US 6,696,918 B2 · Locking mechanism for use with non-permanent access code

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.

Claims36

Dependent claims

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Locking mechanism for use with non-permanent access code

Life of this patent

Locking mechanism for use with non-permanent access code

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims36