Shared access personal storage locker apparatus, system and method

Abstract

A shared access personal storage locker system which includes a smartcard key containing re-writeable memory areas for locker access information, key ID and system ID information, locker storage units of similar or varying sizes containing a bimodal lock apparatus consisting of a key read/write unit for reading and/or writing information in/from the key, a lock control unit for controlling the unlocking and locking of a lock of a personal storage locker, a microcomputer to compare the information from the key to internal lock memory data and a display consisting of Public, Private and Error Message visual prompts . A method for utilizing the personal storage locker system and apparatus are provided in the preferred embodiment in which the programmed key is inserted into the key reader of a personal storage locker, the microcomputer compares the information on the key with the lock's internal memory information, if all rules are met, the locker unit is unlocked. The user opens the locker and places their articles in the locker and then closes the door, whereby the lock control unit actuates the lock and displays Private mode. Only the key that was present in the key reader/writer when the storage unit was locked will now open this storage unit. For taking out articles of this storage unit, the key is again inserted, whereby, after the key is validated, the personal storage unit is unlocked. The user removes their articles from the locker and closes the door whereby the lock control unit actuates the lock returns to Public mode display and clears they key In Use memory area. All personal access rules are stored within the key memory areas. Both the lock and the key store current locker In Use data. The key may store multiple In Use instances whereas the lock will store only one In Use Key ID.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.