US 5,510,780 AGranted

Time cycled security code and activation control system

AssigneeProfit Plus Corporation

InventorsKen D. Norris, Dan L. Martin

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A self-contained time cycled security code activation system for controlling a piece of power equipment includes a keyboard via which an activation security code is input into a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls an activation relay which selectively controls the equipment and it has stored therein a plurality of security codes which are time cycled via a real time clock. Thus, for example, a different security code can be automatically cycled for each lease or purchase payment interval, such as monthly. The lessee or purchaser is given only the security code or codes for which payment is current. A pair of LED's indicate the keyboard status, including an optional grace period during which the equipment remains operable. If the next month's code is entered during the grace period, the equipment remains operable for the next 30 days. In a second embodiment, the activation code is also a constant security code which is required to be input each time the equipment is used. In this optional arrangement, during the grace period, both the previous month's and the current month's code is valid. In either arrangement, once the grace period has expired, if timely payment has not been made, then the delinquent lessee or purchaser will no longer have access to activate the equipment. A "three strike" feature prevents someone from attempting to circumvent the activation code by randomly entering numbers.

Claims5

Dependent claims

A time cycled security code and activation control system connected to control an electrical device, comprising:

(a) a keypad for inputting a security activation code;
(b) a programmable activation controller connected to said keypad, said controller including a memory for storing a series of activation codes, of which at least one is an active security activation code at a given time;
(c) clock means connected to said controller;
(d) comparator means for detecting when said clock means indicates the passage of each of a plurality of predetermined sequential time periods;
(e) said controller including data pointer means for automatically sequentially designating successive ones of the security activation codes within said series after the passage of corresponding ones of said predetermined time periods such that the security activation code within said series which said data pointer is designating becomes said active security activation code;
(f) an activation switching means for selectively controlling a switch connected to said electrical device, said controller including means for selectively controlling said activation switching means to close said switch during a first of said predetermined time periods, but to open said switch after said first predetermined time period and each subsequent time period has passed until the currently active security activation code is input;
(g) means for detecting each attempted entry of an invalid code on said keypad;
(h) strike out counting means for counting the number of attempted entries of an invalid code without the entry of the currently active security activation code;
(i) disabling means connected to said strike out means for disabling said activation switching means when the number of detected invalid code entries is equal to a predetermined number, said disabling means preventing said control system from accepting the currently active security activation code;
(j) enabling means for reenabling said activation switching means upon detecting the entry of a reset code on said keypad;
(k) flagging means responsive to the correct entry of said reset code for flagging said reset code to render it invalid such that said activation switching means can no longer be reenabled by the entry of said reset code.

8 more elements

A time cycled security code and activation control system connected to control an electrical device, comprising:

(a) a keypad for inputting a security activation code;
(b) a programmable activation controller connected to said keypad, said controller including a memory for storing a series of activation codes, of which at least one is an active security activation code at a given time;
(c) clock means connected to said controller;
(d) comparator means for detecting when said clock means indicates the passage of each of a plurality of predetermined sequential time periods;
(e) said controller including data pointer means for automatically sequentially designating successive ones of the security activation codes within said series after the passage of corresponding ones of said predetermined time periods such that the security activation code within said series which said data pointer is designating becomes said active security activation code;
(f) means for detecting the attempted entry of an invalid code on said keypad;
an activation switching means for selectively controlling a switch connected to said electrical device, said controller including means for selectively controlling said activation switching means to normally open said switch during an initial one of said predetermined time periods, but to close said switch upon the entry of a currently active security activation code on said keypad;
(h) said controller including strike out counting means for detecting and counting attempted entries of invalid codes without the entry of the currently active security activation code;
(i) disabling means connected to said strike out means for disabling said activation switching means when the number of detected invalid code entries is equal to a predetermined number, said disabling means preventing said control system from accepting the currently active security activation code;
(j) enabling means for reenabling said activation switching means upon detecting the entry of a reset code on said keypad;
and
(k) flagging means responsive to the correct entry of said reset code for flagging said valid reset code to render it invalid such that said activation switching means can no longer be reenabled by the entry of said reset code.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/198,960Filed 18 Feb 1994
Granted: 23 Apr 1996
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification11 codes

B60R 25/20
Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles: means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
B60R 25/23
Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off: using manual input of alphanumerical codes
G06Q 20/127
Specially adapted for electronic shopping systems: shopping or accessing services according to a time-limitation
G06Q 20/342
Using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards: cards defining paid or billed services or quantities