US3742453A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic hotel security system using coded magnetic card
Assignee: TDK Micronas GmbH
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Filing: 1971-12-16
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Granted: 1973-06-26
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Expires: 1991-12-16
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing an automatic registration and security system for use primarily in hotels. A person seeking accommodations possesses a magnetic card which he inserts into a card reader. A magnetic recorder reads fixed information, i.e., name, address, card number, and transmits this information to a computer. The computer generates a coded number which is temporarily assigned to a particular room number, and a magnetic recorder associated with the card reader records this coded number on a second magnetic area on the card. The room number is also displayed to the holder of the card. The card holder then proceeds to the room which he has been assigned and again inserts his card into a second card reader located at the room. The variable coded room number and a fixed room identification code are transmitted via the local telephone line to the computer where they are compared with the previously stored information. If an affirmative comparison is made, a signal is transmitted over the telephone lines which unlocks the appropriate hotel room door.
Inventors
- 👤 M Poylo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:41
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/0042; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/20; G07C9/27
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
An automatic security system for use in a hotel having a plurality of rooms each containing a telephone comprising: a telephone exchange coupled to each telephone line; a magnetic card having a plurality of magnetically distinct information areas, a first area for containing fixed information and a second area for containing variable information; a first means for reading said plurality of magnetic retaining areas on said card: computer means coupled to said first means for reading and coupled to said telephone exchange for storing and processing said fixed and variable information; recording means coupled to said computer for receiving variable information from said computer and magnetically recording said variable information on said second area, said variable information representing a coded room number; a second means for reading said card, accessible from the exterior of a room in said hotel and coupled to said computer via the telephone line in said room, for transmitting a room identification signal and said variable information, to said computer, said computer comparing said variable information with said stored information and providing a signal if an affirmative comparison is made; and operative means associated with said room and responsive to said affirmative signal for unlocking the door of said room.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
204 words
An automatic security system for use in a hotel having a plurality of rooms each containing a telephone comprising: a telephone exchange coupled to each telephone line; a magnetic card having a plurality of magnetically distinct information areas, a first area for containing fixed information and a second area for containing variable information; a first means for reading said plurality of magnetic retaining areas on said card: computer means coupled to said first means for reading and coupled to said telephone exchange for storing and processing said fixed and variable information; recording means coupled to said computer for receiving variable information from said computer and magnetically recording said variable information on said second area, said variable information representing a coded room number; a second means for reading said card, accessible from the exterior of a room in said hotel and coupled to said computer via the telephone line in said room, for transmitting a room identification signal and said variable information, to said computer, said computer comparing said variable information with said stored information and providing a signal if an affirmative comparison is made; and operative means associated with said room and responsive to said affirmative signal for unlocking the door of said room.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
An automatic security system according to claim 1, further comprising a visual display unit coupled to said computer for displaying the identity of the room associated with said variable information.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An automatic security system according to claim 2, further comprising centrally located printing means for printing the identity of the room associated with said variable information.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
176 words
An automatic security method for use in an hotel having a plurality of rooms each containing a telephone connected to a telephone exchange, said method employing a magnetic card having a plurality of magnetically distinct information retaining areas containing fixed information on at least one magnetic area and variable information on at least one magnetic area comprising the steps of: reading, at a central location, said magnetic information; transmitting said magnetic information to a computer for storing and processing; receiving, from said computer, said variable information representing a coded room number; recording said variable information on said magnetic card; reading said variable information in a magnetic card reader accessible from the exterior of a room in said hotel, said room corresponding to said coded room number; transmitting said read information and a line identification signal to said computer via said telephone line said telephone exchange; comparing said variable information with said stored information generating a signal if an affirmative comparison is made; and applying said affirmative signal to the lock on the door of said room.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
176 words
An automatic security method for use in an hotel having a plurality of rooms each containing a telephone connected to a telephone exchange, said method employing a magnetic card having a plurality of magnetically distinct information retaining areas containing fixed information on at least one magnetic area and variable information on at least one magnetic area comprising the steps of: reading, at a central location, said magnetic information; transmitting said magnetic information to a computer for storing and processing; receiving, from said computer, said variable information representing a coded room number; recording said variable information on said magnetic card; reading said variable information in a magnetic card reader accessible from the exterior of a room in said hotel, said room corresponding to said coded room number; transmitting said read information and a line identification signal to said computer via said telephone line said telephone exchange; comparing said variable information with said stored information generating a signal if an affirmative comparison is made; and applying said affirmative signal to the lock on the door of said room.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
An automatic security method according to claim 4 further comprising the steps of: visually displaying the identity of said room associated with said variable information; and printing the identity of said room associated with said variable information.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
An automatic security method according to claim 4 further comprising the step of: changing said coded room number in said computer when said card is no longer associated with said room.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-25 | 1976-12-25 | 1977-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-25 | 1980-12-25 | 1981-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-25 | 1984-12-25 | 1985-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |