Locking mechanism for use with one-time access code
DCFirst Claim
1. A method comprising:
- receiving at a server and via the Intemet a request for an access code for a locking mechanism; and
issuing from the server a one-time use access code for the locking mechanism, wherein the one-time use access code is issued from a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A request for an access code for a locking mechanism is received; and a one-time use access code for the locking mechanism is subsequently issued. The one-time use access code may be issued from a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism in response to a request therefor, for example by a merchant or delivery service. Such a code may be issued by a server, which server is further responsible for updating the list of available access codes in response to an indication that a code has been used or has otherwise expired. The list of currently available access codes is preferably a subset of all access codes for the locking mechanism, which codes may be generated using a cryptographically strong random number generator.
276 Citations
41 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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receiving at a server and via the Intemet a request for an access code for a locking mechanism; and
issuing from the server a one-time use access code for the locking mechanism, wherein the one-time use access code is issued from a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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- 9. A computer-based service configured to dispense one-time use access codes for remotely located locking devices in response to requests therefor wherein transaction fees are assessed for each access code dispensed.
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12. A locking mechanism, comprising:
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an actuator configured to unlock in response to entry of an authorized access code; and
an access code entry unit configured to accept a one-time use access code issued by a remote server, wherein the one-time use access code comprises a package tracking number. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method, comprising:
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receiving, via the Internet at a computer-based unit, a code to be used as an access code for a locking device; and
transmitting the access code to the locking device. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method, comprising:
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receiving at a computer-based unit a request for an access code for a locking mechanism; and
issuing from the computer-based unit, and according to a list of currently available access codes for the locking mechanism that is a subset of access codes for the locking mechanism, a one-time use access code for the locking mechanism, wherein the access codes for the locking mechanism are generated using a cryptographically strong random number generator. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A method, comprising:
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receiving at a computer-based unit, a code to be used as an access code for a locking device; and
transmitting the access code to the locking device, wherein the access code comprises a package tracking number. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A locking mechanism, comprising:
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an actuator configured to unlock in response to entry of an authorized access code; and
an access code entry unit configured to accept a one-time use access-code issued by a remote server, wherein the one-time use access code comprises a number generated by a cryptographically strong random number generator. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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Specification