Patent ID: 7012503

Claim:
A method of controlling access to a location secured by a lock mechanism controlled by a lock control unit having a first memory, the method comprising the steps of: storing a first access code in the first memory, the first access code being indicative of a predetermined access right to the location; storing a second access code in a second memory of an electronic key device; using the electronic key device for requesting access to the location by transmitting the second access code from the electronic key device to the lock control unit; comparing the transmitted second access code with the first access code stored in the first memory; if the first access code corresponds to the second access code, initiating operation of the lock mechanism; said step of storing the second access code in the second memory including storing a plurality of access codes for a plurality of respective locations in the second memory of the electronic key device, said step of storing the plurality of access codes including storing a plurality of access code data items, each access code data item having an identifier identifying a corresponding lock control unit for which the access code is valid; and initiating, by a user, transmission of a selected one of the plurality of stored access codes to the lock control unit, said user being enabled to edit and rearrange the plurality of stored access codes.