Electronic lock

Abstract

An electronic lock system includes a key having a memory for storing a first parameter defined by a plurality of fields and a second parameter indicative of a number of the fields. A lock has a receptacle for reading the first and second parameters from the key's memory and compare circuitry for comparing respective fields of the first parameter with a third parameter stored in the lock, with the number of fields compared based on the second parameter. Access to the lock is provided responsive to the compare circuitry, such that a single key may access a predetermined set of locks. The electronic lock is capable of performing a plurality of functions. Control is provided such that permission to access the functions is configurable for each key.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.