Efficient lock and key system
First Claim
1. An electronic lock system comprising:
- at least one lock assembly having a lock assembly transmitter, a lock assembly receiver, a lock assembly password setting button, a lock assembly electronic control circuit operatively coupled to lock assembly mechanical parts for locking and unlocking;
a first electronic key assembly having a key transmitter and a key receiver;
a user interface presented to the key user; and
a key electronic control circuit for coordinating the activities of the various key sub-parts; and
wherein the one or more passwords are stored on the electronic key assembly to operate the at least one lock assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system is disclosed for allowing users to consolidate a large number electronic keys (for operating mechanical locks) in electronic key assemblies. These electronic keys are easily duplicated, added to, removed, backed up, or upgraded. The electronic key assemblies are also more resistant to tampering. The lock assembly and electronic key designs taught by the invention are customizable to meet various security needs. The lock assembly includes a transmitter and a receiver operatively coupled to an electronic circuit in communication with a store for keys. The electronic circuit is also coupled to the mechanical levers for operating the lock assembly. The electronic key assembly also has its transmitter, receiver, a control circuit and a user interface for selecting a particular electronic key password.
25 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An electronic lock system comprising:
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at least one lock assembly having a lock assembly transmitter, a lock assembly receiver, a lock assembly password setting button, a lock assembly electronic control circuit operatively coupled to lock assembly mechanical parts for locking and unlocking;
a first electronic key assembly having a key transmitter and a key receiver;
a user interface presented to the key user; and
a key electronic control circuit for coordinating the activities of the various key sub-parts; and
wherein the one or more passwords are stored on the electronic key assembly to operate the at least one lock assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for designing an electronic lock system, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a lock assembly transmitter and a lock assembly receiver in an electronic lock assembly having at least one stored password and a control circuit coupled to mechanical parts for locking and unlocking the electronic lock assembly, wherein the control circuit unlocks the electronic lock assembly in response to receiving a password matching the stored password;
providing a key transmitter and a key receiver in a first electronic key assembly having at least one password storage location and a control circuit coupled to mechanical parts for locking and unlocking the electronic lock assembly;
providing a user interface for the first electronic key assembly, whereby a user selects at least one password stored on the first electronic key assembly to unlock the electronic lock assembly; and
implementing a password duplication function for transmitting a password from the first electronic key assembly to a second electronic key assembly followed by storing of the transmitted password on the second electronic key assembly. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification