CA2179352A1 - Secure electronic entry system - Google Patents
Secure electronic entry systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2179352A1 CA2179352A1 CA002179352A CA2179352A CA2179352A1 CA 2179352 A1 CA2179352 A1 CA 2179352A1 CA 002179352 A CA002179352 A CA 002179352A CA 2179352 A CA2179352 A CA 2179352A CA 2179352 A1 CA2179352 A1 CA 2179352A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lock
- key
- random
- receiver
- unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B49/00—Electric permutation locks; Circuits therefor ; Mechanical aspects of electronic locks; Mechanical keys therefor
Landscapes
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
A method and apparatus for securing an area and gaining access to the secured area includes a secure locking unit and a remote key unit. An unlocking sequence is initiated and a random coded signal is generated in the locking unit.
The random coded signal is transmitted to the key unit and simultaneously encoded with a predetermined encryption code in the locking unit to produce a master encrypted signal.
The transmitted random coded signal is received in the key unit and encoded with the predetermined encryption code to produce a slave encrypted signal. The slave encrypted signal is transmitted to the locking unit and compared to the master encrypted signal. When the master and slave signals compare, a signal is generated to unlock the area.
The random coded signal is transmitted to the key unit and simultaneously encoded with a predetermined encryption code in the locking unit to produce a master encrypted signal.
The transmitted random coded signal is received in the key unit and encoded with the predetermined encryption code to produce a slave encrypted signal. The slave encrypted signal is transmitted to the locking unit and compared to the master encrypted signal. When the master and slave signals compare, a signal is generated to unlock the area.
Description
2 ~ 79352 I
SECURE ELECTRONTC ENTRY SYSTEM
Fleld of the Tnvention The present invention pertalns to secure locks and more specifically to apparatus and methods of securing areas and equipment from unauthorized entry.
Backçrround of the Invention Generally, to prevent physical access to unauthorized areaS the areas are locked and those authorlzed to enter are 15 given keys. This has the drawback that the keys can be stolen and duplicated or the locks can simply be picked. In some instances, such as computers and the like, keywords or pin numbers are used to prevent unauthorized entry (or use) into the device. Again this is unsatisfactory since the 20 keyword or personal identification numbers can be surreptitiously obtained by watching while an authorized user gains access, or the keywords can be determined through various computer programs.
Some ef forts have been made at wireless secure locking 25 systems, such as are commonly used for automobiles or garage door openers. These systems involve one way transmissions, generally from a hand held transmitter operated by the user, to the automobile or garage door. These transmissions are 21 7~352 not encrypted and are the same for every transmission.
Thus, a sophisticated thlef can simply monitor a single transmission and easily replicate the transmission to gain unauthorized access.
Other systems that have been proposed include havlng the key unit rotate through a series of approved codes so that each transmission is different. The door lock unit must rotate through the same series of approved codes.
E~owever, a provision has to be made for the possibility that the key unit and the door lock unit can become out of synchronization. To accommodate such a possibility, it has been proposed that the door lock unit will also respond to the last ~ ealid codes ~where N is a number that is large enough, but not too large based on experimental data) . This concept, however, does not provide adequate security since a sophisticated thief can still monitor a single transmission for a code, and that code will remain valid for the next N
attempts at entry.
It would be advantageous, therefore, to provide an electronlc entry system which ls secure and which is conveniert to fabricate and use.
It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved secure electronic entry system.
It is another purpose of ~he present invention to provide a new and improved secure electronic entry system which is virtually impossible to defeat.
It is still another purpose of the present invention to prDvide a new and improved secure electronic entry system whlch can be used in virtually all situations where unauthorized access is to be denied.
It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved secure electronic entry system.
5 which is convenient to fabricate and install.
S ~y of the Inv~nti~. n The above problems and others are at least partially solved and the above purposes and others are realized in a secure electronic entry system including a locking unit having a "lock" transmitter, a l'lock" random code generator coupled to supply a random coded signal to the "lock"
15 transmitter for transmission, a "lock" encoder coupled to receive the random coded signal from the "lock" random code generator and designed to encode the random coded signal with a predetermined encryption code, a "lock" receiver, and a "lock" comparator coupled to receive signals from the 20 "lock" receiver and further coupled to the "lock" encoder to recelve the random coded signal encoded with the predetermined encryption code, the "lock" comparator being designed to compare the received signals from the "lock"
re-ceiver and the "lock" encoder and provide an unlocking 25 signal when the received slgnals compare.
The secure -electronic entry system also includes a key unit having a "key" receiver designed to receive random coded signals transmitted by the "lock" transmitter of the 21 7q352 locking unlt, a "key" encoder coupled to recelve the random coded slgnal from the "key" receiver and designed to encode the random coded slgnal with the predetermined encryption code, and a "key" transmltter coupled to recelve the encoded 5 r~ndom coded signal from the "key" encoder and transmit it to the "lock" receiver of the locking unlt.
A method of securing an area (includlng equipment) and gaining access to the secured area in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of providing a secure 10 locking unit to produce a locked area and providing a key unit for gaining access to the locked area. For purposes of this disclosure lt should be understood that the term "area"
includes not only geographical locations but equipment and the like. An unlocking sequence is initiated in the locking 15 unit and the key unit when it is desired to gain access to the area. A random coded signal is then generated in the locking unit, transmitted to the key unit, and the random coded signal is encoded with a predetermined encryption code in the locking unit to produce a master encrypted signal in 20 the locking unit. The transmltted random coded signal ls received at the key unlt and encoded with the predetermlned encryptlon code in the key unlt to produce a slave encrypted signal in the key unit. The slave encrypted signal is transmitted from the key unit to the locklng unlt, and 25 compared in the locking unit to the master encrypted signal in the locking unit. When the master and slave signals compare, a signal is generated to unlock the area.
5 ~ l 793~2 Brief Descrlption of the Drawin~rs Referring to the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a locking unit in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a key unit in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating various steps in a method of operation in accordance with the present invention .
Des-:ription of the Preferred ~m~o~l;rn~nt5 Turning now to FIG. 1, a simplified block diagram of a locking unit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated. Locking unit 10 is a portion of a secure electronic entry system which will be explained in more detail presently. In this disclosure, for purposes of example, locking unit 10 is described as a door locking unit, however, it is assumed that, after reading the complete disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand the possibility of adapting the present secure electronic entry system to many other locking applications including but not limited to computers and computer systems, financial transaction devices (e.g. automatic teller ` 2179352 machines, polnt of sale terminals, etc. ), multiple door systems (e.g. hotels, office buildings, etc. ), and the like.
Locking un$t 10 includes a low power transmitter 12 connected to an antenna 13 and a recelver 14 connected to an antenna 15. It will of course be understood that antennas 13 and 15 could be a slngle antenna and a standard duplexer (not shown) could be used to switch between transmission and reception. A random number generator 20 is connected to transmitter 12 for transmission of random numbers generated, as will be explained in more detail presently. While random number generator 20 could be any of a variety of well known circuits, in a preferred embodiment it is a digital circuit that produces a randomly generated digital bit stream of a predetermined length. A control circuit 22 is connected to random number generator 20 and transmitter 12 to initiate the digital bit stream and the transmisslon thereof.
Ge-nerally, control circuit 22 includes timing and/or clock circuits to ensure proper synchronlzation of the various circuits in locking unlt 10.
The digital bit stream generated by random number generator 20 is also supplied to an encoder 25 where it is encrypted with a predetermined encryption code. Encoder 25 includes any of a number of presently used encryption algorithms using a code that is unique to a specific keyholder. ~he digital bit stream encrypted with the predetermined or unique code represents a master encrypted signal, which is supplied to one input of a comparator 27.
Control circuit 22 is also connected to receiver 14, encoder ` . 21 7~352 25, and comparator 27 to ensure the proper entry of the various signals and the proper operation of the circuits at the proper times.
An output signal from comparator 27 is supplled to an 5 unlock circuit 31 associated with a door, computer, machine, or other secured area. As a specifLc example, the lock could be a spring loaded dead bolt on a door and unlock circuit 31 could include a solenoid operated by the signal from comparator 27 to withdraw the dead bolt and unlock the 10 door. In other examples, unlock circuit 31 might be an electronic switch, or the like inside the computer or ma chine .
Control circuit Z2 is also connected to receive an initiate signal from an external source at a terminaL 30.
15 The initiate signal is any selected action by a person attempting to gain authorized access to the secure area. For example, the person reaches out to turn a door handle on the secured door. Touching or turning the door handle can produce a slgnal at terminal 30 which initiates control 20 circuit 22. Locking unit lO can be inltlated by a vari~ty of other user activities includlng a proximity sensor mounted ln or adjacent the door and senslng the pre~ence of a potentlal user, an infrared or other motion sensor sensing a person approachlng the door, an electrlcal contact between 25 the person attemptlng to gain acces~; and the door handle, or a button to be pushed by the person, etc.
Referrlng now to FIG. 2, a simpllfled block dlagram of a key unit 35 ls lllustrated. Key unit 35 includes a .; ` ~ 1 7~352 receiver-37 having an antenna 38 attached thereto. The output of receiYer 37 is supplied ~o an encoder 40 and the output of encoder 40 is supplied to a transmitter 42 having an antenna 43 attached thereto, for transmission. It will of course be understood that antennas 38 and 43 could be a single antenna and a standard duplexer (not shown) could be used to switch between transmission and reception.
Receiver 37, encoder 40 and transmitter 42 are each connected to receive initiate and timing signals from a control circuit 45. In this specific embodiment, a sense circuit 47, in this example and RF sense circuit, is also connected to antenna 38 to sense the presence of RF energy at a specific frequency. When an app-ropriate RF signal is sensed at antenna 38, sense circuit 47 supplies an initiate ~signal to control circuit 45 which causes key unit 35 to go from an ultra-low power standby mode of operation to an operative mode in which it is ready to receive information.
This feature allows key unit 35 to normally use very little power .
In the operative mode, receiver 37 is tuned to receive irom transmitter 12 the random number generated by random number generator 20. In this speci~ic embodiment, the received digital bit stream is supplied to encoder 40 where it is encrypted with the same predetermined encryption code as was used in encoder 25 of locking unit 10. The output of encoder 40 represents a slave encrypted signal. The slave encrypted signal is transmitted to antenna 15 and receiver 14 where it is supplied tQ a second input of comparator 27.
The slave encrypted signal is compared to the master encrypted signal in comparator 27 and, if the proper comparison occurs, a signal is supplied to unlock circuit 31 .
In the above described embodiment, an RF link is established between locking unit lO and key unit 35 but it should be understood that many different types of communications links might be utilized. In particular, the link including transmitter 12 and receiver 37 and the link including transmitter 42 and receiver 14 could be an optical link utilizing light or infra-red waves, a sonic link utilizing sound waves, or a link formed by actual contact through an electrical conductor (e.g. a metal door handle), or some combination of these media.
Reierring to FIG. 3, a ilow chart is illustrated showing the most basic steps of a method o~ securing an area and gaining access to the secured ar-ea. A locking unit 50 transmits a random coded signal to a key unit 51, which in this example is a ring on the hand of a person attempting to gain authorized entrance to the locked area. Key unit 51 encrypts the random coded signal with a predetermined encryption code to represent a slave signal and re-transmits the slave signal to locking unit 50. Locking unit 50 validates the signal by comparing it to a master signal produced by encrypting the random coded slgnal with the predetermined encryption code in locking unit 50, and unlocks the door if the master and slave signals compare.
I
2 1 7~52 `~ 10 Multiple locking units 10 may use the same encryption codes so that key units 35 with that speclfic encryption code can be used to open all of the multiple doors. In another embodiment the encryption algorithm could use a 5 "private-- code in the user's key unit, and the locking unit could use a "public" code. In this way multiple door locks, for example, could utilize the "public" code and would be publicly available with no loss of security. With such a system, the same "public" code could be used for home doors, 10 office doors, car doors, and even re-programmed doors such as would be useful when renting a hotel room or renting an automobile .
Because the secure electronic entry system utilizes a random coded signal that is then coded by a predetermined 15 encryption code, the random coded signal will change each time the system is used. It should be understood that the encryption code is selected to be sufficlently complicated, or secure, so that the code can not be determined or deduced by monitoring the messages between the key unit and the 20 locking unit. Securlty is derived from the fact that the locking unit (e.g. locking unit 10) does not transmit the same code, or message, each time, but rather it transmits the random code. Thus, anyone who attempts to monitor the transmission from the locking unit or the key unit could not 25 replicate this transmission at a later time to gain unauthorized entry. If a person tries to duplicate a transmission (that has been recorded earlier from an eaves-dropping attempt), the locking unit transmits a new random 2l 7q3~2 coded signal, and the correct encryption of the new random coded signal doas not match the earlier "recorded"
transmission. Thus, the comparlson fails, no unlocking signal is ~enerated and the unauthorized person is not 5 permitted to enter the secure area.
While the present embodiment uses specif ic hardware as an example, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the various components could actually be provided in a software form. In a software system incorporating the 10 electronlc entry system, the transmitters and receivers might, for examFle, be steps in the program (transmitting and receiving steps) in which the system sensed a new operator and transmitted a ~ignal which is received by the remote. The step of attempting to use the system, for 15 example, might be the process of initiating an unlocking sequence. Thus, for example, the entire locking unit, or any portion thereof, could be incorporated into the software in a computer, telephone, or other communication system and the key unit could be incorporated in software in each of 20 the remote terminals. For such applications, the electronic entry system would be substantially transparent.
Accordingly, an electronic entry system has been discLosed which is secure and which is convenient to fabricate= and use . Further, the new and improved secure 25 ele::tronic entry system is virtually impossible to defeat and can be used in virtually all situations where unauthorized access is to be denied. Also, the new and improved secure electronic entry system is convenient to ` 217~352 manufacture and lnstall. The locking unit can be fabricated in virtually any shape that matches the specific application and the key unit can be fabricated in any convenlent shape so as to be easily carried by an authorized person. In many 5 instances, such as the ring illustrated in FIG. 3, the key unit may be completely unrecognizable by unauthorlzed persons so that even attempts to steal the key unit to gain access to unauthorized areas will be thwarted.
While I have shown and described speclfic embodiments 10 of the present invention, further modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. I
desire~it to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular forms shown and I intend in the append claims to cover all modifications that do not 15 depart from the spirit and scope of this invention.
SECURE ELECTRONTC ENTRY SYSTEM
Fleld of the Tnvention The present invention pertalns to secure locks and more specifically to apparatus and methods of securing areas and equipment from unauthorized entry.
Backçrround of the Invention Generally, to prevent physical access to unauthorized areaS the areas are locked and those authorlzed to enter are 15 given keys. This has the drawback that the keys can be stolen and duplicated or the locks can simply be picked. In some instances, such as computers and the like, keywords or pin numbers are used to prevent unauthorized entry (or use) into the device. Again this is unsatisfactory since the 20 keyword or personal identification numbers can be surreptitiously obtained by watching while an authorized user gains access, or the keywords can be determined through various computer programs.
Some ef forts have been made at wireless secure locking 25 systems, such as are commonly used for automobiles or garage door openers. These systems involve one way transmissions, generally from a hand held transmitter operated by the user, to the automobile or garage door. These transmissions are 21 7~352 not encrypted and are the same for every transmission.
Thus, a sophisticated thlef can simply monitor a single transmission and easily replicate the transmission to gain unauthorized access.
Other systems that have been proposed include havlng the key unit rotate through a series of approved codes so that each transmission is different. The door lock unit must rotate through the same series of approved codes.
E~owever, a provision has to be made for the possibility that the key unit and the door lock unit can become out of synchronization. To accommodate such a possibility, it has been proposed that the door lock unit will also respond to the last ~ ealid codes ~where N is a number that is large enough, but not too large based on experimental data) . This concept, however, does not provide adequate security since a sophisticated thief can still monitor a single transmission for a code, and that code will remain valid for the next N
attempts at entry.
It would be advantageous, therefore, to provide an electronlc entry system which ls secure and which is conveniert to fabricate and use.
It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved secure electronic entry system.
It is another purpose of ~he present invention to provide a new and improved secure electronic entry system which is virtually impossible to defeat.
It is still another purpose of the present invention to prDvide a new and improved secure electronic entry system whlch can be used in virtually all situations where unauthorized access is to be denied.
It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved secure electronic entry system.
5 which is convenient to fabricate and install.
S ~y of the Inv~nti~. n The above problems and others are at least partially solved and the above purposes and others are realized in a secure electronic entry system including a locking unit having a "lock" transmitter, a l'lock" random code generator coupled to supply a random coded signal to the "lock"
15 transmitter for transmission, a "lock" encoder coupled to receive the random coded signal from the "lock" random code generator and designed to encode the random coded signal with a predetermined encryption code, a "lock" receiver, and a "lock" comparator coupled to receive signals from the 20 "lock" receiver and further coupled to the "lock" encoder to recelve the random coded signal encoded with the predetermined encryption code, the "lock" comparator being designed to compare the received signals from the "lock"
re-ceiver and the "lock" encoder and provide an unlocking 25 signal when the received slgnals compare.
The secure -electronic entry system also includes a key unit having a "key" receiver designed to receive random coded signals transmitted by the "lock" transmitter of the 21 7q352 locking unlt, a "key" encoder coupled to recelve the random coded slgnal from the "key" receiver and designed to encode the random coded slgnal with the predetermined encryption code, and a "key" transmltter coupled to recelve the encoded 5 r~ndom coded signal from the "key" encoder and transmit it to the "lock" receiver of the locking unlt.
A method of securing an area (includlng equipment) and gaining access to the secured area in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of providing a secure 10 locking unit to produce a locked area and providing a key unit for gaining access to the locked area. For purposes of this disclosure lt should be understood that the term "area"
includes not only geographical locations but equipment and the like. An unlocking sequence is initiated in the locking 15 unit and the key unit when it is desired to gain access to the area. A random coded signal is then generated in the locking unit, transmitted to the key unit, and the random coded signal is encoded with a predetermined encryption code in the locking unit to produce a master encrypted signal in 20 the locking unit. The transmltted random coded signal ls received at the key unlt and encoded with the predetermlned encryptlon code in the key unlt to produce a slave encrypted signal in the key unit. The slave encrypted signal is transmitted from the key unit to the locklng unlt, and 25 compared in the locking unit to the master encrypted signal in the locking unit. When the master and slave signals compare, a signal is generated to unlock the area.
5 ~ l 793~2 Brief Descrlption of the Drawin~rs Referring to the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a locking unit in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a key unit in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating various steps in a method of operation in accordance with the present invention .
Des-:ription of the Preferred ~m~o~l;rn~nt5 Turning now to FIG. 1, a simplified block diagram of a locking unit 10, constructed in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated. Locking unit 10 is a portion of a secure electronic entry system which will be explained in more detail presently. In this disclosure, for purposes of example, locking unit 10 is described as a door locking unit, however, it is assumed that, after reading the complete disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand the possibility of adapting the present secure electronic entry system to many other locking applications including but not limited to computers and computer systems, financial transaction devices (e.g. automatic teller ` 2179352 machines, polnt of sale terminals, etc. ), multiple door systems (e.g. hotels, office buildings, etc. ), and the like.
Locking un$t 10 includes a low power transmitter 12 connected to an antenna 13 and a recelver 14 connected to an antenna 15. It will of course be understood that antennas 13 and 15 could be a slngle antenna and a standard duplexer (not shown) could be used to switch between transmission and reception. A random number generator 20 is connected to transmitter 12 for transmission of random numbers generated, as will be explained in more detail presently. While random number generator 20 could be any of a variety of well known circuits, in a preferred embodiment it is a digital circuit that produces a randomly generated digital bit stream of a predetermined length. A control circuit 22 is connected to random number generator 20 and transmitter 12 to initiate the digital bit stream and the transmisslon thereof.
Ge-nerally, control circuit 22 includes timing and/or clock circuits to ensure proper synchronlzation of the various circuits in locking unlt 10.
The digital bit stream generated by random number generator 20 is also supplied to an encoder 25 where it is encrypted with a predetermined encryption code. Encoder 25 includes any of a number of presently used encryption algorithms using a code that is unique to a specific keyholder. ~he digital bit stream encrypted with the predetermined or unique code represents a master encrypted signal, which is supplied to one input of a comparator 27.
Control circuit 22 is also connected to receiver 14, encoder ` . 21 7~352 25, and comparator 27 to ensure the proper entry of the various signals and the proper operation of the circuits at the proper times.
An output signal from comparator 27 is supplled to an 5 unlock circuit 31 associated with a door, computer, machine, or other secured area. As a specifLc example, the lock could be a spring loaded dead bolt on a door and unlock circuit 31 could include a solenoid operated by the signal from comparator 27 to withdraw the dead bolt and unlock the 10 door. In other examples, unlock circuit 31 might be an electronic switch, or the like inside the computer or ma chine .
Control circuit Z2 is also connected to receive an initiate signal from an external source at a terminaL 30.
15 The initiate signal is any selected action by a person attempting to gain authorized access to the secure area. For example, the person reaches out to turn a door handle on the secured door. Touching or turning the door handle can produce a slgnal at terminal 30 which initiates control 20 circuit 22. Locking unit lO can be inltlated by a vari~ty of other user activities includlng a proximity sensor mounted ln or adjacent the door and senslng the pre~ence of a potentlal user, an infrared or other motion sensor sensing a person approachlng the door, an electrlcal contact between 25 the person attemptlng to gain acces~; and the door handle, or a button to be pushed by the person, etc.
Referrlng now to FIG. 2, a simpllfled block dlagram of a key unit 35 ls lllustrated. Key unit 35 includes a .; ` ~ 1 7~352 receiver-37 having an antenna 38 attached thereto. The output of receiYer 37 is supplied ~o an encoder 40 and the output of encoder 40 is supplied to a transmitter 42 having an antenna 43 attached thereto, for transmission. It will of course be understood that antennas 38 and 43 could be a single antenna and a standard duplexer (not shown) could be used to switch between transmission and reception.
Receiver 37, encoder 40 and transmitter 42 are each connected to receive initiate and timing signals from a control circuit 45. In this specific embodiment, a sense circuit 47, in this example and RF sense circuit, is also connected to antenna 38 to sense the presence of RF energy at a specific frequency. When an app-ropriate RF signal is sensed at antenna 38, sense circuit 47 supplies an initiate ~signal to control circuit 45 which causes key unit 35 to go from an ultra-low power standby mode of operation to an operative mode in which it is ready to receive information.
This feature allows key unit 35 to normally use very little power .
In the operative mode, receiver 37 is tuned to receive irom transmitter 12 the random number generated by random number generator 20. In this speci~ic embodiment, the received digital bit stream is supplied to encoder 40 where it is encrypted with the same predetermined encryption code as was used in encoder 25 of locking unit 10. The output of encoder 40 represents a slave encrypted signal. The slave encrypted signal is transmitted to antenna 15 and receiver 14 where it is supplied tQ a second input of comparator 27.
The slave encrypted signal is compared to the master encrypted signal in comparator 27 and, if the proper comparison occurs, a signal is supplied to unlock circuit 31 .
In the above described embodiment, an RF link is established between locking unit lO and key unit 35 but it should be understood that many different types of communications links might be utilized. In particular, the link including transmitter 12 and receiver 37 and the link including transmitter 42 and receiver 14 could be an optical link utilizing light or infra-red waves, a sonic link utilizing sound waves, or a link formed by actual contact through an electrical conductor (e.g. a metal door handle), or some combination of these media.
Reierring to FIG. 3, a ilow chart is illustrated showing the most basic steps of a method o~ securing an area and gaining access to the secured ar-ea. A locking unit 50 transmits a random coded signal to a key unit 51, which in this example is a ring on the hand of a person attempting to gain authorized entrance to the locked area. Key unit 51 encrypts the random coded signal with a predetermined encryption code to represent a slave signal and re-transmits the slave signal to locking unit 50. Locking unit 50 validates the signal by comparing it to a master signal produced by encrypting the random coded slgnal with the predetermined encryption code in locking unit 50, and unlocks the door if the master and slave signals compare.
I
2 1 7~52 `~ 10 Multiple locking units 10 may use the same encryption codes so that key units 35 with that speclfic encryption code can be used to open all of the multiple doors. In another embodiment the encryption algorithm could use a 5 "private-- code in the user's key unit, and the locking unit could use a "public" code. In this way multiple door locks, for example, could utilize the "public" code and would be publicly available with no loss of security. With such a system, the same "public" code could be used for home doors, 10 office doors, car doors, and even re-programmed doors such as would be useful when renting a hotel room or renting an automobile .
Because the secure electronic entry system utilizes a random coded signal that is then coded by a predetermined 15 encryption code, the random coded signal will change each time the system is used. It should be understood that the encryption code is selected to be sufficlently complicated, or secure, so that the code can not be determined or deduced by monitoring the messages between the key unit and the 20 locking unit. Securlty is derived from the fact that the locking unit (e.g. locking unit 10) does not transmit the same code, or message, each time, but rather it transmits the random code. Thus, anyone who attempts to monitor the transmission from the locking unit or the key unit could not 25 replicate this transmission at a later time to gain unauthorized entry. If a person tries to duplicate a transmission (that has been recorded earlier from an eaves-dropping attempt), the locking unit transmits a new random 2l 7q3~2 coded signal, and the correct encryption of the new random coded signal doas not match the earlier "recorded"
transmission. Thus, the comparlson fails, no unlocking signal is ~enerated and the unauthorized person is not 5 permitted to enter the secure area.
While the present embodiment uses specif ic hardware as an example, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the various components could actually be provided in a software form. In a software system incorporating the 10 electronlc entry system, the transmitters and receivers might, for examFle, be steps in the program (transmitting and receiving steps) in which the system sensed a new operator and transmitted a ~ignal which is received by the remote. The step of attempting to use the system, for 15 example, might be the process of initiating an unlocking sequence. Thus, for example, the entire locking unit, or any portion thereof, could be incorporated into the software in a computer, telephone, or other communication system and the key unit could be incorporated in software in each of 20 the remote terminals. For such applications, the electronic entry system would be substantially transparent.
Accordingly, an electronic entry system has been discLosed which is secure and which is convenient to fabricate= and use . Further, the new and improved secure 25 ele::tronic entry system is virtually impossible to defeat and can be used in virtually all situations where unauthorized access is to be denied. Also, the new and improved secure electronic entry system is convenient to ` 217~352 manufacture and lnstall. The locking unit can be fabricated in virtually any shape that matches the specific application and the key unit can be fabricated in any convenlent shape so as to be easily carried by an authorized person. In many 5 instances, such as the ring illustrated in FIG. 3, the key unit may be completely unrecognizable by unauthorlzed persons so that even attempts to steal the key unit to gain access to unauthorized areas will be thwarted.
While I have shown and described speclfic embodiments 10 of the present invention, further modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art. I
desire~it to be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular forms shown and I intend in the append claims to cover all modifications that do not 15 depart from the spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (24)
1. A secure electronic entry system including a locking unit comprising:
a "lock" transmitter;
a "lock" random code generator coupled to supply a random coded signal to the "lock" transmitter for transmission;
a "lock" encoder coupled to receive the random coded signal from the "lock" random code generator and designed to encode the random coded signal with a predetermined encryption code;
a "lock" receiver; and a "lock" comparator coupled to receive signals from the "lock" receiver and further coupled to the "lock" encoder to receive the random coded signal encoded with the predetermined encryption code, the "lock" comparator being designed to compare the received signals from the "lock"
receiver and the "lock" encoder and provide an unlocking signal when the received signals compare.
a "lock" transmitter;
a "lock" random code generator coupled to supply a random coded signal to the "lock" transmitter for transmission;
a "lock" encoder coupled to receive the random coded signal from the "lock" random code generator and designed to encode the random coded signal with a predetermined encryption code;
a "lock" receiver; and a "lock" comparator coupled to receive signals from the "lock" receiver and further coupled to the "lock" encoder to receive the random coded signal encoded with the predetermined encryption code, the "lock" comparator being designed to compare the received signals from the "lock"
receiver and the "lock" encoder and provide an unlocking signal when the received signals compare.
2. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the locking unit further includes a "lock" control circuit coupled to receive an external indication of a user's presence, the "lock" control circuit being coupled to the "lock" transmitter, the "lock" random code generator, the "lock" encoder, the "lock" receiver, and the "lock"
comparator to initiate an unlocking sequence.
comparator to initiate an unlocking sequence.
3. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the "lock" control circuit coupled to receive an external indication of a user's presence includes one of a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, or a motion sensor.
4. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the "lock" random code generator includes circuitry for generating a randomly generated digital bit stream as the random coded signal supplied to the "lock"
transmitter for transmission.
transmitter for transmission.
5. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the "lock" encoder includes digital encryption circuitry.
6. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 1 including in addition a key unit including a "key" receiver designed to receive random coded signals transmitted by the "lock" transmitter of the locking unit, a "key" encoder coupled to receive the random coded signal from the "key" receiver and designed to encode the random coded signal with the predetermined encryption code, and a "key" transmitter coupled to receive the encoded random coded signal from the "key" encoder and transmit it to the "lock" receiver of the locking unit.
7. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the key unit further includes a "key" control circuit coupled to the "key" receiver, the "key" encoder, and the "key" transmitter and designed to change the key unit from a standby mode to an operative mode in response to the reception of an unlock initiate signal from the "lock"
transmitter of the locking unit.
transmitter of the locking unit.
8. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the "lock" transmitter and "key" receiver and the "key" transmitter and "lock" receiver are RF transmitters and receivers.
9. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the "lock" transmitter and "key" receiver and the "key" transmitter and "lock" receiver are designed to communicate through light transmission.
10. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the "lock" transmitter and "key" receiver and the "key" transmitter and "lock" receiver are designed to communicate through physical contact of electrically conductive elements.
11. A secure wireless electronic entry system comprising:
a locking unit including a "lock" random code generator including circuitry for.
generating a random digital bit stream, a "lock" transmitter coupled to receive the random digital bit stream from the "lock" random code generator and transmit the random digital bit stream, a "lock" encoder including digital encryption circuitry coupled to receive the random digital bit stream from the "lock" random code generator and designed to digitally en code the random digital bit stream with a predetermined digital encryption code, a "lock" receiver, and a "lock" comparator coupled to receive signals from the "lock" receiver and further coupled to the "lock"
encoder to receive the random digital bit stream encoded with the predetermined digital encryption code, the "lock"
comparator being designed to compare the received signals from the "lock" receiver and the "lock" encoder and provide an unlocking signal when the received signals compare; and a key unit including a "key" receiver designed to receive the random digital bit stream transmitted by the "lock" transmitter, a "key" encoder including digital encryption circuitry coupled to receive the random digital bit stream from the "key" receiver and designed to digitally encode the random digital bit stream with the predetermined digital encrypt ion code, and a "key" transmitter coupled to receive the digitally encoded random digital bit stream from the "key"
encoder and transmit it to the "lock" receiver.
a locking unit including a "lock" random code generator including circuitry for.
generating a random digital bit stream, a "lock" transmitter coupled to receive the random digital bit stream from the "lock" random code generator and transmit the random digital bit stream, a "lock" encoder including digital encryption circuitry coupled to receive the random digital bit stream from the "lock" random code generator and designed to digitally en code the random digital bit stream with a predetermined digital encryption code, a "lock" receiver, and a "lock" comparator coupled to receive signals from the "lock" receiver and further coupled to the "lock"
encoder to receive the random digital bit stream encoded with the predetermined digital encryption code, the "lock"
comparator being designed to compare the received signals from the "lock" receiver and the "lock" encoder and provide an unlocking signal when the received signals compare; and a key unit including a "key" receiver designed to receive the random digital bit stream transmitted by the "lock" transmitter, a "key" encoder including digital encryption circuitry coupled to receive the random digital bit stream from the "key" receiver and designed to digitally encode the random digital bit stream with the predetermined digital encrypt ion code, and a "key" transmitter coupled to receive the digitally encoded random digital bit stream from the "key"
encoder and transmit it to the "lock" receiver.
12. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the "lock" transmitter and "key" receiver and the "key" transmitter and "lock" receiver are RF
transmitters and receivers.
transmitters and receivers.
13. A secure electronic entry system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the "lock" transmitter and "key" receiver and the "key" transmitter and "lock" receiver are designed to communicate through light transmission.
14. A method of securing an area and gaining access to the secured area comprising the steps of:
providing a secure electronic entry system including a locking unit to produce a locked area and a key unit for gaining access to the locked area;
initiating an unlocking sequence in the locking unit and the key unit when it is desired to gain access to the area;
generating a random coded signal in the locking unit, transmitting the random coded signal to the key unit and encoding the random coded signal with a predetermined encryption code in the locking unit to produce a master encrypted signal in the locking unit;
receiving the transmitted random coded signal at the key unit and encoding the received random coded signal with the predetermined encryption code in the key unit to produce a slave encrypted signal in the key unit;
transmitting the slave encrypted signal from the key unit to the locking unit; and comparing, in the locking unit, the slave encrypted signal, transmitted from the key unit, to the master encrypted signal in the locking unit and, when the master and slave signals compare, generating a signal to unlock the area .
providing a secure electronic entry system including a locking unit to produce a locked area and a key unit for gaining access to the locked area;
initiating an unlocking sequence in the locking unit and the key unit when it is desired to gain access to the area;
generating a random coded signal in the locking unit, transmitting the random coded signal to the key unit and encoding the random coded signal with a predetermined encryption code in the locking unit to produce a master encrypted signal in the locking unit;
receiving the transmitted random coded signal at the key unit and encoding the received random coded signal with the predetermined encryption code in the key unit to produce a slave encrypted signal in the key unit;
transmitting the slave encrypted signal from the key unit to the locking unit; and comparing, in the locking unit, the slave encrypted signal, transmitted from the key unit, to the master encrypted signal in the locking unit and, when the master and slave signals compare, generating a signal to unlock the area .
15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the step of initiating an unlocking sequence includes controlling the locking unit to transmit to the key unit a signal causing the key unit to switch from a standby mode to an operative mode.
16. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the step of initiating an unlocking sequence includes providing a control signal in the locking unit to control the locking unit to perform the step of generating a random coded signal in the locking unit, transmitting the random coded signal to the key unit and encoding the random coded signal with a predetermined encryption code in the locking unit to produce a master encrypted signal in the locking unit.
17. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the step of initiating the unlocking sequence includes providing an external indication of a user's presence.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the step of providing the external indication of a user's presence includes providing and utilizing one of a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, or a motion sensor.
19. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the step of generating the random coded signal in the locking unit includes generating a randomly generated digital bit stream.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the step of encoding the received random coded signal with the predetermined encryption code in the key unit to produce a slave encrypted signal in the key unit includes digitally encrypting the randomly generated digital bit stream with a predetermined digital encryption code.
21. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the steps of transmitting the random coded signal to the key unit and transmitting the slave encrypted signal from the key unit to the locking unit include using RF transmitters and receivers.
22. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the steps of transmitting the random coded signal to the key unit and transmitting the slave encrypted signal from the key unit to the locking unit include using light transmitters and receivers.
23. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the steps of using light transmitters and receivers includes using infrared transmitters and receivers.
24. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the steps of transmitting the random coded signal to the key unit and transmitting the slave encrypted signal from the key unit to the locking unit include making electrical contact between the key unit and the locking unit.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US51903395A | 1995-08-24 | 1995-08-24 | |
| US08/519,033 | 1995-08-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2179352A1 true CA2179352A1 (en) | 1997-02-25 |
Family
ID=24066494
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002179352A Abandoned CA2179352A1 (en) | 1995-08-24 | 1996-06-18 | Secure electronic entry system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH09153120A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR970011249A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2179352A1 (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-06-18 CA CA002179352A patent/CA2179352A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-06-20 KR KR1019960022473A patent/KR970011249A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-08-20 JP JP8238450A patent/JPH09153120A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH09153120A (en) | 1997-06-10 |
| KR970011249A (en) | 1997-03-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 19990618 |