System for controlling key access using an internet-connected key box device

• US 9,526,010 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2016
• Issued: 12/20/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yuan-Chou Chung
• Original Assignee: Yuan-Chou Chung
• Inventors: Chung, Yuan-Chou
• Primary Examiner(s): Agosta, Steve D
• Application Number:
  US15/062,026
• Publication Number:
  US 20160337856A1
• Time in Patent Office: 291 Days
• Field of Search: 455/41.2, 455/414.1, 455/420, 455/550.1, 455/466
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00396 starting with prompting the keyless data carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00936 for key cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• 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 9/32 in combination with an identity check

Abstract

A system for controlling key access using a phone and Internet-connected key box device. The key box device comprises a SIM card programmed with a unique phone number associated with the key box. Calling the phone number using any phone will provide access to the key box. A cloud computing software application then interfaces with operations programmed into a circuit board. A user then unlocks a key chamber by calling the number at a scheduled time. The key box device owner monitors and controls access to the box and its key chamber via the software application.

Claims

1. A system for remotely granting dwelling access to a visitor, comprising:

a dwelling having at least one fixture on which a key box device may be placed;

a visitor of the dwelling, wherein the visitor has at least an identifying name and phone number;

an owner of the dwelling;

a key box device positioned at at least one access point of the dwelling;

a removable key chamber positioned inside the key box device;

a key to the dwelling positioned inside the key chamber;

a Subscriber Identity Module (“

SIM”

) card phone number which is unique to the key box device;

a display on the key box device which can show at least one phone number;

a cloud-computing software application that enables wireless communication between an owner'"'"'s mobile communication device and the key box device and between a visitor'"'"'s mobile communication device and the key box device;

a circuit board connected to the system'"'"'s cloud-computing software application;

an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals;

a communication module which enables the key box device to wirelessly receive data from the visitor'"'"'s mobile communication device and establishes a mobile Internet connection through the system'"'"'s cloud-computing software application;

a power source;

access to the dwelling is granted when at least the following steps are performed;

the visitor'"'"'s phone number, anticipated check-in time, and anticipated check-out time are initially entered into the cloud-computing software application;

a power button on the key box device is engaged by the visitor at about the anticipated check-in time;

the key box device displays the key box device'"'"'s SIM card phone number on its display;

the visitor calls the key box device'"'"'s SIM card phone number on their mobile communication device;

the key box device'"'"'s communication module receives the visitor'"'"'s call and establishes a mobile Internet connection;

the system'"'"'s cloud-computing software application verifies that the incoming call number matches the visitor'"'"'s phone number;

the cloud-computing software application commands the key box device to open its key chamber;

the key box device releases a key chamber latch to expose the key chamber;

the visitor retrieves the key from the key chamber;

the visitor uses the key to enter the dwelling;

the visitor returns the key to the key box device'"'"'s key chamber;

the key chamber is returned to its initial position within the key box device; and

the software application recognizes the key chamber'"'"'s initial position.

2. The System of claim 1, wherein the key box device further comprises;

a load cell capable of measuring the weight of the key chamber;

a servo control mechanism which controls the chamber latch;

a spring which forces the key chamber substantially out of the key box device.

3. The System of claim 1, wherein the key box device further comprises;

a detachable hook which can fit over a fixture at the dwelling;

a hook latch which releases the hook from the key box device

a hook release button which manually opens the hook latch to release the hook from the key box device.

4. The System of claim 1 wherein the software application communicates unauthorized entry attempts to the owner.

5. The System of claim 1, further comprising a manual override system wherein the owner can manually retrieve the key from its chamber.

6. The System of claim 1 wherein the key box device further comprises multiple key chambers, each chamber connected to the system'"'"'s cloud-computing software application.

7. The System of claim 1, wherein the cloud-computing software application notifies the owner when the key box device'"'"'s power source is depleted.

8. The System of claim 1 wherein the key box further comprises a battery chamber.

9. The System of claim 1 wherein the key box further comprises a motion sensor that activates the power button when the visitor is within a pre-determined proximity of the key box device.

10. The System of claim 1 wherein the display on the key box device is a screen which can display instructional and salutary information to the visitor.

11. The System of claim 1 wherein the cloud-computing software application stores, processes and communicates the owner'"'"'s schedule for multiple visitors to the dwelling.

12. The System of claim 1 wherein the cloud-computing software application stores, processes and communicates the identifying information of multiple visitors.

13. The System of claim 1 wherein the cloud-computing software application tracks, stores, processes and communicates the frequency of visitors at the dwelling.

14. The System of claim 1, wherein the communication module utilizes a digital cellular network protocol conforming with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard.

15. The System of claim 1, wherein the communication module utilizes a digital cellular network protocol conforming with the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) 3G standard.

16. The System of claim 1, wherein the communication module utilizes a digital cellular network protocol conforming with the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard.

17. The System of claim 1, wherein the key comprises an electronic radio frequency identification RFID device.

18. The System of claim 1, wherein the key comprises a scannable bar code.