Electronic Lockbox Intermediary Controller for Wireless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lockboxes are limited in accessing dwellings with electronic locks, as they often require physical keys or manual code entry, which can be prone to human error and are not seamlessly integrated with mechanical locks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lockbox system using a wireless portable computer and an intermediary controller to authenticate and authorize access, allowing the lockbox to communicate with both mechanical and electronic locks, eliminating the need for physical keys and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lockboxes use physical keys or manual code entry, then they can access mechanical locks, but they cannot access electronic locks and are prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual code entry and physical key systems with an automated electronic authentication system. The wireless portable computer communicates electronically with the electronic lockbox, which then interfaces with the electronic lock, eliminating the need for manual code input and physical keys. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both electronic lock compatibility and error-free access through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lockbox serves as an intermediary device between the wireless portable computer and the electronic lock. It receives authentication credentials from the portable computer, processes the authentication, and then communicates with the electronic lock to grant access. This intermediary approach enables compatibility with electronic locks while maintaining reliability through automated electronic authentication rather than manual entry.
2Reliability
If electronic locks are used to protect dwellings, then security is enhanced, but traditional lockboxes cannot access them
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lockbox is designed with multi-functionality to serve as a universal access device. It can authenticate using wireless credentials from portable computers and then interface with both electronic locks and potentially mechanical locks. This universality resolves the contradiction by maintaining the security benefits of electronic locks while enabling access through a standardized electronic interface rather than requiring different systems for different lock types.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic lockbox acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between portable computing devices and electronic locking systems. It receives electronic authentication from the wireless portable computer and translates this into the appropriate commands for the electronic lock, thereby enabling access to secure dwellings while maintaining the security integrity of the electronic lock system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical keys are used in lockboxes, then mechanical locks can be accessed, but the system is bulky and not integrated with electronic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates physical keys and mechanical key delivery systems by replacing them with an electronic authentication and communication system. The wireless portable computer transmits credentials wirelessly to the electronic lockbox, which then electronically interfaces with the electronic lock. This substitution removes the bulkiness of physical key systems while achieving full integration with electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the physical key component from the traditional lockbox system. By eliminating the need for physical keys, mechanical key compartments, and manual key delivery mechanisms, the system becomes less bulky and fully integrated with electronic systems. The essential function of key delivery is replaced by electronic credential transmission and lock actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic lock system that uses an intermediary controller (“IMC”), such as an electronic lockbox, to communicate with an electronic lock that protects buildings, such as dwellings. The IMC also communicates with a wireless portable computer (“WPC”), such as a smart phone, so that an authorized user can first authenticate credentials to the IMC, then have the IMC (or the WPC) send appropriate messages to the electronic lock to command that lock to unlock. The IMC must initially be setup by an ADMIN, so that the IMC's memory contains the specific codes and protocols to successfully communicate with the electronic lock. In this manner, the user can obtain access to the building without specific knowledge of those specific codes and protocols required by the electronic lock. An alarm panel on a building could also be disarmed by the IMC, if its specific codes and protocols are first setup into the IMC's memory.