There is no doubt that Apple is changing the way people live by making the iPhone an all-in-one lifestyle device. The latest patent revealed for Apple’s iPhone is going to change the way you lock your houses (or basically secure anything). Meet the iKey.
This patent application from Apple involves a Motion Sensitive Input Selection that can allow a user to unlock their cars, open their house or office doors by entering a PIN code on their Apple device and waving it over an electronic sensor pad. The device then communicates with the panel beside the door to unlock it, a concept close to a standard key card sensor. The iPhone was cited as an example in the patent.
The technology behind the iKey is the Near Field Communication system. It is a communication method which allows electronic devices, such as your iPhone, to send information to a terminal when in a certain proximity or area. If this patent gets approved, it can be used not only to unlock doors but also as a virtual ID card to confirm the identity of the user. It can even go as far as to serve as an electronic wallet. The number of possible applications is vast and if released to the public, traditional security systems may just add support for Apple devices to their features.
This type of technology has a lot of practical uses but it also opens up a lot of security hazards. Although encryption was mentioned, Apple may have to release a new patent detailing an updated privacy measure for their system to protect those who plan to link up their personal accounts. Also, the iPhone may have to be dual-powered to prevent accidental lock outs when the battery runs low.
Anyway, considering the fact that the plans were already submitted back in August 2008 but were only published February 18th of this year, it may be a while before people trade in their sets of conventional house keys.
Read More on Apple’s new patent in Ubergizmo.
