Why are we still opening doors with keys?

Seachmall · 11-04-2013 03:09PM

Keys have been time-tested to demonstrate a reasonable amount of security while being sufficiently convenient.

The idea that the latest technology must be more secure than the centuries old key is fallacious. The fact that the key is still in use after centuries is testament to it's functionality.

AnonoBoy · 11-04-2013 03:10PM

Back in my day we used to leave our front doors open so the kids of the neighbourhood could run in and out playing in each other's houses. There was a fondness in the air, a spring in our step and the knowledge that we were always being monitored by the 257 CCTV cameras installed in everyone's home. Those non-blinking digital eyes watching.... always watching.....

..... ah nostalgia.

Pilotdude5 · 11-04-2013 03:20PM

I don't mind being robbed of my keys or wallet.

I do mind when they try and amputate my finger.

PizzamanIRL · 11-04-2013 03:32PM

Ah yeah waste more money just so you don't have to spend a few seconds using a key.

kylith · 11-04-2013 03:45PM

Seachmall wrote: »

Keys have been time-tested to demonstrate a reasonable amount of security while being sufficiently convenient.

The idea that the latest technology must be more secure than the centuries old key is fallacious. The fact that the key is still in use after centuries is testament to it's functionality.

There are also too many points of failure on a fingerprint scanner. It can be rendered useless by a power cut or a loose connection. A key and lock are as simple a technology as you can get.

FGR · 11-04-2013 03:51PM

Keys are the business. What I still can't figure out is how the postman or delivery companies can deliver things to Apartment blocks that are built like fort knox with four digit codes that, although easy to use in theory, end up having to be input on keypads that require some crazy button combination prior or after.

the_syco · 11-04-2013 03:54PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

You can lend someone your keys, you can't give them your fingers.

Also, keys can be replaced if stolen. Fingers not so much so, esp if they're taken off your hand with an axe.

sbsquarepants · 11-04-2013 03:58PM

The fingerprint thing is a terrible idea - but i can't see why we don't use central locking on our houses, press a button doors open, press another doors lock. It would be very handy i reckon!

FGR · 11-04-2013 04:02PM

sbsquarepants wrote: »

The fingerprint thing is a terrible idea - but i can't see why we don't use central locking on our houses, press a button doors open, press another doors lock. It would be very handy i reckon!

Climate Control, Heated Leather Seats and a fully functioning alarm too.

Celly Smunt · 11-04-2013 04:03PM

why re-invent the wheel?

Mr. CooL ICE · 11-04-2013 04:04PM

I have facial recognition set up on my phone to unlock the screen. As an experiment, a friend took a picture of my face and held the picture up to my phone's camera and it unlocked. Unless advancements are made in this regard, I'm happy to put up with my set of keys for now.

Three Seasons · 11-04-2013 04:05PM

pmcmahon wrote: »

why re-invent the wheel?

So you don't have to bring keys with you everywhere you go. So you can can grant access to others who may need to get in the house.

Seachmall · 11-04-2013 04:07PM

Three Seasons wrote: »

So you don't have to bring keys with you everywhere you go.

Are keys really so inconvenient?

So you can can grant access to others who may need to get in the house.

How would you do this?

If online that would mean someone in Russia could grant access to whoever.

If in person it would sort of defeat the purpose (as you'd already be at home).

CrazyRabbit · 11-04-2013 04:09PM

Three Seasons wrote: »

Thinking......

Ok facial recognition software.

And let my evil identical twin get inside my house? No thanks!!

Saying that, many regular key locks are not secure at all. Far too many can be 'bumped'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_bumping

Seachmall · 11-04-2013 04:11PM

CrazyRabbit wrote: »

And let my evil identical twin get inside my house? No thanks!!

Saying that, many regular key locks are not secure at all. Far too many can be 'bumped'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_bumping

No locks are completely secure but they don't need to be. They only need to deter the casual criminal.

If you want to completely secure your house the first step is to remove the windows.

B.A._Baracus · 11-04-2013 04:11PM

Minus kicking down a door ( :P ) I say it would be actually easier for a person to by pass your 'fingerprint' lock than the standard key-lock. Mythbusters proved how easy it was.

Lingua Franca · 11-04-2013 04:12PM

OP is a wimp. I kung-fu kick through mine.

Terry1985 · 11-04-2013 04:14PM

Obviously the answer is a dna scanner which accepts a semen sample through the letterbox.

Doylers · 11-04-2013 04:15PM

Good question OP.Which is why I have this ordered https://lockitron.com/preorder. Opens the door when you walk up to it with your iphone. Send invites to your friends if you need to give them access. Tells you if door is opened when your away. Allows your to remote lock and unlock your door.

MarkR · 11-04-2013 04:15PM

Some cars use transponders that will unlock the car and allow you to drive without taking the device out of your pocket. I'd love that for my house. :-)

Jordan 199 · 11-04-2013 04:22PM

Deleted User wrote: »

So that when there's a electricity cut you're not locked in or out of your gaf!

Perhaps have some kind of battery backup if the mains supply cuts out.

kylith · 11-04-2013 04:23PM

Terry1985 wrote: »

Obviously the answer is a dna scanner which accepts a semen sample through the letterbox.

#How would us ladies get in?

hullaballoo · 11-04-2013 04:25PM

I have a transponder for my car but the technology is incomplete. It should unlock when I approach but I still have to press the button. It locks itself on walking away though, which is good.

Lockitron looks like it might end up being good. Wouldn't go there now with the obvious security problems and the lack of support for non-iOS devices.

Doylers · 11-04-2013 04:29PM

Jordan 191 wrote: »

Perhaps have some kind of battery backup if the mains supply cuts out.

Just use the spare key you hid under the super secret door mat

Most of the systems are and addition to existing locks

Terry1985 · 11-04-2013 05:03PM

kylith wrote: »

#How would us ladies get in?

wring out your knickers maybe?

11-04-2013 05:12PM

Jordan 191 wrote: »

Perhaps have some kind of battery backup if the mains supply cuts out.

Aw man, so now I've to
Pay to get a fingerprint machine installed,
set up all the different fingerprints of the people I want to have access,
get a backup battery supply for when the electricity goes (which will get me into the house, but when that runs out I'll be locked in).
Update the software regularly.
Pay a maintenance company for when it fails.

Ooooorrrrr, I could just use a key

MickFleetwood · 11-04-2013 05:17PM

What happens if it glitches?

_Kaiser_ · 11-04-2013 05:27PM

I think the OP watched The 6th Day on Sci-Fi last night.

What happens if someone kills you or your clone and chops your thumb off and then uses that to get into your car/house/place of work? :eek:

_Kaiser_ · 11-04-2013 05:31PM

MarkR wrote: »

Some cars use transponders that will unlock the car and allow you to drive without taking the device out of your pocket. I'd love that for my house. :-)

No you wouldn't.. there was a recent thread over on Motors where thieves are intercepting the signal from the key fob and then just unlocking the car themselves and making off with it.. BMWs apparently

Capt'n Midnight · 11-04-2013 07:17PM

kylith wrote: »

ISTR the Mythbusters being able to open fingerprint locks with everything from a moulded gelatin finger to a photocopy of a fingerprint on normal paper.

Did they do the one with a plastic bag full of water which could use finger print left on the reader ?

Why are we still opening doors with keys?

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