Decoding a mechanical lock by detecting vibrational response of a tumbler

摘要

To determine the particular cut possessed by a tumbler of a mechanical lock, the tumbler is stimulated with mechanical energy; the vibrational response of the tumbler 46 is detected and the detected response is used in determining which of the possible cuts the tumbler possesses. An apparatus is also disclosed preferably having one or more transducers 36 for stimulating the tumbler and measuring the vibrational response. The vibrational response of the tumbler can be compared to the vibrational response of reference tumblers (real or modelled) to determine the code, e.g. cut, height, length of the tumbler. The apparatus may have a depth gauge 38 to determine which positional tumbler is being decoded or may have a plurality of transducers (sensors) measuring each tumbler individually.