Electronically enabling device remotely

Abstract

A system has an electronic key that transmits a coded signal and at least one tool or other device that can receive that signal. The coded signal is compared to a coded signal stored in the tool or other device. If the coded signal authenticates the stored signal, the tool is enabled or disabled for a specified amount of time. An on / off switch then enables the user of the tool to turn the tool or other device on and off during the specified amount of time. After the specified amount of time, the tool is disabled so that the tool or other device can no longer be used. Disabling the tool may be delayed if the tool or other device is in use. The tool or other device may also contain a unique identification code that can be read by an interrogating device to identify the tool or other device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 906,807 filed Mar. 8, 2005, which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 612,399, filed Sep. 24, 2004, which were both invented by David Lamar and which are both incorporated herein by reference. [0002] This application is also related to PCT / US2005 / 31809, filed Sep. 8, 2005, which is also incorporated herein by reference.FIELD [0003] The specification relates to the field of locks. BACKGROUND [0004] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, whic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] If the device has a manually operable on-off switch, such as on a digital camera, the user can turn the device on and off as needed without affecting the timing circuit.

[0016] If the enabled time period concludes while the user is in the middle of an operation, the disabling of the device can be delayed. This permits a digital camera to complete the processing of an image into memory or a tool in the middle of drilling a hole to complete the task.

[0020] The tool control circuit would contain a method of authenticating the coded signal received from the electronic key thus permitting only the correct authenticated signal to activate the tool. This will reduce theft since stealing the tool without possessing the correct electronic key will make the item inoperable and valueless and readily identifiable as stolen.

[0022] The tool according to the present invention will also prevent unauthorized users from operating the tool even when it has not been stolen. This is the most likely case with children or work environments where many tools may be accessible but where restricted operation is needed.

[0024] In addition to controlling the enabling and disabling of a tool, the timing circuit could have the means to optionally control the operation of the tool based on the date and time of day rather than simply a set time duration from an activation sequence. For example, an authorized user can program a tool to activate at 8 AM and deactivate at 6 PM. This can be accomplished prior to the time of use to add flexibility.

[0025] The electronic key could be reconfigured to operate multiple electronically controlled tools in different locations. This reconfiguration would permit one operator to control a number of tools with the use of a single electronic key, rather than having to use multiple individual electronic keys.

Problems solved by technology

After the expiration of the time period, the device could not be operated without re-enabling it by means of the electronic key.

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