Password processing whereby a foreign password is referred to after fail of several attempts

A password processing device for putting a utilization device into operation, comprising:

• generating means for generating a processed datum initially representative of a unique password;
• comparing means for comparing an input password with said processed datum to put said utilization device into operation upon detection of coincidence between said input password and said unique password;
• and
• rendering means for rendering said processed datum in an undefined condition if foreign passwords are used, each as said input password to make said comparing means detect non-coincidence between each foreign password and said unique password;
• said generating means comprising:
• first storing means for storing a password datum representative of password information;
• second storing means for storing said input password as a stored datum upon first indication of said non-coincidence by said comparing means;
• initial processing means for processing the password information of said password datum into said unique password before said first indication to make said processed datum indicate said unique password;
• and
• later processing means for processing said stored datum into said processed datum after said first indication;
• said rendering means substituting said foreign passwords successively for the input password in said stored datum if said foreign passwords are consecutively used each as said input password by said comparing means after said first indication;
• said undefined condition existing when said unique password is not contained in said processed datum.

A code programmable selective call radio receiver comprising receiver circuitry and a password processing device for putting said receiver circuitry into operation, said password processing device comprising:

• generating means for generating a processed datum initially representative of a unique password;
• comparing means for comparing an input password with said processed datum to put said receiver circuitry into operation upon detection of coincidence between said input password and said unique password;
• and
• rendering means for rendering said processed datum in an undefined condition if foreign passwords are used, each as said input password, by said comparing means, upon detection of non-coincidence between each foreign password and said unique password;
• said generating means comprising:
• first storing means for storing a password datum representative of password information;
• second storing means for storing said input password as a stored datum upon first indication of said non-coincidence by said comparing means;
• initial processing means for processing the password information of said password datum into said unique password before said first indication to make said processed datum indicate said unique password;
• and
• later processing means for processing said stored datum with said processed datum after said first indication;
• said rendering means substituting said foreign passwords successively for the input password in said stored datum if said foreign passwords are consecutively used each as said input password by said comparing means after said first indication;
• said undefined condition existing when said unique password is not contained in said processed datum.

A password processing method for a utilization device, comprising the steps of:

• generating a processed datum initially representative of a unique password;
• comparing each input password, of a plurality of input passwords, with said processed datum to put said utilization device into operation upon detection of coincidence between said input password and said unique password;
• rendering said processed datum in an undefined state if foreign passwords are used, each as said input password, in said comparing step upon detection of non-coincidence between each foreign password and said unique password;
• and
• returning said processed datum to a defined state upon detection of a pre-defined number of consecutive said input passwords which coincide with said unique password;
• said undefined state existing when said unique password is not represented in said processed datum;
• said defined state existing when said unique password is represented in said processed datum.