KEY WITH BLADE MOUNTED ELECTRONIC SERIAL NUMBER
Disclosed is a key (1) combining mechanical and electronic features within the key blade. Such electronic components are three dimensional components wherein the thickness of the component along two of the three dimensions is substantially less than the thickness of the key blade. The electronic component (4) provides an electronic serial number which is unique to each key, and is readable by a corresponding lock. In another embodiment, the advanced security capabilities are provided by the use of a combination electro-mechanical lock unit.