Electronic lock that can learn to recognize any ordinary key

Abstract

An electronic lock that can be pre-programmed or trained in the field to recognize ordinary flat metal keys by sensing their shape and comparing to a database is disclosed. The lock can be contained in standard configurations for door locks, communicates with external systems, provides control logic for querying and amending its database of allowed keys and rules, provides controlled access to logs of selected data, allows convenient but protected access to replacement batteries, can have all its electronics in the rotatable plug, can communicate and obtain power from devices in the adjacent door jam, can recognize special series key-blanks, can receive coded information entered using an unknown key that makes it useable, can be operated without a key to gain access with a code, can resist manipulation of the latching mechanism, can unlatch with very low power requirements, and provides for integration of almost all mechanism in silicon.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An electronic lock that works with ordinary keys.  
     
     
         2 . In the lock of  claim 1 , means for sensing features of the key dynamically as it is inserted.  
     
     
         3 . In the lock of  claim 2 , the sensing including at least one mechanical stylus that is urged to come into contact with the key as it is inserted.  
     
     
         4 . In the lock of  claim 1 , sensing including at least one inductive sensor for sensing the amount of metal in a part of the keyway.  
     
     
         5 . In the lock of  claim 1 , sensing including capacitive techniques that sense the range of metal key parts.  
     
     
         6 . In the lock of  claim 1 , sensing including electromagnetic energy that is emitted toward the key and sensed after passing the key by an array of detectors.  
     
     
         7 . In the lock of  claim 2 , multiple sensors to provide multiple measurements of the key as it is inserted.  
     
     
         8 . In the lock of  claim 1 , sensing including means to recognize as distinct the same key cuts with at least two different key series.  
     
     
         9 . In the lock of  claim 1 , sensing the key including sensors capturing key geometry information after the key is fully inserted into the keyhole.  
     
     
         10 . In the lock of  claim 1 , retaining and providing access to log data.  
     
     
         11 . In the lock of  claim 1 , storing templates of plural keys so that the lock can recognize plural distinct keys as valid.  
     
     
         12 . In the lock of  claim 1 , allowing users to input data dependent on the way a key is manipulated.  
     
     
         13 . A self-contained electronic lock configured to replace, in the same mounting, conventional door locks.  
     
     
         14 . The lock of  claim 13 , where substantially all the electronics is in the rotatable plug.  
     
     
         15 . The lock of  claim 13 , where energy is communicated between the lock and the adjacent door jam.  
     
     
         16 . A tamper-resistant and electronically controlled actuator for rotating plug locks.  
     
     
         17 . The actuator of  claim 16  comprising multiple locking elements, each of which must be outside predetermined positions to allow unlocking.  
     
     
         18 . The actuator of  claim 16 , where sensors provide indication of when the substantially short activation period should be.  
     
     
         19 . The actuator of  claim 16 , where user-supplied pressure can be maintained and the actuator can release at any instant during such provision of pressure and allow unlocking.  
     
     
         20 . The actuator of  claim 16 , where the actuator mechanisms is comprised of micro-machined components.