Computer-implemented systems and methods for real estate property showing

A computer-implemented method for controlling access of a user to a structure, or objects stored within a compartment of a secure lockbox is provided. In some embodiments, the method may be used to control the access of a user to a structure, or one or more objects, such as a key, located in the compartment of a secure lockbox. In further embodiments the method may include the steps of: receiving identification information describing the user from the secure lockbox or electronically-controllable electronic lock device; receiving identification information of an account holder; verifying the received identification information of the user against the account holder information; providing an unlock code to the secure lockbox or the electronically-controllable electronic lock device if the user identification information matches the account holder information. Also disclosed is an improved secure lockbox having a compartment formed therein, which includes an electronically-actuated latching mechanism coupled to a moveable element, such as a door; a network interface; a sensor for sensing a characteristic related to a user attempting to gain access to the compartment; and a processor, wherein the processor is adapted to cause the network interface to transmit information indicative of a sensed characteristic of a user attempting to gain access to the lockbox compartment and capable of processing an unlock signal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of providing secure controlling access to objects and property. More specifically, this patent specification relates to systems and methods that are configured to control access to structures, or keys and other objects which may be used to gain to such structures.

BACKGROUND

The real estate agent showing process has been the same for decades. Typically, each property that is for sale is equipped with a lockbox containing a key to the property which may be retrieved with input of some form of code or electronic access into the lockbox. That system has served the real estate world but it is lacking in many aspects such as security.

Additionally, the current system is lacking in that it requires the need to have an agent physically show the property to the consumer which limits the amount of time that the property may be viewed and/or the number of potential buyers that may view the property. The current system also results in increased complexity of the purchase or rental lease transaction for the consumer. We solved the concern of a potential buyer/lessee needing an agent to show them the property and give them the ability to show the property themselves. We designed our system to allow a property owner to sell or rent his/her property on their own, without the assistance of an agent.

Therefore, a need exists for novel computer-implemented system and methods for property showing. A further need exists for novel computer-implemented system and methods for property showing that are configured to prevent theft of objects from the property. Finally, a need exists for novel computer-implemented system and methods which allow a property owner to sell or rent his/her property on their own, without the assistance of an agent from showing all the way to closing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment consistent with the principles of the invention, a computer-implemented system and method for controlling access of a user having a client device to structures, such as real estate property, or objects stored within a compartment of a secure lockbox is provided. In some embodiments, the method may be used to control the access of a user to a structure, or one or more objects, such as a key which may be within the compartment of a secure lockbox. In further embodiments the method may include the steps of: receiving identification information describing the user from the secure lockbox; receiving identification information of an account holder; verifying the received identification information of the user against the account holder information; providing an unlock code to secure lockbox if the user identification information matches the account holder information; and optionally, providing a corresponding unlock code to the client device of the user.

According to another embodiment consistent with the principles of the invention, an improved secure lockbox having a compartment formed therein, comprises a moveable element, such as a door; an electronically-actuated latching mechanism coupled to the moveable element; a network interface for providing communication with a communications network; a sensor for sensing a characteristic related to a user attempting to gain access to the lockbox compartment; and a processor coupled to the latching mechanism, network interface and sensor, wherein the processor is adapted to cause the network interface to transmit information indicative of a sensed characteristic related to the user attempting to gain access to the lockbox compartment and capable of processing an unlock signal to control the latching mechanism to provide access to the compartment by such user.

According to yet another embodiment consistent with the principles of the invention, another computer-implemented method for showing a property employs a remotely-controllable electronic lock device. In some embodiments, the method may be used to show or otherwise allow access to a real estate property or real estate improvement that the user desires to evaluate, and may include the steps of: receiving information representing identification information or characteristic of a user attempting to gain access to a structure sensed by a sensor associated with a remotely-controllable electronic lock device; processing the sensed information to obtain information indicative of the user; receiving information of an account holder, said information including identification information indicative of the account holder; verifying the processed user information relative to the account holder identification information; and transmitting an unlock code to a lock control system associated with the remotely-controllable electronic lock device if the verification step verifies that the processed user information corresponds to the received account holder identification information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used herein, the term “computer” refers to a machine, apparatus, or device that is capable of accepting and performing logic operations from software code. The term “application”, “software”, “software code” or “computer software” refers to any set of instructions operable to cause a computer to perform an operation. Software code may be operated on by a “rules engine” or processor. Thus, the methods and systems of the present invention may be performed by a computer or computing device having a processor based on instructions received by computer applications and software.

The term “electronic device” as used herein is a type of computer or computing device comprising circuitry and configured to generally perform functions such as recording audio, photos, and videos; displaying or reproducing audio, photos, and videos; storing, retrieving, or manipulation of electronic data; providing electrical communications and network connectivity; or any other similar function. Non-limiting examples of electronic devices include: personal computers (PCs), workstations, laptops, tablet PCs including the iPad, cell phones including iOS phones made by Apple Inc., Android OS phones, Microsoft OS phones, Blackberry phones, digital music players, or any electronic device capable of running computer software and displaying information to a user, memory cards, other memory storage devices, digital cameras, external battery packs, external charging devices, and the like. Certain types of electronic devices which are portable and easily carried by a person from one location to another may sometimes be referred to as a “portable electronic device” or “portable device”. Some non-limiting examples of portable devices include: cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, wearable computers such as Apple Watch, other smartwatches, Fitbit, other wearable fitness trackers, Google Glasses, and the like.

The term “client device” or sometimes “electronic device” or just “device” as used herein is a type of computer or computing device generally operated by a person or user of the system. In some embodiments, a client device is a smartphone or computer configured to receive and transmit data to a server or other electronic device which may be operated locally or in the cloud. Non-limiting examples of client devices include: personal computers (PCs), workstations, laptops, tablet PCs including the iPad, cell phones including iOS phones made by Apple Inc., Android OS phones, Microsoft OS phones, Blackberry phones, or generally any electronic device capable of running computer software and displaying information to a user. Certain types of client devices which are portable and easily carried by a person from one location to another may sometimes be referred to as a “mobile device” or “portable device”. Some non-limiting examples of mobile devices include: cell phones, smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, wearable computers such as Apple Watch, other smartwatches, Fitbit, other wearable fitness trackers, Google Glasses, and the like.

The term “computer readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to the processor for execution. A computer readable medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical, magnetic disks, and magneto-optical disks, such as the hard disk or the removable media drive. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as the main memory. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that make up the bus. Transmission media may also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

As used herein the term “data network” or “network” shall mean an infrastructure capable of connecting two or more computers such as client devices either using wires or wirelessly allowing them to transmit and receive data. Non-limiting examples of data networks may include the interact or wireless networks or (i.e. a “wireless network”) which may include Wifi and cellular networks. For example, a network may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a mobile relay network, a metropolitan area network (MAN), an ad hoc network, a telephone network (e.g., a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), a cellular network, or a voice-over-IP (VoIP) network.

As used herein, the term “database” shall generally mean a digital collection of data or information. The present invention uses novel methods and processes to store, link, and modify information such digital images and videos and user profile information. For the purposes of the present disclosure, a database may be stored on a remote server and accessed by a client device through the internet (i.e., the database is in the cloud) or alternatively in some embodiments the database may be stored on the client device or remote computer itself (i.e., local storage). A “data store” as used herein may contain or comprise a database (i.e. information and data from a database may be recorded into a medium on a data store).

New computer-implemented systems and methods for showing and controlling access to real estate properties and real estate improvements are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments. As perhaps best shown byFIG. 1, an illustrative example of a system for property showing (“the system”)100according to various embodiments described herein is presented. The system100is configured to facilitate the transfer of data and information between one or more access points103, secure lockboxes120, client devices400, and servers300over a data network105. Each client device400and optionally each secure lockbox120may send data to and receive data from the data network105through a network connection104with an access point103. A data store308accessible by the server300may contain one or more databases. The data may comprise any information pertinent to one or more users101input into the system100including information on or describing one or more users101, information requested by one or more users101, information supplied by one or more users101, information describing a property that a secure lockbox120is located at, and any other information which a user101may he provided such as for the purposes of evaluating a real estate property for a possible real estate transaction.

In this example, the system100comprises at least one client device400(but preferably more than two client devices400) configured to be operated by one or more users101. Client devices400can be mobile devices, such as laptops, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, smart phones, and the like, that are equipped with a wireless network interface capable of sending data to one or more servers300with access to one or more data stores308over a network105such as a wireless local area network (WLAN). Additionally, client devices400can be fixed devices, such as desktops, workstations, and the like, that are equipped with a wireless or wired network interface capable of sending data to one or more servers300with access to one or more data stores308over a wireless or wired local area network105. Additionally, the system100may comprise one or more secure lockboxes120which may be configured to control access to keys and other objects which may he used to gain to entrance real estate properties, structures, improvements, and the like. The present invention may be implemented on at least one secure lockbox120, client device400, and/or server300programmed to perform one or more of the steps described herein. In some embodiments, more than one secure lockbox120, client device400, and/or server300may be used, with each being programmed to carry out one or more steps of a method or process described herein.

In some embodiments, the system100may be configured to facilitate the communication of information between one or more secure lockboxes120and users101, through their respective client devices400, and servers300of the system100. Electronic communication106between a client device400and a secure lockbox120may comprise wireless and/or wired communication. Users of the system100may include one or more owners of real estate property, sellers of real estate property, real estate agents, showers or real estate property, buyers of real estate property, renters real estate property, and/or any other individual that may require or grant access to a real estate property. In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may be stationed at a real estate property may include a lockbox housing having a compartment50formed therein, and a moveable element, such as door, coupled to the housing to provide or prevent access to the compartment.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may be configured to contain and control access to a key in the compartment50, which may be used to access the real estate property and/or an improvement on the real estate property. Using their client device400and a secure lockbox120, a user101may send and receive information with the system100that may be used to gain access to the key which may be contained or otherwise accessed from the secure lockbox120. Once the key has been retrieved from the secure lockbox120, the user may access the property or improvement. Optionally, the secure lockbox120may record and provide to the system100information describing events or actions of the user101while the user101is accessing the property or improvement and/or after the user101has accessed the property or improvement.

FIG. 1further depicts a structure130, such as house, apartment, condominium, office, building, or other real estate property, having an exemplary access door135with a remotely-controllable electronic lock device140, which may include a network interface145for communicating with the server300over the data network105via an associated network connection104. At least one sensor150is disposed proximate the access door135and may be part of, or associated with, the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140. The sensor150may be an image capture device, such as a camera, that encodes characteristic information, such as images and videos, for providing to the server300, and/or for storing such information for later reproduction. Suitable cameras useable for the sensor150include those cameras described with regard to camera31inFIG. 6.

In addition, the sensor150may be configured to detect or sense information indicative of the user101including, a fingerprint scanner, or biotelemetry sensor, or other detector including, for example, code detectors for reading, for example, bar codes, quick response (QR) codes, or other identification codes. Other suitable detectors useable for the sensor150include detectors for detecting if a NFC tag, card, key fob, or the like is in proximity to the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140. Optionally, one or more sensors150may be integrally formed with the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140or in remote wired or wireless communication with the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140.

The remotely-controllable electronic lock device140may enable the access door135of the structure130to be locked and unlocked by, for example, electronic, magnetic or electro-magnetic means. As used herein, the remotely-controllable electronic door lock device refers to any remotely-controlled device or system that enables or inhibits access via an associated door to a structure or secure area including, for example, electro-mechanical and electro-magnetic systems for garage doors, hinged doors, roll-top, sliding doors and rotating doors.

A lock control system (not shown) may be associated, for example, with an electronic lock manufacturer or a central control system for remotely-controllable electronic lock devices, such as the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140including, for example, automated remotely-operable garage door openers. Suitable lock control systems useable for the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140include, but are not limited to, cloud servers that control door lock devices such as, for example, Google Cloud IoT, AWS IoT, GE Predix, Microsoft Azure IoT, IBM Watson IoT, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, and Insteon. As used herein, a “cloud server” is a computer server that is built, hosted and delivered through a cloud computing platform over the Internet. Cloud servers possess and exhibit similar capabilities and functionality to a typical server but are accessed remotely. Servers connected to network hubs, such as Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, Google Home-enabled devices and Samsung Smartthing hub, may also be used for the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140. The lock control system may be disposed or located remotely or proximate the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140.

It should be readily understood that the lock control system may alternative communicate with the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140that enables the locking or unlocking of the access door135depending upon the type of electronic lock employed with the access door135. Further, the access door135is meant to include any lockable door of a structure including, for example, an entry door, garage door and may be in the form of, for example, a hinged door, roll-top door, sliding door or rotating door.

Referring now toFIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagram illustrates a server300of which one or more may be used in the system100or standalone. The server300may be a digital computer that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor302, input/output (I/O) interfaces304, a network interface306, a data store308, and memory310. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatFIG. 2depicts the server300in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components (302,304,306,308, and310) are communicatively coupled via a local interface312. The local interface312may be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface312may have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface312may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor302is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor302may be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the server300, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the server300is in operation, the processor302is configured to execute software stored within the memory310, to communicate data to and from the memory310, and to generally control operations of the server300pursuant to the software instructions. The I/O interfaces304may be used to receive user input from and/or for providing system output to one or more devices or components. User input may be provided via, for example, a keyboard, touch pad, and/or a mouse. System output may be provided via a display device and a printer (not shown). I/O interfaces304may include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), a serial ATA (SATA), a fibre channel, Infiniband, iSCSI, a PCI Express interface (PCI-x), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RE) interface, and/or a universal serial bus (USB) interface.

The network interface306may be used to enable the server300to communicate on a network, such as the Internet, the data network105, the enterprise, and the like, etc. The network interface306may include, for example, an Ethernet card or adapter (e,g., 10BaseT, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10GbE) or a wireless local area network (WEAN) card or adapter (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n). The network interface306may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications on the network. A data store308may be used to store data. The data store308may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store308may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. In one example, the data store308may be located internal to the server300such as, for example, an internal hard drive connected to the local interface312in the server300. Additionally in another embodiment, the data store308may be located external to the server300such as, for example, an external hard drive connected to the I/O interfaces304(e.g., SCSI or USB connection). In a further embodiment, the data store308may be connected to the server300through a network, such as, for example, a network attached file server.

The memory310may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory310may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory310may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor302. The software in memory310may include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in the memory310may include a suitable operating system (O/S)314and one or more programs320.

The operating system314essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, such as the one or more programs320, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system314may be, for example Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Server 2003/2008 (all available from Microsoft, Corp. of Redmond, Wash.), Solaris (available from Sun Microsystems, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif.), LINUX (or another UNIX variant) (available from Red Hat of Raleigh, N.C. and various other vendors), Android and variants thereof (available from Google, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.), Apple OS X and variants thereof (available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), or the like. The one or more programs320may be configured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc. described herein.

Referring toFIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, a block diagram illustrates a client device400of which one or more may be used in the system100or the like. The client device400can be a digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor402, input/output (I/O) interfaces404, a radio406, a data store408, and memory410. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatFIG. 3depicts the client device400in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components (402,404,406,408, and410) are communicatively coupled via a local interface412. The local interface412can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface412can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface412may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor402is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor402can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the client device400, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the client device400is in operation, the processor402is configured to execute software stored within the memory410, to communicate data to and from the memory410, and to generally control operations of the client device400pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor402may include a mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications.

The I/O interfaces404can be used to receive data and user input and/or for providing system output. User input can be provided via a plurality of I/O interfaces404, such as a keypad, a touch screen, a camera, a microphone, a scroll ball, a scroll bar, buttons, bar code scanner, voice recognition, eye gesture, and the like. System output can be provided via a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), touch screen, and the like. The I/O interfaces404can also include, for example, a global positioning service (GPS) radio, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like. The I/O interfaces404can include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to interact with the client device400. Additionally, the I/O interfaces404may be used to output notifications to a user and can include a speaker or other sound emitting device configured to emit audio notifications, a vibrational device configured to vibrate, shake, or produce any other series of rapid and repeated movements to produce haptic notifications, and/or a light emitting diode (LED) or other light emitting element which may be configured to illuminate to provide a visual notification.

The radio406enables wireless communication to an external access device or network. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by the radio406, including, without limitation: RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE 802.11 (any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G, etc.); wireless home network communication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication. The data store408may be used to store data. The data store408may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store408may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.

The memory410may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e,g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory410may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory410may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor402. The software in memory410can include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example ofFIG. 3, the software in the memory system410includes a suitable operating system (O/S)414and programs420.

The operating system414essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system414may be, for example, LINUX (or another UNIX variant), Android (available from Google), Symbian OS, Microsoft Windows CE, Microsoft Windows 7 Mobile, Microsoft Windows 10, iOS (available from Apple, Inc.), webOS (available from Hewlett Packard), Blackberry OS (Available from Research in Motion), and the like. The programs420may include various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with the client device400. For example, exemplary programs420may include, but not limited to, a web browser, social networking applications, streaming media applications, games, mapping and location applications, electronic mail applications, financial applications, and the like. In a typical example, the end user typically uses one or more of the programs420along with a network105to manipulate information of the system100.

Referring now toFIGS. 4-6, diagrams showing some of the components of an exemplary secure lockbox120which may be used by the system100as described in various embodiments herein are depicted. In some embodiments and in the present example, a secure lockbox120can be a digital device that, in terms of hardware architecture, comprises a processing unit21which generally includes a processor22, one or more input/output (I/O) interfaces30, an optional radio23, a data store24, and memory25. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatFIG. 4depicts an example of a secure lockbox120in an oversimplified manner, and a practical embodiment may include additional components or elements and suitably configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components and elements (22,30,23,24, and25) are communicatively coupled via a local interface26. The local interface26can be, for example but not limited to, one or more circuit boards, buses, or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface26can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface26may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor22is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor22can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the processing unit21, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions. When the processing unit21is in operation the processor22is configured to execute software stored within the memory25, to communicate data to and from the memory25, and to generally control operations of the secure lockbox120pursuant to the software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor22may include a mobile optimized processor such as optimized for power consumption and mobile applications. The I/O interfaces30can be used to output information to a user101and to receive user input. Additionally, an I/O interface30may comprise a servo, actuator, or other access controlling device which may be used to open and close a compartment in the secure lockbox120which may he used to contain small objects such as keys to real estate properties and improvements. The I/O interfaces30can also include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and the like.

One or more radios23may enable wireless communication to an external access device, such as a client device400, or network105. In some embodiments, a radio23may operate on a cellular band and may communicate with or receive a Subscriber identity Module (SIM) card or other wireless network identifier. Any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, techniques, or methodologies can be supported by one or more radios23, including, without limitation; RF; IrDA (infrared); Bluetooth; ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol); IEEE 802.11 (Wifi or any variation); IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation); Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum; Near-Field Communication (NFC); Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum; Long Term Evolution (LTE); cellular/wireless/cordless telecommunication protocols (e.g. 3G/4G, etc.); wireless home network communication protocols; paging network protocols; magnetic induction; satellite data communication protocols; wireless hospital or health care facility network protocols such as those operating in the WMTS bands; GPRS; proprietary wireless data communication protocols such as variants of Wireless USB; and any other protocols for wireless communication. In further embodiments and as shown inFIG. 4, optionally a secure lockbox120may comprise a NFC radio23, a cellular radio23module, a Wifi radio23, and/or a Bluetooth radio23. In alternative embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise one or more radios23with NFC, cellular, Wifi, and/or Bluetooth communication capabilities as depicted inFIG. 6.

The data store24may be used to store data. The data store24may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the data store24may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media.

The memory25may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the memory25may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that the memory25may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, but can be accessed by the processor22. The software in memory25can include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In the example ofFIG. 4, the software in the memory system25includes a suitable operating system (O/S)27and programs28. The operating system27essentially controls the execution of input/output interface30functions, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The operating system27may be, for example, LINUX (or another UNIX variant), Android (available from Google), Symbian OS, Microsoft Windows CE, Microsoft Windows 7 Mobile, Microsoft Windows 10, iOS (available from Apple, Inc.), webOS (available from Hewlett Packard), Blackberry OS (Available from Research in Motion), and the like. The programs28may include various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end user functionality with the apparatus100. For example, exemplary programs28may include, but not limited to, a communication application121, a verification application122, and/or a sensor application123.

The processing unit21may also include a main memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), and synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), coupled to the bus for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor22. In addition, the main memory may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processor22. The processing unit21may further include a read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device (e.g., programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM)) coupled to the bus for storing static information and instructions for the processor22.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise one or more cameras31which may be configured to provide to the server300, or record, still or video images of the environment around the secure lockbox120and preferably of a user101that is interacting with the secure lockbox120. In preferred embodiments, a camera31may comprise a digital camera that encodes images and videos digitally on a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor or on a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor for providing to the server300, and/or for storing images for later reproduction. In other embodiments, a camera31may comprise any type of camera which includes an optical system., typically using a lens with a variable diaphragm to focus light onto an image pickup device or image sensor.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise one or more sensors32which may be configured to provide and record information describing the secure lockbox120and/or describing the real estate property or improvement that a lockbox is stationed at. In further embodiments, a sensor32may comprise a door lock sensor which may be configured to provide information to the secure lockbox120describing if a door is locked or unlocked and/or open or closed. In further embodiments, a sensor32may comprise a sensor configured to provide information to the secure lockbox120describing if a magnetic card has been inserted or is present in a magnetic stripe reader37. In further embodiments, a sensor32may comprise a sensor configured to detect information indicative of the user101including, a fingerprint scanner, or biotelemetry sensor, or other detector including, for example, code detectors for reading, for example, bar codes or quick response codes. Other suitable detectors useable for the sensor32include detectors for detecting if a NFC tag, card, key fob, or the like is in proximity to the secure lockbox120. Optionally, one or more sensors32may be integrally formed with the secure lockbox120or in remote wired or wireless communication with the secure lockbox120. In yet further embodiments, the sensor32may comprise a sensor or sensors configured to determine the presence or absence of contents within the compartment50. Such sensors may include, for example, electrical, optical, magnetic or electro-mechanical sensors.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise a power source33which may provide electrical power to any component of a secure lockbox120that may require electrical power. A power source33may comprise a battery, such as a lithium ion battery, nickel cadmium battery, alkaline battery, or any other suitable type of battery, a fuel cell, a capacitor, or any other type of energy storing and/or electricity releasing device. In further embodiments, a power source33may comprise a power cord, kinetic or piezo electric battery charging device, a solar cell or photovoltaic cell, and/or inductive charging or wireless power receiver. In further embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise a power charging and distribution34module which may be configured to control the recharging of the power source33, discharging of the power source33, and/or distribution of power to one or more components of a secure lockbox120that may require electrical power.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise one or more control inputs35which may be configured to accept user101input to allow a user101to interact with the secure lockbox120. In further embodiments, a control input35may comprise a key pad, such as a twelve key keypad, or the like. In still further embodiments, a control input35may comprise or include turnable control knobs, depressable button type switches, slide type switches, rocker type switches, or any other suitable input that a user101may physically interact with to control a function of the secure lockbox120.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise one or more display modules36which may be configured to output and display visual information to a user101. In further embodiments, a display module36may comprise a Liquid crystal display (LCD), Light-emitting diode display (LED), Electroluminescent display (ELD), Electronic paper, E Ink Plasma display panel (PDP), Cathode ray tube display (CRT), High-Performance Addressing display (HPA), Thin-film transistor display (TFT), Organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), Surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED), Laser TV, Carbon nanotubes, Quantum dot display, and/or Interferometric modulator display (IMOD).

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise a magnetic stripe reader37, also called a magstripe reader, which may be a hardware device that reads information encoded in a magnetic stripe located on card, badge, or the like. In further embodiments, a magnetic stripe reader37may be an insertion-type reader which requires that the badge or card be inserted into the reader and then pulled out. In still further embodiments, a magnetic stripe reader37may be swipe-type reader which requires that the badge or card pass completely through the reader. In other embodiments, a magnetic stripe reader37may be any other type or style of reader which may be able to record or receive magnetically encoded information from an object such as a card, badge, or the like.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may be stationed at a real estate property and the secure lockbox120may be configured to contain and control access to a key which may be used to access the real estate property and/or an improvement on the real estate property. In preferred embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise one or more compartments50(FIG. 1), such as a cavity, receptacle, or the like, which may be configured to receive a key or other small objects. The compartment50may comprise a door or other access controlling portal and also comprise a lock actuator38which may be configured to control the opening and/or closing of the access controlling portal of the compartment50. In some embodiments, a lock actuator38may comprise an actuator which may be operated by a source of energy, typically electric current, hydraulic fluid pressure, or pneumatic pressure, and which converts that energy into motion for the purposes of locking and unlocking the door or other access controlling portal of a compartment50. Examples of lock actuators38may include comb drives, digital micromirror devices, solenoids, electric motors, electroactive polymers, hydraulic cylinders, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, servomechanisms, thermal bimorphs, screw jacks, or any other type of hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, mechanical, thermal, and magnetic type of actuator, to cause an unlock of a latching mechanism for the access door to the compartment50, or to move such door from a closed and locked position to an open position, and vice-a-versa. In a further embodiment, the moveable element or door may be a backplate, i.e., attachable to a structure and access to the compartment50would he enabled by movement of the secure lockbox housing relative to the door attached to a structure.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise a female plug member40which may be configured to receive and electrically communicate with a male plug member. The female plug member40may allow data to be wiredly imported and exported from the data store24(FIG. 5) of the secure lockbox120. Optionally, a female plug member40may be configured to receive power and to communicate the power to a power source33, power charging and distribution34module, and/or to any other electrical component of a secure lockbox120. In preferred embodiments, a female plug member40may comprise a female USB connector such as a female micro-USB connector or female mini-USB connector. In other embodiments, an female plug member40may comprise a female Type A USB connector, a female Type B USB connector, a female Mini-A USB connector, a female Mini-B USB connector, a female Micro-A USB connector, a female Micro-B USB connector, a female Micro-B USB 3.0 connector, a female ExtMicro USB connector, a female Lightning connector, a female 30-pin dock connector, a female Pop-Port connector, a female Thunderbolt connector, a female Firewire connector, a female Portable Digital Media Interface (PDMI) connector, a female coaxial power connector, a female barrel connector, a female concentric barrel connector, a female tip connector, or any other plug, connector, or receptacle capable of electrical communication with an electronic device.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise one or more speakers41which may be used to produce a plurality of sounds at a plurality of volume levels. In further embodiments, a speaker41may comprise a buzzer, a piezoelectric sound producing device, a dielectric elastomer sound producing device, a buzzer, a moving coil loudspeaker, an electrostatic loudspeaker, an isodynamic loudspeaker, a piezo-electric loudspeaker, or any other device capable of producing one or more sounds.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise one or more microphones41which may be configured to pick up or record audio information from the environment around the secure lockbox120. In preferred embodiments, a microphone41may comprise any acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound in air into an electrical signal. In further embodiments, a microphone41may comprise any type of microphone such as electromagnetic induction microphones (dynamic microphones), capacitance change microphones (condenser microphones), and piezoelectricity microphones (piezoelectric microphones) to produce an electrical signal from air pressure variations.

In some embodiments, a secure lockbox120may comprise one or more fingerprint scanners43. A fingerprint scanner43is an electronic device used to capture a digital image of the fingerprint pattern or other characteristic. The captured image may be referred to as a live scan. This live scan may be digitally processed to create a biometric template (a collection of extracted features) which is stored and used for matching. In further embodiments, a fingerprint scanner43may operate with technologies including optical, capacitive, radio frequency (RF), thermal, piezoresistive, ultrasonic, piezoelectric, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), or any other suitable fingerprint reading technology.

FIG. 7. depicts a block diagram illustrating some applications or software rules engines which may be found in a system100(FIG. 1) and which may optionally be configured to run on a server300(FIGS. 1 and 2) and an example of a property showing database107according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, one or more servers300may be configured to run one or more software rules engines or programs such as a communication application121, verification application122, and/or sensor application123. In this embodiment, the engines121,122,123, are configured to run on at least one server300. The server300may be in electronic communication with a data store308comprising a database, such as a property showing database107. The engines121,122,123, may read, write, or otherwise access data in one or more databases of the data store308. Additionally, data may be sent and received to and from one or more client devices400(FIGS. 1 and 3) and secure lockboxes120(FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6) which may be in wired and/or wireless electronic communication with a server300through network105. In other embodiments, a communication application121, a verification application122, and/or a sensor application123may be configured to run on a secure lockbox120, a client device400, and/or a server300with data transferred to and from one or more servers300in communication with a data store308through a network105. In still further embodiments, secure lockbox120, a server300, or a client device400may be configured to run a communication application121, a verification application122, and/or a sensor application123.

In some embodiments, the system100may comprise a database, such as a property showing database107, optionally stored on a data store308accessible to a communication application121, a verification application122, and/or a sensor application123. In further embodiments, a completion database110may be stored on a data store408of a client device400. A property showing database107may comprise any data and information pertinent to one or more users101input into the system100. This data may include user information which may comprise information on or describing one or more users101. For example, stored user information may include user101information such as address or contact information, a photograph or picture of the user101, fingerprint or other biotelemetry information, financial and financial account information, information on one or more real estate properties or improvements to real estate properties that the user101owns, rents, is selling, is showing, or is otherwise associated with, licensing or other government regulation compliance information, and/or any other information which may describe a user101or be pertinent to the showing of a real estate property or improvement.

The communication application121may comprise a computer program which may be executed by a computing device processor, such as a processor22(FIGS. 3-5), a processor302(FIG. 2), and/or a processor402(FIG. 3), and which may be configured to govern electronic communication between secure lockboxes120, severs300, and client devices400. Data from secure lockboxes120, severs300, and client devices400may be received by the communication application121which may then electronically communicate the data to the verification application122and sensor application123. Likewise, data from the verification application122and sensor application123may be received by the communication application121which may then electronically communicate the data to secure lockboxes120, severs300, and client devices400. In some embodiments, the communication application121may govern the electronic communication by initiating, maintaining, reestablishing, and terminating electronic communication between one or more secure lockboxes120, severs300, and client devices400. In further embodiments, the communication application121may control the network interface306of a server300, radio23of a secure lockbox120, and/or radio406of a client device400to send and receive data to and from one or more client secure lockboxes120, severs300, and client devices400through a network connection104(FIG. 1) over a network105(FIG. 1). Additionally, the communication application121may be configured to store, retrieve, modify, delete, create, or otherwise interact with data in a property showing database107.

The verification application122may comprise a computer program which may be executed by a computing device processor, such as a processor22(FIGS. 3, 4 and 5), a processor302(FIG. 2), and/or a processor402(FIG. 3), and which may be configured to compare data received from the communication application121to data received from the association application122. In some embodiments, the verification application122may compare the client input received through the client device400of the user101, such as a photograph of the user taken by a camera I/O interface404of a client device400and/or a photograph of the user taken by a camera31of a secure lockbox120, to data retrieved by the communication application121from the property showing database107. In further embodiments, the verification application122may compare the client input received through a secure lockbox120, such as from a camera31, sensor32, control input35, or magnetic stripe reader37, from the user101to data retrieved by the communication application121from the property showing database107. The verification application123may be configured to determine if data provided by the secure lockbox120and/or client device400of a user101matches data, preferably data associated with the user101and/or with the property or improvement that the secure lockbox is stationed at, retrieved from the property showing database107.

The sensor application123may comprise a computer program which may be executed by a computing device processor, such as a processor22(FIGS. 3-5), a processor302(FIG. 2), and/or a processor402(FIG. 3), and which may be configured to provide data from one or more sensors32, such as a door lock sensor, a magnetic card detection sensor, or a NFC tag, card, key fob, sensor to the communication application121and/or verification application122. Additionally, the sensor application123may be configured to provide data from a camera31, control input35, magnetic stripe reader37, and female plug member40to the communication application121and/or verification application122. In further embodiments, the sensor application123may be configured control data and power to a display module36and lock actuator38using data provided by the communication application121and/or verification application122.

FIG. 8illustrates a block diagram of an example of a computer-implemented method for controlling access to objects stored within a secure lockbox (“the method”)800according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the method800may he used to control the access of a user101to one or more objects, such as a key, which may be within the compartment50(FIG. 1) of a secure lockbox120(FIGS. 1, 4). For example, the method may be utilized to allow a user101to access a key to a real estate property that the user101desires to evaluate. The key may be stored in the compartment50of a secure lockbox120at the property and upon completion of the method800, the user101may access the key in the secure lockbox120. One or more steps of the method800may be performed by a communication application121, a verification application122, and/or a sensor application123which may be executed by a computing device processor, such as a processor22(FIGS. 3, 4 and 5), a processor302(FIG. 2), and/or a processor402(FIG. 3).

In some embodiments, the method800may start801based on the server300including accounts for one or more account holders. The accounts may be stored in a property showing database107by a communication application121and may comprise information on or describing one or more users or account holders101. For example, such information may include account holder information such as address or contact information, a photograph or picture of the account holder, fingerprint or other biotelemetry information, financial and financial account information, information on one or more real estate properties or improvements to real estate properties that the account holder owns, rents, is selling, is showing, or is otherwise associated with, licensing or other government regulation compliance information, and/or any other information which may describe a account holder or be pertinent to the showing of a real estate property or improvement.

In step802, identification information indicative of the user101may be received from the secure lockbox120by a sensor application123and/or communication application121. In some embodiments, a user101may provide identification information to the secure lockbox120by allowing, for example, the camera31of the secure lockbox120to capture a characteristic of the user101, such as an image of the face of the user101, or a fingerprint sensor to obtain fingerprint information of the user101.

In step803, identification information may be retrieved of an account holder based on either the identification information received from the lockbox in step802, or some other information identifying which particular account holder the user101purports to be, or from which group of account holders the user101purports to belong.

In other embodiments, a user101may provide identification information to the secure lockbox120by providing input through a control input35, such as a keypad. In still other embodiments, a user101may provide identification information to the secure lockbox120in the form of a bar or QR code or other identification code, or by swiping a card, badge, credit card, identification card, or the like, having a magnetic information stripe through a magnetic stripe reader37. In still further embodiments, a user101may provide identification information to the secure lockbox120by providing wiredly communicated data through a female plug member40and/or wirelessly communicated through a radio23, such as with Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, and cellular communication protocols using their client device400, NFC keyfob, NFC tag, or the like.

Next in step804, the provided identification information from the secure lockbox120may be verified against the account information of the user101by the verification application122. In some embodiments, the verification application122may compare the picture from the secure lockbox120to a picture of the user101stored in the property showing database107using facial recognition software or technology. In other embodiments, the verification application122may compare fingerprint information or the identification information provided through a control input35, such as a keypad, to identification information of the user101stored in the property showing database107.

In still other embodiments, the verification application122may compare the identification information provided through a magnetic stripe reader37to identification information of the user101stored in the property showing database107. In still further embodiments, the verification application122may compare the identification information wiredly-communicated data through a female plug member40and/or wirelessly communicated through a radio23, such as with Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, and cellular communication protocols using their client device400, NFC keyfob, NFC tag, or the like, to identification information of the user101stored in the property showing database107.

Next, the method800, may proceed to decision block805. If the provided identification information from the secure lockbox120does not match the account information of the user101. The method800may optionally continue to step802or the method800may optionally finish808. If the verification application122matches or verifies the provided identification information from the secure lockbox120to the account information of the user101, the method800may proceed to step806and an unlock code for the secure lockbox120may be sent to the user101by the communication application121. In some embodiments, an unlock code for the secure lockbox120may be sent to the user101by being sent to the client device400of the user101.

Then, in step807, the unlock code may be provided to the secure lockbox120. In some embodiments, the unlock code may be provided to the secure lockbox120through the data network105, or by displaying or otherwise outputting the unlock code on through the client device400of the user101and the user may enter the code into the secure lockbox120, such as through a control input35, female plug member40, or microphone42. In other embodiments, the unlock code may be provided to the secure lockbox120by communicating the code from the client device400of the user101to the secure lockbox120by way of a sensor32or Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, or other wireless communication from the client device400to the secure lockbox120.

Once the unlock code is provided to the user101and secure lockbox120in steps806and807, the user101(or her/his user device400) may communicate her/his unlock code to the secure lockbox120, and assuming, the unlock codes match or correlate with one another, the secure lockbox120will enable the user101to gain access to the contents of the compartment50. Upon completion of steps806and807, the method800may finish808.

Although performance of the steps806and807provide an increased measure of protection against potential users attempts to impersonate account holders, it should be readily understood that step806may be omitted, and the unlock code transmitted to the secure lockbox120in step807may operate as an instruction for the secure lockbox120to enable access by the user101to the contents of the compartment50. In addition, although the steps of the method800may be performed by, for example, the server300, the verification steps804and/or805may alternatively he performed by a processor within or associated with the secure lockbox120, such as the processor22.

FIG. 9shows a block diagram of an example of a computer-implemented method of property showing using a secure lockbox (“the method”)900according to various embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the method900may be used to show or otherwise allow access to a real estate property or real estate improvement that the user101desires to evaluate at which a secure lockbox120(FIGS. 1, 4) is stationed a secure lockbox120using a key stored in the compartment50of the secure lockbox120. One or more steps of the method900may be performed by a communication application121, a verification application122, and/or a sensor application123which may be executed by a computing device processor, such as a processor22(FIGS. 3, 4 and 5), a processor302(FIG. 2), and/or a processor402(FIG. 3).

In some embodiments, the method900may start901and the compartment50of a secure lockbox120may be opened allowing the user101to access the key stored in the secure lockbox120in step902. In further embodiments, the compartment50of the secure lockbox120may be opened according to steps of method800(FIG. 8).

In step903, a key usage time period may be provided to the user101. The key usage time period may comprise a length of time that the user101may use the key before it is to be returned to the compartment50of the secure lockbox120. In some embodiments, the communication application121and/or sensor application123may provide the key usage time period to the user101through a display module36or speaker41of a secure lockbox120. In other embodiments, the communication application121and/or sensor application123may provide the key usage time period to the user101through a display screen or speaker of the client device400of the user101.

Next in step904, one or more lockbox sensors32may record information describing removal of key from the compartment50, such as if the key is removed and/or the time the key was removed. The sensor application123may record the information and/or provide the information to the communication application121. In some embodiments, a sensor32may detect the presence or absence of the key from the compartment50. In other embodiments, the sensor32may, for example, comprise a radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor which may interact with a RFID tag on the key to provide information describing removal of key from the compartment50. In alternative embodiments, information describing removal of key from the compartment50may be provided by a radio23using Wifi, Bluetooth, or NFC communication protocols which may allow the secure lockbox120to track removal of the key.

In step905, one or more lockbox sensors32may record information describing actions of the user101. The sensor application123may record the information and/or provide the information to the communication application121. In some embodiments, a sensor32may comprise a door lock sensor which may be configured to provide information to the secure lockbox120describing if a door is locked or unlocked and/or open or closed. In further embodiments, a sensor32may comprise a sensor configured to provide information to the secure lockbox120describing if a magnetic card has been inserted or is present in a magnetic stripe reader37. In further embodiments, a sensor32may comprise a sensor configured to provide information to the secure lockbox120describing if a NFC tag, card, key fob, or the like is in proximity to the secure lockbox120.

Once the key is removed from the compartment50, the sensor application123and/or communication application121may begin a countdown of the key usage time period in step906. For example, if the key usage time period is 30 minutes, the sensor application123and/or communication application may begin a 30 minute countdown starting when the key is removed from the compartment50.

The method900may continue to decision block907. If the key is returned to the compartment50of the secure lockbox120before the expiration of the key usage time period, the method900may continue to step908and the sensor application123may record information describing the return of the key, such as date and time or return and sensor information, and provide the information to the communication application121. The communication application121may store this information in the property showing database107which may be accessed by a user101such as the owner or manager of the property. Optionally the communication application may store this information in the data store24of the secure lockbox120and/or in the property showing database107. If the key is not returned to the compartment50of the secure lockbox120before the expiration of the key usage time period, the method900may continue to step909and the sensor application123may provide this information to the communication application121which in turn may provide an alert to the user101and/or the owner or manager of the property. The communication application121may store this information in the property showing database107which may be accessed by a user101such as the owner or manager of the property. Optionally the communication application may store this alert information in the data store24of the secure lockbox120and/or in the property showing database107. After steps908or909are completed, the method900may finish910.

Principles of various embodiments of the computer-implements method for gaining access to a secure lockbox inFIG. 8via a moveable element or door, may additionally be applied for gaining access to a structure having a door employing a remotely operated door lock device, such as the remotely-controllable door lock device140of the access door135in the structure130ofFIG. 1.FIG. 10illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer-implemented method1000for controlling access to structures using a remotely-controllable door lock device according to various embodiments described herein. For example, the method1000may be utilized to allow a user101to gain access to a real estate property that the user101desires to evaluate. One or more steps of the method1000may be performed by a communication application, a verification application, and/or a sensor application, substantially similar to the communication application121, a verification application122, and/or a sensor application123described above with regard toFIGS. 3, 4 and 5. The steps of the method1000may he performed, in whole or in part, by the server300or lock control system, individually or in combination.

Referring toFIG. 10, in some embodiments, the method1000may be based on the server300maintaining accounts for one or more account holders. The accounts may be stored in a property showing database107by a communication application121and may comprise information on or describing one or more users or account holders101. For example, account holder information may include user/account holder101information such as address or contact information, a photograph or picture of the user/account holder101, fingerprint or other biotelemetry information, financial and financial account information, information on one or more real estate properties or improvements to real estate properties that the user101owns, rents, is selling, is showing, or is otherwise associated with, licensing or other government regulation compliance information, and/or any other information which may describe a user/account holder101or be pertinent to the showing of a real estate property or improvement.

In step1010, identification information of the user101attempting to gain access to the structure130may be received from the sensor150associated with the remotely-controllable door lock device140(FIG. 1) by a sensor application or communication application such as, for example, the sensor application123and/or communication application121. In some embodiments, a user101may provide identification information to remotely-controllable door lock device140by allowing the sensor150to sense a characteristic of the user101including, for example, if a camera was disposed as the sensor150to capture an image of the face of the user101, or if a fingerprint sensor was disposed as the sensor150to obtain fingerprint information of the user101

In step1020, the identification information of the user101is processed to obtain information of that will be compared against information of an account holder. Then, in step1030, identification information may be retrieved of an account holder based on, for example, either the identification information of the user101received from the sensor150in step1010or the processed information in step1020, or some other information identifying which account holder the user101purports to be, or from which group of account holders the user101purports to belong.

In other embodiments, a user101may provide identification information to the remotely-controllable electronic lock device140by providing input through a control input, such as a keypad, or providing a bar code or QR code, or other identification code when the sensor150comprises a corresponding code reader. In still other embodiments, a user101may provide identification information to the remotely-controllable door lock device140by swiping a card, badge, credit card, identification card, or the like, having a magnetic information stripe through a magnetic stripe reader. In still further embodiments, a user101may provide identification information to the remotely-controllable door lock device140by providing wiredly communicated data through a female plug member and/or wirelessly communicated through a radio, such as with Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, and cellular communication protocols using their client device400, NFC keyfob, NFC tag, or the like.

Next in step1040, the processed identification information of the user101may be verified against the account holder information of the user101by, for example, the verification application122. In some embodiments, the verification application122may compare the image of the user's face from the sensor to image information of the account bolder stored in the property showing database107using facial recognition software or technology. In other embodiments, such verification application may compare fingerprint information or the identification information provided through a control input35, such as a keypad, to identification information of the account holder stored in the property showing database107.

In still other embodiments, such verification application may compare the identification information provided through a magnetic stripe reader to identification information of the account holder stored in the property showing database107. In still further embodiments, the verification application122may compare the identification information wiredly-communicated data through a female plug member and/or wirelessly communicated through a radio, such as with Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, and cellular communication protocols using their client device400, NFC keyfob, NFC tag, or the like, to identification information of the account holder stored in the property showing database107.

Next, the method1000may proceed to decision block1050. If the processed identification information of the user101does not match the information of the account holder, the method1000may optionally continue to step1010or end. If the verification application matches or verifies the processed identification information of the user101to the received information of the account holder, the method1000may proceed to step1060and an unlock code may be sent to the remotely-controllable door lock device140by a communication application such as the communication application121.

In addition, a corresponding unlock code may also be provided to a user device400of the account holder through the data network105, or by displaying or otherwise outputting the unlock code on through the client device400of the account holder to add a level of security. In such an embodiment, if the user101receives the unlock code sent to the user device400of the account holder, then she/he may enter the unlock code into the remotely-controllable door lock device140, such as through a control input35, such as a keypad, female plug member or microphone to provide a higher level of security that the user101is the account holder. In other embodiments, the unlock code may be provided to the remotely-controllable door lock device140by communicating the code from the client device400of the user101to the secure lockbox120by way of a sensor32or Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, or other wireless communication from the client device400to the remotely-controllable door lock device140. In yet further embodiments, the unlock codes provided to the user101and remotely-controllable door lock device140may be identical or different. If different unlock codes are employed, such unlock codes must correlate to one another, and such correlation should be known to the remotely-controllable door lock device140.

It will be appreciated that some exemplary embodiments described herein may include one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and/or systems described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions may be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches may be used. Moreover, some exemplary embodiments may be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer, server, appliance, device, etc. each of which may include a processor to perform methods as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a Flash memory, and the like.

Additionally, the logic flows and structure block diagrams described in this patent document, which describe particular methods and/or corresponding acts in support of steps and corresponding functions in support of disclosed structural means, may also be utilized to implement corresponding software structures and algorithms, and equivalents thereof. The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (computing device processors) executing one or more computer applications or programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output.

The computer system may also include a main memory, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device (e.g., dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), and synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), coupled to the bus for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor. In addition, the main memory may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processor. The computer system may further include a read only memory (ROM) or other static storage device (e.g., programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM)) coupled to the bus for storing static information and instructions for the processor.

The computer system may also include a disk controller coupled to the bus to control one or more storage devices for storing information and instructions, such as a magnetic hard disk, and a removable media drive (e.g., floppy disk drive, read-only compact disc drive, read/write compact disc drive, compact disc jukebox, tape drive, and removable magneto-optical drive). The storage devices may be added to the computer system using an appropriate device interface (e.g., small computer system interface (SCSI), integrated device electronics (IDE), enhanced-IDE (E-IDE), direct memory access (DMA), or ultra-DMA).

The computer system may also include a display controller coupled to the bus to control a display, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD) or any other type of display, for displaying information to a computer user. The computer system may also include input devices, such as a keyboard and a pointing device, for interacting with a computer user and providing information to the processor. Additionally, a touch screen could be employed in conjunction with display. The pointing device, for example, may be a mouse, a trackball, or a pointing stick for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor and for controlling cursor movement on the display. In addition, a printer may provide printed listings of data stored and/or generated by the computer system.

The computer system performs a portion or all of the processing steps of the invention in response to the processor executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in a memory, such as the main memory. Such instructions may be read into the main memory from another computer readable medium, such as a hard disk or a removable media drive. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in main memory. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry maybe used in place of or in combination with software instructions. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying out one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions for implementing all or a portion of the present invention remotely into a dynamic memory and send the instructions over the air (e.g. through a wireless cellular network or Wifi network). A modern local to the computer system may receive the data over the air and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupled to the bus can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on the bus. The bus carries the data to the main memory, from which the processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the main memory may optionally be stored on storage device either before or after execution by processor.

The computer system also includes a communication interface coupled to the bus. The communication interface provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link that is connected to, for example, a local area network (LAN), or to another communications network such as the Internet. For example, the communication interface may be a network interface card to attach to any packet switched LAN. As another example, the communication interface may be an asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) card, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of communications line. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

The network link typically provides data communication to the cloud, e.g., remote server, through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link may provide a connection to another computer or remotely located presentation device through a local network (e.g., a LAN) or through equipment operated by a service provider, which provides communication services through a communications network. In preferred embodiments, the local network and the communications network preferably use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link and through the communication interface, which carry the digital data to and from the computer system, are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information. The computer system can transmit and receive data, including program code, through the network(s) and, the network link and the communication interface. Moreover, the network link may provide a connection through a LAN to a client device or client device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, or cellular telephone. The LAN communications network and the other communications networks such as cellular wireless and wifi networks may use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The processor system can transmit notifications and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), the network link and the communication interface.