Importance

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Abstract

An access control system stores two codes for each user that is authorized to access a resource, a primary code and a secondary code. When a user desiring access inputs the primary code to the system, the code is compared with the stored code for that user. If the primary code is valid, the user is allowed to access the resource. However, if the primary code is entered incorrectly, a count of the number of invalid attempts for that user is incremented, and if the count does not exceed a first threshold, the user can try again. When the number of invalid access attempts for the user exceeds the first threshold, the system requires the user to correctly input both the primary and secondary codes, before access to the resource is allowed. A second count is also maintained of the number of failed attempts in providing both codes. When the number of failed attempts exceeds a second threshold, the user is 'locked out', i.e, prevented, from gaining access to the resource for a specified period of time, even if the correct primary and secondary codes are entered during that period. The arrangement is more convenient than using a single, longer code in a conventional access control system with lock out, because, most of the time, a user only needs the primary code to access the resource. However, even if the first threshold is exceeded, an authorized user can still get access to the resource by correctly inputting both codes. The dual code system reduces the inconvenience caused by authorized users being locked out while also increasing security.

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First Claim