Abstract: New and improved electronic locks and electronic keys with enhanced anti-tamper capabilities integrated into the electronic locks, additional contact-based communications and recharging capabilities in the electronic keys, and capabilities for an electronic lock to change the authorizations and characteristics of an electronic key by provide an access profile to the electronic key when the key touches the lock.

Abstract: Vending machine circuitry adapted to interface with vending machine electronics so as to provide data communications between a handheld device, preferably a wireless handheld device operated by a potential consumer, and the vending machine electronics, with the handheld device providing the network communications connectivity for transmitting and receiving information to and from remote data centers, data bases, and/or servers.

Abstract: Vending machine circuitry adapted to interface with vending machine electronics so as to provide data communications between a handheld device, preferably a wireless handheld device operated by a potential consumer, and the vending machine electronics, with the handheld device providing the network communications connectivity for transmitting and receiving information to and from remote data centers, data bases, and/or servers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating an avatar configured to represent traits of a human subject. First interactions of the human subject are observed, and characteristics of the human subject are extracted from the observed first interactions. An avatar characteristic table is generated or updated based on the extracted personality characteristics. Second interactions of the human subject are observed, and the avatar characteristic table is updated based on the observed second interactions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a computer-implemented method of providing an interactive avatar that reacts to a communication from a communicating party. Data from an avatar characteristic table is provided to an avatar action model, where the avatar characteristic table is a data structure stored on a computer-readable medium that includes values for a plurality of avatar personality characteristics. A communication with the avatar is received from the communicating party. A next state for the avatar is determined using the avatar action model, where the avatar action model determines the next state based on the data from the avatar characteristic table, a current state for the avatar, and the communication. The next state for the avatar is implemented, and the avatar characteristic table is updated based on the communication from the communicating party, where a subsequent state for the avatar is determined based on the updated avatar characteristic table.

Abstract: A method of using an electronic key for access to one or more mechatronic locks when the key moves from place to place, including the key periodically transmitting its geographical location to an access management server so as to allow said server to identify location coordinates for the key, and receiving an access profile from the server where the access profile includes a set of one or more cylinders accessible to the key and is based at least in part on the key's location. If the key's new location causes a change in access profile information associated with the key, the key's previous access profile is preferably replaced with the key's new access profile in an irreversible manner. The key preferably self-supervises its communications with the server by deactivating its access profile if it no longer receives information from the server for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of using an electronic key for access to one or more mechatronic locks when the key moves from place to place, including the key periodically transmitting its geographical location to an access management server so as to allow said server to identify location coordinates for the key, and receiving an access profile from the server where the access profile includes a set of one or more cylinders accessible to the key and is based at least in part on the key's location. If the key's new location causes a change in access profile information associated with the key, the key's previous access profile is preferably replaced with the key's new access profile in an irreversible manner. The key preferably self-supervises its communications with the server by deactivating its access profile if it no longer receives information from the server for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to electronic keys. The invention relates more particularly to an electronic key for secure access to an electronic cylinder. The invention relates to an electronic key (1) enabling control of access to a mecatronic cylinder, wherein said key comprises at least one memory (3) for storing access information, and a microprocessor. The invention is characterized in that said key comprises at least one means of wireless communication with a server (7), comprising an access profile data base, wherein said access information can be remotely modified according to the access profile associated with said key.

Abstract: A lock with a core rotatable in an intermediate shell that is rotatable in an outer shell of the lock's body resists attack by the application of excessive torque to the keyway or drilling into the core.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an electronic lock (12) suitable for replacing interchangeable core locks has a solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid coil (280) and a plunger (290) longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis (A) of the cylinder (214) of the lock (12).