lockblock

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gui
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email
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Inspiration

Traditional door locks are passive. They only work if you remember to use them. We wanted a system that actively protects your home, automatically responding to threats while giving you control when you need it. Combining facial recognition with blockchain authentication felt like the future of home security.

What it does

LockBlock is a smart security system that automatically locks your door when it detects unknown faces. Owners can unlock remotely from their phone using Solana wallet authentication. The system sends instant email alerts with screenshots whenever a stranger is detected, so you're always in the loop.

How we built it

We built the backend with Flask, using OpenCV's YuNet and SFace models for fast facial recognition, and PyNaCl for Solana signature verification. The frontend uses vanilla JavaScript with Phantom wallet integration. Face data is stored in SQLite, and EmailJS handles notification emails.

Challenges we ran into

Getting facial recognition fast enough for real-time video was tough. We switched from the face_recognition library to OpenCV's DNN models for better performance. Implementing Solana wallet authentication required learning Ed25519 signature verification. Preventing notification spam when the same unknown face stayed in frame required careful state tracking and cooldown logic.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We achieved real-time face detection and recognition without cloud APIs. We implemented secure blockchain-based authentication that works seamlessly with Phantom wallet. We created a clean, minimal UI that doesn't feel like typical "AI" software. The system reliably distinguishes between known and unknown faces and only alerts when truly needed.

What we learned

Local ML models can be faster than cloud APIs when optimized correctly. Solana wallet signatures provide a secure, decentralized way to authenticate without passwords. State management for real-time systems requires careful tracking of transitions, not just current states. Sometimes the simplest UI is the best UI.

What's next for lockblock

We want to integrate with actual smart lock hardware, build a mobile app for better on-the-go access, add multi-camera support for full home coverage, improve whitelist management with better photo organization, and integrate with home automation systems for a complete smart home security solution.