Electronic access control device utilizing a single microcomputer intergrated circuit

• US 7,456,725 B2
• Filed: 03/24/2004
• Issued: 11/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: O.S. Security LLC (Acacia Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Micro Enhanced Technology Incorporated
• Inventors: Denison, William D., Silvers, Bradley S., Brownfield, Lawrence C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Holloway, III; Edwin C
• Application Number:
  US10/807,935
• Publication Number:
  US 20040178884A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,707 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.73, 340/5.61, 340/10.33, 340/5.22, 340/5.51, 340/5.54, 340/5.6, 340/825.56, 340/825.69, 455/343.2, 702/77, 702/80, 235/382, 235/382.5
• US Class Current: 340/5.73
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 5/20 indicating unauthorised use, e.g. acting on signalling devices alarm locks in general E05B45/00, e.g. alarm cable or chain lock E05B45/005
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00912 for safes, strong-rooms, vaults or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/33 by means of a password
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1025 Identification of user by a PIN code
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/00 Details of selecting apparatus or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7006 Predetermined time interval controlled
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7113 Projected and retracted electrically

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.

Claims

1. A method comprising the steps of:

deactivating a circuit during a first time period;

enabling a portion of the circuit for a second time period;

sensing an electromagnetic signal during the second time period;

enabling the circuit for an extended time period that is greater than the second time period upon the sensing of the electromagnetic signal;

processing the electromagnetic signal during the extended time period to obtain an input code;

comparing the input code to an access code;

providing a signal to unlock a device if the input code matches the access code; and

,

receiving another input code from a keyboard and comparing the other input code to the access code or another access code.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of receiving a signal in response to pressing a program key on the keyboard.

3. A method comprising the steps of:

deactivating a circuit during a first time period;

enabling a portion of the circuit for a second time period;

sensing an electromagnetic signal during the second time period;

enabling the circuit for an extended time period that is greater than the second time period upon the sensing of the electromagnetic signal;

processing the electromagnetic signal during the extended time period to obtain an input code;

comparing the input code to an access code;

providing a signal to unlock a device if the input code matches the access code; and

,

enabling a low-battery detection circuit for measuring a battery voltage during a first time period, and disabling the low-battery detection circuit during a second time period.

4. A method comprising the steps of:

deactivating a circuit during a first time period;

enabling a portion of the circuit for a second time period;

sensing an electromagnetic signal during the second time period;

enabling the circuit for an extended time period that is greater than the second time period upon the sensing of the electromagnetic signal;

processing the electromagnetic signal during the extended time period to obtain an input code;

comparing the input code to an access code;

providing a signal to unlock a device if the input code matches the access code; and

,

providing a non-zero power output to the device, providing a lower non-zero power output to the device, and transitioning from the non-zero power output to the lower non-zero power output.

5. A method comprising the steps of:

deactivating a circuit during a first time period;

enabling a portion of the circuit for a second time period;

sensing an electromagnetic signal during the second time period;

enabling the circuit for an extended time period that is greater than the second time period upon the sensing of the electromagnetic signal;

processing the electromagnetic signal during the extended time period to obtain an input code;

comparing the input code to an access code;

providing a signal to unlock a device if the input code matches the access code;

writing the access code into a memory in response to a write signal received through a communication port; and

,

writing a serial number into the memory.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of transmitting the serial number through the communication port.

7. A method comprising the steps of:

periodically enabling and disabling a circuit during each of a plurality of duty cycles wherein the circuit is enabled for a time t₁ during each of the duty cycles;

receiving an input code transmitted via an electromagnetic signal;

comparing the input code to an access code;

enabling the circuit as the input code is being received for a time t₂ that is greater then said time t₁;

providing a signal to unlock a device if the input code matches the access code; and

,

receiving another input code from a keyboard and comparing the other input code to the access code or another access code.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of receiving a signal in response to pressing a program key on the keyboard.

9. A method comprising the steps of:

periodically enabling and disabling a circuit during each of a plurality of duty cycles wherein the circuit is enabled for a time t₁ during each of the duty cycles;

receiving an input code transmitted via an electromagnetic signal;

comparing the input code to an access code;

enabling the circuit as the input code is being received for a time t₂ that is greater then said time t₁;

providing a signal to unlock a device if the input code matches the access code; and

,

periodically enabling and disabling a low-battery detection circuit for measuring a battery voltage.

10. A method comprising the steps of:

periodically enabling and disabling a circuit during each of a plurality of duty cycles wherein the circuit is enabled for a time t₁ during each of the duty cycles;

receiving an input code transmitted via an electromagnetic signal;

comparing the input code to an access code;

enabling the circuit as the input code is being received for a time t₂ that is greater then said time t₁;

providing a signal to unlock a device if the input code matches the access code; and

,

providing a non-zero power output to the device, providing a lower non-zero power output to the device, and transitioning from the non-zero power output to the lower non-zero power output.

11. A method comprising the steps of:

periodically enabling and disabling a circuit during each of a plurality of duty cycles wherein the circuit is enabled for a time t₁ during each of the duty cycles;

receiving an input code transmitted via an electromagnetic signal;

comparing the input code to an access code;

enabling the circuit as the input code is being received for a time t₂ that is greater then said time t₁;

providing a signal to unlock a device if the input code matches the access code;

writing the access code into a memory in response to a write signal received through a communication port; and

,

writing a serial number into the memory.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of transmitting the serial number through the communication port.

13. A method for operating a circuit on current drained from a battery comprising the steps of:

generating a signal to indicate detection of a device capable of providing an electromagnetic signal;

receiving an input code transmitted by the electromagnetic signal;

increasing the current drained from the battery;

comparing the input code to an access code;

providing an output to an unlock device if the input code matches the access code;

decreasing the current drained from the battery after receiving the input code; and

,

receiving another input code from a keyboard and comparing the other input code to the access code or another access code.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of receiving a signal in response to pressing a program key on the keyboard.

15. A method for operating a circuit on current drained from a battery comprising the steps of:

generating a signal to indicate detection of a device capable of providing an electromagnetic signal;

receiving an input code transmitted by the electromagnetic signal;

increasing the current drained from the battery;

comparing the input code to an access code;

providing an output to an unlock device if the input code matches the access code;

decreasing the current drained from the battery after receiving the input code; and

,

further comprising the steps of periodically enabling and disabling a low-battery detection circuit for measuring a battery voltage.

16. A method for operating a circuit on current drained from a battery comprising the steps of:

generating a signal to indicate detection of a device capable of providing an electromagnetic signal;

receiving an input code transmitted by the electromagnetic signal;

increasing the current drained from the battery;

comparing the input code to an access code;

providing an output to an unlock device if the input code matches the access code;

decreasing the current drained from the battery after receiving the input code; and

,

providing a non-zero power output to the unlock device, providing a lower non-zero power output to the unlock device, and transitioning from the non-zero power output to the lower non-zero power output.

17. A method for operating a circuit on current drained from a battery comprising the steps of:

generating a signal to indicate detection of a device capable of providing an electromagnetic signal;

receiving an input code transmitted by the electromagnetic signal;

increasing the current drained from the battery;

comparing the input code to an access code;

providing an output to an unlock device if the input code matches the access code;

decreasing the current drained from the battery after receiving the input code;

writing the access code into a memory in response to a write signal received through a communication port; and

,

writing a serial number into the memory.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of transmitting the serial number through the communication port.