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.

An electronic control key including security check circuitry used by an inductive system to perform at least one security check to determine whether to enable authorized functions. The inductive system receives power and enables communications via an inductive link for backup operation. The security check circuitry may include battery status circuitry and distance measurement circuitry. The inductive system invokes the distance measurement circuitry to perform a secure distance check when the battery status is good, in which the inductive system enables authorized functions only when the secure distance check passes. The security check circuitry may include a motion detector for performing a motion inquiry. The motion inquiry may include detecting motion of the electronic control key or detecting a predetermined characteristic movement or a programmed motion pattern. The security check circuitry may be a button in which authorized functions are enabled only when the button is pressed.

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 dual mode, passcode storage, wireless secure lock is disclosed. In one embodiment, a key is provided that includes a key coil, a first key data processing device (DPD), a second key DPD, and a key radio transceiver. The first key DPD is configured to receive a first authentication code (AC) from a lock via the key coil. The first key DPD is configured to compare the first AC with data in memory of the key DPD. The first key DPD is configured to activate the second key DPD in response to response to determining the first AC compares equally to data in memory of the first key DPD. The second key DPD is configured to transmit a second AC to the lock via the key radio transceiver after the second key DPD is activated.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a wireless communication interface; a display; a magnetic stripe transmission (MST) module comprising a coil for inducing generation of a magnetic field; a processor electrically connected to the wireless communication interface, the display, and the MST module; and a memory electrically connected to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions for controlling the processor, the instructions, when executed, causing the processor to: receive digital card key information for unlocking a door lock apparatus from an external device through the wireless communication interface; convert the digital card information into an MST signal containing the same; activate the MST module in response to an MST module activation request input thereto; and unlock the door lock apparatus by transmitting the converted MST signal through magnetic induction and waking up the door lock apparatus through the transmitted MST signal. Other embodiments are also possible.

Lockout/tagout devices are configured to receive multi-user, electronically generated locking and unlocking commands over wireless interfaces to realize lockout safety chains of a desired length to assure worker safety in an industrial system. Electronically implemented systems and methods are also disclosed providing for enhanced worker safety, increased security, and improved lockout/tagout oversight involving a reduced number of locking devices and with fewer complications compared to conventional lockout/tagout devices, systems and processes.

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.

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.

The present invention relates to an electric locking device (10) comprising. at least one sensor device for detecting at least one movement of the locking device (10) and for generating sensor signals and/or sensor data in dependence on the detected movement, at least one power source (22) other than a fixed power supply for operating at least the actuator (12), the near-field data transmission device (14), the memory unit (18), the processor device (20) and/or the sensor device, and at least one control device for activating one or more devices deactivated in an idle state, wherein the device deactivated in the idle state is at least one or more of the following devices: the actuator (12), the near field data transmission device (14), the memory unit (18) and/or the processor device (20).