GB2389576A

GB2389576A - Key location system

Info

Publication number: GB2389576A
Application number: GB0229849A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Stuart Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-12-31
Filing date: 2002-12-23
Publication date: 2003-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-23
Also published as: GB2389576B; GB0229849D0

Abstract

A means of searching for and locating a key without first having prior knowledge of its exact location amongst other keys. Attached to each key is a key ring or fob which contains non-volatile re-programmable memory pre-loaded with unique identification of the key. An electronic processing unit conducts a search function after the user enters the identity of the required key at a control panel. The processing unit compares the entered identity with the contents of the memory modules mounted on the key rings. The data communication system between the processing unit and the key rings includes direct electrical wiring, optical data transmission, infra-red beam or radio frequency data transmission. On locating the required key, the processing unit indicates the location and provides an audible or visual alert to the user. The indication can be on the key ring or fob itself. Alternatively, a bar code can be printed on the ring or fob and an IR unit tries to locate the required key. Preferably, the keys are stored in a cabinet or rack.

Description

Key Management This invention relates to keys which are used in security

and safety mechanisms for the purposes of locking and unlocking as a means of controlling access or safety.

Keys are often stored on key hooks, in drawers or in key cabinets. Managing keys in this way becomes a problem when a large number of keys are being stored and controlled, since it can become time-consuming to manually or visually search for a key or set of keys among a large number of keys. More particularly, the search for a key would take even longer if the required key was not in its desired place, or was not on its desired hook.

The aim of this invention is to provide a system to aid the speedy search and recovery of a key or set of joined keys stored among other keys or sets of joined keys. In the event that the required key is not in its desired location, its true location wild be identified to the person requiring the key.

This invention provides a means by which a key or set of joined keys are located by the user, without the necessity of the user having to know of its location in the key storage area. The user need only know the unique identification of the required key. The storage area in which the keys are located allows a key to be placed in any unoccupied location. The user will request the desired key by entering, into a control panel, some or all of unique information or identification relating to the desired key.

Each key is fitted with a uniquely identifiable key ring or fob. Each key ring or fate contains non-volatile re-programmable memory which is preloaded with the said unique information or identification relating to the key or set of joined keys to which it is fitted. The memory also contains data pertaining to the purpose or application of the attached key, in which the data is intended to provide information to the users of the key.

An electronic processing unit acts upon the search request, as entered at the control panel by the user, by conducting a search for the desired key within the storage area. The information entered by the user is compared to the information or identification held in the memory of each key ring or fob currently in the storage area.

If the processing unit obtains a positive match in the storage area, then the user will be alerted by audible or visual means or both. or by displaying information at the control panel. The user will be given the location in which the requested key is to be found. The processing unit searches the memory of each key ring or fob by the use of direct electrical wiring, wireless

( optical data transmission or infra-red beam, wireless radio frequency data communication or wireless electromagnetic induction.

The storage area containing the keys would take one of, or a combination of, several forms including: a board or cabinet fitted with key-hooks from which each key or set of joined keys is hung; a rack fitted with slots into which the key or its key ring or fob, or both, is inserted; a shelving unit in which keys are laid, but not necessarily in a particular order, on each shelf; a drawer in which the keys are placed, but not necessarily in a particular order; a container in which the keys are placed, but not necessarily in a particular order; a room or building' but in which the keys are placed together at a single location in the room or building. but could also be scattered over two or more locations in the room or building; a cupboard or cabinet in which the keys are placed, but not necessarily in a particular order; and a table, desk or worktop on which the keys are placed. but not necessarily in a particular order. These forms of storage area may either be purpose-made for this invention or may already exist as part of everyday use.

The memory module in the key ring or fob may take the form of a printed barcode which is scanned by a hand-held control panel.

In order to find a specific key or set of joined keys in a storage rack fitted with slots, the user enters some unique information into the control panel. Each key ring or fob is located in a slot in the rack. The processing unit scans each slot via electrical wiring which makes contact with the memory module on the key ring or fob. The contents of each memory module is interrogated to confirm whether it matches the unique information entered at the control panel.

If a memory module is identified as containing the unique information, then the location of the slot in which the key ring or fob is inserted will be indicated to the user. The indication being audible, visual or by displaying information at the control panel. The user can then retrieve the desired key from the indicated slot location.

In order to find a specific key among other keys hanging from key hooks in a key cabinet, the user enters unique information into a hand-held remote control panel and points the panel towards the hanging keys. On command from the user, the processing unit in the hand-held remote control communicates the search information to the keys by emitting a wide-angled infra-red beam towards all or many keys in the cabinet. An infra-red receiver fitted into each key ring or fate receives the search information sent from the processing unit. In each key ring or fob a logic unit compares the received search information to the contents of the memory, and if a match is found then the key ring or fate will give an audible or visual indication. The user

( will see the desired key ring or fob flashing or will hear it sounding, and would remove the key from its hook In order to find a specific key among other keys scattered in a container or drawer' the user enters unique information into a hand-held remote control panel and points the panel towards the keys. On command from the user, the processing unit in the hand-held remote control communicates the search information to the keys by emitting an infra-red beam towards each key in the cabinet. A unique printed barcode fitted to each key ring or fob is scanned by the infra-red beam and the data is read by the processing unit. Each key ring or fob is scanned in turn. If a match is found while scanning the barcode on a key ring or fob, then the hand-held remote control panel will immediately give an audible or visual alert to the user.

In order to find a key among other keys laid on a shelf, the user enters unique information into the control panel. An electromagnetic mat fitted with electrically inductive antennae is placed onto the bare shelf. The keys are then laid onto the mat. The key rings or fates each contain an electromagnetic detector which receives transmissions from the processing unit. The processing unit transmits the search information to all keys on the mat. Each key ring or fob compares the received data to the contents of the memory, and if a match is found then the key ring or fob emits an audible or visual indication.

Claims

1. A key location identifying means in which the location of a uniquely identifiable key or set of joined keys is determined and presented; Uniquely identifiable keys, each fitted with uniquely identifiable key rings or fobs; Key rings or fobs containing non-volatile re-prograrnmable memory which is loaded with unique identification data relating to the attached key, and which is also loaded with other information relating to the attached key; A storage area consisting of more than one location at which keys are put away until required for use; the storage area in the form of a board or cabinet fitted with key-holding hooks, a rack fitted with slots, a shelving unit, a draw, a container, a room, a building, a cupboard, a cabinet, a table, a desk or a worktop; A storage area in which a key is placed at any unoccupied location; A control panel at which unique details of the desired key is entered; The location of the desired key being identified by an electronic processing unit; An electronic processing unit with the means to search the storage area to locate the desired key; A storage area being searched by the electronic processing unit whichcompares the unique identification of each key in the storage area with the identification of the desired key given at the control panel; An electronic processing unit communicating with the key ring or fob through direct electrical wiring, optical data transmission, infra-red beam, wireless radio frequency data communication or wireless electromagnetic induction; An electronic processing unit identifying the location of the desired key in which an alert is given upon successful determination of the location; An alert consisting of audible means, visual means or of use of the control panel.

2. A key location identifying means as in Claim I in which the memory module contained in

the key ring or fob is in the form of a printed barcode; A printed barcode scanned by an infra-red beam which acts to communicate reflected barcode data back to the electronic prwessing unit.

3. A key location identifying means as in Claim I in which the alerting means is contained within the key ring or fete, such that the key ring or fob emits sound or visual indication when the attached key is located successfully.

4. A key-identification system as in claim I in which an electromagnetic data communication mat is used as a horizontally laid mat on which keys are laid to enable location of a key ring or fate.

4. A key location identifying means as in Claim 1 in which the memory module contained in the key ring or fob is controlled by a logic unit; A logic unit also contained within the key ring or fob which responds to control instructions received from the processing unit instructing the logic unit to compare contents of the memory module with the identification ofthe desired key given at the control panel; A logic unit contained within the key ring or fob which emits sound or visual indication when the attached key is located successfully.

( l À :d c::: Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A key location identifying system which locates a uniquely identifiable key or key set out of a collection of keys and/or key sets consisting of: uniquely identifiable key ring or fob, which contains non-volatile reprogrammable memory loaded both with unique identification data pertaining to the attached key or key set and with information relating to the attached key; a means by which the electronic control unit conducts a data comparison operation on the memory unit in each key ring or fob for the purpose of finding any keys that relate to the information entered at the control panel; an electronic control unit communicating with the key ring or fob through direct electrical wiring and contacts, optical data communication with the key ring or fob and electromagnetic data communication with the key ring or fob; and an audible or visual means on the key ring or fob for indicating the location of the desired key. 2. A key location identifying system as in claim I which consists of a storage unit, in which keys are put away until required for use, comprising of: slots into which a key ring or fob is inserted; and electrical contacts.

3. A key location identifying system as in claims I and 2 in which the key ring or fob consists of electrical contacts mounted on the part of the key ring or fob that corresponds with the electrical contacts mounted in the slot.