Locking mechanism for use with non-permanent access code
DCFirst Claim
1. A security device, comprising:
- an enclosure having a door fitted with a locking mechanism; and
a locking mechanism controller coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the locking mechanism in response to entry of an authorized access code, the access code being issued from one of two lists, a first list being maintained by the locking mechanism controller and a second list being maintained by a remote server, the remote server being communicatively coupled to the locking mechanism controller so as to facilitate an exchange of information regarding issuance by either or both of the remote server of the locking mechanism controller of authorized access codes.
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Abstract
A request for an access code for a locking mechanism is received; and a non-permanent use access code for the locking mechanism is subsequently issued. The non-permanent 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. Such a code may also be issued by a locking mechanism controller 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.
105 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A security device, comprising:
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an enclosure having a door fitted with a locking mechanism; and
a locking mechanism controller coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to unlock the locking mechanism in response to entry of an authorized access code, the access code being issued from one of two lists, a first list being maintained by the locking mechanism controller and a second list being maintained by a remote server, the remote server being communicatively coupled to the locking mechanism controller so as to facilitate an exchange of information regarding issuance by either or both of the remote server of the locking mechanism controller of authorized access codes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. 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 non-permanent use access code issued by a remote server, the access code having an embedded vendor code(s), and/or a package code(s), and/or other identification information to identify goods and/or who/what accessed the locking mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method, comprising:
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receiving at a computer-based unit a code to be used as a non-permanent use access code for a locking device;
transmitting the non-permanent use access code to the locking device; and
accepting at an access code entry unit coupled to the computer-based unit the non-permanent use access code via at least one of a keypad, a bar code scanner, a magnetic stripe reader, a wireless receiver, a voice recognition device, a radio frequency identification tag, or a smart card reader. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A locking mechanism, comprising:
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an actuator configured to unlock in response to entry of an authorized access code;
an access code entry unit configured to accept a non-permanent use access code issued by a remote server, the access code having an embedded vendor code(s), and/or a package code(s), and/or other identification information to identify goods and/or who/what accessed the locking mechanism;
a locking mechanism controller programmed to transmit a message to a server and/or user indicating a non-permanent use access code has been accepted. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification