Apparatus for stimulating keypad entry of an access code into a keypad type security system

• US 6,629,245 B1
• Filed: 10/22/1999
• Issued: 09/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Missing Link Communications Co.
• Original Assignee: Missing Link Communications Co.
• Inventors: Stone, Arthur D., Krugman, Maurice D., Mostyn, William T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hayes, Gail
• Assistant Examiner(s): KLIMACH, PAULA W
• Application Number:
  US09/422,173
• Time in Patent Office: 1,439 Days
• Field of Search: 340/22, 340/26, 340/30, 340/5.2, 340/5.65, 340/5.54, 340/5.85, 235/382, 235/382.5, 235/375, 235/384, 235/492
• US Class Current: 726/20
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/20 involving the use of a pass
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/33 by means of a password
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 15/008 by simulating the existence of a security system, e.g. a mock video camera to scare thieves
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/008 Alarm setting and unsetting, i.e. arming or disarming of the security system

Abstract

An apparatus for simulating keypad entry of an access code into a security system controller. The apparatus comprises at least one electronic key encoded with a electronic key identifier, at least one electronic key reader adapted to electronically interface with the electronic key to electronically transfer data signals therebetween, a security system controller having memory for storing at least one security code therein and operably connected to a keypad for entering access codes thereon, and simulator circuitry electrically connected to the electronic key reader and operably electrically connected to the security system controller, whereby upon presentation of the electronic key to the electronic key reader, the simulator circuitry interrogates the electronic key then translates the electronic key identifier into an access code. The simulator circuitry then generates output signals to the security system controller to simulate pressing of keys on the keypad corresponding to the access code, whereupon if the simulated access code matches one of the security codes stored in the security system controller'"'"'s memory, the security system will be activated/deactivated as if the access code was manually entered through the keypad.

Claims

1. An apparatus for simulating keypad entry of an access code into a security system controller, said apparatus comprising:

(a) at least one electronic key encoded with a electronic key identifier;

(b) at least one electronic key reader adapted to electronically interface with said electronic key to electronically transfer data signals therebetween;

(b) a security system controller having memory for storing at least one security code therein and operably connected to a keypad for entering access codes thereon;

(c) simulator circuitry electrically connected to said electronic key reader and operably electrically connected to said security system controller,

whereby upon presentation of said electronic key to said electronic key reader, said simulator circuitry interrogates said electronic key then translates said electronic key identifier into an access code, said simulator circuitry then generates output signals to said security system controller to simulate pressing of keys on said keypad corresponding to said access code, whereupon if said simulated access code matches one of said security codes stored in said security system controller memory, said security system will be activated/deactivated as if said access code was manually entered through said keypad.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said simulator circuitry includes:

(i) a electronic key interface;

(ii) a microcomputer having an interrogation and translation program executable thereon;

(iii) a switch;

whereby upon presentation of said electronic key to said electronic key reader, said electronic key interface and said microcomputer interrogates said electronic key by first detecting its presence then reading its identifier into said microcomputer memory, whereupon said microcomputer translates said electronic key identifier into an access code, said microcomputer then causes switches in said switch to close thereby generating electrical signals to said security system controller that simulates pressing of keys on said keypad corresponding to said access code, whereupon if said simulated access code matches one of said security codes stored in said security system controller'"'"'s memory, said security system will be activated/deactivated as if said access code was manually entered through said keypad.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said simulator circuitry further comprises a keypad encoder electrically disposed between said switch and said security system controller, said keypad encoder ensuring that said electrical signals from said switch simulating said access code are compatible with electrical signal input requirements of said security system controller.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said interrogation and translation program for generating said access codes includes an algorithm which first converts said electronic key identifier read into said microcomputer memory into binary, then truncates said binary electronic key identifier into a predetermined number of bits, then applies an encryption key thereto, resulting in said access code.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said interrogation and translation program includes a digit check subroutine to ensure that said generated access code does not include a string of identical digits.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said encryption key is a randomly generated number assigned to a particular security system supplier.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said security system supplier programs said security system controller with said security codes by generating said security codes using said algorithm.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic key reader electronically interfaces with said electronic key through electrical contact.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic key reader electronically interfaces with said electronic key through an RF link.