Method and apparatus for programming a spare key into a security system

Abstract

A method for programming a lock to accept a key. The device will erase all the codes currently stored in the memory and program a new key value. The process requires several steps of turning the key to one of two positions when an LED is illuminated to indicate that the key must be rotated. After successful responses, all the codes currently stored are cleared and the security code of the new key is stored.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for reprogramming a security system having light means for providing feedback to a system operator, a lock having at least a first position and a second position, a timer and a memory at accept a key having an electronic security code, comprising the steps of: inserting a key in said lock in a first position whose electronic security code has not been previously stored in said memory;   moving said key in said lock to a second position for a first time period;   .[.illuminating.]. .Iadd.changing an illumination from .Iaddend.said light means .[.after.]. .Iadd.to signal the end of .Iaddend.said first time period;   moving said key in said lock back to said first position within a second time period from .[.illumination of.]. .Iadd.said changing of said illumination from .Iaddend.said light means; .Iadd.and .Iaddend.   .[.clearing said memory of all previously stored security codes;.].   storing the electronic security code of said inserted key in said memory.[.; and   storing a second electronic security code in said memory in response to receiving said first electronic security code.]..   
     
     
       2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second time periods are random. 
     
     
       3. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising the steps before the step of clearing said memory, of: .[.illuminating.]. .Iadd.changing an illumination from .Iaddend.said light means after a third time period beginning when said key is moved back to said first position;   moving said key .[.to.]. .Iadd.in .Iaddend.said lock to said second position within a fourth time period from .Iadd.said changing .Iaddend.illumination of said light means;   .[.illuminating.]. .Iadd.changing an illumination from .Iaddend.said light means after said key is in said second position for a fifth time period; and   moving said key .[.to.]. .Iadd.in .Iaddend.said lock back to said first position within a sixth time period from .Iadd.said changing .Iaddend.illumination of said light means.   
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3 wherein each of said time periods is randomly determined and wherein the sum of said time period is equal to at least about 45 minutes.