Integrated cockpit door lock and access system

Abstract

An electromechanical flight deck door locking system capable of functioning to keep a cockpit door locked in the event of an interruption in electrical power to the system. The flight deck door locking system includes a locking assembly including a locking component and a manually graspable handle for displacing the locking component. Further, the locking system includes an electronic control panel configured to receive data from an individual seeking access to the cockpit and for electrically locking and unlocking the locking assembly. The locking system also includes a mechanical locking assembly, such as a key lock, whereby a user can use a key to lock and unlock the door if electrical power to the system is unavailable.

1 . A method of electronically controlling access to a restricted area of a mobile platform separated from a non-restricted area by a door, the door having a door locking system, said method comprising: 
 locking the door using the door locking system with electrical power available to the door locking system;    entering an access code indicating an authorized entry into the restricted area;    initiating a predetermined time interval delay after entry of the access code before the door locking system can be unlocked.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising automatically unlocking the door locking system following the predetermined time interval delay.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the step of automatically unlocking the door locking system further comprises enabling a control panel to automatically unlock the flight deck door locking system.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising: 
 setting the predetermined time interval delay to a first fixed period of time; and    automatically relocking the flight deck door locking system subsequent to a second fixed period of time if a first user fails to open the door within the second fixed period of time.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 setting the predetermined time interval delay to a first fixed period of time;    automatically locking the flight deck door locking system subsequent to a second fixed period of time if a first user fails to open the door within the second fixed period of time; and    enabling entry of an additional access control feature into the door locking system by a second user located in the restricted area, the additional access control feature operable to disable the door locking system from unlocking the door.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising limiting entry by the second user of the additional access control feature to within the first period of time.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising disposing a user input device on a non-restricted area side of the door.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising creating a camera image of an area adjacent to the user input device upon receipt of the access code.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising enabling manipulation of a mechanism of the door locking system with a key to unlock the door locking system.  
   
   
       10 . A method of controlling access to a restricted area of a mobile platform separated from a non-restricted area by a door, the door having an electronic door locking system, the method comprising: 
 locking the door using the door locking system with electrical power available to the door locking system;    manipulating a mechanism of the door locking system with a key; and    automatically unlocking the door locking system following a predetermined time interval after the manipulating step.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of automatically unlocking the door locking system further comprises enabling a control panel to perform the automatic unlocking step subsequent to a first fixed period of the predetermined time interval.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising automatically locking the flight deck door locking system subsequent to a second fixed period of time if a first user fails to open the door within the second fixed period of time.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 setting the predetermined time interval delay to a first fixed period of time;    automatically locking the flight deck door locking system subsequent to a second fixed period of time if a first user fails to open the door within the second fixed period of time; and    enabling entry of an additional access control feature into the door locking system by a second user located in the restricted area, the additional access control feature operable to disable a change in lock condition of door locking system.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising limiting entry by the second user of the additional access control feature to within the first period of time.  
   
   
       15 . A method of controlling access to a restricted area of a mobile platform separated from a non-restricted area by a door having a locking system, the door locking system including an electronic control panel, a user input device and a camera lens, the method comprising: 
 supplying electrical power to the electronic control panel for controlling the door locking system;    inputting an access code for unlocking the door locking system;    producing an image of an area adjacent to the user input device using the camera lens upon receipt of the access code; and    disposing a locking assembly having a locking component on the door, the locking assembly being responsive to the electronic control panel for automatically actuating the locking component.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising operating a mechanical key lock assembly to urge the locking component into an unlocked position in the event of a power shortage to the door locking system.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising inputting a code into the user input device using an electronic keypad.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising manually latching the door to prevent the door from being opened.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising manually actuating a switch remotely positioned from the door in the restricted area to position the locking component between one of an unlock position operable to position the locking component in an unlocked condition and a deny position operable to maintain the locking component in a locked condition.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising manually selecting to display an image of the camera lens by an operator in the restricted area.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising enabling an audio message to be addressed to an operator in the restricted area from the non-restricted area operable to alert the operator that a user has input an access code into the user input device.