Remote Electronic Lock Authorization for Real Estate

Solution Overview

Problem

In the real estate industry, physical presence of buyer agents is often required for guided property tours, which is impractical and poses security risks due to the need for shared passwords, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Innovation Solution

A system and method allowing buyer agents to remotely control electronic locks using control applications on connected devices, enabling virtual guided tours while maintaining secure access to properties without sharing passwords.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If buyer agents physically accompany prospective buyers for property tours, then secure access and guided tour are ensured, but time availability conflicts and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure accessVSAvoidtime availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electronic lock system with remote authorization capability as an intermediary between the buyer agent and the property. The system allows the buyer agent to remotely authorize access through a communication network without physical presence, resolving the time availability conflict while maintaining security through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical accompaniment with an electronic remote authorization system. The buyer agent uses a computing device to send authorization signals through a communication network to the electronic lock, eliminating the need for physical presence while maintaining access control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If passwords are shared with prospective buyers for access, then convenience of access is improved, but security risks and confidentiality loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess convenienceVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electronic lock system with remote authorization capability as an intermediary between the buyer agent and the property. The system allows the buyer agent to remotely authorize access through a communication network without physical presence, resolving the time availability conflict while maintaining security through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the buyer agent can monitor and control access in real-time through the communication network. The electronic lock receives authorization signals from the buyer agent and provides status feedback, enabling the agent to maintain security control without sharing passwords.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11756360B2System and method for remotely authorizing access to property

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 LYNCH SAMUEL TRUMAN

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a system and a method to remotely control operation of an electronic lock securing access to a real estate property. The invention disclosed allows a buyer agent to remotely control operation of an electronic device associated with the prospective buyer and uses the electronic device of the buyer to unlock an electronic lock that secures access to the real estate property. This alleviates the need to share the password with the buyer and thereby maintaining confidentiality of the electronic lock password and security of the real estate property and at the same time enabling access of the property to the buyer without the buyer agent being physically present on the real estate property.