A key storage device for storing a key provided with an identification code, including a locking unit which has an unlocked state in which the key can be removed from the key storage device, and a locked state in which the key is locked in or on the key storage device. The key storage device includes a control unit connected to the locking unit and having a data interface, the control unit operable to read out the identification code of the key and to provide the identification code of the key at the data interface.

The system of the present invention is comprises of one or more door lock units, a data exchange system, and a clerk user interface. The door lock units are mounted to the cooler doors and prevent the doors from opening to allow access to the alcoholic products without authorization. These door lock units include a mechanical locking mechanism, an identification scanner/reader, and a display. The door lock units receives power from a power supply (with a back up power supply standing ready) and communicates wired or wirelessly with a data server and router combination. The data server and router combination also communicates with a clerk user interface, which may be in the form of a tablet, smart phone, laptop, or other computing device.

An apparatus includes an enclosure, a central processing unit, a power source, a first distance measuring device, a first compressible member, and a first housing pin, where the central processing unit is electrically coupled to the power source and the first distance measuring device. A first end of the first compressible member is mechanically coupled to a first end of the first housing pin and a second end of the first compressible member is mechanically coupled to an inner surface of the enclosure. The first distance measuring device positioned at the second end of the first compressible member, where the first distance measuring device is configured to measure a first distance to the first end of the first housing pin. A first key pin of a key structure disposed in the enclosure, where the first key pin is configured to compress the first compressible member the first distance.

A method, computer system, and computer program product for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock. The strain gauges may be disposed within a key or a key head sub-system. The key bank system may include receiving a first signal, comparing the first signal with first or second signatures, and determining state change of a lock when the first signal matches the first or second signal within a first or second threshold. The key bank system may include receiving a current state of the lock, where the state of the lock is the first state, and changing the current state of the lock to a second state, where the second state is opposite the first state. The current state of the lock may be displayed on a communication device and may be stored in a memory of a communication device or a memory of a server.

An exemplary system includes a mechanical key and an access control device. The access control device includes a housing defining a keyway that has a fixed position within the housing. The access control device further includes a root depth sensor assembly, an insertion depth sensor assembly, a control assembly in communication with the sensor assemblies, and an electronic lock device. The control assembly is configured to determine the bitting code of the mechanical key based upon information received from the sensor assemblies, to compare the bitting code of the mechanical key to a lock/unlock bitting code; and to transmit a lock/unlock command in response to the bitting code matching the lock/unlock bitting code. The electronic lock device is configured to transition between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to receiving the lock/unlock command and without requiring rotation of the mechanical key.

In an approach, a hybrid security key comprises at least one physical face on a first side of a key comprising a key groove cut and a barcode coupled to a top surface of the physical face; and at least one logical face on a second side of the key comprising a surface insert overlaying a conductive film, wherein the conductive film includes at least one contact point, at least one conductive trace, and a smart chip.

A method, computer system, and computer program product for using strain gauges to detect a state of a lock. The strain gauges may be disposed within a key or a key head sub-system. The key bank system may include receiving a first signal, comparing the first signal with first or second signatures, and determining state change of a lock when the first signal matches the first or second signal within a first or second threshold. The key bank system may include receiving a current state of the lock, where the state of the lock is the first state, and changing the current state of the lock to a second state, where the second state is opposite the first state. The current state of the lock may be displayed on a communication device and may be stored in a memory of a communication device or a memory of a server.

A dual authentication system of an electronic locking device using an electronic key according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives UID data pre-stored in the electronic key and encoding data generated by an input of a button provided in the electronic key, when a terminal portion provided in a key head of the electronic key is in electrical contact with a data communication unit of the electronic locking device; an authentication unit that performs dual authentication based on the UID data and the encoding data; and a command unit that commands the unlocking of the electronic locking device when the dual authentication on the UID data and the encoding data is successfully performed.

An electromechanical locking system includes one or more moveable locking elements and one or more actuators configured to move each of the one or more moveable locking elements between positions. The system includes a receptacle configured to receive a key, a sensor, a processor; and a computer-readable storage medium. The processor causes the sensor to scan the key and detect one or more features of the key, identify a first code that corresponds to the detected features of the key, and apply one or more functions to the first code to yield a second code. The second code includes one or more characters that each character corresponds to one of the plurality of positions. The processor causes the one or more actuators to move the one or more movable locking elements to the positions that correspond to the one or more characters of the second code.

A lock device including a keyway sized and configured to receive a key, a sensor assembly including an optical source and a key height sensor, and a controller in communication with the sensor assembly. The optical source is configured to generate an optical signal, and the key height sensor is configured to generate a key height signal in response to receiving the optical signal. The key is configured to interact with the optical signal such that the key height signal varies based upon the height of the key. The controller is configured to generate a key profile based at least in part upon the key height signal, to compare the key profile to authorization data, to select an action based upon the comparing, and to perform the action.