System and Method for Implementing an Automated Vault Machine

Abstract

A system and method for remotely managing a security area such as a safe deposit box repository providing ready access by a community of users includes one or more identity-confirmation steps, followed by granting permission to enter a first secure area. Within the first secure area, further identity-confirmation steps arc performed before access to a second secure area is remotely authorized. Inside the second secure area, the user unlocks one mechanism which secures his specific safe deposit box and, if implemented in the particular vault, a second portion is remotely unlocked, permitting the user access to his box. Egress involves replacing the user's safe deposit box into the assigned location, then exiting to the first secure area. After the door between the second and first secure areas closes, exit from the first secure area is permitted. Identity-confirmation steps may include cards, PINs, biometric tests, visual identification, or other suitable steps.

1 . A system for securely storing safe deposit boxes, comprising:
 at least one automated vault adapted to store safe deposit boxes;   at least one remote security center that monitors and controls activities at one or more automated vaults; and,   a communications network which interconnects the secure automated vault to the remote security center.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the secure automated vault includes an internal storage vault adapted to store a plurality of sate deposit boxes, a secure anteroom attached to the entrance of the storage vault, a first remotely controlled door connecting the storage vault to the secure anteroom and a second remotely controlled door that connects the anteroom to the exterior of the automated vault. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the secure anteroom contains a first security console equipped with a first test apparatus that performs primary identification tests using any combination of available identification technologies. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the first test apparatus transmits results of the primary identification tests to the remote security center using the communications network. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 2  wherein a second security console is located exterior to the secure anteroom, adjacent to the second remotely controlled door, the second security console being equipped with a second test apparatus that performs secondary identification tests using any combination of available identification technologies. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the second test apparatus transmits results of the secondary identification tests to the remote security center using the communications network. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the first and second remotely controlled doors are monitored and operated by the remote security center. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the automated vault also includes a plurality of privacy rooms that are accessed from within the internal storage vault through lockable privacy doors. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the lockable privacy doors are controlled and monitored from the remote security center. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the secure automated vault is accessed through a secure parking facility. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the secure parking facility is accessed through a remotely controlled gate. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein a third security console is located exterior to the secure parking facility, adjacent to the remotely controlled gate, the third security console being equipped with a third test apparatus that performs tertiary identification tests using any combination of available identification technologies. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the remotely controlled gate is monitored and controlled by the remote security center. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the third test apparatus transmits results of the tertiary identification tests to the remote security center using the communications network. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 2  wherein each of the plurality of safe deposit boxes is secured in the security vault using an associated locking apparatus controlled by the remote security center. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the locking apparatus includes a first lock controlled by the remote security center. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the locking apparatus includes a second lock operated by a combination of mechanical keys and electronic keys.