Electronic Key Impressioner in the works to eliminate key codes.
Designed by Steve Randall and Ted Schwarzkopf, to help locksmith’s create car keys with out the key cut codes, the Electronic Key Impressioner (EKI) device is designed to scan the inside of a car lock and return the code to the operator of the device. Retrieving the code must be done through an internet connection through the USB port on the Key Impressioner. The device and its software are still in development and presently said to only work on Ford cars. Once you have connected the device to a car door and selected a car model type on the software, the key code will be retrieved.
When it is released, the EKI will be made available for purchase by licensed locksmiths. Of course, there is always the potential threat of car thieves using these devices to their advantage. Security will be handled by the fact that the EKI must be connected to the internet to function properly. Any device that isn’t properly registered will be remotely deactivated when it attempts to get key codes. If the device makes it out to market, we will see how true it is. And even if a thief gets the key, many cars now have secondary devices required for the car to start.
Regardless of potential security risks, the EKI does appear to be a handy little gadget that will save locksmiths some time in getting replacement car keys to their customers.
