There have been a lot of suggestions involving locks and keys. But where I think they fail is that they're separate from redstone, the main system in Minecraft for manipulating mechanical objects.
This suggestion would introduce two items, the redstone lock switch and the key, which instead of being a simple mechanical lock would actually be a new kind of redstone switch.
Lock Switch Block
When turned on it would generate a redstone charge kind of like a lever. However unlike a lever the lock switch can only be turned on (or off) with a key. A lock switch block would have a keyhole only on one face (it could be on any side and would face the player when placed). You must be able to click on the face with the keyhole with a key in order to activate it.
There would be three kinds of locks that would function in significantly different ways: 1) Iron Lock: Key Stays In Lock
A iron lock would only activate if you have any iron key. To activate an iron lock you simply click on it with an iron key. This leaves the key in the lock and generates a charge. Simply click the lock again to remove the key, returning the key to your inventory and turning the lock off. Anyone can remove an iron key from a lock, even if they didn't place it themselves.
2) Gold Lock: Key Stays In Inventory
An gold lock would only activate if you have any gold key. To activate a gold lock you simply click on it with a gold key. This turns on the lock but unlike iron locks it leaves the key in your inventory. The lock remains on until you click it with a gold key again. 3) Obsidian Lock: Key And Lock Are Linked
An obsidian lock would function like a gold lock, but it only activates if you have a specific diamond key. After the lock is placed it remembers the first diamond key used on it. It would only react that to that one specific diamond key, ignoring all other keys. The same key could be imprinted on more than one lock.
This kind of remembering lock would probably require a numbering system like maps, where the game would assign a number to each diamond key in the order it's crafted. For example a lock might remember that it is assigned to "Diamond Key 47" only. In this case there should be a way to duplicate a diamond key, so if you have a "Diamond Key 47" you can make as many "Diamond Key 47"s as you want (assuming you have enough diamonds).
An obsidian lock would be as tough as an obsidian block, so it would be rather tough to destroy. You'd need a diamond pick to collect it. Breaking it would cause it to forget which key it was assigned to, and it could be imprinted anew.
You would also be able to activate an obsidian lock that has not been imprinted yet with an obsidian key. Obsidian keys would become stuck in the lock and could not be removed, leaving the lock permanently active. You'd only be able to turn off the lock by breaking it, but this would destroy the key in the process. A stuck obsidian lock would be ideal for creating a damage resistant redstone signal, something that can't be easily removed like a torch, and cannot be turned off by any key.
Crafting Recipes
Two possible crafting recipes. Replace the pigs with whatever material the item is made out of (iron, gold, obsidian, diamond). is a redstone torch.
There have been a lot of suggestions involving locks and keys. But where I think they fail is that they're separate from redstone, the main system in Minecraft for manipulating mechanical objects.
This suggestion would introduce two items, the redstone lock switch and the key, which instead of being a simple mechanical lock would actually be a new kind of redstone switch.
Lock Switch Block
When turned on it would generate a redstone charge kind of like a lever. However unlike a lever the lock switch can only be turned on (or off) with a key. A lock switch block would have a keyhole only on one face (it could be on any side and would face the player when placed). You must be able to click on the face with the keyhole in order to activate it.
There would be three kinds of locks that would function in significantly different ways:
1) Iron Lock: Key Stays In Lock
A iron lock would only activate if you have any iron key. To activate an iron lock you simply click on it with an iron key. This leaves the key in the lock and generates a charge. Simply click the lock again to remove the key, returning the key to your inventory and turning the lock off.
2) Gold Lock: Key Stays In Inventory
An gold lock would only activate if you have any gold key. To activate a gold lock you simply click on it with a gold key. This turns on the lock but unlike iron locks it leaves the key in your inventory. The lock remains on until you click it with a gold key again.
3) Obsidian Lock: Key And Lock Are Linked
An obsidian lock would function like a gold lock, but it only activates if you have a specific diamond key. After the lock is placed it remembers the first diamond key used on it. It would only react that to that one specific diamond key, ignoring all other keys. The same key could be imprinted on more than one lock.
This kind of remembering lock would probably require a numbering system like maps, where the game would assign a number to each diamond key in the order it's crafted. For example a lock might remember that it is assigned to "Diamond Key 47" only. In this case there should be a way to duplicate a diamond key, so if you have a "Diamond Key 47" you can make as many "Diamond Key 47"s as you want (assuming you have enough diamonds).
An obsidian lock would be as tough as an obsidian block, so it would be rather tough to destroy. You'd need a diamond pick to collect it. Breaking it would cause it to forget which key it was assigned to, and it could be imprinted anew.
You would also be able to activate an obsidian lock that has not been imprinted yet with an obsidian key. Obsidian keys would become stuck in the lock and could not be removed, leaving the lock permanently active. You'd only be able to turn off the lock by breaking it, but this would destroy the key in the process. A stuck obsidian lock would be ideal for creating a damage resistant redstone signal, something that can't be easily removed like a torch.
Crafting Recipes
Two possible crafting recipes. Replace the pigs with whatever material the item is made out of (iron, gold, obsidian, diamond). is a redstone torch.
This looks really nice, it's just that I think no matter what material, each lock and key would function like the Obsidian lock, remembering which key is special to which lock. The only thing that makes different material locks is resistance to explosions, mining, fire, etc.
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There have been a lot of suggestions involving locks and keys. But where I think they fail is that they're separate from redstone, the main system in Minecraft for manipulating mechanical objects.
You would be wrong. I posted a redstone powering lock block a while ago. It's a little more complex as it requires keys and locks to have pass-codes that keep them exclusive to each other.
You would be wrong. I posted a redstone powering lock block a while ago. It's a little more complex as it requires keys and locks to have pass-codes that keep them exclusive to each other.
Fair enough. The redstone lock block isn't new. But this system of key crafting, and the three kinds of locks is entirely new.
Obsidian locks also arguably more secure than your system. Someone could potentially guess your 3 digit combination and craft a key for it. Here you can only activate an obsidian lock if you have the specific diamond key needed.
The other two types of locks are designed for less secure systems. For example, you might simply want an area to be off limits until a player has managed to collect the gold to craft a key. It could be the "advanced players lounge" that newbies who haven't mined yet aren't allowed in.
Or in an adventure map you could use iron keys as single use keys (since you have to leave them behind in the door when you pass through), requiring a player to keep finding new iron keys to advance further.
In the case of iron and gold keys it's actually useful there is no password, just a required material.
Oh Sven, I still think your idea is good. But if it's a combination lock it'd be better without a key at all and just require you to enter the numbers to activate/deactivate. I'd like to see a combination lock version of this as well. Your combination system + my key system could really provide a lot of great options.
A skeleton key is crafted from one bone and one redstone torch. It can be used on an unimprinted obsidian lock, causing the obsidian lock to only respond to any skeleton key. Skeleton keys are destroyed when used, so to turn an obsidian lock on and off you'd need two skeleton keys, one to click it on and a second to click it off. They'd be useful in challenge maps if you want single use keys.
They'd also be useful for creating devices you don't want used very often. For example, if you have a public music system you don't want people spamming too often. You could require a skeleton key to activate it, forcing people to destroy a redstone torch to use it. It's not super expensive, but it would prevent people from using the device without limit.
It's not so much of a combination lock as it's the only way I can see to simulate the tumblers of an actual key system. I don't like the idea of having generic keys that can open any door. Loosing a key upon use is a neat idea for adventure mode but with my system the next area could easily require a new key and it is significantly more flexible.
Also good luck randomly guessing a pin Number. That is also one of the risk VS rewards. There is that slim chance that somebody could pick a lock
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Playing Minecraft since [Friday, March 19, 2010, 9:20:21 PM] (First indev world save)
It's not so much of a combination lock as it's the only way I can see to simulate the tumblers of an actual key system. I don't like the idea of having generic keys that can open any door. Loosing a key upon use is a neat idea for adventure mode but with my system the next area could easily require a new key and it is significantly more flexible.
Also good luck randomly guessing a pin Number. That is also one of the risk VS rewards. There is that slim chance that somebody could pick a lock
I mean, if you have to enter a 3 digit number does it really make a difference whether its when you make a key or when you use the lock? I think it'd be more useful if you just needed a combination to open it.
I mean, if you have to enter a 3 digit number does it really make a difference whether its when you make a key or when you use the lock? I think it'd be more useful if you just needed a combination to open it.
Did You actually read the entire post? I covered that
Why use a code number?
This is the best way to be able to make an unlimited number of unique keys/locks that only you and anybody you give a key will be able to open. Why not just make combination locks?
1) You can give keys to people without reveling your pass-code
2) Risk VS rewards. Keys can be looted, stolen, or lost on death.
3) Keys retain a old world fantasy feel
4) Keys will be easy to place in chests when the official adventure mode is released.
Also stops people from just sitting at a lock and guessing the code as it would have to be crafted into a key
If you can think of a better way to simulate the tumblers on a key/lock I would love to hear it.
Did You actually read the entire post? I covered that
Also stops people from just sitting at a lock and guessing the code as it would have to be crafted into a key
If you can think of a better way to simulate the tumblers on a key/lock I would love to hear it.
Well, I think having to copy a key would simulate it pretty well. When you want to copy a key in real life you have to take the original to a locksmith.
Here's one way copying keys could work. You could put the original on top of the key recipe like this ( = original diamond key, = diamond, = redstone torch):
That would create a new key with the same ID number as the original key, and it would not consume the original key either.
This suggestion would introduce two items, the redstone lock switch and the key, which instead of being a simple mechanical lock would actually be a new kind of redstone switch.
Lock Switch Block
When turned on it would generate a redstone charge kind of like a lever. However unlike a lever the lock switch can only be turned on (or off) with a key. A lock switch block would have a keyhole only on one face (it could be on any side and would face the player when placed). You must be able to click on the face with the keyhole with a key in order to activate it.
There would be three kinds of locks that would function in significantly different ways:
1) Iron Lock: Key Stays In Lock
A iron lock would only activate if you have any iron key. To activate an iron lock you simply click on it with an iron key. This leaves the key in the lock and generates a charge. Simply click the lock again to remove the key, returning the key to your inventory and turning the lock off. Anyone can remove an iron key from a lock, even if they didn't place it themselves.
2) Gold Lock: Key Stays In Inventory
An gold lock would only activate if you have any gold key. To activate a gold lock you simply click on it with a gold key. This turns on the lock but unlike iron locks it leaves the key in your inventory. The lock remains on until you click it with a gold key again.
3) Obsidian Lock: Key And Lock Are Linked
An obsidian lock would function like a gold lock, but it only activates if you have a specific diamond key. After the lock is placed it remembers the first diamond key used on it. It would only react that to that one specific diamond key, ignoring all other keys. The same key could be imprinted on more than one lock.
This kind of remembering lock would probably require a numbering system like maps, where the game would assign a number to each diamond key in the order it's crafted. For example a lock might remember that it is assigned to "Diamond Key 47" only. In this case there should be a way to duplicate a diamond key, so if you have a "Diamond Key 47" you can make as many "Diamond Key 47"s as you want (assuming you have enough diamonds).
An obsidian lock would be as tough as an obsidian block, so it would be rather tough to destroy. You'd need a diamond pick to collect it. Breaking it would cause it to forget which key it was assigned to, and it could be imprinted anew.
You would also be able to activate an obsidian lock that has not been imprinted yet with an obsidian key. Obsidian keys would become stuck in the lock and could not be removed, leaving the lock permanently active. You'd only be able to turn off the lock by breaking it, but this would destroy the key in the process. A stuck obsidian lock would be ideal for creating a damage resistant redstone signal, something that can't be easily removed like a torch, and cannot be turned off by any key.
Crafting Recipes
Two possible crafting recipes. Replace the pigs with whatever material the item is made out of (iron, gold, obsidian, diamond).
Lock:
Key:
good idea
FIRST
Just for that idea here are some diamonds.
You would be wrong. I posted a redstone powering lock block a while ago. It's a little more complex as it requires keys and locks to have pass-codes that keep them exclusive to each other.
http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/330821-locks-and-keys/
Playing Minecraft since [Friday, March 19, 2010, 9:20:21 PM] (First indev world save)
Fair enough. The redstone lock block isn't new. But this system of key crafting, and the three kinds of locks is entirely new.
Obsidian locks also arguably more secure than your system. Someone could potentially guess your 3 digit combination and craft a key for it. Here you can only activate an obsidian lock if you have the specific diamond key needed.
The other two types of locks are designed for less secure systems. For example, you might simply want an area to be off limits until a player has managed to collect the gold to craft a key. It could be the "advanced players lounge" that newbies who haven't mined yet aren't allowed in.
Or in an adventure map you could use iron keys as single use keys (since you have to leave them behind in the door when you pass through), requiring a player to keep finding new iron keys to advance further.
In the case of iron and gold keys it's actually useful there is no password, just a required material.
Skeleton Key
A skeleton key is crafted from one bone and one redstone torch. It can be used on an unimprinted obsidian lock, causing the obsidian lock to only respond to any skeleton key. Skeleton keys are destroyed when used, so to turn an obsidian lock on and off you'd need two skeleton keys, one to click it on and a second to click it off. They'd be useful in challenge maps if you want single use keys.
They'd also be useful for creating devices you don't want used very often. For example, if you have a public music system you don't want people spamming too often. You could require a skeleton key to activate it, forcing people to destroy a redstone torch to use it. It's not super expensive, but it would prevent people from using the device without limit.
Also good luck randomly guessing a pin Number. That is also one of the risk VS rewards. There is that slim chance that somebody could pick a lock
Playing Minecraft since [Friday, March 19, 2010, 9:20:21 PM] (First indev world save)
I mean, if you have to enter a 3 digit number does it really make a difference whether its when you make a key or when you use the lock? I think it'd be more useful if you just needed a combination to open it.
Did You actually read the entire post? I covered that
Also stops people from just sitting at a lock and guessing the code as it would have to be crafted into a key
If you can think of a better way to simulate the tumblers on a key/lock I would love to hear it.
Playing Minecraft since [Friday, March 19, 2010, 9:20:21 PM] (First indev world save)
Well, I think having to copy a key would simulate it pretty well. When you want to copy a key in real life you have to take the original to a locksmith.
Here's one way copying keys could work. You could put the original on top of the key recipe like this (
That would create a new key with the same ID number as the original key, and it would not consume the original key either.