Programmable Security Key With Timer And Counter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems for retail establishments face challenges in preventing the unauthorized use of keys used to disarm and unlock security devices, as these keys can be stolen and used across different stores, making it difficult to prevent theft and misuse.
Innovation Solution
A programmable smart key is introduced, which is programmed with a unique security disarm code (SDC) specific to each retail establishment, featuring an internal timer that invalidates the code after a preset period, an activation counter that permanently deactivates the key after a maximum number of uses, and wireless communication for secure programming and communication with security devices, ensuring the key can only be used within the authorized store.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical or magnetic keys are used to disarm and unlock security devices, then ease of operation is improved, but security reliability deteriorates because keys can be stolen and used across different stores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or magnetic key systems with a programmable electronic key containing a microcontroller and wireless communication circuitry. The electronic key transmits unique disarm codes wirelessly to security devices, eliminating the need for physical keys that can be stolen and replicated. This substitution maintains ease of operation through electronic interfaces while dramatically improving security reliability through unique, programmable authentication codes that cannot be easily copied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically changing disarm codes that are programmed into the electronic key and security devices. Each key contains a unique identification number and disarm code that can be programmed and reprogrammed. The system changes the authentication parameters from static mechanical key characteristics to dynamic electronic codes that can be updated, ensuring that even if a key is compromised, the codes can be changed to maintain security reliability.
2Ease of operation
If multiple keys are distributed to clerks for accessing security devices, then ease of operation is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of theft and unauthorized use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security system into multiple independent electronic keys, each with its own unique identification number and disarm code. Instead of distributing identical mechanical keys, each clerk receives a programmable electronic key with distinct authentication credentials. This segmentation allows individual tracking and management of each key while maintaining ease of operation for multiple users, and improves security reliability because each key is uniquely identified and can be individually controlled or deactivated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electronic key and security device communicate authentication status, disarm code verification, and usage information. The system provides feedback on whether a key is authorized, whether the disarm code is correct, and tracks key usage. This feedback loop enables real-time verification and control, maintaining ease of operation for authorized users while improving security reliability through continuous authentication monitoring and the ability to detect and respond to unauthorized attempts.
3Reliability
If programmable electronic keys with wireless communication are used, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the programmable electronic key to perform multiple functions: storing identification numbers, generating disarm codes, wireless communication with security devices, and maintaining operational status tracking. The security devices also serve multiple purposes: receiving disarm codes, verifying authentication, triggering alarms, and controlling device access. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex components into integrated units, improving security reliability while managing device complexity through universal, multi-purpose components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where the electronic key automatically manages its own authentication credentials, wireless communication protocols, and status tracking without requiring external intervention for basic operations. The system includes self-diagnosis and status monitoring features that allow the key and security devices to manage their own operational states. This self-service approach improves security reliability through automated authentication and monitoring while reducing the complexity of external control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The smart key effectively prevents unauthorized use by rendering the SDC inactive after a set time, ensuring the key can only be used within the intended store, and ensures the battery has sufficient power for operations by counting activations, thus enhancing security and reducing theft risks.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless communication circuit for receiving the SDC from the programming station and for supplying the SDC to a control logic circuit built into a security device
Data Source
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AI summary
A programmable key for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise has a housing, a power supply mounted in the housing, a logic control circuit which includes a controller, a wireless communication circuit and a security disarm code (SDC) memory. The key has visual indicators such as an LED which is operatively connected to the logic control circuit and pulsed to indicate the state of the SDC. The control circuit includes a timer which has a preset time limit programmed therein, which invalidates the stored SDC if not refreshed by a remote programming source within a certain time period. The logic circuit further includes a counter which counts the number of activations of a control switch, and which permanently deactivates the control circuit upon reaching a certain count value to ensure that the internal battery has sufficient power to maintain the key operational. The wireless communication circuit preferably is infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) controlled.