Position Keyed Lockbox Using GPS Location Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lockboxes and similar secured enclosures often face issues with lost or misplaced keys and difficult-to-remember keypad codes, necessitating an improved locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A position-keyed lockbox that utilizes geographical location data or other positional data to unlock, featuring a secured enclosure, a locking mechanism, and a control system comprising a GPS receiver, memory, and computing device to trigger the locking mechanism only when the lockbox is taken to pre-selected locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical keys or keypad codes are used to lock and unlock the lockbox, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but keys are often lost or misplaced and codes are difficult to remember
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key-based locking systems and electronic keypad codes with a GPS-based location verification system. The lockbox uses a computing device to receive location data from a GPS receiver, compare it with pre-stored location criteria, and automatically trigger the locking mechanism when the device is at the correct location, eliminating the need for physical keys or memorized codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GPS location data as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. Instead of directly using keys or codes to unlock the box, the system mediates the unlocking process by verifying the device's geographic location through GPS coordinates, thereby enabling secure access without traditional authentication methods.
2Reliability
If GPS location verification is implemented to unlock the lockbox, then security is enhanced and keys/codes are eliminated, but the device complexity increases due to added components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lockbox multi-functional by integrating a GPS receiver and computing device into the existing locking mechanism. The same device that determines location can also store multiple location criteria, manage multiple compartments, and control the locking mechanism, allowing a single system to perform authentication, navigation verification, and security control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the GPS receiver, computing device for location analysis, and locking mechanism control into a single integrated control system. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate independent systems and allows the lockbox to operate as a unified secure container with intelligent location-based access control.
3Reliability
If multiple pre-selected locations are required to unlock the lockbox, then security is further enhanced, but the unlocking process takes longer and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing multiple location criteria and the required sequence of visits in the computing device's memory before the user needs to access the lockbox. The system already has the destination locations, order of visitation, and verification criteria ready, so when the user travels, the system can quickly verify each location without requiring complex real-time calculations or additional authentication steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the computing device continuously monitors GPS location data, compares it against stored location criteria, and provides real-time feedback on progress toward unlocking. The system tracks which locations have been visited, verifies the correct sequence, and automatically updates the unlocking status, allowing users to see their progress without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A position keyed lockbox is unlocked by geographical location data or other positional data and includes an enclosure, a locking mechanism, and a control system. The control system unlocks the lockbox when the lockbox is taken to a location that matches a pre-selected location stored in the memory.