Method and apparatus for programming a spare key into a security system

• US 5,508,694 A
• Filed: 12/16/1994
• Issued: 04/16/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Inventors: Treharne, William D., Moore, Ronald G.
• Primary Examiner(s): ZIMMERMAN, BRIAN A
• Application Number:
  US08/357,960
• Time in Patent Office: 487 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.31, 340/825.3, 340/825.34, 340/825.22, 340/426, 70/278
• US Class Current: 340/5.24
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2009 Antitheft state indicator
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00761 with data transmission performed by connected means, e.g. mechanical contacts, plugs, connectors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00841 by a portable device
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/08 With time considerations, e.g. temporary activation, valid time window or time limitations
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00817 where the code of the lock can be programmed

Abstract

A method for programming a lock to accept a key. The device will erase all the codes currently stored in the memory and program a new key value. The process requires several steps of turning the key to one of two positions when an LED is illuminated to indicate that the key must be rotated. After successful responses, all the codes currently stored are cleared and the security code of the new key is stored.

Claims

1. A method for reprogramming a security system having light means for providing feedback to a system operator, a lock having at least a first position and a second position, a timer and a memory to accept a key having an electronic security code, comprising the steps of:

inserting a key in said lock in a first position whose electronic security code has not been previously stored in said memory;

moving said key in said lock to a second position for a first time period;

illuminating said light means after said first time period;

moving said key in said lock back to said first position within a second time period from illumination of said light means;

clearing said memory of all previously stored security codes;

storing the electronic security code of said inserted key in said memory; and

storing a second electronic security code in said memory in response to receiving said first electronic security code.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second time periods are random.

3. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the steps before the step of clearing said memory, of:

illuminating said light means after a third time period beginning when said key is moved back to said first position;

moving said key to said lock to said second position within a fourth time period from illumination of said light means;

illuminating said light means after said key is in said second position for a fifth time period; and

moving said key to said lock back to said first position within a sixth time period from illumination of said light means.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein each of said time periods is randomly determined and wherein the sum of said time period is equal to at least about 45 minutes.