Embodiments relate to the processing of information associated with a user of a portable electronic key to limit use of the key by unauthorized persons. The portable electronic key includes an input device configured to receive user input information from a holder of the key. A user verification procedure is performed based on the user input information. The user input information can include biometric information associated with the holder of the key. The user verification procedure includes a determination that the user input information corresponds to authorized user information stored in a memory of the key. Based in part on execution of the user verification procedure, the portable electronic key can be configured to initiate an unlocking event at an entry point.

An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry. Audit trail data may be recorded based on usage of the key.

A key fob, comprising an electronic communication circuit, a processor, and a battery configured to power the electronic communication circuit and the processor, further comprises: a communication module for exchanging data with an external electronic communication device, an access control module for exchanging access control data with an external electronic access control device, and a user activatable operating element which activates the communication module, or the access control module, depending on actuation of the operating element by a user.

A key fob includes: communicator(s), a battery, memory, and processor(s) configured to: find signal strengths of received polls; determine, based on the signal strengths, that the received polls have: (a) increased, (b) decreased, (c) leveled off; and if (a), issue a poll response; if (c), not issue the poll response.

A keyless entry device and method for powering the keyless entry system, such as a key fob, are disclosed. The keyless entry device has a charging battery, a rechargeable battery, at least one long range function button for a long range function, and at least one short range function button for a short range function. The method includes charging the rechargeable battery using the charging battery, wherein the rechargeable battery has a larger burst current delivery capacity than the charging battery. The method further includes sending a short range transmission from the keyless entry device using at least one of: the charging battery, and the rechargeable battery, when the at least one short range function button is actuated, sending a long range transmission from the keyless entry device at least one of: the charging battery, and the rechargeable battery, when the at least one long range function button is actuated.

In a digital key system, each of a digital key and a digital lock include two terminals and an electric circuit to superimpose and separate a high-frequency signal and a DC current. A microcomputer is operated by DC current supplied from a battery of the digital key through the electric circuit when the digital key is connected to the digital lock, thereby causing an NFC unit to perform communication by the high-frequency signal with the digital key through the electric circuit, read unlocking authority information from a non-contact memory, and authenticate the read unlocking authority information.

An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry. Audit trail data may be recorded based on usage of the key.

A method of saving energy for a locking system, in which, upon completion of a working cycle, an energy-saving circuit in an electronic control board of an electronic key picks up, in response to a signal from a microcontroller, a signal from a second OR input, said signal transferring a power source into an energy-saving mode in which the supply of power to a control circuit is completely shut off. When the power source of the key needs to be activated, the circuit board of an electronic lock draws power from the battery of the key and sends a signal to the electronic key, wherein the circuit for extracting an activation feature from an external event does not use energy from the battery.

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.

Methods, systems, and devices relating to administration of a portable electronic key are disclosed. The portable electronic key is configured for controlling access to an electronic locking device. A motion detection sensor detects a movement of the portable electronic key. Based on the movement of the key corresponding to a disabling movement, access to the electronic locking device is modified. A wireless communications link between the portable electronic key and an access administration device can facilitate an exchange of messages related to a status of the portable electronic key.