Abstract:
A smart fob for interfacing with a smart module includes: a low frequency receiver for receiving a first password and a smart module ID number in a low frequency signal; a memory for storing a registration number with which the smart fob is registered to the smart module; a smart module ID detector connected to the low frequency receiver for waking-up the smart fob if the smart module ID number in the low frequency signal matches the smart module ID number in the memory; a processor for providing a second password derived from the first password and the registration number of the smart fob; and a high frequency transmitter for transmitting the second password in a high frequency signal.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    Embodiments of the invention relate to switching of an electrical device, and more particularly, to switching an electrical device in the proximity of a fob. Although the embodiments of the invention are suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for activating an electric lock or for turning-on electrical power only when a specific fob is in proximity and de-activating the electric lock or turning-off electrical power when the specific fob is not in proximity. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0004]    In general, a proximity switching system has a receiving device and a fob that can transmit a wireless signal. A fob has to be sufficiently close to the receiving device such that a wireless signal transmitted from the fob can be received by the receiving device. The range within which the receiving device can receive wireless signals of the fob is the proximity. Accordingly, an increase in the signal strength of the fob or an increase in reception capability of the receiving device will increase proximity. On the other hand, a decrease in the signal strength of the fob or a decrease in reception capability of the receiving device will decrease proximity. 
         [0005]    The two types of wireless fobs are an active fob and a reactive fob. An active fob transmits an activation code as result of a user pushing a button on the active fob. If the active fob is in proximity while the button is pushed, then the receiving device receives the activation code from the active fob and actuates and electrical device. A reactive fob transmits an activation code in response to a predetermined wireless wake-up ping from a receiving device. Typically, the reactive fob is inherently in proximity when receiving a wireless wake-up ping from a receiving device because the strength of the wireless wake-up ping is less than the signal transmission strength of the reactive fob. Upon receiving the wireless wake-up ping from the receiving device, the reactive fob transmits an activation code and then the receiving device receives the activation code from the reactive fob and actuates an electrical device. 
         [0006]    In the cases of both the active fob and the reactive fob, the transmitted activation code is a set code transmitted from the fobs. The transmitted activation code can be captured or recorded during the wireless signal transmissions from the fobs. Thus, the transmitted activation code can be stolen and subsequently used inappropriately with the receiving device to actuate an electrical device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to proximity-interrogative fob that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
         [0008]    An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a proximity-interrogative fob that is reactive to a specified receiving device. 
         [0009]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide of a proximity-interrogative fob that provides a desired coded signal to the receiving device based upon a coded signal from the receiving device. 
         [0010]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide of a proximity-interrogative fob that receives a low frequency signal from the receiving device and transmits a high frequency signal to the receiving device. 
         [0011]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide of a proximity-interrogative fob that is registered to the receiving device and transmits a high frequency coded signal to the receiving device based on the registration number of the fob and a low frequency coded signal from the receiving device. 
         [0012]    Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the embodiments of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0013]    To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of embodiments of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, a smart fob for interfacing with a smart module includes: a low frequency receiver for receiving a first password and a smart module ID number in a low frequency signal; a memory for storing a registration number with which the smart fob is registered to the smart module; a smart module ID detector connected to the low frequency receiver for waking-up the smart fob if the smart module ID number in the low frequency signal matches the smart module ID number in the memory; a processor for providing a second password derived from the first password and the registration number of the smart fob; and a high frequency transmitter for transmitting the second password in a high frequency signal. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, a smart module for actuating an electrical device in response to a smart fob includes: a low frequency transmitter for transmitting a first password and a smart module ID number in a low frequency signal; an auto-polling timer controlling the length of time between transmissions of the first password and the smart module ID number; a high frequency receiver for receiving a high frequency signal including a second password; a memory for storing a registration number with which the smart fob is registered to the smart module and for storing an ID number for the smart module; a processor for decrypting the second password and determining if the second password is from the smart fob registered to the smart module; a reset timer for running a predetermined period when the processor determines the second password is from the smart fob registered to the smart module; and a directed actuator for electrical actuation of the electrical device while the reset timer runs. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, a system for actuating an electrical device includes: a low frequency transmitter in a smart module for transmitting a first password and a smart module ID number in a low frequency signal; a low frequency receiver in a smart fob for receiving the first password and the smart module ID number in the low frequency signal; a first processor in the smart fob for providing a second password derived from the first password and a registration number with which the smart fob is registered to the smart module; a high frequency receiver in the smart module for receiving a high frequency signal including the second password; a second processor in the smart module for decrypting the second password and determining if the second password is from the smart fob registered to the smart module; a reset timer for running a predetermined period when the second processor determines a second password is from the smart fob registered to the smart module; and a directed actuator for electrical actuation of the electrical device while the reset timer runs. 
         [0016]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of embodiments of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a door lock in a wall adjacent the door and a fob according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is an auto-power strip and a fob according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a door lock in a door with a key pad and a fob according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a door lock in a door with a finger pad and a fob according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a smart module in a device interacting with smart fob to activate a relay in a device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a smart module in a device that either enables an input pad or activates a relay according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a smart fob according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a door lock in a wall adjacent the door and a smart fob according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a door  1  in wall  2  is secured by a locking system  3  having a locking device  4  and a smart fob  5 . The locking device  4  includes a smart module  6  connected to a relay  7  that can activate a spring loaded solenoid  8  to retract the bolt  9  from the door  1 . The smart module  6  is also connected to a door sensor  10 . When the smart fob  5  is in proximity to the smart module  6 , the smart module  6  activates the relay  7  such that the spring-loaded solenoid  8  retracts the bolt  9 . The door  1  can be opened while the bolt  9  is retracted. When the smart fob  5  is no longer in proximity to the smart module  6  and the door sensor  10  senses the door  1  is closed, the smart module  6  deactivates the relay  7  such that the spring-loaded solenoid  8  lets the bolt  9  spring back into the door  1 . A mechanical lock  11  turned with a key can be used to rectract the bolt  9  in the spring-loaded solenoid  8  to override the locking system  3  or for use in the event of a power failure. Although a door is shown in FIG.  1 , the locking device  4  can also be used on a safe, drawer, gate or other closure mechanisms at which restricted access is desired. 
         [0027]    Proximity for the smart fob  5  to the smart module  6  of the locking device  4  is dependent upon three aspects. First, the smart fob  5  must be able to receive a low frequency wireless signal containing a first password from the smart module  6 . Second, the smart fob  5  must be registered to the smart module  6 . Third, the smart module must be able to receive a high frequency wireless signal containing a second password from the smart fob  5 . Thus, proximity for the smart fob  5  to the smart module  6  is controlled by how far the smart module  6  can transmit a low frequency wireless signal containing the first password, whether the smart fob  5  is registered to the smart module  6 , and how far the smart fob  5  can transmit a high frequency wireless signal containing the second password. The smart module  6  should transmit a low frequency wireless signal containing the first password at a power level such that distance within which the smart fob  5  receives the low frequency wireless signal containing is within the range of the smart fob  5  to transmit the high frequency wireless signal containing the second password to the smart module  6 . 
         [0028]    If the smart fob  5  receives the low frequency wireless signal containing the first password out of the range of the smart fob  5  to transmit the transmit the high frequency wireless signal containing the second password, then the smart fob will waste power transmitting an unreceivable high frequency wireless signal. Embodiments of the invention include a smart fob that is battery powered and a smart fob that is powered by an external power source. In the case of a battery powered smart fob, the distance of proximity should be within the transmission range of the smart fob  5  to the smart module  6  for efficient battery usage. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is an auto-power strip and a fob according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , an auto-power strip  20  has receptacles  22  connected to a neutral wire  23  and a hot wire  24  that can receive power from the cord  25 . The auto-power strip  20  also includes a smart module  26  connected to a relay  27  in the hot wire  24 . When the smart fob  28  is in proximity to the smart module  26 , the smart module  26  activates the relay  27  such that power can be delivered to the hot wire  24 . Thus, the auto-power strip  20  is turned-on as long as the smart fob  28  is in proximity. When the smart fob  28  is no longer in proximity to the smart module  26 , the relay  27  is deactivated. Although a power strip is shown in  FIG. 1 , auto-powering can occur for a lamp, a TV, a radio, a room, a whole house or other electrical devices/circuits at which restricted access is desired. Further, a single smart fob can activate more than one smart module or different smart fobs can activate different smart modules. 
         [0030]    The smart fob  28  shown in  FIG. 2  has a USB pin-in  29  for powering the smart fob and/or charging the battery of the smart fob  28 . As discussed above, embodiments of the invention include a smart fob that is battery-powered and a smart fob that is powered by an external power source. Further, an external-powered smart fob can have an increased proximity as compared to a battery-powered smart fob since an externally-powered smart fob can have increased transmission range. For example, the distance of proximity for a battery-powered smart fob is up to  5  meters as compared to up to  15  meters for an externally-powered smart fob. 
         [0031]    Both the smart module  6  of the locking device  4  in  FIG. 1  and the smart module  26  of the auto-power strip  20  in  FIG. 2  can use an external power source. Embodiments of the invention include a smart module that is battery-powered and a smart module that is powered by an external power source. A battery-powered smart module should have a transmission range as set low as practical for an intended use to conserve battery usage, such as  2  meters for a door lock. Further, a photoelectric power source such as a solar panel can be added to assist a battery-powered smart module. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a door lock in a door with a key pad and a fob according to an embodiment of the invention. The locking system  33  of  FIG. 3  also includes that additional security feature of a key pad that requires the entry of an appropriated key code. This additional security feature prevents a stolen smart fob enabling entry. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a door  31  in wall  32  is secured by a locking system  33  having a locking device  34  and a smart fob  35 . The locking device  34  includes a smart module  36  connected to the key pad  37  that can enable a door handle  38  to open the door  31  when an appropriate key code is punched into the keypad  37 . When the smart fob  35  is in proximity to the smart module  36 , the smart module  36  activates the key pad  37  such that the key code can be entered and then the handle  38  can be turned to open the door  31 . When the smart fob  35  is no longer in proximity to the smart module  36 , the smart module  36  deactivates the keypad  37  such that the door handle  38  will not open the door  31 . A mechanical lock  39  turned with a key can be used to open the door  31  with the handle  38  to override the locking system  33  or for use in the event of a battery failure in the smart module  34 . Although a door is shown in  FIG. 3 , the locking device  34  can also be used on a safe, drawer, gate or other closure mechanisms at which restricted access is desired. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a door lock in a door with a finger pad and a fob according to an embodiment of the invention. The locking system  43  of  FIG. 4  also includes that an additional security feature of a finger print pad that requires the entry of an appropriated finger print. This additional security feature prevents a stolen smart fob enabling entry. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , a door  41  in wall  42  is secured by a locking system  43  having a locking device  44  and a smart fob  45 . The locking device  44  includes a smart module  46  connected to a finger print pad  47  that can enable a door handle  48  to open the door  41  when an appropriate finger print is placed onto the finger print pad  47 . When the smart fob  45  is in proximity to the smart module  46 , the smart module  46  activates the finger print pad  47  such that a finger can be placed on the finger print pad  47  and then the handle  48  can be turned to open the door  41 . When the smart fob  45  is no longer in proximity to the smart module  46 , the smart module  46  deactivates the finger print pad  47  such that the door handle  48  will not open the door  41 . A mechanical lock  49  turned with a key can be used to open the door  41  with the handle  48  to override the locking system  43  or for use in the event of a battery failure in the smart module  34 . A solar panel  50  can be used to charge a battery within the smart module  46 . Although a door is shown in  FIG. 4 , the locking device  44  can also be used on a safe, drawer, gate or other closure mechanisms at which restricted access is desired. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of a smart module in a device interacting with a smart fob to activate a relay in a device according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a system for actuating an electrical device  100  includes a smart module  101  associated with the electrical device  100  and a smart fob. The actuation process starts with the smart module  101  sending ( 110 ) a first password and a module ID#  114  by a low frequency LF wireless transmission, such as 125 KHz, to a smart fob  102 . The first password is randomly chosen and can be 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit. The module ID#  114  is a unique number for the smart module  101 , like a serial number for that smart module  101 . The module ID#  114  can be 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit. 
         [0037]    The sending step ( 110 ) of the first password and the module ID# can be initiated by an auto-polling timer  111  that is constantly on or, in the alternative, a trigger  112  turns-on the auto-polling timer for a period of time in response to a triggering event, such as motion sensed  113  from a motion sensor, and/or a manual triggering, such as a button being pressed  114 . The period of time that the auto-polling timer is triggered on can be the duration of the triggering event or a set time period (i.e. a timed triggering) in response to the trigger event. An auto-polling timer  111  that is constantly on controls the length of time Tp between the low frequency LF wireless transmissions. The auto-polling timer  111  that is triggered  112  also controls the length of time Tp between the low frequency LF wireless transmissions. Triggering of the auto-polling timer  111  for sending  110  the first password and the module ID# saves power compared to the auto-polling timer  111  that is constantly on. 
         [0038]    The smart fob  102  receives  115  the low frequency LF wireless transmission containing the first password and the module ID#, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Then, the smart fob  102  checks  116  to see if the module ID# is the module ID# of the smart module  101  to which the smart fob  102  is registered. The smart fob  102  has a memory containing one or module ID#&#39;s to which the smart fob  102  is registered. If the module ID# is to the smart module  101  to which the smart fob  102  is registered, then the smart fob  102  wakes-up  117 . If the module ID# is to the smart module  101  to which the smart fob  102  does not recognize, then the smart fob  102  ignores  118  the low frequency LF wireless transmission containing the first password and the module ID#. 
         [0039]    Prior to the smart fob wake-up  117 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , the smart fob  102  is minimally powered such that only the receiving  115  and checking capability  116  of the smart fob  102  is powered up. Such a minimal power configuration conserves the battery of the smart fob  102  while maintaining the receiving  115  and checking capability  116 . The smart fob  102  is only woke-up to be responsive to a smart module  101  to which the smart fob  102  is registered. The smart fob  102  ignores  118  a transmission from a smart module  101  having the module ID# not in the memory of the smart fob  102 . 
         [0040]    After the smart fob  102  is woke-up  117 , a second password is generated  119  based on the first password received and the fob registration number  120 . In effect, the fob registration number  120  is like a private key used to encrypt the first password into a second password. In the smart module  101 , the second password is decrypted using the first password to see if the registration number  120  results. Alternatively, private key like encryption methods can be used. For example, the second password is decrypted with the fob registration number, which is associated with a fob ID#, to see if the first password results. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the second password and the fob ID#  122  are sent  121  to the smart module  101  by a high frequency HF wireless transmission, such as 315 MHz. The fob ID#  122  is a unique number for the smart fob  102 , like a serial number for that smart fob  102 . The fob ID#  122  can be 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit. 
         [0042]    The sending  121  and generating  119  processes take the most power in the smart fob  102 . By checking  116  to see if the module ID# is for a smart module  101  to which the smart fob  102  is registered, battery power is conserved. The smart fob  102  can be awake and send a second password upon receipt of the first transmission of first password or, alternatively, awake on first password transmission and then send a second password upon receipt of the second transmission of first password. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the smart module  101  receives  122  the high frequency HF wireless transmission containing the second password and the fob ID#. The smart module  101  has a memory containing fob ID#&#39;s registered to the smart module as well as the fob registration numbers associated with the fob ID#&#39;s. After receiving the second password and the fob ID#  122 , the second password is then checked  123  to see if the first password was properly encrypted based on the fob registration number of the smart fob having that particular fob ID#. If the second password is not properly encrypted based on the fob registration number for the fob ID#, then the smart module  101  ignores the high frequency HF wireless transmission containing the second password and the fob ID#  124 . If the second password is properly encrypted based on the fob registration number for a fob ID# of a smart fob  102  registered to the smart module  101 , then the smart module  101  changes the first password  125  for the next low frequency LF wireless transmission and pulses a resettable timer  126  to start the timer. 
         [0044]    The resettable timer  126  runs for a period of time Tr upon receiving a pulse due to a check of a second password being properly encrypted based on the fob registration number for a fob ID#  123  of a smart fob  102  registered to the smart module  101 . The resettable timer  126  resets upon receipt each of subsequent pulse resulting from a check  123  that the first password was properly encrypted based on the fob registration number of a smart fob  102  registered to the smart module  101 . To keep the resettable timer  126  continuously running by constantly restarting the resettable timer  126  while the smart fob  102  is in proximity to the smart module  101 , the length of time Tp between the low frequency LF wireless transmissions controlled by the auto-polling timer  111  should be less than the period of time Tr for the resettable timer  126 . For example, the length of time Tp for the auto-polling timer  111  is one second while the period of time Tr for the resettable timer  126  is three seconds. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the resettable timer  126  enables a directed actuator  127  while the resettable timer  126  is running. The directed actuator  127  is an output buffer that provides an actuation signal with sufficient power to enable an external electrical device. For example, a relay  129  of the device  100  or an input pad  129  of the device  100  can be activated  130 . In addition to relays and input pads, embodiments of the invention also include thyristors or any other type of electrical switching mechanisms to turn-on any type of electrical device. 
         [0046]    The directed actuator  127  can turn-on sound device  128 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , to indicate that the directed actuator  127  has been enabled. Other types of indication devices, such as a lamp can be additionally used. In the alternative, indication devices other than sound devices can be turned-on by the directed actuator  127 . 
         [0047]    When the resettable timer  126  enables the directed actuator  127 , sensors  131  can also be turn-on that keep resetting the resettable timer  126  until an event is sensed. When an event is sensed, the sensors  131  no longer reset the resettable timer  126  such that the resettable timer will rundown if a registered smart fob is not in proximity. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a smart module in a device that either enables an input pad or activates a relay according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a smart module  210  includes a power source  211  that provides power to the components of the smart module  210 . The power source  211  can be a battery, solar-assisted battery or external DC power supply. 
         [0049]    Amongst other components, the smart module  210  in  FIG. 6  includes a low frequency transmitter  213  connected to a low frequency antenna  214 . A module ID# and a first password memory  216  provides the first password and the module ID# to the low frequency transmitter  213 . An auto-polling timer  215  is connected to the low frequency transmitter  213  to control the length of time Tp between low frequency LF wireless transmissions, including a first password and a module ID#. 
         [0050]    A module processor  219  is connected to the module ID# and first password memory  216 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The module processor  219  changes the first password in the module ID# and first password memory  216  after a use or attempted use of a previously transmitted first password. The module processor  219  randomly selects the next first password. 
         [0051]    The module processor  219  in  FIG. 6  is connected to the auto-polling timer  215 . The module processor  219  can be used to set the length of time Tp between low frequency LF wireless transmissions, including a first password and a module ID#. For example, the length of time Tp for the auto-polling timer  215  can be long in a standby mode when a registered smart fob is not in proximity as opposed to an active mode when a registered smart fob is in proximity register. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the module processor  219  is connected to a module system memory  220 . The module processor  219  receives the decryption algorithms and other program for operation of the smart module  210  from the module system memory  220 . The fob registration numbers of all registered smart fobs and the fob ID#&#39;s respectively associated with the fob registration numbers are also stored in the module system memory  220 . 
         [0053]    An I/O interface  221  is connected to the module processor  219  in  FIG. 6 . The I/O interface  221  provides the capability to make changes to the smart module  210 . Amongst other uses, the I/O interface  221  can be used to update the registry of fob registration numbers and fob ID#&#39;s in the module ID# and first password memory  216 . In another example, the I/O interface  221  can be used to set the length of time Tp for the auto-polling timer  215  to be longer so as to conserve power usage. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , a high frequency antenna  222  is connected to a high frequency receiver  223  for receiving a high frequency HF wireless transmission, including a second password and a fob ID#. The module processor  219  is connected to the high frequency receiver  223  and receives the second password and the fob ID# from the high frequency receiver  223 . If the second password and the fob ID# are from a smart fob registered to the smart module  210 , a start pulse is sent to the resettable timer  224 , which is connected to the module processor  219 . 
         [0055]    The resettable timer  224 , shown in  FIG. 6 , enables a directed actuator  225 , which is connected to the resettable timer. The directed actuator  225  provides an actuation signal with sufficient power to enable an external electrical device  228 . The directed actuator  225  can also turn-on sound device  226 . When the resettable timer  224  enables the directed actuator  225 , sensors  227  can also be turn-on that keep resetting the resettable timer  224  until a sensed event occurs. 
         [0056]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a smart fob according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 7 , a smart module  230  includes a power source  231  that provides power to the components of the smart fob  230 . The power source can be a battery or external DC power supply. In the case of an external DC power supply, a recharge circuit can be included that recharges the battery. 
         [0057]    Amongst other components, the smart fob  230  in  FIG. 7  includes a low frequency receiver  234  connected to a low frequency antenna  233  for receiving a module ID# and a first password. A module ID# memory  236 , which contains the module ID# of the smart module  230 , is connected to the module ID# detector  235 . A module ID# detector  235  is connected to the low frequency receiver  234  to determine if the module ID# is in the module ID# memory  236 . 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the fob processor  237  is connected to the module ID# detector  235 . The fob processor  237  is woke-up if the module ID# is from a smart module to which the smart fob  230  is registered. When the fob processor  237  is woke-up, the fob processor  237  enables a high frequency transmitter  241  and a fob system memory  239 , which are connected to the fob processor  237 . The fob processor  237  receives the encryption algorithms and other programs for operation of the smart fob  230  from the fob system memory  239 . The fob registration number and the fob ID# for the smart fob  230  are also stored in the fob system memory  239 . 
         [0059]    Upon the wake-up, the first password is sent by the module ID# detector  235  to the fob processor  237  to generate a second password based on the first password received and a fob registration number stored in the fob system memory  239 . Then, the fob processor  237  sends the second password and the fob ID# to the high frequency transmitter  241 . A high frequency antenna  242  is connected to the high frequency transmitter  241  for transmitting a high frequency HF wireless transmission, including a second password and a fob ID#. 
         [0060]    An I/O interface  240  is connected to the fob processor  237  in  FIG. 7 . The I/O interface  237  provides the capability to make changes to the smart fob  230 . Amongst other uses, the I/O interface  240  can be used to update the fob registration number and the fob ID# in the fob system memory  239 . In another example, the I/O interface  240  can be used to update the smart module ID# to which the smart fob  230  is registered in the module ID# memory  236 . 
         [0061]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.