Electronic key lockout control in lockbox system

• US 8,912,884 B2
• Filed: 03/08/2013
• Issued: 12/16/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SentriLock, LLC
• Original Assignee: SentriLock, LLC
• Inventors: Fisher, Scott R.
• Primary Examiner(s): GIRMA, FEKADESELASS
• Application Number:
  US13/790,605
• Publication Number:
  US 20130187756A1
• Time in Patent Office: 648 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.73, 340/5.54, 340/5.61
• US Class Current: 340/5.73
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 1/00 Comparing elements, i.e. elements for effecting comparison directly or indirectly between a desired value and existing or anticipated values
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence

Abstract

An electronic lockbox system includes a wireless portable transponder that communicates with an electronic lockbox using a low power radio link. The portable transponder includes: a wide area network radio to communicate to a central clearinghouse computer, a motion sensor to activate its wide area network radio, and a connector to communicate with a secure memory device. The electronic lockbox sends a hail message that is intercepted by the portable transponder; the hail message includes identification information. The portable transponder responds with a message that includes a time sensitive encryption key; the lockbox authenticates this response message using its own time sensitive encryption key. If an electronic key is used to access the lockbox, the improved system effectively disables the electronic key during a showing, so that the electronic key cannot be used to access another lockbox until the correct dwelling key has been placed back into the lockbox.

Claims

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

(a) providing a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of electronic keys;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a first short range wireless communications device, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment;

(c) of said plurality of electronic keys, providing a portable first electronic key having a second processing circuit, a second memory circuit, a data entry device, a display, and a second short range wireless communications device;

(d) initiating a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said first and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, receiving a first data message from said first electronic key, said first data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then allowing access if said first electronic key'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) temporarily disabling effective operation of said first electronic key from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said first sensor;

(e) sending a second data message from said first electronic key to said first electronic lockbox that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first electronic key; and

(f) if said identity designator in said second data message corresponds to said first electronic lockbox, then said first electronic key automatically remains enabled to function in all normal ways, including for accessing the other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

(a) determining, by use of a second sensor, if said first secure compartment'"'"'s first movable opening element is closed;

(b) if so, then determining, by use of said first sensor, if said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is currently in said first secure compartment; and

(c) if so, then sending a third data message from said first electronic lockbox to said first electronic key instructing said first electronic key to clear any previous value for the identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited.”

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

if said identity designator in said second data message is equal to a cleared value, then further comprising the step of;

displaying a message on said first electronic key indicating that a showing is in progress.

4. A method for operating an electronic lockbox system, said method comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of electronic keys;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a first short range wireless communications device, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment;

(c) of said plurality of electronic keys, providing a portable first electronic key having a second processing circuit, a second memory circuit, a data entry device, a display, and a second short range wireless communications device;

(d) initiating a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said first and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, receiving a first data message from said first electronic key, said first data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then allowing access if said first electronic key'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) temporarily disabling effective operation of said first electronic key from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said first sensor;

(e) sending a second data message from said first electronic key to said first electronic lockbox that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first electronic key; and

(f) if said identity designator in said second data message does not correspond to said first electronic lockbox, then sending a fourth data message from said first electronic lockbox to said first electronic key instructing said first electronic key to place itself into a disable mode that prevents said first electronic key from accessing the other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of:

(a) preventing access to said first secure compartment of said first electronic lockbox; and

(b) requiring said user of said first electronic key to have it reset by a predetermined routine that involves a remote central computer.

6. The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of:

(a) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a second electronic lockbox having;

a third processing circuit, a third memory circuit, a third short range wireless communications device, a second secure compartment having a second movable opening element that is under the control of said third processing circuit, and a third sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said second secure compartment;

(b) initiating a data exchange between said second electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said third and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said second electronic lockbox, receiving a fifth data message from said first electronic key, said fifth data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key,

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user, and

(ii) sending a sixth data message from said first electronic key to said second electronic lockbox that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first electronic key; and

(c) if said identity designator in said second data message does not correspond to said second electronic lockbox, then said first electronic key will not function in all normal ways, including for accessing the second electronic lockbox.

7. A method for operating an electronic lockbox system, said method comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of electronic keys;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a first short range wireless communications device, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment;

(c) of said plurality of electronic keys, providing a portable first electronic key having a second processing circuit, a second memory circuit, a data entry device, a display, and a second short range wireless communications device;

(d) initiating a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said first and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, receiving a first data message from said first electronic key, said first data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then allowing access if said first electronic key'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) temporarily disabling effective operation of said first electronic key from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said first sensor;

(e) at said first electronic key, immediately entering a limited function mode of operation which allows communication with said first electronic lockbox, but does not permit communication with any other electronic lockbox in said system;

(f) sending a second data message from said first electronic key to said first electronic lockbox that contains an identity of the last lockbox visited by said first electronic key; and

(g) if said identity in said second data message corresponds to said first electronic lockbox, then automatically re-enabling said first electronic key.

8. A method for operating an electronic lockbox system, said method comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of electronic keys;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a first short range wireless communications device, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment;

(c) of said plurality of electronic keys, providing a portable first electronic key having a second processing circuit, a second memory circuit, a data entry device, a display, and a second short range wireless communications device;

(d) initiating a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said first and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, receiving a first data message from said first electronic key, said first data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then allowing access if said first electronic key'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) temporarily disabling effective operation of said first electronic key from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said first sensor;

(e) at said first electronic key, immediately entering a limited function mode of operation which allows communication with said first electronic lockbox, but does not permit communication with any other electronic lockbox in said system;

(f) sending a second data message from said first electronic key to a second one of said plurality of electronic lockboxes that contains an identity of the last lockbox visited by said first electronic key; and

(g) if said identity in said second data message does not correspond to said second electronic lockbox, then leaving said first electronic key in said limited function mode of operation.

9. An electronic lockbox system, said system comprising:

(a) a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of electronic keys;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a first short range wireless communications device, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment; and

(c) of said plurality of electronic keys, a portable first electronic key having a second processing circuit, a second memory circuit, a data entry device, a display, and a second short range wireless communications device;

wherein said first and second processing circuits are configured;

(d) to initiate a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said first and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, to receive a first data message from said first electronic key, said first data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then to allow access if said first electronic key'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) to temporarily disable effective operation of said first electronic key from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said first sensor;

(e) to send a second data message from said first electronic key to said first electronic lockbox that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first electronic key; and

(f) if said identity designator in said second data message corresponds to said first electronic lockbox, then said first electronic key automatically remains enabled to function in all normal ways, including for accessing the other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes.

10. An electronic lockbox system, said system comprising:

(a) a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of electronic keys;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a first short range wireless communications device, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment; and

(c) of said plurality of electronic keys, a portable first electronic key having a second processing circuit, a second memory circuit, a data entry device, a display, and a second short range wireless communications device;

wherein said first and second processing circuits are configured;

(d) to initiate a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said first and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, to receive a first data message from said first electronic key, said first data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then to allow access if said first electronic key'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) to temporarily disable effective operation of said first electronic key from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said first sensor;

(e) to send a second data message from said first electronic key to said first electronic lockbox that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first electronic key; and

(f) if said identity designator in said second data message does not correspond to said first electronic lockbox, then to send a fourth data message from said first electronic lockbox to said first electronic key instructing said first electronic key to place itself into a disable mode that prevents said first electronic key from accessing the other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

(a) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, a second electronic lockbox having;

a third processing circuit, a third memory circuit, a third short range wireless communications device, a second secure compartment having a second movable opening element that is under the control of said third processing circuit, and a third sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said second secure compartment;

wherein said first and second processing circuits are further configured;

(b) to initiate a data exchange between said second electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said third and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said second electronic lockbox, to receive a fifth data message from said first electronic key, said fifth data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key,

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user, and

(ii) to send a sixth data message from said first electronic key to said second electronic lockbox that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first electronic key; and

(c) if said identity designator in said second data message does not correspond to said second electronic lockbox, then said first electronic key will not function in all normal ways, including the ability to access the second electronic lockbox.

12. An electronic lockbox system, said system comprising:

(a) a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of electronic keys;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a first short range wireless communications device, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment; and

(c) of said plurality of electronic keys, a portable first electronic key having a second processing circuit, a second memory circuit, a data entry device, a display, and a second short range wireless communications device;

wherein said first and second processing circuits are configured;

(d) to initiate a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said first and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, to receive a first data message from said first electronic key, said first data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then to allow access if said first electronic key'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) to temporarily disable effective operation of said first electronic key from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said first sensor;

(e) at said first electronic key, to immediately enter a limited function mode of operation which allows communication with said first electronic lockbox, but does not permit communication with any other electronic lockbox in said system;

(f) to send a second data message from said first electronic key to said first electronic lockbox that contains an identity of the last lockbox visited by said first electronic key; and

(g) if said identity in said second data message corresponds to said first electronic lockbox, then to automatically re-enable said first electronic key.

13. An electronic lockbox system, said system comprising:

(a) a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of electronic keys;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a first short range wireless communications device, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment; and

(c) of said plurality of electronic keys, a portable first electronic key having a second processing circuit, a second memory circuit, a data entry device, a display, and a second short range wireless communications device;

wherein said first and second processing circuits are configured;

(d) to initiate a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said first and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, to receive a first data message from said first electronic key, said first data message containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then to allow access if said first electronic key'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) to temporarily disable effective operation of said first electronic key from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said first sensor;

(e) a second one of said plurality of electronic lockboxes;

wherein said processing circuits are further configured;

(f) at said first electronic key, to immediately enter a limited function mode of operation which allows communication with said first electronic lockbox, but does not permit communication with any other electronic lockbox in said system;

(g) to send a second data message from said first electronic key to a second one of said plurality of electronic lockboxes that contains an identity of the last lockbox visited by said first electronic key; and

(h) if said identity in said second data message does not correspond to said second electronic lockbox, then to leave said first electronic key in said limited function mode of operation.

14. A method for operating an electronic lockbox system, said method comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of electronic keys;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a first short range wireless communications device, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment;

(c) of said plurality of electronic keys, providing a portable first electronic key having a second processing circuit, a second memory circuit, a data entry device, a display, and a second short range wireless communications device;

(d) initiating a first data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key, using said first and second short range wireless communications devices;

(i) at said first electronic key, receiving a first data message from said first electronic lockbox, said first data message at least containing a first identity designator for said first electronic lockbox; and

(ii) storing said first identity designator in said second memory circuit;

(e) at said first electronic key, beginning an elapsed time counter;

(f) waiting for a second data exchange between one of said plurality of electronic lockboxes and said first electronic key, and if said elapsed time counter equals or exceeds a predetermined time value, then under the control of said second processing circuit, disabling said first electronic key; and

(g) waiting for a second data exchange between one of said plurality of electronic lockboxes and said first electronic key, and if said elapsed time counter does not equal or exceed said predetermined time value, then allow said first electronic key to continue normal functions;

(i) upon initiating said second data exchange between one of said plurality of electronic lockboxes and said first electronic key;

(ii) at said first electronic key, receiving a second data message from one of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, said second data message at least containing a second identity designator for an electronic lockbox; and

(iii) determining if said second identity designator is equal to said first identity designator, and;

(A) if so, then under the control of said second processing circuit, allowing said first electronic key to continue normal functions;

(B) if not, then under the control of said second processing circuit, disabling said first electronic key.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

(a) providing;

(i) an interface for said first electronic key that has been disabled, (ii) a remote central computer, and (iii) a communications network therebetween; and

(b) executing a reset routine, comprising;

(i) initiating a data exchange between said interface and said central computer, using said communications network;

(ii) at said central computer, receiving credentials containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(iii) at said central computer, determining if said credentials are valid for at least one of said first electronic key and said specific human user, and;

(A) if so, sending a code for re-enabling said first electronic key;

or

(B) if not, allowing said first electronic key to remain disabled.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

after determining that said second identity designator is equal to said first identity designator, then (a) stopping and resetting said elapsed time counter, (b) resetting said first identity designator to zero, and (c) resetting said second identity designator to zero.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein:

(a) before one of said data exchanges between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key,

(i) if a variable “

C”

stored in a first memory location of said second memory circuit has a value equal to zero, then;

(ii) after receiving one of said data messages, storing one of said first and second identity designators in said first memory location of said second memory circuit, thereby changing the value of “

C”

to a non-zero value; and

(b) before one of said data exchanges between said first electronic lockbox and said first electronic key,

(i) if said variable “

C”

comprises a value that is not equal to zero at said first electronic key, then;

(ii) after receiving said one of said data messages, storing one of said first and second identity designators as a variable “

D”

in a second memory location of said second memory circuit, and

(iii) during said step of determining if said second identity designator is equal to said first identity designator, said second processing circuit compares the values of “

C” and

“

D”

.

18. A method for operating an electronic lockbox system, said method comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of secure memory cards;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a data entry device, a first card reader circuit, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment;

(c) of said plurality of secure memory cards, providing a portable first secure memory card having a second memory circuit, and a card reader interface;

(d) initiating a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first secure memory card, using said card reader circuit and said card reader interface;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, retrieving first data from said first secure memory card, said data containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then allowing access if said first secure memory card'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) temporarily disabling effective operation of said first secure memory card from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said sensor;

(e) at said first electronic lockbox, retrieving second data from said first secure memory card that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first secure memory card; and

(f) if said identity designator in said second data corresponds to said first electronic lockbox, then said first secure memory card automatically remains enabled to function in all normal ways, including for accessing the other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:

(a) determining, by use of a second sensor, if said first secure compartment'"'"'s first movable opening element is closed;

(b) if so, then determining, by use of said first sensor, if said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is currently in said first secure compartment; and

(c) if so, then sending third data from said first electronic lockbox to said second memory circuit of the first secure memory card that clears any previous value for the identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited.”

20. A method for operating an electronic lockbox system, said method comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of secure memory cards;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a data entry device, a first card reader circuit, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment;

(c) of said plurality of secure memory cards, providing a portable first secure memory card having a second memory circuit, and a card reader interface;

(d) initiating a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first secure memory card, using said card reader circuit and said card reader interface;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, retrieving first data from said first secure memory card, said data containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then allowing access if said first secure memory card'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) temporarily disabling effective operation of said first secure memory card from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said sensor;

(e) at said first electronic lockbox, retrieving second data from said first secure memory card that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first secure memory card; and

(f) if said identity designator in said second data does not correspond to said first electronic lockbox, then sending fourth data from said first electronic lockbox to said first secure memory card that writes a data value into a predetermined memory location of said second memory circuit which causes said first secure memory card to be placed into a disable mode that prevents said first secure memory card from accessing the other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:

(a) preventing access to said first secure compartment of said first electronic lockbox; and

(b) requiring said user of said first secure memory card to have it reset by a predetermined routine that involves a remote central computer.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:

(a) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a second electronic lockbox having;

a second processing circuit, a third memory circuit, a second card reader circuit, a second secure compartment having a second movable opening element that is under the control of said second processing circuit, and a third sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said second secure compartment;

(b) initiating a data exchange between said second electronic lockbox and said first secure memory card, using said second card reader circuit and said card reader interface;

(i) at said second electronic lockbox, retrieving fifth data from said first secure memory card, said fifth data containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first secure memory card,

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user, and

(ii) at said second electronic lockbox, retrieving sixth data from said first secure memory card that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first secure memory card; and

(c) if said identity designator in said second data does not correspond to said second electronic lockbox, then said first secure memory card will not function in all normal ways, including for accessing the second electronic lockbox.

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

(a) providing a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of secure memory cards;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a data entry device, a first card reader circuit, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment;

(c) of said plurality of secure memory cards, providing a portable first secure memory card having a second memory circuit, and a card reader interface; and

(d) initiating a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first secure memory card, using said card reader circuit and said card reader interface;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, retrieving first data from said first secure memory card, said data containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then allowing access if said first secure memory card'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) temporarily disabling effective operation of said first secure memory card from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said sensor, by writing, under the control of said first processing circuit of the first electronic lockbox, a predetermined first code in said second memory circuit, which allows said first electronic lockbox to continue exchanging messages with said first secure memory card, but which prevents any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes from being accessed by use of said first secure memory card.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of:

(a) writing, under the control of said first processing circuit of the first electronic lockbox, a value in said second memory circuit that reverses said predetermined first code back to an original state, so that all of said plurality of electronic lockboxes may again be accessed by use of said first secure memory card.

25. A method for operating an electronic lockbox system, said method comprising:

(a) providing a plurality of electronic lockboxes and a plurality of secure memory cards;

(b) of said plurality of electronic lockboxes, providing a first electronic lockbox having;

a first processing circuit, a first memory circuit, a data entry device, a first card reader circuit, a first secure compartment having a first movable opening element that is under the control of said first processing circuit, and a first sensor for detecting whether a predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is present within said first secure compartment;

(c) of said plurality of secure memory cards, providing a portable first secure memory card having a second memory circuit, and a card reader interface;

(d) initiating a data exchange between said first electronic lockbox and said first secure memory card, using said card reader circuit and said card reader interface;

(i) at said first electronic lockbox, retrieving first data from said first secure memory card, said data containing at least one of;

(A) identity information for said first electronic key, and

(B) personal ID data regarding a specific human user;

(ii) if a user is attempting to access said first secure compartment, then allowing access if said first secure memory card'"'"'s identity information and said specific user'"'"'s personal ID data are authorized to access the first secure compartment, so that said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus can be removed from the first secure compartment; and

(iii) temporarily disabling effective operation of said first secure memory card from accessing any other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes except said first electronic lockbox, until said predetermined dwelling key security apparatus is returned to said first secure compartment, as determined by said sensor;

(e) at said first electronic lockbox, retrieving second data from said first secure memory card that contains an identity designator of the “

last lockbox visited”

by said first secure memory card; and

(f) if said identity designator in said second data corresponds to said first electronic lockbox, then writing, under the control of said first processing circuit of the first electronic lockbox, a predetermined second code in said memory that enables said first secure memory card to function in all normal ways, including for accessing the other of said plurality of electronic lockboxes.