ELECTRONIC LOCK BOX WITH TRANSPONDER BASED COMMUNICATIONS

• US 20080246587A1
• Filed: 12/12/2007
• Published: 10/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SentriLock, LLC
• Original Assignee: SentriLock, LLC
• Inventors: Fisher, Scott R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,451,088 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.73
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/10 Key holders; Key boards key cases A45C11/32
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/0005 Key safes E05B35/086 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0058 by batteries
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0094 Mechanical aspects of remotely controlled locks electronic locks G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 45/06 Electric alarm locks E05B45/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit

Abstract

An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing dwelling keys to a structure, and is typically mounted outside the dwelling structure. When properly instructed, usually with a coded message, the dwelling key can be accessed by opening the door to the secure compartment; such message can be manually entered on a keypad, or a programmed electronic key device can make the process more automatic. A lock box system uses a transponder at a dwelling base station (typically within the dwelling structure) to relay lock box status or access event information over a short range radio from the lock box to a remote central computer by using a more traditional communication system that is available within the dwelling. Additional sensors can be used to monitor the status of vandalism attempts. Furthermore, the lock box/transponder communications may be programmed so as to allow detection if the lock box is stolen.

Claims

1. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, a second communications circuit, and a third communications circuit; and

an external apparatus having a third control circuit, a third memory circuit, and a fourth communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said external apparatus is positioned at a third location that is physically separated from both said electronic lock box and said dwelling base station;

(c) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station;

(d) said third communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fourth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said external apparatus; and

(e) if said access element of the secure compartment is opened, said electronic lock box automatically notifies said dwelling base station of said opening status, and said dwelling base station automatically notifies said external apparatus of said opening status.

2. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 1, wherein said external apparatus comprises one of:

(a) a cellular telephone;

(b) a portable computer with a wireless communications port as said fourth communications circuit; and

(c) a central clearinghouse computer system with a network interface as said fourth communications circuit.

3. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 1, further comprising an access element position sensor;

wherein said access element opening status comprises one of;

(a) an unauthorized action that is determined by said access element position sensor; and

(b) a valid user action that is authorized by said first control circuit.

4. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 3, wherein:

if said access element position sensor determines that said access element has been closed, said electronic lock box automatically notifies said dwelling base station of said closing status, and said dwelling base station automatically notifies said external apparatus of said closing status.

5. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 2, wherein:

if a valid user action has been authorized by said first control circuit to allow access to said secure compartment, then said dwelling base station automatically notifies said external apparatus that a showing event is occurring.

6. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 5, further comprising an access element position sensor;

wherein;

after a valid user action has been authorized by said first control circuit to allow access to said secure compartment, if said access element position sensor determines that said access element has been closed, said electronic lock box automatically notifies said dwelling base station of said closing status, and said dwelling base station automatically notifies said external apparatus that said showing event has been completed.

7. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 5, further comprising:

(a) an access element position sensor, and (b) a mechanical key detection sensor;

wherein;

after a valid user action has been authorized by said first control circuit to allow access to said secure compartment, if said access element position sensor determines that said access element has been closed, and if said mechanical key detection sensor determines that a mechanical key has been correctly placed within said secure compartment, then said electronic lock box automatically notifies said dwelling base station of said closing status and said key placement status, and said dwelling base station automatically notifies said external apparatus that said showing event has been completed.

8. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 2, wherein said dwelling base station automatically transmits multiple types of status information to said central clearinghouse computer system during off-hours.

9. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 1, wherein said dwelling base station includes an off-hook sensor that determines if another telephone extension in a dwelling goes off-hook;

and if so, then;

(a) the dwelling base station then automatically releases a telephone line if it is presently being used as said third communications circuit; and

(b) the dwelling base station delays said data messages with the external apparatus until such time as the off-hook sensor indicates said telephone line is not in use.

10. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, and a second communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station; and

(c) said first control circuit is configured to cause said electronic lock box to periodically transmit a predetermined presence ping message, by use of said first communications circuit.

11. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 10, wherein:

if said first control circuit of the electronic lock box does not receive a predetermined reply message within a predetermined time interval after sending said predetermined presence ping message, then said first control circuit will cause the electronic lock box to enter an alarm state.

12. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 10, wherein:

(a) if said dwelling base station receives said predetermined presence ping message, by use of said second communications circuit, then said second control circuit is configured to cause the dwelling base station to transmit a predetermined reply message, by use of said second communications circuit; and

(b) if said first control circuit of the electronic lock box receives said predetermined reply message within a first predetermined time interval after sending said predetermined presence ping message, then said first control circuit will not cause the electronic lock box to enter an alarm state.

13. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 12, wherein:

if said dwelling base station does not receive said predetermined presence ping message within a second predetermined time interval, which could be equal to said first predetermined time interval, by use of said second communications circuit, then said second control circuit is configured to cause the dwelling base station to enter an alarm state.

14. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 13, further comprising:

a third communications circuit at said dwelling base station; and

an external apparatus having a third control circuit, a third memory circuit, and a fourth communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said external apparatus is positioned at a third location that is physically separated from both said electronic lock box and said dwelling base station;

(b) said third communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fourth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said external apparatus; and

(c) if said dwelling base station enters an alarm state, said second control circuit is configured to transmit an alarm message to said external apparatus, using said third communications circuit.

15. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 14, wherein said external apparatus comprises one of:

(a) a cellular telephone;

(b) a portable computer with a wireless communications port as said fourth communications circuit; and

(c) a central clearinghouse computer system with a network interface as said fourth communications circuit.

16. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, an impact sensor, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, and a second communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station; and

(c) if said impact sensor is activated by a mechanical shock, said electronic lock box automatically notifies said dwelling base station of said activated status.

17. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 16, further comprising:

a third communications circuit at said dwelling base station; and

an external apparatus having a third control circuit, a third memory circuit, and a fourth communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said external apparatus is positioned at a third location that is physically separated from both said electronic lock box and said dwelling base station;

(b) said third communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fourth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said external apparatus; and

(c) if said dwelling base station receives a message from said electronic lock box which indicates that said impact sensor has been activated, then said dwelling base station automatically notifies said external apparatus of said activated status, using said third communications circuit.

18. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 16, further comprising:

a third communications circuit at said dwelling base station; and

an audiovisual playback device having a third control circuit, a third memory circuit, a fourth communications circuit, a viewable display, and at least one audio speaker;

wherein;

(a) said third communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fourth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said audiovisual playback device; and

(b) if said dwelling base station receives a message from said electronic lock box which indicates that said impact sensor has been activated, then said dwelling base station automatically notifies said audiovisual playback device of said activated status, using said third communications circuit, and said audiovisual playback device then automatically plays a warning message.

19. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 16, further comprising:

an output circuit at said dwelling base station; and

an audible warning device;

wherein;

(a) said output circuit is configured to send a command signal to said audible warning device; and

(b) if said dwelling base station receives a message from said electronic lock box which indicates that said impact sensor has been activated, then said dwelling base station automatically outputs the command signal to said audible warning device, and said audible warning device outputs a warning sound that is within the human hearing response range.

20. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, a second communications circuit, and a third communications circuit;

an automation controller having third control circuit, a third memory circuit, a fourth communications circuit, and a first interface circuit that transmits command signals;

at least one remote switching unit and a corresponding electrical load, said at least one remote switching unit having;

(i) a second interface circuit that receives said command signals, and (ii) an output switching circuit that determines an amount of electrical current delivered to said electrical load;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said at least one remote switching unit is positioned at a third location that is physically separated from said automation controller;

(c) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station;

(d) said third communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fourth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said automation controller; and

(e) said first interface circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second interface circuit, thereby allowing said automation controller to exchange data messages with said at least one remote switching unit, and thereby to control its corresponding electrical load.

21. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 20, wherein:

said first interface circuit uses an X10 protocol and allows said automation controller to physically connect into an alternating current power source at a first electrical outlet; and

said second interface circuit uses an X10 protocol and allows said at least one remote switching unit to physically connect into an alternating current power source at a second electrical outlet.

22. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 21, wherein if said access element of the secure compartment is opened, then:

(i) said electronic lock box automatically notifies said dwelling base station of said opening status, (ii) said dwelling base station automatically notifies said automation controller of said opening status, (iii) said automation controller automatically transmits a command to said at least one remote switching unit, and (iv) said at least one remote switching unit energizes said electrical load.

23. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 22, wherein said electrical load comprises one of:

(a) a lamp that outputs light in a visible wavelength; and

(b) an audiovisual playback device.

24. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 23, wherein a first of said at least one remote switching unit switches on said lamp, and a second of said at least one remote switching unit commands said audiovisual playback device to play a prerecorded message.

25. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 24, further comprising a motion detection sensor that, until activated by sensing motion, prevents said audiovisual playback device from playing said prerecorded message.

26. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 24, further comprising a real time clock that, until determining that a predetermined real time is occurred, prevents said audiovisual playback device from playing said prerecorded message.

27. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 23, wherein a first of said at least one remote switching unit switches on a first of said lamps in a first room, and a second of said at least one remote switching unit switches on a second of said lamps in a second room.

28. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, a second communications circuit, and a third communications circuit; and

an audiovisual playback device having a third control circuit, a third memory circuit, a fourth communications circuit, a viewable display, and at least one audio speaker;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said audiovisual playback device is positioned at a third location that is physically separated from said dwelling base station;

(c) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station; and

(d) said third communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fourth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said audiovisual playback device, and to command said audiovisual playback device to play a prerecorded message.

29. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 28, wherein said first communications circuit comprises a first radio transmitter, said second communications circuit comprises a first radio receiver, said third communications circuit comprises a second radio transmitter, and said fourth communications circuit comprises a second radio receiver.

30. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 28, wherein said first communications circuit comprises a radio transmitter, said second communications circuit comprises a radio receiver, said third communications circuit comprises a first input/output interface circuit that physically connects to an alternating current power line, and said fourth communications circuit comprises a second input/output interface circuit that physically connects to said alternating current power line.

31. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, an impact sensor, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

an audible warning device having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, a second communications circuit, and at least one audio output transducer;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said audible warning device;

(b) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said audible warning device; and

(c) if said impact sensor is activated by a mechanical shock, said electronic lock box automatically notifies said audible warning device of said activated status, and said audible warning device then automatically outputs a warning sound that is within the human hearing response range.

32. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 31, wherein said first communications circuit comprises a radio transmitter, and said second communications circuit comprises a radio receiver.

33. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 31, wherein said audible warning device comprises one of:

(a) a loudspeaker;

(b) a piezo transducer; and

(c) an audiovisual playback device having a viewable display, and at least one audio speaker.

34. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a keypad, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, a second communications circuit, and a third communications circuit; and

an external apparatus having a third control circuit, a third memory circuit, and a fourth communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said external apparatus is positioned at a third location that is physically separated from both said electronic lock box and said dwelling base station;

(c) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station;

(d) said third communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fourth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said external apparatus; and

(e) if a predetermined action is performed on said keypad, then said electronic lock box automatically sends an emergency alert message to said dwelling base station, and said dwelling base station automatically notifies said external apparatus of said emergency status.

35. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 34, wherein said predetermined action comprises a predetermined code that is entered on said keypad.

36. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 35, wherein said predetermined code that triggers said emergency alert message does not have the same value as a normal access code for said electronic lock box.

37. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, a second communications circuit, and a third communications circuit; and

an external apparatus having a third control circuit, a third memory circuit, and a fourth communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said external apparatus is positioned at a third location that is physically separated from both said electronic lock box and said dwelling base station;

(c) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station;

(d) said third communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fourth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said external apparatus; and

(e) if said first control circuit determines that said electronic lock box is experiencing one of several types of predetermined events, then said electronic lock box automatically sends an alert message to said dwelling base station, and said dwelling base station automatically notifies said external apparatus of said alert status.

38. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 37, wherein said alert status comprises at least one of:

(a) a user having difficulty entering a correct access code at said electronic lock box, using an electronic key that transmits wireless messages to said electronic lock box;

(b) a user having difficulty entering a correct access code at said electronic lock box, using an electronic key that makes electrical contact with said electronic lock box;

(c) a user having difficulty entering a correct access code on a keypad of said electronic lock box;

(d) a low battery condition of said electronic lock box;

(e) a data download message to said electronic lock box from an electronic key, in which said data download message is then uploaded to said external apparatus;

(f) a message to said electronic lock box from an electronic key that has expired, requesting renewal of said electronic key and including coded status information of said electronic key, in which said renewal request message is then uploaded to said external apparatus, after which a key renewal message is downloaded from said external apparatus to said dwelling base station, and said dwelling base station relays said key renewal message to said electronic lock box, which then transmits said key renewal message to said electronic key, thereby allowing said electronic key to be used in real time to access said secure compartment of the electronic lock box;

(g) a real estate listing feedback information message from an electronic key that is entered by a user, after which said real estate listing feedback information is then uploaded to said external apparatus;

(h) a user attempting to access said electronic lock box after its corresponding real estate property has been sold, or a sale is pending, in which said dwelling base station will have received a message from said external device, and this message is relayed to said electronic lock box, after which said electronic lock box will refuse access to all such user attempts;

(i) a particular user whose identity has been disabled from accessing said electronic lock box, in which said dwelling base station will have received a message from said external device, and this message is relayed to said electronic lock box, after which said electronic lock box will refuse access to all attempts by said particular user from accessing that electronic lock box;

(j) said external device has sent a message to said dwelling base station, which is relayed to said electronic lock box, notifying said electronic lock box that a predetermined contractor code is to be granted access if entered by a person on a keypad of said electronic lock box;

(k) said external device has sent a message to said dwelling base station, which is relayed to said electronic lock box, notifying said electronic lock box that a predetermined contractor code is to be granted access if entered by a person using an electronic key that communicates with said electronic lock box;

(l) a message sent by said dwelling base station to automatically disable a security alarm system of its corresponding real estate property, after receiving a message from said electronic lock box that an authorized access of the secure compartment is now in progress; and

(m) said lock box includes a specific type of environmental sensor, and a message is sent to said dwelling base station to report a current status of said environmental sensor, in which that message is relayed to said external apparatus.

39. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, a second communications circuit, a third communications circuit, and a fourth communications circuit;

an external apparatus having a third control circuit, a third memory circuit, and a fifth communications circuit; and

a separate electronic key that includes a fourth control circuit, a fourth memory circuit, and a sixth communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said external apparatus is positioned at a third location that is physically separated from both said electronic lock box and said dwelling base station;

(c) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station;

(d) said third communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fifth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said external apparatus;

(e) said fourth communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said sixth communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic key to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station;

(f) said electronic key stores time-sensitive data in said fourth memory circuit, and requires periodic renewal to be useful for interfacing with an electronic lock box; and

(g) if said second control circuit determines that said electronic key has transmitted a correct renewal request message to said dwelling base station, said second control circuit is configured to then upload the renewal request message to said external apparatus, after which a key renewal message is downloaded from said external apparatus to said dwelling base station, and said dwelling base station relays said key renewal message to said electronic key, thereby allowing said electronic key to be used in real time to access said secure compartment of the electronic lock box.

40. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 39, wherein said sixth communications circuit of the electronic key uses one of:

(a) a wireless signal;

(b) an electrical signal traveling through an electrical conductor; and

(c) a light signal traveling through a light guide.

41. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, a second communications circuit, and a third communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said second communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station; and

(c) said third communications circuit is connected to a telephone line, and said third communications circuit, under the control of said second control circuit, is configured to automatically answer an incoming telephone call, and then to report a present status of a real estate showing over said telephone line.

42. The electronic lock box system as recited in claim 41, wherein said second control circuit is configured to prevent said third communications circuit from answering an incoming telephone call for a predetermined time interval after said real estate showing has been completed.

43. An electronic lock box system, comprising:

an electronic lock box having a first control circuit, a first memory circuit, a first communications circuit, a second communications circuit, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;

a dwelling base station having a second control circuit, a second memory circuit, a third communications circuit, and a fourth communications circuit;

an external apparatus having a third control circuit, a third memory circuit, and a fifth communications circuit; and

a separate electronic key that includes a fourth control circuit, a fourth memory circuit, and a sixth communications circuit;

wherein;

(a) said electronic lock box is positioned at a first location that is physically separated from a second location of said dwelling base station;

(b) said external apparatus is positioned at a third location that is physically separated from both said electronic lock box and said dwelling base station;

(c) said first communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said third communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic lock box to exchange data messages with said dwelling base station;

(d) said fourth communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said fifth communications circuit, thereby allowing said dwelling base station to exchange data messages with said external apparatus;

(e) said second communications circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said sixth communications circuit, thereby allowing said electronic key to exchange data messages with said electronic lock box;

(f) said electronic key is activated by a human user who is attempting an access of said secure compartment of the electronic lock box;

(g) if said first control circuit determines that said electronic key has transmitted a correct authorization code, access to said secure compartment of the electronic lock box will be granted, and then said first control circuit is configured to disable said electronic key by sending a disable message using said second communications circuit; and

(h) if said first control circuit determines that said secure compartment of the electronic lock box has been properly closed and a separate mechanical key has been properly restored within the secure compartment, then said first control circuit is configured to re-enable said electronic key by sending an enable message using said second communications circuit.