Patent Publication Number: US-2023154258-A1

Title: Electronic keys for electronic locks and methods of using the same

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to electronic lock system, and more particularly to electronic keys for electronic locks, and methods of using the electronic keys. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Safe deposit box is a secure container usually made of metal that&#39;s used to store valuables at a bank or credit union. These boxes are often kept in vaults and can be rented throughout the lifetime of a customer for an annual fee. Usually, opening the safe deposit box requires at least two keys, one for a bank management staff, and the other one for the customer. Both keys are required to open the safe deposit box. Currently, most banks still use mechanical safe deposit boxes with a set of keys. These mechanical lock&#39;s keys are easy to duplicate and the safety of the contents in the safe deposit box is not guaranteed. It is desirable to have electronic locks with electronic keys that people are unable to duplicate. 
     Therefore, heretofore unaddressed needs still exist in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, present disclosure relates to a set of electronic keys for an electronic lock. In certain embodiments, the set of electronic keys includes at least one passive electronic key, and at least one active electronic key. Each of the passive electronic key and the active electronic key includes two or more electronic key contacts. The active electronic key further includes an electrical power source. In certain embodiments, the electrical power source provides electrical power supply to the active electronic key itself, the electronic lock and the passive electronic key through the electronic lock to operate the electronic lock. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the set of electronic keys includes: an electronic key processor, and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory stores an operating system and computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions include: a digital key storage module, a digital key control module, a digital key encryption/decryption module, and an electrical power module. 
     In certain embodiments, during an activation process of the electronic lock, a first user triggers an electronic lock activation mechanism, a digital key control module of the electronic lock sends an activation instruction to the active electronic key and the passive electronic key through an active communication channel and a passive communication channel respectively, the activation instruction instructs the digital key control module of the active electronic key to generate an active digital key for the active electronic key and the digital key control module of the passive electronic key to generate a passive digital key for the passive electronic key, the active digital key generated is stored in a digital key storage module of the active electronic key, the passive digital key generated is stored in a digital key storage module of the passive electronic key, the active digital key generated is encrypted by a digital key en/decryption module of the active electronic key and transmitted to the electronic lock digital key storage module as a prestored active digital key, the passive digital key generated is encrypted by a digital key en/decryption module of the passive electronic key and transmitted to the electronic lock digital key storage module as a prestored passive digital key, and the prestored active digital key and the prestored passive digital key are used for authentication of the set of electronic keys. 
     In certain embodiments, the digital key storage module of the active electronic key receives and stores the active digital key from the digital key control module of the active electronic key. The digital key storage module of the passive electronic key receives and stores the passive digital key from the digital key control module of the passive electronic key. 
     In certain embodiments, the digital key encryption/decryption module of the active electronic key encrypts the active digital key before transmitting out. The digital key encryption/decryption module of the passive electronic key encrypts the passive digital key before transmitting out. 
     In certain embodiments, the electrical power module of the active electronic key receives electrical power supply from the electrical power source and provides electrical power supply to the electronic lock, and the electrical power module of the passive electronic key receives electrical power supply from the active electronic key through the electronic lock. 
     In certain embodiments, when executed by the electronic key processor, the computer executable instructions cause the electronic key processor to perform one or more of operations:
         providing, via the electrical power module of the active electronic key, electrical power supply through an active electronic key power supply port to the electronic lock, and providing the active digital key to the electronic lock through an active communication channel of the active electronic key, when the first user inserts the active electronic key into an active electronic keyhole of the electronic lock;   providing, via the electrical power module of the active electronic key, electrical power supply to the passive electronic key through a passive electronic key power supply port from the electronic lock, and providing the passive digital key to the electronic lock through a passive communication channel of the passive electronic key, when the active electronic key is inserted in the active electronic keyhole of the electronic lock, and a second user inserts the passive electronic key into a passive electronic keyhole of the electronic lock;   instructing, by the digital key control module of the active electronic key through the active communication channel of the active electronic key, the electronic lock to compare the active digital key received and the passive digital key received with a prestored active digital key and a prestored passive digital key in the digital key storage module of the electronic lock; and   operating, by an electronic lock control module of the electronic lock, an electronic lock tongue through an electronic locking mechanism to lock and unlock the electronic lock, when a digital key authentication module of the electronic lock determines that the active digital key received and the passive digital key received are the same as a prestored active digital key and a prestored passive digital key respectively,   operating, by the digital key control module of the active electronic key through the active communication channel of the active electronic key, the electronic lock to operate an electronic lock tongue of the electronic lock through an electronic lock control module and an electronic locking mechanism to lock and unlock the electronic lock, when a digital key authentication module of the electronic lock determines that the prestored active digital key and the prestored passive digital key match the active digital key received and the passive digital key received respectively.       

     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock includes two or more electronic keyholes. These electronic keyholes include at least the active electronic keyhole and at least the passive electronic keyhole. The active electronic keyhole includes at least two active electronic keyhole contacts and the active electronic keyhole receives the active electronic key. The passive electronic keyhole includes at least two passive electronic keyhole contacts and the passive electronic keyhole receives the passive electronic key. 
     In certain embodiments, the first user is a management staff of the electronic lock and uses the active electronic key. The second user is a customer and uses the passive electronic key. The electronic lock is to be locked and unlocked only when the first user and the second user are both present and use their own respective electronic keys simultaneously. 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock includes at least two communication channels. The communication channels includes at least the active communication channel for transmitting the active digital key between the active electronic key and the electronic lock and transmitting active digital key control instructions to the electronic lock, and at least the passive communication channel for transmitting the passive digital key between the passive electronic key and the electronic lock. 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock includes at least two electronic key power supply ports. The electronic key power supply ports includes at least the active electronic key power supply port for receiving electrical power supply from the active electronic key, and at least the passive electronic key power supply port for providing electrical power supply to the passive electronic key from the active electronic key through the electronic lock. 
     In certain embodiments, the electrical power source includes at least one of a battery and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery includes at least one of: a lead-acid rechargeable battery, a nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable battery, a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery, a lithium ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery, and a lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) rechargeable battery. In certain embodiments, the active electronic key includes an active electronic key charging port, and the active electronic key charging port is used to charge the rechargeable battery. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of using a set of electronic keys to operate an electronic lock. In certain embodiments, the method includes:
         inserting, by a first user, an active electronic key into an active electronic keyhole of the electronic lock, wherein the active electronic key comprises an electrical power source to provide electrical power supply to the electronic lock through an active electronic key power supply port of the active electronic key, and an active digital key to the electronic lock through an active communication channel of the active electronic key;   inserting, by a second user while the active electronic key is inserted in the active electronic keyhole of the electronic lock, a passive electronic key into a passive electronic keyhole of the electronic lock to receive electrical power supply from the electronic lock through an electrical power module of the passive electronic key and a passive electronic key power supply port from the electronic lock, and to provide a passive digital key to the electronic lock through a passive communication channel of the passive electronic key;   instructing, by the digital key control module of the active electronic key through the active communication channel of the active electronic key, the electronic lock to compare the active digital key received and the passive digital key received with a prestored active digital key and a prestored passive digital key in the digital key storage module of the electronic lock; and   operating, by an electronic lock control module of the electronic lock, an electronic lock tongue through an electronic locking mechanism to lock and unlock the electronic lock, when a digital key authentication module of the electronic lock determines that the active digital key received and the passive digital key received are the same as a prestored active digital key and a prestored passive digital key respectively.       

     In certain embodiments, each of the set of electronic keys includes: an electronic key processor, and a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory stores an operating system and computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions include: a digital key storage module, the digital key control module, a digital key encryption/decryption module, and the electrical power module. 
     In certain embodiments, during an activation process of the electronic lock, a first user triggers an electronic lock activation mechanism, a digital key control module of the electronic lock sends an activation instruction to the active electronic key and the passive electronic key through an active communication channel and a passive communication channel respectively. The activation instruction instructs the digital key control module of the active electronic key to generate an active digital key for the active electronic key and the digital key control module of the passive electronic key to generate a passive digital key for the passive electronic key. The active digital key generated is stored in a digital key storage module of the active electronic key, and the passive digital key generated is stored in a digital key storage module of the passive electronic key. The active digital key generated is encrypted by a digital key en/decryption module of the active electronic key and transmitted to the electronic lock digital key storage module as a prestored active digital key, and the passive digital key generated is encrypted by a digital key en/decryption module of the passive electronic key and transmitted to the electronic lock digital key storage module as a prestored passive digital key. The prestored active digital key and the prestored passive digital key are used for authentication of the set of electronic keys. 
     In certain embodiments, the digital key storage module of the active electronic key receives and stores the active digital key from the digital key control module of the active electronic key. The digital key storage module of the passive electronic key receives and stores the passive digital key from the digital key control module of the passive electronic key. 
     In certain embodiments, the digital key encryption/decryption module of the active electronic key encrypts the active digital key before transmitting out. The digital key encryption/decryption module of the passive electronic key encrypts the passive digital key before transmitting out. 
     In certain embodiments, the electrical power module of the active electronic key receives electrical power supply from the electrical power source and provides electrical power supply to the electronic lock, and the electrical power module of the passive electronic key receives electrical power supply from the active electronic key through the electronic lock. 
     In certain embodiments, the first user is a management staff of the electronic lock and uses the active electronic key. The second user is a customer and uses the passive electronic key. The electronic lock is to be locked and unlocked only when the first user and the second user are both present and use their own respective electronic keys simultaneously. 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock includes two or more electronic keyholes. These electronic keyholes include at least the active electronic keyhole and at least the passive electronic keyhole. The active electronic keyhole includes at least two active electronic keyhole contacts and the active electronic keyhole receives the active electronic key. The passive electronic keyhole includes at least two passive electronic keyhole contacts and the passive electronic keyhole receives the passive electronic key. 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock includes at least two communication channels. The communication channels includes at least the active communication channel for transmitting the active digital key between the active electronic key and the electronic lock and transmitting active digital key control instructions to the electronic lock, and at least the passive communication channel for transmitting the passive digital key between the passive electronic key and the electronic lock. 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock includes at least two electronic key power supply ports. The electronic key power supply ports includes at least the active electronic key power supply port for receiving electrical power supply from the active electronic key, and at least the passive electronic key power supply port for providing electrical power supply to the passive electronic key from the active electronic key through the electronic lock. 
     In certain embodiments, the electrical power source includes at least one of a battery and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery includes at least one of: a lead-acid rechargeable battery, a nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable battery, a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery, a lithium ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery, and a lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) rechargeable battery. In certain embodiments, the active electronic key includes an active electronic key charging port, and the active electronic key charging port is used to charge the rechargeable battery. 
     These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications therein may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and features and benefits thereof, and together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram illustrating an electronic locking system having an electronic lock and a set of electronic keys according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the electronic locking system having the electronic lock and the set of electronic keys when the set of electronic keys are not inserted into keyholes of the electronic lock according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the electronic locking system having the electronic lock and the set of electronic keys when the set of electronic keys are inserted into keyholes of the electronic lock according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    shows a set of electronic key contacts of an exemplary electronic key according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a block diagram of an exemplary active electronic key according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a block diagram of an exemplary passive electronic key according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    shows exemplary sets of electronic key contacts of electronic keyholes of the electronic lock according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic lock according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  9    shows a flowchart of a method of using the electronic keys according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrative only since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers, if any, indicate like components throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, titles or subtitles may be used in the specification for the convenience of a reader, which shall have no influence on the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, some terms used in this specification are more specifically defined below. 
     The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control. 
     As used herein, “around”, “about” or “approximately” shall generally mean within 20 percent, preferably within 10 percent, and more preferably within 5 percent of a given value or range. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate, meaning that the term “around”, “about” or “approximately” can be inferred if not expressly stated. 
     As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. 
     As used herein, the term electronic key is defined as a physical key to electronically operate an electronic lock. The electronic key may include electronic circuit, electronic modules, processor, memory, as well many other electronic components. The electronic key may include active electronic key and passive electronic key. The active electronic key includes electrical power source, as shown in  FIG.  5    and the passive electronic key does not have electrical power source, as shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     As used herein, the term digital key is defined as a digital code stored in the physical electronic key to electronically operate the electronic lock. The active electronic key may store an active digital key, and the passive electronic key may store a passive digital key. In order to increase security of the electronic lock, these digital keys may be encrypted during the transmission of the digital keys between the electronic keys and the electronic lock. 
     As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or conconventionally) without altering the principles of the present disclosure. 
     As used herein, the term module may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); an electronic circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip. The term module may include memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor. 
     The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and/or objects. The term shared, as used above, means that some or all code from multiple modules may be executed using a single (shared) processor. In addition, some or all code from multiple modules may be stored by a single (shared) memory. The term group, as used above, means that some or all code from a single module may be executed using a group of processors. In addition, some or all code from a single module may be stored using a group of memories. 
     The apparatuses and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programs may also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of the non-transitory tangible computer readable medium are nonvolatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage. 
     The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , an electronic locking system  10  is shown according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic locking system  10  includes an electronic lock  100 , and a set of electronic keys  200 . In this embodiment, the set of electronic keys  200  includes N electronic keys: a first electronic key  2001 , a second electronic key  2002 , . . . , and an N-th electronic key  200 N. When the electronic lock  100  is equipped with N keyholes, then all N electronic keys are required to lock and unlock the electronic lock  100 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the electronic locking system  10  includes the electronic lock  100 , and two electronic keys: an active electronic key  2001  and a passive electronic key  2002 . In this case, both active electronic key  2001  and passive electronic key  2002  are required to lock and unlock the electronic lock  100 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     In one aspect, present disclosure relates to the set of electronic keys  200  for the electronic lock  100 . In certain embodiments, the set of electronic keys  200  includes at least one passive electronic key  2002 , and at least one active electronic key  2001 , as shown in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   . The active electronic key  2001  further includes an electrical power source  206 . In certain embodiments, the electrical power source  206  provides electrical power supply to the active electronic key  2001  itself, to the electronic lock  100 , and to the passive electronic key  2002  through the electronic lock  100  to operate the electronic lock  100 . 
     Each of the passive electronic key  2002  and the active electronic key  2001  includes two or more electronic key contacts  201 . These electronic key contacts  201  are used to provide electrical power supply and transmit digital key between the electronic keys  200  to and from the electronic lock  100 . In certain embodiments, the electronic key contacts  201  include at least two electronic key contacts. For an electronic key having three electronic key contacts, one electronic key contact may be used as positive power supply, one electronic key contact may be used as ground, and one electronic key contact may be used as communication channel. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the electronic key contacts  201  include four contacts: an electronic key first contact  2011 , an electronic key second contact  2012 , an electronic key third contact  2013 , and an electronic key fourth contact  2014 . In this embodiment, the electronic key first contact  2011  and the electronic key second contact  2012  may be used for electrical power supply, and the electronic key third contact  2013  and the electronic key fourth contact  2014  may be used as communication channel. Additional electronic key contacts may be included to add other functionalities. 
     In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  5    and  FIG.  6   , each of the set of electronic keys  200  includes: an electronic key processor  202 , and a non-volatile memory  204 . The non-volatile memory  204  stores an operating system  2042  and computer executable instructions  2044 . The computer executable instructions  2044  include: a digital key storage module  20441 , a digital key control module  20442 , a digital key encryption/decryption module  20443 , and an electrical power module  20445 . 
     In certain embodiments, during an activation process of the electronic lock  100 , a first user triggers an electronic lock activation mechanism  108 , a digital key control module  10442  of the electronic lock sends an activation instruction to the active electronic key  2001  and the passive electronic key  2002  through an active communication channel  20151  and a passive communication channel  20152  respectively, the activation instruction instructs the digital key control module  20442  of the active electronic key  2001  to generate an active digital key for the active electronic key  2001  and the digital key control module  20442  of the passive electronic key  2002  to generate a passive digital key for the passive electronic key  2002 , the active digital key generated is stored in a digital key storage module  20441  of the active electronic key  2001 , the passive digital key generated is stored in a digital key storage module  20441  of the passive electronic key  2002 , the active digital key generated is encrypted by a digital key en/decryption module  20443  of the active electronic key  2001  and transmitted to the electronic lock digital key storage module  10441  as a prestored active digital key, the passive digital key generated is encrypted by a digital key en/decryption module  20443  of the passive electronic key  2002  and transmitted to the electronic lock digital key storage module  10441  as a prestored passive digital key, and the prestored active digital key and the prestored passive digital key are used for authentication of the set of electronic keys  200 . 
     In certain embodiments, the digital key storage module  20441  of the active electronic key  2001  receives and stores the active digital key from the digital key control module  20442  of the active electronic key  2001 . The digital key storage module  20441  of the passive electronic key  2002  receives and stores the passive digital key from the digital key control module  20442  of the passive electronic key  2002 . 
     In certain embodiments, the digital key encryption/decryption module  20443  of the active electronic key  2001  encrypts the active digital key before transmitting out. The digital key encryption/decryption module  20443  of the passive electronic key  2002  encrypts the passive digital key before transmitting out. In certain embodiments, encryption algorithms may include Triple Data Encryption Standard (DES) algorithm, Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) algorithm, Blowfish algorithm, Twofish algorithm, and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. One to three private keys may be used for these encryption algorithms and the length of each private key ranges from 56 bits to 256 bits. In certain embodiments, the electrical power module  20445  of the active electronic key  2001  receives electrical power supply from the electrical power source  206  and provides electrical power supply to the electronic lock  100 , and the electrical power module  20445  of the passive electronic key  2002  receives electrical power supply from the active electronic key  2001  through the electronic lock  100 . In this way, the electronic lock  100  will not be locked and unlocked without the active electronic key  2001  because the active electronic key  2001  provides electrical power supply to all electronic keys  200  and the electronic lock  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, when executed by the electronic key processor  202 , the computer executable instructions  2044  cause the electronic key processor  202  to perform one or more of operations:
         providing, via the electrical power module  20445  of the active electronic key  2001 , electrical power supply through an active electronic key power supply port  20161  to the electronic lock  100 , and providing the active digital key to the electronic lock  100  through an active communication channel  20151  of the active electronic key  2001 , when the first user inserts the active electronic key  2001  into an active electronic keyhole  1011  of the electronic lock  100 ;   providing, via the electrical power module  20445  of the active electronic key  2001 , electrical power supply to the passive electronic key  2002  through a passive electronic key power supply port  20162  from the electronic lock  100 , and providing the passive digital key to the electronic lock  100  through a passive communication channel  20152  of the passive electronic key  2002 , when the active electronic key  2001  is inserted in the active electronic keyhole  1011  of the electronic lock  100 , and a second user inserts the passive electronic key  2002  into a passive electronic keyhole  1012  of the electronic lock  100 ;   instructing, by the digital key control module  20442  of the active electronic key  2001  through the active communication channel  20151  of the active electronic key  2001 , the electronic lock  100  to compare the active digital key received and the passive digital key received with a prestored active digital key and a prestored passive digital key in the digital key storage module  10441  of the electronic lock  100 ; and   operating, by an electronic lock control module  10446  of the electronic lock  100 , an electronic lock tongue  1003  through an electronic locking mechanism  106  to lock and unlock the electronic lock  100 , when a digital key authentication module  10444  of the electronic lock  100  determines that the active digital key received and the passive digital key received are the same as a prestored active digital key and a prestored passive digital key respectively.       

     In certain embodiments, the electrical power source  206  includes at least one of a battery and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery includes at least one of: a lead-acid rechargeable battery, a nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable battery, a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery, a lithium ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery, and a lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) rechargeable battery. In certain embodiments, the active electronic key  2001  includes an active electronic key charging port  2017 , as shown in  FIG.  2   ,  FIG.  3   , and  FIG.  5   , and the active electronic key charging port  2017  is used to charge the rechargeable battery. 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock  100  includes an electronic lock activation mechanism  108 . In one embodiment, the electronic lock activation mechanism  108  is a push button on a side of the electronic lock  100 . Prior to the activation, the electronic lock is locked. When the electronic lock  100  is ready for a new customer, the first user brings an active electronic key  2001  and a passive electronic key  2002  for the second user. When the first user inserts the active electronic key  2001  into the active electronic keyhole  1011  of the electronic lock  100 , and the second user inserts the passive electronic key  2002  into the passive electronic keyhole  1012  of the electronic lock  100 , the first user presses the push button, the digital key control module  10442  of the electronic lock  100  sends out digital key activation instructions to each of the active electronic key  2001  and the passive electronic key  2002  through communication channels  2015 . In response to the digital key activation instructions received from the electronic lock  100 , the active electronic key  2001  generates an active digital key and stores the active digital key generated in the digital key storage module  20441  of the active electronic key  2001 , and the passive electronic key  2002  generates a passive digital key and stores the passive digital key generated in the digital key storage module  20441  of the passive electronic key  2002 . At the end of activation process, the active digital key and the passive digital key are encrypted and transmitted to and stored the digital key storage module  10441  of the electronic lock  100  as the prestored active digital key and the prestored passive digital key for authentication of the set of electronic keys  200 . 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock  100  includes at least two communication channels  2015 . The communication channels  2015  includes at least the active communication channel  20151  for transmitting the active digital key between the active electronic key  2001  and the electronic lock  100  and transmitting active digital key control instructions to the electronic lock  100 , and at least the passive communication channel  20152  for transmitting the passive digital key between the passive electronic key  2002  and the electronic lock  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the electronic lock  100  includes at least two electronic key power supply ports  2016 . The electronic key power supply ports  2016  includes at least the active electronic key power supply port  20161  for receiving electrical power supply from the active electronic key  2001 , and at least the passive electronic key power supply port  20162  for providing electrical power supply to the passive electronic key  2002  from the active electronic key  2001  through the electronic lock  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock  100  includes two or more electronic keyholes  101 . When the electronic lock  100  has three electronic keyholes, the electronic lock  100  can be locked and unlocked by three authorized people, one with an active electronic key, two with passive electronic keys. When the electronic lock  100  has two electronic keyholes, the electronic lock  100  can be locked and unlocked by two authorized people, one with an active electronic key  2001  and another one with passive electronic key  2002 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the electronic keyholes  101  include at least one active electronic keyhole  1011  and at least one passive electronic keyhole  1012 . The active electronic keyhole  1011  includes at least two active electronic keyhole contacts  10111  and the active electronic keyhole  1011  receives the active electronic key  2001 . The passive electronic keyhole  1012  includes at least two passive electronic keyhole contacts  10121  and the passive electronic keyhole  1012  receives the passive electronic key  2002 . 
     In one embodiment, the active electronic keyhole  1011  has two active electronic keyhole contacts  10111 : a first contact of the active electronic keyhole  101111 , and a second contact of the active electronic keyhole  101112 . The passive electronic keyhole  1012  has two passive electronic keyhole contacts  10121 : a first contact of the passive electronic keyhole  101211 , and a second contact of the passive electronic keyhole  101212 . In certain embodiments, the first contact  101111  and the second contact  101112  of the active electronic keyhole  1011  form the active electronic key power supply port  20161 , and these two contacts can be shared to form the active communication channel  20151 . The first contact  101211  and the second contact  101212  of the passive electronic keyhole  1012  form the passive electronic key power supply port  20162 , and these two contacts can be shared to form the passive communication channel  20152 . 
     In another embodiment, the active electronic keyhole  1011  has three active electronic keyhole contacts  10111 : a first contact of the active electronic keyhole  101111 , a second contact of the active electronic keyhole  101112 , and a third contact of the active electronic keyhole  101113 . The passive electronic keyhole  1012  has three passive electronic keyhole contacts  10121 : a first contact of the passive electronic keyhole  101211 , a second contact of the passive electronic keyhole  101212 , and a third contact of the passive electronic keyhole  101213 . In certain embodiments, the first contact  101111  and the second contact  101112  of the active electronic keyhole  1011  form the active electronic key power supply port  20161 , and the second contact  101112  (common contact) and the third contact  101113  form the active communication channel  20151 . The first contact  101211  and the second contact  101212  of the passive electronic keyhole  1012  form the passive electronic key power supply port  20162 , and the second contact  101212  (common contact) and the third contact  101213  form the passive communication channel  20152 . 
     In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the active electronic keyhole  1011  has four active electronic keyhole contacts  10111 : a first contact of the active electronic keyhole  101111 , a second contact of the active electronic keyhole  101112 , a third contact of the active electronic keyhole  101113 , and a fourth contact of the active electronic keyhole  101114 . In certain embodiments, the first contact  101111  and the second contact  101112  of the active electronic keyhole  1011  form the active electronic key power supply port  20161 , and the third contact  101113  and the fourth contact  101114  form the active communication channel  20151 . 
     In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the passive electronic keyhole  1012  has four passive electronic keyhole contacts  10121 : a first contact of the passive electronic keyhole  101211 , a second contact of the passive electronic keyhole  101112 , a third contact of the passive electronic keyhole  101113 , and a fourth contact of the passive electronic keyhole  101114 . The first contact  101211  and the second contact  101212  of the passive electronic keyhole  1012  form the passive electronic key power supply port  20162 , and the third contact  101213  and the fourth contact  101214  form the passive communication channel  20152 . 
     When the active electronic key  2001  and the passive electronic key  2002  are inserted into corresponding active electronic keyhole  1011  and passive electronic keyhole  1012 , respectively, these four active electronic keyhole contacts  10111  and four passive electronic keyhole contacts  10121  are connected to four corresponding electronic key contacts  201 : the electronic key first contact  2011 , the electronic key second contact  2012 , the electronic key third contact  2013 , and the electronic key fourth contact  2014 , respectively. In this embodiment, the electronic key first contact  2011  and the electronic key second contact  2012  may be used for electrical power supply, and the electronic key third contact  2013  and the electronic key fourth contact  2014  may be used as communication channel. 
     The electronic lock  100  receives electrical power supply through the active electronic key power supply port  20161 . The electronic lock  100  provides electrical power supply through the passive electronic key power supply port  20162  to the passive electronic key  2002 . The electronic lock  100  receives the active digital key through the active communication channel  20151 , and the passive digital key through the passive communication channel  20152 . 
     The electronic lock  100  includes an electronic locking mechanism  106  controlled by an electronic lock control module  10446 . Once the digital key authentication module  10444  determines that the active digital key received from the active electronic key  2001  and the passive digital key received from the passive electronic key  2002  match the prestored active digital key and the prestored passive digital key stored in the digital key storage module  10441 , the electronic lock control module  10446  sends out electronic locking control instructions to lock and unlock the electronic lock  100 . The electronic locking mechanism  106  includes the electronic lock tongue  1003 . The electronic lock tongue  1003  is in retracted state when the electronic lock  100  is unlocked, and the electronic lock tongue  1003  is in extended state when the electronic lock  100  is locked. 
     In certain embodiments, when the electronic lock  100  is used for a safe deposit box in a bank, the first user may be a bank employee managing the electronic lock  100  and uses the active electronic key  2001 . The second user may be a customer renting the safe deposit box and uses the passive electronic key  2002 . The electronic lock  100  is to be locked and unlocked only when the first user and the second user are both present and use their own respective electronic keys simultaneously. 
     In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of using a set of electronic keys  200  to operate an electronic lock  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  1   , an electronic locking system  10  includes an electronic lock  100 , and a set of electronic keys  200 . The set of electronic keys  200  includes N electronic keys: a first electronic key  2001 , a second electronic key  2002 , . . . , and an N-th electronic key  200 N. When the electronic lock  100  is equipped with N keyholes, all N electronic keys are required to lock and unlock the electronic lock  100 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the electronic locking system  10  includes the electronic lock  100 , and two electronic keys: an active electronic key  2001  and a passive electronic key  2002 . In this case, both active electronic key  2001  and passive electronic key  2002  are required to lock and unlock the electronic lock  100 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     In certain embodiments, the method includes:
         inserting, by a first user, an active electronic key  2001  into an active electronic keyhole  1011  of the electronic lock  100 , wherein the active electronic key  2001  comprises an electrical power source  206  to provide electrical power supply to the electronic lock  100  through an active electronic key power supply port  20161  of the active electronic key  2001 , and an active digital key to the electronic lock  100  through an active communication channel  20151  of the active electronic key  2001 ;   inserting, by a second user while the active electronic key  2001  is inserted in the active electronic keyhole  1011  of the electronic lock  100 , a passive electronic key  2002  into a passive electronic keyhole  1012  of the electronic lock  100  to receive electrical power supply from the electronic lock  100  through an electrical power module  20445  of the passive electronic key  2002  and a passive electronic key power supply port  20162  from the electronic lock  100 , and to provide a passive digital key to the electronic lock  100  through a passive communication channel  20152  of the passive electronic key  2002 ;   instructing, by the digital key control module  20442  of the active electronic key  2001  through the active communication channel  20151  of the active electronic key  2001 , the electronic lock  100  to compare the active digital key received and the passive digital key received with a prestored active digital key and a prestored passive digital key in the digital key storage module  10441  of the electronic lock  100 ; and   operating, by an electronic lock control module  10446  of the electronic lock  100 , an electronic lock tongue  1003  through an electronic locking mechanism  106  to lock and unlock the electronic lock  100 , when a digital key authentication module  10444  of the electronic lock  100  determines that the active digital key received and the passive digital key received are the same as a prestored active digital key and a prestored passive digital key respectively.       

     In certain embodiments, each of the set of electronic keys  200  includes: an electronic key processor  202 , and a non-volatile memory  204 . The non-volatile memory  204  stores an operating system  2042  and computer executable instructions  2044 . The computer executable instructions  2044  include: a digital key storage module  20441 , the digital key control module  20442 , a digital key encryption/decryption module  20443 , and the electrical power module  20445 . 
     In certain embodiments, during an activation process of the electronic lock  100 , the first user triggers an electronic lock activation mechanism  108 , a digital key control module  10442  of the electronic lock sends an activation instruction to the active electronic key  2001  and the passive electronic key  2002  through an active communication channel  20151  and a passive communication channel  20152  respectively, the activation instruction instructs the digital key control module  20442  of the active electronic key  2001  to generate an active digital key for the active electronic key  2001  and the digital key control module  20442  of the passive electronic key  2002  to generate a passive digital key for the passive electronic key  2002 , the active digital key generated is stored in a digital key storage module  20441  of the active electronic key  2001 , the passive digital key generated is stored in a digital key storage module  20441  of the passive electronic key  2002 , the active digital key generated is encrypted by a digital key en/decryption module  20443  of the active electronic key  2001  and transmitted to the electronic lock digital key storage module  10441  as a prestored active digital key, the passive digital key generated is encrypted by a digital key en/decryption module  20443  of the passive electronic key  2002  and transmitted to the electronic lock digital key storage module  10441  as a prestored passive digital key, and the prestored active digital key and the prestored passive digital key are used for authentication of the set of electronic keys  200 . 
     In certain embodiments, the digital key storage module  20441  of the active electronic key  2001  receives and stores the active digital key from the digital key control module  20442  of the active electronic key  2001 . The digital key storage module  20441  of the passive electronic key  2002  receives and stores the passive digital key from the digital key control module  20442  of the passive electronic key  2002 . 
     In certain embodiments, the digital key encryption/decryption module  20443  of the active electronic key  2001  encrypts the active digital key before transmitting out. The digital key encryption/decryption module  20443  of the passive electronic key  2002  encrypts the passive digital key before transmitting out. 
     In certain embodiments, the electrical power module  20445  of the active electronic key  2001  receives electrical power supply from the electrical power source  206  and provides electrical power supply to the electronic lock  100 , and the electrical power module  20445  of the passive electronic key  2002  receives electrical power supply from the active electronic key  2001  through the electronic lock  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the first user is a management staff of the electronic lock  100  and uses the active electronic key  2001 . The second user is a customer and uses the passive electronic key  2002 . The electronic lock  100  is to be locked and unlocked only when the first user and the second user are both present and use their own respective electronic keys simultaneously. 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock  100  includes two or more electronic keyholes  101 . These electronic keyholes  101  include at least the active electronic keyhole  1011  and at least the passive electronic keyhole  1012 . The active electronic keyhole  1011  includes at least two active electronic keyhole contacts  10111  and the active electronic keyhole  1011  receives the active electronic key  2001 . The passive electronic keyhole  1012  includes at least two passive electronic keyhole contacts  10121  and the passive electronic keyhole  1012  receives the passive electronic key  2002 . 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock  100  includes at least two communication channels  2015 . The communication channels  2015  includes at least the active communication channel  20151  for transmitting the active digital key between the active electronic key  2001  and the electronic lock  100  and transmitting active digital key control instructions to the electronic lock  100 , and at least the passive communication channel  20152  for transmitting the passive digital key between the passive electronic key  2002  and the electronic lock  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic lock  100  includes at least two electronic key power supply ports  2016 . The electronic key power supply ports  2016  includes at least the active electronic key power supply port  20161  for receiving electrical power supply from the active electronic key  2001 , and at least the passive electronic key power supply port  20162  for providing electrical power supply to the passive electronic key  2002  from the active electronic key  2001  through the electronic lock  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the electrical power source  206  includes at least one of a battery and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery includes at least one of: a lead-acid rechargeable battery, a nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable battery, a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery, a lithium ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery, and a lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer) rechargeable battery. In certain embodiments, the active electronic key  2001  includes an active electronic key charging port  2017 , and the active electronic key charging port  2017  is used to charge the rechargeable battery. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , a flowchart of the method  900  of using the set of electronic keys  200  to operate the electronic lock  100  is shown according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     At block  902 , a first user inserts an active electronic key  2001  into an active electronic keyhole  1011  of the electronic lock  100 . The active electronic key  2001  includes an electrical power source  206  to provide electrical power supply to the electronic lock  100  through an active electronic key power supply port  20161  of the active electronic key  2001 . Additionally, the active electronic key  2001  provide an active digital key to the electronic lock  100  through an active communication channel  20151  of the active electronic key  2001 . Since the active electronic key  2001  provides electrical power supply to the entire electronic locking system  10 , the electronic locking system  10  will not function without the active electronic key  2001 . Customarily, the first user is a bank employee who manages the safe deposit box where the electronic lock  100  is installed. 
     At block  904 , while the active electronic key  2001  is still in the active electronic keyhole  1011  of the electronic lock  100 , a second user inserts a passive electronic key  2002  into a passive electronic keyhole  1012  of the electronic lock  100  to receive electrical power supply from the electronic lock  100  through an electrical power module  20445  of the passive electronic key  2002  and a passive electronic key power supply port  20162  from the electronic lock  100 , and to provide a passive digital key to the electronic lock  100  through a passive communication channel  20152  of the passive electronic key  2002 . Since the passive electronic key  2002  does not have electrical power supply, the electronic locking system  10  will not function with only the passive electronic key  2002 . Customarily, the second user is a customer who rents the safe deposit box where the electronic lock  100  is installed. 
     At block  906 , once the active electronic key  2001  and the passive electronic key  2002  are inserted into the active electronic keyhole  1011  and passive electronic keyhole  1012  of the electronic lock  100  respectively, the active electronic key  2001 , the passive electronic key  2002 , and the electronic key  100  are all powered up by the electrical power source  206  of the active electronic key  2001 , a digital key control module  20442  of the active electronic key  2001  sends out active digital key control instructions to the electronic lock  100  through the active communication channel  20151  of the active electronic key  2001  to compare the active digital key received and the passive digital key received (a first set of digital keys) with a prestored active digital key and a prestored passive digital key (a second set of digital keys) in the digital key storage module  10441  of the electronic lock  100 . 
     At query block  908 , while both active electronic key  2001  and passive electronic key  2002  are inserted into the active electronic keyhole  1011  and passive electronic keyhole  1012  of the electronic lock  100  respectively, the digital key control module  20442  of the active electronic key  2001  sends out active digital key control instructions to the electronic lock  100  through the active communication channel  20151  of the active electronic key  2001  to a digital key authentication module  10444  of the electronic lock  100  to determine whether the first set of digital keys (the active and passive digital keys received) matches the second set of digital keys (the prestored active and passive digital keys). When the first set of digital keys matches the second set of digital keys respectively, the method proceeds to block  910 . Otherwise, the method ends. 
     At block  910 , when the digital key authentication module  10444  of the electronic lock  100  determines that the first set of digital keys matches the second set of digital keys respectively, the electronic lock control module  10446  of the electronic lock  100  operates the electronic lock tongue  1003  through the electronic locking mechanism  106  to lock and unlock the electronic lock  100 . The electronic lock tongue  1003  is in retracted state when the electronic lock  100  is unlocked, and the electronic lock tongue  1003  is in extended state when the electronic lock  100  is locked. 
     The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. 
     The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.