Electronic access control device
DCFirst Claim
1. A method of entering a user-programmed access code into a battery-powered electronic access control device having a keypad and a microprocessor-based control circuit including a microprocessor and a memory storing a permanent access code, comprising:
- pressing a first key on the keypad to enter the user-programmed access code and trigger a transition of the microprocessor from a sleep mode with reduced power consumption to an operation mode, the user-programmed access code comprising the first key and at least one subsequent keypad entry;
pressing a program key on the keypad to indicate to the microprocessor initiation of a code programming operation, the program key being wired to one of multiple interrupt pins of the microprocessor;
entering the permanent access code using alpha numerical keys on the keypad;
after entering the permanent access code, entering the user-programmed access code using the alphanumerical keys of the keypad; and
,wherein the keys on the keypad that trigger a transition of the microprocessor from a sleep mode with reduced power consumption to an operation mode include the alpha numerical keys.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic lock utilizes two microprocessors remote from each other for enhanced security. The first microprocessor is disposed close to an input device such as a keypad, and the second microprocessor is disposed close to the lock mechanism and well protected from external access. The first microprocessor transmits a communication code to the second microprocessor when it receives via the input device an access code that matches a preset access code. The second microprocessor opens the lock if the transmitted communication code matches a preset communication code. The dual-microprocessor arrangement is advantageously used in a voice controlled access control system and in a motorcycle ignition control system. The present invention further provides an electronic access control system which has a master electronic key having a preset number of access, and an electronic alarm system for a bicycle that has a remote control mounted in the helmet of the rider.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method of entering a user-programmed access code into a battery-powered electronic access control device having a keypad and a microprocessor-based control circuit including a microprocessor and a memory storing a permanent access code, comprising:
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pressing a first key on the keypad to enter the user-programmed access code and trigger a transition of the microprocessor from a sleep mode with reduced power consumption to an operation mode, the user-programmed access code comprising the first key and at least one subsequent keypad entry; pressing a program key on the keypad to indicate to the microprocessor initiation of a code programming operation, the program key being wired to one of multiple interrupt pins of the microprocessor; entering the permanent access code using alpha numerical keys on the keypad; after entering the permanent access code, entering the user-programmed access code using the alphanumerical keys of the keypad; and
,wherein the keys on the keypad that trigger a transition of the microprocessor from a sleep mode with reduced power consumption to an operation mode include the alpha numerical keys.
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2. A battery-powered electronic access control device comprising:
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a keypad having at least one row of keys mounted thereon, comprising a program key, for pressing by a user to enter user input; a microprocessor-based control circuit comprising a microprocessor and a non-volatile memory storing a permanent access code, the microprocessor having multiple inputs for receiving an interrupt signal, and the program key of the keypad being connected to one of the multiple inputs, the microprocessor being programmed to enter a sleep mode to conserve battery power between operations and to awaken from the sleep mode upon the pressing of a first key on the keypad used to enter an input code comprising the first key and at least one subsequent keypad entry; the microprocessor-based control circuit being connected to the keypad for receiving user inputs entered through pressing the keys of the keypad, the microprocessor being configured to switch from the sleep mode into an operation mode and to enter a code programming operation in response to a pressing of the program key, receive a first key code through the keypad in response to detecting the pressing of the program key, compare the first key code with the permanent access code in the non-volatile memory, receive a second key code through the keypad, and store the second key code in the volatile memory as an access code for the access control device if the first key code matches the permanent access code in the non-volatile memory. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An electronic access control device comprising:
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a microprocessor-based control circuit comprising a microprocessor and a non-volatile memory containing a stored access code, the microprocessor having at least two interrupt inputs; a battery for powering operation of the access control device; a keypad having multiple keys connected to the interrupt inputs of the microprocessor, wherein pressing a first key on the keypad used to enter an input access code sends an interrupt signal to the microprocessor through one of the interrupt inputs, the input access code comprising the first key and at least one subsequent keypad entry; and a lock actuator operatively controlled by the microprocessor, the microprocessor being programmed to receive the input access code through the keypad, compare the input access code with the stored access code in the non-volatile memory, and activate the lock actuator if the input access code matches the stored access code, the microprocessor being further programmed to enter a sleep mode between operations to conserve battery power and to switch from the sleep mode to an operation mode upon receiving the interrupt signal through one of the interrupt inputs. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method comprising the steps of:
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storing an access code within a non-volatile memory; providing a wake-up signal in response to pressing a first key on a keypad used to enter an input code comprising the first key and at least one subsequent keypad entry; waking-up a microprocessor for a period of time in response to the wake-up signal; transmitting an input code to the microprocessor; comparing the input code with the access code during the period of time; activating a lock actuator if the input access code matches the access code; entering a sleep mode after the period of time, wherein during the sleep mode the microprocessor operates at a lower power consumption rate than when the microprocessor is awake. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. An apparatus comprising:
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a non-volatile memory containing an access code; a circuit generating a wake-up signal in response to pressing a first key on a keypad used in entering an input code comprising the first key and at least one subsequent keypad entry; a processor that is woke-up for a period of time in response to the wake-up signal, compares the input code with the access code, and generates a signal to activate a lock actuator if the input code matches the access code; wherein the processor enters a sleep mode after the period of time, the sleep mode causing the processor to operate at a lower power consumption rate than when the processor is awake. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A battery-powered electronic access control device comprising:
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a keypad having at least one row of keys mounted thereon, comprising a program key, for pressing by a user to enter user input; a microprocessor-based control circuit comprising a microprocessor and a non-volatile memory storing a first access code, the microprocessor having multiple inputs for receiving an interrupt signal, and the program key of the keypad being connected to one of the multiple inputs, the microprocessor being programmed to enter a sleep mode to conserve battery power between operation and to awaken from the sleep mode upon the pressing of any of at least two keys on the keypad, including the keys on the keypad used to program the first access code; the microprocessor-based control circuit being connected to the keypad for receiving user inputs entered through pressing the keys of the keypad, the microprocessor being configured to switch from the sleep mode into an operation mode and to enter a code programming operation in response to a pressing of the program key, receive a first key code through the keypad in response to detecting the pressing of the program key, compare the first key code with the first access code in the non-volatile memory, receive a second key code through the keypad, and store the second key code in the volatile memory as a new access code for the access control device if the first key code matches the first access code in the non-volatile memory.
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Specification