U.S. patent number 3,812,403 [Application Number 05/267,640] was granted by the patent office on 1974-05-21 for electronic combination lock including sequential signal generator and signal display.
Invention is credited to Klaus W. Gartner.
United States Patent |
3,812,403 |
Gartner |
May 21, 1974 |
ELECTRONIC COMBINATION LOCK INCLUDING SEQUENTIAL SIGNAL GENERATOR
AND SIGNAL DISPLAY
Abstract
A manually-actuated electronic combination lock is provided in
which the combination code consists of certain preselected digital
signals out of a field of many such signals. Circuit means provide
for generating a sequence of digital signals constituting the field
in response to sustained manual engagement with a push-button
switch and a solid state alpha-numeric indicator is connected to
display by symbolic representation each of the signals as
generated. Selection of the proper combination of signals is
provided by manually releasing the switch as each of the proper
signals is displayed, whereupon each such selected signal is f ed
to a decoding circuit. The signals selected in this manner are
collected in the decoding circuit, which upon completion of the
proper code operates an electromagnetic lock or the like. In one
embodiment of the invention, the solid state indicator is mounted
together with the push-button switch on a portable key member
adapted for a detachable connection at a security station, such as
a door equipped with an electrically-operated lock. Other disclosed
embodiments include, mounting of the solid state indicator and
manual push-button within a door handle disposed adjacent to and
for operation of an electro-mechanical door lock; and an
arrangement of the solid state indicator and push-button in the
driver's compartment of a vehicle, preferably and as disclosed with
the indicator disposed in a window panel overlying the steering
column, for controlled operation of the vehicle ignition and hood
locks.
Inventors: |
Gartner; Klaus W. (Palos Verdes
Peninsula, CA) |
Family
ID: |
23019616 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/267,640 |
Filed: |
June 29, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/5.54;
307/10.4; 70/278.2; 340/5.55; 340/5.65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C
9/00698 (20130101); Y10T 70/7073 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
G07C
9/00 (20060101); E05b 049/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;317/134 ;70/278
;340/147MD,147K,147B,167R ;307/1AT |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Miller; J. D.
Assistant Examiner: Moose, Jr.; Harry E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Miketta, Glenny, Poms &
Smith
Claims
1. An electronic combination lock comprising:
electrically operated lock control means,
circuit means including manually actuated switch means having an
unactuated state and being placed in an actuated state by
continuous manual engagement therewith, said circuit means
generating a sequence of electrical signals during the actuated
state of said switch means and being operable to select
predetermined ones of said generated signals for operating said
lock control means in response to transitions of said switch means
from its actuated state to its unactuated state, and
means for displaying said generated signals, whereby said switch
means may be selectively and manually operated between its actuated
and unactuated
2. The lock of claim 1, wherein said circuit means includes an
electrical signal generator for generating said sequence of signals
of said switch
3. The lock of claim 2, wherein said circuit means further includes
a decoding circuit responsive to said predetermined signals to
operate said
4. The lock of claim 1 wherein said display means is comprised of
a
5. The lock of claim 1, said lock control means including an
electro-mechanical lock adapted for installation in a door and door
jamb assembly, and further comprising, a door handle adapted to be
mounted on said door, said display means and said switch means of
said circuit means
6. The lock of claim 5, said handle having an annular shape with
one axial end adapted for mounting to said door, said switch means
including a push-button switch mounted on the other end of said
handle substantially
7. The lock of claim 6, said display means comprising, a solid
state alpha-numeric indicator disposed in a window provided for the
purpose in
8. The lock of claim 1, said lock control means including an
ignition switch for a vehicle and said display means and switch
means of said circuit means be adapted for installation in the
driver's compartment of
9. The lock of claim 8 further comprising, a vehicle steering
column having a display window disposed for observation by a
driver, said display means including a solid state alpha-numeric
indicator mounted in said column
10. The lock of claim 9, wherein said window is mounted on an upper
surface of said steering column and said switch means is mounted in
a side or lower surface of said steering column, and further
comprising, manual switch locator means disposed on said steering
column immediately adjacent
11. The electronic combination lock of claim 1, said circuit means
comprising signal generator means having a forward mode and a
backward mode generating said sequence of signals in a forward and
reverse order respectively, and additional manually actuated switch
means selectively disposing said generator means in either its
forward or backward mode.
12. A security control system for selectively electrically
operating control means adapted for fixed installation at and
control of a secured station comprising, electrical circuit means
including manually actuated switch means for generating a sequence
of electrical signals and for selecting certain of said signals in
order to operate said control means, and portable key means for
detachable connection at said station and having electrically
operated display means for displaying symbolic representations of
said generated signals, whereby said certain signals may be
selected by selective manual operation of said switch means in
accordance with the displayed representations of said generated
signals.
13. The control system of claim 12, further defined by a
push-button switch providing said manually actuated switch means,
said push-button switch mounted on said portable key means and
having an unactuated state and being disposed in an actuated state
during continuous manual engagement therewith, said circuit means
generating said sequence of electrical signals during the actuated
state of said push-button switch and said circuit means responsive
to a transition of said push-button switch from its actuated state
to its unactuated state to select one of the sequentially generated
signals, whereby said push-button switch is manually engaged to
initiate a sequential display of the generated signals and manually
released at the instance of a displayed symbol to select the
14. The security control system of claim 12 wherein said circuit
means comprises signal generator means having a forward mode and a
backward mode for generating said sequence of electrical signals in
a forward and a reverse order respectively, and additional manually
actuated switch means selectively disposed said generator means in
either its forward or
15. In a security control system having electrically operated lock
means, the combination therewith comprising:
circuit means including generator means for automatically
generating a sequence of electrical signals and said circuit means
further including decoding means responsive to predetermined ones
of said sequence of signals for operating said lock means,
electrically-operated display means connected to said generator
means for visually displaying symbolic representations of said
generated signals, and
manually operated switch means having a plurality of states and
capable of being selectively and manually disposed in said various
states, said generator means being responsive to one of said states
of said switch means to issue said sequence of electrical signals
and said decoding means being responsive to another of said states
of said switch means to receive the signal issued by said generator
means at the instance of any select time, whereby selective manual
operation of said switch means between its various states enables
an operator to select with the assistance of said display means the
predetermined ones of said sequence of signals for
16. In the control system of claim 15, the combination thereof
being further defined by said electrically operated display means
comprising a single display panel selectively, sequentially
displaying alpha-numeric symbols as said representations of said
generated electrical signals, and said manually operated switch
means comprising a single manually controlled actuator for
selectively disposing said switch means in said various states,
whereby a compact control device is provided in which a single
manual control serves to enter selected alpha-numeric symbols as a
plurality of the symbols are sequentially visually presented on the
single
17. In the control system of claim 15, said signal generator means
of said circuit means having a forward mode and a backward mode
generating said sequence of electrical signals in a forward and
reverse order respectively, and said generator means being
responsive to one or more of said plurality of states of said
manually operated switch means for selectively disposing said
generator means in either its forward or
18. In the control system of claim 15, wherein said electrically
operated lock means includes an electro-mechanical lock adapted for
installation in a door and door jamb assembly, the combination
further comprising, a door handle adapted to be mounted on said
door, said display means and switch
19. In the security control system of claim 15, wherein the
electrically operated lock means includes a vehicle ignition
switch, the combination further comprising, a vehicle steering
column fixedly carrying a display window disposed for observation
by a driver, said display means mounted in said column window and
said switch means mounted on said steering column.
20. In a security control system having electrically operated lock
means adapted for fixed installation at a controlled security
station, the combination therewith comprising:
circuit means including generator means for generating a sequence
of electrical signals and decoding means responsive to
predetermined ones of such signals for operating said lock
means,
electrically-operated display means connected to said generator
means for visually displaying symbolic representations of said
generated signals, and
manually operated switch means connected to and for operating said
generator means for selective generation of said signals and said
switch means connected to and for operating said decoding means to
select and communicate said predetermined signals thereto for
operation of said lock means, and
a portable key means detachably electrically connected to a
receptacle means provided at said station, said receptacle means
being connected to said circuit means, said display means and said
switch means being mounted on and carried by said key means for
portable transportation thereof
21. An electronic combination lock comprising:
electrically operated lock control means adapted for fixed
installation at a controlled security station,
circuit means including manually actuated switch means having an
unactuated state and being placed in an actuated state by
continuous manual engagement therewith, said circuit means
generating a sequence of electrical signals during the actuated
state of said switch means and being operable to select
predetermined ones of said generated signals for operating said
lock control means in response to transitions of said switch means
for its actuated state to its unactuated state,
means for displaying said generated signals,
portable key means detachably electrically connected at said
station for portable transportation relative thereto, said means
for displaying said generated signals being carried by said key
means for operation of the former when said key means is connected
at said station, whereby said key means may be connected at said
station and said switch means selectively and manually operated
between its actuated and unactuated states to
22. The electronic combination lock of claim 21, wherein said
switch means of said circuit means is carried by said key means
together with said display means for detachable electrical
connection at said station.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In general the present invention relates to security control
systems and more particularly to electronic combination locks of
the type operated by manual control such as by a pushbutton
switch.
A variety of manually-actuated electronic combination lock controls
have been heretofore devised; however such previous systems are
generally cumbersome to operate in that they generally require a
large number of switching devices for entry of the combination
code. Additionally, the numerous combination or input switches
render such prior systems bulky and difficult to package for a
convenient mounting in confined areas, and costly because of the
cumulative cost of the many switches.
Further still, these available electrical combination locks are
inflexible in their installation again because of the manner in
which the code or combination is entered into the circuit by a
plurality of manual switches. This characteristic of previous
controls renders impractical an installation, for example, in which
the manually-operated code input means is portable relative to the
station at which the control lock or other security control is
mounted.
Another shortcoming of available electronic combination locks lies
in the installation of the manual control panel so as to be readily
accessible by unauthorized persons, thereby increasing the chance
of an intruder breaking the combination by trial and error
attempts, and increasing the risk of entry by crafty thieves
capable of short-circuiting the electrical connections associated
with the switches. A protective feature eliminating this risk would
provide for removable attachment of the manual code entry means at
the secured station to permit portable transportation of such
means, as a key, by authorized persons. However, such an
arrangement is not practical for existing electronic locks in which
entry of the code is by a plurality of manual switch inputs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ITS OBJECTIVES
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
manually-actuated electronic combination lock control of the type
involving entry of a sophisticated combination code in which the
manually-actuated input means is substantially simplified over
previous systems and yet the over-all operation of the lock
provides a high degree of security against unauthorized
operation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an
electronic combination lock control having an additional element of
security, heretofore unavailable in comparable electronic
combination locks. In this regard it is an advantage of one
embodiment of the present invention that the manually-actuated code
entry means is detachable from a security station for portable
transportation by authorized persons. In this manner the code entry
means is unavailable at the station itself for tampering with by
intruders. Operation of the security control thus requires both
physical possession of the code entry means and prior knowledge of
the combination code itself.
A further advantage of the present invention lies in the
simplification of the manual code entry control, which in its most
general form consists of a single manually operated push-button
switch and a single alpha-numeric display panel presenting a
convenient code entry format and yet providing a sufficient number
of permutations such that it is virtually impossible to
fortuitously or by trial and error to break the combination and
operate the lock.
These objects and various advantages of the invention are achieved
by a security control system in which a circuit means provides for
generating a sequence of electrical signals in response to
continuous manual engagement of a switch and for selecting and
entering certain of these generated signals into a decoding portion
of the circuit for operating the lock. The selection and signal
entry is provided by an appropriately timed release of the manually
engaged switch. To enable the operator to appropriately time his
release of the switch, a solid state digitally controlled
alpha-numeric indicator is connected to the circuit to provide a
visual display of symbolic representations of the generated
signals. The operator, with prior knowledge of the particular
symbols corresponding to the successful access code, engages the
switch means to initiate the sequential display of each of the
generated signals and releases the switch as the first symbol, such
as a number, of the code is displayed. Repeated manual actuation
and release of the switch provides for entry of all of the symbols
or numbers of the coded combination whereupon the circuit issues an
output signal for energizing a suitable control means, such as an
electromechanical lock or latch.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the
digitally-operated alph-numeric indicator panel is mounted together
with a manually-actuated push-button switch on a portable key
member having detachable connection means for engagement with
mating connection means fixedly disposed at a security station. The
security station may be a door and door jamb assembly provided with
a suitable electrically-operated lock as disclosed in the following
detailed description of the invention, or a vehicle in which the
electronic combination controls the ignition thereof. The portable
key means having the display and manual push-button may be
transported relative to the station and inserted in the station
receptacle for entry of the combination and operation of the lock
or vehicle ignition.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the solid
state indicator panel is mounted for visual display within a window
formed in a door handle, especially an annular knob as disclosed
herein, with the manual push button mounted in an axial end of the
same annular door knob. The knob with display panel and manual push
button is thus adapted for attachment to a security door and with
suitable connection means extending to the electronic circuit and
electrically-operated lock. By this arrangement the door handle
knob provides a convenient mounting for the display panel and push
button such that all of these components may be installed as a unit
on the door and easily connected to and for controlling the
electrically-operated lock.
A still further desirable embodiment of the present invention
provides for mounting the alpha-numeric display in a panel or
window adjacent the upper surface of a steering column in a vehicle
and disposition of the manual switch control on a side or lower
surface of the same column to afford both easy vision of the
display and convenient manual access to the pushbutton actuator.
Additional switch controls, such as a standard key ignition switch
and auxiliary hood latch switch are provided in association with
the electronic combination control for supplementing the operations
thereof. It is observed in this connection that one of the
advantages of the vehicular installation of the present invention
is that it functions both as an anti-theft device and as an
anti-drunk driving control since the operator of the combination
lock must have a normal amount of visual-motor coordination to
successfully release the push-button switch each time the proper
code symbols appear on the steering column display.
While the foregoing provides a brief description of the invention
and its objectives, further objects and various advantages of the
electronic combination lock according to the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of
the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments
thereof. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings
which are briefly described as follows:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of a door and door
jamb assembly equipped with a security control lock system
according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary, perspective view of a receptacle
including electrical connection means for fixed installation at the
security door of FIG. 1 and for detachably receiving a portable key
means having mating electrical connections and carrying the
alpha-numeric indicator panel and manual push button for entry of
the combination code.
FIG. 3 is a generalized block diagram of the electrical circuitry
for providing the sequential generation of the electrical signals,
the display thereof on the indicator and the selection, entry and
decoding of the electrical signals selected by the switch means for
operating an electromechanical lock control.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of a door jamb and
door jamb assembly equipped with an embodiment of the security
control system of the present invention in which the display panel
and manual switch are mounted within a door knob affixed to the
door.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the door knob
of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a further generalized block diagram of the circuitry,
similar to FIG. 3, but in this instance associated with the
security control system of FIGS. 4 and 5.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a vehicle showing the
driver's compartment including a steering column to which the code
entry means, namely the push-button actuator and display panel of
the present invention are mounted for operation by the driver.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 7 showing the
portions circumscribed by circle VII and showing more clearly the
display panel, push-button actuator, and auxiliary hood switch and
a standard ignition key assembly.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, section view taken along the plane IX--IX
of FIG. 7 and illustrating an electromechanical latch mechanism for
selectively securing the hood of the vehicle.
FIG. 10 is a composite block diagram and schematic drawing of the
circuitry associated with the vehicular embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 7, 8, and 9.
FIG. 11 is a detailed composite block and schematic diagram of the
circuitry of the electronic combination lock of the present
invention wherein the illustrated circuit is suitable for the
circuits generally shown by the block diagrams of FIGS. 3, 6, and
10.
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary block diagram of a preferred alternative
embodiment of the circuits of FIGS. 3, 6, 10, and 11, in which an
additional manually-operated switch is provided for reversing the
sequence of displayed symbols on the alpha-numeric indicator panel,
such that an operator may selectively reverse the sequence to reach
the next code number of symbol in the shortest amount of time.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portable key means similar to
the key of FIG. 2 but in this instance adapted with a manually
actuated switch capable of providing the additional control switch
of FIG. 12 for reversing the display sequence.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the electronic combination lock
of the present invention is adapted for operating an
electrically-controlled lock means, or the like such as
electromechanical lock control 16 for a striker assembly as
illustrated in FIG. 1 mounted in cooperation with a door and door
jamb assembly. In this instance, control 16 is of a construction
disclosed and claimed in my co-pending U.S. application, Ser. No.
169,750 filed Aug. 6, 1971 for "Lock Construction." Further details
of the construction and operation of the lock control shown in FIG.
1 may be obtained by referring to this previously filed
application.
For the purpose of describing the present invention, it will be
observed that lock control 16 includes an electrically operated
component here in the form of a solonoid coil 17, and it will be
appreciated that any electrically controlled device serving as a
lock or security control may be employed in lieu of lock control
16.
In accordance with the present invention, circuit means are
provided, as shown in FIG. 3 including a signal generator circuit
18' for generating a sequence of electrical signals, preferably in
a digitally encoded format, in response to continuous manual
engagement with a push-button switch 19' of the momentary contact
type. Push-button switch 19' is also connected to a decoding
circuit 21' including memory means, which is responsive to
operation of the switch to select and enter certain of the signals
generated by circuit 18' for operating lock control 16. It is
necessary in accordance with the invention to select certain
predetermined signals and to enter them in a given sequence in
order to successfully operate control 16. Such selection is made
possible by virtue of a digitally-operated display 22' which
receives the generated signals from circuit 18' and develops a
visual display by symbolic representation, such as by letters or
numbers, of the generated signals. Thus, in response to manual
engagement of switch 19', circuit 18' is activated to initiate a
sequential generation of individually unique signals, in this
instance in the form of digitally encoded signals carried by a set
of 4 bit lines 23', which are received and interpreted by display
22' to be presented in the form of symbolic information meaningful
to the operator. For example, numbers 1 through 10 may be generated
and displayed corresponding to 10 different signals from generator
18'. Selection of particular ones of these generated signals for
application to the decoding circuit 21' is provided by an
appropriately-timed release of the manually-engaged switch 19'. In
particular this operating characteristic is obtained by a
connection of switch 19' not only to circuit 18' but also to
decoding circuit 21' as illustrated such that the operator by
releasing switch 19' as a number or other symbol of the
predetermined combination is displayed, causes the corresponding
electrical signal to be fed to decoding circuit 21'. Repeated
manual engagement and release of switch 19' permits entry of all of
the numbers of symbols comprising the coded combination whereupon
circuit 21' responds by issuing a signal to and for operating lock
control 16. A timer circuit 27' is provided for responding to an
initial operation of switch 19' to provide power to the circuitry
enabling operation thereof for a predetermined amount of time.
Suitable circuitry for circuits 18', 21', and 27' is illustrated by
FIG. 11 in the form of corresponding circuits 18, 21, and 27,
operating in conjunction with a corresponding switch 19 and a
corresponding display 22, to be described more fully herein.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 1
through 3, digitally-operated display 22' and push-button switch
19' are mounted together on a portable key device 31 as shown in
FIG. 2 for detachable connection to a receptacle means 32 mounted
along with the electromechanical lock at a security station, in
this instance the door and door jamb assembly of FIG. 1. Key device
31 and receptacle 32 are formed with mating connection means 33
illustrated schematically in FIG. 3 and shown in FIG. 2 for
receptacle 32, for electrically-connecting display 22' and
push-button switch 19' to the remainder of the circuit means,
including circuits 18', 21', and 27'. With reference to FIG. 1,
these latter circuits are in this instance fixedly mounted at 34 in
a wall adjacent the door jamb as shown in FIG. 1, and permanently
wired to electro-mechanical lock control 16 and receptacle 32 as
shown by the dotted lines for selective connection with the key
mounted digitally-operated display and push-button switch.
Furthermore, digitally-operated display 22' is preferably provided
by a digitally-operated solid state alpha-numeric indicator 36
mounted as shown within a window 37 provided for the purpose in key
device 31. A suitable indicator for this purpose is fully described
in connection with FIG. 11 herein, and for the present purpose it
may be characterized as providing selective individual display of a
plurality of symbols, such as letters or numbers, at a single and
relatively small window area. In this instance, indicator 36
displays numbers 0 through 9 in response to the output of signal
generator circuit 18'. Mounted adjacent window 37, and in this
instance immediately therebelow, there is a manually engageable pad
38 spring biased outwardly and depressible inwardly as shown for
closing switch 19' which is located within key device 31 by
suitable means (not shown).
By this arrangement, key device 31 may be selectively removed from
receptacle 32 and transported by an authorized person such that the
code entry means, namely switch 19' and display 22', is unavailable
at the security station for unauthorized use or tampering. The
person to whom the key has been properly issued thus has available
both the physical possession of the means necessary for entering
the code and pre-knowledge of the code itself. Unauthorized access
requires an intruder to gain control of not only the code, but also
the key device.
It is further observed, that in the absence of key device 31 it is
virtually impossible to operate lock control 16 by tampering with
the exposed contact means of receptacle 32 in view of the
arrangement of the connecting contacts between display 22' and
decoding circuit 21'. Without the benefit of the displayed symbols,
it would be extremely difficult to enter the proper combination of
signals in the proper sequence in order to dispose circuit 21' in a
condition for operating lock control 16. In this regard, it will be
appreciated to those skilled in the art that although connection
means 33 is here provided at a location which separates display 22'
and switch 19' from the remainder of the circuit, the connection
means may alternatively be provided at some other interim location
within the circuitry of circuits 18', 21', and 27' and yet still
provide the same security feature mentioned above. Such an
alteration of the circuit and connection means would provide for
the mounting of certain of circuits 18', 21', and 27' within key
device 31, an arrangement which is not only possible but practical
in view of the modern day miniaturization of electronic circuits.
In line with the foregoing discussion, it will be observed however,
that the connection means 33 should not preferably be relegated to
merely connecting the output of circuit 21' to lock control 16 as
such an arrangement would be vulnerable to operation of control 16
by short circuiting the contacts at the exposed receptacle 32.
Electrical power or voltage for operating display 22' is received
in this instance via connection 33 from timer circuit 27'. Thus,
display 22' and more particularly solid state indicator 36 thereof
is inoperative when key device 31 is removed from receptacle 32. As
described more fully hereinafter in connection with FIG. 11,
indicator 36 of display 22' is not provided with power until key
device 31 has been inserted in receptacle 32 at the security
station, and switch 19' closed by manual engagement and depression
of pad 38. Thereupon, timer circuit 27' is actuated to supply a dc
voltage through connection means 33 to and for energizing display
22' where such voltage is maintained for a given amount of time,
sufficient to enable an authorized person to enter the proper
combination code. During this interval, release of pad 38 to open
switch 19' and enter the instantaneously generated signal into
decoding signal 21' does not interrupt the voltage supplied to
display 22'. This voltage remains available at the display 22' for
the duration of the timing cycle provided by circuit 27'.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown
in FIGS. 4 through 6, digitally-operated display 22" and
push-button switch 19", corresponding to display 22' and switch 19'
respectively, are mounted on a door handle 41, preferably of
conventional annular shape, as a doorknob, so as not to attract
attention. Handle 41 is fixedly mounted to a door equipped as in
the case of FIG. 1 with an electromechanical lock control 39
cooperating with the door and a door jamb. In particular, handle 41
is provided with a first axial end 42 fixedly mounted to the door
at the usual position for a door knob. The opposite axial end 43 is
provided with a centrally-located aperture 44 in which a manually
engageable push-button 46 is matingly disposed. Button 46 is
connected by suitable means (not shown) to and for operating switch
19" located within the handle with button 46 being spring biased
outwardly such that inward manual depression thereof closes the
electrical contacts of the switch.
As in the case of key device 31 of FIG. 2, the digitally-operated
display 22" of FIG. 6 in which provided by a digitally-operated
solid state alpha-numeric indicator 47 mounted within a window 48
provided for the purpose at an upper circumferential portion of
handle 41 as illustrated by FIG. 5. Indicator 47 exhibits a single
relatively small panel area inwhich symbols, in this instance
numbers, are displayed.
In this embodiment the remainder of the circuitry other than
display 22" and switch 19" is mounted at a location indicated at 51
within a wall adjacent the hinged edge of the door and connection
means illustrated by dotted lines are provided between the display
22", switch 19", lock control 39 and the circuitry located within
the adjacent wall at 51. Suitable means 52, well known to those
skilled in the art, are provided for extending the electrical
connections between handle 41 and circuit location 51 at the hinged
edge of the door.
Operation of the combination lock in this instance is similar to
the embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 3
except the means for entering the code is permanently located at
the secured station. An initial manual depression of button 46
closes push-button switch 19" actuating timer circuit 27" to apply
power to display 22" and light up indicator 47. Simultaneously,
circuit 18" generates a sequence of individually unique digitally
encoded signals over bit lines 23" which signals are displayed at
indicator 47 of display 22" as a series of sequentially appearing
numbers. Timed release of button 46 opens switch 19" which causes
entry of the corresponding electrical signal into decoding circuit
21". Repeated manipulations of the push-button provide entry of the
remaining symbols or signals of the combination code for operating
lock control 39 to enable opening of the door. Further particulars
regarding circuits 18", 21"and 27" together with switch 19" and
display 22" are described in connection with a complete circuit
diagram shown in FIG. 11 and including corresponding circuits 18,
21, 27 and a corresponding switch 19 and display 22.
Although the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4
provides for mounting of the circuitry of FIG. 6 at a wall location
51 adjacent the door and door jamb assembly, it will be appreciated
that such circuitry may in the alternative be mounted directly
within a hollow portion provided for the purpose within handle 41.
In such case, push-button switch 19", digitally operated display
22" and the remainder of the circuitry including circuit 18", 21",
and 27" may be installed as a unit by merely mounting the door knob
to the door assembly and providing a connection to suitable power
means and to and for controlling lock control 39.
A still further desirable embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 10, in which a digitally-operated
display 22'", corresponding to displays 22' and 22", is mounted in
a display window provided for the purpose within the driver's
compartment of a vehicle and preferably as shown by FIG. 8 within a
display window 61 fixedly mounted on an upper surface of a steering
column 62. Along with display 22'", a push-button switch 19'",
corresponding to switches 19' and 19", mounted preferably as shown
in FIG. 8 on a lower or side surface of steering column 62. Display
22'" and push-button switch 19'" in this manner provide means
accessible within the driver's compartment of the vehicle for
operating an electronic combination lock which in this instance
controls the automobile ignition and an electrically-operated latch
for the car hood, shown as latch 63 in FIG. 9.
With reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, the electronic combination lock
in accordance with the present invention functions in cooperation
with a key operated ignition switch 64 and an auxiliary hood latch
switch 66 to control starting of the car and access to the engine
compartment secured by the hood by means of control 65. Entry of
the combination code is effected by the driver's selective
actuation of push-button switch 19'" in coordination with the
numerical sequential display produced by a solid state
alpha-numeric indicator 67 mounted within window 61 and providing
display 22'".
Unlike the previous circuits shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the circuitry
as shown in FIG. 10 for this embodiment provides for supplying
electrical dc power to digitally-operated display 22'" from a
suitable power source voltage + V, for example from the car
battery, through the contacts of a switch 68 operated by key switch
64, and through a pair of normally closed contacts 71 and 72 of a
relay operated by the output of a decoding circuit 21'",
corresponding to circuit 21' and 21". When the vehicle is parked,
key switch 64 is disposed in the locked position and switch 68 is
open such that power from source + V is not connected to and for
operating display 22'". When the driver enters the car he turns the
key switch 64 clockwise to either "safety" or "ignition" position
which causes closure of switch 68 supplying the + V voltage through
a pair of normally closed contacts 71 and 72 of a relay 73 to
energize display 22'". The display thereupon lights up. Advancement
of the numerical display does not occur until circuit 18'" is
actuated by depressing a button 74 which is mechanically connected
to operate push-button switch 19'" causing closure thereof, and
activation of the signal generator circuit.
With key switch 64 in this condition, the driver enters the
combination code in the same manner as described in connection with
the previous embodiments. Upon completion of the code, decoding
circuit 21'" provides for energization of a coil 76 of relay 73
causing relay contacts 71 and 72 to open, and normally open
contacts 72 and 77 to close latching relay 73 in an energized state
via supply voltage + V passing through switch 68 and through now
closed contacts 72 and 77. Furthermore, a pair of contacts 78 are
closed enabling manually selective closure of contacts 79
controlled by auxiliary hood switch 66 on steering column 62 to
operate a solonoid 81 of electrically operated hood latch 63. It is
observed in this connection, that once the combination lock has
been operated by proper entry of the code, relay 73 is immediately
energized which would simultaneously operate hood latch solonoid 81
via contacts 78. However, serially inter-connected contacts 79 of
the auxiliary hood switch 66 provide an overriding control of the
hood latch operation.
Also upon operation of the electronic combination lock, relay 73
closes a pair of contacts 82 in series with the vehicle ignition
and a pair of contacts 83 in series with the vehicle starter motor,
enabling operation of these circuits such that when key switch 64
is rotated clockwise into the ignition position and from there to
the start position the vehicle may be started in the normal manner.
So long as key switch 64 is in the safety, ignition, or start
position, relay 73 will remain energized. Thus, the vehicle engine
may be turned off by rotating key switch 64 from the ignition to
the safety position, thus permitting starting and operation of the
vehicle without re-entering the combination code. This allows
another person, such as a parking attendant, to operate the
vehicle. Once however key switch 64 is turned to its full
counter-clockwise position, in this instance corresponding to the
lock position as shown in FIG. 8, contacts 68, as shown in FIG. 10
are open, interrupting the supply of voltage to coil 76 of relay
73, de-energizing or unlatching the relay and restoring the circuit
to its initial condition for responding to the output of decoding
circuit 21'" upon subsequent receipt of the proper combination
code.
Adjacent push-button 74 of switch 19'" on steering column 62 are a
pair of recesses 86 disposed on opposite sides of the button to
provide means for manually locating it. With switch 19'" positioned
as shown on steering column 62 along with digitally-operated
display 22'", the driver is provided with both easy vision of the
display panel and convenient manual access to the push-button
control.
It is observed that this embodiment of the invention in addition to
serving as an antitheft device also affords an antidrunk driving
safety feature in that a normal amount of visual-motor skill is
required to enter the proper combination.
Preferably in accordance with the present invention, signal
generator circuit 18'", decoding circuit 21'" and relay 73 are all
disposed at a circuit location 87 within the compartment,
preferably the engine compartment, secured by latch 63. By virtue
of such an arrangement, tampering with the ignition circuitry to
"hot-wire" the vehicle is prevented because access to such
circuitry is only via the locked hood which can only be opened by
proper entry of the combination code. Furthermore, forcing the
combination lock by tampering with the circuitry thereof is
virtually impossible unless access is gained to the decoding
circuit 21'" which, again requires access to the compartment
secured by latch 63. Electrically operated latch 63 may be provided
by suitable solonoid operated latching or lock means and in this
instance is provided by the lock disclosed in my co-pending U.S.
application, Ser. No. 169,750 referenced above.
With reference to FIG. 11, the circuit means described above in
connection with the various embodiments of the invention as signal
generator circuits 18', 18", and 18'" may be provided as shown in
FIG. 11 by a signal generator circuit 18. Circuit 18 here includes
a low-frequency clock 91 connected to a suitable supply voltage + V
and having a control input 92 extended for connection to ground via
the normally opened contacts of push-button switch 19 corresponding
to previously described switches 19', 19", and 19'". An output 93
of clock 91 issues an extremely low frequency signal, such as one
or less cycles per second, suitable for the present purpose,
namely, driving the symbolic display. Output 93 of the clock is
extended to an advancing clock input 94 of a digital counter 96
which is connected between a supply voltage + V and ground as
shown. Counter 96 is of the binary coded decimal BCD type and
develops a digital count corresponding to the number of clock
pulses received at input 94 from clock 91. The output of counter 96
is in this instance in the form of four digital bit lines,
indicated at 23, and corresponding to the above-described bit lines
23', 23", and 23'", wherein each such line carries a discreet logic
level representing a 1 or 0, which taken together represent in
binary-coded decimal format the instantaneous count on counter 96.
Bit lines 23 are jointly connected to digitally-operated display
22, corresponding to displays 22', 22", and 22'" discussed above,
and to a binary coded decimal (BCD) to decimal converter of
decoding circuit 21 which corresponds to circuits 21', 21" and 21'"
previously mentioned.
Digitally-operated display 22 receives the digitally encoded signal
from bit lines 23 and when energized by a supply voltage + V over a
line 98, provides for translating the digital information on lines
23 into a visual symbolic display, such as decimal numbers from 0
through 9 representing the instantaneous count of counter 96. For
the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 6,
display 22 is energized over line 98 by a voltage output from a
latch and delay circuit 99 which issues a voltage + V at an output
101 for a predetermined interval of time in response to momentary
grounding of a control input 102 via push-button switch 19. Thus
when switch 19 is momentarily closed in the first instance, circuit
99 responds by assuming a latched condition, the duration of which
is controlled by a delay circuit portion thereof, such that display
22 is powered for a pre-determined interval adequate for an
authorized person to enter the proper combination code. In the
automobile embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 10
digitally operated display 22'" is energized via contacts of a
relay 73 as described above rather than by latch and delay circuit
99.
In accordance with the present invention, digitally operated
display 22 is preferably provided by a commercially available solid
state alpha-numeric indicator. Such indicator includes its own
latch memory and binary to decimal matrix decoder and operates by
an array or matrix of light-emitting diodes (LED) driven by an LED
matrix driver. The LED matrix provides a rectangular display panel
having side dimensions of less than an inch and a thickness of
approximately 0.1 to 0.2 of an inch and carrying an array of
light-emitting diodes which when selectively energized provide for
a letter, number of other symbolic display. The present invention
employs one such panel for each of displays 22', 22" and 22'".
Although such indicators are available from a number of sources,
one suitable device is marketed by Hewlett-Packard as their
5082-7300 series Solid State Numeric Indicators. Such display
panels or indicators each have a voltage supply input to which line
98 is connected, a four line binary-coded decimal input to which
bit lines 23 in FIG. 11 are connected and a ground input which as
shown in FIG. 11 is connected to ground.
In order to cause display 22 to visually present the various
numbers or symbols of the combination code, switch 19 is displaced
from its unactuated and open condition, as shown in FIG. 11 to an
actuated or closed condition and maintained in such closed
condition to produce the following result. First, circuit 99 as
above described energizes display 22 over line 98. Clock 91 and
counter 96 also as above described generate a slowly changing
binary coded decimal count on bit lines 23 which when applied to
the four line BCD input of display 22 at 103 results in a visual
and in this instance numeric display of the signals developed by
counter 96, sequentially as generated. This operating mode is
maintained so long as push-button switch 19 is continuously
manually engaged in its actuated state.
The particular combination code is entered into the circuitry and
in particular entered into decoding circuit 21 by releasing
push-button switch 19 at the instance a symbol to be selected and
corresponding to one of the numbers of a predetermined combination
code appears on display 22. Preferably and in accordance with the
present invention, the combination code consists of a plurality of
symbols, in this instance numbers, arranged in a predetermined
sequence and entered sequentially into the decoding circuit. For
example, the combination code may be set as 8 5 3 2. These numbers
must be entered in this sequence into decoding circuit 21 by
appropriately timed releases of switch 19. When the final number of
code, in this instance number 2, is entered then decoding circuit
21 functions to energize or otherwise activate an output control
104 representing the various lock or other security controls
described above as lock control 16 and 16' and ignition, starter
motor, and hood latch control 65.
In particular, push-button switch 19 cooperates with decoding
circuit 21 in the following manner. The output bit lines 23 from
counter 96 are in addition to being connected to the four line BCD
input of display 22 are connected as shown at 106 to a digital
converter 107 providing a binary coded decimal to decimal
conversion of the information carried by lines 23 as generated. The
digitally encoded information at the input to converter 107 is thus
translated into a decimal format with outputs 0 through 9 as shown
being connected to a programmable matrix 108. Matrix 108 provides a
means for selective, semi-permanent connection of a set of four
output lines therefrom to particular ones of the decimal outputs 0
through 9 available from converter 107. These four output lines
identified as the first, second, third and fourth lines from matrix
108 are energized as the decimal outputs to which these lines have
been connected by programming matrix 108 are energized by counter
96 through converter 107. Matrix 108 thereby establishes the
certain numbers developed by counter 96 and displayed by display
22, which must be entered in order to operate the decoding circuit.
The sequence of such entry is dictated by circuitry including a
logic circuit 111 and a ring counter 112 which in turn are
connected for control by switch 19 over a line 113.
In particular, ring counter 112 develops a gating signal at each of
its outputs, B, C, D, and E in a manner determined by the manual
actuation and release of push-button switch 19. These gating
signals are extended to one of the inputs of each of a set of four
NAND gates 116, 117, 118 and 119 to enable each of these gates to
issue an output signal to an error detecting NAND gate 121 only if
the operator releases push-button 19 at the proper time to select
the proper code number in the predetermined sequence. Failure to
enter the proper combination number or entry of the proper number
in the wrong sequence results in NAND gate 121 issuing an output
signal to a latch and delay circuit 122 which serves as a time
penalty circuit immediately generating a signal at output 123
disabling further functioning of ring counter 112 by clearing the
count thereon at a clear input 124. This disabling mode is
maintained for a predetermined amount of time provided by the delay
portion of latch and delay circuit 122. If on the other hand NAND
gate 121 does not detect a false number or a number out of
sequence, then each of the combination numbers are entered by
sequentially enabling gates 116, 117, 118 and 119 by the first,
second, third, and fourth position output lines of matrix 108. Upon
reaching the fourth position, corresponding to the last number or
symbol in the four digit code, gate 119 is energized and logic
circuit 117 develops an output over line 126 providing for
operation of output control 104 through a latch and delay circuit
127. Simultaneously, the signal on line 126 is extended to and for
disabling circuit 122 during operation of the output control at an
inhibit control 128 and to clear counter 96 at clear input 129. In
this regard it will be observed that the output at line 126 is only
transitory following successful entry of the combination code and
latch and delay circuit 127 serves to provide a sustained output to
operate control 104 for a time interval determined by the delay
portion of circuit 127.
Accordingly, the operation of the circuitry shown in FIG. 7 for
entering a code combination 8532, used in the example above, will
proceed as follows: An operator initially engages push-button
switch 19 energizing display 22, starting clock 91 and
simultaneously clearing ring counter 112 by the signal issued at
output 101 of circuit 99 via an inverter 131, and presetting
counter 112 to the output A position by a preset control 132
extended to output 101 of circuit 99. During continuous manual
engagement with switch 19 numbers sequentially appear on display
22. NAND gate 121 serving as an error detector receives at an input
133 a low logic signal by virtue of its connection to ground 134
through the closed contacts of switch 19. This is significant in
that NAND gate 121 must have at all times applied to any one of its
inputs a low logic signal in order to prevent triggering of the
time penalty delay of circuit 122. In the absence of such a low
signal the output of gate 121 issues a signal triggering operation
of latch and delay circuit 122, thereby disabling further entry of
the code for the penalty time.
As the first number of the combination code appears on display 22,
in this instance number 8, the operator immediately releases
push-button 19. This transition of switch 19 from its actuated
state to its unactuated state develops a signal on line 113 which
clocks ring counter 112, shifting a high logic level from preset
output A to output B. Simultaneously, the 1st line output of matrix
108 corresponding to the first position of the combination code,
will go high as matrix 108 has been programmed to connect the
decimal line carrying decimal 8 from converter 107 to the 1st
output line of the matrix. These two high signals are connected to
the input of NAND 116 which responds by issuing a low logic signal
to another of the inputs of NAND gate 121, thus preserving the
condition mentioned above whereby gate 121 must receive at all
times a low signal at one of its inputs.
Having thus released push-button 19 as 8 appeared on display 22,
the operator proceeds to enter the second number of the
combination, namely, 5. Switch 19 is again engaged and disposed in
its actuated state causing the display to sequentially generate
signals in response to counter 96. As 5 appears on the display,
switch 19 is released and the digital signal corresponding to
decimal 5 is applied to converter 107, whereupon the decimal output
5 thereof is directed by matrix 108 to the second output line
thereof. Simultaneously the ring counter 112 is stepped over line
113 to the C output which is fed along with the second output line
of the matrix 108 to the inputs of NAND gate 117. The resulting
output from NAND gate 117 is again a low signal and the output of
gate 121 remains unenergized. In a similar manner the third
position code number, namely 3 is selected and entered into the
decoding circuit and together with the D output of ring counter 112
is connected to NAND gate 118 having the same result discussed
above in connection with gates 116 and 117. Finally, the last digit
or position of the combination code, namely 2, is entered in a
similar manner discussed above and the D output of ring counter 112
and the 4th position output line of matrix 108 combine to drive the
output of NAND gate 119 low, with this low signal constituting the
energizing signal for operating latch and delay circuit 127 and
operating output control 104.
It will be appreciated that if during the entry of the code a
mistake is made, then one of NAND gate's 116, 117, 118 or 119 would
issue a high logic signal to NAND gate 121, thereby triggering
circuit 122 to prevent completion of the code.
In this manner entry of a sophisticated combination code is
provided through the use of a single push-button 19 and a single
indicator panel forming a part of digitally operated display 22. To
provide the sophisticated security feature of a multi-position
combination code number, in this instance four positions or digits,
it will be appreciated that de-coding circuit 21 includes in the
form of logic circuit 111 and ring counter 112 an electrical memory
circuit for receiving information concerning the position or digit
of the combination being entered at any given time. This memory
aspect of logic circuit 111 and ring counter 112 affords a circuit
capable of accepting a combination code having multiple digits or
positions, wherein this information is entered sequentially via a
single manually operated push-button and a single alpha-numeric
display indicator.
While a particular arrangement of circuitry is shown in FIG. 11, it
will be appreciated that other circuits may be employed to achieve
the functions taught by the present invention. It will also be
recognized that the circuit of FIG. 11 may include other known
security features, such as an error counter for counting the number
of mistakes and disabling the circuit operation after receiving a
pre-selected number of such mistakes, and means operating an alarm
in response to an initial mistake such as detected by NAND gate
121.
With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternative preferred
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in which the circuit of
FIG. 11 and the key device of FIG. 2 have been modified to provide
for a manually selective reversal of the sequence by which the
combination symbols or numbers are displayed. Specifically, a
counter 136 similar to counter 96 of FIG. 11 is provided with a
reversible feature, wherein a forward input 137 advances the
counter in a forward count direction in response to clock pulses
received from a low frequency clock source, such as clock 138
corresponding to clock 91 of FIG. 11. A backward input 139 is also
provided and is responsive to the same clock source to count
backward. Thus the embodiment of FIG. 12 includes additional
manually operated switch 141 having a pair of normally closed
contacts 142 and 143 and a pair of normally open contacts 142 and
144. The set of normally closed contacts 142 and 143 of switch 141
are adapted to connect the output of clock 138 to the forward input
137 of counter 136 whereas the normally open contacts 142 and 144
connect the same clock output to the backward input 139 of the
reversible counter 136. A manually operated push-button switch 146
corresponding to switch 19 of FIG. 11 activates clock 138 to feed
clock pulses to counter 136 with the output thereof being visually
registered on display 147, corresponding to display 22 of FIG.
11.
In operation, swtich 146 is manually engaged to start the
sequential display and switch 141 if unoperated remains in the
condition shown in FIG. 12 with the normally closed contacts
providing a forward count on counter 136 which for example may
appear on the display indicator as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc . . . On the
other hand, if the operator desires to reverse the sequence in
order to pick up a number, such as 3 when the display is on 4 or 5,
he may reverse the sequence of generation by manually operating
switch 141 to close the normally open contacts 142 and 144 applying
the clock signal to the backward input 139 of counter 136.
To provide for this manual operation of both switch 146 and
reversing switch 141 a key device 148, similar to key device 31 of
FIG. 2 is provided having suitable means, which is conventional and
thus not shown, for permitting two different modes of manual
operation of an engageable pad 149 to afford selective operation of
both switches. In this instance, pad 149 may be depressed inwardly
as in the case of pad 38 of key device 31 of FIG. 2 to close switch
146 and start the display sequence. Also, pad 149 is provided with
a downward movement which is mechanically connected by means not
shown to operate switch 141 opening the normally closed contacts
142 and 143 and closing the normally open contacts 142 and 144. The
downward movement of pad 149 simultaneously with inward depression
thereof, thus results in a continued display sequence, however with
sequence reversed.
In addition to this modification, switch 148 must be provided along
with a receptacle 151, corresponding to receptacle 32 of FIGS. 1
and 2, with suitable connection means for accommodating the
additional electrical circuits, here shown as contacts 152. While
the reversal switch feature is illustrated in connection with the
embodiment corresponding to the portable key arrangement of FIGS. 1
through 3, it will be appreciated that the circuitry of FIG. 12
including the reversal switch may be adapted to each of the other
embodiments of the invention such as those shown in FIGS. 4 through
10.
* * * * *