Method and apparatus for controlling a machine
US5051564A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 1989 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00322
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A machine control and accounting arrangement for controlling operation of a machine includes a secure housing, an electronic control system within the housing, and first and second interfaces coupled to the control system to permit communication between the control system and devices external of said housing. The first interface comprising an arrangement for applying a count signal to the control system. The second interface comprising an arrangement for applying encrypted control signals to the control system. The control system includes a first register for storing a current count corresponding to the count signal, a second register for storing an authorization count, an arrangement for applying an enable signal to the first interface when the count of the first register does not exceed the count of the second register, a decoding arrangement for decrypting control signals applied thereto to produce a decrypted signal, and an arrangement responsive to a valid decrypted signal for modifying the count in the second register.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.