Abstract: A vehicle key-less entry system and a method of unlocking a vehicle door can detect whether or not a vehicle door handle is operated and an operational speed when the door handle is detected by entering a cipher code. Check is made whether the entered cipher code is equal to a prestored cipher code based on the detected operational speed. A locking mechanism is controlled to unlock a vehicle door when the entered cipher code is equal to the prestored cipher code.

Abstract: A key management system for controlling access to vehicle keys includes a key set, a key container and an electronic access device. The key set includes vehicle keys to a particular vehicle and a key tag associated with the vehicle keys having an electronically readable identifier. The key container has a key set storage area secured by an electronic lock and a circuit that detects when the key set is stored in the key set storage area. The access device is carried by a user to access the key container, and has a memory that is updated with at least the identifier of the key tag when the key container is successfully accessed.

Abstract: A security system incorporating one or more biometric data recognition capabilities in a non-intrusive way to enhance the overall security provided by the system. The biometric recognition may be provided by incorporating one or more cameras in a keypad system wherein the key identifications are altered between uses, and wherein the viewing of the key identifications is sufficiently restricted so that an operator must be adequately aligned with the key identifications when operating the system that reliable biometric data may be automatically obtained during system operation without the need for additional explicit positioning requirements placed upon the user. Other biometric data sensors may also be used if desired. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A decentralized key management system for controlling access to multiple vehicles among multiple users includes vehicle keys for the respective vehicles, individual locking key containers for the vehicles, electronic access devices for assignment to the users and a database. Each of the containers has a storage area within which a vehicle key or keys for one vehicle can be stored operable to unlock key containers if authorized. The access devices are operable to unlock the key containers if authorized. The access devices are programmable with information from the database such that an assigned access device is programmed with a specific user's access privileges for obtaining access to one or more of the vehicles in the system.

Abstract: The operating method for a command transmitter intended for the remote control of electrical equipments providing comfort and/or safety in a building is characterized in that it comprises at least: a) a first mode in which an action on one or more keys of the control interface gives rise to the transmission of a control signal associated with this action and b) a second mode in which an action on this key or these keys of the control interface gives rise to the display of information relating to the controlled equipment or equipments and/or the command transmitter on the information interface and does not give rise to the transmission of the control signal associated, in the first mode, with this action, a locking means ensuring at least the change from the first mode to the second mode.

Abstract: The present invention is a keypad module for a vehicle. The keypad module includes a housing having a front side, a back side, and side members, the front side having a flange adapted for mounting to a vehicle, a plurality of buttons operatively connected to the housing and recessed in the front side, a circuit board disposed within the housing, an intelligent control mounted to the circuit board and electrically connected to the plurality of buttons, and a network transceiver electrically connected to the intelligent control, the intelligent control adapted to transmit a vehicle access message through the network transceiver. The present invention also includes a method.

Abstract: A method for securing passwords, personal identification numbers and identifying patterns utilizes a MasterCode camouflaged within a grid which contains all the characters, symbols or pictograms of which the MasterCode is a subset. For securing numeric sequences, the MasterCode is comprised of ten characters randomly associated to a corresponding digit (including zero). The characters thereby associated with each numeric password are expanded into an ordinary, natural language word, a SecureWord using non-associated letters. The MasterCode is masked by its unique placement in a MasterGrid known only to the user. For securing passwords comprised of alpha numeric symbolic characters, each unique character, the MasterCode, is assigned a sequential number which becomes a sequence of positions in the MasterGrid with each MasterCode character placed in the appropriate position and the remainder of the character set filled in. SecureNumbers are the positions in the MasterGrid of each character in a password.

Abstract: A membrane for a cover for closing a container having the general form of a cylinder and being compressible in the direction of the axis of the cylinder. The membrane comprises two mutually parallel, generally flat parts arranged to move axially in relation to each other guided in the movement by guiding elements; resilient element arranged to generate a counterforce between the flat parts during compression of the membrane in the direction of the axis; at least a first and a second electrical contact device operated by the axial movement between the circular parts, the combined electrical settings of which contact devices will carry information about the compressions and decompressions of the membrane and elements for presenting the settings to the outside of the membrane. A cover comprising such a membrane and use thereof are also described.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating a user of a device comprises: generating at least one arrangement comprising a sub-set of a plurality of stored objects, the sub-set comprising at least one authenticating object that forms at least part of a user's authentication key and the sub-set further comprising at least one non-authenticating object, wherein such generating comprises randomly selecting a position within the at least one arrangement for the at least one authenticating object and randomly selecting the at least one non-authenticating object from the plurality of stored objects; presenting to a user the generated at least one arrangement; receiving input that comprises a selection of at least one of the objects from the at least one arrangement; and determining whether the selection identifies the authentication key.

Abstract: A biometric anti-theft gear shifter lock control for vehicles, equipment, and machinery, and other transmission actuation devices on land, water, and air, using a gear shifter. A biometric sensor scans in biometric information from a user to a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU finding a match for an authorized user deactivates a shift lock which may be built into an automatic shift vehicle or a solenoid or other switch added to a standard shift vehicle. It sounds an alarm for an unauthorized user. The control may be positioned on a gear shift knob with a flip-type protective cover. The biometrics device could be a fingerprint scanner, a retina scanner, a voice recognition system or other device programmed to operate only upon recognition of a unique biometrically measurable characteristic of one or more authorized users whose biometric data is programmed into the system.

Abstract: A fingerprint enrollment and verification module is connected to the electrical circuit of a vehicle to prevent operation of the vehicle by unauthorized users. The module has a sensor that creates a template of a fingerprint when a finger is placed on the module. The module has a flash memory to store enrolled templates and a verification step. After a fingerprint has been enrolled in the module, any operation of that vehicle is possible only after the user's fingerprint is verified to match the enrolled template.

Abstract: A vehicle agent system controls operation of relevant in-vehicle devices as execution of a practical response for acting for a driver. When a command is inputted by the driver or a notification is inputted from an in-vehicle network, an assumed response is selected from driver information stored in a RAM, based on the command or the notification. The selected assumed response including parameters is presented to the driver. When the driver inputs a command for permitting the selected assumed response or the driver inputs no command for a predetermined period, the selected assumed response is determined to be the practice response. When the driver inputs modification, the selected assumed response is modified into the practical response.

Abstract: An entry control system and method for permitting authorized users to access a controlled area by moving a barrier comprises a specific action button and an entry request device for accepting a user data input. A controller is operably coupled to the entry request device and the specific action button and having an output. The transmitter receives the user data input and an indication of a position of the barrier and determines based at least in part upon the user data input and the indication of the position of the barrier whether a first control signal should be generated at the output, the controller also receiving an indication of an actuation of the specific action button and selectively generating a second control signal at the output based at least in part upon the indication of the position of the barrier.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the identity of an individually registered person employing knowledge management of a database repository of security information which includes Voluntary Attributes. The method includes the steps of collecting and registering assigned attribute information including personal security information such as name, date of birth, place or birth, along with voluntary attributes within a database; accessing a database containing information on registered persons; questioning the person based on the information; receiving and verifying an answer to the question; generating a score based on the answers; and confirming verification if the score is equal to or greater than a threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle key-less entry system and a method of unlocking a vehicle door can detect whether or not a vehicle door handle is operated and an operational speed when the door handle is detected by entering a cipher code. Check is made whether the entered cipher code is equal to a prestored cipher code based on the detected operational speed. A locking mechanism is controlled to unlock a vehicle door when the entered cipher code is equal to the prestored cipher code.

Abstract: Networked vehicle communications system with front end unit, terminal which can be operated by a user and associated application. A vehicle communications system having a databus and at least one front end unit which is connected thereto and has a user-interface framework unit, having at least one terminal which can be operated by the user and is connected to the databus, and having at least one functionality which is implemented in the system and can be executed with the participation of the front end unit and of the terminal. The implemented functionality is divided into a part which communicates with the user-interface framework unit and has user-interface ends and into a functional component part which communicates with the user-interface end part on the one hand and with an application framework unit on the other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for disabling the operation of a computer keyboard with respect to depressed keys as they are observed by the computer's CPU. Entry into, and exit from, the keyboard disabled state is made via specific, simultaneous combinations of depressed keys. In one embodiment of the invention a new software routing (31) is added to the existing keyboard software (12) to recognize specific, simultaneous combinations of depressed keys and alternately inhibit or allow transmissions from the keyboard to the computer CPU in response to depressed keyboard keys. In an alternate embodiment an apparatus (100) is added between an existing keyboard and the computer to similarly recognize specific, simultaneous combinations of depressed keys via a lock detection function (111) which alternately inhibits or allows transmission of keyboard clock (122) and data (123) signals, thus preventing depressed keyboard keys from being recognized by the computer CPU.

Abstract: The method relates to the input of a security code by means of a touch screen of an electronic device such as a watch for access to a specific function, an apparatus or a given location. This touch screen comprises control keys, which can be activated by a manual action of a user using a finger or a stylus. Each key is linked to a microprocessor unit of the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention is a keypad module for a vehicle. The keypad module includes a housing having a front side, a back side, and side members, the front side having a flange adapted for mounting to a vehicle, a plurality of buttons operatively connected to the housing and recessed in the front side, a circuit board disposed within the housing, an intelligent control mounted to the circuit board and electrically connected to the plurality of buttons, and a network transceiver electrically connected to the intelligent control, the intelligent control adapted to transmit a vehicle access message through the network transceiver. The present invention also includes a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device (20) with redundancy for fitting to a lock having a mechanism (21) for locking an unlocking an access door, the device (20) being adapted to manage a change of state of this lock under predetermined conditions and to ensure that this state current is kept current up until the next change of state. This device (20) comprises means (30) for controlling the mechanism (21) and two units (31; 32) for providing like instructions to the control means. This device (20) is characterized in that the first unit (31) has a structure different from that of the second unit (32), while effecting common functions, and in that the control means behave functionally as an AND gate to the inputs of which are applied the instructions from the units respectively, when the device is functioning in a normal situation.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system includes a first button that initiates a user login procedure. A second button allows a user to select among multiple password characters. A display device displays the multiple password characters including a currently selected password character. Another button is used to enter the selected password characters for validation. The second button may be rotatable, such that the user of the vehicle computer system is able to scroll through the list of multiple password characters by rotating the second button.

Abstract: Items are securely stored and retrieved using a storage unit having separate compartments. A storage code is provided to the storage unit, and the storage unit responds by permitting access to a particular compartment while preventing access to other compartments. An item then is placed in the particular compartment. At a later time, a retrieval code is provided to the storage unit and the storage unit responds by permitting access to the particular compartment while preventing access to other compartments. The item then may be retrieved from the particular compartment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of protecting a radiocommunications terminal against unauthorized use, the terminal being adapted to send and receive a plurality of types of user information and a plurality of types of terminal information. According to the invention, when no user information is transmitted, the terminal is automatically switched to a secure mode in which the sending of at least one type of user information is prohibited and the sending of at least one type of terminal information is authorized, secure mode being canceled by entering a predetermined code. The invention applies in particular to GSM mobile terminals.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes: a user database in which user identification information for identifying an user of the image forming apparatus is registered; an operation panel for receiving a key operation input; a secure program used for determining whether a user service can be provided on the basis of the user identification information in the user database and another user identification information input by the user.

Abstract: A knocking activated device and method for operating an electromechanical device responsive to a control signal. The knocking activated device has a vibration transducer for generating a signal in response to knockings on a solid object. It also has a storing system for storing data representative of a predetermined sequence of knocks. The device further comprises a user operable interface for changing the data stored in the storing system. The device also has a comparing system for comparing the signal generated by the vibration transducer with the data stored in the storing system to produce the control signal when the signal generated by the vibration transducer matches the predetermined sequence of knocks.

Abstract: A method for inputting an access code via temporal variations in the amount of pressure applied to a touch interface is disclosed. The method facilitates the input of access codes such as passwords, personal identification codes, and the like in a manner that is indiscernible (via either sight or sound) to third parties thereby reducing the possibility that the access codes may be copied or stolen and used a third party to gain unauthorized access to a system or function.

Abstract: A door access control assembly (10, 12) is provided for mounting on a door (11) or on a cabinet provided with a door, the control assembly comprising a self-contained access control unit (10), and a circuit board housing (12) adapted to be mounted on a planar surface of the door or cabinet wall. A printed circuit board (PCB) is mounted within the circuit board housing (12), and circuitry of the printed circuit board is configured to provide an output signal to a door lock release mechanism in response to suitable release signals generated by the access control unit. The self-contained access control unit (10) takes the form of an activation module comprising a module housing, and release signal generating circuitry housed within the module housing. The activation module has an electrical plug and socket connection (14) with the printed circuit board (PCB).

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.

Abstract: A wireless digital launch or firing system has a transmitter unit that can transmit separate RF signals representing an “enable” code sequence and an “actuate” code sequence, and a receiver unit which decodes the “enable” code sequence to enable receipt of the “actuate” code sequence, and decodes the “actuate” code sequence to actuate launching or firing. A digital processor receives the code sequences from a receiver circuit and compares them to stored digital code sequences. A memory latch maintains a normally-off primary switch in an “on” condition when the “enable” signal is received. A normally-off secondary switch is set to an “on” condition when the “actuate” signal is received.

Abstract: A keyless entry system and sensor for unlocking the door locks of a vehicle. The sensor, preferably in the form of a piezoelectric crystal, is secured at a discrete location to an inner concealed surface of a body panel of the vehicle and electrically connected to an electronic signal processing module having an output relay. The output relay is electrically connected with the power control relay of the door lock, the sensor being structured to afford entry into a locked vehicle by sharply tapping the outer surface of the body panel at the exact location and limited area where the concealed sensor has been discretely secured. The system and sensor thus provides access to a vehicle that does not require the owner to carry a battery powered transmitter or rely on memorizing a numerical code.