Wireless Lockbox Key with Callback and Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless lockbox systems lack secure, reliable, and easy access solutions, especially in low-light conditions and do not provide a professional means for real estate agents to terminate showings comfortably.
Innovation Solution
A wireless lockbox key system with a computer connected via a primary wireless communication path, allowing keys to communicate with locks and send authorization/deauthorization instructions, usage data, and predefined text messages, including a light emitter for illumination and a method for requesting callbacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for lockbox access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing authorization data locally in the lockbox and key devices before wireless communication is needed. The lockbox pre-loads authorized key identifiers and authorization parameters into its memory, so that when a key approaches, the comparison can be performed immediately using stored data rather than requiring real-time wireless communication for authentication. This ensures reliable access even when wireless communication is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of local storage and processing in both the lockbox and key devices. Instead of relying directly on continuous wireless communication between the central system and lockbox, the lockbox acts as an intermediary that independently verifies key authorization using locally stored data. This intermediary layer decouples the critical authentication function from the wireless communication channel, improving reliability while maintaining ease of wireless operation.
2Reliability
If authorization is valid for a short time only, then security is improved, but productivity worsens due to frequent re-authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing authorization validity periods and storing them locally in the lockbox. When a key is authorized, the lockbox stores not only the authorization status but also the validity duration and expiration time. This allows the lockbox to independently determine whether a key remains authorized without requiring continuous communication with the central system, thereby maintaining security through time-limited authorization while improving productivity by eliminating frequent re-authentication requests.
3Device complexity
If no illumination is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation worsens in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lockbox provides self-service illumination by detecting the presence of a key device and automatically activating its light source. The lockbox monitors for the proximity or insertion of a key, and upon detection, activates an integrated LED or other illumination device to light up the key entry area. This eliminates the need for external lighting or manual intervention, allowing agents to easily operate the lockbox in dark environments while adding minimal complexity since the illumination is automatically triggered by the key's presence.
4Ease of operation
If text message callback feature is added, then ease of operation is improved for professional detachment, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key device and lockbox system are designed with multi-functionality to handle both traditional access control and communication functions. The key device includes a display and communication interface that can present information to the agent and enable text message sending. The lockbox system integrates with the central computer which has text messaging capability. This universal design allows the same hardware platform to serve multiple purposes: secure access control, information display, and professional communication, thereby improving ease of operation for scenario termination while managing device complexity through shared components and interfaces.
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
Enables secure, easy access with automatic authorization, illumination in low-light conditions, and professional termination of showings through secure communication and text messaging.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter for illumination
Data Source
AI summary
An access device is provided for a system that has a plurality of locks that are each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the locks and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device includes at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the locks over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer and wherein the predefined text message provides an indication to the computer as to at least one other key whereto the predefined text message is to be sent.