Method of and system for issuing cards

What is claimed is:

1. A method of issuing cards by using a card issuing machine having a memory with an initial secret code stored therein, a card reader and a keyboard, the method comprising the steps of:

(A) checking whether a secret code keyed in on the keyboard matches the initial secret code stored in the memory;

(B) when the above two secret codes are found to match,

(i) storing a specified secret code into memory, the specified secret code being keyed in and associated a first card with the card issuing machine,

(ii) recording the associating specified secret keyed-in code in the first card by the card reader, and

(iii) issuing the first card;

(C) confirming a keyed-in first secret code of the first card issued and issuing at least one second-type card; and

(D) confirming a second secret code of one of said at least one second-type card issued, and issuing at least one third-type card.

2. A card issuing system, comprising:

a card reader for reading card data from the first card,

a keyboard for entering a secret code of the first card and data needed for issuing a second card,

means for comparing a keyed-in secret code with the secret code in the card data read from the first card by the card reader or with a secret code stored in a memory and accessible by the card data in the first card,

a card writer for issuing the second card by writing specified card data including the keyed-in data in the second card when the keyed-in secret code matches with the secret code in the card data read from the first card by the card reader or with the secret code

stored in the memory and accessed by the card data in the first card.

3. A card issuing system as defined in claim 2 further comprising:

memory having stored therein data specific to the first card for specifying the first card,

means for checking data specific to the first card and read by the card reader with the data specific to the first card and stored in the memory, and

the controlling means for permitting issue of the second card when the two secret codes match and also when the two items of data specific to the first card match.

4. A key card issuing system comprising:

a card reader for reading card data from an authorization card,

means for determining issue of a key card by checking the card data read from the authorization card by the card reader,

a card writer for writing specified data in the key card and issuing the key card when the key card is allowed to be issued, and

means for recording data specific to the authorization card used for issuing each key card and data relating to the issued key card.

5. A key card issuing system as defined in claim 4 wherein the recording means is a printer.

6. A key card issuing system as defined in claim 4 wherein the recording means is a memory.

7. A key card issuing system as defined in claim 4 wherein the recording means comprises a memory for temporarily storing data relating to the issue of the key card and a printer for printing out the data read out from the memory.

8. A data input device in a card lock system for transferring data between a key card issuing unit and a card lock unit, the data input device comprising:

a connector for connecting the data input device to the

card issuing unit and to the card lock unit,

means for setting input and output modes,

means for entering a number specific to the card lock unit,

means for receiving specified data from the key card issuing unit and storing the data when the input mode is set, and

means for transferring the specified data and the entered number specific to the card lock unit to the card lock unit when the output mode is set.

9. A data input device as defined in claim 8 which further comprises means for storing data relating to completion of the transfer of the specified data and the specific number to the card lock unit.

10. A data input device as defined in claim 9 which further comprises means for feeding the data stored in the storing means to the card issuing unit.

11. A card issuing system as defined in claim 2 further comprising:

a card reader for reading data specific to the issued second card for specifying the second card,

a memory having stored therein data relating to the second card issued including the data specific to the second card, and

re-registration control means for writing the read data specific to the second card into the memory, when the data relating to the second card has disappeared from the memory.

12. A card issuing system as defined in claim 3 further comprising:

a card reader for reading data specific to the first card for specifying the first card,

re-registration control means for writing the read data specific to the first card into the memory, when the data relating to the first card has disappeared from the memory.

13. A key card issuing system as defined in claim 4 further comprising:

a card reader for reading data specific to the authorization card for specifying the authorization card,

a memory having stored therein data specific to the authorization card, and

re-registration control means for writing the read data specific to the authorization card into the memory, when the data relating to the authorization card has disappeared from the memory.

14. A key card issuing system as defined in claim 4 further comprising:

a card reader for reading data specific to the issued key card for specifying the key card card,

a memory having stored therein data specific to the key card issued, and

re-registration control means for writing the read data specific to the key card into the memory, when the data relating to the key card has disappeared from the memory.

15. A key card issuing system as defined in claim 4 which further comprises means for entering a number of key cards to be issued and means for controlling the card writer so that the number of key cards designated by the entering means are issued.

16. A key card issuing system as defined in claim 4 further comprising means for entering an instruction for reissuing the key card.

17. A data input device as defined in claim 8 further comprising:

means for setting reading mode, and

means for reading data from the memory of the card lock unit and showing the data read on the display, when the reading mode is set.

18. A data input device as defined in claim 8 further comprising:

means for setting writing mode, and

means for writing specified data in the memory of the card lock unit when the writing mode is set.

19. A data input device as defined in claim 8 further comprising:

means for setting clearing mode, and

means for clearing designated data in the memory of the card lock unit when the clearing mode is set.

20. A card lock device, comprising:

a latch bolt,

a first driving means for electrically moving the latch bolt between its locking position and unlocking position,

a dead bolt which is manually movable between its locking position and unlocking position,

a second driving means for electrically bringing the dead bolt from the locking position to the unlocking position,

a card reader for reading card data from a key card, and

unlocking control means for causing the first and second driving means to bring the latch bolt and dead bolt to their unlocking positions, when the card data read by the card reader includes a specified code indicating unlocking of the dead bolt.

21. A card lock device as defined in claim 20 wherein a solenoid is provided for serving commonly as the first and second driving means.

22. A card lock device as defined in claim 20, further comprising a sensor for detecting the dead bolt as located in one of the locking and unlocking positions, and wherein when an output signal of the sensor shows that the dead bolt is in the locking position, said unlocking control means causes the first and second driving means to bring the latch bolt and dead bolt to the unlocking positions if the card data includes the specified code and, when the output signal of the sensor shows that the dead bolt is in the unlocking position, said unlocking control means causes the first driving means to bring the latch bolt to the unlocking position regardless of whether the card data includes the specified code.

23. A system for issuing a key card used in a card lock device having a dead bolt manually movable between its locking position and unlocking position and drive for electrically bringing the dead bolt at the locking position to the unlocking position, the key card issuing system comprising:

a card reader for reading card data from an authorization card,

means for determining issue of a specified key card by checking the card data read from the authorization card by the card reader,

means for setting a specified mode for issuing a specified key card usable for unlocking the card lock device in which the dead bolt is in the locking position, and

a card writer, when the key card is allowed to be issued, for writing in a key card specified data including a code for causing the drive means in the card lock device to bring the dead bolt at the locking position to the unlocking position and for issuing the specified key card, if the specified mode is set.

24. A card lock unit for use with key cards each having recorded therein at least a sequence number, the unit comprising:

a card reader for reading the data recorded in the key card,

a memory for storing a sequence number,

means for electrically unlocking the card lock unit locked by a dead bolt manually lockable,

unlocking control means, only when the data read from the key card by the card reader shows a specified code, for comparing the sequence number in the key card with the sequence number in the memory to give an unlocking instruction to the unlocking means if the sequence number in the key card and the sequence number in the memory are in a given relation.

25. A system for issuing a key card made of paper and having an electrically or magnetically data recording area, comprising:

a card reader for reading card data from an authorization card,

means for determining issue of the key card by checking the card data read from the authorization card by the card reader,

a card writer for writing specified data in the recording area of the key card,

a printer for printing given data on the key card, and

a control means for causing the card writer and printer to operate to issue the key card when the key card is allowed to be issued.

26. A card lock unit for use with key cards each having recorded therein a sequence number, the unit comprising:

a card reader for reading the data recorded in the key card,

a memory for storing a sequence number,

electric unlocking means,

first control means for comparing the sequence number in the key card with the sequence number in the memory to give an unlocking instruction to the electric unlocking means when a match is found between the two sequence numbers,

second control means for checking whether or not the sequence number in the key card and the sequence number in the memory are in a predetermined relation to give an unlocking instruction to the electric unlocking means and to store the sequence number of the memory when the sequence number in the key card and the sequence number in the memory are in the predetermined relation, and

means for clearing the sequence number in the memory.

27. A card lock unit as defined in claim 26 further comprising:

third control means for giving an unlocking instruction to the electric unlocking means for storing the sequence number of the key card in the memory when no corresponding sequence number is stored in the memory.

28. A card lock system as defined in claim 26 wherein the clearing means is a data input device for transferring data between a key card issuing unit and the card lock unit.

29. A card lock unit as defined in claim 26 wherein in the clearing means clears the sequence number in the memory when the data read from the card by the card reader indicates that the card used is a specified card for clearing.

30. A card lock unit as defined in claim 26 which further comprises means for setting/resetting a lockout state, wherein the first control means gives the unlocking instruction to the electric unlocking means and the second control means gives the unlocking instruction and stores the sequence number for the renewal thereof only when the lockout state is reset, wherein lockout state setting/resetting means resets the lockout state when the lockout state has been set and the data read from the card by the card reader indicates that the card used is a specified card for cancelling, and wherein the clearing means clears the sequence number in the memory when the lockout state has been reset and the data read from the card indicates that the card used is the specified card for cancelling.

31. A card lock unit for use with key cards each having

recorded therein at least a sequence number, the comprising:

a card reader for reading the data recorded in the key card,

a memory for storing a sequence number,

means for setting and resetting a lockout state,

electric unlocking means, and

unlocking control means, when the lockout state is reset, for comparing the sequence number in the key card with the sequence number in the memory to give an unlocking instruction to the electric unlocking means if the sequence number in the key card and the sequence number in the memory are in the given relation.

32. A card lock system as defined in claim 31 wherein the lockout state setting and resetting means is a data input device for transferring data between a key card issuing unit and the card lock unit.

33. A card lock unit as defined in claim 31 wherein the lockout state setting and resetting means set the lockout state when the data read from the card by the card reader indicates that the card used in a specified card for lockout and reset the lockout state when the card data indicates that the card is a specified card for cancelling the lockout.

34. A card lock unit for use with key cards each having recorded therein a sequence number, the unit comprising:

a card reader for reading the data recorded in the key card,

electric unlocking means,

unlocking control means for comparing the sequence number in the key card with the sequence number in the memory to give an unlocking instruction to the electric unlocking means when the sequence number in the key card and the sequence number in the memory are in a given relation,

means for checking the degree of depletion of a battery for supplying the card lock unit with electric power to display the result of the battery check, and

battery check control means for causing the battery check means to function only when the data read from the key card by the card reader shows that the card used is a specified key card.

35. A card lock unit for use with key card each having recorded therein a sequence number, time zone and room number range, the unit comprising:

a card reader for reading the data recorded in the key card,

a memory for storing a sequence number and room number,

a clock,

electric unlocking means,

first check means for checking whether or not the sequence number in the key card and the sequence number in the memory are in a given relation,

second check means for checking whether or not the current time indicated by the clock is within the time zone in the key card,

third check means for checking whether or not the room number stored in the memory is within the room number range in the key card, and

unlocking control means for giving an unlocking instruction to the electric unlocking means when the results of the first, second and third check show the validity of the key card.

36. A card lock unit for use with key card each having recorded therein a sequence number and day of issue, the unit comprising:

a card reader for reading the data recording in the key card,

a memory for storing a sequence number and data indicating the use of the key card,

a clock,

electrical unlocking means,

first check means for checking whether or not the sequence number in the key card and the sequence number in the memory are in a given relation,

second check means for checking whether or not the day indicated by the clock matches with the day of issue in the key card,

third check means for checking whether or not the key card has been used once with reference to the data indirecting the use of the key card, and

unlocking control means for giving an unlocking instruction to the electric unlocking means when the results of the first, second and third check show the validity of the key card.

37. A card lock unit for use with at least guest cards and a standby card each having recorded therein a sequence number, the unit comprising:

a card reader for reading the data recorded in the card,

a memory for storing a guest sequence number and standby sequence number,

electric unlocking means,

unlocking control means for comparing the sequence number in the card with the sequence numbers in the memory to give an unlocking instruction to the electric unlocking means when the sequence number in the card and one of sequence numbers in the memory are in the given relation.

38. A card issuing method as defined in claim 1, wherein the confirmation of the secret code is executed by collating a keyed-in secret code with a secret code recorded on the card or stored in the card issuing machine.

Description Submit all comments and votes

CONTENTS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

Prior Art

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1. Outline of Hotel Card Lock System

2. Kinds of Cards and Their Security Levels

3. Card Data and Unlocking Method

4. Construction of Card Issuing Console

5. Outline of Authorization Card Issuing and Initial Data Setting Procedures

6. Main Routine for Card Issuing Console and Process with GR Card

7. Process for Issuing GR Card

8. Process for Setting, Changing and Printing Initial Data

9. Process for Issuing MA, SMA and GA Cards

10. Process with MA Card

11. Process for Issuing Guest Card

12. Room Cancelling Process

13. Totalling Process

14. Process for Monitoring Card Data

15. Process for Issuing Key Cards Other Than Guest Cards

16. Processes with SMA Card GA Cards

17. Construction of Data Input Unit

18. Construction of Card Lock Unit

19. Initial Data Input/Output Process with Data Input Unit

20. Other Operation of Data Input Unit

21. Unlocking Process in Card Lock Unit

(1) Kinds of Key Card Validity Checks

(2) Checks Common to All Types, of Key Cards

(3) Display of Invalidity key Cards

(4) Emergency Card

(5) Unlocking and Battery Check

(6) Master Card

(7) Maid Card

(8) Guest Card

(9) Maintenance Card

(10) Lock-Out Card

(11) Cancelling Card

(12) Standby Card

22. Features and Modifications of Embodiment

(1) Secrecy of Hotel Code

(2) Security of GR Card

(3) Security of MA, SMA and GA Cards

(4) Security of Key Card Issue

(5) Card Issuing System

(6) Card Issuing Console Having Two Card Readers

(7) Usefulness of Card Issuing Console and Authorization Cards in Hotel System

(8) Two Types of Guest Cards

(9) Issue of a Plurality of Identical Guest Cards

(10) Reissue of Guest Card

(11) Use of Paper Cards

(12) Re-Registration of Card Data

(13) Initial Data Input/Output with Data Input Unit

(14) Other Functions of Data Input Unit

(15) Sequence Number Cancellation in Card Lock Unit

(16) Lockout of Room and Unlocking

(17) Two Functions of Cancelling Card

(18) Battery Check for Card Lock Unit

(19) Dead Bolt and Key Cards

(20) Emergency Card

(21) Master Card

(22) Maid Card

(23) Maintenance Card

(24) Standby Card

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method of and a system for issuing cards, and more particularly to a method of and a system for issuing cards of high level to lower level successively in the descending order of their level.

2. Prior Art

Cards having a magnetic recording surface have found wide use in various fields. They vary widely in function and use. For example, bank cards and credit cards are used to authorize the user for transactions, while key cards substitute for mechanically unlocking keys. However, any of the conventional cards is adapted to serve a particular purpose when it is used after having been issued, and the card issuing machine merely has the function of issuing cards. It has not been conceived that the card is to give a security to the operation of the card issuing machine; it is current practice to mechanically lock the card issuing machine.

When a mechanically operable key is lost, the portion of the card issuing machine associated therewith needs replacement. Further the card issuing machine can be operated by any person irrespective of his qualification, provided that he carries the specific key.

The magnetic card is adapted to record a relatively large amount of data which can be secured effectively and is therefore suited to the foregoing uses of which reliability is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to provide a card issuing method and a system therefor in which use is made of the high security of magnetic cards and by which a card intended for particular use is issued with use of a card of higher security.

The present invention provides a method of issuing cards by using a card issuing machine including a memory having stored therein an initial secret code, a card reader and a keyboard, the method being characterized by checking whether a secret code keyed in matches the initial secret code stored in the memory; storing in a memory a code keyed in for associating a first card with the card issuing machine and recording the associating keyed-in code in the first card by the card reader to issue the first card when the two secret codes are found to match; issuing a new card upon confirming a keyed-in first secret code of the first card; and issuing another new card upon confirming a secret code of the new card issued.

Examples of suitable cards are those having a magnetic recording surface, while it is also possible to use IC cards or the like having a microprocessor and a memory incorporated therein. Accordingly, useful card readers include not only a magnetic card reader-writer but also a device by which data is sent to or received from such IC cards. Further the concept of cards includes also those of slightly reduced size which are called tickets.

The first card is issued by the card issuing machine on condition that the secret code keyed-in matches the initial secret code stored in the memory of the machine. At this time, a code for associating the first card with the card issuing machine is keyed in and stored in the first card and in the machine. With the issue of the first card, the first card is closely associated with the issuing machine. The first card is of the highest level and serves as a key for issuing another card of lower level.

Preferably, the first secret code as to the first card is stored in the memory of the issuing machine. If the issuer of the first card differs from the person who registers the first secret code of the first card issued in the issuing machine, the issuer of the first card can no longer participate in the subsequent issue of cards, hence high security.

The second card can be issued on condition that a secret code keyed in matches the first secret code stored in the card issuing machine. Accordingly, the second card can not be issued by those other than the registerer of the first secret code.

A second secret code as to the second card is similarly stored in the card or in the card issuing machine. The third card of lower level is issued on condition that the second secret code, when keyed in, matches the second secret code in the card data or in the card issuing machine. Accordingly, the third card can not be issued by those other than the specified person bearing the second card.

Thus, only with use of a card of high level, a card of lower level can be issued. This provides a hierarchical card system. Because a card of low level can be issued only by using a card of higher level, high security can be maintained.

Preferably, the code for associating the first card with the card issuing machine is recorded also in the second and third cards, whereby the second and third cards are also closely associated with the machine.

The present invention further provides a card issuing system which is characterized in that the system comprises a card reader for reading card data from a first card, a keyboard for entering a secret code of the first card and data needed for issuing a second card, means for checking a secret code keyed in with the secret code in the card data read from the first card by the card reader or with a secret code accessible by the card data in the first card, a card writer for issuing the second card, and means for controlling the card writer so that when the two secret codes are found to match, specified card data including the keyed-in data is written in the second card by the card writer.

The card issuing system of the present invention is so adapted that the second card is issued with use of the first card on condition that the secret code of the first card matches a keyed-in code, so that the person who is to issue the card can be checked reliably for authorization. The second card can therefore be issued with high security. Further even if the first card gets lost, another first card may be issued. This eliminates the need to repair the card issuing machine.

Preferably, the present system includes a memory having stored therein data specific to the first card for specifying the first card, and means for comparing the data specific to the first card and read by the card reader with the data specific to the first card and stored in the memory so as to issue the second card only when the two secret codes are found to match and the two items of card specific data are found to match. When the first card is lost in this case, the specific data specifying the first card is deleted from the memory, thereby making it no longer possible to issue the second card with use of the first card which is wrongfully obtained. This assures increased security.

These and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view generally showing a hotel card lock system;.

FIG. 2 shows various kinds of cards and security levels thereof;

FIG. 3 shows the items of data recorded in the different kinds of cards;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a card issuing console (parent machine);

FIG. 5 shows on an enlarged scale groups of switches on the operation panel of the card issuing console;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the console;

FIG. 7 shows the data stored in a RAM and ROM included in the console;

FIG. 8 schematically shows authorization card issuing and initial data setting procedures;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the main routine for the console;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the processing to be performed by the console with use of a GR card;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the GR card issuing process to be executed by the console;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the process to be executed by the console for issuing MA, SMA and GA cards;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a card issuing routine for the console;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the process to be executed by the console with use of the MA card;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the guest card issuing process to be, executed by the console;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the room cancelling process to be executed by the console;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the totalling process to be executed by the console;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the process to be executed by the console for issuing key cards other than guest cards;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the process to be executed by the console with use of the SMA card;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart to be executed by the console with use of the GA card;

FIG. 21 shows a guest card bearing card data printed on its surface;

FIGS. 22a-22b consisting of (A)-(C), (D) and (E) show some examples of data printed out by a totalling printer;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a data input unit;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the data input unit;

FIG. 25 shows data stored in a memory included in the data input unit;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a card lock unit attached to the door of a hotel room;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the card lock unit;

FIG. 28 shows data stored in a memory included in the card lock unit;

FIG. 29 is a time chart showing the operation of a solenoid included in the card lock unit;

FIGS. 30a and 30b are flow charts showing the operation of the data input unit;

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the data input-output process to be executed by the card issuing console with use of the data input unit; and

FIGS. 32a-32e are flow charts showing the unlocking process to be executed by the card lock unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described below in detail as embodied as a hotel card lock system.

1. Outline of Hotel Card Lock System

FIG. 1 schematically shows the overall construction of the hotel card lock system. Hotels have a large number of rooms which need locking. Each of such rooms is usually provided with a mechanical lock, such as a tumbler lock, which is unlockable by rotating a key. The present hotel card lock system is adapted to electrically lock and, especially, unlock the door of the room with a card (termed a "key card KC") having given data recorded therein, for example, magnetically.

The key card KC is issued by a card issuing console 10 or 11. To issue the key card KC, authorization cards AC are necessary as will be described later in detail. Card issuing consoles include a parent machine 10 and one or a plurality of satellite machines 11 connected thereto by transmission cables. All types (to be stated later) of key cards KC can be issued by the parent machine, whereas key cards KC of the specified type only can be issued by the satellite machine. The consoles 10 and 11 have the function of storing and printing data relating to the issue of cards in addition to the function of issuing cards. The number of satellite machines 11 is dependent on the scle of the hotel to be equipped with the hotel card lock system. The parent machine 10 only may be installed in a small hotel.

A card lock unit 70 is attached to the door of the hotel room. The unit 70 includes a card reader for reading data from the key card KC. The card data is checked before unlocking. The card lock unit 70 has a battery incorporated therein and operates in off-line mode. There is no need to provide a line for supplying power to the unit 70 or a data line for connecting the unit 70 to the console 10. A data input unit 50 is used for reading from the card issuing console (parent machine) 10 the data necessary for operating the card lock unit 70 and feeding the data to the card lock unit 70

As is well known, the door is provided with a dead bolt in addition to a latch bolt. The dead bolt is manually forced outward by the guest from inside the room for locking. While there are various types of key cards KC, some are not usable for unfastening the dead bolt by the card lock unit 70.

2. Kinds of Cards and Their Security Levels

FIG. 2 shows the kinds of cards to be used for the hotel card lock system and the security levels thereof. A grand authorization card (hereinafter abbreviated as a "GR card") is the highest in security level (grand level). This card is to serve as a "key" for the overall system.

The cards of the second highest level (authorization level) are a master authorization card, sub-master authorization card and guest authorization card (hereinafter referred to briefly as "MA card," "SMA card" and "GA card," respectively). These three kinds of cards at the authorization level correspond to the authorization cards AC shown in FIG. 1.

The level for unlocking the hotel room (unlocking level) is divided into management level, guest level and maintenance level. Available at the management level are an emergency card, master card and maid card. The cards at the guest level are a standby card, guest card A and guest card B. The cards at the maintenance level are a maintenance card, lockout card and cancelling card. These nine kinds of cards at the unlocking level correspond to the key cards KC shown in FIG. 1. According to the present embodiment, the guest card A or guest card B only is used for one hotel card lock system (or for one hotel), and the two types of cards will not be issued by one system at the same time. Of the cards at the unlocking level, the standby card, guest cards A, B and maintenance card are paper cards, while all the other cards are plastics cards. Paper cards are inexpensive, suited to disposal and convenient in that the desired information can be easily printed on the surface.

The above cards are used for the purposes and have the functions briefly stated below.

GR card

The hotel code concerned is registered in the card issuing console with use of this card. The hotel code, which is recorded in every card, is very important as data for recognizing whether a particular card is one issued by the hotel concerned.

The card is used also for issuing MA, SMA and GA.

MA card

To be used for issuing the nine kinds of cards at the unlocking level.

SMA card

To be used for issuing the maid card and guest cards A and B.

GA card

To be used for issuing the guest cards A and B. Emergency card

To be used for unlocking any desired room in the event of emergency.

Every card lock unit can be unlocked by this card whether the room is locked by the dead bolt or whether the room is locked out.

Mater card

To be used as a substitute for the so-called mater key.

All card lock units can be undone by this card except for those fastened by the dead bolt.

Maid card

To be used by the maid for cleaning the room or for access to the interior for other work.

In a specified time zone, the card is used for opening the card lock units for the rooms within a specified range of room numbers, except those locked by the dead bolt. The term "specified range of room numbers" refers to the rooms assigned to the maid bearing the card for her to work in. The term "specified time, zone" refers to the period of time during which the maid is to work, e.g. from 10 to 15 o'clock. The time zone is not always provided as will be stated later.

Guest card A

This card is handed to the guest upon checking in for him to freely use (lodge in) a specified room.

The card lock unit of specified room number can be opened by the card except when it is fastened by the dead bolt. The term "specified room number" refers to the room number assigned, upon checking in, to the guest carrying the guest card A.

Guest card B

This card opens the card lock unit of the specified room number irrespective of whether it is fastened by the dead bolt.

Maintenance card

To be used by the maintenance worker for the inspection, maintenance and repair of the room.

Except where the room is locked by the dead bolt, the card lock unit with a specified room number can be opened by this card only once on the day of issue of the card. The term "specified room number" refers to the room to be maintained, inspected, repaired or otherwise worked in by the worker.

Lockout card

To be used for locking out a specified room.

When locked out by this key card, the card lock unit is no longer openable by any of the master card, maid card, guest cards A, B, maintenance card and standby card.

Cancelling card

The card lock unit, when in locked-out state, is opened by this card. When the unit is not locked out, the card clears the sequence number (to be described later) relating to a specific card and stored in the memory within the card lock unit. With the present embodiment, sequence numbers relating to the guest card and maintenance card are cleared.

Standby card

A spare card for the guest card. It is used, for example, when the card issuing console malfunctioned.

The card lock unit of a specified room number is undone by this card except when the room is locked by the dead bolt.

3. Card Data and Unlocking Method

FIG. 3 shows the data recorded in the foregoing different types of cards. Each card has a magnetic stripe affixed thereto or printed thereon. Data specific to the card type is magnetically recorded in the stripe.

The items of data common to all card types are formality codes and the hotel code. The formality codes include start of test (STX), end of text (ETX), longitudinal redundancy check (LRC), etc. The hotel code is a specific code for identifying the hotel concerned.

A classification code is an item of data which is contained in cards of any type. This code identifies the type of a particular card.

The data in the authorization cards other than the GR card, i.e. the MA, SMA and GA cards, further includes a staff code and a staff secret code. These cards are carried and used by only some of the hotel employees who are in specific positions and called a staff. The staff code specifies the staff. The staff secret code is intended for checking whether the person using an authorization card is authorized to do so. The staff secret code is a number comprising several digits. When the authorization card is to be used on the card issuing console by a staff member, he keys in his staff secret code, and the keyed-in code is checked with the staff secret code in the card data for matching.

The eight kinds of key cards other than the standby card have recorded therein a sequence number and sequence subnumber. When a key card is used on the card lock unit, these numbers serve to check whether or not the unit is to be opened by the card. These are important items of card data.

As the most typical case wherein the sequence numb