Physical security device and method to record changes in the physical security device

A security system, comprising:

• a mechanical lock, comprising:
• a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, configure to read information from a RFID tag,
• an electrical power supply,
• a switch configured to temporarily electrically connect the RFID tag reader to the electrical power supply,
• a non-transitory computer memory,
• a microprocessor, powered by the electrical power supply, configured to store the information read from the RFID tag and a lock-state of the mechanical lock in the non-transitory computer memory as a history log, and
• a data-port attached to the microprocessor, configured to transmit when interrogated, the history log,
• wherein the switch comprises a first Hall sensor disposed on an inside wall of a keyway, configured to detect a movement of a first magnet, wherein the first magnet is disposed on an associated key
• configured to change a lock-state of the mechanical lock;
• and
• a RFID tag configured, when read information by the RFID reader, to communicate identifying information to the RFID reader.

A process, comprising:

• inserting a blade of a mechanical key into a keyway of a mechanical lock,
• rotating the mechanical key, wherein rotating the mechanical key changes a lock-state of the mechanical lock;
• activating a switch, configured to temporarily electrically connect an RFID tag reader to an electrical power supply;
• reading, using the RFID tag reader, information from a RFID tag;
• storing as a history log, using a microprocessor, powered by the electrical power supply, the information read from the RFID tag and the lock-state of the mechanical lock in a non-transitory computer memory;
• and
• detecting a movement of a magnet disposed on an associated key, via the switch comprising a Hall sensor disposed on an inside wall of a keyway.