OT. The Universal Key, Proximity Key for all applications Options

[Brett W]

I am a developing a new concept and need some feedback. This product could be integrated into a common device. It would use some proprietary RFID technology to to link all of your access control applications together.

For example if you live in an apartment, your Uni-Key would access the building, your specific apartment, your mail box, the gym, the elavator, etc. You could use it to access your work place, your vehicle, etc.

I know you are concerned with security as am I. All steps will be taken to insure the utmost in security.

[Brett W]

QUOTE

It would be great to have a "uni-key" that would replace all the keys on my keyring. But, wouldn't this require replacing all of the locks? ...in the building, apartment, mail box, gym, elevator, work place, vehicle, etc? If so, retrofitting would be the prohibitive hurdle. If a new standard gets adopted for the future, I'd rather have it use a thumbprint reader or something of the like so I didn't have to carry any kind of key at all.

Biometrics for the most part are too slow right now, require a computer support system, and are cost prohibitive for most installations.

I would argue the "standard would cause the price to dropto unprofitable levels". Look at the Windows operating system. It is a pretty standardized system that many people sell systems and software to work with that OS.

If a standard arises then that would allow everyone to have access to such a system. It has already been done in many installations. Many universities use some sort of card system now as well as NASA and many military installations.

My concept would allow the "card" to be installed in many different devices. Cell phones, wheel chairs, watches, walking sticks for blind people, etc. I don't want you to have to carry anymore stuff than you normally do, except for the keys. Get rid of the Janitor's key ring.

I don't see retrofitting as such a big deal. Starting out in a university environment and in new construction would allow early entry into the mass market. Many universities use a bar code system so converting to the contactless system would be a much better way to go. You could also have the cards act in other capacities, such as student ID, debit card, library card, student ticket for sporting events, etc.

I haven't figured out the backup system yet, but battery operation will handle power outages and such. Since the readers are standalone in operation having them all fail at once will be very unlikely.

But I like the criticism. Keep it coming.