Method for Controlling and Recording the Security of an Enclosure

Abstract

A method for controlling and recording the security of an enclosure is disclosed. A mobile electronic control device, such as an electronic key, is used to access or otherwise control the operations of a field device, such as an appliance, power tool, shipping container, and the like. In a control event in which the mobile control device interacts with the field device via wired or wireless communications, the control device obtains the current location and the field device ID. The communications between the mobile control device and the field device may be secured with encryption. The location information is used by the mobile control device to determine whether the field device should be accessed or enabled. Alternatively, the location information may be stored separately in a location sensing device, and the control event data recorded by the key and the location information recorded by the location sensing device are later combined when they are downloaded into a management system for auditing. Moreover, an electronic access control device is disclosed comprising two microprocessors.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A method for controlling and recording the security of an enclosure comprising the steps of:
 storing a first record in the memory, the first record comprising an inventory value of an item or items associated with the enclosure;   storing a second record in the memory, the second record comprising an identification value of an item being protected in the enclosure, wherein the identification value of the item is detected while the enclosure is in a closed and locked position by a detector limited in distance and direction by substantially less than the storage area of the enclosure;   storing a third record in the memory, after the storing of the second record, the third record comprising an identification code associated with one of either an authorized or an unauthorized enclosure access event as detected by a detector configured to detect the authorized or unauthorized accessing of the enclosure;   storing a fourth record in the memory, the fourth record comprising an identification value of an item or items being dispensed or removed from the enclosure;   communicating a signal from a communication device in a first location near the item being secured to a device in a second location remote to the item being secured to initiate a transfer of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth records;   sending a communication between a plurality of communication devices, the communication comprising unique identification numbers to transfer the at least one record and a value corresponding to one of either a time or date;   operating a plurality of computer tasks including a software program for record and data management;   selecting a database via a database path identification register; and   communicating at least one of either the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record with the database.   
     
     
         31 . A method for controlling and recording the security of an enclosure comprising the steps of:
 storing a first record in the memory, the first record comprising an inventory value of an item or items associated with the enclosure;   storing a second record in the memory, the second record comprising an identification value of an item being protected in the enclosure, wherein the identification value of the item is detected while the enclosure is in a closed and locked position by a detector limited in distance and direction by substantially less than the storage area of the enclosure;   storing a third record in the memory, after the storing of the second record, the third record comprising an identification code associated with one of either an authorized or an unauthorized enclosure access event as detected by a detector configured to detect the authorized or unauthorized accessing of the enclosure;   storing a fourth record in the memory, the fourth record comprising an identification value of an item or items being dispensed or removed from the enclosure;   defining a schedule for initiating communication between a plurality of communication devices;   sending a communication per the schedule of at least one record between the plurality of communication devices, the communication comprising unique identification numbers to transfer the at least one record and a value corresponding to one of either a time or date;   operating a plurality of computer tasks including a software program for record and data management;   selecting a database via a database path identification register; and   communicating at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record with the database.   
     
     
         32 . A method for controlling and recording the security of an enclosure comprising the steps of:
 storing a first record in the memory, the first record comprising an inventory value of an item or items associated with the enclosure;   storing a second record in the memory, the second record comprising an identification value of an item being protected in the enclosure, wherein the identification value of the item is detected while the enclosure is in a closed and locked position by a detector limited in distance and direction by substantially less than the storage area of the enclosure;   storing a third record in the memory, after the storing of the second record, the third record comprising an identification code associated with one of either an authorized or an unauthorized enclosure access event as detected by a detector configured to detect the authorized or unauthorized accessing of the enclosure;   storing a fourth record in a memory, the fourth record comprising an identification value of an item or items being dispensed or removed from the enclosure;   sending a communication between a plurality of communication devices, the communication comprising unique identification numbers to transfer at least one record and a value corresponding to one of either a time or date;   operating a plurality of computer tasks based on priority, the tasks being selected from a group of tasks consisting of record and data storage, record access, record sorting, record communication/transfer, and the like;   selecting a database via a database path identification register; and   communicating at least one of either the first record, the second record, the third record, or the fourth record with the database.   
     
     
         33 . A method for controlling and recording the security of an enclosure comprising the steps of:
 storing a first record in the memory, the first record comprising an inventory value of an item or items associated with the enclosure;   storing a second record in the memory, the second record comprising an identification value of an item being protected in the enclosure, wherein the identification value of the item is detected while the enclosure is in a closed and locked position by a detector limited in distance and direction by substantially less than the storage area of the enclosure;   storing a third record in the memory, after the storing of the second record, the third record comprising an identification code associated with one of either an authorized or an unauthorized enclosure access event as detected by a detector configured to detect the authorized or unauthorized accessing of the enclosure;   storing a fourth record in the memory, the fourth record comprising an identification value of an item or items being dispensed or removed from the enclosure;   storing a fifth record in the memory, the sixth record comprising an identification of a customer or owner name or location associated with the closure;   sending a communication between a plurality of communication devices, the communication comprising unique identification numbers to transfer at least one record and a value corresponding to one of either a time or date;   operating a plurality of computer tasks including a software program for record and data management;   selecting a database via a database path identification register; and   communicating at least one of either the first record, the second record, the third record, or the fourth record and the fifth record with the database.   
     
     
         34 . A method for controlling and recording the security of an enclosure comprising the steps of
 storing a first record in the memory, the first record comprising an inventory value of an item or items associated with the enclosure;   storing a second record in the memory, the second record comprising an identification value of an item being protected in the enclosure, wherein the identification value of the item is detected while the enclosure is in a closed and locked position by a detector limited in distance and direction by substantially less than the storage area of the enclosure;   storing a third record in the memory, after the storing of the second record, the third record comprising an identification code associated with one of either an authorized or an unauthorized enclosure access event as detected by a detector configured to detect the authorized or unauthorized accessing of the enclosure;   storing a fourth record in the memory, the fourth record comprising an identification value of an item or items being dispensed or removed from the enclosure;   sending a communication between a plurality of communication devices, the communication comprising unique identification numbers to transfer at least one record and a value corresponding to one of either a time or date;   operating a plurality of computer tasks including a software program for record and data management;   defining an identification code of at least one of the plurality of communication devices wherein the transfer of at least one record is received via the at least one of the plurality of communication devices and is communicated with a database;   determining the at least one record communicated with the database;   selecting the database for communication via a database path identification register; and   communicating at least one of either the first record, the second record, the third record, or the fourth record with the database.   
     
     
         35 . A method for controlling and recording the security of an enclosure comprising the steps of:
 storing a first record in the memory, the first record comprising an inventory value of an item or items associated with the enclosure;   storing a second record in the memory, the second record comprising an identification value of an item being protected in the enclosure, wherein the identification value of the item is detected while the enclosure is in a closed and locked position by a detector limited in distance and direction by substantially less than the storage area of the enclosure;   storing a third record in the memory, after the storing of the second record, the third record comprising an identification code associated with one of either an authorized or an unauthorized enclosure access event as detected by a detector configured to detect the authorized or unauthorized accessing of the enclosure;   storing a fourth record in the memory, the fourth record comprising an identification value of an item or items being dispensed or removed from the enclosure;   communicating a signal from a communication device in a first location remote to the item being secured to a device in a second location near to the item being secured to initiate a transfer of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth records;   sending a communication between a plurality of communication devices, the communication comprising unique identification numbers to transfer the at least one record and a value corresponding to one of either a time or date;   operating a plurality of computer tasks including a software program for record and data management;   selecting a database via a database path identification register; and   communicating at least one of either the first record, the second record, the third record, or the fourth record with the database.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing the storage of the database path identification into a database pointer, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing the storage of the database path identification into a database pointer, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing the storage of the database path identification into a database pointer, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing the storage of the database path identification into a database pointer, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing the storage of the database path identification into a database pointer, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein one of either the first record or the second record is limited to data storage into the database selected. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein one of either the first record or the second record is limited to data storage into the database selected. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein one of either the first record or the second record is limited to data storage into the database selected. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein one of either the first record or the second record is limited to data storage into the database selected. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein one of either the first record or the second record is limited to data storage into the database selected. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing storage of the closure name into the database, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing storage of the closure name into the database, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing storage of the closure name into the database, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing storage of the closure name into the database, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising the steps of comparing an authorization code or password to a stored code, and allowing storage of the closure name into the database, wherein the step of comparing is prior to the step of allowing. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the steps of storing a sixth record in the memory, after storing the second record, the sixth record comprising a value or condition associated with one of either the enclosure or the item or items, detected by a detector configured for detecting one or more conditions involving one of either the closure or the item, and communicating the sixth record. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising the steps of storing a sixth record in the memory, after storing the second record, the sixth record comprising a value or condition associated with one of either the enclosure or the item or items, detected by a detector configured for detecting one or more conditions involving one of either the closure or the item, and communicating the sixth record. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising the steps of storing a sixth record in the memory, after storing the second record, the sixth record comprising a value or condition associated with one of either the enclosure or the item or items, detected by a detector configured for detecting one or more conditions involving one of either the closure or the item, and communicating the sixth record. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising the steps of storing a sixth record in the memory, after storing the second record, the sixth record comprising a value or condition associated with one of either the enclosure or the item or items, detected by a detector configured for detecting one or more conditions involving one of either the closure or the item, and communicating the sixth record. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the steps of identifying a record stored in the database associated with an unauthorized access event, and transmitting one of either an email or a text message containing the identification parameter of a lock or closure or an item that was subject to the unauthorized access event. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising the steps of identifying a record stored in the database associated with an unauthorized access event, and transmitting one of either an email or a text message containing the identification parameter of a lock or closure or an item that was subject to the unauthorized access event. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising the steps of identifying a record stored in the database associated with an unauthorized access event, and transmitting one of either an email or a text message containing the identification parameter of a lock or closure or an item that was subject to the unauthorized access event. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 33 , further comprising the steps of identifying a record stored in the database associated with an unauthorized access event, and transmitting one of either an email or a text message containing the identification parameter of a lock or closure or an item that was subject to the unauthorized access event. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 34 , further comprising the steps of identifying a record stored in the database associated with an unauthorized access event, and transmitting one of either an email or a text message containing the identification parameter of a lock or closure or an item that was subject to the unauthorized access event. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the step of operating a data record storage task and the network communication task based on priority. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the step of operating an unauthorized access event record identification/sorting task and the network communication task based on priority. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the step of operating the data record viewing/management task and the network communication task based on priority. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least two non-identical encrypted messages, the non-identical encrypted messages comprising at least one unique identification number associated with communicating. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least two non-identical encrypted messages, the non-identical encrypted messages comprising the plurality of unique identification numbers associated with communicating. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least two non-identical encrypted messages, the non-identical encrypted messages comprising the unique identification number associated with the enclosure. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least two non-identical encrypted messages, the non-identical encrypted messages comprising a time or date value. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least two non-identical encrypted messages, the non-identical encrypted messages comprising at least one unique identification number associated with communicating and a time or date value. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least two non-identical encrypted messages, at least one of the non-identical encrypted messages being encrypted via a code stored in a memory of the first communication device at a first location. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least two non-identical encrypted messages, at least one of the non-identical encrypted messages being decrypted via a code stored in a memory of the second communication device at a second location. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least two non-identical encrypted messages and an encryption code stored in a memory of the first communication device and the second communication device. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least two non-identical encrypted messages, a first encrypted message being transferred from the first communication device to the second communication device and comprising at least one of the unique identification numbers associated with communicating, and a second encrypted message being transferred from the second communication device to the first communication device and comprising at least one of the unique identification numbers associated with communicating. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least three non-identical encrypted messages, at least one of the non-identical encrypted messages comprising at least one unique identification number associated with communicating. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least three non-identical encrypted messages, at least one non-identical encrypted messages comprising at least one value corresponding to a time or date. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least three non-identical encrypted messages, a first encrypted message being transferred from the first communication device to the second communication device and comprising at least one of the unique identification numbers associated with communicating, and a second encrypted message being transferred from the second communication device to the first communication device and comprising at least one of the unique identification numbers associated with communicating, and a third encrypted message being transferred from the first communication device to the second communication device and comprising at least one of the unique identification numbers associated with communicating. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the communication of at least one of the first record, the second record, the third record or the fourth record comprises at least three non-identical encrypted messages, at least one non-identical encrypted messages being encrypted by an encryption code. 
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 30 , further comprising the step of storing a fifth record in the memory, the fifth record comprising an identification code associated with a door closure event of the enclosure as detected by a detector configured to detect accessing of an enclosure.