WO2001067229A1

WO2001067229A1 - Key with blade mounted electronic serial number

Info

Publication number: WO2001067229A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/006794
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter H. Field
Original assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-03-03
Filing date: 2001-03-02
Publication date: 2001-09-13
Also published as: AU2001243390A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a key (1) combining mechanical and electronic features within the key blade. Such electronic components are three dimensional components wherein the thickness of the component along two of the three dimensions is substantially less than the thickness of the key blade. The electronic component (4) provides an electronic serial number which is unique to each key, and is readable by a corresponding lock. In another embodiment, the advanced security capabilities are provided by the use of a combination electro-mechanical lock unit.

Description

KEY WITH BLADE MOUNTED ELECTRONIC SERIAL NUMBER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to access control systems. Particularly, the invention relates to keys which have combined mechanical and electronic security features .

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Locks and keys having combination mechanical and electronic features are generally known in the art. U.S. Patent Nos . 4,593,185, 4,789,859, 5,003,801 and 5,245,329 all disclose various prior art security or access devices which employ both mechanical and electronic mechanisms.

U.S. Patent No. 5,245,329 to Gokcebay discloses a key having electronic data encoded on the uncut bottom edge or blade face of the key. This electronic data can be in the form of a read-only memory providing a serial number, or a memory upon which can be stored identification information regarding the particular authorized keyholder, such as a digital picture, fingerprint, voiceprint, or retinal scan information. Thus, the mechanical aspects of the key must be combined with additional input from the keyholder in order to open the lock. U.S. Patent No. 4,789,859 to Clarkson et al . discloses a key for an electronic locking system whereby the key has electronically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM") located along the uncut bottom edge of the key. The key is placed into a lock whereby multiple electronic connectors along the blade of the key come into contact with corresponding connectors in the lock such that data encoded m the key EEPROM can be read by the lock processor. This then causes an electronic release mechanism to open the lock.

U.S. Patent No. 4,593,185 to Patzelt et al . discloses a key of design similar to the key disclosed by the Clarkson et al . patent, except that optical bar coding lines have been engraved along the uncut bottom edge of the key. The data coded along the bottom edge of the key is read by a laser as the key is inserted into the lock.

U.S. Patent No. 5,003,801 to Stinar et al . discloses a key which has an electronically coded circuit within the handle of a key that is hard coded to produce one of 128 different identification signals. Placement of the electronic components within the handle allows the key to be cut on both edges such that it is reversible.

The prior art approaches to incorporating electronic features into a mechanical key have encountered numerous drawbacks . The electronic components currently used in such keys, as evidenced by the Clarkson, Patzelt, and Gokcebay patents, are often large and bulky. As such, if these components are placed on or incorporated within the key blade, the space available for mechanical bittmgs to be engraved on the blade is drastically limited. This problem becomes even more apparent when reversible keys, keys having bittmgs on both blade edges, are desired. Attempts to limit the space taken up by such electronic components previously incorporated within the key blade has undesirably also limited the variety and size of the data which can be incorporated in the key.

The placement of electronic components within the handle of the key has been attempted by the prior art to overcome this space limitation, but this approach is also undesirable for several reasons. First, as shown by the Stinar et al . patent, placement of electronic components within the key handle often precludes the use of an integral blade and handle made from one piece of material. This results in a weaker key. Second, because it requires the electronic features of the corresponding lock to be moved near the outside of the lock. This makes the electronic components of the lock overly susceptible to damage or tampering.

Due to the above mentioned and other drawbacks, there remains a need in the art for improved keys which incorporate both mechanical and electronic security features. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an access key which has both mechanical and electronic security features incorporated such that it overcomes it the difficulties encountered by the prior art .

Further, it is an object of the invention to provide a combination mechanical and electronic access key where the electronic features of the key do not limit the type or effectiveness of the mechanical features which may be incorporated within the key blade . Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a high security access key having a unique identification serial number which can be electronically read by a corresponding lock in a reliable manner such that the use of a particular key can be monitored and controlled.

Still further, it is an object of the invention to provide an electronic serial number on a key blank as it leaves the factory before being cut, to thereby enable audit control to be provided for the customer.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reversible key having a unique identification number electronically encoded on its blade.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an electronic security system which overcomes the problems mentioned above in the form of an improved key combining mechanical and electronic features within the key blade .

An embodiment of the invention comprises a key having an electronic component integrated within the key blade such that the placement of the component does not interfere with the engraving of mechanical bittings on the key. Such electronic components are three dimensional components wherein the thickness of the component along two of the three dimensions is substantially less than the thickness of the key blade. In embodiments of the present invention, the electronic component is a small chip-scale packaged microchip having a read-only memory ("ROM") encoded with an electronic serial number. This electronic serial number is preferably unique to each key and is readable by a corresponding lock.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the electronic component is a small chip-scale packages electronic component having random access memory ("RAM") or EEPROM which can be programmed to contain user prescribed data.

In another embodiment, the invention includes the use of a combination electro-mechanical key together with an electro-mechanical lock unit in order to provide advanced security capabilities. Keys according to embodiments of the present invention having unique serial numbers can be individually identified by an appropriate interface means within the lock mechanism. Thus, the use of each key can be individually monitored or controlled as desired. In other embodiments of the present invention, the serial number can be read by the lock processor which then requires additional steps to be performed by the keyholder in order to open the lock.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the forthcoming detailed description of preferred embodiments read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Both the detailed description and the drawings are given by way of illustration only, and are not limitative of the present invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures la, lb, and lc are side, bottom, and rear edge perspective drawings, respectively, of a key according to embodiments of the present invention wherein an electronic component is incorporated within the rear edge of the key blade .

Figures 2a and 2b are side and bottom perspective drawings, respectively, of a key having bittings engraved in it according to embodiments of the present invention wherein an electronic component is incorporated within the rear edge of the key blade. Figures 3a and 3b are side and bottom perspective drawings, respectively, of a key according to embodiments of the present invention wherein an electronic component is incorporated within a blade face of the key.

Figures 4a and 4b are side and bottom perspective drawings, respectively, of a key according to embodiments of the present invention wherein an electronic component is incorporated within the rear neck of the key.

Figures 5a and 5b are side and bottom perspective drawings, respectively, of a key according to embodiments of the present invention wherein an electronic component is incorporated within the front neck of the key.

Figures 6a and 6b are side and bottom perspective drawings, respectively, of a double-cut key according to embodiments of the present invention wherein an electronic component is incorporated within the tip of the key blade.

Figures 7a and 7b are side and bottom perspective drawings, respectively, of a double-cut key according to embodiments of the present invention wherein an electronic component is incorporated within a face of the key blade.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the interaction between a key of the present invention and an electromechanical lock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures la, lb, and lc illustrate an electromechanical key 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The key is generally comprised of an integral key head 2 and key blade 3 wherein the blade 3 is adapted to be inserted into a lock (not shown) . An electronic component 4 is incorporated within the key 1, along the rear edge 6 of the key blade 3. As will be later described in detail, in preferred embodiments of the invention, the component 4 comprises an electronic read-only memory ("ROM") upon which is encoded a serial number unique to each particular key.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, as seen in figures 2a and 2b, upon the key blade 3 there may be mechanical key features such as a groove 3a and key bittings 5 cut so as to operate pin tumblers of a corresponding lock (not shown) as is known in the art. In addition to traditional key bittings, a high- security key cut configuration can be used. U.S.

Patents 4,635,455 and 4,732,022, the specifications of which are herein incorporated by reference, both disclose such key cuts having bittings wherein the individual cuts making the bittings are made at an oblique angle with respect to the side faces of the key blade. This cutting mechanism makes the mechanical features of the key more difficult to copy, and increases lock security.

The electronic component 4 is integrated within keys of the present invention such that it does not change the appearance or limit the mechanical functionality of the key 1 as compared to a standard mechanical key. The component 4 is formed integral 4a to the key body such that it does not interfere with the engraving of mechanical bittings 5 or grooves 3a on the key, and it is not readily apparent to the eye. Suitable electronic components 4 for accomplishing this result are three dimensional components wherein size of the component along two of its three dimensions is substantially less than the thickness 9 of the key blade 3.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the electronic component is a small chip-scale packaged microchip having a read-only memory ("ROM") encoded with an electronic serial number. This electronic serial number is preferably unique to each key, and is readable by an interface means present in a corresponding electro-mechanical lock. A preferred electronic component for use in the present invention is a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter ("UART") designed to communicate with a microprocessor via a bus mechanism. A particularly suitable UART is the model DS2401 electronic chip-mounted serial number manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor.

This model of electronic serial number manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor is a preferred electronic component for the present invention because it satisfies numerous criteria. First, each such chip is laser-etched with a unique 64-bit serial number. Furthermore, each chip measures less than 1.5 x 0.7 x 0.7 millimeters. Thus, it can be incorporated within the blade of a typical mechanical key without limiting the space necessary for mechanical features such as bittings and grooves. These chips are so small because they require zero standby power (no battery necessary) and their ROM is designed to communicate via a single data wire. U.S. Patent Nos . 5,210,846 and 5,398,326, the specifications of which are herein incorporated by reference, disclose the single wire bus structure and method for communicating over such a bus structure as would be suitable for use between a lock processor and key of the present invention. The use of a single wire bus is also highly beneficial to the present invention. A UART designed to use such a bus will require only enough space along the surface of the key blade for a single electronic connection. Again, this is beneficial because it allows more mechanical security features to be incorporated within the key, or alternatively, smaller keys.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other electronic components other than ROM mounted on chip-scale packages designed to communicate over a single wire bus structure can be beneficially employed in embodiments of the present invention. Microprocessors or RAM, for example, can also be incorporated into keys according to the present invention.

It will be additionally appreciated that the electronic component 4 can optionally be placed in various positions along on the key 1 while still reserving adequate space for mechanical key features such as grooves 3a or key bittings 5. As depicted in figures 3a and 3b, according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, an electronic component 4 can be embedded within a side face 7 of the key blade 3. In still other embodiments of the invention, as depicted in figures 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5b, the electronic component 4 can be embedded within the rear neck 2a or front neck 2b portions of the key 1 such that the space along the key blade 3 is maximized. In order to keep the electronics of the corresponding lock from being externally exposed, however, it is preferred that the electronic component 4 is placed either along the rear edge 6 or a side face 7 of the key blade 3.

Figures 6a and 6b depict another preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a double- cut or reversible key la having a head 2 and blade 3 is provided with a electronic component 4. Again, in this embodiment the electronic component 4 is formed integral to the key blade 3 such that the space for bittings 5 is not decreased. Due to the bittings 5 and groves 3b which are typically present in keys of this type, and the desire that the key be reversible (i.e., it can be introduced into a corresponding lock in two orientations as opposed to only one orientation) , it is preferable that the electronic component 4 be placed at the tip 8 of the key blade 3.

As shown by figures 7a and 7b, in other embodiments of the present invention, an electronic component can be incorporated into a reversible key la within a face 7 of the key blade 3. Placement of the electronic component 4 shown by figures 7a and 7b still does not interfere with the mechanical key features such as grooves 3b and bittings 5. This orientation, unlike that depicted by figures 6a and 6b, however, does not produce a perfectly symmetrical key. Thus, for the key to be reversible, the corresponding lock would necessarily require interface means adapted such that the electronic component 4 could be accessed regardless of the orientation of the key la within the lock. Alternatively, the component 4 could be provided with dual electronic leads which are incorporated symmetrically into both face of the key blade.

Many modifications as to the placement of the electronic component along a key blade according to the present invention may be made. For example, an electronic component can be incorporated into a key blade edge having bittings. Alternatively, two or more electronic components, performing identical or different functions, can be incorporated within the key.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises the use of a combination electro-mechanical key together with an electro-mechanical lock unit in order to provide advanced security capabilities. Keys according to embodiments of the present invention having unique serial numbers as discussed above can be individually identified by an interface means of the lock. Suitable interface means can include an electronic connector, a serial number key reader, and a lock processor.

The electronic component within each key of the present invention enables the use of each key to be individually monitored or controlled. In embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the mechanical operation of the key on the pin tumblers of a corresponding lock as is known in the art, the key's unique electronic serial number is read by a key reader within the lock. The serial number is then transmitted to a lock processor which performs a variety of electronic functions.

The functions performed by the lock processor upon receiving and identifying the appropriate key serial number can be adapted to a variety of applications. For instance, the serial number of each key according to the present invention is unique. Thus, individual key use at particular locations can be electronically tracked and logged by the lock processor or by another system in electronic communication with the lock processor. Similarly, a class of keys can be made wherein each key within the class has a class serial number such that the use of a certain class of keys can be tracked. Furthermore, access can be granted or denied based upon both the key being properly cut to open a mechanical lock mechanism and the serial number being accepted by the lock processor so as to disengage an electronically actuated lock. Additionally, the lock processor, or other suitable electronic hardware and software in electronic communication with the lock processor, can request appropriate input, based upon the serial number of the key, from the key user before the electronic lock is disengaged. Such input can include various means known in the art for identifying individuals. By way of example, these means may include: the entering a personal identification number on a keypad, a voice or finger print, and a retinal scan.

A suitable lock interface means for use with a key of the present invention includes logic and hardware necessary to communicate with the key's electronic component . In preferred embodiments of the present invention wherein the electronic component is an electronic serial number slave UART employing a single wire bus, the key reader of the interface means includes a master UART which couples to the key's slave UART by a connection lead. The master UART initializes and controls the communication between it and the slave over the single-line connection lead. As described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,210,846 and 5,398,326, the two UARTs communicate according a single wire protocol to form an electronic network. The master UART is electronically coupled to the lock processor, and thus serves to communicate the serial number encoded on the key's slave UART to the lock processor.

Therefore, in preferred embodiments of the invention as depicted in figure 8, a key 101 has an electronic component 104 upon which is coded a unique serial number. The electronic component has a single input/output ("I/O") terminal 102 which is removably coupled to a connection lead 103 when the key 101 is inserted into the corresponding lock 100. The lock 100 has interface means comprising the connection lead 103, a key reader 107, and a lock processor 105. As shown by network connection 106, the lock processor can optionally be electronically connected with an electrically-actuated lock 108 (in phantom) or an outside computer network 109. The invention being thus described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Any and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A key for use in a lock, comprising: a key body, said key body having a head connected to a blade, said blade having a thickness; and an electronic component integrally joined to said key body, said electronic component having cross- section defining a height and width, wherein said height and said width is less than said blade thickness .

2. The key according to claim 1, wherein said electronic component is encoded with a unique serial number .

3. The key according to claim 1, wherein said key blade has mechanical features adapted for interacting with one or more pin tumblers of the lock.

4. The key according to claim 3 , wherein said mechanical features include bittings, said bittings are cut at oblique angles with respect to a face of said key blade.

5. The key according to claim 3, wherein said key blade has two edges, and wherein said mechanical features include bittings on both said edges of said blade .

6. The key according to claim 1, wherein said electronic component is a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter adapted to function via a single wire protocol .

7. The key according to claim 6, said key blade comprising mechanical security features and two edges, said mechanical security features comprising bittings, and wherein said bittings are placed on both of said edges of said blade.

8. The key according to claim 7, wherein said key blade has a distal edge away from said head, and wherein said electronic component is integral to a surface of said distal edge.

9. The key according to claim 6, wherein said electronic component is encoded with a unique serial number which can be transmitted via said single wire protocol .

10. The key according to claim 1, wherein said key blade has a rear edge, and wherein said electronic component is integral to a surface of said rear edge.

11. The key according to claim 1, further comprising a neck, said neck connecting said head to said blade, wherein said electronic component is integral to a surface of said neck.

12. The key according to claim 1, wherein said key blade has two faces, and wherein said electronic component is integral to a surface of one of said two faces .

13. A reversible key having electronic data coded thereon, comprising:

- a key body, said key body having a head connected to a blade, said blade having a thickness; and

- an electronic component storing said electronic data, said electronic component integrally joined to said key body, said electronic component having cross- section defining a height and width, wherein said height and said width is less than said blade thickness .

14. The key according to claim 13 , wherein said electronic data comprises a unique serial number.

15. The key according to claim 14, wherein said electronic component is a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter adapted to transmit said serial number via a single wire protocol.

16. The key according to claim 13, wherein said key blade has mechanical features adapted for interacting with one or more pin tumblers of a lock.

17. The key according to claim 16, wherein said mechanical features include bittings, said bittings are cut at oblique angles with respect to a face of said key blade.

18. The key according to claim 13, wherein said electronic component is a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter adapted to function via a single wire protocol .

19. The key according to claim 18, wherein said electronic component is encoded with a unique serial number which can be transmitted via said single wire protocol .

20. The key according to claim 13, wherein said key blade has a distal edge away from said head, and wherein said electronic component is integral to a surface of said distal edge.

21. The key according to claim 13, wherein said key blade has two faces, and wherein said electronic component is integral to a surface of one of said two faces .