Lockbox key with callback feature

An access device is provided for a system that has a plurality of locks that are each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the locks and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device includes at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the locks over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer and wherein the predefined text message provides an indication to the computer as to at least one other key whereto the predefined text message is to be sent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject matter described herein relates generally to wireless lockbox key systems.

2. Related Art

Wireless access to lockboxes for use in real estate sales is known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,402 illustrates a secure entry system including a lock having an integrated RF receiver and a clearing house connected to a database. A user, who seeks access, communicates via a fixed or mobile phone with the clearing house. If the clearing house determines, by reference to the database, that the user should be authorized to access the lock, the clearinghouse causes a transmission to the lock to be made. This authorization is valid for only a short time such as thirty minutes.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,472,973 describes adding a wireless radio link to a lock box to transfer the data obtained from an access key pad, located on the lock box, to a co-located collector transmitter unit which sends the data to a central site computer. The collector-transmitter unit is installed in the lock box to intercept the exchange of information between the keypad and the lock box and transmit this data by radio to a nearby receiver unit.

However, to date, no suitable device or method of providing easy, reliable and secure access to an entryway is available. Also, these patents fail to provide for the illumination of a lock where ambient lighting is minimal. For example, where a real estate sales agent is required to show a property in the evening, adequate lighting of the property entry way may be nonexistent. Further, these patents fail to provide a suitable solution to a situation where an operator requires a professional detachment from an uncomfortable situation that arises. For example, circumstance may arise where a real estate agent is engaged to show a property and, upon meeting a potential buyer, lacks confidence that an appropriate showing will occur, and thus wishes to terminate the showing in a professional manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wireless lockbox key system comprises a plurality of locks, each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock, and a computer disposed at a remote location from the at least one lock and configured to communicate over a primary wireless communication path. The wireless lockbox key system also comprises a plurality of keys configured to communicate over the primary wireless communication path with the computer and to communicate with each of the locks over a secondary wireless path. The keys are configured to send and receive authorization/deauthorization instructions and usage data to and from the computer and wherein each of the keys are also configured to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer. The computer may also be configured to receive the predefined text message and to communicate the predefined message to at least one selected key.

In another aspect of the invention, an access device is provided for a real estate lock box system that has a plurality of locks that are each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the locks and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device comprises at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the locks over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer and wherein the predefined text message provides an indication to the computer as to at least one other key whereto the predefined text message is to be sent.

A method of requesting a call back that is usable with a system having a plurality of locks that are each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock and a computer disposed at a remote location from each of the locks. The computer is connected with a primary wireless communication path and the method comprises providing at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and for communicating with a lock via a secondary wireless communications path; and configuring the at least one key to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer and wherein the predefined text message provides an indication to the computer as to at least one other key whereto the predefined text message is to be sent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

One embodiment of the present invention concerns a device and a method for providing security that is less cumbersome and easier to use relative to current systems. For example, rather than requiring that authorization be obtained prior to gaining access, in this embodiment, authorization for a key to access a building or an entryway is set as valid unless the key is instructed otherwise, or the key has not detected proper access to the primary wireless communications path for the some previously set time frame. In this case, the key will de-authorize itself until primary wireless communication access is re-established.

In this embodiment, a secured system comprises a computer, a key configured to communicate with the computer and a lock that is configured to receive instructions from the key. As used herein, the term computer may refer to any device or devices capable of carrying out a set of instructions such as one or more processors, servers or microprocessors. Also, as used herein, the term key may refer to any device or devices for controlling or accessing operation of another device and the term lock may refer to any device or devices for preventing access to an opening such as that covered by a door.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a security or access system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated generally at10. In this embodiment, the access system10is configured for use in real estate sales, although, it will be understood that this is only one embodiment and one of ordinary skill in the art would readily adapt this embodiment of the invention for other applications such as for a delivery truck or industrial site security. As illustrated, the access system10comprises a computer12, a key14and a lock16. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, and although not illustrated as such, the access system10comprises a plurality of computers12, keys14and/or locks16.

The computer12is any known device for following a set of instructions, such as those contained in software and/or firmware, and is interconnected with, or includes, a database18and a transmitter/receiver20. The database18includes in one embodiment information concerning unique identifiers for the keys14, unique identifiers for each lock16, information concerning a particular real estate agent, house showing particulars, house alarm system particulars, other arrangements for showing the house, location of a particular lock, etc. The transmitter/receiver20is preferably capable of communicating over a wireless telecommunication system, although, any suitable wireless communication system such as RF or wireless internet may be employed. The transmitter/receiver20communicates via an external or internal antenna22over a primary communication path24, which, in the case of a wireless telecommunication system, comprises multiple communication cells.

As illustrated, the key14transmits/receives signals from the transmitter/receiver20via the primary communication path24. Preferably, the signals are encrypted or subject to a security code scheme that changes, such as by hopping or rolling in a known manner, periodically, e.g., every twenty-four hours. In one embodiment, the key14comprises a shell or housing26, an antenna28, a display30and a key pad32. The housing26, as illustrated, has a slim outer configuration, e.g. having a dimension of less than about one inch (2.54 centimeters) in depth and comprises an inner cavity (not shown). The housing26is fabricated in any known manner, for example, by injection molding of a plastic or other similar material. The antenna28is configured in a known manner to transmit/receive signals sent over the primary communication path24and the display30is of any type that presents a suitably clear image such as a liquid crystal. The key pad32is any configuration that is suitably durable and easy to use, for the entry of data as described in more detail below. The key14is further configured, as also described in more detail below, to communicate with the lock16, via signals34.

The lock16, as illustrated, is configured as a lock box used in real estate sales and, as such, is removably mountable, e.g., to a door of a residence (both not shown), via a bracket36. The lock16has a housing38that, in one aspect, includes a door40which, in turn, comprises hinges42and a knob44. The bracket36, the housing38and door40comprises a material, such as a metallic material, that is sufficiently strong and durable to prevent damage or unauthorized access. A compartment (not shown) accessed via the door40may contain, e.g., a mechanical door key (not shown) for unlocking the door of the residence.

Referring now toFIG. 2, one embodiment of a circuit47that may be located within the inner cavity (not shown) of the housing26(FIG. 1) of the key14is shown. The key14in one embodiment comprises a circuit having a power source46, a global position satellite (GPS) receiver48, a transmitter/receiver50, an energizing coil52, a transmitter54and a central processing unit (CPU)56connected in circuit with each of the foregoing. The power supply46comprises any self-contained source such as a battery, which preferably is rechargeable, and that is able to energize each of the electrical components of the circuit47, as will be appreciated, for a reasonable period of time. In an optional embodiment, a GPS receiver48is employed to provide position coordinates to the CPU56, for example, for confirming the location of a particular lock16. The transmitter/receiver50is connected to the antenna28, as described above, and is configured for communicating, via the primary communication path24, information sent to/from the CPU56. As such, the transmitter/receiver50is preferably capable of cellular communications, however, the transmitter/receiver50is capable of receiving signals via other means of communications, e.g., WIFI or RF.

In another optional embodiment, a coil52is connected to a switch58controlled by the CPU56for assisting in energizing the lock16through magnetic/electrical field coupling with a coil (described in more detail below) that is located at the lock16. The CPU56is configured to control the switch58to energize the coil52, when the accessing the lock16. An additional transmitter54and antenna60are provided for communicating instructions via a secondary communications path from the CPU56to the lock16. The transmitter54is preferably configured for infrared communications (IRDA), or near field wireless communication and thus may use a frequency that is appropriate for such a short distance. One embodiment includes a system that functions in the 300 to 400 MHz range and that has a changing code scheme that corresponds to that employed in the primary communication path24, as described above. In another embodiment the transmitter54is configured to communicate using optical technology, such as at an infrared frequency.

The CPU56comprises any processor, microprocessor, controller, or other device that is configured to follow a set of instructions provided in software and/or firmware instructing the CPU, for example, to receive input via the key pad32, send/receive data/instructions from the computer12, display information to a user and send instructions to the lock16. To assist in accomplishing the foregoing, the CPU56is connected in circuit with a memory device62. The memory device62comprises an erasable programmable read only memory, random access memory or any other suitable memory device for storing instructions for operating the CPU56and for storing data transmitted to/from the computer12. Also, where the transmitter/receiver50is located out of a service area as occurs during cellular communications, the memory62is configured for providing spooling of usage data such as time of access of a particular lock16, duration of access to the particular lock and/or location of the particular lock.

Referring now also toFIG. 3, an embodiment of a circuit64that is located in the compartment (not shown) of the lock16comprises a lock mechanism66, a power supply68, a receiver70and a CPU72. The lock mechanism66comprises any suitable device for providing access through the door40(FIG. 1) as described above. The power supply68is similar to the power supply46described above and, in one embodiment, comprises a rechargeable battery. In another optional embodiment, the power supply68is connected in circuit with a coil74that functions to receive energy from the coil52for assisting in powering the circuit64and/or recharging the power supply. The receiver70is configured to communicate with the transmitter54, as described above, via an antenna76.

The CPU72is similar to the CPU56and may be any processor, microprocessor, controller, or other device that is configured to follow a set of instructions provided in software and/or firmware. The CPU72may function, to, among other things, receive instructions from a particular key14via the receiver70and, in response thereto, energize a particular lock mechanism66for access by an operator as described above. The CPU72is connected in circuit with a memory device78that is similar, and performs a similar function, to the memory device62described above.

With reference toFIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in the application of real estate sales, although, it will be appreciated that this is merely for illustration. Also, in this application, a particular lock16comprises a lock box that is located at an opening of a building (not shown) that is available for sale. Access to the building may be granted by virtue of the owner giving the listing real estate agent the physical key to the house. Any agent authorized to show houses in the listing board's area has an assigned key14, and can access the house. The agent's authorization status is communicated to the computer12for entry into the database18. Any change of the agent's authorization status is also communicated to the computer12for entry into database18, Once this change in authorization status data is entered into the database18, the computer12is configured to communicate this authorization information to the key14assigned to that agent. The CPU56of the key14is configured to store this authorization status data in the associated memory device62. The CPU56is further configured to operate on a valid status marking as long as the key14maintains an active connection to the primary communication path24for greater than some set valid time window, for example, a five-minute time period, within the automatic authorization time period of, for example twenty-four hours. If the key14has not achieved the access to the primary communication path24for the valid time window within the automatic authorization time period, the CPU56is configured to operate as if the authorization is invalid and to prevent operation of the key14from gaining access to any lock16. The CPU56is also configured, such that when it is once again in contact with the primary communication path24for the minimum valid time window, CPU56is configured to once again operate on its valid status marking unless a de-authorization message is received from the computer12to set the authorization status data as invalid

Where the CPU56of the key14recognizes valid authorization status data and upon initiation through, e.g., a pin and password entered into the key pad32of the key by a real estate professional, the CPU56is configured to send an instruction to the transmitter54for communication to the receiver70of the lock16. In turn, the CPU72of the lock16receives the instruction along with the particular key's unique identifying code to grant access from the receiver70and energizes the lock mechanism66to do so.

Following sending the instruction to the lock16, the CPU56of the key14is configured to send usage data to the computer12under a particular key identifier, a unique lock identifier and time of access for the lock16. Also, in one embodiment, the CPU receives global positioning satellite data from the GPS48and then additionally forwards the location of the key14in accessing the particular lock16to the computer12. Also, the CPU56may spool the usage data when not within the service area of the communications path24.

In operation, when a real estate agent desires to show a particular house, the agent approaches within ten feet (3.05 Meters) or so of a lock16located, e.g., on a door knob of a door to the particular house. Thereafter, the agent may use the keypad32of the key14to enter a username/password and any particular key sequence required for communicating an instruction to the lock16for opening of the door40of the lock16. Thereafter, the agent may take a mechanical key out of the lock16for entry to the house. At this time the key14communicates the specific house showing information via primary communication path24to the computer12.

Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, another embodiment of a key in accordance with the present invention is illustrated generally at100. In this embodiment, various components of the key100include items or components similar to those described above and each are labeled with like reference numbers similar to those described above, although, each is preceded by a 1. For example, antenna128is similar to the antenna28(FIGS. 1 and 3) described above. To avoid redundancy, reference may be had above for a description of many of the items or components shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

In this embodiment, the key100comprises a light emitter180that radiates a directed beam of electromagnetic energy that has a frequency that is in the visible spectrum. The light emitter180is connected to the CPU156and the power supply146. In response to an instruction given via the keypad132, or an optional dedicated key or button (not shown), the CPU156may cause the power source or supply146to energize the light emitter180. In another optional embodiment, a separate power source (not shown) such as a battery may be employed.

In one embodiment, the light emitter180comprises a light emitting diode (LED)182. A reflector184is provided in an optional embodiment and is configured, e.g. in a parabolic shape, to reflect light from the LED182in the form of a beam. In another optional embodiment, rather than a LED182, the light emitter180comprises an incandescent light bulb. As shown, the light emitter180is located on a different surface from that where the keypad132is located, although, it will be appreciated that any surface is usable.

It will be appreciated that the light emitter180may be advantageously used to, e.g., illuminate a lock16where sufficient ambient light is unavailable.

In another embodiment of the present invention, usable in conjunction with the embodiments of either ofFIGS. 1-3or4-5, either key14or100is further configured to provide for the sending of a predefined message such as a text message requesting a call back in a situation, for example, of a real estate agent requiring a professional cancellation of an appointment, as described above. In such a case and referring now toFIGS. 1 and 4, the keypad32,132of either of keys14or100, includes, in one embodiment, an individual button (not numbered) that functions to generate a text message200as shown in the screen shot202provided inFIG. 6, for communication to one or more selected keys14,100and/or cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, etc. (not shown). In an optional embodiment, rather than a dedicated single button, the CPU56,156(FIGS. 2,4) may be configured to accept a number of button strokes, with reference to display30,130, to prepare and send the text message200.

It will be understood that the keys14,100are configured to provide for a particular distribution of the text message200as desired by an operator. In the present exemplary embodiment of a real estate sales agent operator that requests a call back to arrange for extraction from an uncomfortable situation, it may be desired that the text message be sent to the agent's supervisor, administrative assistant and/or co-workers to be sure that someone is available to make the extraction call. In one particular embodiment, sufficient storage (such as in memory162shown inFIG. 4) is provided for up to five destination addresses where the text message200is sent.

The text message200is sent from the key14,100via the communication path24to the computer12that is configured to receive instructions for the communication of the text message to the particular key(s)14,100.

Technical effects of the herein described method include determining whether authorization exists for gaining access to an entryway and, where it exists, effecting opening of the entryway. Other technical effects include communicating usage data to a remote computer for further processing and communicating text messages to the computer for transmission to other keys and/or cellular telephones, PDAs, etc.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these herein disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover all of the various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.