Remotely programmable key and programming means therefor
First Claim
1. For use with a lock having means to detect a predetermined key code stored on a key and means for responding to said detection to operate the lock, the combination of:
- (a) at least one such key for storing data comprising one of a plurality of key codes;
(b) mobile key programming means comprising means for receiving from a remote station a transmitted signal indicating said key code to be stored by the key and for causing the key to store that key code wherein said mobile key programming means is adapted to be taken to a location in the vicinity of the lock, to receive said signal and to cause the key to store the key code at said location; and
wherein(c) each key and storage of said data on each key is such as to require the key code indicated by the transmitted signal to be stored in the key be use of the mobile key programming means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A key holding system comprises one or more locks responsive to key codes stored by a programmable key to enable the selective operation of that lock. The key is programmed by a key programmer carried by the key holder or installed in a vehicle. A database of key codes related to individual locks is maintained at a remote station and the code required by the key to operate a particular lock is communicated, subject to any required validation, e.g., as to the identity of the key holder, to the key programmer. Various methods of increasing security of the system are disclosed.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. For use with a lock having means to detect a predetermined key code stored on a key and means for responding to said detection to operate the lock, the combination of:
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(a) at least one such key for storing data comprising one of a plurality of key codes; (b) mobile key programming means comprising means for receiving from a remote station a transmitted signal indicating said key code to be stored by the key and for causing the key to store that key code wherein said mobile key programming means is adapted to be taken to a location in the vicinity of the lock, to receive said signal and to cause the key to store the key code at said location; and
wherein(c) each key and storage of said data on each key is such as to require the key code indicated by the transmitted signal to be stored in the key be use of the mobile key programming means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of operating a key holding service for at least one lock for detecting a key code stored on a key and for responding to said detection, comprising the steps of:
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(a) maintaining at a location remote from each lock a database in which is stored a key code required to operate the or each lock; (b) transmitting via a data link an indication of that code or one of other codes to a mobile key programming means in the vicinity of the lock; and (c) at the programming means, storing in the key a single key code required to operate the lock.
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Specification