Abstract: Access to restricted areas or devices are controlled by based on collecting information about the surrounding environment in connection with those restricted areas or service devices. Generally, one refers to service devices and access to service devices. Area access control can be viewed as being provided by a service device (e.g., an automated door or gate), access to which permits entry to (or exit from) a controlled area. Information about the surrounding environment includes, but is not limited to, the presence or absence of particular individuals, the presence or absence of other service devices, the location and/or proximity of other service devices, the location of the user requesting access to the service device, and so on. Based on knowledge of the surrounding environment, service access to the device can be permitted or denied.

Abstract: A face and environment sensing portable device. In a preferred embodiment, the device is wrist-worn by a person, similarly to a wristwatch. The portable device includes one or more sensing elements, such as an image-capturing device, a microphone or other environmental sensor, and a processing system for processing data obtained from the sensing element(s). In addition, the portable device may include input/output elements for interfacing the portable device with a person and with external systems. The portable device reliably authenticates the identity of the person based on information obtained from the sensing element(s) and may also determine whether the user has been in continuous possession of the device. By using multi-modal identification, the invention may provide increased confidence, while maintaining a low cost. This verification may then be used, for example, to enable the person to conduct secure transactions.

Abstract: An efficient method and a system for controlling access to a location secured by a lock mechanism controlled by a lock control unit, which may provide a high degree of flexibility and a high level of security; the method comprises the steps of storing a first access code in the lock control unit, the first access code being indicative of a predetermined access right to the location; storing a second access code in a second storage means; using an electronic key device for requesting access to the location by initiating transmitting the access code from the second storage means to the lock control unit; comparing the transmitted second access code with the first access code; and if the first access code corresponds to the second access code, initiating operating the lock mechanism; the invention further relates to a method of managing a predetermined access right to a location.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an electronic key, including: a housing; unlocking apparatus extending from the housing, insertable in an electronic lock to unlock the electronic lock; and optical indicia reading apparatus disposed in the housing to read optical indicia. In another preferred embodiment, a lock system, including: at least two electronic cylinder locks; and a single electronic controller to which the at least two electronic cylinder locks are operatively attached, the electronic controller being adapted to monitor usage of the at least two electronic cylinder locks.

Abstract: The present remote control key includes a hollow head comprised of two separable halves. A T-shaped metal socket is attached to the head. A transverse member of the socket is secured inside the head, and a longitudinal member of the socket extends outwardly through a hole at the base of the head. A proximal end of a metal shaft is inserted into a slot in the longitudinal member of the socket. The shaft is secured in the socket by a pin staked through the longitudinal member of the socket and positioned along a channel at the proximal end of the shaft. Remote control electronic components are arranged on a first circuit board inside the head, and a printed antenna is arranged on a second circuit board stacked with and electrically connected to the first circuit board.

Abstract: Enhanced delivery of services are provided through a wireless mobile device and one or more location service channels, preferably at the direction of the user of the mobile device requesting the desired service through common context-based user interfaces. The mobile device communicates with local and remote service providers. The context is determined by accessing information in the user profile, by sensors on the mobile device identifying items of interest, or by identifying the location of the mobile device. An aggregator server maintains a registry of location service channels and manages the access to the channels by the mobile device users and the service providers.

Abstract: To provide a key system which is easy in control and high in safety.

Abstract: A shared access personal storage locker system which includes a smartcard key containing re-writeable memory areas for locker access information, key ID and system ID information, locker storage units of similar or varying sizes containing a bimodal lock apparatus consisting of a key read/write unit for reading and/or writing information in/from the key, a lock control unit for controlling the unlocking and locking of a lock of a personal storage locker, a microcomputer to compare the information from the key to internal lock memory data and a display consisting of Public, Private and Error Message visual prompts . A method for utilizing the personal storage locker system and apparatus are provided in the preferred embodiment in which the programmed key is inserted into the key reader of a personal storage locker, the microcomputer compares the information on the key with the lock's internal memory information, if all rules are met, the locker unit is unlocked.

Abstract: The method of the subject invention includes the steps of transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal from a first electronic device (18) and detecting the RF signal (48) from the first electronic device (18) with an access point (20). The method also includes transmitting a RF signal (50) from a second electronic device (12) and detecting the RF signal (50) from the second electronic device (12) with the same access point (20). The method is characterized by enabling the first electronic device (18) to allow the user (16) having the second electronic device (12) to access the network (13) and the first electronic device (18) in response to the access point (20) detecting the RF signals (48, 50) from both the first (18) and the second electronic devices (12).

Abstract: A biometric authentication device for use with a token such as button having biometric data stored thereon. The biometric device includes a fingerprint module having a fingerprint sensor for capturing a user's fingerprint placed onto the fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint module is capable of receiving and reading the token when placed on a token socket located on the biometric. device. The tokens contain user information, including electronic fingerprint information. The fingerprint module is capable of determining a match between the user's fingerprint captured from the fingerprint sensor and the electronic fingerprint information stored on the token. Determination of the match between the end user captured fingerprint and the stored electronic fingerprint information enables biometric verification or identification of the end user. Status indicators indicate to a user whether a successful match has occurred between the user supplied fingerprint and the biometric information stored on the token.

Abstract: This invention is 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.

Abstract: A keyless entry system for use with a key for operation within the key receptacle to start an engine. The key is arranged to transmit a first ID code specified therefor when the key is operated within the key receptacle to start the engine. The transmitted first ID code is compared with a second ID code registered in an antitheft control unit. The engine is permitted to start if the transmitted first ID code is identical with the registered second ID code. A mobile transmitter is used for transmitting a third ID code specified therefor along with a command for vehicle door lock/unlock remote control. The transmitted third ID code is compared with a fourth ID code registered in a keyless entry control unit. The remote control specified by the transmitted command is permitted if the transmitted third ID code is identical with the registered fourth ID code. The keyless entry control unit registers the fourth ID code therein based on the transmitted first ID code.

Abstract: A keyhole is formed on an operating knob installed on the front surface of a rotary switch. The rotary switch can therefore be operated by inserting into the keyhole an electronic key having a long and narrow shape and then turning the operating knob. As a result, operations for an engine start using the electronic key are the same as those using a conventional key.

Abstract: A key system using an ID card which can output ID data is combined with a mechanical ignition key. The key system is provided with a transceiver for receiving ID data from the ID card, a flash memory for storing the ID data and a CPU. When the stored ID data in the flash memory coincides with the ID card data obtained by the transceiver and operation is performed with the ignition key, the CPU enables the operation of an engine start. Furthermore, if a preset protection time has elapsed since the CPU recognizes the coincidence of the stored and ID card data, the operation by the ignition key is nullified.

Abstract: An electronic key for use with a vehicle locking system controls at least one of a door locking feature and an ignition lock feature on the vehicle. The electronic key has a transmitter/receiver for transmitting at least one coded operating signal generated by the electronic key and transmitted from the electronic key to the locking system to activate at least one function of the locking system upon positive evaluation of the transmitted operating signal by the locking system. Actuating members are provided on the key and operated by the user to cause the transmitter/receiver to transmit the coded operating signal, and the activating elements are also adapted for the user to enter an individual code.

Abstract: In an electronic add-on device for an automobile, in particular, a car radio having a key card designed as a chip card, which is insertable in a slot to safeguard the device from theft, the device includes such a control circuit that the inserted chip card can also allow the device to be operated even after the chip card is removed from the slot, until the device is disconnected from the power supply.

Abstract: A vehicle door lock system has a lock mechanism for locking or unlocking the vehicle door. A control mechanism for controlling an operation of the lock mechanism includes first and second resonators. The first resonator resonates at a predetermined first value Q for transmitting a first signal to the outside of the vehicle. The second resonator is connected in series with the first resonator and resonates at a second value Q which is greater than the first value Q, and changing a resonant condition in accordance with a change of a capacitance. A single actuator is provided for actuating the first and second resonators. A switching mechanism is provided which utilizes the actuator for alternatively switching actuation between the first and the second resonators. The control mechanism controls the switching operation of the switching mechanism and the operation of the door lock mechanism in accordance with the resonant condition of the second resonator.

Abstract: A mobile navigation system implemented as an embedded system in a vehicle is easy to use, does not detract the driver's attention from the road, and limits the number of choices presented to the user of the navigation system according to a predetermined set of preferences or personalized information. Choices are filtered according to a set of driver preferences, according to the vehicle's geographic position, direction of motion, and the driver's intended itinerary. The itinerary, including intermediate stops, is calculated on an external computing system. The information is downloaded from the computing system to a memory device such as, for example, a smart card. The information is then transferred from the smart card to the embedded vehicle navigation system.

Abstract: A method for programming a key for selectively allowing access to at least one enclosure having a lock controlled by a lock controller is disclosed. The method comprises: detecting the key; identifying the key by a static key number and a key user; identifying the at least one authorized enclosure corresponding to the identified key; loading the at least one authorized enclosure identification onto the key; generating a plurality of date sensitive key access codes; and loading the plurality of date sensitive key access codes in the key.

Abstract: A security system to prevent unauthorized starting of the engine of a vehicle has a remote control unit (18) equipped with a transponder which, on reception of an interrogation signal by means of at least one reception aerial (20), transmits an identification code group by means of a transmitter unit (40 unit. Located in the vehicle is a control unit (12) which, on actuation of a starter button (26) within the vehicle, transmits the interrogation signal, and subsequently checks the identification code group transmitted by the remote control unit. Starting of the engine will only be possible when the identification code group coincides with the code group expected by it. Connected to the reception aerial (20) is a signal detector (28) which has a reaction threshold level that can be toggled between a high value and a low value. This signal detector will relay the interrogation signal to further processing stages only when the interrogation signal level exceeds the set reaction threshold.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an electronic touch key for electronic lock sets, and more particularly to an electronic key for use with a lock set. In an electronic key according to the invention, a cylinder plug associated with the lock set includes a fixed data contact pin, which is preferably flush with the face of a cylinder plug, to prevent tampering. The electronic key thus is designed to properly contact the fixed data contact associated with the lock set for proper operation. The present invention provides a construction which facilitates making the contact, and yet provides a durable and simple construction for the electronic key.

Abstract: A start/drive system for a vehicle includes a selector assembly having a drive/gear selector, a driver authority device, a security system and a lock. The lock provides an initial partial release and a subsequent complete release of the drive/gear selector. An initial movement of the selector triggers an authorization check in order to allow a further complete release of the selector.

Abstract: A vehicular electronic key system includes an on-vehicle apparatus which is communicable with an electronic key when the electronic key is in a predetermined area outside of a vehicle. The on-vehicle apparatus generates alarm when a door lock operation is executed from the outside of the vehicle and when the on-vehicle apparatus is not capable of communicating with the electronic key. Further, on-vehicle apparatus generates alarm when a key ID does not corresponds with an apparatus ID. Therefore, the electronic key system can firmly prevent the electronic key from being mislaid in the vehicle.

Abstract: An instruction input unit for supplying operating instructions to a machine is provided. The unit includes a touchpad, an instruction library and a recognizer. The touchpad receives an input pattern from a user and the instruction library stores a multiplicity of operating instruction patterns. Each operating instruction pattern has an operating instruction associated therewith. The recognizer detects which of the multiplicity of operating instructions patterns the input pattern most closely matches and provides the operating instruction associated with the matched operating instruction pattern to the machine. The recognizer includes a handwriting recognizer for recognizing alphanumeric characters.

Abstract: A personal identification instrument is comprised of a substrate, and carried on the substrate: a photograph and/or a personal signature, personal information relating to the legitimate holder of the instrument, and an encrypted machine readable security code carried by the instrument, the code being comprised of a combination of digitized personal information and a digitized descriptor of the photograph and/or personal signature.

Abstract: A mobile electronic apparatus in which biometrics information, free from being stolen or faked by a unauthorized person, is used for user verification, virtually perfectly protecting an authorized user's personal data stored in a storing section of the apparatus. A verifying section compares a user's biometrics feature information with the authorized user's reference biometrics feature information to discriminate whether the fingerprint feature information for verification matches the reference fingerprint feature information. If it matches, a display control section reads out the personal data stored in the storing section and controls a display section to display the read-out personal data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a travel support system and a vehicle entrance control system. The central computer comprises a service information D/B that stores information pertaining to proposable services and corresponding vehicle information pertaining to vehicles; a transmission unit that receives vehicle information from a subordinate device; and a controller that reads service information corresponding to the vehicle information received by the transmission unit from the service information D/B, wherein the transmission unit transmits the read service information to the subordinate device, and the subordinate device is provided with a ROM that stores vehicle information pertaining to vehicles, and a transmission unit that transmits the vehicle information stored in the ROM to the central computer and receives service information from the central computer.

Abstract: A system for identifying the user of a vehicle and providing a level of authorization as a function of the identification of the user is disclosed. The system comprises fingerprint reading units located on the exterior and in the interior of the vehicle for scanning the fingerprint of a user of the vehicle. A control unit is coupled to the fingerprint reading unit for receiving the output of the fingerprint reading unit and for comparing and matching the scanned fingerprint with fingerprints previously enrolled in the control unit and for providing a signal indicative of a level of authorization as a function of the enrolled fingerprint with which the scanned fingerprint is matched. A vehicle locking unit is provided for enabling the operation of a plurality of vehicle locks including the ignition switch, the driver's door lock, the passenger door lock, the trunk and the glove box lock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access to at least one program on a computer by verifying data entered through a scanner with data stored on a token such as a card, while isolating the entered data from the computer. The apparatus includes a scanner, a memory and a processor coupled to the scanner and memory. When activated, the scanner scans a field which the processor compares with a field stored in the memory. The processor is operable in a first mode wherein access to the computer via a keyboard is inhibited when the scanned field does not match the stored field. The processor is operable in a second mode, wherein the keyboard is coupled to the computer so that the at least one program on the computer is accessible via the keyboard when the scanned field matches the stored field. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In an immobilizer controller, a key-side identifying information stored in a key is collated (compared) with an immobilizer-side identifying information stored in the immobilizer controller. In a shift controller, the key-side identifying information is collated with a shift-lock-side identifying information stored in the shift controller. If the identifying informations do not coincide with each other in at least one of the immobilizer controller and the shift controller, neither a fuel-injection-control permitting command nor a shift-lock-cancellation permitting command is output. An engine is maintained in its inoperative state, and a transmission is maintained in a state where rotation of a driving-torque transmitting shaft is prevented. If the identifying informations coincide with each other in the immobilizer controller, it is possible to reinforce security in comparison with the case where the fuel-injection-control permitting command and the shift-lock-cancellation permitting command are output.

Abstract: The invention provides a communication system capable of preventing a lost transmitter from being used by an unauthorized user for a bad purpose, and also capable of easily enabling the lost transmitter to be used again when it is found somewhere.

Abstract: An electronic door unlocking system comprising an electromagnet within a door adjacent to a deadbolt to retract the deadbolt upon energization of the electromagnet and an associated spring to advance the deadbolt into locking orientation with the recess upon a deactivation of the electromagnet. Also provided is a key with a long part formed with a first computer chip at its free end and a short part spaced from the long part. A sensor assembly is provided in the door knob with an interior component with a second computer chip contactable with the first computer chip of the long part of the key. The sensor assembly has an exterior component with a plurality of apertures adapted to allow the passage of the long part therethrough. The interior and exterior components are spaced at a distance essentially equal to the difference of length between the long and short parts of the key.

Abstract: An intelligent credit card incudes a keypad for inputting numbers and other information, a processor for controlling the operation of the credit card, a power source, and an output device for selectively outputting the credit card number when the card is activated. The output device is a magnetic strip. A user inputs a sequence of numbers using the keypad. The received sequence of numbers are compared to a stored PIN number. If the sequence of numbers matches the PIN number, the card is activated, and the credit card number is output using the output device.