Patent ID: 8912884
Filing Date: 2014-12-16
Classification: G05B,G07C

Abstract:
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; (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.