Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for remotely managing access to an area. An access management platform, which can be an electronic lock that is installed on, e.g., a door of a house, can enable a user to establish a virtual presence at the door. In one example a delivery person activates a doorbell button icon of the access management platform, which sends a message to a smartphone of the owner of the platform. The owner, who is at work, uses his smartphone to initiate a video stream using a camera of the platform, and a two way audio stream. The owner sees and initiates a discussion with the delivery person. The owner uses his smartphone to unlock the door, and asks the delivery person to open the door and deliver the package inside. The owner uses his smartphone to capture his signature to acknowledge the delivery.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for remotely managing access to an area. An access management platform, which can be an electronic lock that is installed on e.g., a door of a house, can enable a user to establish a virtual presence at the door. In one example, a delivery person activates a doorbell button/icon of the access management platform, which sends a message to a smartphone of the owner of the platform. The owner, who is at work, uses his smartphone to initiate a video stream using a camera of the platform, and a two way audio stream. The owner sees and initiates a discussion with the delivery person. The owner uses his smartphone to unlock the door, and asks the delivery person to open the door and deliver the package inside. The owner uses his smartphone to capture his signature to acknowledge the delivery.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for managing access to a shared resource based on identity that is established by use of biometric data. A biometric locking device (i.e., a “b-lock”) can be used to restrict access to a shared resource, such as a house, a car, etc. In some embodiments, the b-lock can establish an identity of a user based on biometric data obtained by a biometric sensor of the b-lock, and can register the biometric data. After the biometric data is registered, the user can scan, e.g., his finger using the biometric sensor of the b-lock, and the b-lock can verify that the biometric data obtained based on the scan of the finger matches the registered biometric data. Once verified, the b-lock can unlock a locking mechanism of the b-lock to enable the user to access the shared resource.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for remotely managing access to an area. An access management platform, which can be an electronic lock that is installed on, e.g., a door of a house, can enable a user to establish a virtual presence at the door. In one example, a delivery person activates a doorbell button/icon of the access management platform, which sends a message to a smartphone of the owner of the platform. The owner, who is at work, uses his smartphone to initiate a video stream using a camera of the platform, and a two way audio stream. The owner sees and initiates a discussion with the delivery person. The owner uses his smartphone to unlock the door, and asks the delivery person to open the door and deliver the package inside. The owner uses his smartphone to capture his signature to acknowledge the delivery.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for managing access to a shared resource based on identity that is established by use of personal data, such as biometric data, a password, etc. An electronic lock can be used to restrict access to a shared resource, such as a house, a car, etc. In some embodiments, the electronic lock establishes an identity of a user based on personal data obtained by a personal data device of the electronic lock. In some embodiments, the electronic lock includes a sensor that generates security-related sensor data, such as motion sensor data, proximity data, etc. The electronic lock can take a security-related action based on the security-related data. For example, the electronic lock can send a message indicating a possible break in attempt when the motion sensor data indicates motion indicative of a break in.