FR2876478A1 - CUSTOMIZABLE SECURE SYSTEM FOR RECOGNITION AND CONDITIONAL USE OF ELECTRIC OR ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a security system comprising a customizable support associated with a reader allowing the conditional start-up of electrical or electronic devices after comparison of the data provided by the support with those contained in a memory, with an identification circuit and of comparison located on an essential part of said devices. The memory contains at least one identification code which allows access to the device to at least one user. The support also includes at least two reserved areas, at least one of which can be modified by the user. The zones define a distinct code which makes it possible to associate the recognition of each of the codes with distinct functions. The invention also relates to a method for conditional modification of the recognition operations between the medium, the reader and the reference memory.

Description

Many electrical or electronic devices, or objects whose

  operation depends on electrical or electronic components, can be used without the agreement

  usual users, in the absence of permanent devices to control their start or stop or start and stop in a sufficiently secure manner. The increasingly general application of quality standards by the manufacturers of these devices requires the introduction of specific recognition systems for the origin of said devices that correspond to a form of traceability and their authenticity to differentiate them from objects and devices. from counterfeiters, including televisions or doors or commercial vehicles or for personal use, are easily circumventable and require increasing memorization of digital codes or possession of multiple magnetic cards or remote recognition devices each of a recognition code.

  Many previous works have developed devices to increase security related to access to premises, banking operations or electronic locks of various applications. For example: US Patents Nos. 3,821,704 (Sabsay) and 3,906,447 (Crafton) describe a security system for controlling access to premises. The device used implementing a lock controlled by a decoding circuit comparing the information of a memory and those given by the key. These patents do not indicate any customizable key nor the insertion of the decoding circuit (identification and comparison) into an essential site of the electrical or electronic circuit of the apparatus or object.

  The European Patent Application No. 43,270 relates to an unlocking system, in particular for opening and closing the doors, by comparing a code on a card with the contents of a memory and the possibility of changing the contents of the card. memory.

  European Patent Application No. 122 244 relates to a door lock system consisting of a magnetic card, a reader of this card, a memory and a clock which allows the opening of the door, if the contents of the card and the memory are in agreement for a period of time determined by the clock.

  British Patent No. 2,126,647 describes an invention that recodes an electronic locking system to prevent access to premises with an old key using a master key ("master key").

  The European Patent Application No. 152 678 relates to a door locking system consisting of a microprocessor controlled electromagnetic system recognizing 5 levels of access, said system detects the code of a magnetic card inserted in a suitable lock and permits opening of the door.

  The French Patent No. 2,715,748 (FR 94 01 202) relates to a secure automatic payment system using a smart card.

  The French Patent No. 2,415,378 (FR 78 01 876) relates to a method and device for electrically connecting a removable object, in particular a portable electronic card.

  US Pat. No. 4,404,464 also relates to a portable electronic card (Moreno invention).

  Japanese Patent No. 08 326 375 discloses a double security system for an electronic door lock with a secret code to enter on a keyboard and a recordable identification card compared to a memory.

  The PCT patent application No. 95 57 016 relates to the opening of a door using a card.

  PCT Patent Application No. WO 97/02200 (ERICSSON) discloses a device comprising a signal generation unit which makes it possible to identify the key of a keyboard which is put into service.

  No. 5,581,279 (Chang et al.) Relates to an integrated circuit for producing a graphical display control.

  European Patent Application No. 98 104 284 (Olympus Optical Co.) relates to a method of modulating digital data to be transmitted or recorded.

  US Pat. No. 5,055,658 (Cockburn invention) relates to a security system comprising a blocking device by computer means, a slot in this device for receiving a passkey which can only be programmed once.

  European Patent Application No. 97,934,683 (Philips Electronics N.V.) discloses an improved lock transmission system.

  The European Patent No. 98 302 648 (Samsung Electronics Co) relates to a method and a method of decoding symbols which implements a data-level decoding apparatus using the same data as that of the coding.

  On the other hand, to the inventors' knowledge, no prior document shows the use of a customizable key or support for the control of the conditional operation of an electrical or electronic device or of an object whose operation depends on electrical components or electronics implementing an identification circuit located on an essential electrical or electronic part of the apparatus in question.

  By "essential part" is meant any element which, if not active, does not allow the apparatus to function. For example, a printed circuit or integrated circuit such as the motherboard or the microprocessor of a computer or the reception card of a television or video apparatus or the control circuit of household appliances, such as a computer washing, refrigerator or camera or even machines controlled by electrical or electronic circuits (such as vehicles of any kind).

  By custom or customizable support is meant a hardware element that can be modified by the user and capable of receiving indications recognized or recognizable by a reader-type device.

  The present invention therefore aims to provide a method of conditional operation of electrical or electronic devices not requiring memorization of codes by the user through the implementation of a support easily customizable and modifiable after each reactivation of the user. apparatus, said medium being able to activate different devices or objects belonging to the same user. The same customizable media can be used to secure multiple devices of a different type, such as a TV, security door or vehicle engine.

  The invention relates to a device comprising a support containing at least two customizable areas by the user or the manufacturer for one of the zones and by the user for the other zone or zones.

  The invention also relates to devices and devices containing the following elements or connected thereto (see FIG. 1): A customizable support (A) by the presence or absence of modifications in this support. This support, rigid or semi-rigid, can be a key or card in cardboard or plastic of a pocket size, for example that of a credit card or a phone card or other support capable to contain or receive indications recognized by a reader (B).

  A reader (B) of said support constituted by a set of electrical or electronic circuits, disposed inside or outside the device to be secured.

  A memory (C) containing at least one comparison code.

  É An identification or comparison circuit (D) capable of reading the reader and / or memory information and enabling or disabling the essential circuit of the apparatus or a main element if the information from both sources are the same. Elements C and D are located inside the device on an electrical or electronic circuit essential to the operation of the device. The elements C and D can not be disconnected without impairing the operation of said apparatus.

  The invention covers a secure device or system that is associated with any electrical or electronic device consisting of, on the one hand, a personalized or customizable medium (key) having at least two modifiable zones on it and a reader of said medium, and on the other hand an electronic identification circuit comprising a) a memory and b) a comparison circuit between the memory and the information read by the reader of the support (key), said electronic identification circuit being placed on a circuit electrical or electronic essential of the device (such as motherboard of a computer or circuit board of an electrical or electronic device such as a television or a starting system of a vehicle for example). This device may include an identification circuit for controlling the operation of the circuit or an essential part of the device by allowing it to be powered up or by activating the microprocessor of the device or a logic chip.

  In the invention described, the reader B can as well read all the information coded on the support as a limited part of this information, according to the specificities of recognition that one wishes to grant to the electrical or electronic device controlled by the support. For example a limited part of the code, defined by a reserved area on the support, can be used for general access to a device or a room while another reserved area or as an alternative of the invention the complete code present on the support, control access to another device or to another room. By way of example, see Figure 8, a support comprising two reserved areas (A and B) each personalized with its own code and giving access to different circuits or premises. A user who knows only the code A will only have access to the circuit controlled by A. The person having a key including the codes of all the reserved zones will have access to all. The set of codes carried on the support is called in the following: the complex or complete code.

  In the described invention, the memory may contain one or more comparison codes. One or more customizable media can enable the activation of the electrical or electronic circuit essential to the operation of the device. Thus, the memory may contain a code known only to the manufacturer (master code) that allows the reactivation of the device in case of loss of support by the user and forgetting by the latter of the code that was listed therein . In this case, the master code will make it possible to modify the memory codes of the user (s) by the introduction of new supports customizable by them. Alternatively, different customizable media associated with different users can give them access to the same device, possibly with a personalized response from it: for example, the electrical circuit of a car recognizing a user by its custom code will adopt appropriate presets (positions mirrors, height or inclination of armchairs, steering wheel, etc.).

  In the case where the codes are bright and provided by the perforation of a customizable medium and are detected by one or more photocells, the light source for illuminating the perforations selected by the user may consist of diodes arranged according to fixed markers corresponding to preformed marks on the customizable medium. This light source can also consist of a single lamp or light source, each mark being connected to the light source by an optical fiber.

  The invention relates to any electrical or electronic apparatus containing or associating for its operation the device having the characteristics described above.

  The invention also covers a method of modifying the memory of the identification circuit, consisting in introducing a first personalized or customizable medium, the original medium n 1 containing the original code (master code) in the reader containing the master code, which makes it possible to activate the device, then to remove the support, to introduce a second support (n 2) intended to replace the first support, and to validate by activating or deactivating a circuit to replace the old ones data in memory by the news read by the reader corresponding to the new original code or master code. A variant of the method consists first of all in putting the device under tension then to introduce the first support in the reader then to proceed as previously. Another variant, to modify the memory, is to introduce the customizable medium before powering on the device, then after validation of the recognition of the authorized user by the identification and comparison circuit, to allow the modification of the memory by the user, for example by changing the position of microswitches or pushbuttons connected to the memory, by typing a code on a keyboard or by any other means to change the content of the memory present in part C of the device according to the invention. It is understood that in this variant, the user will have to modify the customizable medium adequately to have access to the device.

  A first device for starting an apparatus containing a part A and a part B, illustrated according to FIG. 1, said device being able to be secured by a modifiable identification method after each reactivation of the apparatus.

  In the device according to the invention, the support of part A, is any element which comprises an editable surface so as to generate at least one code and preferably at least two codes by the user or by the user and the manufacturer of the object or the apparatus, said code making it possible to obtain at least 1000 different combinations.

  In the device according to the invention, the support is modifiable by any means of altering its surface such as perforation or scraping or coloring or erasure or gluing or takeoff or deformation of a portion of the surface thereof.

  In the device according to the invention, the support may also consist of preformed markers allowing for example a modification of the surface and / or in the thickness of the support by perforation or scraping or coloring or erasure or gluing or takeoff or deformation of the support or any other modification at the location delimited by each marker and chosen by the user and, where appropriate, by the manufacturer in the case where the support comprises at least two modifiable zones.

  The invention also relates to a secure memory modification method characterized on the one hand by the introduction of a personalized or customizable support in the reader, the identification of the user by the identification and comparison circuit and its validation by said circuit, and secondly by the modification of the memory content by the user in particular, the modification of the memory is done by removing the personalized or customizable support of the reader and by replacing it with another medium containing the new code and the validation of the replacement of the contents of the memory by this new code.

  Finally the invention covers a method of conditional operation of an electrical or electronic device characterized by: 1) bringing into contact a support provided with a personal code or customizable with a reader of this support reading said code.

  2) The comparison of the information read by this reader with the contents of a personal or customizable memory, said comparison being made by a circuit located on an essential part of the electrical or electronic circuit of the device.

  Any break in the power supply of the device generates the need to carry out a user recognition operation using a part of the personalized support, and secondly the memory and finally using of the comparison-identification circuit.

  The device according to the present invention also called "secure personal electronic key" (CEPS or SPEK) controls a main circuit or a critical electronic component in a device (such as computer, television, video apparatus, car radio, electric doors, contact circuit , etc ...) and prevents their theft or fraudulent use and allows the manufacturer to recognize and authenticate the origin of a product bearing his trademark. This same system can also allow entry and identification control of the user in secure premises.

  Thanks to a personalized support by the user, the device or the object can not only be started by a part of the code, but also can also benefit the user of the setting up of the parameters specific to the user. user thanks to the memory recognition of the entire code. Such type of code is called complex code in the present invention. For example, a multifunctional support will allow the opening of a vehicle (for example the driver's and passengers' doors without opening the safe door) and then adapting the settings of the vehicle. driver safety and comfort such as seat height, mirror position, radio ignition, radio station selection, etc. Thus, in the case of several users of a vehicle (or any other device) the a very large number of code combinations makes it possible to envisage a large number of supports allowing access to the individualized vehicle (or device) for the driving and comfort adjustments of the vehicle (or device) adapted to the user. This is particularly interesting for commercial or utility vehicles or rental for which a number of different codes will increase the security against theft in case of loss of support.

  This system allows, thanks to a unique customizable key, to control the operation of all electrical or electronic devices that are equipped. It does not require the help of a specialist technician to code the support: everyone chooses their code. It also offers absolute security against theft or fraudulent use of a device or unauthorized entry into a room such as a garage or hotel room, the number of possible combinations can easily reach 2100 or 1030 combinations possible on a support by a simple choice of the location of the changes made to the surface and / or thickness of said support as indicated above.

  This system comprises in particular A) A customizable or "key" support B) A reader of this support C) A memory D) An electronic identification circuit, comparing the outputs of the reader and the memory and controlling a main circuit or a component critical (BIOS, memory, CPU, clock, oscillator, demodulator, electromagnetic switch etc ...) of the device in question.

  The device according to the invention makes it possible to control the start-up of an electrical or electronic appliance by a user, and comprises: a support on which the access code is coded; É a reader of said medium making it possible to read the code encoded on the medium; and a control circuit connected to an essential electrical or electronic circuit of the apparatus to be turned on, the control circuit comprising: a memory configured to retain at least one start code, and an identification circuit for activate the main circuit if the access code read by the reader and an activation code stored in memory are identical; said access code encoded on the medium is modifiable by the user; an activation code stored in the memory and modifiable by the user when the main circuit is turned on; the control circuit makes it possible to change a code stored in the memory if an authorization input signal is received when a medium containing a new code is present in the reader.

  The support of the device according to the invention may comprise several zones each intended for a different user (access to the same vehicle for example or to a different use (access to different premises by a user for example) said device described above is adapted to further comprising said medium, the elements set forth namely: a reader with a control circuit having at least one memory configured to store a plurality of start codes and an identification circuit.

  The personalized or customizable support is preferably of credit card format, or similar in which the user has (possibly himself) made changes in specific locations, the existence or not of changes constituting a code.

  Among the possible modifications of the support, it will be noted without being limited thereto: the perforation of holes in the card, scratching (for example of a conductive or reflective zone), gluing or takeoff (for example to create a conductive or reflective area), coloring (eg blackening) or erasure of certain areas on the support.

  For example, with the ability to punch about thirty holes, the user has a billion possible combinations (230) The ability to code his own key (by punching, scraping, gluing, takeoff, coloring or erasure ) on standard and inexpensive cards allows easy duplication of keys by the user and their rapid modification in case of loss, without prejudice to security and without recourse to specialized personnel (locksmith, electrician, etc ...). providing the assurance of high security and high access protection to devices and premises equipped with the device according to the present invention.

  A variant of the medium may consist of two or more regions on the card, each corresponding to a particular code allowing the opening of functions or access to certain devices or premises.

  The reader of the support is a set of electrical circuits activated or deactivated, when the key is inserted, by the presence or absence of modifications in the support.

  As an example, there will be: 1) The presence or absence of perforations that may or may not tip a microswitch.

  2) If the media is illuminated on one side, the existence of a hole may activate a photocell on the other side of the card.

  3) If the surface of the support is conductive and turned on when it is inserted into the reader, whether or not there is contact between the reader's microcontacts and certain areas of the card (determined by perforation, scratching, bonding, taking off from these areas on the support) can be used to create a voltage at the output of the microswitch.

  4) If the surface of the substrate is reflective, the existence of reflective or non-reflecting areas on the map (established by perforation, scraping, sticking, taking off, coloring or erasure) may, under illumination, be detected by photocells.

  The output of the reader is a set of logic voltages ("0" or "1") corresponding to the state of the electrical circuits (such as microswitches, microswitches, photocells, etc.) and reflecting the code of the key.

  The memory is an electrical circuit storing one (or more) particular state (s) of the reader of the support.

  It can possibly be protected when, without activation of the main circuit, the physical, visual or electrical access to the memory and / or the writing is impracticable.

  Among the electrical circuits that can be used as memory, there will be mentioned by way of example: - - A set of switches.

  - - A permanent electronic memory such as: EEPROM memory (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) such as NSC EEPROM memory 256 bits or more (FARNELL Components catalog, USA), É mémoire FLASH (such as INTEL CMOS FLASH 256 Kbits (FARNELL Components USA), ^ non-volatile RAM (see FARNELL Components USA catalog) The purpose of the electronic identification circuit is to compare the outputs of the media reader and the memory. It activates the main circuit or the critical electronic component - under its control, when the outputs are identical Figure 1 illustrates a circuit diagram of this circuit placed inside the device to be secured.

  Depending on the circuit under control, this activation can be done in different ways: for example, by activating the "set" functions, "reset", "enable", etc ..., by activating an electromagnetic relay or by supplying the main circuit.

  Depending on the degree of security required, complexity or cost, the electronic identification circuit can be either a microprocessor or a logic gate system comparing the outputs of the memory and the reader (see Figure 2), or a set of connections adequate between a switch type memory and a micro-switch type reader, (see Figure 3).

  In a variant of the security device described, only part of the memory can be changed, while the other is resident and established by the manufacturer, to unlock the device if for example the user has lost the medium containing the device. unlock code. For example, a medium comprising a master code known only to the manufacturer (possibly associated with the serial number of the device) allows the modification of the memory areas reserved for users. This is of interest in the event of a user losing or forgetting the unlock codes.

  Microcontroller circuits (such as 8-bit microprocessors SGS-ST626X, ARIZONA-16C84, etc., (see FARNELL Components USA catalog) which integrate on a single chip a microprocessor and an EEPROM (possibly also a data RAM and an EPROM) and which can therefore fulfill the dual function of memory and identification circuit, (see Figure 1) and Example 1 below.

  The invention mainly relates to: A device associated with at least one electrical or electronic device or object whose operation requires or implements electrical or electronic elements consisting on the one hand in a personalized or customizable support (key) comprising at least one zone in which will preferably be established at least two codes or at least two zones corresponding to two codes connected or not between them and a reader of said support and secondly an electronic identification circuit comprising a) a memory and b) a circuit for comparing the memory and the information read by the reader of the support (key), said identification circuit (electrical or electronic) being placed on an essential electrical or electronic circuit of the apparatus.

  A device according to the invention for controlling the marching of an electrical or electronic device or an object whose operation requires or implements electrical or electronic elements, by a user, and including a support on which the code of access is coded; É a reader of said medium making it possible to read the code encoded on the medium; and a control circuit connected to an essential electrical or electronic circuit of the apparatus to be turned on, the control circuit comprising: a memory configured to retain at least one start code, and an identification circuit for activate the main circuit if the access code read by the support reader and an activation code stored in memory are identical; said access code encoded on the medium is modifiable by the user; the start code stored in the memory can be changed by the user when the main circuit is turned on; and the control circuit makes it possible to change the code stored in the memory if an authorization input signal is received when a modified medium, on which a new activation code is coded, is present in the media reader.

  A device according to the invention in which the identification circuit controls the operation of the essential circuit of the apparatus by allowing it to be powered up or by activating the microprocessor of the apparatus or a logic chip.

  A device for starting an apparatus containing a part A and a part B, according to the invention, said device being able to be secured by a modifiable identification method after each reactivation of the apparatus and said part A comprising a surface modifiable by the user so as to generate a code or a complex code making it possible to obtain at least a thousand different combinations, said surface or said medium comprising the same code or the same complex code of the device having the capacity to be used on different devices.

  An electrical or electronic device or object containing or associating for its operation the device according to the invention.

  A security system for controlling the activation of an electrical or electronic device or object by a user, comprising: E a media reader for reading an access code comprising at least one complex code encoded on a medium by the user or by the user and the manufacturer and É a control circuit connected to a main circuit of the electrical or electronic apparatus, the control circuit comprising: a memory allowing to keep at least two activation codes, and an identification circuit for activating the main circuit if the access codes read by the support reader and the activation codes are identical; said access codes encoded on the medium are modifiable by the user; the activation codes stored in the memory are modifiable by the user when the main circuit is activated; and said control circuit makes it possible to change the codes stored in the memory if an authorization input signal is received when a modified medium, on which new activation codes are coded, is present in the media reader.

  The support of the part A of the device according to the invention is any element which comprises a surface modifiable by the user so as to generate a code making it possible to obtain at least 1000 different combinations.

  É A support modified by perforation or scraping or coloring or erasure or sticking or taking off or deformation of at least a part of the surface of it.

  A method of securely modifying the memory of the device according to the invention, characterized on the one hand by the introduction of personalized or customizable support in the reader, the identification of the user by the identification and comparison circuit and its validation by said circuit, and secondly by modifying the content of the memory by the user.

  A method for modifying the activation code of a security device comprising a media reader configured to read an access code encoded on a medium, and a control circuit connected to the main circuit of an electrical or electronic device said control circuit comprising on the one hand a memory for retaining an activation code and on the other hand an identification circuit for controlling the activation of the main circuit, the method comprising: E creating a signal activation if the identification circuit recognizes a correspondence between the first access code read on the first medium by the reader and the activation code stored in the memory; Receiving a second medium in the media reader, and if the activation signal has been generated, reading a second access code on the second medium by the user; In modifying the contents of the control circuit memory, an authorization input signal is generated by the user when the second medium is present in the media reader, so that the second access code read on the medium is kept as the activation code of the security device.

  A method according to the invention in which the modification of the memory is done by removing the personalized or customizable support of the reader and by replacing it with another medium containing the new code and then validating the replacement of the content of the memory by this code.

  É A method of modifying the memory of the identification circuit consisting of inserting the support n 1 or original medium in the reader, before or after powering on the device, or removing the original medium, then to introduce the support n 2 having characteristics different from the support n 1 and to validate, by activating or deactivating a circuit, the replacement of the old data in memory by the news read by the reader.

  A conditional operation method of an electrical or electronic apparatus using a device according to the invention characterized by: a) bringing into contact a medium provided with a code or complex code, personal or customizable, with a reader of this medium reading said code or complex code b) comparing the information read by this reader with the contents of a personal or customizable memory, said comparison being made by a circuit located on an essential part of the electrical or electronic circuit of the device.

  Figures 1 to 9 illustrate a preferred implementation of the invention: Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the device as described in the invention.

  (A) A support customizable by the presence or the absence of modifications in this support. This support can be a key or a card or card in plastic, a pocket size, for example that of a credit card or a phone card. (B) A reader of said support constituted by a set of electrical or electronic circuits activated or deactivated during the introduction of the medium into the reader. (C) A memory containing a comparison code. (D) An identification or comparison circuit (possibly on the same chip as the memory as indicated in dotted line) able to read the information of the reader and / or those of the memory and to activate, if the information of the two sources are identical, one (or more) main elements (such as BIOS, microprocessor, clock, demodulator, etc ...) of the essential circuit of the device (such as motherboard or printed circuit) in which are implanted the circuit of identification (D) and / or memory (C).

  Figure 2. Possible implementation of a CEPS or SPEK or support.

  The outputs of the card reader and the memory are compared by logic gates XOR (output voltage "0" if the two inputs are identical) whose outputs are combined in a NOR logic gate (output voltage "1", only if all entries are "0"). The output of the NOR logic gate is used to switch a flip-flop which controls the main circuit and possibly allows the writing in the memory (of type EEPROM, FLASH, etc ...) in which case it is connected to the outputs of the card reader. The writing into the memory is done by introducing into the reader a new punched card encoded differently and validating the writing by pressing the switch M (logic voltage "1") which is one of the inputs of a logic gate AND (output voltage "1", only if all inputs are "1"), the other input being the output of the flip-flop that controls the main circuit (logic voltage "1" when the circuit is operating).

  Figure 3. Possible implementation of a CEPS or SPEK by a microswitch system in the card reader and a memory switch system.

  When all the doors are properly connected, the input voltage + V ("1") switches a flip-flop which controls the main circuit and possibly the physical and / or visual access to the memory, in order to prevent its modification. fraudulent.

  Figure 4. Example of a program implanted on a microcontroller comparing the output of the reader L and the memory M activating the system S or modifying the contents of the memory if the system is already activated and if the user has pressed the button " reset M "(Reset to M).

  Figure 5. Example of the use of a CEPS or SPEK for the control of the opening of a door by activation of a lock S, for example of the electromagnetic lock type. The memory M may be of the memory type switches, see Figure 6, and also comprises an identification circuit as described in Figure 2. It is located inside the room which is accessed through the door. Reader L accepts perforated media, (see Figure 7). It is outside this room.

  Figure 6. Example of a switch memory that can be used in the system described in Figure 5. The switches (type push buttons) activated by the user (logical outputs "1") turn on.

  Figure 7. Example of a perforated support that can be used in the system described in Figure 5. The holes punched in the card correspond to the switches lit in the memory.

  Figure 8. Example of a support having 2 zones (A and B) of codes, the zones being recognized successively by the reader of the support and comparison with the memory preserved in the main circuit.

  Figure 9. Example of a support (card) with 63 perforations.

  For the implementation of the method, there are two options: either leave the key in the reader or remove it. If you want to recover the key after its introduction without stopping the device; the electrical circuit can switch a flip-flop that will continue to activate the main circuit or the critical component, indefinitely (or a specified period of time) even after removal of the key. In this case, it may be necessary to reset the device (reintroduce the support, for example the card, turn it off or unplug it, for example) to re-secure it.

  The invention also relates to a method for modifying the activation code of a security device comprising a media reader configured to read an access code encoded on a medium, and a control circuit connected to the main circuit of a security device. an electrical or electronic apparatus, said control circuit comprising on the one hand a memory for retaining an activation code and on the other hand an identification circuit for controlling the activation of the main circuit, the method comprising: creating an activation signal if the identification circuit recognizes a correspondence between the first access code read on the first medium by the reader and an activation code stored in the memory; Receiving a second medium in the media reader, and if the activation signal has been generated, reading a second access code on the second medium by the user; In modifying the contents of the control circuit memory, an authorization input signal is generated by the user when the second medium is present in the media reader, so that the second access code read on the medium is kept as the activation code of the security device. In the case where the medium comprises at least two codes connected or not between them (complete code and partial code from the complete code also referred to as complex code terminology) or at least two zones to establish two codes by two different users (the manufacturer and the buyer of the object for example), it will be possible to modify the complex code or the codes of the two zones or only one of the codes of the two zones (or more if the support comprises more than two customizable zones according to the invention), to proceed in at least two steps to successively modify the activation code corresponding to the complex code or the codes of the two zones.

  In a secure system, it may be desirable not to have access to the memory and / or not be able to modify its state without authorization. Preferably, the access and modification authorization will be granted by activation of the main circuit. When several users share the memory (multi-key system) the access authorization may possibly be granted after activation of the main circuit by a competent authority (activation by the medium or the key of a "privileged user" ).

  The invention particularly relates to a security system for controlling the activation of at least one electrical or electronic device by a user, comprising: a support reader for reading an access code encoded on a medium by a user; 'user; and É a control circuit connected to a main circuit of the electrical or electronic apparatus, the control circuit comprising: a memory for keeping an activation code, and an identification circuit for activating the main circuit if the access code read by the media reader and the activation code are identical; said access code encoded on the medium is modifiable by the user; the activation code stored in the memory can be modified by the user when the main circuit is activated; and the control circuit makes it possible to change the code stored in the memory if an authorization input signal is received when a modified medium, on which a new activation code is coded, is present in the medium reader.

  In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the memory type "permanent electronic memory" (EEPROM, FLASH, etc ...) can be changed after activation of the main circuit. In other words, a concordance between the key card (or customizable medium) and the present content of the memory must be established. This activation then makes it possible to write to the memory, preferably by introducing a new key card into the reader (and possibly additional validation, by a suitable switch). In order to eliminate any possibility of electronic burglary of the memory, in the event of failure of identification, one can envisage a dead time (greater than one second for example and increasing with the number of failures before a new attempt of identification, (see Figure 4) or a blocking of the identification system after a set number of failures, for example after five attempts or a number of attempts corresponding to a very low probability of finding the right code by chance.

  In another embodiment, access to a "set of switches" memory may be physically blocked. This can be done, for example, by means of a key or an electromagnetic door or shutter system, released by the activation of the main circuit and allowing physical access to the memory (switches).

  Furthermore, if the state of the switches can not be determined visually (pushbutton type), the memory content may however be expressed by small LEDs which will light, possibly after activation of the main circuit. This option allows you to reflect the status of the associated switches and manually change them as desired.

  In all these embodiments, it thus becomes possible to operate various electrical or electronic devices with the same key, whose code (for example all the perforations) is determined by the user and modifiable by himself, without specialized staff.

  In another embodiment, the CEPS also allows input control and user identification. This can be done by coding (possibly in various areas of the support) the identity of the user and the opening codes of the devices or premises to which he is entitled. It is thus possible to use a CEPS to allow (or block) access to certain TV channels determined by a competent authority (a privileged user (super user) such as parents for example).

  Examples of implementation and use of a CEPS (or personalized or customizable support) Example 1. In a first implementation, the outputs of the perforated support reader L are connected by a ribbon cable to the input of a microcontroller (type SGS-ST626X) which compares these outputs with its memory M (EEPROM type) according to FIG. 1.

  In this microcontroller is implemented the following program (see Fig. 4): (1) READ (read) L: The microprocessor reads the contents (the outputs) of the reader L. (2) If the contents of the reader L is zero (L = 0, no card inserted in reader) and if the contents of the memory are not zero (M 0, the memory has already been initialized) then the program returns to (1).

  (3) If the previous conditions are not satisfactory, the program checks whether the main circuit (system S) is already activated or not.

  (4) If the system is not activated, the program checks whether the contents of its memory and the reader are identical (L-M = 0?). If yes the system is activated. If not, the program after a certain amount of time (constant or increasing with each failure) returns to (1).

  (5) If the system is already activated, the program checks whether the user wants to modify the contents of the memory ("reset M" button). If so, its contents are replaced by those of the support reader; if not, the program returns to (1).

  Deactivation of the main circuit (and / or microcontroller) can be done by cutting the power supply (by turning off the unit under control). The reactivation of the main circuit can be done by relighting the device and reintroducing the punch card or customizable support, which can be done simultaneously.

  Example 2. In a second implementation, the outputs of the media reader and the outputs of the memory (type of set of switches) are compared one by one by logic gates XOR (logic output "0" if the inputs are identical, "1 "if they are different). The outputs of the XOR gates are then combined in a NOR gate (logical output "1" if and only if all the inputs are zero). Thus the output of the NOR gate is "1", if and only if there is agreement between the contents of the memory and the reader. The output of the NOR gate flips ("set") a flip-flop which activates the main circuit, even after removing the card from its reader. This flip-flop can be reset ("reset") so as to disable the main circuit by a switch R. Thus, if this circuit is used to activate an electromagnet that allows the opening of a door (see Example 4) , closing it engages the switch R which deactivates the opening circuit.

  Example 3. In a third implementation, the reader is a set of N microswitches and the memory a set of N switches. The outputs of the switch j are connected with the inputs of the microswitch j and the output thereof with the input of the switch j + 1 (see Fig. 3). Thus the flip-flop which activates the main circuit will itself be activated ("set") only if there is agreement between the connections of the memory of the reader.

  Example 4. Implantation of a CEPS for the control of the opening of a door.

  The L-type reader (microswitch unit) is embedded in the wall so that the entrance slot of the perforated support is flush with the outside (see Fig. 5). The output of the reader is connected by a wiring block to an identification and memory circuit (type of switch set) M, as described in Example 2.

  The location of the memory is arbitrary, but preferably remote from the reader (to prevent burglary). The memory consists of a set of switches that light up if they are enabled (logic output "1"). Its access can be reduced by embedding it in a locked box. The perforated support is a card where the user will have punched holes at the (numbered) locations corresponding to the lit switches of the memory, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. When this medium is inserted into the reader, the circuit of FIG. identification described in Example 2, activates an electromagnetic lock, S, which releases the lock of the door. This can then be opened and when closed, it engages a switch that re-locks.

  Example 5. Rigid support with perforations. The support of a dimension similar to that of a credit card has on the vertical side (Y) five holes of maximum individual size of 5mm in diameter and each being separated from the next by a space of at most one centimeter leaving an unperforated margin of at least five millimeters around the support. On the horizontal side (X) the number of perforations can be at most eight.

  The total number of combinations, if there is only one zone (A) to set the code to customize the code will be 24 or 1012 combinations.

  In the case where two zones are defined for two successive codes and, if twenty perforations are reserved in a zone (A), the combination will be 220 or 106 possibilities, the zone (B) will also have 106 possibilities. Figures 8 and 9 show this variant.

  A variant of the invention is to establish on the same support two codes recognized for one completely and the second (connected to the first in terms of combinations), partially. The recognition of a truncated code or partial code provides a large number of user combinations, the complete code corresponding to a restricted number of users being more specific because of the greater number of modifications on the medium to be recognized by reader of the device according to the invention.

  A variant of the rigid or semi-rigid support treated according to the invention by the user consists in reducing the diameter of the perforations for the same surface so as to make it possible to establish a greater number of pre-perforations and consequently, to increase the number of combinations and possibly the number of reserved zones. Each zone reserved for the user may comprise the same code repeated one or more times, the reading of the zones can be provided in the reader sequentially, if necessary.

  The invention has many possibilities of adaptation using elements similar to those described in the present patent application. The adaptations and variants that make it possible to obtain the same effects of the device and the implementation of the method form an integral part of the invention.

Claims (4)

-27-CLAIMS   1 Device associated with at least one electrical or electronic device or object whose operation requires or implements electrical or electronic elements comprising on the one hand a personalized or customizable support (key) comprising at least one zone in which there are present at least two codes or at least two areas corresponding to two codes connected or not between them and a reader of said medium and secondly an electronic identification circuit comprising a) a memory and b) a comparison circuit between the memory and the information read by the reader of the support (key), said electrical or electronic identification circuit being placed on an essential electrical or electronic circuit of the apparatus.   2- Device according to claim 1 for controlling the start-up of an electrical or electronic device or an object whose operation requires or implements electrical or electronic elements, by a user, and comprising: a support on which the access code is coded; A reader of said medium for reading the access code encoded on the medium; and a control circuit connected to an essential electrical or electronic circuit of the apparatus to be turned on, the control circuit comprising: a memory configured to retain at least one start code, and an identification circuit for activate the main circuit if the access code read by the support reader and an activation code stored in memory are identical; said access code encoded on the medium is modifiable by the user; the start code stored in the memory can be changed by the user when the main circuit is turned on; and the control circuit makes it possible to change the code stored in the memory if an authorization input signal is received when a modified medium, on which a new activation code is coded, is present in the medium reader.   3- Device according to claim 1 wherein the identification circuit controls the operation of the essential circuit of 1 device by allowing it to power on or by activating the microprocessor of the device or a logic chip.   4- Device according to claims 1, 2 and 3 for starting an apparatus containing a part A and a part B, said device being able to be secured by a modifiable identification method after each reactivation of the apparatus and said part A comprising a user modifiable surface for generating a complex code or code for obtaining at least one thousand different combinations, said surface or said medium having the same code or complex code of the device having the capability of 5-Electrical or electronic apparatus or object containing or associating for its operation the device according to claims 1, 2, 3 or 4.   6- A security system for controlling the activation of an electrical or electronic device or object by a user, comprising: a support reader for reading an access code comprising at least one complex code encoded on a medium by the user or by the user and the manufacturer and É a control circuit connected to a main circuit of the electrical or electronic apparatus, the control circuit comprising: a memory enabling at least two activation codes to be retained, and an identification circuit for activating the main circuit if the access codes read by the media reader and the activation codes are identical; said access codes encoded on the medium are modifiable by the user; the activation codes stored in the memory are modifiable by the user when the main circuit is activated; and said control circuit makes it possible to change the codes stored in the memory if an authorization input signal is received when a modified medium, on which new activation codes are coded, is present in the media reader.   7. A method for securely modifying the memory of the device according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 characterized on the one hand by the introduction of personalized or customizable support in the reader, the identification of the user. by the identification and comparison circuit and its validation by said circuit, and secondly by modifying the content of the memory by the user.   A method for modifying the activation code of a security device comprising a media reader configured to read an access code encoded on a medium, and a control circuit connected to the main circuit of an electrical device. or electronic, said control circuit comprising on the one hand a memory allowing to keep an activation code and on the other hand an identification circuit making it possible to control the activation of the main circuit, the method comprising E creating a activation signal if the identification circuit recognizes a correspondence between the first access code read on the first medium by the reader and the activation code stored in the memory; Receiving a second medium in the media reader, and if the activation signal has been generated, reading a second access code on the second medium by the user; In modifying the contents of the control circuit memory, an authorization input signal is generated by the user when the second medium is present in the media reader, so that the second access code read on the medium is kept as the activation code of the security device.   9- A method of modification according to claims 7 and 8, the memory of the identification circuit of introducing the support n 1 or original medium in the reader, before or after powering the device, or to remove the original support, then to introduce the support n 2 having characteristics different from the support n 1 and to validate, by activating or deactivating a circuit, the replacement of the old data in memory by the news read by the reader.   10- conditional operation method of an apparatus or electronics using a device according to claims 1, 2, 3, or 4 characterized by a) contacting a support provided with a code or complex code, personal or customizable with a reader of this medium reading said code or complex code b) comparing the information read by this reader with the contents of a personal or customizable memory, said comparison being made by a circuit located on an essential part of the electrical circuit or electronic device.