Access control system with mechanical keys which store data
First Claim
1. An access control system using mechanical keys and keyholder authentication, comprising,a series of lockable access control points with mechanical locks,a series of mechanical keys with mechanical configurations providing lock access features,each mechanical key having encoded data physically located on the key,at least one access control point having an electrically operated release or strike for granting access without turning of the key,a user verifying reader adjacent to said one access control point, including user authentication reader means for reading the encoded data on the key when the key is placed at the reader means, and for comparing the read data with a personal identifying feature of the keyholder using the key, and, if the encoded data matches the personal identifying feature, for enabling access to the keyholder via the electrically operated release or strike.
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Abstract
An access control system combines card type keys or mechanical keys and lock cylinders with keyholder authentication, so that only the authorized keyholder or keyholders can use a key at an access control point. The access control point can be a door, gate, drawer, safe, safety deposit box, computer terminal or other situation wherein high security is desirable. In a preferred embodiment, the access control system includes a series of mechanical keys (or card type keys) having encoded data stored on the bottom edges of the keys. The encoded data may be in the form of a bar code or optical data storage, either directly formed onto the key or on a strip of plastic or other material bearing the encoded data, secured to the key. In one form of the invention, user authentication involves a biometric feature such as a fingerprint of the intended keyholder. The fingerprint is digitized, encoded and placed on the bottom edge of the mechanical key for that intended keyholder, preferably along with an encoded keyholder identifying number. An authentication reader at a high security access control point includes a keyway with a reader for the encoded data representing the encoded fingerprint, and also a fingerprint reader for reading the user'"'"'s fingerprint at each instance of attempted entry. Comparison of the attempted user'"'"'s fingerprint with the stored fingerprint is preferably made directly at the access control point, so that only the access decision and a keyholder identifying code (also in the encoded data) need to be sent to a central processor. A decision to grant access effects the release of an electric release or electric strike. The purpose of the mechanical keys or card type keys is to enable the keyholder to also gain access to lower security access points in the system without having to carry more than one key or access item. If desired, a write feature can be included in the system, whereby each access control point accessed (or attempted to be accessed) by a keyholder will be recorded on the key, providing for later reading of the key to determine where use has been attempted.
449 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An access control system using mechanical keys and keyholder authentication, comprising,
a series of lockable access control points with mechanical locks, a series of mechanical keys with mechanical configurations providing lock access features, each mechanical key having encoded data physically located on the key, at least one access control point having an electrically operated release or strike for granting access without turning of the key, a user verifying reader adjacent to said one access control point, including user authentication reader means for reading the encoded data on the key when the key is placed at the reader means, and for comparing the read data with a personal identifying feature of the keyholder using the key, and, if the encoded data matches the personal identifying feature, for enabling access to the keyholder via the electrically operated release or strike.
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18. A method for controlling access at an access control point, comprising,
providing a series of mechanical keys for various personnel who will be using the access control point, obtaining from each intended keyholder a personal identifying feature, digitizing the feature and placing it in encoded form physically on the key, providing at the access control point a reader for the encoded data on the mechanical key, and a means for inputting the personal identifying feature of an intended keyholder, as well as local processor means for comparing the read actual personal identifying feature with the digitized personal identifying feature as read from the key, and for enabling access at the access control point only if the encoded data substantially matches the personal identifying feature as actually read.
Specification