Electronic Access Control Device and Management System

• US 20110156866A1
• Filed: 03/10/2011
• Published: 06/30/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/1994
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Bradley S. Silvers, Lawrence C. Brownfield, William D. Denison
• Original Assignee: Bradley S. Silvers, Lawrence C. Brownfield, William D. Denison
• Inventors: Silvers, Bradley S., Brownfield, Lawrence C., Denison, William D.
• Application Number:
  US13/044,718
• Publication Number:
  US 20110156866A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.54
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 5/20 indicating unauthorised use, e.g. acting on signalling devices alarm locks in general E05B45/00, e.g. alarm cable or chain lock E05B45/005
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00642 by battery
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/08 With time considerations, e.g. temporary activation, valid time window or time limitations
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00563 using personal physical data of the operator, e.g. finger prints, retinal images, voicepatterns
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00857 where the code of the data carrier can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00912 for safes, strong-rooms, vaults or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/27 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/33 by means of a password
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/00 Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0014 for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00 meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity G07F15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1025 Identification of user by a PIN code

Abstract

A mobile electronic control device, such as an electronic key, is used to access or otherwise control the operations of a field device, such as an appliance, power tool, shipping container, etc. In a control event in which the mobile control device interacts with the field device via wired or wireless communications, the control device obtains the current location and the field device ID. The communications between the mobile control device and the field device may be secured with encryption. The location information is used by the mobile control device to determine whether the field device should be accessed or enabled. Alternatively, the location information may be stored separately in a location sensing device, and the control event data recorded by the key and the location information recorded by the location sensing device are later combined when they are downloaded into a management system for auditing. Moreover, an electronic access control device is disclosed comprising two microprocessors.

Claims

1. A battery-powered electronic-access control system comprising:

memory containing at least one stored code;

a communication port for entering an input code to access the battery-powered electronic-access control system;

a circuit capable of generating a wake-up signal, the circuit comprising at least a first processor, wherein the first processor is configured to receive an input code;

wherein the first processor is capable of operating in an awake mode for a period of time in response to receiving the wake-up signal from the circuit, and a sleep mode after the period of time, wherein the sleep mode causes the first processor to operate at a lower power consumption rate than when the first processor is in the awake mode, a second processor being separated from the first processor and entering an awake mode distinguishable from the awake mode for the first processor, the second processor configured to generate a driver output signal to activate a driver circuit to activate a lock actuator in response to the input code matching one of the at least one stored code;

a communication port operatively connected to one of either the first processor or the second processor, the connected processor receiving a write signal through the communication port, and in response to the write signal,

enters a program mode of operation,

receives a code through the communication port, and

stores the code into the memory to form the one of the at least one stored code when the first processor or the second processor is in the awake mode, and wherein the first processor or the second processor enters the sleep mode thereafter;

a low-battery detection circuit for measuring a voltage associated with the battery and being initiated by either the first processor or the second processor when in the awake mode; and

,

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or wake up the second processor to determine if the input code matches said one of the at least one stored code.

2. A electronic-access control system comprising:

memory containing at least one stored code and a serial number;

a first processor circuit being separate from a second processor circuit, the first processor circuit comprising a first processor and a battery to power the first processor circuit, the second processor circuit comprising a second processor;

at least one communication port for entering an input code to access the electronic-access control system, wherein the first processor and the second processor being configured to communicate the input code;

a circuit generating a wake-up signal, the first processor being in an awake mode for a period of time and communicates the input code in response to receiving the wake-up signal, wherein the first processor enters a sleep mode after the period of time, the sleep mode causing the first processor to operate at a lower power consumption rate than when the first processor is in the awake mode;

wherein the second processor enters an awake mode distinguishable from the awake mode for the first processor, and the second processor generates a driver output signal to activate a lock actuator in response to the input code matching one of the at least one stored code;

wherein the first processor or the second processor is operatively connected to the communication port and capable of communicating the serial number unique to the electronic-access control system through the communication port with a device remote to the electronic-access control system when the first processor or the second processor is in the awake mode, and enters the sleep mode at a time thereafter; and

,

wherein the first processor or the second processor receives a write signal and in response to the write signal,

enters a program mode of operation,

receive a code through the communication port from a device remote to the access control system, and

stores the code into the memory to form a one of the at least stored code; and

,

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or wake up the second processor to determine if the input code matches said one of the at least one stored code.

3. A battery-powered electronic-access control system comprising:

memory containing a stored access code;

a first circuit for sensing an electromagnetic signal including an input code;

a second circuit capable of being awaken to obtain the input code via the electromagnetic signal, the second circuit comprising a first processor operatively connected to the first circuit the first processor having an awake mode and a sleep mode, wherein the first processor being capable of entering the sleep mode after a period of time, wherein the sleep mode causes the first processor to operate at a lower power consumption rate than during the awake mode; and

,

a third circuit comprising a second processor separated from the first processor and entering an awake mode distinguishable from the awake mode for the first processor, the second processor being capable of entering an awake mode and a sleep mode, wherein the sleep mode causes the second processor to operate at a lower power consumption rate than during the awake mode;

a signal to activate a lock actuator being generated by the third circuit in response to the input code matching the stored access code;

a communication port operatively connected to the first processor or the second processor, wherein the first processor or the second processor receives a program signal through the communication port, and in response to the program signal

enters a program mode of operation,

receives a code through the communication port from a device remote to the battery-powered electronic-access control system,

stores the code into the memory to form the stored access code when the first processor or the second processor is in the awake mode, and wherein the first processor or the second processor enters the sleep mode at a time thereafter; and

,

a driver circuit providing a first power state and a second power state, wherein a lower non-zero power output is provided in the second power state than in the first power state; and

,

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or awaken the second processor to determine if the input code matches said stored access code.

4. A battery-powered electronic-access control system comprising:

memory containing at least one stored code;

a communication port for entering an input code to access the battery-powered electronic-access control system;

a circuit generating an activation signal, the circuit comprising a first processor configured to receive an input code;

wherein the first processor is activated for a first period of time in response to the activation signal, the first processor receiving the input code from the communication port;

a second processor separate from the first processor and entering an awake mode distinguishable from the awake mode for the first processor, the second processor being activated for a second period of time, the second processor being configured to generate a driver output signal to activate a lock actuator in response to the input code matching one of the at least stored code;

wherein the first processor and the second processor become deactivated after the first period of time and the second period of time, respectively, the deactivated mode causing the first processor and the second processor to operate at a lower power consumption rate than when the first processor and the second processor are activated;

a communication port operatively connected to the first processor or the second processor, wherein the first processor or the second processor receives a program signal through the communication port, and in response to the program signal

enters a program mode of operation,

receives a code through the communication port from a device remote to the battery-powered electronic-access control system,

stores the code into the memory to form one of the at least one stored code when the first processor or the second processor is in the awake mode, and enters the sleep mode at a time thereafter; and

,

the driver circuit providing a first power state and a second power state, wherein a lower non-zero power output is provided in the second power state than in the first power state; and

,

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or wake up the second processor to determine if the input code matches said one of the at least one stored code.

5. A battery-powered electronic-access control system for accessing an enclosure or a secure area by energizing a lock actuator, the battery-powered electronic-access control system including a first processor operatively connected to a second processor, the battery-powered electronic-access system comprising:

a first processor circuit comprising the battery and the first processor, the first processor including an activated mode of operation and a deactivated mode of operation, wherein the deactivated mode of operation requiring less power supplied by the battery than the activated mode of operation;

memory comprising a serial number, a time or date value, and a stored access code;

a circuit for sensing a wake-up signal to activate the first processor, the circuit capable of obtaining an input code and storing the input code in the memory;

a communication port configured to communicate a serial number, a time or date value, and an input code while the first processor is in activated mode;

a second processor circuit including the second processor and an actuator driver, the second processor circuit being separated from and electrically connected to the first processor circuit, the second processor circuit powered by the battery of the first processor circuit;

wherein the first processor is activated in response to sensing the wake-up signal and transmits the input code to the second processor, the second processor having an unlock output signal generated in response to the input code matching the stored access code, and the actuator driver energizing the lock actuator in response to the unlock signal.

6. A battery-powered electronic-access control system comprising:

memory containing a stored access code;

a first circuit comprising a timer or oscillator having an output comprising a plurality of duty cycles;

a second circuit for sensing an electromagnetic signal that is periodically enabled for time t1 and disabled for time t2 during at least one of the duty cycles;

a third circuit capable of being enabled to obtain the input code via the electromagnetic signal, the third circuit comprising a first processor operatively connected to the second circuit the first processor having an enabled mode and a disabled mode, wherein the first processor being capable of entering the disabled mode after a period of time, wherein the disabled mode causing the first processor to operate at a lower power consumption rate than during the enabled mode; and

,

a fourth circuit comprising a second processor separated from the first processor, the second processor being capable of entering an enabled mode distinguishable from the enabled mode of the first processor and a disabled mode, wherein the disabled mode causing the second processor to operate at a lower power consumption rate than during the enabled mode;

a signal to activate a lock actuator being generated by the third circuit in response to the input code matching the stored access code;

a communication port operatively connected to the first processor or the second processor, wherein the first processor or the second processor receives a program signal through the communication port, and in response to the program signal

enters a program mode of operation,

receives a code through the communication port from a device remote to the battery-powered electronic-access control system,

stores the code into the memory to form the stored access code when the first processor or the second processor is in the enabled mode, and wherein the first processor or the second processor enters the disabled mode at a time thereafter; and

,

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or wake up the second processor to determine if the input code matches said stored access code.

7. A battery-powered electronic-access control system comprising:

a first processor and a second processor, each processor having an enabled mode and a disabled mode, wherein a current drained from a battery is less during the disabled mode than in the enabled mode;

a circuit comprising a timer or oscillator and having an output for activating the first processor, wherein the first processor senses a signal received from an antenna or a receiver and includes an output for indicating detection of a remote device capable of transmitting an electromagnetic signal;

wherein the first processor is in the enabled mode and obtaining an input code transmitted via the electromagnetic signal, the first processor entering a disabled mode thereafter, the second processor being separated from the first processor and temporarily enabled distinguishably from the enabled mode of the first processor, the second processor receives the input code from the first processor and compares the input code to an authorization code for authorizing operation of a system comprising a latch or alarm;

a communication port operatively connected to the first processor or the second processor, the first processor or the second processor being programmed to receive a write signal through the communication port, and in response to the write signal, the first processor or the second processor

enters a program mode of operation,

receives a code through the communication port from a device remote to the battery-powered electronic-access control system, and

stores the code into a memory to form a stored code when the first processor or the second processor is in the enabled mode, and enters the disabled mode at a time thereafter; and

,

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or wake up the second processor to compare the input code to the authorization code.

8. A battery-powered electronic-access control system comprising:

a first processor and a second processor, each processor having an enabled mode and a disabled mode, wherein a current drained from a battery is less during the disabled mode than in the enabled mode;

a circuit for sensing a signal of radio frequency and having an output that indicates detection of a remote device capable of transmitting an electromagnetic signal;

wherein the first processor is in the enabled mode and obtains an input code transmitted via the electromagnetic signal, and the first processor enters a disabled mode thereafter, the second processor being separated from the first processor and temporarily enabled distinguishably from the enabled mode of the first processor, the second processor receives the input code from the first processor and compares the input code to an authorization code for authorizing operation of a system comprising a latch or alarm;

a communication port operatively connected to the first processor or the second processor, the first processor or the second processor being programmed to receive a write signal through the communication port, and in response to the write signal, the first processor or the second processor

enters a program mode of operation,

receives a code through the communication port from a device remote to the battery-powered electronic-access control system, and

stores the code into a memory to form a stored code when the first processor or the second processor is in the enabled mode, and enters the disabled mode at a time thereafter; and

,

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or wake up the second processor to compare the input code to the authorization code.

9. A battery-powered electronic-access control system comprising:

a circuit having a portion deactivated during a first time period, a portion of the circuit activated during a second time period, a portion of the circuit enabled for sensing an electromagnetic signal, a portion of the circuit being enabled for an extended time period that is greater than the second time period, a portion of the circuit comprising a first processor being in the enabled mode and obtaining an input code transmitted via the electromagnetic signal, the first processor entering a disabled mode thereafter;

a second processor being temporarily enabled distinguishably from the enabled mode of the first processor, the second processor receives the input code from the first processor and compares the input code to an authorization code for authorizing operation of a system comprising a latch or alarm;

a communication port operatively connected to the first processor or the second processor, the first processor or the second processor being programmed to receive a write signal through the communication port, and in response to the write signal, the first processor or the second processor

enters a program mode of operation,

receives a code through the communication port from a device remote to the battery-powered electronic-access control system, and

stores the code into a memory to form a stored code when the first processor or the second processor is in the enabled mode, and enters the disabled mode at a time thereafter; and

,

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or wake up the second processor to compare the input code to the authorization code.

10. A battery-powered electronic-access control system comprising:

a first processor and a second processor, each processor having an enabled mode and a disabled mode, wherein a current drained from a battery is less during the disabled mode than in the enabled mode;

a circuit for activating the first processor, wherein the first processor senses a signal received from an antenna and includes an output for indicating detection of a remote device capable of transmitting an electromagnetic signal;

wherein the first processor is in the enabled mode and obtaining an input code transmitted via the electromagnetic signal, the first processor entering a disabled mode thereafter;

a circuit portion being responsive to the input wherein the circuit portion increases the current drained from the battery, and wherein the circuit portion decreases the current drained from the battery after receiving the input code;

wherein the second processor is separated from the first processor and enters an awake mode distinguishable from the awake mode for the first processor, the second processor receives the input code from the first processor and compares the input code to an authorization code for authorizing operation of a system comprising a latch or alarm;

a communication port operatively connected to the first processor or the second processor, the first processor or the second processor being programmed to receive a write signal through the communication port, and in response to the write signal, the first processor or the second processor

enters a program mode of operation,

receives a code through the communication port from a device remote to the battery-powered electronic-access control system, and

stores the code into a memory to form a stored code when the first processor or the second processor is in the enabled mode, and enters the disabled mode sometime thereafter; and

,

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or wake up the second processor to compare the input code to the authorization code.

11. A method for actuating an electronic device comprising the steps of:

sensing an electromagnetic signal and generating a signal to indicate detection of a device capable of providing an electromagnetic signal;

receiving an input code transmitted by the electromagnetic signal obtained by a temporarily enabled first circuit comprising a first processor;

enabling a second processor separate from the first processor;

comparing the input code to an authorization code by a second processor temporarily enabled in response to receipt of the input code for authorizing operation of a device comprising a latch or alarm;

providing an output to the device if the input code matches the authorization code; and

,

decreasing the current drained from the battery after comparing the input code.

12. A method for actuating an electronic device comprising the steps of:

temporarily enabling and disabling a circuit comprising a first processor during each of a plurality of cycles wherein the circuit is enabled during each of the cycles;

obtaining an input code transmitted via a communication port;

temporarily enabling a second processor separate from the first processor in response to receipt of the input code;

comparing the input code to an authorization code for authorizing operation of a device comprising a latch or alarm;

sensing a signal for enabling a circuit as the input code is being obtained; and

,

providing a signal to the device if the input code matches the authorization code.

13. A battery-powered electronic-access control system comprising:

memory containing at least one stored code;

at least two communication ports for entering an input code to access or program the battery-powered electronic-access control system;

a circuit capable of generating a wake-up signal comprising a first or second processor configured to receive an input code;

wherein the first processor is capable of operating in an awake mode for a period of time in response to receiving the wake-up signal from the circuit, and a sleep mode after the period of time, wherein the sleep mode causes the first processor to operate at a lower power consumption rate than when the first processor is in the awake mode, a second processor being separated from the first processor and entering an awake mode distinguishable from the awake mode for the first processor, the second processor configured to generate a driver output signal to activate a lock actuator in response to the input code mating one of the at least one stored code; and

a communication port operatively connected to one of either the first processor or the second processor, the connected processor receiving a write signal through the communication port, and in response to the write signal,

enters a program mode of operation,

receives a code through the communication port, and

stores the code into the memory to form the one of the at least one stored code when one of either the first processor or the second processor is in the awake mode, and wherein one of either the first processor or the second processor enters the sleep mode at a time thereafter;

wherein the first processor generates a signal to either enable or wake up the second processor to determine if the input code matches said one of the at least one stored code.