Abstract: An electronic lock can enter a lockdown mode in response to a lockdown command comprising a mechanical command, e.g. a button or door handle being pressed on the lock in a predefined time-series sequence, or touching the lock in a time-series sequence). Alternatively, an audio or visual command can be issued, e.g. saying certain words or making a hand gesture. The lock may require additional authentication before executing the lockdown command, e.g. recognizing an authorized electronic key. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic lock can enter a lockdown mode in response to a lockdown command comprising a mechanical command, e.g. a button or door handle being pressed on the lock in a predefined time-series sequence, or touching the lock in a time-series sequence). Alternatively, an audio or visual command can be issued, e.g. saying certain words or making a hand gesture. The lock may require additional authentication before executing the lockdown command, e.g. recognizing an authorized electronic key. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic lock can enter a lockdown mode in response to a lockdown command comprising a mechanical command, e.g. a button or door handle being pressed on the lock in a predefined time-series sequence, or touching the lock in a time-series sequence). Alternatively, an audio or visual command can be issued, e.g. saying certain words or making a hand gesture. The lock may require additional authentication before executing the lockdown command, e.g. recognizing an authorized electronic key. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic lock can enter a lockdown mode in response to a lockdown command comprising a mechanical command, e.g. a button or door handle being pressed on the lock in a predefined time-series sequence, or touching the lock in a time-series sequence). Alternatively, an audio or visual command can be issued, e.g. saying certain words or making a hand gesture. The lock may require additional authentication before executing the lockdown command, e.g. recognizing an authorized electronic key. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic lock can enter a lockdown mode in response to a lockdown command comprising a mechanical command, e.g. a button or door handle being pressed on the lock in a predefined time-series sequence, or touching the lock in a time-series sequence). Alternatively, an audio or visual command can be issued, e.g. saying certain words or making a hand gesture. The lock may require additional authentication before executing the lockdown command, e.g. recognizing an authorized electronic key. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A multifunction electronic key is provided with at least one wireless communication interface that can function as an access control key to unlock an electronic lock when the key is placed in proximity of an electronic lock that has been previously configured to allow temporal access to the said electronic key, and at least one of the following functions: a) Measure the electric field experienced by the device, process it and optionally send it to a second wireless device; b) A physical button to communicate a distress signal to a second wireless device, in response to which the second wireless device estimates the position of the electronic key and generates a system alarm indicating the identity of the electronic key that generated the alarm and its position estimate; c) Measures the device's motion, process it and optionally send it to a second wireless device; d) One or two way audio communication via the wireless link; e) Measures ionizing radiation.

Abstract: An electronic lock can enter a lockdown mode in response to a lockdown command comprising a mechanical command, e.g. a button or door handle being pressed on the lock in a predefined time-series sequence, or touching the lock in a time-series sequence). Alternatively, an audio or visual command can be issued, e.g. saying certain words or making a hand gesture. The lock may require additional authentication before executing the lockdown command, e.g. recognizing an authorized electronic key. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A multi function electronic key with at least one wireless communication interface that can function as an access control key to unlock an electronic lock when the key is placed in proximity of an electronic lock that has been previously configured to allow temporal access to the said electronic key, and at least one of the following functions: a) Measure the electric field experienced by the device, process it and optionally send it to a second wireless device b) A physical button to communicate a distress signal to a second wireless device, in response to which the second wireless device estimates the position of the electronic key and generates a system alarm indicating the identity of the electronic key that generated the alarm and its position estimate.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide multifunctional device that provides two or more of the following functions: a) EKey; b) Ecall capability; c) Body Electric Field measurement; d) Body proximity measurement; e) External Electric Field measurement; f) One or two way voice announcement; g) Motion sensor. Some embodiments provide an Ekey that operates from battery energy and energy harvested by one or more of the following transducers: a) Photo voltaic cell; b) Radio Frequency antenna; c) Mechanical vibration, flexing; c) thermo-electric transducer. Some embodiments provide a planar Ekey encapsulated in an insulator matrix and comprising: a) antenna realized on a flat substrate; b) Electronic circuits realized on a flat substrate that provided interconnection to electronic components and is parallel to antenna plane; b) A conformal shaped ES device that conforms above the electronic components. Other features are also provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide multifunctional device that provides two or more of the following functions: a) EKey; b) Ecall capability; c) Body Electric Field measurement; d) Body proximity measurement; e) External Electric Field measurement; f) One or two way voice announcement; g) Motion sensor. Some embodiments provide an Ekey that operates from battery energy and energy harvested by one or more of the following transducers: a) Photo voltaic cell; b) Radio Frequency antenna; c) Mechanical vibration, flexing; c) thermo-electric transducer. Some embodiments provide a planar Ekey encapsulated in an insulator matrix and comprising: a) antenna realized on a flat substrate; b) Electronic circuits realized on a flat substrate that provided interconnection to electronic components and is parallel to antenna plane; b) A conformal shaped ES device that conforms above the electronic components. Other features are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic door lock (“EDL”) is adapted to interact with an electronic key unit having a key antenna and a transmitter configured to transmit a radio frequency (“RF”) signal over the key antenna, the RF signal containing an identification (“ID”) code identifying the electronic key unit. The EDL can include a first antenna adapted to form a first directional radiation beam to receive the RF signal from the key unit, a second antenna adapted to form a second directional radiation beam to receive the RF signal from the key unit, and a processing component adapted to use RF signals received by one or both of the first and second antenna to determine whether the presence of an acceptable ID code is detected on the key. The EDL can determine the location of the key, and whether the key is inside or outside of the room.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a universal key that enables a user to have access to any type of secured portal, both physical and electronic, in a wireless, hands-free, distance-independent manner without requiring contact or line of sight access between the key and the secured portal. The universal key is not distance-dependent, and each secured portal can be provided with its own prescribed activation range, if desired. Some portals may be provided with long range activation, such as 50 feet, while other portals may be provided with short range activation of a few feet or less. The type of portal being secured and the range of activation may be selected by the user and is not limited by the universal key. In addition, the universal key will provide access to the secured portals in a hands-free fashion so that the user need not push any buttons or take any other action in order to obtain access to the portal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a universal key that enables a user to have access to any type of secured portal, both physical and electronic, in a wireless, hands-free, distance-independent manner without requiring contact or line of sight access between the key and the secured portal. The universal key is not distance-dependent, and each secured portal can be provided with its own prescribed activation range, if desired. Some portals may be provided with long range activation, such as 50 feet, while other portals may be provided with short range activation of a few feet or less. The type of portal being secured and the range of activation may be selected by the user and is not limited by the universal key. In addition, the universal key will provide access to the secured portals in a hands-free fashion so that the user need not push any buttons or take any other action in order to obtain access to the portal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a universal key that enables a user to have access to any type of secured portal, both physical and electronic, in a wireless, hands-free, distance-independent manner without requiring contact or line of sight access between the key and the secured portal. The universal key is not distance-dependent, and each secured portal can be provided with its own prescribed activation range, if desired. Some portals may be provided with long range activation, such as 50 feet, while other portals may be provided with short range activation of a few feet or less. The type of portal being secured and the range of activation may be selected by the user and is not limited by the universal key. In addition, the universal key will provide access to the secured portals in a hands-free fashion so that the user need not push any buttons or take any other action in order to obtain access to the portal.