Electronic lock apparatus, method, computer program product and computer readable medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure delivery boxes for home or small office settings face challenges such as unsecured locations for packages, difficulty in managing access codes, lack of delivery tracking, and inability to facilitate 'signed for' deliveries, especially when recipients are not available during normal working hours.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a code generation system that produces overlapping access codes in multiple series, allowing for flexibility in timing errors and synchronization with a server, along with a method for generating and managing access codes, enabling secure and convenient package delivery and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single access code is used for the lock, then the operation is simple, but the code must be changed periodically to prevent undesired access, requiring user presence and external power connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates multiple access codes in series, where each code is valid for a predetermined time period. Codes are automatically rotated through the series without user intervention, with the lock accepting any currently valid code from the appropriate series based on the current time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple access codes are pre-generated in series before they are needed. The system anticipates future code needs by maintaining a series of codes ready for use, eliminating the need for periodic user intervention to change codes
2Reliability
If access codes are generated with exact timing, then security is maximized, but timing errors between device and server clocks will cause access failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for potential timing errors by creating an overlap period between adjacent codes in the series. This overlap acts as a buffer that absorbs clock synchronization errors, ensuring that even if timing drift occurs, there is always a valid code available for access
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameters of code validity by introducing overlapping validity periods. Instead of discrete, non-overlapping time windows, codes are designed with extended validity ranges that overlap with adjacent codes, transforming the access mechanism from exact timing to range-based validation
3Adaptability or versatility
If external power connection is provided for the lock, then network connectivity and code management is enabled, but installation complexity and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device generates its own access codes using an internal code generation means and electronic timer, eliminating the need for external power connections or continuous network connectivity. The device autonomously manages code rotation and validation based on its internal timekeeping
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the code generation functionality from the external server environment and places it directly in the lock device. By generating codes locally using the device's own timer and storage, the system removes the dependency on external power and network infrastructure
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking device comprising: a code generation means for generating a plurality of access codes in a first series and a second series, each access code being valid for a predetermined period of time, a code input means for receiving an input code, and a code comparison means, wherein the code comparison means is configured to unlock the lock in response to input of a code that corresponds to a currently valid access code, wherein the period of validity of each access code in first series partially overlaps the period of validity two adjacent access codes in the second series.