Apparatus and methods for controlling physical access to a location include an entry system including at least one barrier at the physical location, with the barrier configured to selectively permit access into and/or from and/or within the physical location upon proper credentials and/or authorization. A cellular device is connected to or integrated with the entry system and is configured to transmit and receive voice and/or data information to the entry system that includes the credentials and/or authorization. The cellular device can be a retrofit to prior art/installed systems, can be external to an otherwise operational system, and/or can be integrated natively into the entry system. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to determine the power status and network link state of the cellular device and/or to establish communication through/to same, as well as for the cellular device to be connected to and control a plurality of entry systems and/or barriers. A plurality of entry systems and/or barriers can be controlled by one or more cellular devices, and the usage (and associated billing charges from cellular service providers) on any/all of those cellular devices monitored and selected to optimize (reduce) the expense of any data or other charges imposed by a cellular carrier associated with the cellular device. Optimization can include allocation to the aforementioned voice and/or data cellular plans related to specific of the plurality of entry systems and/or barriers.

This disclosure provides a device for delivering coded data in the form of knocks, comprising an electric motor capable of bi-directional rotation, a control utility to command the motor to alternately rotate in two opposite directions; a knocking element coupled to the motor such so as to be rotated thereby; and an anvil element positioned so as to being successively impacted by the knocking element in each of the two rotational directions.

The invention concerns a system (1) to provide access to premises (P1-P4) that comprise entrances (E1.1, E1.2, E2-E4) locked by means of electromechanical key locks (L1.1, L1.2, L2-L4), which for locking and unlocking are powered by insertion and actuation of at least one programmable key (24). In said system (1) an administrator (10) contacts a service unit (20) in possession of a programmable key (24) and provides it with synchronization data (13) for an electromechanical key lock (L1.2) of at least one entrance (E1.1) of at least one premise (P1) at an exact geographic position of a site (S).

A device may include a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to identify a communication link between a first domain object and a second domain object; identify a first endpoint associated with the first domain object and a second endpoint associated with the second domain object; and determine a location relationship between the first endpoint and the second endpoint. The processor may be further configured to select a communication mechanism based on the determined location relationship; instruct the first endpoint to communicate with the second endpoint using the selected communication mechanism; and instruct the second endpoint to communicate with the first endpoint using the selected communication mechanism.

Examples associated with device storage isolation are described. One example apparatus includes a set of receptacles for electronic devices. Each receptacle includes a power connector to provide power to an electronic device stored in the receptacle, a network connector to provide a network connection to the electronic device stored in the receptacle, and a locking mechanism to secure contents of the receptacle. Members of the set of receptacles are digitally isolated from other members of the set of receptacles. The apparatus also includes an authentication module to authenticate a user based on a credential provided by the user. The authentication module controls a selected locking mechanism of a selected member of the set of receptacles based on the credential and based on data received from a remote information technology module. The apparatus also includes a user interface module to instruct the user through the process of storing a received electronic device in the receptacle or retrieving a provided electronic device from the receptacle.

Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative systems, structures, and methods for performing authenticated access to a structure. An illustrative system includes a connector configured to be operably connected to a personal electronics device and to receive an electric charge from the personal electronics device, a controller couplable to an electromechanical locking device and the connector, and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the controller to receive first authentication information, receive second authentication information from the personal electronics device, authenticate the personal electronics device responsive to the first authentication information and the received second authentication information, and activate an electromechanical locking device to unlock responsive to the electric charge and a successful authentication.

Present disclosure relates a secure electronic lock system. Secure electronic lock system includes many secure electronic locks connected through a communication network to a secure electronic lock system server. Each secure electronic lock includes a passive electronic lock, an active electronic key and a passive electronic key. Active electronic key includes electrical power source providing electrical power supply to active electronic key, passive electronic lock and passive electronic key. When both active and passive electronic keys are inserted into respective electronic keyholes of passive electronic lock, both active and passive digital keys are transmitted to passive electronic lock, passive electronic lock can be locked and unlocked only when both active and passive digital keys received match prestored active and passive digital keys respectively. Active and passive digital keys are updated and an access event is transmitted to secure electronic lock system server every time each secure electronic lock is accessed.

Present disclosure relates a secure electronic lock system. Secure electronic lock system includes many secure electronic locks connected through a communication network to a secure electronic lock system server. Each secure electronic lock includes a passive electronic lock, an active electronic key and a passive electronic key. Active electronic key includes electrical power source providing electrical power supply to active electronic key, passive electronic lock and passive electronic key. When both active and passive electronic keys are inserted into respective electronic keyholes of passive electronic lock, both active and passive digital keys are transmitted to passive electronic lock, passive electronic lock can be locked and unlocked only when both active and passive digital keys received match prestored active and passive digital keys respectively. Active and passive digital keys are updated and an access event is transmitted to secure electronic lock system server every time each secure electronic lock is accessed.

Systems and methods for authenticating users using a smart ring are disclosed. An exemplary method includes collecting contact data indicating a sequence of taps of the smart ring while a user is wearing the ring, a tap corresponding to contact between the ring and a component and the sequence of taps corresponding to a candidate pattern. The method further includes performing an authentication operation by (i) comparing the candidate pattern to an authentication pattern for a known user to determine whether the candidate pattern matches the authentication pattern and (ii) when the candidate pattern matches the authentication pattern, authenticating the user by updating a record to indicate the user has been identified and authenticated as the known user. In response to the record indicating that the user has been authenticated, the method includes, transmitting a signal to a second device controlling access to the resource, and receiving access to the resource.

An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic key, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic key can include program code for switching between a lock mode and a computer mode. In some embodiments, the lock mode and computer mode allow for simplified administration and operation of the access control system. Some embodiments of the electronic key include a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the access control system includes a hybrid power supply system having a rechargeable battery and a generator. In some embodiments, the electronic lock includes a piezoelectric latch. In some embodiments, the electronic key is configured to act as a storage device for a computer system. Some embodiments provide an electronic access control system with a streamlined user interface.