Input From Central Location For Plural Controlled Devices Patents (Class 340/5.5)
  • Patent number: 7432796
    Abstract: A security control system for improving security. The security control system includes a portable device, having a communication function and a portable device ID code. A security controller includes a memory for recording a controller ID code. The security controller communicates with the portable device and determines whether the portable device ID code matches the controller ID code. In accordance with the determination, the security controller selectively deactivates the security functions of a door lock driver and an engine controller. The security controller records and registers the portable device ID code as the controller ID code in the memory and transmits a registration signal containing the portable device ID code. A portable device management apparatus receives the registration signal from the security controller and manages the portable device based on the registration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Kawamura, Kiyokazu Ohtaki, Keiji Yamamoto, Koichi Masamura, Takao Ozawa, Yoshihide Nakane
  • Patent number: 7424733
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is, in a device control system that controls devices within a house, to reduce the effort required of a user during authentication, as well as to prevent unauthorized access by a third party. A device control system access restriction method includes the steps of accepting registration of terminal information for associating an identifier unique to an operating terminal with operating terminal access right, of accepting instruction information including operating terminal identifier and instruction signals relating to operations of a device, of determining the access right of an operating terminal based on the operating terminal identifier included in instruction information, and of controlling the device based on operating terminal access right and instruction signals relating to that device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Toru Kamiwada, Toshihiro Azami, Takushi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20080106368
    Abstract: A secure storage facility has storage bays for rental in a building having reinforced walls and partitions, impact and explosion resistant security doors and a limited access control room from which all security doors are remotely locked and unlocked and are monitored with video and audio communications, each storage bay having an independently adjustable temperature, humidity and lighting system, and sensors within for providing environment information to the control room, and the facility having a vehicle loading area and a vehicle security zone in which a vehicle can be inspected before access is allowed to the loading area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Eberto A. Vitier
  • Patent number: 7363398
    Abstract: A system for interfacing a user with an electronic device. An accessor device provides a user interface matched to the needs, abilities and intentions of the user and translates the user input commands and data into commands for the electronic device. An intelligent access port translates commands from the accessor into an input format required by the electronic device. A communication link connects the accessor device with the intelligent access port to send the translated user input commands and data from the accessor to the intelligent access port. The accessor device contains an intelligent access module and an interactive display. The intelligent access module contains a driver device for routing message packets, an interaction processor for processing incoming message packets and generating a message packet for the electronic device, and a communications channel. Communications between system components take place over a universal serial bus or over a wireless fidelity or ZigBee device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventor: Neil G. Scott
  • Patent number: 7348874
    Abstract: A device and system include a plurality of electronic boxes for packets, several electronic boxes being assigned to a control unit and a central control unit for monitoring the control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Boris Mayer, Christian Borger
  • Publication number: 20080061924
    Abstract: A multiple lock cargo security system, comprising: a master security device including position sensors, a motor, a door sensor and a latch; a master controller connected to the position sensors and the door sensor; at least one slave security device having a slave controller connected to the master controller; and a computing device for communicating with the master controller through a wireless communication link, to move the security system locking devices to a locked or unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Maciej Labowicz, Harvey Schmidt, William P. Lanigan
  • Publication number: 20070290798
    Abstract: An access device is provided for a system that has a plurality of locks that are each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the locks and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device includes at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the locks over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer and wherein the predefined text message provides an indication to the computer as to at least one other key whereto the predefined text message is to be sent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Wayne Floyd Larson, Michael Harkins, Casey Fale, Teri Lynne Briskey, Jerry Switzer
  • Publication number: 20070290799
    Abstract: An access device for a real estate lockbox system that has at least one lock that is configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the at least one lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the at least one lock and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device includes at least one key that is configured to communicate with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the at least one lock over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to radiate a directed beam of electromagnetic energy that has a frequency that is in the visible spectrum and that is usable to illuminate the at least one lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Harkins, Teri Lynne Briskey, Casey Fale
  • Publication number: 20070290797
    Abstract: An access device for a system having at least one lock that is configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the at least one lock and a computer is disposed at a remote location from the at least one lock and the access device. The computer is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device comprises at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the lock over a secondary wireless communications path and wherein the at least one key further is configured as authorized to unlock the at least one lock absent a de-authorizing instruction from the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Harkins, Casey Fale
  • Patent number: 7271702
    Abstract: A method for determining attributes of entities within a physical space. More specifically, the location of the entities in the physical space are determined using this invention. A reader automatically moves throughout the space and takes measurements of the attributes of corresponding entities when it detects the presence of these entities in the physical space. The attributes of the entities could be the location, temperature and so forth. The reader could be an RF detection device for reading signals from the tags attached to the entities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Abhishek Patil, Alan George Cole, Paul Andrew Moskowitz, Jonathan Paul Munson, David Wood, Han Chen
  • Patent number: 7268664
    Abstract: In a remote control apparatus, for achieving remote control of an on-vehicle equipment, in accordance with a request received from a terminal other than the on-vehicle equipment, wherein a request receiver portion 101 receives control content from a stationary-type terminal 301 or a portable-type terminal 302, thereby registering it into a control information DB 105, while corresponding it to ID information of a user thereof. Upon receipt of the ID information from the on-vehicle equipment 20, a control information transmitter portion 102 transmits the control information depending upon the control content, being registered in the control information DB 105 corresponding thereto, to the on-vehicle equipment 20. With this, the on-vehicle equipment 20 is controlled in accordance with the control content, which was received from the user in advance, remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., HCX Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuaki Tanaka, Shigeru Matsuo, Kimiyoshi Machii, Michio Morioka, Yoshinori Endo
  • Patent number: 7253715
    Abstract: A method of controlling access to a movable container, the method comprising controllably locking the container using an electronically actuated locking mechanism; storing in a memory a desired geographical location; determining the geographical location of the container; and enabling the locking mechanism to unlock the container if the determined geographical location matches the desired geographical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Bates
  • Patent number: 7251731
    Abstract: To set up a call coming from a user's mobile radio telephone terminal to a receiver terminal for example a home automation terminal, the result of a biometric authentication of the user in the mobile terminal and of a predetermined result are applied to algorithms for authenticating of the mobile terminal implemented in the mobile terminal and fixed storage arrangement in the radio telephone network. If the signature produced by the algorithm in the mobile terminal and transmitted by it and the signature result produced by the algorithm in the fixed storage arrangement are identical, an identifier of the mobile terminal is transmitted from the fixed storage arrangement to the called receiver terminal. The outgoing call is accepted by the receiver terminal only when the latter has recognized the transmitted identifier, or in a variant an identifier of removable supplementary card included in the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Sylvie Laniepce, Didier Guerin
  • Patent number: 7221255
    Abstract: A latch communications method and system are disclosed herein, which generally includes a communications receiver and transmitter unit associated with a latch. Additionally, an interface component is provided for interfacing with the communications receiver and transmitter unit, wherein the interface component is co-located with the communications receiver and transmitter unit in association with the latch. Also, an interpreter is associated with the interface component and the communications and transmitter unit, wherein the interpreter processes information received from the communications receiver and transmitter unit in order to provide latch diagnostics and functionalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis B. Johnson, Peter Suknaich, Ajaykumar Vaidhyanathan
  • Patent number: 7196610
    Abstract: An access control system comprises a plurality of access control devices in each of which is stored an access code. Specific access codes and access rights for a plurality of access control devices are transmitted from an access control central unit over a mobile radio network to the mobile communication terminal of a user. Transmitted to the mobile communication terminal by an access control device to be passed is an access control device identification. In the mobile communication terminal, on the basis of the received identification, the access code and the access rights for the access control device to be passed are determined, and are transmitted to the access control device. The access control device clears the user for access if the received access rights suffice and the received access code agrees with the stored access code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Swisscom AG
    Inventors: Hugo Straumann, Felix Baessler
  • Patent number: 7176782
    Abstract: An electronic locking device is disclosed which, when applied to rental lockers, will allow electronic data to be delivered without causing inconvenience to a user. One who desires to use a locker will approach an input device while in possession of a recording device. The input device will detect the approach of the recording device without coming into contact therewith, and will output data indicating the detection thereof to a management device. The management device will extract the locker IDs of the lockers that are not currently being used, and will display the unused lockers on the input device. When a user inputs the selection of a locker and a password into the input device, the locker ID of the selected locker and the password will be output to the management device. The management device will set the electronic data, i.e., the electronic key, for opening the selected locker, wirelessly output the electronic key to the recording device via the input device, and the selected locker will be unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Konami Sports Life Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Shitan
  • Patent number: 7170390
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning the access of a user of a remotely-accessible device, which tracks and monitors objects, by using a preprogrammed expiration time and date and comparing that to a reliable time and date source, such as a time and date received from a global positioning system receiver, and disabling the processing of signals of the remotely-accessible device if the time and date comparison reveals that the license, service, lease, rental or commodity agreement has expired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Topp Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis F. Quiñones, Victor Maldonado
  • Patent number: 7157050
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting biological and chemical material. To measure biological materials such as genes easily at low costs, the device for implementing a small-sized, high sensitive, economical measurement apparatus is provided. Probes appropriate for target biological materials are fixed on a chip, on which a sensor, identification number, and radio communication function are implemented, the captured targets are detected by the sensors, and the result of sensing are transferred to an external control unit by the radio communication function. The small-sized, high sensitivity measurement apparatus for detecting biological and chemical materials such as genes and measuring physical and chemical amounts such as temperature, pressure, pH, and the like can be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Yazawa, Masao Kamahori, Hideki Kambara, Mitsuo Usami, Ken Takei
  • Patent number: 7145434
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for use with an electronic locking system is provided. At least one key is selected in order to have access to at least one lock. This key to lock relationship is transferred to a memory of the key. The key is presented to the lock and at least a portion of the key to lock relationship from the key is transferred to a memory of the lock. This transfer updates the memory of the key to lock relationships in the lock. The update of the memory in the lock is noted in the memory of the key. The key may then be placed in communication with a computer so that at least a portion of the memory of the key is transferred to a database in the computer. This transfer updates the database in order to reflect the fact that the memory of the lock has been updated and completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Compx International Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Mlynarczyk, John B. Payson, Aron J. Hoekstra, Brock E. Robinson, Kenneth A. Kaczmarz, Michael J. Koch
  • Patent number: 7119709
    Abstract: A system for providing secured access to a vehicle, a remote communications device for sending a signal for controlling a first set of functions associated with the vehicle, a receiver associated with the vehicle and adapted to receive the signal, an access module operatively connected to the vehicle and adapted to provide control of a second set of functions of the vehicle by a user from outside of the vehicle, where the first set of functions may be similar or different from the second set of functions, a plurality of actuators disposed within the vehicle and wherein at least a portion of the first set of functions or at least a portion of the second set of functions are associated with at least one of the plurality of actuators and a controller module electrically connected to the receiver, the access module, and the plurality of actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: TRI/MARK Corporation
    Inventors: Dave Magner, Rick McIntosh, Julie M. Houdek
  • Patent number: 7084735
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively limiting at least one operational characteristic, such as maximum speed, of a vehicle. A vehicle limitation control signal is supplied to the vehicle over a wireless communication network. In response to the limitation control signal, the maximum speed of the vehicle is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: IDSC Holdings, LLC.
    Inventor: Michael Kapolka
  • Patent number: 7059159
    Abstract: An apparatus to secure a door of a cargo container. The apparatus includes a latching device and a cover can be positioned over at least a portion of the latching device. The latching device is positioned within a housing. At least one pad is positioned between the latch and the housing. The latching device includes a screw for moving the latch between an open position and a closed position and a rotary motor for turning the screw. A pre-compressed spring is coupled to the latch and the screw for exerting a force to Increase friction and prevent back rotation of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Lanigan, Peter W. Mirabella, Gerald F. Chalko, Jr., Kurt A. Moldenhauer, Maciej Labowicz
  • Patent number: 7046135
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventor: Yves Blanpain
  • Patent number: 7019614
    Abstract: A door security system for a door having an electrically actuated lock. The lock is controlled by a lock controller having an audit trail memory. An entry code reader transmits entered access codes to the controller. The controller compares the entered access code to prestored access codes and actuates the lock in response to the comparison. The controller stores the entered access code and a time stamp in the audit trail memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Lavelle, Peter S. Conklin
  • Patent number: 7005961
    Abstract: A method of controlling access to a movable container, the method comprising controllably locking the container using an electronically actuated locking mechanism; storing in a memory a desired geographical location; determining the geographical location of the container; and enabling the locking mechanism to unlock the container if the determined geographical location matches the desired geographical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Bates
  • Patent number: 6998955
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for actuating an electronic device having a first protocol with a command device having a second protocol so as to actuate such consumer device regardless of differences in protocol. An electronic device may be remote controlled through a infrared protocol for such functions as being turned on, turned off, or other functions related to the specific device. As such, command devices, such as remote controls are highly specialized and dependent upon the protocol of the electronic device for actuating such device. This invention allows a command device of any protocol to actuate a electronic device of any other protocol through associating the input signal to the electronic device with an output signal from the command device and converting one protocol to another with associated command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Michael A. Ballew, Larry D. Mason
  • Patent number: 6982626
    Abstract: A system (12) for activating a remotely controlled device (14) from an automotive vehicle (10) includes a key pad (24) that generates a first coded signal. A transmitter controller (20) is coupled to the key pad (24) and receives the first coded signal and generates a control signal in response to the first coded signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Felix Nedorezov
  • Patent number: 6981142
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new and flexible approach for managing physical security in an electronic lock-and-key system. The novel approach does away with cabling or other direct connecting between locks and a system management center. The (physical) keys serve to disseminate access control and other information within the system in a snowball-like way, using an adapted, but simple networking protocol. Whenever appropriate, cryptographic schemes are applied to protect the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Ceki Gulcu
  • Patent number: 6977593
    Abstract: A method for assuring safety during firing exercises with live ammunition by mobile skirmish participants (11, 11?) practicing under combat conditions in an enclosed practice range (10) that is monitored from a monitoring center (14), to protect all participants (11, 11?) from being shot by firing participants (11). The instantaneous positions of the participants (11, 11?) are continuously determined, and transmitted to a monitoring center (14) wherein the transmitted positions and movement regions derived therefrom for all participants (11, 11?), and the positions of stationary objects (13) that are present, are used to calculate current, authorized firing sectors (38) for the firing participants (11) and are individually transmitted to the firing participants (11). For each firing participant (11), the instantaneous weapon setting (39) is compared to the assigned firing sectors (38), and firing authorization is only given if the instantaneous weapon setting (39) lies within these firing sectors (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: STN ATLAS Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Hellmuth Schmedemann, Manfred Junge
  • Patent number: 6976269
    Abstract: An Internet co-location facility security system integrates all the major components of the system and makes tracking information from these components available to co-located members on a database accessible from the web. A web-based interface allows co-located members to assign visitor access to the Internet co-location facility through the Internet from remote computer terminals. A visitor access and enrollment system allows a visitor to enroll only once in the system to be granted access to one or more other Internet co-location facility security systems around the globe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Equinix, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert M. Avery, IV, Jay Steven Adelson, Derrald Curtis Vogt
  • Patent number: 6971029
    Abstract: An Internet co-location facility security system and method integrates all the major components of the system and makes tracking information from these components available to co-located members on a database accessible from the web. A web-based interface allows co-located members to assign visitor access to the Internet co-location facility through the Internet from remote computer terminals. A visitor access and enrollment system allows a visitor to enroll only once in the system to be granted access to one or more other Internet co-location facility security systems around the globe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Equinix, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert M. Avery IV, Jay Steven Adelson, Derrald Curtis Vogt
  • Patent number: 6958675
    Abstract: A vehicle remote controller that reduces the number of parts. The vehicle remote controller includes a portable device carried by a driver and a transceiver (11) arranged in the vehicle to output a request signal for intercommunicating with the portable device and to output a transponder driving radio wave. The transceiver outputs the request signal to either a first area, which is in a vehicle passenger compartment, or an area outside the vehicle, and has a common antenna (14) for outputting the transponder driving radio wave to a second area, which is in the vehicle passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toru Maeda, Hirofumi Okada, Toshihiro Nagae, Yoshihito Mizuno, Yutaka Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6940395
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting an alarm/reminder activation time that takes into account a user-requested alarm/reminder time and unexpected conditions that are unknown to the user, or are realized after the user has entered the user-requested alarm time, is provided. User related information is used to gather present unexpected condition information relevant to the user from a content provider periodically. Based on the user related and configuration information and the unexpected condition information, an adjusted alarm time is determined periodically. An alarm signal is activated when the actual time reaches the adjusted alarm time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel E Steinmark
  • Patent number: 6895241
    Abstract: In a door-lock-opening method for a home delivery locker which includes a home delivery locker and a managing company that are connected to each other through a line, the managing company controlling depositing and taking-out processes of the home delivery locker, a person who wishes to take out a parcel addressed to the person from the home delivery locker is allowed to communicate with the managing company through a mobile terminal such as a mobile telephone, and in the case when the company has confirmed that the person who made contact therewith is a registered user of the home delivery locker, the company releases the lock of the door of the home delivery locker housing the parcel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System
    Inventor: Kouichiro Hara
  • Patent number: 6885281
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of using a control unit to control an electronic lock on a safe comprising the steps of providing (402) an electronic lock for the safe, receiving (404) signals at the electronic lock from the computer, and controlling (406) the safe in response to the signals. An apparatus for controlling an electronic lock on a safe comprising an electronic lock (305) incorporated in a safe an input/output port (110) coupled to the electronic lock for receiving signals from a control unit (120), and a control signal received at the input/output port for opening the safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Corporate Safe Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. McGunn, James Ivey, III, Gregory Grzegorz Dylewski, Eduardo DeCastro Barcellos
  • Patent number: 6885304
    Abstract: Monitoring apparatus and methods for monitoring the reaction of people to a performance use two or more monitoring devices of different types. Output signals from the monitoring devices are combined to produce at least one crowd reaction signal indicative of the reaction of those people to the performance. Particularly appropriate types of monitoring device are described, as is automatic performance generating apparatus, such an automatic DJ, adapted to use crowd reaction signals to modify performances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Trevor Cliff, Timothy Alan Heath Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6838974
    Abstract: Plural security units are coupled to plural control units through a communication line including transmission and response lines. Each control unit detects data collision on the transmission line to avoid the data collision. Re-transmission interval is independently assigned to each control unit. If the command to or from a security unit in charge of this control unit is received, the control unit rewrites the conditional data of the security unit in accordance with the detected command. The control (security) unit further includes a transmission (response) line monitoring portion, so that bi-directional communication is provided in addition of the response (transmission) line monitoring portion. Address data is classified to provide all unit communication, a group communication, and independent communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Tsuzuki, Motohiro Misawa, Tooru Toyoda
  • Patent number: 6828692
    Abstract: A vehicle disablement device disables a vehicle if it is determined that the vehicle disablement device is being tampered with. A signal is periodically sent from a tamper transmitter to a tamper receiver. A tamper transmitter determines whether the vehicle is being tampered with. The periodic sending of the signal is inhibited if it is determined that the vehicle is being tampered with. The vehicle is disabled if the periodic sending of the signal is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Payment Protection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Simon
  • Patent number: 6819218
    Abstract: A maintenance/inspection support apparatus including an inspection information storage section storing inspection information of a plurality of equipments serving as maintenance/inspection targets, an inspection information write section for writing, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information stored in the inspection information storage section on a plurality of information recording media corresponding to the plurality of equipments, an inspection information read section for reading, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information written on the information recording media by the inspection information write section, and a display section for displaying the inspection information read by the inspection information read section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshiaki Mabuchi, Hirokazu Hirayama, Kyo Takagi, Naoko Noto, Ryo Yoshitake, Yasuhiro Takemoto, Masayuki Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki Tsuchida
  • Publication number: 20040207509
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for use with an electronic locking system is provided. At least one key is selected in order to have access to at least one lock. This key to lock relationship is transferred to a memory of the key. The key is presented to the lock and at least a portion of the key to lock relationship from the key is transferred to a memory of the lock. This transfer updates the memory of the key to lock relationships in the lock. The update of the memory in the lock is noted in the memory of the key. The key may then be placed in communication with a computer so that at least a portion of the memory of the key is transferred to a database in the computer. This transfer updates the database in order to reflect the fact that the memory of the lock has been updated and completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Comp X International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell S. Mlynarczyk, John B. Payson, Aron J. Hoekstra, Brock E. Robinson, Kenneth A. Kaczmarz, Michael J. Koch
  • Patent number: 6774762
    Abstract: A secure cargo transportation system includes a movable container including an enclosure having an opening; a door movable relative to the opening between a closed position, wherein the door restricts access to the enclosure, and an open position; a memory supported by the movable container and configured to store a location coordinate; and an electronic position determining system supported by the movable container and coupled to the memory, and configured to electronically unlock the door in response to determining that the movable container is within a predetermined distance of the location coordinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Bates
  • Patent number: 6737956
    Abstract: A password registration device includes a password input device for inputting an input password; a tentative password designation mechanism for designating the input password as a tentative password; a signaling mechanism coupled to the tentative password designation mechanism for signaling that the input password is designated as a tentative password; and a reference password memory for storing a reference password. A password registration requesting device is provided for requesting storage of the tentative password in the reference password memory, and a password registration mechanism is provided for storing the tentative password in the reference password memory in response to the password registration requesting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Kimura
  • Publication number: 20030233429
    Abstract: An access terminal is provided for creating and modifying parameter values controlling an environment management system. The access terminal is in communication with a server for gathering and storing programming data according to the input parameter values and for associating stored programming data with an identification code. A receiver module connects to the server and requests download of the stored programming data when it receives a download request from an environment management system controller. A triggering means in communication with a system controller is provided for authenticating a user and triggering programming data download. A method of bi-directional communication between the environment management system controller and the receiver module is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Pierre Matte, Francois Zacharie
  • Publication number: 20030210126
    Abstract: A controller has a unit that stores therein a password specified by a user for each home electric appliance connected to a home network; a unit that, when a home-electric-appliance operation-request message is received, determines whether the message entry location is inside or outside the home; a unit that sends a password request message if it is determined as a result of the determination that the message entry location is outside the home; and a unit that, upon receiving a password in response to the request, determines if the received password matches the password of the controlled home electric appliance that is stored. The controller executes the operation of the home electric appliance connected to the home network only when the passwords match, thus preventing an unauthorized user outside the home from operating the home electric appliances at home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Ritsuko Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 6617960
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling access of persons, with access lanes adapted for the individual passage of these persons, with readers associated with the access lanes for access authorization and identification and/or blocking means for the persons, characterized in that between two adjacent access lanes (2,2′) there is provided a control device (1), which includes—when viewed in the passing direction—the identification and/or blocking means (3,3′) and the electronic components required for controlling these means, which are located to the left and to the right, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: TeamAxess Ticketing GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Fischer, Wolfram Kocznar, Hans-Peter Heller
  • Patent number: 6611201
    Abstract: A system installed in an automobile or other vehicle includes a master pager receiver unit or acknowledgment pager receiver/transmitter which receives paging messages sent from a paging transmitter site. The master unit is also in wireless communication with a set of slave units installed in the vehicle which include electronic switches and are programmed to control relays or other in-vehicle devices upon receipt of appropriate commands from the in-vehicle master unit. The slave units may include transceivers which allow the master unit to receive acknowledgment signals indicating that its commands were followed. The paging transmitter in the master unit also allows transmission of an acknowledgment signal to the paging transmitter site. The system provides a method and apparatus for communicating with specific electrical and mechanical components in the vehicle in order to access, monitor, disable and/or enable certain functions, features, and accessories in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Ventronix Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald D. Bishop, Kenneth M. Dodd, R. Clark Lindberg
  • Patent number: 6587031
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Cash America International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack R. Daugherty, Jodie W. Mooty, James C. Gaughan
  • Patent number: 6583713
    Abstract: A method of controlling access to a movable container, the method comprising controllably locking the container using an electronically actuated locking mechanism; storing in a memory a desired geographical location; determining the geographical location of the container; and enabling the locking mechanism to unlock the container if the determined geographical location matches the desired geographical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Bates
  • Patent number: 6580357
    Abstract: A handle containing a wireless communication device for attachment to a container. The handle includes a body portion having an opening that aligns with and mounts against a handle in the container. The wireless communication device is mounted within the handle and preferably includes an identification chip and antenna for transmitting signals indicative of the container and the location. The wireless communication device may communicate with an interrogation reader for transferring information regarding the container and/or contents of the container. A central control system may be connected to each interrogation reader for controlling the overall movement of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Marconi Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Ian J. Forster, Patrick F. King
  • Publication number: 20030071715
    Abstract: A door security system for a door having an electrically actuated lock. The lock is controlled by a lock controller having an audit trail memory. An entry code reader transmits entered access codes to the controller. The controller compares the entered access code to prestored access codes and actuates the lock in response to the comparison. The controller stores the entered access code and a time stamp in the audit trail memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Lavelle, Peter S. Conklin