Smart Lock Box Access Control With Ledger-Based Audit Trail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real estate lock boxes lack secure and efficient access management, particularly for communal access by real estate agents and buyers, while ensuring property security and allowing owners to track access without prolonged absences or inaccurate interest gauging.
Innovation Solution
A smart lock box with a locking mechanism and processor that uses signal reception from user devices for authentication, incorporating multi-party authentication and distributed ledger technology to verify authorized access, and requiring geo-fencing and appointment verification for secure access and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manual key or security code lock boxes are used, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but access management is insecure and cannot track user access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms (manual keys, security codes, swipe cards) with an electronic system that uses processors, signal receivers, and digital authentication. The locking mechanism is controlled electronically through verified access messages from user devices, eliminating the need for physical keys or simple codes while enabling tracking and management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between the lock box and user devices. The processor receives and verifies access messages from user devices, acting as a mediator that enables secure access control and tracking without direct mechanical interaction. This intermediary layer provides the security and tracking functionality while maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If multi-party authentication is implemented, then access security is improved, but the authentication process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring user devices to be registered and authorized in advance with the lock box system. The processor stores authentication credentials and pre-configures access rights for multiple parties. When access is needed, the system simply verifies the pre-configured credentials rather than performing complex real-time authentication, making the process both secure and efficient.
3Measurement precision
If distributed ledger technology is used to track access, then access tracking accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses distributed ledger technology to create copies of access records across multiple nodes or storage locations. Each access event is recorded immutably on the ledger, providing accurate tracking and audit trails. The processor maintains a copy of access logs locally while the distributed ledger provides redundant, tamper-proof records, ensuring tracking accuracy without requiring complex centralized database systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart lock box system is described. One implementation of the lock box system includes a locking mechanism configured to securely hold a cover over a compartment. The lock box system includes a receiver capable of receiving signals from a user device. The lock box system also includes a processor configured to identify an access message in a received signal, a service to verify that the access message was provided by an authorized party, and cause the locking mechanism to be released in response to verifying that the access message was provided by the authorized party. The open/close events are recorded in a distributed ledger to document which user's device was used to access a given property at a given time. Furthermore, the smart lock box system utilizes a push notification service, based on user device's GPS, to inform owners when to depart/return to the property.