GB2260563A

GB2260563A - Security device

Info

Publication number: GB2260563A
Application number: GB9115919A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robin Toms
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-07-23
Filing date: 1991-07-23
Publication date: 1993-04-21
Also published as: GB9115919D0

Abstract

A security device comprising a lock and a key for use therewith characterised in that the key comprises a first mechanical unit and a data storage device 24 and the lock comprises a second mechanical unit and a data reading device 19; the units complementing one another so that on insertion of the key the first and second mechanical units interact to cause a first alignment of lock components and for the reading device to scan the storage device to establish whether or not the storage device contains a pre-determined code so that in the event the code is detected the lock establishes an enabling condition and in the event the code is not detected the lock establishes a non-enabling condition. Typically the enabling condition is the closure of an electrical circuit such as an ignition circuit. <IMAGE>

Description

SECURITY DEVICE This invention relates to a security device. In particular it is concerned with a key operated system where a key is used both to provide access to a location and in addition enables at least one operation to be carried out at that location.

A typical system of this type is used in mass produced motor vehicles where access to the vehicle is gained using a key which is then used to operate the ignition system to start the vehicle engine. While this represents a convenient method of operating the vehicle from the point of view of the user it also allows a skilled thief to establish quickly what key will give access to the vehicle knowing that thereafter he will be able to start the vehicle with the same key.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device comprising a lock and a key for use therewith characterised in that the lock comprises a first mechanical unit and a data storage device and the lock comprises a second mechanical unit and a data reading device; the units complementing one another so that on Insertion of the key the first and second mechanical units interact to cause a first alignment of lock components and for the reading device to scan the storage device to establish whether or not the storage device contains a pre-determined code so that in the event the code is detected the lock establishes an enabling condition and in the event the code is not detected the lock establishes a non-enabling condition. Typically the enabling condition is the closure of an electrical circuit such as an ignition circuit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention a security device according to the first aspect is characterised in that the storage device is adapted to contain at least N predetermined codes so that the key can be used in at a series of N different locks each lock in the series detects a different code so that a given key can establish an enabling condition in each of at least two locks in the series thereof.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing of which the sole figure is a side part sectioned elevation of a lock and key for a motor vehicle.

Lock 11 is an ignition lock for a motor vehicle mounted in a housing 12 shrouding a steering column for the vehicle. The lock has a barrel 13 containing a key channel 14 and a series of piston elements 15A - 15E which are resiliently loaded by way of springs, respectively springs 16A - 16E. A recess 17 is provided at entry 18 to the channel 14 which contains a data reading head 19 which is coupled to a central data processor elsewhere in the vehicle which serves to regulate operation of a variety of vehicle operating functions.

Key 20 is made up of a strip 21 and a handle 22. The strip 21 has a profiled section 21'. On inserting leading end 23 of the key 20 into the lock 11 by way of entry the channel 14 and pushing the key in as far as it will go profiled upper section 21' of the key causes realignment of the piston elements 15A - 15E in a known way to cause a first alignment of the lock 11 allowing the rotation of the barrel 13 in the housing 12. However of itself this is not enough to initiate starting or some other function of the vehicle. A storage chip 24 is located on the handle 22 and contains a data code. With the key 20 fully inserted in the channel 14 the chip 24 is scanned by the data reading head 19 in response to a command from the central data processor which is made aware of the presence of the key 20 in the channel 14 by independent means.If the data code is correct the lock 11 is then enabled by way of the central processor to undertake the required action (typically start an ignition sequence). In the event the data code is incorrect or absent the enabling process does not occur. An alarm or rectification or protective sequence can be initiated thereafter.

In an alternative embodiment the data storage unit on the key is in the form of a reflective element incorporating a distinctive pattern and the data. The corresponding lock includes a data reading unit adapted to read the pattern by way of reflected light.

The use of a security device according to the present invention provides for a number of advantages over existing systems. The invention is readily applied making use of a combination of existing technologies. The exemplary embodiment makes use of a lock and key arrangement combined with a digital storage and scanning device. The increasing usage of data processing systems in connection with vehicles enables the protection afforded by the device of the present invention to extend deeply into the operating systems of the vehicle so combatting the efforts of even a skilled thief to ameliorate the effects of the device. Thus not only can an engine management system of the vehicle be isolated but also brake and transmission operations.

Apart from the data code on the chip 24 providing a simple go/no go test it can incorporate additional information such as the name of the user or a time limit so that a record can be generated of when the lock was enabled, by whom and so on. In addition the code can serve to permit vehicle operation for a specific period (such as a licensing period). Typically in the event that the period is exceeded then operation of the device will not result in the lock providing an enabled condition.

The strip 20 of the key shown in the exemplary embodiment is made of a plastics material which is made available in a long length incorporating all possible versions of profile 21'. In the event a user mislays their key, requires a new one and has been able to provide the necessary security authority a supplier can establish what profile is required and cut off the appropriate length of strip to conform to the correct profile and joint it to a handle 22 bearing the appropriately programmed chip 24.

While the exemplary embodiment refers to an automotive application it will be apparent that the invention, particularly according to its second aspect, provides for the use of a security device in a hierarchal environment. Typically a common key profile can be used to enable a number of people in an organisation each to have a key which will be able to be inserted in a series of locks relating to a given part of the organisation. However the extent to which each key can enable a given lock to enable the user to enter a particular location, undertake some action or operate a vehicle will depend on the code stored in the storage device of that particular key. For any given key a number of codes will be stored.Once entered into a particular lock in the reading device of the lock will seek a particular code which, if stored in the storage device, will thereafter cause the lock to move to its enabling condition. Typically in a hierarchical system of three layers keys for the third layer will enable a user to gain access to a general area and thereafter operate a particular workstation or unit.

For the intermediate layer the key will have a code providing all the functions of the lowest layer and in addition provide for further access, operational or security control. For the first layer keys will have stored codes enabling all third and second layer locks to be enabled along with remaining functions. As an alternative to-a strictly hierarchical arrangement other arrangements can be used or combinations of arrangements where two or more keys have to be used simultaneously so that a combination of codes is detected to enable a given operation to be undertaken.

It is also envisaged that the invention would provide a secure method of providing replacement keys. On obtaining a keyllock combination according to the invention (such as with a vehicle) the purchaser receives an identity card incorporating coded information after the manner of a credit or cheque card. In the event of a fresh key being required the agent for the vehicle would contact the vehicle manufacturer and place a suitable key blank in a cutting machine which would include a reader for the identity card. The manufacturer would then transmit a signal to the cutting machine which, in combination with the information on the identity card, ensures that the correct key shape is cut.

Claims

IA security device comprising at least one lock and a key for use with the or each lock characterised in that the key comprises a first mechanical unit and a data storage device and the or each lock comprises a second mechanical unit and a data reading device; the units complementing one another so that on insertion of the key into the or each lock the first and second mechanical units interact to cause a first alignment of lock components and for the reading device to scan the storage device to establish whether or not the storage device contains a pre-determined code so that in the event the code is detected the lock establishes an enabling condition and in the event the code is not detected the lock establishes a non-enabling condition.
2 A security device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the enabling condition provides for the closure of an electrical circuit.
3 A security device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the data storage device is adapted to contain at least N predetermined codes so that the key can be used in a series of N different locks; each lock in the series being adapted to detect a different code so that a given key can establish an enabling condition in each of at least two locks in the series thereof.
4 A security device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the data storage device includes a data memory adapted to store magnetically encoded data (whether as read only data or rewritable data) and the data reading unit is adapted to read such data.
5 A security device as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the data storage device includes a reflective element wherein the data is encoded as a pattern and the data reading unit is adapted to read the pattern by way of reflected light.
6 A vehicle equipped with a security device as claimed in any preceding claim.
7 A vehicle as claimed in Claim 6 incorporating a security device including a first and a second lock as claimed in any of preceding claim of Claims 1 to 5 both being operable by a single key, the first lock serving to provide a different security function (such as access to the vehicle) differing from the security function of the second lock (such as starting a prime mover of the vehicle).
8 A security device as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.