NFC Lockbox Near-Field Wireless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lockboxes face issues with line of sight alignment requirements in infrared communications, interference, excessive power consumption, and increased costs due to far-field RF communications, as well as difficulties in securely and conveniently accessing specific lockboxes in proximity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a lockbox system with restricted range wireless communication capabilities using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which enables secure and convenient access through magnetically induced currents within a near field region, eliminating the need for line of sight alignment and reducing power consumption by using an access device to power the lockbox.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If infrared communications are used for lockbox access, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but line of sight alignment is required which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical alignment system (infrared requiring line-of-sight alignment) with an electromagnetic field-based system (RF/magnetic field communication). This substitution eliminates the need for precise physical alignment while maintaining wireless communication capability, directly resolving the contradiction between convenience and alignment requirements.
2Ease of operation
If far-field RF communications are used for lockbox access, then wireless communication range is improved, but interference and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of communication field type from far-field RF to near-field magnetic coupling. This parameter change creates a restricted communication range (solving the range issue) while simultaneously reducing power consumption and interference, as the magnetic field naturally attenuates with distance and requires lower transmission power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized communication zone using near-field magnetic coupling, where the communication effect is concentrated in a specific local area around the lockbox. This local quality approach ensures reliable communication within the desired range while minimizing interference and power consumption beyond that local zone.
3Ease of operation
If far-field RF communications are used for lockbox access, then communication capability is achieved, but interference and regulatory concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from far-field radiating RF to near-field non-radiating magnetic coupling. This parameter change fundamentally reduces electromagnetic interference and regulatory concerns because the magnetic field is contained and attenuates rapidly with distance, unlike far-field RF which can propagate over long distances and cause interference.
4Ease of operation
If conventional wireless communication is used for lockbox access, then access capability is achieved, but security against unauthorized access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication range parameter from extended wireless range to restricted near-field range. This parameter change inherently improves security because the restricted magnetic field range makes it difficult for unauthorized devices to intercept or transmit signals from a distance, while still allowing convenient access for authorized users who physically approach the lockbox.
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
The NFC-based lockbox system provides enhanced security and convenience by ensuring only authorized access within a limited range, reducing power consumption, and minimizing interference and regulatory concerns, while maintaining privacy and reducing the risk of inadvertent communication with nearby lockboxes.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver operable by a magnetically induced current generated by a closely positioned radio access device
Data Source
AI summary
A lockbox includes a housing, a key storage area and a lockbox circuit. The key storage area is shaped to receive a stored key and is attached to or positioned within the housing. The key storage area is secured with a lock mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to the stored key. The lockbox circuit comprises a transceiver operable by a magnetically induced current generated by a closely positioned radio access device that can send and receive signals. The circuit is configured to unlock the key storage area upon determining that an access request is authorized to providing access to the stored key. Methods of operation are also disclosed.