alarm function is inactivated in step S294, the indoor microprocessor 202 controls the alarm part 214 to interrupt the alarm sound in step S298.

The indoor microprocessor 202 determines in step S299 whether defined data is transferred from the outdoor unit 100, and if so, performs the data processing routine of the indoor unit in step S300.

In the data processing routine of the indoor unit, as shown in Fig. 19, the indoor microprocessor 202 stores the data received from the outdoor unit 100 in step S321, verifies the ID number and the instruction from the data in step S322 and determines in step S323 whether the ID number of the data is in accord with its ID number.

If the ID number of the data is not in accord with its ID number in step S323, the indoor microprocessor 202 determines whether the instruction of the data is a calling instruction or a call waiting instruction. When the instruction of the data is a calling instruction in step S324, the indoor microprocessor 202 enters the standby mode in step S325; or when the instruction of the data is a call waiting instruction in step S326, the indoor microprocessor 202 cancels the standby mode in step S327.

If the ID number of the data is in accord with its ID number in step S323, the indoor microprocessor 202 determines whether the instruction is data informing the presence of a passer or door opening request data.

If the instruction is data informing the presence of a passer in step S328, the indoor microprocessor 202 controls the alarm part 214 to generate an alarm sound

informing the presence of the passer, in step S330, operates the video display 210 in step <BR> <BR> S331 so as for the indoor resident to verify the passer, and determines in step S332 whether a call key is received from the key input 222.

Without the call key input from the key input 222 in step S332, the indoor microprocessor 202 determines in step S333 whether a first predetermined time has <BR> <BR> elapsed in photographing a video of the passer and determines in step S334 whether a second predetermined time has elapsed in interrupting the alarm. If neither the first predetermined time nor the second predetermined time has elapsed, the indoor microprocessor 202 returns to step S330 to continuously generate the alarm sound informing that there is a passer.

In such a situation, when the first predetermined time has elapsed in step S333, the indoor microprocessor 202 outputs the stored video signal of the passer to the video compression storage/reproducer 204 in step S335, causing the video compression storage/reproducer 204 to compress and store the video of the passer photographed at the video camera 104.

If the call key is not received until an elapse of the second predetermined time in step S334, the indoor microprocessor 202 controls the alarm part 214 to interrupt the alarm sound in step S336 and suspends the video display 208 in step S337.

If the call key is received prior to the elapse of the predetermined time, the indoor microprocessor 202 controls the alarm part 214 to interrupt the alarm sound in step S338, sends the ID number of the outdoor unit 100 that informed the presence of the passer, and <BR> <BR> the calling instruction in step S339, and operates the amplifier 226 to enable conversation<BR> <BR> via the interphone in step S340, then returning to the main routine.

While on the other, when the instruction is door opening request data in step S329, the indoor microprocessor 202 opens the door of the outdoor unit 100 that requested <BR> <BR> opening of the door, in step S341 and sends the ID number of the corresponding outdoor unit 100 and the door opening signal to provide information that the door is open, in step

S342.

Industrial Applicability As described above, the present invention has at least one outdoor unit 100 provided in the exterior side of each door and at least one indoor unit 200 integrally associated with the outdoor unit and provided in the interior side of the door, the outdoor unit 100 preliminarily storing the fingerprints of authorized persons sending a door opening signal to the indoor unit 200 when a passer inputs his fingerprint verified as an authorized person's fingerprint, then the indoor unit 200 opening the door as requested by the outdoor unit 100, as a result of which the indoor unit 200 will not allow the door open to an unauthorized person who attempts to open the door by disassembling the outdoor unit. Furthermore, the present invention stores the video information about the unauthorized person for using purpose in the later identification of a suspect, thereby assisting scientific investigation, automatically informs the managers of an emergent situation in communication with a burglar alarm device and provides initial repression of a criminal.