Safety-deposit box system

A safety-deposit box system comprising:

• multi-function key including a first electronic memory portion and a metal key portion, the first electronic memory portion having recorded therein a first set of safety-deposit box user information and having a control memory which includes a microcomputer, wherein signals representing the first set of safety-deposit box user information are transmitted under the control of said control memory;
• a safety-deposit box including a door with a user-side lock;
• a reception device including a reading means for reading the signals representing the first set of safety-deposit box user information;
• a system controller including a second electronic memory and a determination means, the second electronic memory containing a second set of safety-deposit box user information which said determination means compares with the first set of safety-deposit box user information, said system controller outputting a permission-to-use signal when the first set of safety-deposit box user information agrees with the second set of safety-deposit box user information;
• and
• a safety-deposit box controller including a mechanical appropriateness determination means for determining mechanical appropriateness of the metal key portion, the safety-deposit box controller receiving the permission-to-use signal and opening the user-side lock if said mechanical appropriateness determination means determines that the metal key portion is mechanically appropriate.