Computer-controlled password lock

• US 4,812,841 A
• Filed: 05/26/1987
• Issued: 03/14/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hai C. Chen
• Original Assignee: Hai C. Chen
• Inventors: Chen, Hai C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Caldwell, Sr., John W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Holloway, III, Edwin C.
• Application Number:
  US07/053,731
• Time in Patent Office: 658 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.3, 340/825.31, 340/825.32, 340/542, 340/543, 340/528, 235/382, 235/382.5, 70/278, 70/271, 70/277, 361/172
• US Class Current: 340/5.27
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/33 by means of a password

Abstract

A computer-controlled password lock system having a user operated keyboard to key in and reset a password. An indicator visually displays at least one code symbol varying with time. A memory device stores a current password including at least two code symbols so that upon entry of a keyed-in password code through the keyboard, one of the stored password code symbols of the current password is replaced by the time varying code symbol and password then compared with the keyed-in password code to generate a lock opening signal when coincidence occurs. In response to non-coincidence, an alerting signal is generated to indicate the incorrect password condition.

Claims

1. A computer-controlled password lock system having a lock drivig circuit and a computer coupled thereto, comprising:

keyboard means for entering a keyed-in password;

timer means for establishing a time-varying symbol;

indicator means coupled to the timer means for indicating the time-varying symbol;

memory means for storing a password formed by a plurality of coded symbols;

data processing means coupled to the timer means and the memory means for replacing at least one of the coded symbols of the preset password stored in the memory means with the time-varying symbol to form a current password;

comparator means coupled to the memory means for detecting coincidence between the keyed-in password and the current password; and

means interconnecting the comparator means with the lock driving circuit for generating a lock opening signal in response to said detection of coincidence, said computer further including alarm means coupled to the comparator means for generating an alerting signal in response to non-coincidence between the keyed-in password and the current password, the time varying symbol established by the timer means including at least two variable numerical codes, the plurality of coded symbols of the preset password stored in the memory means including a varying password setting code and a symbol selecting code, said data processing means including means for retrieving the preset password stored in the memory means when said keyed-in password is entered and means for detecting said a varying password setting code and a symbol selecting code to replace at least two different coded symbols of the preset password.

2. The computer controlled password lock as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for resetting the current password stored in the memory means through the keyboard means.