Electronic access control device

• US 20040178884A1
• Filed: 03/24/2004
• Published: 09/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/1994
• Status: Active Grant

• 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.
• Granted Patent: US 7,456,725 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• 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; and

,

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

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating an oscillation signal and deactivating the circuit in response to the oscillation signal.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of toggling a switch to enable the circuit for the extended time period.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of operating at least one of the following in response to the signal to unlock the device:

an electromechanical driver;

a solenoid;

a DC motor;

an electromechanical relay; and

, a solid-state relay.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic signal is infrared.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic signal is within a radio frequency.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of activating another portion of the circuit to compare the input code to an access code.

8. 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 than said time t₁; and

,

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

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of sensing receipt of the electromagnetic signal.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the electromagnetic signal is infrared.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the electromagnetic signal is within a radio frequency.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of generating an override signal during at least a portion of the step of enabling the circuit as the input code is being received.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of toggling a switch during at least a portion of the step of enabling the circuit as the input code is being received.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of operating at least one of the following in response to the signal to unlock the device:

an electromechanical driver;

a solenoid;

a DC motor;

an electromechanical relay; and

, a solid-state relay.

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; and

,

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

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of increasing the current drained from the battery comprising toggling a switch and the step of decreasing the current drained from the battery comprising toggling the switch.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of generating an oscillation signal during the step of receiving the input code.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the electromagnetic signal is infrared.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the electromagnetic signal within a radio frequency.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of operating at least one of the following in response to the signal to unlock the device:

an electromechanical driver;

a solenoid;

a DC motor;

an electromechanical relay; and

, a solid-state relay.