A smart key storage case includes a storage case main body that can shield a signal, a transmission path through which a call signal from an in-vehicle device is radiated into the storage case main body, a switch that conducts/cuts off the transmission path, a radio communication unit that performs data communication with a radio communication terminal, a controller that controls the switch, and a response signal relay section that radiates a response signal from the smart key inside the storage case main body to the outside. When the radio communication terminal is present outside the vehicle, the controller controls the switch so that the call signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device to the inside of the cabin is cut off and the call signal transmitted to the outside of the vehicle is transmitted.

A system and method for locking a charging port to charge an electric vehicle that includes determining that the electric vehicle is located within a predetermined distance of a charging station and determining that the charging station issues parking citations associated with parking of the electric vehicle at the charging station without attachment of the charging port to the electric vehicle. The system and method also include determining charging of the electric vehicle and sending a command to enable a locking mechanism of the charging port to lock the charging port in place. The system and method further include completing user authentication with respect to an operator of the electric vehicle to disable the locking mechanism to ensure that the charging port is not detached by an unauthorized individual and that parking citations are not issued based on the parking of the electric vehicle at the charging station.

A method includes transmitting, by a handler device associated with a package handler, a message to an access control system requesting access to a secure container secured by an electronic lock mechanism; determining, by the access control system, whether the package handler is authorized to access the secure container based on the received message; transmitting, by the access control system, an unlock command to the secure container in response to a determination that the package handler is authorized to access the secure container; and unlocking the electronic lock mechanism of the secure container in response to successful authentication of the unlock command.

A locking system and method for a movable freight container door comprises an electronic module and a mechanical lock element. The mechanical lock element comprises a shaft, at least of portion of which is configured to be inserted through an aperture in the electronic module, across a door handle retention region, and into a cavity in the electronic module. The shaft is securely retained in the electronic module by moving a lock mechanism to a locked position. At least one magnetic field sensor in the electronic module is used to read the position of the shaft in the cavity by sensing or not sensing one or more magnets in the shaft. A wireless communication component in the electronic module wirelessly transmits magnetic field sensor information.

A method for facilitating communication between a first person such as an occupant of a building with a smart lock and a second person such as a visitor includes receiving at a computer system, from a visitor device app, a smart lock identifier and a visitor device app identifier so the occupant can establish a communication channel between the occupant and the visitor and if desired allow the visitor access to the building (or other property).

In some implementations, systems and techniques are described to automatically unlock a front door of a property in response to detecting an alarm signal indicating an emergency at or near a property. Data indicating occurrence of an emergency condition at a property is initially obtained. A lock configuration for an electronic lock of the property is determined. An unlock instruction is generated for the electronic lock based on the determined lock configuration for the electronic lock. The unlock instruction is transmitted to the electronic lock such that, when the unlock instruction is received by the electronic lock, the electronic lock is unlocked according to the unlock instruction.

A distributed safety lockout system for a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle (RV), that includes a plurality of networked devices communicatively coupled via a communications network, and that is configured to implement a method for controlling an electromechanical operation of an electromechanical device based on a safety lockout condition determined through use of a consensus protocol in which a safety lockout status is agreed upon by the networked devices. The safety lockout status may be escalated by a safety lockout condition detection device that detects a safety lockout condition, such as movement of the RV. The safety lockout status may be de-escalated through a network contention mode of the consensus protocol in which each of the networked devices agree to de-escalate the safety lockout status.

An authorization controller on a first side of a two-sided system communicates with an accelerometer on the second side for tracking the second side by inertial navigation. The authorization controller activates a radar transmitter and receiver installed on a car to include a plurality of spaced apart transmitting and receiving radar antennas to track the second side by radar. Coherent pulse or Doppler radar waveform tracks motion of an approaching user carrying a tag on the second side that is paired with the car on the first side. The authorization controller uses the radar to look for a pre-programmed pattern of user movement such as a “step in, wait, step out” pattern. Recognition of the programmed pattern activates an associated action from the authorization controller, such as opening or closing a tailgate or side door of the car. The same radar technology can be used with different programmed movement patterns to trigger the opening or closing of side doors, opening/closing of regular doors, deployment of a handicap ramp, deployment of side steps, or other chosen functions that can be initiated by electronic response. Reversing this functionality, the tag may be stationary in a garage and the car may approach the garage, causing operation of the garage door. Other functions inside a house are similarly controlled.

A system and method for securing data storage devices in an information technology (IT) network storage system is provided. The security system comprises a security control computer and electronic locks, which are mounted in a data center cabinet to slots for holding respective data storage devices. The security protocol implemented by the control computer requires an authorized administrator to execute a lock/unlock command identifying a particular device, and to provide a first part of a combination key. Additionally, an on-site hardware engineer is required to input a second part of the key at a terminal on-site at the data center. Upon verification of the first key, and then the second key, the control computer unlocks or locks the appropriate electronic lock. The control computer also implements a data backup/flushing process prior to allowing removal of an online cache board to avoid data corruption, loss, or system interruption.

A modular system of locker banks for receipt and delivery of packages is described. The system may include associate modules each having one or more lockers and a control board in communication with each of the lockers in the module. Each locker may include a locker board having a processor and memory configured to control operation of the locker. Each locker may include a lock and a light. The system may further include one or more control modules, each having the above components and further including a kiosk having one or more input and output devices for entering information to the module for controlling operation of the system. The modular system may be connected to a server and/or an administrator terminal.