KR200176452Y1 - Security electronic switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an electronic key for outputting a password stored therein according to a signal transmitted from the outside; A key sensing unit for supplying a voltage at the same time as the contact with the electronic key and outputting a signal indicating that the electronic key has been contacted; Receiving the signal transmitted from the key sensing unit, outputs the applied voltage of the predetermined level to the electronic key to receive the password recorded on the electronic key, if necessary write a new password on the electronic key, the electronic key is the key sensing unit A control unit for detecting a time of contact and outputting a control signal for performing a predetermined command; A plurality of switch units connected to the control unit for controlling various electric drive switches or switching devices of the corresponding device; An alarm unit for detecting and alarming theft or destruction of equipment to be installed; The present invention relates to an electronic security device including a theft processing device of a device to be installed and a data interface unit for data communication. If the user does not memorize a password, there is no inconvenience in using the security device, thereby improving customer reliability. And, in addition to the simple security function, by adding an additional function has the advantage that can improve the quality of the equipment equipped with the device of the present invention. Also, since no power is used for the electronic key, the lifetime is permanent.

Description

Electronic security device {SECURITY ELECTRONIC SWITCH}

The present invention relates to a security system, and more particularly, to a security system in which data is stored such as a computer, a camcorder, or the like, so that others cannot use expensive equipment such as a car.

Recently, due to the rapid development of the computer and information and communication industries, the amount of information or the quality of information is increasing in the activities of individuals and organizations, and the social structure is also rapidly being transferred to the information society.

This rapid development into an information society has become an important opportunity to deeply recognize the importance of information to social members, and research activities are being actively conducted to protect data constructed in accordance with this trend.

Means of protecting data built by organizations or individuals come in many forms. There are two main types of security systems: software and hardware.

Typical examples include a software method using a password for logging into an operating system of a computer, and a method of installing a separate hardware inside the main body of a computer to prevent information from being recorded on a hard disk, which is a data storage means except for a related person. Can be.

In addition to the computer described above, electronic devices such as electronic notebooks, mobile phones, and the like, have a built-in security device by software or hardware.

However, the conventional security devices have the following problems.

First, the security level is so low that it can be said to be a promotional accessory for a manufacturer or a vendor. In the case of a computer, for example, login is performed even if the cancel button is pressed without inputting the login password provided in Windows 95 or 98. In addition, there is a weakness that the next person can easily recognize when entering a password, and a computer expert can easily crack it. On the other hand, a password program sold or provided by a specialized company does not protect the login when booting from floppy disk or CDROM, and has a weakness that focuses only on the security of the software after the power is supplied.

Second, even if the outsider can not use a device such as a computer arbitrarily, there is a disadvantage that can not prevent the opening of the case to take the parts installed inside. For example, a CPU, a memory, a hard disk, and the like installed inside a computer case are expensive components comparable to precious metals, but there is no means for preventing theft.

Third, existing devices that prevent other people from using expensive equipment such as automobiles even if predetermined data is not stored are mechanical devices, or even if electronic devices are mounted, there is a problem that can be duplicated.

In addition, devices such as computers, camcorders, and mobile phones store certain data. Even if the data of individuals, not industrial secrets, are very important data for the parties, they should not be used to protect the data of these companies or individuals effectively. It is necessary to install security devices to prevent this.

In addition, the conventional security program or the security device is inconvenient in use, such as the user should remember the password, it is necessary to be convenient to use to solve it.

On the other hand, there is also a need for a method that does not know the password of the already sold electronic key even a manufacturer that manufactures a security device.

The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems and meets the above-mentioned needs, and is easy to use and prevents an outsider from using expensive portable equipment such as computers and electronic devices and notebook computers and camgoders in which important information is stored. Its purpose is to provide a security device.

The security achievements to be achieved through this design are as follows.

First, important information or expensive equipment such as computers, notebook computers, camcorders, VTRs, and automobiles cannot be used through portable small electronic keys. That is, the outsider without the electronic key provides a complete security function that can not even turn on or off the device, and especially if the electronic security device according to the present invention is installed in the plurality of devices, the user only needs one key All of the equipment can be controlled.

Second, the existing key is easy to be duplicated, and the existing password is easily exposed to external persons. However, the key of the electronic security device manufactured by the present invention stores the password in a special type of non-volatile memory. It is not easy to duplicate or read.

In addition, it adopts a method of changing every time a password is used, so that the designer himself cannot estimate the password of the key in use. It can also serve as a repository for key information or passwords (e.g., commerce authentication passwords or user authentication passwords) for various other purposes, by increasing the capacity of the electronic key as needed.

Thirdly, the equipment with built-in electronic security device can not be used at all, which has the additional advantage of returning to the owner described in the equipment. In this case, the maximum recovery rate of expensive electronic equipment such as notebook computers and camcorders is maximized. You can.

This electronic security device controls the drive switch by each element of the equipment to be installed and is designed to selectively open / close or turn on / off several drive switches by time-division method by contact time of electronic key. Security function can be added for each main drive switch of equipment to be installed.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic security device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation flow of the controller shown in FIG. 2.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a notebook computer to which the electronic security device according to the present invention is applied.

Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the command execution step of the control unit according to the time that the electronic key of the electronic security device in contact with the key detection unit according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration when the electronic security device according to the present invention is applied to a notebook computer.

* Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings *

10 control unit 11: central processing unit of the equipment to be installed

12: data interface section 13a: first command control switch

13j: 10th command control switch 14: alarm unit

15: key detection unit 16: electronic key

16a; I / O section 16b: memory

17: Applicable device example

Features of the present invention for achieving the above object is an electronic key for outputting a password stored therein according to a signal transmitted from the outside; A key sensing unit for supplying a voltage at the same time as the contact with the electronic key and outputting a signal indicating that the electronic key has been contacted; A control switch for outputting a signal for performing a corresponding command to an external corresponding device according to a predetermined control signal; A data interface unit for communication between the central processing unit of the device to be installed and the control unit; It is provided on the device to be protected to provide an electronic security device including an alarm unit for outputting an alarm signal to the user by detecting the vibration or shock.

Hereinafter, an electronic security device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic security device according to the present invention, and includes a controller for comparing a password transmitted from an external electronic key with a preset value and outputting a corresponding control signal. The control unit 10 has a data interface unit 12 for communication with the central processing unit 11 of the equipment to be installed, and an alarm unit installed in the device to be protected to detect the vibration or shock and provide an alarm signal to the user ( 14) are connected to each other, and the data interface unit and the alarm unit may be excluded depending on the purpose. At this time, the power supply (Vcc) is connected to each of the necessary devices through the control unit 10 is configured to be connected.

The control unit 10 is connected to a key sensing unit 15 made of a conductive metal. The electronic key for recording or outputting a stored password by receiving power from the control unit 10 when contacting the key sensing unit 15. 16 is provided. At this time, the electronic key 16 has a weight and a form that is convenient for the user to carry, and has a memory 16b for storing a predetermined amount of data, and an input / output unit for reading data stored in the memory 16b and outputting it externally. It consists of (16a). In this case, the memory 16b has a nonvolatile data that is preserved even when the power is turned off, and the memory capacity may be selectively used depending on a purpose from a minimum of 256 bytes to a maximum of 16 kbytes.

In addition, the control unit 10 is connected to a switch or relay (13a ~ 13j) for executing various commands, the output terminal is connected to the corresponding device 17, the number of switches or relays is at least 1 depending on the intended use You can configure up to 10 dogs.

Here, the corresponding device 17 is one of the components of the equipment to be protected. If only the lock / release function is provided, a signal for locking or releasing is transmitted, and the corresponding device receiving the signal receives the system to be protected. Lock or unlock. The locking or releasing method can be used by a general method such as a solenoid or a motor operated by electricity, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, if an electronic security device is installed in a system such as a computer, it is a path for supplying control signals for additional functions such as power on / off switch function, reset and keyboard lock.

Detailed functions and operations of the electronic security device having such a configuration will be described with a flowchart.

2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit of the electronic security system according to the present invention.

As a first step S100, it is determined whether the electronic key 16 is in contact with the key sensing unit 15. In fact, the electronic key 16 is in contact with the key sensing unit 15 and power is supplied to the electronic key 16. The controller 10 reads the current change at this time and detects whether the electronic key 16 is in contact.

As a second step S110, a password stored in the memory 16b of the electronic key 16 is read. At this time, the length of the password can be changed according to the manufacturer's design rule, but preferably set to 64 bytes or more, and the initial password is recorded in the memory 16b at the time of manufacture.

In the third step S120, it is compared whether or not the password read from the memory 16b is equal to the key value stored in the controller. At this time, the same password is input to the internal memory of the controller 10 and manufactured.

As the fourth step S130, the operations of the second and third steps are repeated once more to verify the password. That is, the password of the memory 16b is read and compared with the password stored in the internal memory of the controller 10 again.

As a fifth step S140, the controller 10 randomly changes and records the password stored in the memory 16b and updates the changed password in the same manner in the internal memory of the controller 10. At this time, depending on the type of the electronic key or the software design, it may be terminated without changing the password.

In the sixth step S150, the memory 16b value is read and compared with the internal memory value of the controller 10 to determine whether or not the password is correctly executed. If the error is correct, the fifth and sixth steps are repeatedly executed. do.

The detailed configuration and applied embodiments of the electronic security device having the above flow will be described.

Example

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a notebook computer equipped with an electronic security device according to the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the notebook computer 30 uses a liquid crystal display 32 for displaying an execution screen of a predetermined program, a keyboard 34 arranged so that a user inputs predetermined data, a finger, or the like. And a main body 38 for processing a preinstalled program in accordance with a command input from a user.

By adding an electronic security device according to the present invention to such a conventional notebook configuration to improve the security of the existing notebook computer.

First, the power switch and the reset switch installed in the notebook computer are removed, but only the key detecting unit 15 capable of contacting the electronic key 16 is installed on the outside of the notebook. It is installed inside or using the remaining part of the notebook body circuit.

That is, when the user contacts the electronic key 16 with the key sensing unit 15, power is applied to the electronic key 16, and the controller built in the notebook computer is stored in the memory of the electronic key 16. The password is read and compared to the password set in the internal memory of the controller to turn on the power switch inside the main body 38 of the notebook computer only when the result value is true.

In other words, the electronic key 16 and the control unit installed inside the notebook computer operate as a kind of power switch. Here, the operation time for reading and comparing the password is less than 0.5 seconds, thereby providing convenience in use.

In addition, the security device according to the present invention provides various convenient functions, which will be described below.

A typical computer case is secured with bolts and nuts, so even if you are not yourself, you only need to open a screwdriver, but no matter how strong your security device is, you won't need anything.

As an example of a convenient function according to the present invention, if the lock is installed inside the general computer case and the lock is manufactured to be driven by a solenoid or an electric motor operated as electricity, the electronic security device according to the present invention is The lock can be opened and closed to protect valuable information and important information such as HDD, CPU, and memory inside the computer. If you connect the alarm unit and the speaker, you can also add the burglar alarm function.

The additional function through the electronic key is configured to be recognized by the controller according to a preset time interval.

4 is a flow chart showing an operation flow for the time division multi-function command of the electronic security device having such a configuration.

That is, the time interval is set to 1 second, the speaker sound 'beep' is output every one command cycle, the power on / off is the first command, the keyboard lock is the second command, and the main body is reset. A case where it is assumed that the third command and the opening of the computer case is the fourth command will be described in detail with the accompanying drawings, for example.

As the first step S200, it is determined whether the electronic key has touched the key detecting unit.

As a second step (S210), it is checked whether the electronic key is in contact with the key detecting unit for 0.5 seconds or more to determine whether the user touches by mistake or wants to perform the actual command.

In the third step S220, the password of the electronic key is read to confirm whether the password recorded in the controller is the same to determine whether to execute the command.

As a fourth step (S230), when the electronic key is in contact with the key sensing unit for at least 1 second, the control unit emits a 'beep' sound as a first command execution buzzer sound, and when the electronic key is in contact with the key sensing unit for at least 2 seconds. The controller emits a 'beep' sound as a second command execution buzzer sound, and when the electronic key is in contact with the key sensing unit for more than 3 seconds, the controller sends a 'beep beep' sound as a third command execution buzzer sound. In addition, when the electronic key is in contact with the key detecting unit for 4 seconds or more, the control unit emits a 'beep beep' sound as the fourth command execution buzzer sound.

In a fifth step S240, the time maintained after the first contact is detected, and if the first time is more than 1 second, the power supply of the first command is turned on / off, and if the second time is more than 2 seconds, the keyboard lock signal of the second command is transmitted to the main board. In addition, if more than 3 seconds, the computer reset signal of the third command is transmitted to the motherboard, and if more than 4 seconds, the computer case open signal of the fourth command is transmitted to the solenoid. In this case, the execution of the first to fourth commands is not performed in series, but is alternatively performed.

The above-described speaker sound can be selected according to the speaker to be connected or the buzzer, and can be replaced with numbers or letters using an LED or LCD if necessary. The command sequence and time interval according to the contact of the electronic key and the key sensing unit may be arbitrarily changed according to the manufacturer's design rule.

As the sixth step S250, all the work is finished and the state returns to the key sensing unit contact state monitoring state for the new command.

The command execution by the time interval described above is not limited to the above four, and if it is manufactured to have ten additional functions, it is compared in the fifth step whether it is 10 seconds or more.

The detailed configuration of the electronic security device according to the present invention applied to a notebook computer will be described with a block diagram.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration when the electronic security device according to the present invention is incorporated in a notebook computer, and overlaps with the description of FIG. 1.

The speaker 17d, which is connected to the control unit 10 and is an alarm means, uses a built-in computer body, and a vibration and destruction detection / alarm unit 14 for detecting vibration or shock from the outside is connected to the control unit 10. do. The vibration and destruction detection / alarm section 14 may be a general element in which a resistance or voltage that is output in response to vibration or shock from the outside is changed.

The data interface unit may select and configure one of ISA, PCI, and USB, which are used by existing notebook computers, to perform additional software security functions. For example, a user authentication or data encryption / decryption command can be controlled and commanded through the data interface unit, and an alarm sound of a human voice can also be output through an audio card basically held by a notebook computer.

The control unit 10 may use a predetermined microprocessor, and the first to fourth command control switches 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d may be configured only when additional instructions are required. The number may correspond to the total number of instructions.

Here, in the present embodiment, the microprocessor adopts 'PIC16C84', but a low cost general microprocessor may be adopted, but in the future, the microprocessor is intended to be manufactured as a user ordered semiconductor (ASIC).

The electronic key 16 is preferably manufactured in a volume that a user can store in a key bundle. In fact, the input / output unit 16a is provided with a simple logic circuit that reads and outputs a password stored in the memory 16b at the same time that a voltage is applied, and the memory 16b is enough to have about 16K bytes. Can be made in a volume less than a human's little finger.

The key sensing unit 15 includes an externally mounted conductive contact pad and a semiconductor switching element such as a transistor provided therein, and includes aluminum alloy, tungsten, titanium, and the like to prevent damage due to impact from the outside. Seal it with a lightweight, impact-resistant metal.

As described above, since the electronic security device according to the present invention can be applied to any equipment that is electrically driven, it is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiment. That is, it can be applied to any device storing data that a group or an individual wants to store, for example, a digital camera, a mobile phone, a camcorder, a palmtop computer, or the like.

In addition, the electronic security device according to the present invention is not only for data protection, but also can be applied as an intelligent key system.

In other words, while the car keys and locks are mechanically structured, they are inconvenient to use, easy to duplicate, or open with anti-theft aids such as universal keys, while the device according to the present invention is easy to use, Not only does it have to be anxious, it is also impossible to replicate, providing even greater security quality.

Moreover, the password can be changed randomly every time the electronic security device is used, so even as a manufacturer, it provides the perfect security quality so that the customer's password can not be known and it is wrong in case of protecting the high confidentiality system. In the case where a signal is inputted through the electronic key, a device may be configured to discard data on its own.

In addition, the electronic key may be configured to read the password at the same time that the voltage is supplied. In this case, an element driven at a low voltage may be used, and an element for amplifying a signal transmitted from the memory may be included. .

As described above, for example, the disclosed embodiment is for illustrative purposes, and the present invention is not limited to a specific device, but may be extended to an intelligent key system such as a car or a safe.

In addition, the central idea of the present invention is not only to turn on or open the equipment to be protected by reading a password of a certain type stored in the memory, but also as an electronic security device having an additional function accordingly, there are many embodiments modified therefrom. It's done.

However, embodiments modified to be inferred from the present invention should also be seen as belonging to the claims set forth below.

According to a preferred aspect of the embodiment as described above, it has the following advantages.

First, even if the user does not memorize the password, there is no inconvenience in using the security device, and thus has the advantage of improving the reliability of the customer.

Second, in addition to the simple security function, by mounting the additional function has the advantage that can improve the quality of the device equipped with the device of the present invention.

Third, since no power is used for the electronic key, the lifetime is permanent.

Fourth, even if a device equipped with an electronic security device is lost or stolen, the equipment cannot be used, thereby inducing the owner to be returned with compensation, thereby increasing the probability of recovery in case of loss.

Claims (10)

An electronic key 16 for outputting a password stored therein according to a signal transmitted from the outside; A key sensing unit 15 for supplying a voltage at the same time of contact with the electronic key and outputting a signal indicating that the electronic key has been contacted; A plurality of control switches 13 for outputting a signal for performing a corresponding command to the corresponding device 17 according to a predetermined control signal, And a control unit (10) for outputting a control signal for performing a predetermined command according to the time when the electronic key is in contact with the key sensing unit. The method of claim 1, The electronic key 16 is in contact with the key sensing unit, is supplied with power transmitted from the control unit, has a non-volatile memory 16b for storing a predetermined amount of information, and according to an external control signal. And an input / output unit (16a) for reading and outputting the password stored in the memory. The method of claim 1, The key sensing unit 15 includes a conductive contact pad through which a predetermined current flows simultaneously with the contact of the electronic key, and a semiconductor switching device for transmitting a predetermined signal to the controller when a predetermined level of voltage is applied from the conductive contact pad. An electronic security device characterized in that. The method of claim 1, The control unit 10 is an electronic security device, characterized in that the microprocessor having a memory therein. The method of claim 1, Vibration detection sensor and an alarm means for detecting a vibration or destruction transmitted from the outside to deliver a predetermined signal to the control unit is further connected to the control unit, and when the vibration or destruction is detected, to alert through the alarm means An electronic security device characterized in that. The method of claim 5, The electronic security device, characterized in that for outputting an electronic alarm sound or a pre-recorded voice through the alarm means, when vibration and destruction is detected through the vibration sensor. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a data interface 12 for performing data communication with the control unit 10 and the central processing unit of the equipment to be installed, the data transmission and reception method used by the data interface unit 12 is ISA, PCI, USB, Electronic security device, characterized in that selected from the group consisting of serial, parallel communication method. The method of claim 1, The relevant device (17) is an electronic security device, characterized in that built in the electronic security device is installed, the switch or switchgear driven by electricity, on / off in accordance with the signal of the control unit. The method of claim 1, The control unit 10 has a plurality of commands transmitted to the control switch (13), having one control terminal and one or more input and output terminals, the electronic security device, characterized in that provided with the number of the command. The method of claim 7, wherein The equipment to be installed is an electronic security device, characterized in that the equipment to be protected.