Electronic access control system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An electronic access control system, comprising:
- a lock having a lock memory and a lock circuit in communication with the lock memory, wherein a lock access code and lock data is stored in the lock memory; and
an electronic key having a key access code and key data stored thereon, the electronic key adapted to communicate with the lock circuit, wherein the lock circuit reprograms the lock memory if the key access code is greater than the lock access code.
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Abstract
A security system includes an electronic lock and an electronic key. The electronic key holds identification data that notifies the lock of the key'"'"'s functional type and the locks that the key is authorized to open. In one embodiment, circuitry in the lock checks whether an inserted key holds an access code that is more recent than a corresponding access code stored in the lock, indicating that the data on the inserted key is more current than the data stored in the lock. The lock is then automatically reprogrammed with the data stored in the inserted key.
97 Citations
31 Claims
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1. An electronic access control system, comprising:
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a lock having a lock memory and a lock circuit in communication with the lock memory, wherein a lock access code and lock data is stored in the lock memory; and
an electronic key having a key access code and key data stored thereon, the electronic key adapted to communicate with the lock circuit, wherein the lock circuit reprograms the lock memory if the key access code is greater than the lock access code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. The electronic access control system of claim 18, wherein the utility device is a stand-alone device comprising:
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a power supply;
a memory; and
a plug that fits into the key encoder and the lock, wherein the plug allows data to be communicated between the utility device and the lock and between the utility device and the system manager via the key encoder.
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19. An electronic key for an electronic access system, comprising:
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a circuit board having at least one electrical contact adapted to communicate with a lock circuit;
a reprogrammable key memory that stores a key access code and key data, wherein the key memory is coupled to said at least one electrical contact and wherein the key access code is based on a date and time. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for controlling access in a property having a lock with a lock access code and lock data stored in a lock memory and an electronic key having a key access code and key data, the method comprising:
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comparing the key access code with the lock access code;
denying entry if the key access code is less than the lock access code;
allowing entry if the key access code is equal to the lock access code; and
allowing entry and reprogramming the lock by replacing the lock access code in the lock memory with the key access code if the key access code is greater than the lock access code. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification