Mechanical code comparator

• Main Authors: Peter, Frank J, Dalton, Larry J, Plummer, David W
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 26.11.2002

In historical times, the primary means of controlling access to valuables or information was physical isolation. Such isolation was a side-effect of the need for the rich and powerful to protect themselves against opposing forces in society, and was typically enforced by some combination of locked vaults, secret rooms, inaccessible buildings, and personal guards. This is similar in concept to Fort Knox-dig a large hole, put a huge vault in it, and assign an army to prevent access. In such situations, it is extremely difficult for anyone not otherwise approved for access to threaten the protected assets. A new class of mechanical code comparators is described which have broad potential for application in safety, surety, and security applications. These devices can be implemented as micro-scale electromechanical systems that isolate a secure or otherwise controlled device until an access code is entered. This access code is converted into a series of mechanical inputs to the mechanical code comparator, which compares the access code to a pre-input combination, entered previously into the mechanical code comparator by an operator at the system security control point. These devices provide extremely high levels of robust security. Being totally mechanical in operation, an access control system properly based on such devices cannot be circumvented by software attack alone.