Lockbox Security System with Wireless Distress Alerting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key control security systems, such as lockboxes, do not adequately address the safety concerns of users accessing premises, particularly in unattended or empty locations, as they lack integrated distress signaling and alert mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A lockbox security system that includes a lockbox with a wireless communications device and a stored program for granting access, coupled with a remote security device that can receive distress signals from a mobile device and activate audible and visual alerts, such as a vehicle's horn or lights, to alert others of potential danger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockbox is used to store keys for unattended premises, then access control is improved, but user safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lockbox system with a safety device that includes distress signaling capabilities. The mobile device serves as both an access controller for the lockbox and a safety device that can detect distress conditions and send alerts to predetermined contacts, merging key control and safety functions into an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and both the lockbox and safety monitoring system. It communicates access requests to the lockbox via wireless communication and simultaneously monitors for distress conditions, serving as a mediator that coordinates between access control and safety functions.
2Ease of operation
If access is granted to unattended premises, then convenience is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety assessments before granting access. The safety device evaluates distress conditions and environmental factors before the lockbox releases the key, ensuring that access is only granted when safety conditions are acceptable. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized or unsafe access while maintaining convenience for legitimate users.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a safety device with distress signaling is added, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls lockbox access, monitors safety conditions, detects distress signals, and communicates with predetermined contacts. By making the mobile device universal and multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while still providing comprehensive safety features.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockbox security system includes a lockbox that has a lockable compartment. The lockbox includes a wireless communications device and a stored program configured to provide access to the lockable compartment in response to a wireless signal. A security device includes a wireless security communication device and a stored distress program configured to activate an alert upon receipt of a distress signal.