Tap-actuated lock and method of actuating the lock
First Claim
Patent Images
1. Method of actuating a lock comprising the steps of detecting a series of sequential taps on a selected surface and generating an electrical signal for each detected tap to form a series of sequential electrical signals spaced in time from each other to correspond to the time intervals between the taps;
- determining the time intervals between each two successive electrical signals;
grouping said electrical signals into a plurality of sets of successive electrical signals as a function of preselected parameters of said time intervals;
comparing the number of electrical signals in each set with a preselected code; and
enabling the lock to be actuated only when the number of electrical signals within each set corresponds to said preselected code.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electromechanical lock detects a series of taps on a surface. After converting the taps into a series of electrical signals, processes the signals and compares the tap sequence with a pre-set code.
-
Citations
10 Claims
-
1. Method of actuating a lock comprising the steps of detecting a series of sequential taps on a selected surface and generating an electrical signal for each detected tap to form a series of sequential electrical signals spaced in time from each other to correspond to the time intervals between the taps;
- determining the time intervals between each two successive electrical signals;
grouping said electrical signals into a plurality of sets of successive electrical signals as a function of preselected parameters of said time intervals;
comparing the number of electrical signals in each set with a preselected code; and
enabling the lock to be actuated only when the number of electrical signals within each set corresponds to said preselected code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- determining the time intervals between each two successive electrical signals;
-
7. Apparatus for actuating a lock comprising means for dectecting a series of sequential taps on a selected surface and generating an electrical signal for each detected tap to form a series of sequential electrical signals spaced in time from each other to correspond to the time intervals between the taps;
- means for grouping said electrical signals into a plurality of sets of successive electrical signals as a function of preselected parameters of said time intervals;
means for comparing the number of electrical signals in each set with a preselected code; and
means for enabling the lock to be actuated only when the number of electrical signals within each set corresponds to said preselected code. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
- means for grouping said electrical signals into a plurality of sets of successive electrical signals as a function of preselected parameters of said time intervals;
Specification