Vehicle Activity Module
First Claim
1. A device for storing at least one key proximate a remote location, maintaining security, and gathering data for the remote location, the device comprising:
- a housing having a releasable key compartment; and
a conductive container configured to fit within the releasable key compartment and further configured to receive at least one remote location key;
the conductive container being capable of attenuating a wireless signal emitted from the at least one key when disposed within the conductive container.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The systems include a vehicle activity module for each of the vehicles. The vehicle activity module has a wireless transmitter, a storage device, at least one sensor for receiving event information from identification devices, such as RFID cards, keypads, magnetic ID cards, and the like, a releasable key container, and a processor for accessing and analyzing information. The VAMs are wirelessly connected to a computer system. The VAMs control access to the keys, monitor information relating to access, and store and transmit information relating to sales events, non-sales events, and intrusion events. The VAMs are capable of autonomous operation, without the need to access the computer system to verify event information. The VAMs further include signal attenuating mechanisms to facilitate use of “smart keys.”
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Citations
62 Claims
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1. A device for storing at least one key proximate a remote location, maintaining security, and gathering data for the remote location, the device comprising:
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a housing having a releasable key compartment; and a conductive container configured to fit within the releasable key compartment and further configured to receive at least one remote location key; the conductive container being capable of attenuating a wireless signal emitted from the at least one key when disposed within the conductive container. - View Dependent Claims (2, 10, 12, 13)
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24. A system for maintaining security and gathering data involving a plurality of remote locations comprising:
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a plurality of activity modules, each of which may be assigned to one of a plurality of remote locations, at least one of the plurality of activity modules including a storage device capable of receiving and storing data, a wireless transmitter, at least one sensor, a releasable key container configured to receive at least one key, and a processor operably coupled to one or more of the wireless transmitter, at least one sensor, or releasable key container; a computer having a database for storage of data, the computer being in wireless communication with the at least one activity module; at least one key identification device for attachment to the at least one key of at least one of the plurality of remote locations; and at least one identification card containing information relating to an individual authorized to access the at least one activity module; wherein the processor is capable of receiving and transmitting event information to the storage device or the computer from at least one of the sensors; and wherein the processor is programmed to access and analyze the event information and compare the event information to reference information stored in the storage device for initiation of an event action within the at least one activity module. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 45)
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50. A system for maintaining security, comprising:
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an electronic lock box apparatus having a control circuit, a memory circuit, an identifier sensing device, and a releasable key chamber with a key chamber position element, wherein said control circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said identifier sensing device; and a key identification device; wherein;
said identifier sensing device detects a presence of the key identification device, if said key identification device is positioned within said releasable key chamber. - View Dependent Claims (51)
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52. An electronic lock box, comprising:
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an electronic lock box apparatus having a control circuit, a memory circuit, and a releasable key chamber with a key chamber position element; and a key chamber position element sensing circuit that detects whether said releasable key chamber is in one of;
(a) an open state; and
(b) a closed state;wherein said control circuit is configured to exchange data signals with said key chamber position element sensing circuit. - View Dependent Claims (53, 54, 55)
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56. A method for operating a system for maintaining security, said method comprising:
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providing an electronic lock box apparatus having a control circuit, a memory circuit, an identifier sensing device, and a releasable key chamber with a key chamber position element; providing a key with a key identification device; and using said identifier sensing device, detecting a presence of the key identification device, if said key identification device is positioned within said releasable key chamber. - View Dependent Claims (57, 58, 59)
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60. A method for operating a system for maintaining security, said method comprising:
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providing an electronic lock box apparatus having a control circuit, a memory circuit, an identifier sensing device, a releasable key chamber with a key chamber position element, and a key chamber position element status detection device; installing a key within said releasable key chamber, said key having a key identification device attached thereto; detecting an access attempt of said releasable key chamber by an authorized user; and before opening said key chamber position element, detecting, by use of said identifier sensing device, a presence of said key identification device, if said key identification device is positioned within said releasable key chamber. - View Dependent Claims (61, 62)
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Specification