Digital over-the-air keying system

摘要

A system for providing operational access to equipment or vehicles is disclosed wherein digital access codes are assigned and transported over-the-air governing a vehicle's or equipment's use. The access codes can be generated in connection with comparison of entered and stored biometric data and/or entered code from a keypad. Various security protocols can be used to ensure the secure dispatch and delivery of code information.

主权项

1. An apparatus for use in controlling equipment access, comprising:
a sensor configured to detect first identification data associated with a first user and second identification data associated with a second user; a transmitter configured to transmit said first identification data and said second identification data to a remote location; a receiver configured to receive a digital access code from the remote location, wherein said digital access code is received in connection with a determination that said first identification data warrants an extent of access to said equipment by the first user, said digital access code defining a first set of functions that are provided for use by the first user and a period of time after which the first user that is authorized access to said equipment is to reengage the sensor for re-verification of authorization during operation of the equipment; wherein the determination that the first identification data warrants an extent of access to the equipment by the first user is based on whether the second identification data warrants the extent of access to the equipment by the second user; wherein if the second identification data transmitted to the remote location warrants the extent of access to the equipment by the second user, said digital access code defining a second set of functions that are different from the first set of functions and that are provided for concurrent use with the first set of functions by both the first user and the second user while the second user is accompanying the first user during operation of the equipment; and wherein both the first user and the second user are prompted for re-verification of authorization during operation of the equipment to ensure that the second user is accompanying the first user and to maintain availability of the second set of functions to both the first user and the second user.