Security system and method for electronic apparatus, particularly car radios or similar automotive audio equipment

Claim 2

Security system for electronic appartus, particularly car radios, audio systems, or the like, installed on a support (C) therefore, and energized by an external power source (8) associated with the support, comprising memory means (5) for storing a predetermined code word; code entry means (4,9) for entering the code word into the memory means (5); means coupled to and energized by the external power source or generating an "apparent present" code upon energization thereof by said external power source (8); means (16,1) for entering the "apparatus present" code in the memory means (5); removal sensing means (6,7,6') for electrically sensing removal of the electronic apparatus from the support (C) and deenergization of said "apparatus present" code generating means, said removal sensing means including a random access memory (RAM (6') receiving operating voltage from said source (8) which, upon removal of the apparatus from the support, is interrupted; and logic means (1) connected to the memory means (5), the code entering means (4), and the removal sensing means (6,7,6') said logic means inhibiting operation of the electronic apparatus (2) after removal from the support and failure to sense the "apparatus present" code, until the code word is again entered into said code entering means and stored in the memory means.

Claim 3

System according to claim 1, wherein the electronic apparatus comprises an automobile radio, and the support comprises a portion (C) of the chassis of the automobile, said automobile radio having an alphanumerical display (3) and control elements (4) coupled to the radio which, upon operation thereof, causes the display (3) to indicate a function selected by a control element; and wherein the code entering means (1, 4; 6, 6') for entering the code words into the memory comprises said control buttons, the function of which is displayed by said display.

Claim 4

System according to claim 2, wherein the control elements are station selector control elements of the car radio.

Claim 5

System according to claim 2, wherein the display, upon operation of a control element, displays, sequentially, a set of alphanumerical indicia; said logic means sensing operation of a selected control element and, upon change in state of the control element when a specific alphanumerical indicium is displayed, entering a representative datum in the memory, said datum forming part of the code word.

Claim 6

System according to claim 1, wherein a display (3) is provided; and said memory (5) includes a storage field for encrypting a selected code word and, after entry of an incorrect code word, the display (3) displays the encrypted code word.

Claim 7

System according to claim 1, wherein the logic means includes a timing arrangement which inhibits operation of the apparatus for a predetermined time period after entry of an incorrect code word.

Claim 8

System according to claim 6, wherein, upon sequential entry of incorrect code words, the inhibiting time for the apparatus increases.

Claim 9

Security system for electronic apparatus, particularly car radios, audio systems, or the like, installed on a support (C) therefor, and energized by an external power source (8) associated with the support, comprising memory means (5) for storing a predetermined code word; code entry means (4,9) for entering the code word into the memory means (5); means coupled to and energized by the external power source for generating an "apparatus present" code upon energization thereof by said external power source (8); means (16,1) for entering the "apparatus present" code in the memory means (5); removal sensing means (6,7,6') for electrically sensing removal of the electronic apparatus from the support (C) and deenergization of said "apparatus present" code generating means, said removal sensing means including a potentiometer (6) coupled to the support (C) and providing the "apparatus present" signal representative of a set position of the potentiometer when the apparatus is located in the support, said potentiometer changing setting upon removal of the electronic apparatus from the support; means (7,1,5) comparing the potentiometer setting upon reenergization of the electronic apparatus with a set position previously stored in the memory means (5); and logic means (1) connected to the memory means (5), the code entering means (4), and the removal sensing means (6,7,6') said logic means inhibiting operation of the electronic apparatus (2) after removal from the support and failure to sense the "apparatus present" code, until the code word is again entered into said code entering means and stored in the memory means.

Claim 10

Security system for electronic apparatus, particularly car radios, audio systems, or the like, installed on a support (C) therefor, and energized by an external power source (8) associated with the support, comprising memory means (5) for storing a predetermined code word; code entry means (4,9) for entering the code word into the memory means (5); means coupled to and energized by the external power source for generating an "apparatus present" code upon energization thereof by said external power source (8); means (16,1) for entering the "apparatus present" code in the memory means (5); removal sensing means (6,7,6') for electrically sensing removal of the electronic apparatus from the support (C) and deenergization of said "apparatus present" code generating means, said removal sensing means including a potentiometer (6) coupled to the support (C) and providing the "apparatus present" signal representative of a set position of the potentiometer when the apparatus is located in the support, said potentiometer changing setting upon removal of the electronic apparatus from the support; means (7,1,5) comparing the potentiometer setting upon reenergization of the electronic apparatus with a set position previously stored in the memory means (5); and logic means (1) connected to the memory means (5), the code entering means (4), and the removal sensing means (6,7,6') said logic means inhibiting operation of the electronic apparatus (2) after removal from the support and failure to sense the "apparatus present" code, until the code word is again entered into said code entering means and stored in the memory means.

Claim 11

System according to claim 8, wherein the electronic apparatus comprises an automobile radio, and the support comprises a portion (C) of the chassis of the automobile, said automobile radio having an alphanumerical display (3) and control elements (4) coupled to the radio which, upon operation thereof, causes the display (3) to indicate a function selected by a control element.

Claim 12

System according to claim 9, wherein the display, upon operation of a control element, displays, sequentially, a set of alphanumerical indicia; said logic means sensing operation of a selected control element and, upon change in state of the control element when a specific alphanumerical indicium is displayed, entering a representative datum in the memory, said datum forming part of the code word.

Claim 13

System according to claim 8, wherein a display (3) is provided; and said memory (5) includes a storage field for encrypting a selected code word and, after entry of an incorrect code word, the display (3) displays the encrypted code word.

Claim 14

System according to claim 8, wherein the logic means includes a timing arrangement which inhibits operation of the apparatus for a predetermined time period after entry of an incorrect code word.

Claim 15

System according to claim 12, wherein, upon sequential entry of incorrect code words, the inhibiting time for the apparatus increases.

Claim 16

Security system for electronic apparatus, particularly car radios, audio systems, or the like, installed on a support (C) therefor, and energized by an external power source (8) associated with the support, comprising memory means (5) for storing a predetermined code word; the memory means (5); means coupled to and energized by the external power source for generating an "apparatus present" code upon energization thereof by said external power source (8); means (16,1) for entering the "apparatus present" code in the memory means (5); removal sensing means (6,7,6') for electrically sensing removal of the electronic apparatus from the support (C) and deenergization of said "apparatus present" code generating means, and logic means (1) connected to the memory means (5), the code entering means (4), and the removal sensing means (6,7,6') said logic means inhibiting operation of the electronic apparatus (2) after removal from the support and failure to sense the "apparatus present" code, until the code word is again entered into said code entering means and stored in the memory means, wherein the logic means includes a timing arrangement which inhibits operation of the apparatus for a predetermined time period after entry of an incorrect code word.

Claim 17

Security system for electronic apparatus, particularly car radios, audio systems, or the like, installed on a support (C) therefor, and energized by an external power source (8) associated with the support, comprising memory means (5) for storing a predetermined code word; the memory means (5); means coupled to and energized by the external power source for generating an "apparatus present" code upon energization thereof by said external power source (8); means (16,1) for entering the "apparatus present" code in the memory means (5); removal sensing means (6,7,6') for electrically sensing removal of the electronic apparatus from the support (C) and deenergization of said "apparatus present" code generating means, and logic means (1) connected to the memory means (5), the code entering means (4), and the removal sensing means (6,7,6') said logic means inhibiting operation of the electronic apparatus (2) after removal from the support and failure to sense the "apparatus present" code, until the code word is again entered into said code entering means and stored in the memory means, wherein the logic means includes a timing arrangement which inhibits operation of the apparatus for a predetermined time period after entry of an incorrect code word.

Claim 18

System according to claim 14, wherein, upon sequential entry of incorrect code words, the inhibting time for the apparatus increases.

Claim 19

Security system for electronic apparatus consisting of car audio equipment, particularly car radios, radio--cassette recorder combinations, citizen band radios, and the like, said electronic apparatus being intalled in an automotive vehicle having a battery forming a power source, said vehicle further providing a support (C) for said apparatus, said security system comprising memory means (5) for storing a predetermined code word; code entry means (4,9) for entering the code word into the memory means (5); means coupled to and energized by the external power source for generating an "apparatus present" code upon energization thereof by said external power source (8); means (16,1) for entering the "apparatus present" code in the memory means (5); removal sensing means (6,7,6') for electrically sensing removal of the electronic apparatus from the support (C) and deenergization of said "apparatus present" code generating means; and logic means (1) connected to the memory means (5), the code entering means (4), and the removal sensing means (6,7,6'), said logic means inhibiting operation of the electronic apparatus (2) after removal from the support and failure to sense the "apparatus present" code, until the code word is again entered into said code entering means and stored in the memory means; wherein the logic means includes a timing arrangement which inhibits operation of the apparatus for a predetermined time period after entry of an incorrect code word.

Claim 20

Security system for electronic apparatus consisting of car audio equipment, particularly car radios, radio--cassette recorder combinations, citizen band radios, and the like, said electronic apparatus being intalled in an automotive vehicle having a battery forming a power source, said vehicle further providing a support (C) for said apparatus, said security system comprising memory means (5) for storing a predetermined code word; code entry means (4,9) for entering the code word into the memory means (5); means coupled to and energized by the external power source for generating an "apparatus present" code upon energization thereof by said external power source (8); means (16,1) for entering the "apparatus present" code in the memory means (5); removal sensing means (6,7,6') for electrically sensing removal of the electronic apparatus from the support (C) and deenergization of said "apparatus present" code generating means; and logic means (1) connected to the memory means (5), the code entering means (4), and the removal sensing means (6,7,6'), said logic means inhibiting operation of the electronic apparatus (2) after removal from the support and failure to sense the "apparatus present" code, until the code word is again entered into said code entering means and stored in the memory means; wherein the logic means includes a timing arrangement which inhibits operation of the apparatus for a predetermined time period after entry of an incorrect code word.

Claim 21

System according to claim 16, wherein, upon sequential entry of incorrect code words, the inhibiting time for the apparatus increases.

Claim 22

Security system for electronic apparatus consisting of car audio equipment, particularly car radios, radio--cassette recorder combinations, citizen band radios, and the like, said electronic apparatus being installed in an automotive vehicle having a battery forming a power source, said vehicle further providing a support (C) for said apparatus, said security system comprising memory means (5) for storing a predetermined code word; code entry means (4,9) for entering the code word into the memory means (5); means coupled to and energized by the external power source for generating an "apparatus present" code upon energization thereof by said external power source (8); means (16,1) for entering the "apparatus present" code in the memory means (5); said removal sensing means including a random access memory (RAM) (6') receiving operating voltage from said source (8) which, upon removal of the apparatus from the support, is interrupted. and logic means (1) connected to the memory means (5), the code entering means (4), and the removal sensing means (6,7,6'), said logic inhibting operation of the electronic apparatus (2) after removal from the support and failure to sense the "apparatus present" code, until the code word is again entered into said code entering means and stored in the memory means.

Claim 23

Security system for electronic apparatus consisting of car audio equipment, particularly car radios, radio--cassette recorder combinations, citizen band radios, and the like, said electronic apparatus being installed in an automotive vehicle having a battery forming a power source, said vehicle further providing a support (C) for said apparatus, said security system comprising memory means (5) for storing a predetermined code word; code entry means (4,9) for entering the code word into the memory means (5); means coupled to and energized by the external power source for generating an "apparatus present" code upon energization thereof by said external power source (8); means (16,1) for entering the "apparatus present" code in the memory means (5); said removal sensing means including a random access memory (RAM) (6') receiving operating voltage from said source (8) which, upon removal of the apparatus from the support, is interrupted. and logic means (1) connected to the memory means (5), the code entering means (4), and the removal sensing means (6,7,6'), said logic inhibting operation of the electronic apparatus (2) after removal from the support and failure to sense the "apparatus present" code, until the code word is again entered into said code entering means and stored in the memory means.

Claim 24

System according to claim 18, wherein the car radio comprises an alphanumerical display (3) and control elements or buttons (4) to control the radio, said display displaying, in alphanumerical form, a representation of the selected function; and wherein the code entering means (4) comprises the control elements or buttons (4).

Claim 25

System according to claim 19, wherein the control elements are station selector control elements of the car radio.

Claim 26

System according to claim 20, wherein said memory (5) includes a storage field for encrypting a selected code word and, after entry of an incorrect code word, the display (3) displays the encrypted code word.

Claim 27

System according to claim 19, wherein the display, upon operation of a control element, displays, sequentially, a set of alphanumerical indicia; said logic means sensing operation of a selected control element and, upon change in state of the control element when a specific alphanumerical indicium is displayed, entering a representative datum in the memory, said datum forming part of the code word.

Claim 28

System according to claim 18, wherein the logic means includes a timing arrangement which inhibits operation of the apparatus for a predetermined time period after entry of an incorrect code word.