Optical key system
- Livermore, CA
- Danville, CA
An optical key system comprises a battery-operated optical key and an isolated lock that derives both its operating power and unlock signals from the correct optical key. A light emitting diode or laser diode is included within the optical key and is connected to transmit a bit-serial password. The key user physically enters either the code-to-transmit directly, or an index to a pseudorandom number code, in the key. Such person identification numbers can be retained permanently, or ephemeral. When a send button is pressed, the key transmits a beam of light modulated with the password information. The modulated beam of light is received by a corresponding optical lock with a photovoltaic cell that produces enough power from the beam of light to operate a password-screen digital logic. In one application, an acceptable password allows a two watt power laser diode to pump ignition and timing information over a fiberoptic cable into a sealed engine compartment. The receipt of a good password allows the fuel pump, spark, and starter systems to each operate. Therefore, bypassing the lock mechanism as is now routine with automobile thieves is pointless because the engine is so thoroughly disabled.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Assignee:
- Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 6055079
- OSTI ID:
- 872969
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
key
comprises
battery-operated
isolated
lock
derives
operating
power
unlock
signals
correct
light
emitting
diode
laser
included
connected
transmit
bit-serial
password
user
physically
enters
code-to-transmit
directly
index
pseudorandom
code
person
identification
retained
permanently
ephemeral
send
button
pressed
transmits
beam
modulated
information
received
corresponding
photovoltaic
cell
produces
operate
password-screen
digital
logic
application
acceptable
allows
watt
pump
ignition
timing
fiberoptic
cable
sealed
engine
compartment
receipt
fuel
spark
starter
systems
bypassing
mechanism
routine
automobile
thieves
pointless
thoroughly
disabled
emitting diode
operating power
laser diode
optic cable
power laser
photovoltaic cell
light emitting
digital logic
optical key
modulated beam
responding optical
fiberoptic cable
light modulated
timing information
fuel pump
correct optical
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