Electronic lock box using a biometric identification device

• US 20070096870A1
• Filed: 10/23/2006
• Published: 05/03/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SentriLock, LLC
• Original Assignee: Sentrilock Incorporated
• Inventors: Fisher, Scott
• Granted Patent: US 7,734,068 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.53
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/0005 Key safes E05B35/086 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/12 Fingerprints or palmprints
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00936 for key cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00563 using personal physical data of the operator, e.g. finger prints, retinal images, voicepatterns
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00817 where the code of the lock can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/21 having a variable access code
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/257 electronically G07C9/26 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/26 using a biometric sensor integrated in the pass
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/27 with central registration

Abstract

An improved electronic lock box system is provided for more secure control over the accessibility of a secure compartment in the electronic lock box, which is typically used to store a dwelling key. The new system uses biometric identification sensors to determine if the correct, authorized user is attempting to access the secure compartment of the electronic lock box. In one embodiment, the biometric identification sensor uses thermal scanning to detect a person'"'"'s fingerprint pattern. This is compared to previously stored (enrollment) biometric identification information/data, and if the “live” (observed) biometric identification information/data sufficiently correlates to the stored enrollment biometric identification information/data, access will be granted.

Claims

1. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, a processing circuit, and a memory circuit;

providing a biometric identification device that determines observed biometric identification data of a user;

storing enrollment biometric identification data in said electronic lock box memory circuit identifying at least one authorized user of the electronic lock box;

collecting said observed biometric identification data from a user of said electronic lock box, before at least one operation of the electronic lock box; and

preventing operation of said electronic lock box if said observed biometric identification data does not sufficiently correlate to said enrollment biometric identification data stored for an authorized user of the electronic lock box.

2. The method recited in claim 1, wherein said biometric identification device is one of:

(a) a separate device that contains a communications port to communicate data with said electronic lock box; and

(b) an internal device built with said electronic lock box as an integral unit.

3. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, a first communications port, and a first processing circuit;

providing an external portable computer having a second communications port, a second processing circuit, and a memory circuit;

providing a biometric identification device that determines observed biometric identification data of a user;

storing enrollment biometric identification data in said external portable computer memory circuit identifying at least one authorized user of the electronic lock box;

collecting said observed biometric identification data from a user of said electronic lock box, before at least one operation of the electronic lock box; and

preventing operation of said electronic lock box if said observed biometric identification data does not sufficiently correlate to said enrollment biometric identification data stored for an authorized user of the electronic lock box.

4. The method recited in claim 3, wherein said biometric identification device is one of:

(a) a separate device that contains a communications port to communicate data with said external portable computer; and

(b) an internal device built with said external portable computer as an integral unit.

5. The method recited in claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

communicating authorization data from said external portable computer to said electronic lock box to authorize secure compartment access, if a sufficient correlation occurs between said observed biometric identification data, and said enrollment biometric identification data.

6. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, and a processing circuit;

providing a portable memory device;

providing a biometric identification device that determines first biometric identification data of a user;

providing a display device for displaying electronic lock box system information; and

conditionally displaying a secure compartment access code on the display device if a sufficient correlation occurs between said first biometric identification data, and second biometric identification data that has been stored in the portable memory device.

7. The method recited in claim 6, wherein said display device is part of an external portable computer.

8. The method recited in claim 6, wherein said biometric identification device is a one of:

(a) fingerprint scanner;

(b) a retinal scanner; and

(c) a voice print identification device.

9. The method recited in claim 6, wherein said biometric identification device is integral to said electronic lock box.

10. The method recited in claim 6, wherein said biometric identification device is integral to said portable memory device.

11. The method recited in claim 6, wherein said portable memory device comprises one of:

(a) an EEPROM electronic memory device;

(b) a non-volatile secure electronic memory device;

(c) a “

smart card”

containing both a processing circuit and electronic memory device; and

(d) a portable computer.

12. The method recited in claim 6, further comprising the step of:

entering said displayed secure compartment access code onto a keypad that is integral to said electronic lock box.

13. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, and a processing circuit;

providing a portable memory device, which interfaces to said electronic lock box processing circuit;

providing a biometric identification device that determines first biometric identification data of a user;

providing a communications link used for exchanging data between (a) said biometric identification device, and (b) one of;

(i) said electronic lock box processing circuit, and (ii) said portable memory device; and

authorizing secure compartment access if a sufficient correlation occurs between said first biometric identification data, and second biometric identification data that has been stored in the portable memory device.

14. The method recited in claim 13, wherein the biometric identification device is integral to said electronic lock box.

15. The method recited in claim 13, wherein the biometric identification device is integral to said portable memory device.

16. The method recited in claim 13, wherein the biometric identification device is a stand-alone unit that includes a communications port.

17. The method recited in claim 13, wherein said biometric identification device is a one of:

(a) fingerprint scanner;

(b) a retinal scanner; and

(c) a voice print identification device.

18. The method recited in claim 13, wherein said portable memory device comprises one of:

(a) an EEPROM electronic memory device;

(b) a non-volatile secure electronic memory device;

(c) a “

smart card”

containing both a processing circuit and electronic memory device; and

(d) a portable computer.

19. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, and a processing circuit;

providing a portable memory device, which interfaces to said electronic lock box processing circuit;

providing a biometric identification device that determines first biometric identification data of a user;

providing an external portable computer that is in communication with said biometric identification device; and

authorizing secure compartment access if a sufficient correlation occurs between said first biometric identification data, and second biometric identification data that has been stored in the portable memory device, by sending an authorization message from said external portable computer to one of;

(a) said electronic lock box processing circuit, and (b) said portable memory device.

20. The method recited in claim 19, further comprising the steps of:

scanning a biometric characteristic of said user, using said biometric identification device, and determining said first biometric identification data;

transferring said first biometric identification data from said biometric identification device to said external portable computer;

transferring said first biometric identification data from said external portable computer to said portable memory device, and if there is a sufficient correlation between said second biometric identification data that has been stored in the portable memory device and said first biometric identification data, writing authorization code data on said portable memory device, under control of said external portable computer;

placing said portable memory device in communication with the processing circuit of said electronic lock box; and

determining if said portable memory device contains correct authorization data to access said secure compartment of the electronic lock box, and if so performing said step of authorizing secure compartment access.

21. The method recited in claim 20, wherein said authorization code data comprises a renewal code that extends an operating time period of said portable memory device by a predetermined amount of time.

22. The method recited in claim 21 wherein said step of determining if said portable memory device contains correct authorization data to access said secure compartment comprises determining whether said portable memory device has been renewed to the present time.

23. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, a first communications port, and a first processing circuit;

providing a portable memory device, which interfaces to said electronic lock box processing circuit;

providing a biometric identification device that determines observed biometric identification data of a user;

providing a central computer, having a second processing circuit, a second communications port, and a central database that is accessible using said second processing circuit, said central database containing enrollment biometric identification data for a plurality of human users;

providing an external portable computer that is in communication with said biometric identification device, and having a third communications port, a fourth communications port, and a third processing circuit;

providing a first communications link between said second communications port and said third communications port;

providing a second communications link between said first communications port and said fourth communications port;

scanning a biometric characteristic of said user, using said biometric identification device, and determining said observed biometric identification data;

transferring said observed biometric identification data from said biometric identification device to said external portable computer;

transferring said observed biometric identification data from said external portable computer to said central computer;

comparing, at said central computer;

said observed biometric identification data to said enrollment biometric identification data stored in said central database, and if there is a sufficient correlation between said enrollment biometric identification data and said observed biometric identification data, transmitting an authorization message from said central computer to said external portable computer over said first communications link;

writing authorization code data on said portable memory device, under control of said external portable computer;

placing said portable memory device in communication with the first processing circuit of said electronic lock box, using said second communications link; and

determining if said portable memory device contains correct authorization data to access said secure compartment of the electronic lock box, and if so authorizing access to said secure compartment.

24. The method recited in claim 23, wherein said authorization code data comprises a renewal code that extends an operating time period of said portable memory device by a predetermined amount of time.

25. The method recited in claim 24, wherein said step of determining if said portable memory device contains correct authorization data to access said secure compartment comprises determining whether said portable memory device has been renewed to the present time.

26. The method recited in claim 23, wherein said portable computer comprises one of:

(a) a personal digital assistant (PDA) designed to wirelessly communicate with said central computer, and with said electronic lock box;

(b) an electronic key designed to communicate with said central computer and with said electronic lock box;

(c) a wireless Internet cell phone designed to wirelessly communicate with said central computer, and with said electronic lock box.

27. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, and a processing circuit;

providing a biometric identification device that determines first biometric identification data of a user;

providing an external portable computer that exchanges data with said biometric identification device;

providing a communications link used for exchanging data between said external portable computer and said electronic lock box processing circuit; and

authorizing secure compartment access if a sufficient correlation occurs between said first biometric identification data, and second biometric identification data that has been stored in the external portable computer.

28. The method recited in claim 27, wherein said external portable computer is a PDA (personal digital assistant), and said biometric identification device is a fingerprint scanner.

29. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, and a processing circuit;

providing a wireless communication device;

providing a biometric identification device that determines first biometric identification data of a user;

communicating said first biometric identification data to a central computer system;

providing a display device for displaying lock system information; and

conditionally displaying a secure compartment access code data on the display device if a sufficient correlation occurs between the first biometric identification data and second biometric identification data that has been stored in said central computer system.

30. The method recited in claim 29, wherein said display device is part of an external portable computer.

31. The method recited in claim 29, wherein said biometric identification device is a one of:

(a) fingerprint scanner;

(b) a retinal scanner; and

(c) a voice print identification device.

32. The method recited in claim 29, further comprising the step of:

entering said displayed secure compartment access code onto a keypad that is integral to said electronic lock box.

33. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, and a processing circuit;

providing a wireless communication device;

providing a biometric identification device that determines observed biometric identification data of a user;

providing a central computer system having a memory circuit that stores enrollment biometric identification data of a plurality of users;

providing a first communications link used for exchanging data between said biometric identification device and said wireless communication device;

providing a second communications link used for exchanging data between said wireless communication device and said central computer system;

transmitting observed biometric identification data to said central computer system; and

transmitting authorization data from said central computer system if a sufficient correlation occurs between the observed biometric identification data and enrollment biometric identification data that has been stored in the central computer system.

34. The method recited in claim 33, wherein said biometric identification device is integral to said electronic lock box.

35. The method recited in claim 33, wherein said biometric identification device is integral to said wireless communication device.

36. The method recited in claim 33, wherein said biometric identification device is a one of:

(a) fingerprint scanner;

(b) a retinal scanner; and

(c) a voice print identification device.

37. A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

providing an electronic lock box with a secure compartment therein, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, and a processing circuit;

providing a wireless communication device;

providing a biometric identification device that determines observed biometric identification data of a user;

providing a central computer system having a memory circuit that stores enrollment biometric identification data of a plurality of users;

providing a first communications link used for exchanging data between said biometric identification device and said wireless communication device;

providing a second communications link used for exchanging data between said wireless communication device and said central computer system;

upon inquiry by said wireless communication device, transmitting enrollment biometric identification data from said central computer system to said wireless communication device; and

authorizing secure compartment access if a sufficient correlation occurs between said observed biometric identification data and said enrollment biometric identification data downloaded from the central computer system.

38. The method recited in claim 37, wherein said biometric identification device is integral to said electronic lock box.

39. The method recited in claim 37, wherein said biometric identification device is integral to said wireless communication device.

40. The method recited in claim 37, wherein said biometric identification device is a one of:

(a) fingerprint scanner;

(b) a retinal scanner; and

(c) a voice print identification device.

41. A method for operating an electronic real estate electronic lock box system comprising the steps:

providing an electronic lock box having a shackle for attachment to a fixed object and having a secure compartment therein for containing a dwelling key, and a processing circuit;

providing an electronic key having the capability to communicate with said electronic lock box and, if properly authorized, to obtain access to its secure compartment;

providing a biometric identification device integral to the electronic key;

storing enrollment biometric identification data in said electronic key identifying at least one authorized user of the electronic key;

collecting observed biometric identification data from a user of said electronic key, before at least one electronic key operation; and

preventing operation of said electronic key if said observed biometric identification data does not sufficiently correlate to the enrollment biometric identification data stored for an authorized user of the electronic key.

42. The method recited in claim 41, wherein said biometric identification device is a one of:

(a) fingerprint scanner;

(b) a retinal scanner; and

(c) a voice print identification device.