Internet-Connected Key Box for Secure Remote Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key access systems are cumbersome and insecure, requiring property owners to be present for check-in and check-out processes, and often necessitate visitors to install software or hold specific devices, which can lead to issues with remote access and key management, especially in multi-family properties.
Innovation Solution
An internet-connected key box device with a machine-to-machine (M2M) SIM card, antenna, and a call center that allows pre-approved visitors to access keys via a mobile phone call, enabling remote management of check-in and check-out processes without additional technology requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a digital door lock is installed to enable remote access, then access control is improved, but the system becomes complex and requires constant configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the key storage and release function from the complex digital door lock system and places it in a simple, standalone key box device. The key box contains a chamber that can be remotely opened to release a key, eliminating the need for complex digital lock configurations while maintaining secure access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a key box as an intermediary device between the remote access system and the physical door lock. The key box receives remote commands via wireless communication, stores the physical key securely, and releases it when authorized, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If an analog key box with pass-code is used, then key storage is simplified, but security deteriorates due to memorization requirements and periodic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pass-code system with a wireless communication-based remote access system. Instead of requiring users to memorize and change pass-codes, the system uses wireless signals to remotely open the key box chamber, eliminating the need for memorization while maintaining security through controlled access.
3Reliability
If visitors must install software applications or hold RFID tags to access the key, then access control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the key box device universal by enabling it to be accessed through multiple methods including remote wireless commands, eliminating the need for visitors to install specific software or hold RFID tags. The system can be triggered by various inputs such as wireless signals sent from different devices, making it broadly compatible without requiring visitor-specific preparations.
4Reliability
If real-time human interaction is used for check-in and check-out, then access control is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the key box system to perform check-in and check-out functions automatically without requiring real-time human interaction. The remote access capability allows property owners to trigger key releases from a distance, and the system can automatically manage access timing and conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining secure access control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides secure, easy-to-use remote key access for property owners and tenants, reducing the need for real-time human interaction and minimizing key management complexities, while ensuring high security through automated authentication and configuration changes.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna coupled to the circuit board for receiving and transmitting wireless signals to trigger release of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling key access using a phone and internet-connected key box device. The key box device hangs or mounts on a fixture and controls key access to visitors. Visitors may unlock a chamber in a key device for key access by calling the phone number on the key box device display and passing an authentication process during a scheduled time. The key box device owner may monitor and remotely control access to the key box and its key chamber via a software application on cloud computing services that interfaces with operations programmed into a circuit board in the key box device.