The invention provides a digital lock (100, 1001, 1002) including at least two magnets. One magnet is a semi hard magnet (310) and the other magnet is a hard magnet (320). The hard magnet (320) is configured to open or close the digital lock (100, 1001, 1002). The semi hard magnet (310) and the hard magnet (320) are placed adjacent to each other. A change in magnetisation polarisation of the semi hard magnet (310) is configured to push or pull the hard magnet (320) to open or close the digital lock (100, 1001, 1002).

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.

A sliding panel deadbolt lock assembly that is associated with a sliding panel that transitions between an open position and a closed position relative to a stationary panel that is coupled to the sliding panel. A sliding panel lock assembly includes a pin that transitions between an engaged position and a retracted position. A first magnetic field sensing device is positioned at the retracted position of the pin when the pin is in the retracted position to enable the sliding panel to transition from the closed position. The first magnetic field sensing device detects a magnetic field generated by a first magnetic field generating device positioned on the pin. The first magnetic field sensing device positioned at the retracted position of the pin is aligned with the first magnetic field generating device positioned on the pin when the pin is in the retracted position.

The invention provides a magnetic actuator (100, 1001, 1002) including at least two magnets. One magnet is a semi hard magnet (310) and the other magnet is a hard magnet (320). The hard magnet (320) is configured to open or close the magnetic actuator (100, 1001, 1002). The semi hard magnet (310) and the hard magnet (320) are placed adjacent to each other. A change in magnetization polarization of the semi hard magnet (310) is configured to push or pull the hard magnet (320) to open or close a digital lock realised with the magnetic actuator 100, 1001, 1002. The magnetic actuator of the invention can also be used to realise a valve.

One or more embodiments describe a magnetic actuator including at least two magnets. One magnet is a semi hard magnet and the other magnet is a hard magnet. The hard magnet is configured to open or close the magnetic actuator. The semi hard magnet and the hard magnet are placed adjacent to each other. A change in magnetization polarization of the semi hard magnet is configured to push or pull the hard magnet) to open or close a digital lock realised with the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator can also be used to realise a valve.

A rotation detection system for detecting the rotation of a lock dial includes a magnet coupled to the lock dial to generate a changing magnetic field in response to rotation of the lock dial, a sensor disposed near enough to the magnet to detect the magnetic field and provide a sensor output signal indicative of the magnetic field, and a controller coupled to the sensor for receiving the sensor output signal, the controller providing a controller output signal in response to a change in the sensor output signal. An alarm interface can receive the controller output signal and provide an alarm signal.

A mobile computing device for transmitting token data to a key card reading device having an activation mechanism is provided. The computing device is programmed to receive token data representing access data of a key card, generate a transmission signal representing the access data of the key card based on the token data in response to receiving the token data, and output the transmission signal to the key card reading device. The access data causes the key card reading device to activate the activation mechanism. The transmission signal causes the key card reading device to activate the activation mechanism when the mobile computing device is placed near the key card reading device and the transmission signal is authenticated by the key card reading device.

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.

An electronic lock device according to one embodiment includes a first magnetometer, a second magnetometer, a dynamic ferromagnetic component positioned between the first magnetometer and the second magnetometer, a processor, and a memory comprising a plurality of instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, causes the electronic lock device to read sensor data from the first magnetometer and the second magnetometer, modify the sensor data to generate compensated sensor data that compensates for magnetic noise generated by the dynamic ferromagnetic component, and determine whether the door is in a closed state or an open state based on the compensated sensor data.

An aspect of the disclosure includes a security system and method having a key with nanoscale features. The key includes a body. At least one pattern member disposed on the body, the pattern member formed using a directed self-assembly polymer to define a pattern of random feature structures thereon, the feature structures having a width of less than 100 nanometers.