A machine is disclosed for use in duplicating features of an existing key within a key blank. The machine may have an identification module configured to capture data associated with the features of the existing key, a fabrication module configured to cut the features in the key blank based on the data, a user input device, and a controller in communication with the identification module, the fabrication module, and the user input device. The controller may be configured to regulate operation of the identification module and the fabrication module, and to receive input from a user via the user input device. The input may be indicative of the user being a first type of user or a second type of user. The controller may also be configured to selectively implement one of a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation based on the input.

The present invention generally relates to the field of replicating or copying keys. More specifically, the present invention relates to creating a copy of a master key based on a captured image of the master key by using a laser scanning of the master key and decoding the master key based on the captured image. The present invention identifies a set of target key information based on the image of the master key to provide for the cutting of a duplicate key blade copy using a key scanning and cutting system located at a retail or end location. Additional key information may also be captured along with the image of the master key.

A machine is disclosed for use in duplicating features of an existing key within a key blank. The machine may have an identification module configured to capture data associated with the features of the existing key, a fabrication module configured to cut the features in the key blank based on the data, a user input device, and a controller in communication with the identification module, the fabrication module, and the user input device. The controller may be configured to regulate operation of the identification module and the fabrication module, and to receive input from a user via the user input device. The input may be indicative of the user being a first type of user or a second type of user. The controller may also be configured to selectively implement one of a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation based on the input.

An apparatus comprising: at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: determine a roll, a pitch and a yaw of a clamped key blank; and based at least in part on the determined roll, pitch and yaw of the key blank, determine a cutting sequence for cutting the key blank.

A key model identification and feedback system includes a key identification housing, a master key receiving aperture, a master key identifier, a processor in communication with the master key identifier, and a feedback module. The processor is configured to access a database defining a plurality of known key models, compare the physical characteristics of the master key with physical characteristics of the known key models in the database to identify a model of the master key, and communicate the model of the master key to the feedback module coupled to the key identification housing. The feedback module, responsive to the communication from the processor, outputs an indication of the model of the master key and directions to a location remote from the key identification housing where a key blank having the same model of the master key is available for duplicating the master key.

Systems and methods for maintaining a kiosk that scans and/or duplicates keys are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises: a kiosk comprising: a key slot disposed in a surface of the kiosk; a key scanning device; a key scanning housing mounted behind the key slot, wherein the key scanning device is positioned in relation to the key scanning housing to facilitate capturing information about the key inserted in the key slot; a vacuum cleaner; a hose connecting the vacuum cleaner and the key scanning housing; and at least one hardware processor that is programmed to: determine that the key is to be scanned; and cause the vacuum cleaner to run creating a partial vacuum in the vicinity of the key scanning housing.

Systems and methods for maintaining a kiosk that scans and/or duplicates keys are provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises: a kiosk comprising: a key slot disposed in a surface of the kiosk; a key scanning device; a key scanning housing mounted behind the key slot, wherein the key scanning device is positioned in relation to the key scanning housing to facilitate capturing information about the key inserted in the key slot; a vacuum cleaner; a hose connecting the vacuum cleaner and the key scanning housing; and at least one hardware processor that is programmed to: determine that the key is to be scanned; and cause the vacuum cleaner to run creating a partial vacuum in the vicinity of the key scanning housing.

An electronic key duplicating machine includes a base, on which a first support is mounted for a clamp for, at separate moments, an original key and a blank key, an optical reader sensing the bitting of the original key, and a milling cutter reproducing the bitting on the blank key, which are mounted on a second support rigid with the machine base, the clamp being movable along the X axis and the Y axis relative to the second support, a unit memorizing the bitting of the original key sensed by the optical reader and controlling and commanding movement of the clamp and operability of optical reader and milling cutter, wherein the second support is of C-shape with its opening facing the clamp, and the optical reader is mounted on horizontal branches of the second C-shaped support, while the milling cutter is mounted in the cavity defined by the horizontal branches.

A key model identification and feedback system includes a key identification housing, a master key receiving aperture, a master key identifier, a processor in communication with the master key identifier, and a feedback module. The processor is configured to access a database defining a plurality of known key models, compare the physical characteristics of the master key with physical characteristics of the known key models in the database to identify a model of the master key, and communicate the model of the master key to the feedback module coupled to the key identification housing. The feedback module, responsive to the communication from the processor, outputs an indication of the model of the master key and directions to a location remote from the key identification housing where a key blank having the same model of the master key is available for duplicating the master key.

A key model identification and feedback system includes a key identification housing, a master key receiving aperture, a master key identifier, a processor in communication with the master key identifier, and a feedback module. The processor is configured to access a database defining a plurality of known key models, compare the physical characteristics of the master key with physical characteristics of the known key models in the database to identify a model of the master key, and communicate the model of the master key to the feedback module coupled to the key identification housing. The feedback module, responsive to the communication from the processor, outputs an indication of the model of the master key and directions to a location remote from the key identification housing where a key blank having the same model of the master key is available for duplicating the master key.