Electronic Lockbox Using Digital Signature Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current delivery methods lack effective protection for package contents, as they do not prevent unauthorized access or tampering, especially for one-of-a-kind or time-sensitive items, despite advancements in tracking and signature confirmation.
Innovation Solution
A secured lockbox system that uses a digital signature based on a cryptographic key pair, where only the recipient or authorized entities can open the lockbox by generating and verifying a digital signature, ensuring secure access to the contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional delivery methods with signatures and tracking are used, then delivery confirmation and location tracking are improved, but protection against unauthorized access and tampering of package contents remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems with an electronic locking mechanism that uses cryptographic digital signatures for authentication. The electronic lock requires validation of a digital signature using a public key before releasing the package contents, thereby preventing unauthorized access while maintaining reliable delivery confirmation through the same cryptographic system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cryptographic digital signatures are implemented for secure access, then protection against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockbox system performs self-validation of digital signatures using its built-in processing device and stored public key. The electronic locking mechanism automatically verifies the cryptographic signature and controls the locking mechanism without requiring external intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining strong security against unauthorized access.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a secured lockbox with electronic locking mechanism is used, then security of package contents is improved, but ease of operation for the recipient is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with an electronic locking mechanism controlled by cryptographic digital signatures. The recipient can access the package by providing their digital signature, which is automatically validated by the lockbox's processing device, simplifying the access operation while maintaining high security through the electronic and cryptographic system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for opening a secured lockbox through a digital signature includes: storing, in a memory of a computing device in a lockbox, a public key of a cryptographic key pair; receiving, by an input device of the computing device, a digital signature from an external communication device; validating, by a processing device of the computing device, the digital signature using the public key of the cryptographic key pair; and transmitting, by a transmitter of the computing device, a signal to an electronic locking mechanism of the lockbox interfaced with the computing device; and opening, by the electronic locking mechanism of the lockbox, an electronic lock granting access to contents of the lockbox upon receipt of the signal.