Key identification system
A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.
1. A method of identifying a key in a key identification system, comprising:
inserting a key blade of a key into a key receiving aperture of a key identification system housing;
fixedly positioning the key blade within the key identification system housing with a clamp positioned adjacent the key receiving aperture;
aligning the key with a plurality of arms of an alignment clamp, the plurality of arms comprising a fixed first arm, a movable second arm, a movable third arm, and a movable fourth arm that form a boundary of an alignment aperture, wherein the second, third, and fourth arms are biased toward the alignment aperture such that when the key is inserted into the alignment aperture, the second, third, and fourth arms move outward from the alignment aperture and each of the first, second, third, and fourth arms exert pressure on each side of the key blade;
supporting key chain items on a key ring support tray positioned proximate the key receiving aperture;
capturing an image of the key blade with at least one digital identifier positioned within the key identification system housing; and
removing the key blade from the key receiving aperture.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein supporting the key chain items on the key ring support tray comprises supporting the key chain items on the key ring support tray positioned with an upper surface at between about one half to four inches vertically below the key receiving aperture and extending out from the key identification system housing between about two to about four inches.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein capturing the image of the key blade with the least one digital identifier comprises capturing the image of the key blade with a first digital identifier positioned substantially perpendicular to the key blade.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein fixedly positioning the key blade with the clamp comprises fixedly positioning the blade within the key identification system housing by clamping a key head of the key with a biased clamp.
5. A method of identifying a key in a key identification system, comprising:
inserting a key blade of a key into a key receiving aperture of a key identification system housing;
fixedly positioning the key blade within the key identification system housing with a clamp positioned adjacent the key receiving aperture;
aligning the key with a plurality of arms of an alignment clamp, the plurality of arms comprising a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, and a fourth arm, wherein together the first, second, third and fourth arms surrounding a key alignment clamp aperture, wherein relative to a position of the first arm, the second arm is moveable in four directions, the third arm is moveable in four directions and the fourth arm is moveable in at least two directions;
supporting key chain items on a key ring support tray positioned proximate the key receiving aperture;
capturing an image of the key blade with at least one digital identifier positioned within the key identification system housing; and
removing the key blade from the key receiving aperture.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein supporting the key chain items on the key ring support tray comprises supporting the key chain items on the key ring support tray positioned with an upper surface at between about one half to four inches vertically below the key receiving aperture and extending out from the key identification system housing between about two to about four inches.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein capturing the image of the key blade with the least one digital identifier comprises capturing the image of the key blade with a first digital identifier positioned substantially perpendicular to the key blade.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein fixedly positioning the key blade with the clamp comprises fixedly positioning the blade within the key identification system housing by clamping a key head of the key with a biased clamp.