CA2180877A1 - Transponder detector - Google Patents
Transponder detectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2180877A1 CA2180877A1 CA002180877A CA2180877A CA2180877A1 CA 2180877 A1 CA2180877 A1 CA 2180877A1 CA 002180877 A CA002180877 A CA 002180877A CA 2180877 A CA2180877 A CA 2180877A CA 2180877 A1 CA2180877 A1 CA 2180877A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- transponder
- protocol
- signal
- response signal
- type
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/10009—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
- G06K7/10316—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves using at least one antenna particularly designed for interrogating the wireless record carriers
- G06K7/10336—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves using at least one antenna particularly designed for interrogating the wireless record carriers the antenna being of the near field type, inductive coil
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
- G07C2009/00753—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys
- G07C2009/00769—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by wireless means
- G07C2009/00793—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by wireless means by Hertzian waves
Abstract
The transponder detector has an antenna for radiating a power signal to an identification transponder of an unidentified type and for reading a response signal characteristic from the transponder.
A plurality of power signal and response signal characteristic parameters associated with transponder communication protocols are serially selected and implemented while an analysis of the response signal characteristic is carried out to determine whether the response signal characteristic matches the selected parameters and to produce an identification match signal. The result of the match signal is displayed as text identifying the transponder make and model number on an LCD display, in the case of a hand-held universal transponder detector. The device is particularly useful for confirming the presence and type of transponders embedded in the head of keys.
A plurality of power signal and response signal characteristic parameters associated with transponder communication protocols are serially selected and implemented while an analysis of the response signal characteristic is carried out to determine whether the response signal characteristic matches the selected parameters and to produce an identification match signal. The result of the match signal is displayed as text identifying the transponder make and model number on an LCD display, in the case of a hand-held universal transponder detector. The device is particularly useful for confirming the presence and type of transponders embedded in the head of keys.
Description
~. 2180877 TRA
Technical Field This invention relates to the detection of the 5 type of wireless idelltification tr~nqpon~90r8.
Background of the Invention Tr~nqp-~n-1c-rs using RF wireless communication technology have existed for several years. The 10 transponder is a qmall electronic device, normally encapsulated in a plastic or epoxy based medium, which has an internal antenna and is powered by an alternating magnetic f ield with a specif ic spectrum radiated from a source antenna, and re-transmits back 15 to the source antenna a series of digital codes which provide a unique identif ication of the transponder .
While tr~nqpon~-~r8 made by various manufacturers have similar general characteristics, there is no standard protocol for tr~nqp~n~rs. In 20 fact, for security reasons, it may be desirable that a transponder protocol is dif ferent and unique to permit reading only by a transponder reader specif ic to the transponder . Of t~le several known manuf acturers of tIansponders, all make use of completely different 25 protocols, which involve different characteristics, such as the communication carrier frequency, power levels and the method of signal modulation for data encoding .
Recently, the automotive industry has moved to 30 integrate transponders in car ignition keys in order to reduce car theft. Such a key is referred to as a transponder key and has the transponder capsule molded in the plaqtic part of the key head and there is no visual distinction between the transponder key and a 35 regular automobile i gnition key . A description of one type of automobile transponder key system is described in Issue No. ll, 1994, of TIRISllA News, the International Newsletter of the Tiris Group, by Texas Instruments. The automobile central control computer is provided with a special circuit for driving a coil antenna ~ ' ?~1t1Pr~ in the aufl -hil~'5 console around 5 the ignition key c~linder When the ignition key is turned, the antenna radiates an RF carrier signal to the head of the key, thus energizing a circuit in the transponder. The transponder signals back to the antenna a digital code corresponding to an 10 identification number. If the identification number is approved by the car ' s central control computer, ignition is then pe~mitted to continue, otherwise, the ignition is shut down, fuel injection is disabled and the engine electronics are disarmed.
The introduction of tr~n~pr~n~l~r keys poses a problem for the lock industry since key cutters must stock both regular keys for models of cars not using transponder keys, and also new key blanks containing transponders. For the locksmith, a decision must be made when proceeding to copy an automobile key, whether a tr~nypon~lpr containing blank is re~auired or not. Furthermore, in the case that a given automobile manufacturer utilizes more than one type o~
tr~n~pon~ipr~ it is necessary to identify which type of transponder is present in the car owner ' s key before selecting a similar tr~n~pon~or key blank for copying of the key.
Summary of the Inveiltion It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy-to-use device for detecting and identifying a transponder. It is an object of the invention to provide such a transponder detector device to provide a locksmith with an indication of whether a transponder is present, and if so, the transponder type in order that an appropriate transponder key blank may be selected.
Technical Field This invention relates to the detection of the 5 type of wireless idelltification tr~nqpon~90r8.
Background of the Invention Tr~nqp-~n-1c-rs using RF wireless communication technology have existed for several years. The 10 transponder is a qmall electronic device, normally encapsulated in a plastic or epoxy based medium, which has an internal antenna and is powered by an alternating magnetic f ield with a specif ic spectrum radiated from a source antenna, and re-transmits back 15 to the source antenna a series of digital codes which provide a unique identif ication of the transponder .
While tr~nqpon~-~r8 made by various manufacturers have similar general characteristics, there is no standard protocol for tr~nqp~n~rs. In 20 fact, for security reasons, it may be desirable that a transponder protocol is dif ferent and unique to permit reading only by a transponder reader specif ic to the transponder . Of t~le several known manuf acturers of tIansponders, all make use of completely different 25 protocols, which involve different characteristics, such as the communication carrier frequency, power levels and the method of signal modulation for data encoding .
Recently, the automotive industry has moved to 30 integrate transponders in car ignition keys in order to reduce car theft. Such a key is referred to as a transponder key and has the transponder capsule molded in the plaqtic part of the key head and there is no visual distinction between the transponder key and a 35 regular automobile i gnition key . A description of one type of automobile transponder key system is described in Issue No. ll, 1994, of TIRISllA News, the International Newsletter of the Tiris Group, by Texas Instruments. The automobile central control computer is provided with a special circuit for driving a coil antenna ~ ' ?~1t1Pr~ in the aufl -hil~'5 console around 5 the ignition key c~linder When the ignition key is turned, the antenna radiates an RF carrier signal to the head of the key, thus energizing a circuit in the transponder. The transponder signals back to the antenna a digital code corresponding to an 10 identification number. If the identification number is approved by the car ' s central control computer, ignition is then pe~mitted to continue, otherwise, the ignition is shut down, fuel injection is disabled and the engine electronics are disarmed.
The introduction of tr~n~pr~n~l~r keys poses a problem for the lock industry since key cutters must stock both regular keys for models of cars not using transponder keys, and also new key blanks containing transponders. For the locksmith, a decision must be made when proceeding to copy an automobile key, whether a tr~nypon~lpr containing blank is re~auired or not. Furthermore, in the case that a given automobile manufacturer utilizes more than one type o~
tr~n~pon~ipr~ it is necessary to identify which type of transponder is present in the car owner ' s key before selecting a similar tr~n~pon~or key blank for copying of the key.
Summary of the Inveiltion It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy-to-use device for detecting and identifying a transponder. It is an object of the invention to provide such a transponder detector device to provide a locksmith with an indication of whether a transponder is present, and if so, the transponder type in order that an appropriate transponder key blank may be selected.
2 1 8~877 .
It is a further ob]ect of the pre3ent invention to provide a transponder detector able to identify any one of a plurality of tr~nC~pon~lPr types in order to permit a lock system to function with a plurality of trAnqp~-n~lPr types.
According to the invention, there i9 provided a tr~n~pon~Pr detector apparatus comprising antenna means for radiating a power signal to an identification transponder of an unidentified type;
signal detecting means for reading a response signal characteristic from the tr~n~pon 1Pr; and protocol analyzer means for detprminin~ whether the response signal characteristic matches a predetprminpfl general characteristic identifying a type of transponder and for producing an identification match signal. In this way, a user may confirm a type of an unknown transponder. Preferably, the protocol analyser means detPrmines whether the response signal characteristic matches one of a plurality of predetPrmi nP~q general characteristics identifying different types of transponders. The apparatus according to the invention may also comprise protocol select means for serially selecting each of a plurality of power signal and response signal characteristic parameters, while the protocol analyzer means may preferably determine whether the response signal characteristic matches the selected parameter.
~he antenna means preferably comprise a single coil antenna. The protocol select means and the protocol analyzer means may comprise dedicated circuitry for each of the power signal and response signal characteristic parameters corresponding to each of the tr~n~:p.-n~Pr types to ~e identif ied.
Preferably, however, a microprocessor is provided to digitally control the power signal, and to logically determine whether response signal characteristics are present in the signal read from the tr~n~pon~ipr to determine whether the response signal characteristics match the selected parameter. :The protocol analyzer means may comprise circuits for identifying distinct characteristics, or the signal read may be digitized and analyzed by a microprocessor.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a hand-held device is provided which provides a visual display of the identity of a transponder type held in proximity to the antenna means in order to identify the type of trAn~ponfl~r hidden in the head of an automobile key.
Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be de3cribed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an illustration of an automobile key having an encapsulated trAn~p~nfl~r embedded in the plastic head of the key as is known in the art;
Figures 2a and 2d are schematic representations of the antenna signals resulting from interaction with two different types of transponders, and ~igures 2a, 2b and 2c show schematically the digital signal encoded in the antenna signal shown in Figure 2a;
Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the trAncpon~ r detector apparatus according to the pref erred embodiment in which a tr~n~p~nfl~r key of an unknown type is being identif ied;
Figure 4 is a detailed block diagram of an embodiment of the invention in which dedicated circuitry is used to identify five types of trAnqpf~nfl~rs; and Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of the trAn~p~ nfll~r detector apparatus according to the preferred embodiment.
2~8~877 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment In the preferred ~ _a; nt, the trAn~ronflPr detector apparatus detect3 a transponder embedded in the plastic head of an au~- ~hi 1 e key of known construction as il~ ustrated in Figure 1. An RF coil which is mounted around the cylinder of the ignition lock to be in a pl~ne perpendicular to an axis of the key shaft, produces an RF signal which is received by a coil antenna in the trAnCpon~ r capsule and is used to power up a microcircuit in the transponder. The transponder circuit then signals back to the radiating coil digital data corresponding to an identif ication code in the transponder.
Four types of signaling protocols are illustrated in Figure 2. In Eigure 2d, a protocol used by Texas Instruments (e.g. TIRISTM glass capsule model RI-TRP-RRHP ) is illustrated. When the transponder receives a carrier signal of 134 kHz, it is powered up. ~7hen the carrier signal ceases to continue, the energized transponder circuit radiates back a digitally modulated signal containing either 32 or 64 bits and the frequency of the response signal is also 134 kHz. The total time required to energize the trAn~p~-na-~r and read the returned data signal is less than 100 milliseconds. In Figures 2a through 2c, the protocol presently used by TEMIC, Megamos and Philips (e.g. Philips model PCF 7930L), is illustrated. A 125 kHz carrier signal is provided to the energizing antenna, and once the transponder is energized, its microelectronic circuit connects and disconnects its internal antenna to an internal load in a manner corresponding with the digital identif ication number contained in the microelectronic circuit. The radiating antenna in the lock is able to detect the rapid change in impedance caused by the connection and disconnection of the load within the transponder ' s antenna and obtains the digital identification code 2~ 80~77 .~
from such detection To distinguish between the three types of such amplitude modulated digital encoding transponders, the number of cycles (i.e the duration) of the encoded pulses is detected. The TEMIC
transponder has small and medium pulses, the Megamos has only medium plllses, and the Philips has medium pulses for the data and a large pulse identifying a data separator.
The parameters which may be varied in such transponders are the energizing or power signal frequency, the power signal duration, the power signal level, whether the information is sent to the lock by a separate signal using stored power or whether load modulation in the tr~n~p~n-lor antenna is used, in addition to the specific type of data ~n~o~l; n~ (pulse length and F.nror~in~ protocol) that is used in order to relay the serial number. An additional parameter which may be varied is, of course, the number of bits in the identif ication code.
In the pre~erred embodiment, the transponder detector apparatus 10 illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, is a hand-held unit. The key may be inserted into a drop-in holder as in the case of Figure 3a, or may be held in f ront o:E the unit as illustrated in Figure 3b. An antenna coil 12 illustrated in Fig. 3a is an obround coil and the opening through which the key is inserted has a hole in a bottom of the housing for the shaft of the key while the transponder containing head of the key is supported on the edge of the hole. The coil 12 contained within the unit provides the necessary RF field for providing the power signal and is also used for reading the response signal from the transponder. An "ON" button 24 is used to power up the circuit and after detection is completed, provides the identif ication of the transponder type on display 22. The display 22 in the preferred embodiment is a series of LEDs provided adjacen~ identifying text, but 2~ 80~77 . ~
of course other forms of displays such as an LCD
screen could be substituted. In the ca3e that the display 24 is a text display and no successful identif ication is made after a period of a few seconds, the display will show text reading, for example, "no transl?onder present". In the case that LEDs alone are used, as in the preferred o~1ir?nt~
an LED is illuminated upon pressing the "ON" button and failure to idelltify a transponder will result in no other LED 22 being illuminated. If a transponder type is identified, the associated LED 22 is illuminated. In th~ case of an LCD display, the brand name of the trAn~pontl~r type, or a model type identification for the appropriate key blank could be lS pre3ented.
In the embodiment of Figure 4, dedicated circuitry is provided for detecting either a Texas Instruments transpollder (e.g. an afterburst signal), a Motorola transpond0r having a characteristic signal response frequency of 62.5 kHz, or a Philips type transponder using amplitude modulation of the 125 kEz signal. As a c~ ~ r~ ; ~e, a single frequency of 125 kEz is generated by RF signal generator 160, whereas each different type of transponder used may respond best to a different frequency. Generator 160 operates for brief sequential time intervals (with pauses between operation ) as timed by timer 241 in response to pre3sing switch 240. The test coil 120 is connected in parallel with a differential coil 121 which is housed within the apparatus casing 10 so as not to interact with the transponder. A differential amplifier 122 generates a sensitive difference signal. Amplitude modulation in the difference signal is detected by detector 180 which produce a digital output.
A counter 2Cl counts the number of cycles in the difference signal during each pulse and outputs a logic signal on one of lines S, M and L depending on .. . . ~
the cycle count, i.e. whether the pulse duration i8 short, medium or large. The decoder 204 includes logic for energizing the TEMIC LED 220 when both S and M
pulses are detected. The Megamos LED 220 is energized 5 when only M pulses are detected The Philips LED 220 is energized when M and L pulses are detected.
An afterburs~ detector 202 detects the presence of a weaker return signal during the pause between two sequential power signals. If a return signal is 10 present, then the T. I . LED 220 is energized.
A 62 . 5 kHz ~ilter and signal detector circuit 203 detects the presence of a 62 . 5 k~z r~ ~ on~nt in the differential signal which is characteristic of the Motorola IndalalM transponder. If such signal is 15 detected, the Motorola LED 220 is energized In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, a microcontroller is to be implemented for the communication protocol selection, analysis and identification text display. The transponder detector 20 10 comprises an antenna 12 which is controllably powered by a frequency generator 16 and an antenna driver and tuner circuit 17. A receiver circuit 18 reads the respo~lse signal obtained from the trAn~pon~l~r The microcontroller provides a 25 communication protocol selector 14 which selects a series of protocols from a protocol memory 19 for controlling the frequency generator and frequency switching control as well as setting the conditions used in the protocol analyzer 20. When the protocol 30 analyzer positively identifies a transponder, the tr~n~on~9~r identi ication signal is provided to a display unit 22 which displays on an LCD screen the corresponding text identifying the model or make of the transponder, or even the model of the key blank to 35 be used.
~ hen the "ON" button 24 is pressed, the protocol selector 14 selects its f irst protocol type , ~ 2180877 from memory 19 and signals to the frequency switching control and frequency generator units 15 and 16 the necessary control data to specify the power signal bur~t frequency, level and duration. The frequency 5 generator circuit output is fed into the antenna driver and tuner circuit 17 to radiate the appropriate signal to the coil antenna 12. The receiver circuit 18 may comprise circuitry as illustrated in Figure 4 in which an RF signal and an AM signal output is 10 provided. The protocol analyzer circuit 20 is switched into the mode associated with the protocol selected by circuit 14. The protocol analyzer means 20 could comprise a low level response signal detector such as the Texas Instruments transponder detector 15 circuit illustrated in Figure 4 as well as the AM
signal detector ~Ised in the Philips transponder detector illustrated in Figure 4 with the detector outputs being fed to a logic circuit of the microcontroller for det~r~ining whether the response 20 signal present corresponds to the protocol selected for generating the identification match signal. The protocol analyzer means 20 may comprise circuitry for detecting response signal levels and durations. The criteria required for identifying a type of 25 transponder response signal may be stored in protocol memory 19 and accessed by protocol analyzer 20. Once the protocol selector 14 has selected the f irst power signal characteristics for the first protocol, the next power signal characteristics are selected for the 30 next protocol until all protocols stored in the protocol memory have been attempted. If the protocol analyzer fails to positively identify the presence of a response signal having characteristics matching those stored in ~I:he protocol memory 19, then an 35 appropriate signal is sent to display 22 for a text message to be displayed indicating that no transponder is present or has been identif ied. In the case that .~ 2l8as77 the protocol analyzer 20 has recognized the presence of either an RF signal following the power signal or an AM signal ~ n~nt~ but such signals do not match the characteristics expected f rom the protocol memory 5 19, then a message indicating that a transponder of unknown type is pre;3ent may be displayed.
In the preferred embodiment, the protocol memory 19 i3 a non-volatile memory. To ensure that the device is capable of recognizing new models of 10 transponders a3 they become available, the protocol memory i3 replaceable by replacing a memory chip.
Alternatively, the memory could al30 be updated via a data interface.
While the protocol analyzer may be 3implified 15 by having dedicated circuitry for detecting certain 3ignal ,~ n~nts~ it is also possible to digitize the RF signal and carry out subsequeht digital analysi3 of the 3ignal to determine whether modulation i3 pre3ent, whether a response signal after the power 3ignal i3 20 pre3ent, along with a330ciated power levels, durations, frequencies and data bit stream length.
While it can be appreciated that the apparatus according to the present invention is a useful tool f or locksmiths looking to identif y the type of 25 transponder embedded in the head of a key to be copied, it can also be appreciated that the apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to electronic lock circuitry which is to be made compatible with different types of tr~nqpon~9ers, 30 whereby the tr~n~pcn~r type can be identified so that the electronic lock knows what to do with the re3pon3e 3ignal and it3 data.
In another embodiment, the RF 3ignal frequency of generator 160 is changed ~or each different type of 35 tran3ponder u3ing ~ low frequency 03cillator providing a 10 Hz switching signal for ~witching between the Texa3 Instruments mode and the Philip~ type mode.
- 11 2l8o877 When in the Texas Instruments mode, the oscillator frequency of the oscillator circuit powering the coil antenna is set to 134 kHz, and when in the Philips mode, the frequency is set to 125 kHz. In the Texas 5 Instruments detect mode, the presence of signal after coil energization is detected, the result of which is to turn on an LED 22. In the Philips tr~n~ n~1~r detector dedicated circuitry, the presence of an AM
signal component ~uring energization of the coil 10 antenna at 125 kHz is detected, the result of which energizes one of the other LEDs 22. The circuit is powered by pressing the power "ON" switch 24 which results in one of LEDs 22 being powered "ON" in order to indicate that the circuit is operating.
It is a further ob]ect of the pre3ent invention to provide a transponder detector able to identify any one of a plurality of tr~nC~pon~lPr types in order to permit a lock system to function with a plurality of trAnqp~-n~lPr types.
According to the invention, there i9 provided a tr~n~pon~Pr detector apparatus comprising antenna means for radiating a power signal to an identification transponder of an unidentified type;
signal detecting means for reading a response signal characteristic from the tr~n~pon 1Pr; and protocol analyzer means for detprminin~ whether the response signal characteristic matches a predetprminpfl general characteristic identifying a type of transponder and for producing an identification match signal. In this way, a user may confirm a type of an unknown transponder. Preferably, the protocol analyser means detPrmines whether the response signal characteristic matches one of a plurality of predetPrmi nP~q general characteristics identifying different types of transponders. The apparatus according to the invention may also comprise protocol select means for serially selecting each of a plurality of power signal and response signal characteristic parameters, while the protocol analyzer means may preferably determine whether the response signal characteristic matches the selected parameter.
~he antenna means preferably comprise a single coil antenna. The protocol select means and the protocol analyzer means may comprise dedicated circuitry for each of the power signal and response signal characteristic parameters corresponding to each of the tr~n~:p.-n~Pr types to ~e identif ied.
Preferably, however, a microprocessor is provided to digitally control the power signal, and to logically determine whether response signal characteristics are present in the signal read from the tr~n~pon~ipr to determine whether the response signal characteristics match the selected parameter. :The protocol analyzer means may comprise circuits for identifying distinct characteristics, or the signal read may be digitized and analyzed by a microprocessor.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a hand-held device is provided which provides a visual display of the identity of a transponder type held in proximity to the antenna means in order to identify the type of trAn~ponfl~r hidden in the head of an automobile key.
Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be de3cribed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an illustration of an automobile key having an encapsulated trAn~p~nfl~r embedded in the plastic head of the key as is known in the art;
Figures 2a and 2d are schematic representations of the antenna signals resulting from interaction with two different types of transponders, and ~igures 2a, 2b and 2c show schematically the digital signal encoded in the antenna signal shown in Figure 2a;
Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the trAncpon~ r detector apparatus according to the pref erred embodiment in which a tr~n~p~nfl~r key of an unknown type is being identif ied;
Figure 4 is a detailed block diagram of an embodiment of the invention in which dedicated circuitry is used to identify five types of trAnqpf~nfl~rs; and Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of the trAn~p~ nfll~r detector apparatus according to the preferred embodiment.
2~8~877 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment In the preferred ~ _a; nt, the trAn~ronflPr detector apparatus detect3 a transponder embedded in the plastic head of an au~- ~hi 1 e key of known construction as il~ ustrated in Figure 1. An RF coil which is mounted around the cylinder of the ignition lock to be in a pl~ne perpendicular to an axis of the key shaft, produces an RF signal which is received by a coil antenna in the trAnCpon~ r capsule and is used to power up a microcircuit in the transponder. The transponder circuit then signals back to the radiating coil digital data corresponding to an identif ication code in the transponder.
Four types of signaling protocols are illustrated in Figure 2. In Eigure 2d, a protocol used by Texas Instruments (e.g. TIRISTM glass capsule model RI-TRP-RRHP ) is illustrated. When the transponder receives a carrier signal of 134 kHz, it is powered up. ~7hen the carrier signal ceases to continue, the energized transponder circuit radiates back a digitally modulated signal containing either 32 or 64 bits and the frequency of the response signal is also 134 kHz. The total time required to energize the trAn~p~-na-~r and read the returned data signal is less than 100 milliseconds. In Figures 2a through 2c, the protocol presently used by TEMIC, Megamos and Philips (e.g. Philips model PCF 7930L), is illustrated. A 125 kHz carrier signal is provided to the energizing antenna, and once the transponder is energized, its microelectronic circuit connects and disconnects its internal antenna to an internal load in a manner corresponding with the digital identif ication number contained in the microelectronic circuit. The radiating antenna in the lock is able to detect the rapid change in impedance caused by the connection and disconnection of the load within the transponder ' s antenna and obtains the digital identification code 2~ 80~77 .~
from such detection To distinguish between the three types of such amplitude modulated digital encoding transponders, the number of cycles (i.e the duration) of the encoded pulses is detected. The TEMIC
transponder has small and medium pulses, the Megamos has only medium plllses, and the Philips has medium pulses for the data and a large pulse identifying a data separator.
The parameters which may be varied in such transponders are the energizing or power signal frequency, the power signal duration, the power signal level, whether the information is sent to the lock by a separate signal using stored power or whether load modulation in the tr~n~p~n-lor antenna is used, in addition to the specific type of data ~n~o~l; n~ (pulse length and F.nror~in~ protocol) that is used in order to relay the serial number. An additional parameter which may be varied is, of course, the number of bits in the identif ication code.
In the pre~erred embodiment, the transponder detector apparatus 10 illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, is a hand-held unit. The key may be inserted into a drop-in holder as in the case of Figure 3a, or may be held in f ront o:E the unit as illustrated in Figure 3b. An antenna coil 12 illustrated in Fig. 3a is an obround coil and the opening through which the key is inserted has a hole in a bottom of the housing for the shaft of the key while the transponder containing head of the key is supported on the edge of the hole. The coil 12 contained within the unit provides the necessary RF field for providing the power signal and is also used for reading the response signal from the transponder. An "ON" button 24 is used to power up the circuit and after detection is completed, provides the identif ication of the transponder type on display 22. The display 22 in the preferred embodiment is a series of LEDs provided adjacen~ identifying text, but 2~ 80~77 . ~
of course other forms of displays such as an LCD
screen could be substituted. In the ca3e that the display 24 is a text display and no successful identif ication is made after a period of a few seconds, the display will show text reading, for example, "no transl?onder present". In the case that LEDs alone are used, as in the preferred o~1ir?nt~
an LED is illuminated upon pressing the "ON" button and failure to idelltify a transponder will result in no other LED 22 being illuminated. If a transponder type is identified, the associated LED 22 is illuminated. In th~ case of an LCD display, the brand name of the trAn~pontl~r type, or a model type identification for the appropriate key blank could be lS pre3ented.
In the embodiment of Figure 4, dedicated circuitry is provided for detecting either a Texas Instruments transpollder (e.g. an afterburst signal), a Motorola transpond0r having a characteristic signal response frequency of 62.5 kHz, or a Philips type transponder using amplitude modulation of the 125 kEz signal. As a c~ ~ r~ ; ~e, a single frequency of 125 kEz is generated by RF signal generator 160, whereas each different type of transponder used may respond best to a different frequency. Generator 160 operates for brief sequential time intervals (with pauses between operation ) as timed by timer 241 in response to pre3sing switch 240. The test coil 120 is connected in parallel with a differential coil 121 which is housed within the apparatus casing 10 so as not to interact with the transponder. A differential amplifier 122 generates a sensitive difference signal. Amplitude modulation in the difference signal is detected by detector 180 which produce a digital output.
A counter 2Cl counts the number of cycles in the difference signal during each pulse and outputs a logic signal on one of lines S, M and L depending on .. . . ~
the cycle count, i.e. whether the pulse duration i8 short, medium or large. The decoder 204 includes logic for energizing the TEMIC LED 220 when both S and M
pulses are detected. The Megamos LED 220 is energized 5 when only M pulses are detected The Philips LED 220 is energized when M and L pulses are detected.
An afterburs~ detector 202 detects the presence of a weaker return signal during the pause between two sequential power signals. If a return signal is 10 present, then the T. I . LED 220 is energized.
A 62 . 5 kHz ~ilter and signal detector circuit 203 detects the presence of a 62 . 5 k~z r~ ~ on~nt in the differential signal which is characteristic of the Motorola IndalalM transponder. If such signal is 15 detected, the Motorola LED 220 is energized In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, a microcontroller is to be implemented for the communication protocol selection, analysis and identification text display. The transponder detector 20 10 comprises an antenna 12 which is controllably powered by a frequency generator 16 and an antenna driver and tuner circuit 17. A receiver circuit 18 reads the respo~lse signal obtained from the trAn~pon~l~r The microcontroller provides a 25 communication protocol selector 14 which selects a series of protocols from a protocol memory 19 for controlling the frequency generator and frequency switching control as well as setting the conditions used in the protocol analyzer 20. When the protocol 30 analyzer positively identifies a transponder, the tr~n~on~9~r identi ication signal is provided to a display unit 22 which displays on an LCD screen the corresponding text identifying the model or make of the transponder, or even the model of the key blank to 35 be used.
~ hen the "ON" button 24 is pressed, the protocol selector 14 selects its f irst protocol type , ~ 2180877 from memory 19 and signals to the frequency switching control and frequency generator units 15 and 16 the necessary control data to specify the power signal bur~t frequency, level and duration. The frequency 5 generator circuit output is fed into the antenna driver and tuner circuit 17 to radiate the appropriate signal to the coil antenna 12. The receiver circuit 18 may comprise circuitry as illustrated in Figure 4 in which an RF signal and an AM signal output is 10 provided. The protocol analyzer circuit 20 is switched into the mode associated with the protocol selected by circuit 14. The protocol analyzer means 20 could comprise a low level response signal detector such as the Texas Instruments transponder detector 15 circuit illustrated in Figure 4 as well as the AM
signal detector ~Ised in the Philips transponder detector illustrated in Figure 4 with the detector outputs being fed to a logic circuit of the microcontroller for det~r~ining whether the response 20 signal present corresponds to the protocol selected for generating the identification match signal. The protocol analyzer means 20 may comprise circuitry for detecting response signal levels and durations. The criteria required for identifying a type of 25 transponder response signal may be stored in protocol memory 19 and accessed by protocol analyzer 20. Once the protocol selector 14 has selected the f irst power signal characteristics for the first protocol, the next power signal characteristics are selected for the 30 next protocol until all protocols stored in the protocol memory have been attempted. If the protocol analyzer fails to positively identify the presence of a response signal having characteristics matching those stored in ~I:he protocol memory 19, then an 35 appropriate signal is sent to display 22 for a text message to be displayed indicating that no transponder is present or has been identif ied. In the case that .~ 2l8as77 the protocol analyzer 20 has recognized the presence of either an RF signal following the power signal or an AM signal ~ n~nt~ but such signals do not match the characteristics expected f rom the protocol memory 5 19, then a message indicating that a transponder of unknown type is pre;3ent may be displayed.
In the preferred embodiment, the protocol memory 19 i3 a non-volatile memory. To ensure that the device is capable of recognizing new models of 10 transponders a3 they become available, the protocol memory i3 replaceable by replacing a memory chip.
Alternatively, the memory could al30 be updated via a data interface.
While the protocol analyzer may be 3implified 15 by having dedicated circuitry for detecting certain 3ignal ,~ n~nts~ it is also possible to digitize the RF signal and carry out subsequeht digital analysi3 of the 3ignal to determine whether modulation i3 pre3ent, whether a response signal after the power 3ignal i3 20 pre3ent, along with a330ciated power levels, durations, frequencies and data bit stream length.
While it can be appreciated that the apparatus according to the present invention is a useful tool f or locksmiths looking to identif y the type of 25 transponder embedded in the head of a key to be copied, it can also be appreciated that the apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to electronic lock circuitry which is to be made compatible with different types of tr~nqpon~9ers, 30 whereby the tr~n~pcn~r type can be identified so that the electronic lock knows what to do with the re3pon3e 3ignal and it3 data.
In another embodiment, the RF 3ignal frequency of generator 160 is changed ~or each different type of 35 tran3ponder u3ing ~ low frequency 03cillator providing a 10 Hz switching signal for ~witching between the Texa3 Instruments mode and the Philip~ type mode.
- 11 2l8o877 When in the Texas Instruments mode, the oscillator frequency of the oscillator circuit powering the coil antenna is set to 134 kHz, and when in the Philips mode, the frequency is set to 125 kHz. In the Texas 5 Instruments detect mode, the presence of signal after coil energization is detected, the result of which is to turn on an LED 22. In the Philips tr~n~ n~1~r detector dedicated circuitry, the presence of an AM
signal component ~uring energization of the coil 10 antenna at 125 kHz is detected, the result of which energizes one of the other LEDs 22. The circuit is powered by pressing the power "ON" switch 24 which results in one of LEDs 22 being powered "ON" in order to indicate that the circuit is operating.
Claims (10)
1. A transponder detector apparatus comprising:
antenna means for radiating a power signal to an identification transponder of an unidentified type;
signal detecting means for reading a response signal characteristic from the transponder; and protocol analyzer means for determining whether the response signal characteristic matches a predetermined general characteristic identifying a type of transponder and for producing an identification match signal, whereby a user may confirm a type of all unknown transponder.
antenna means for radiating a power signal to an identification transponder of an unidentified type;
signal detecting means for reading a response signal characteristic from the transponder; and protocol analyzer means for determining whether the response signal characteristic matches a predetermined general characteristic identifying a type of transponder and for producing an identification match signal, whereby a user may confirm a type of all unknown transponder.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protocol analyser means determine whether said response signal characteristic matches one of a plurality of predetermined general characteristics identifying different types of transponders.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising:
protocol select means for serially selecting each of a plurality of power signal and response signal characteristic parameters, said protocol analyzer means determining whether the response signal characteristic matches said selected parameter.
protocol select means for serially selecting each of a plurality of power signal and response signal characteristic parameters, said protocol analyzer means determining whether the response signal characteristic matches said selected parameter.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising display means receiving the identification match signal for indicating the type of transponder identified, if any.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said display means comprise a text display.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said analyzer means comprise a plurality of dedicated detection circuits for analyzing said response signal and producing said identification match signal for each one of said protocols, and said protocol select means comprise switching means for serially activating each of said detection circuits.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a housing, said housing including an aperture for receiving a shaft of a key, said aperture having an upper lip for engaging and retaining a head of said key, and said antenna means comprise a circular coil substantially coaxial with said aperture.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said aperture is provided within a recess in said housing, and said coil surrounds said recess, whereby an RF
field of said coil has its greatest intensity nearer to said key head.
field of said coil has its greatest intensity nearer to said key head.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising non-volatile protocol memory for providing protocol data to said protocol select means and said protocol analyzer means.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said protocol memory is replaceable to facilitate updating.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/501,429 | 1995-07-12 | ||
| US08/501,429 US5739766A (en) | 1995-07-12 | 1995-07-12 | Transponder detector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2180877A1 true CA2180877A1 (en) | 1997-01-13 |
Family
ID=23993543
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002180877A Abandoned CA2180877A1 (en) | 1995-07-12 | 1996-07-10 | Transponder detector |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5739766A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0753822A3 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2180877A1 (en) |
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| US8538801B2 (en) | 1999-02-19 | 2013-09-17 | Exxonmobile Research & Engineering Company | System and method for processing financial transactions |
| US6400272B1 (en) * | 1999-04-01 | 2002-06-04 | Presto Technologies, Inc. | Wireless transceiver for communicating with tags |
| US7451041B2 (en) * | 2005-05-06 | 2008-11-11 | Facet Technology Corporation | Network-based navigation system having virtual drive-thru advertisements integrated with actual imagery from along a physical route |
| US9101990B2 (en) * | 2006-01-23 | 2015-08-11 | Hy-Ko Products | Key duplication machine |
| WO2007087389A2 (en) | 2006-01-23 | 2007-08-02 | Hy-Ko Products Company | Key duplication machine |
| WO2008066857A2 (en) | 2006-11-28 | 2008-06-05 | Key Tech, Inc. | Fully automatic key duplicating machine with automatic key model identification system |
| US8634655B2 (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2014-01-21 | Hy-Ko Products Company | Key blank identification system with bitting analysis |
| US8644619B2 (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2014-02-04 | Hy-Ko Products Company | Key blank identification system with groove scanning |
| JP5130278B2 (en) * | 2009-12-09 | 2013-01-30 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Anti-theft device for drive source equipment |
| US20130331976A1 (en) | 2010-06-03 | 2013-12-12 | Minute Key Inc. | Key duplicating system |
| US9556649B1 (en) | 2010-07-15 | 2017-01-31 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Key identification system |
| US11060323B2 (en) | 2012-10-23 | 2021-07-13 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Electronic lock having hardware based multi-wireless profile detection and setting |
| EP2912637B1 (en) * | 2012-10-23 | 2021-12-08 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Electronic lock having software based automatic multi-wireless profile detection and setting |
| WO2014066763A1 (en) | 2012-10-26 | 2014-05-01 | Kwikset Corporation | Electronic lock having a mobile device user interface |
| US10240365B2 (en) | 2012-12-12 | 2019-03-26 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Electronic lock system having proximity mobile device |
| US9506272B2 (en) | 2013-08-16 | 2016-11-29 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Two-piece key assembly |
| US9243426B2 (en) | 2013-08-16 | 2016-01-26 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Multi-piece key assembly |
| WO2017024043A1 (en) | 2015-08-03 | 2017-02-09 | Hy-Ko Products Company | High security key scanning system |
| US10124420B2 (en) | 2016-02-08 | 2018-11-13 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Key duplication machine having user-based functionality |
| US9928733B2 (en) * | 2016-03-29 | 2018-03-27 | Nissan North America, Inc. | Vehicle key testing device |
| US10406607B2 (en) | 2016-09-13 | 2019-09-10 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Key duplication machine having pivoting clamp |
| US10737335B2 (en) | 2017-03-17 | 2020-08-11 | The Hillman Group, Inc. | Key duplication system with key blank orientation detection features |
| US10783731B2 (en) | 2018-04-27 | 2020-09-22 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Wireless tag-based lock actuation systems and methods |
| CN110661516A (en) | 2019-10-30 | 2020-01-07 | 深圳市道通科技股份有限公司 | Automobile key programmer and automobile diagnostic instrument |
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| US3694805A (en) * | 1971-07-14 | 1972-09-26 | Sperry Rand Corp | Stolen vehicle indicating device |
| US3898619A (en) * | 1973-06-29 | 1975-08-05 | Glenayre Electronics Ltd | Object location/identification system |
| DE3541676A1 (en) * | 1985-11-26 | 1987-05-27 | Euchner & Co | IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM |
| JPS63228852A (en) * | 1987-03-17 | 1988-09-22 | Omron Tateisi Electronics Co | Communication control system for id system |
| US4961142A (en) * | 1988-06-29 | 1990-10-02 | Mastercard International, Inc. | Multi-issuer transaction device with individual identification verification plug-in application modules for each issuer |
| JP2612190B2 (en) * | 1988-08-31 | 1997-05-21 | 山武ハネウエル株式会社 | Full-duplex communication device consisting of answering device and interrogation device |
| US5023605A (en) * | 1988-11-25 | 1991-06-11 | Gte Laboratories, Inc. | Patterned transducer apparatus for correcting spurious signals in said devices |
| US4945354A (en) * | 1988-11-25 | 1990-07-31 | Gte Products | Spurious signal correction for surface acoustic wave (SAW) security devices |
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| DE4207161A1 (en) * | 1992-03-06 | 1993-09-09 | Winkhaus Fa August | ELECTRONIC LOCKING CYLINDER |
| GB9214308D0 (en) * | 1992-07-06 | 1992-08-19 | Plessey Semiconductors Ltd | A data communication system |
| US5347263A (en) * | 1993-02-05 | 1994-09-13 | Gnuco Technology Corporation | Electronic identifier apparatus and method utilizing a single chip microcontroller and an antenna coil |
| US5477215A (en) * | 1993-08-02 | 1995-12-19 | At&T Corp. | Arrangement for simultaneously interrogating a plurality of portable radio frequency communication devices |
| US5461386A (en) * | 1994-02-08 | 1995-10-24 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Inductor/antenna for a recognition system |
| US5532522A (en) * | 1994-06-06 | 1996-07-02 | Delco Electronics Corp. | Printed circuit reader/exciter coil for vehicle security system |
-
1995
- 1995-07-12 US US08/501,429 patent/US5739766A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-07-10 CA CA002180877A patent/CA2180877A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-07-12 EP EP96111229A patent/EP0753822A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0753822A3 (en) | 1999-02-03 |
| EP0753822A2 (en) | 1997-01-15 |
| US5739766A (en) | 1998-04-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20021217 |