It is presented a method performed in a key device for authenticating a user for access to a physical space. The method comprises the steps of: detecting the presence of a lock device; sending a request for authorisation data to an access control server, the request comprising an identifier of the key device; receiving authorisation data from the access control server; determining whether the key device is authorised to open the lock device; and sending an unlock signal to the lock device when the key device is allowed to open the lock device.

Various embodiments may include systems for unlocking a motor vehicle. For example, an apparatus may include: a motor vehicle key for unlocking a motor vehicle having a remote engine start and/or vehicle entry system. The motor vehicle key comprises a Bluetooth antenna and a motor vehicle communication antenna. A controller of the motor vehicle key is configured to: use the Bluetooth antenna to set up a Bluetooth link to a mobile radio terminal using an activation key stored in a memory of the motor vehicle key; and instruct a motor vehicle controller installed in the motor vehicle to prompt an operation of the motor vehicle.

A key can be configured for interfacing with a dispenser in a commercial facility, the key can include a body and key hardware configured to unlock the dispenser. A beacon device can be incorporated into the body and configured to transmit beacon data including an identity of the beacon device. The key can be used for maintenance of commercial facilities by maintenance personnel, wherein the commercial facilities include consumable product dispensers that require periodic refill. Maintenance can include interfacing a receiver device incorporated in a product dispenser with a beacon device incorporated into a key configured to unlock the product dispenser, interfacing the receiver device with a server system to transmit the identity of the beacon device to the server system, and identifying, by the server system, an identity of a maintenance personnel that unlocks the product dispenser based at least in part on the identity of the beacon device.

An electronic key includes a mechanical key, a key housing to which the mechanical key is attached, and a charging terminal. The mechanical key is detachable from the key housing. The charging terminal is disposed in a key opposing surface that is a surface of the key housing, covered with the mechanical key in a state where the mechanical key is attached to the key housing, and exposed when the mechanical key is relatively moved from a position attached to the key housing.

A key holder designed for use with manual key switches affixes a key onto a control box. The key holder includes a rotor housing, a key rotor, and a threaded opening. The key is mounted into the key rotor before being inserted into the control box. Further, the key rotor is rotatably mounted into the rotor housing via the threaded opening. The key rotor includes an interior face, an exterior face, a threaded body, and a key slot. The interior face and exterior face are positioned opposite each other about the threaded body. The key slot traverses through the threaded body. To connect the key rotor to the rotor housing, the threaded body is screwed into the threaded opening. This transforms the rotational motion into the linear motion of the key rotor, which along with the locking feature of the manual key switch, prevents the key from rotating.

A vehicle-mounted apparatus comprising: a main body portion; and an electronic key accommodating portion that accommodates an electronic key of a vehicle and is attachable to and detachable from the main body portion, wherein the electronic key accommodating portion includes a switching unit that switches detection states of a first detection unit and a second detection unit according to an attachment or detachment operation of the electronic key accommodating portion to or from the main body portion, the first detection unit is provided in the main body portion for detecting an accommodation state of the electronic key in the electronic key accommodating portion, and the second detection unit is provided in the main body portion for detecting an attachment or detachment state of the electronic key accommodating portion with respect to the main body portion.

An interlock system comprising: a first lock including a first lock memory configured to store one or more virtual keys; and a first key including a first key memory configured to store one or more virtual keys, wherein the first lock is configured to be actuated between a first condition and a second condition, when a first virtual key stored in the first key memory is transferred to the first lock memory, by engagement of the first key and first lock, and movement of the first key with respect to the first lock.

Various embodiments may include systems for unlocking a motor vehicle. For example, an apparatus may include: a motor vehicle key for unlocking a motor vehicle having a remote engine start and/or vehicle entry system. The motor vehicle key comprises a Bluetooth antenna and a motor vehicle communication antenna. A controller of the motor vehicle key is configured to: use the Bluetooth antenna to set up a Bluetooth link to a mobile radio terminal using an activation key stored in a memory of the motor vehicle key; and instruct a motor vehicle controller installed in the motor vehicle to prompt an operation of the motor vehicle.

An electromechanical lock assembly (1) comprising a lock body (13), a lock core (21) located at least partially within the lock body (13) and selectively rotatable with respect to the lock body (13), the lock core (21) including a key receptacle (23), a bolt operating member rotationally secured to the lock core (21) and configured to move a lock bolt of a lock (3) for locking and unlocking said lock (3), and a programmable key (12), wherein said electromechanical lock assembly is configured to be powered upon insertion of the programmable key (12) in said key receptacle (23). A position sensing device (27) is arranged to transmit position data to said programmable key (12).

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, devices, and methods for data centers. In one example, a system includes a plurality of electronic keys and a plurality of electronic locks each configured to secure a single fixture from unauthorized access. Each of the electronic locks is configured to communicate with any one of the electronic keys for determining whether the electronic key is authorized to unlock the electronic lock for accessing the fixture. The system also includes an access control system configured to assign one or more electronic locks to users of each of the plurality of electronic keys for authorizing the plurality of electronic keys to unlock one or more of the plurality of electronic locks for the fixture.