Abstract: A method of authorizing a key or lock device comprises the following steps: a first user device and a first system device used in a first level of a lock system, such as at a manufacturer, are created. A first encryption key is stored in the first user device and the first system device. When the user device is to be shipped to a second level of the lock system, such as a locksmith, an authentication process is carried out between the first user device and the first system device using the first encryption key stored therein. In case the authentication process was successful, a software operation is carried out by the first system device, by which the first encryption key stored in the first user device is replaced by a second encryption key. This second encryption key is stored in second system and user devices used in the second level of the lock system, thereby making the first user device operable with the second system and user devices. This prevents unauthorized use of keys and locks.

Abstract: A key and lock device comprises a key having a first electronic circuit and a lock having a second electronic circuit. The key and the lock store secret information, some of which is unique for each device. The key and the lock exchange a random number through connectors and perform a calculation in the respective circuitry based on the random number and secret information. An electrical blocking mechanism is moved to a non-blocking position if a comparison of the calculations in the circuits gives the correct result.

Abstract: A key and lock device comprises a key and a standalone lock. The key has an electronic circuitry with a first memory and a contact. The lock has electronic circuitry with a memory, and a contact arranged to co-operate with the key's first contact. A blocking mechanism is adapted to block operation of the lock unless an authorized key is inserted in the lock. The memory of the key stores a public identification item of the key identifying a group of keys having identical mechanical codes. In the memory of the lock, there is provided a list of the public and secret identification items of authorized keys and a list of the public identification item of non-authorized keys. A key is authorized if the public and secret identification items are present in the list of authorized keys and the public identification item thereof is absent in the list of non-authorized keys.

Abstract: A key and lock device comprises a key and a stand-alone lock. The key has an electronic circuitry with a first memory and a first contact. The lock has an electronic circuitry with a second memory means, and a second contact means arranged to co-operate with the first contact means. Also, there is a blocking mechanism adapted to block operation of the lock unless an authorised key is inserted in the lock. The memory of the key stores a public identification item of the key identifying a group of keys having identical mechanical codes. In the memory of the lock, there is provided a list of the public and secret identification items of authorised keys and a list of the public identification item of non-authorised keys, A key is authorised if the public and secret identification items are present in the list of authorised keys and the public identification item thereof is absent in the list of non-authorised keys.

Abstract: A method of authorizing a key or lock device comprises the following steps: a first user device and a first system device used in a first level of a lock system, such as at a manufacturer, are created. A first encryption key is stored in the first user device and the first system device. When the user device is to be shipped to a second level of the lock system, such as a locksmith, an authentication process is carried out between the first user device and the first system device using the first encryption key stored therein. In case the authentication process was successful, a software operation is carried out by the first system device, by which the first encryption key stored in the first user device is replaced by a second encryption key. This second encryption key is stored in second system and user devices used in the second level of the lock system, thereby making the first user device operable with the second system and user devices. This prevents unauthorized use of keys and locks.