Access control device featuring key ordering or key simultaneity
First Claim
1. In a method of operating a secure entry system, the system including an electronic lock and a plurality of electronic keys, the method including using each of the keys individually at different times to effect a plurality of openings of said lock, an improvement comprising establishing an order (KEY{1}, KEY{2}, . . . KEY{N}) by which the keys are to access the electronic lock, and denying lock access to any key KEY{J}, where 1<
- J≦
N, that is presented to the lock without each of keys KEY{1} through KEY{J-1} having been first presented thereto in said established order.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A secure entry system makes use of radio transmissions to communicate with locks, keys, and related components throughout the system. The radio transmissions can be made using a paging system, a cellular telephone system, or any other RF carrier. Some embodiments employ a cellular telephone in lieu of an electronic key. Others integrate a paging receiver within an electronic key to provide a unit with dual functionality. The system is illustrated with reference to exemplary applications in the industrial site security, real estate lockbox, and transportation fields.
191 Citations
11 Claims
-
1. In a method of operating a secure entry system, the system including an electronic lock and a plurality of electronic keys, the method including using each of the keys individually at different times to effect a plurality of openings of said lock, an improvement comprising establishing an order (KEY{1}, KEY{2}, . . . KEY{N}) by which the keys are to access the electronic lock, and denying lock access to any key KEY{J}, where 1<
- J≦
N, that is presented to the lock without each of keys KEY{1} through KEY{J-1} having been first presented thereto in said established order. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- J≦
- 7. In a method of operating a locking system, the method including using a plurality of keys collectively to effect a single operation of a lock, each key comprising a self-contained device for coupling to the lock an improvement comprising defining, by data stored in an electronic memory associated with said locking system, a time window, and opening the lock only if said plurality of keys are presented thereto within the period of time defined by said time window.
Specification