Abstract:
A mechanical interface ( 84 ) for a PDA ( 80 ) allows the PDA to be positioned in an operative relationship relative to an electronic lock or electronic lockbox ( 82 ). The mechanical interface allows the PDA to be used as a key ( 80 ) to actuate the lock, by transmitting signals from the PDA to the lock. The PDA retains its normal functionality as a general purpose computer, and the interface can also form part of a link between the PDA and a remote computer ( 88 ) and/or database ( 92 ).

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/846,040, filed Apr. 25, 1997 (now abandoned), which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/487,189, filed Jun. 7, 1995 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,654,696), which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/099,743, filed Jul. 30, 1993 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,375). 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to electronic lock systems and palmtop computers, and more particularly relates to methods and systems in which electronic lock systems and palmtop computers can be used together. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present assignee&#39;s U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,654,696 and 5,475,375 disclose electronic security systems in which a palmtop computer is used as a key. In the detailed systems, no modification is made to the computer; the computer and lock communicate via standard infrared ports. The lock opens if the correct signals are exchanged. 
   While advantageous in many respects, the systems detailed in those patents have certain limitations. For one, the locks must have infrared interface capabilities. While such capabilities can be incorporated into new locks, the large installed base of existing locks without infrared capability cannot be used in such systems. (A sampling of such locks is shown in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,727,368, 4,766,746, 5,280,518, 5,550,529, and 5,758,522.) 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a back of a modified palmtop computer according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows a palmtop computer according to the present invention in a “nest.” 
       FIG. 3  is a network diagram showing a conventional AEII real estate lockbox system. 
       FIG. 4  is a network diagram showing a new AEIII real estate lockbox system. 
       FIGS. 5-18  are views showing screen displays on the key using the new AEIII system. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, above-noted the infrared interface problem is overcome by retrofitting onto the back of a general purpose palmtop computer an electrical and physical interface mimicking that of an electronic key. (See, in this regard, the physical arrangements shown in the just-cited commonly owned patents, and in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/067,356.) By such arrangement, the palmtop can be used as a key for the just-cited locks. 
   In a particular embodiment, the general purpose palmtop is a PalmPilot unit (e.g. the PalmPilot III, PalmPilot V, or the radio-equipped PalmPilot VII). These units feature relatively large display screens, which also serve as touch-input devices. The display screens can be programmed to present visual interfaces modeled after those of conventional keys, facilitating user training. Users respond by interacting with the screen, e.g., by pressing buttons displayed on the screen. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the back of the PalmPilot unit is removed, and a new back (a portion of which is shown in  FIG. 1 ) is installed to provide the mechanical and electrical components needed to interface with the electronic lock (e.g., one of the locks shown in the patents cited in the foregoing paragraph). 
   The mechanical configuration of the replacement back portion will depend on the particular palmtop being reconfigured, and the lock with which it is to be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the replacement back has a portion  14  extending therefrom that is sized to be received within a cooperating nest on the front of the lock. Electrical terminals  60   a ,  60   b  are provided to effect transfer of data between the palmtop and lock units (and optionally, to provide power from the palmtop to the lock). 
   Within the replacement back are drive electronics for the lock signals, and related lock-specific circuitry. While electronic keys typically include microprocessors and associated memories, the palmtop&#39;s processor and memory can be used for these purposes. Alternatively, a separate microprocessor and memory can be provided for key-specific functionality. Even in such alternative embodiment, however, the PalmPilot microprocessor is used for control of the display and touch screen. (The design of electronic keys is known to the artisans in the field, so key-specific details are not belabored here.) 
   In this exemplary embodiment, the palmtop is returned to a “nest”  10  ( FIG. 2 ) every evening to recharge its batteries. Included in the nest is a two-way link to a remote clearinghouse. This link can be effected by radio or wired connection. A wired connection may couple to the remote clearinghouse over a dedicated or dial-up direct link, or over the internet. At a pre-programmed time each evening, the palmtop exchanges data with the remote clearinghouse. The palmtop&#39;s key functionality is desirably programmed to “expire” periodically, such as every 24 hours. When the palmtop communicates with the central clearinghouse, update data may be provided to the key to extend its life a further 24 hours (assuming the palmtop owner has paid whatever dues are owed to the governing realtor&#39;s association, and has not otherwise become disqualified from continued use of a key). By such arrangement, if the palmtop is not periodically linked to the clearinghouse, the palmtop loses its key functionality. 
   During the palmtop&#39;s nightly exchange with the central clearinghouse, the clearinghouse downloads to the key new data relating to the lock system. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock system is a real estate lockbox system (but the present technology can equally-well be applied to other types of lock systems, e.g., industrial site security systems). The data downloaded nightly thus includes profiles of new homes listed for sale (“new listings”). To reduce download time and memory consumption in the palmtop, only data about selected new listings is downloaded. For example, a user of the palmtop may define a profile identifying the types of new listings for which updates are desired. Such data can be defined in boolean fashion, using parameters familiar to real estate agents (e.g. within specified price ranges, neighborhoods, square footages, home age, amenities, etc.). Several such profiles can be defined. Each night, these profiles are compared against new listing data at the central clearinghouse to identify the data that should be relayed to the palmtop. 
   The process of defining the profiles can employ the palmtop and its user interface, in conjunction with a server computer at the central clearinghouse. If the central clearinghouse server supports internet access, a conventional internet browser can also be used from a desktop computer to interactively define desired profiles for a given user. 
   While the above-referenced downloading typically takes place during the night, the palmtop can be nested at any time, and an update can be invoked by suitable instructions to the palmtop and/or nest (e.g., by pressing a HotSync button  12  on the nest, launching the update process). 
   Data in addition to new listing data can be downloaded to the palmtop during the nightly sessions. For example, one or more screens of bulletins might be provided to the palmtop, providing information of interest to the users. These bulletins may be displayed when the palmtop is removed from the nest, or can be summoned to the display anytime during the day in response to user command. 
   The bulletins can include reminders of upcoming dues payments to the local realtor&#39;s association, notices of upcoming seminars of interest, daily quotations of mortgage interest rates, and other news topics of interest to real estate agents. 
   News of more general interest might also be included, such as current prices of favorite stocks, the day&#39;s weather report, etc. 
   Other bulletins may convey technical information relating to the lockbox system, such as hints for easier key usage, notices of scheduled upgrades, etc. 
   Other bulletins may take the form of advertising, e.g., by title insurance companies, real estate lawyers, mortgage brokers, etc. 
   Other bulletins may include data specific to the user, such as sales year-to-date, average time on market for user&#39;s listings, ordered lists of the homes listed for sale by the user ranked by their showing frequency (or the last-shown date), recent access information for homes listed for sale by the user (detailing, e.g., the address of the property, the listing number, the name of the showing real estate agent, the agent&#39;s telephone number, and the date/time of showing), etc. 
   Various software productivity tools are marketed to real estate professionals (e.g., Top Producer and a variety of electronic mapping products). Some of these can be run on palmtops. Desirably, data from the bulletins can be imported into these software tools, whether by cut/paste operations, or by more sophisticated known data exchange techniques. Such data can also be imported into standard productivity tools conventionally resident on palmtops (e.g., date book, address/phone book, e-mail, financial calendar, etc.) 
   As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,654,696, the downloading of data to the palmtop is preferably not performed until the palmtop has first uploaded its activity data to the central clearinghouse. Such data is necessary in order for the clearinghouse to track which keys access which locks, and when. 
   In some variants, the palmtop is provided with an accessory (e.g., added with the retrofit back) to make electronic measurements of a room&#39;s dimensions using known techniques (e.g., based on acoustic wave techniques). 
   Below is a user specification for the AEIII system detailing the preferred embodiment and variations thereon. In these materials, KIM is the name given to the central clearing house, and KIMnet is given to the private network through which the clearing house communicates with the nests, etc. (Public networks can be used in other embodiments.) AEII is the Advantage Expressed II electronic real estate lockbox system marketed by the present assignee, and detailed in certain of the patents cited above (see also FIG.  3 ). AEII is the present assignee&#39;s next generation electronic real estate lockbox system (see also FIG.  4 ). 
   AEIII User Specification 
   The AEII “PDA/KeyBox” key will have the following functionality in addition to the current features found in the existing SuperKey. The AEIII “PDA/KeyBox” key will be:
         (1) Fully compatible with the existing AEII KeyBox system,   (2) Designed to take advantage of the planned features of the next generation AEIII KeyBox.       

   We envision a personal productivity tool that incorporates the following functions:
         KeyBox functionality   Access to MLS data   Business communications   Personal productivity
 
Keybox Functionality
       

   Board/MLS System Features—Security, Communication, Information 
   A real estate board (the “Board”) or a MLS administrator has the option to “kill” (i.e., deactivate) keys on a daily (24-hour) basis. 
   The Board/MLS has the ability to communicate with all active keyholders on a daily basis using the broadcast bulletin board, as described in the Business Communications section below. 
   The Board/MLS has the ability to see the total showing activity on a daily basis and has password-controlled access to each keyholder&#39;s daily activity by the keybox serial number. The MLS is able to provide agents access to listing information without requiring the use of a PC, as described below in the Agent System Features section. 
   The Board/MLS may have a keybox that provides for a security level that is certified by an independent party (i.e., Underwriters Laboratory). 
   Agent System Features—Information, Productivity, Ease of Use 
   1. Automated Updates 
   Agents are not required to physically update their key on a monthly basis. When placed on the nest or hot sync stand  10 , the PDA key will be automatically updated (provided status is “authorized”) via the daily hot sync upload/download program. 
   The PDA key automatically notifies the agent (via a message on its own display)&lt;if the key is “expired.” This notification will take place whenever the PDA key is turned on. 
   2. Battery Maintenance 
   An agent&#39;s PDA key will have a rechargeable power source that is charged whenever the agent places the PDA key on the hot sync stand. 
   3. Keyholder Messages 
   The PDA key displays user and system error messages. Examples include “incorrect PIN code,” “access not granted due to time of day lockout hours violation,” “incorrect shackle code,” “call before showing is on,” etc. Shackle codes are the codes required to activate the lockbox shackle that secures the lockbox to an object, e.g., the doorknob of a door to a residence. 
   The PDA key notifies agents when their listings have been shown. If an agent&#39;s listing is shown the prior day, the agent receives a “you have showings” message when the PDA key is turned on. The agent is then able to display the showings that occurred the previous day by listing address, the agent who showed property, the showing agent&#39;s phone number, and the date and time the showing occurred. This information is downloaded as part of the daily hot sync upload/download program. Showings can be displayed by listing address, provided the listing agent has input the address into the listing agent&#39;s PDA key or the MLS broker load system has entered the serial number of the keybox and an interface with KIM exists. 
   4. FSK Transmissions 
   The tone transmission capability for downloading keybox showing information may work with both digital and analog cellular phones. The most recent five accesses will be downloaded. There is no need for downloading additional accesses because all agent activity is uploaded daily and then sorted by keybox serial number. Tone transmission capability is valuable when an agent must know exactly who showed a particular listing up to the current moment in time. 
   The agent has the ability to input all relevant keybox inventory data and programming information into the agent&#39;s PDA key. For example: 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               Keybox # 
               Listing Address 
               Shackle Code 
               Time of Day Hours 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               7300912 
               234 Elm Street 
               4646 
               9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. 
             
             
               5420981 
               9876 Melody Ln. 
               9870 
               24 hour access 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   The above inventory and programming information is updated each time the agent elects to use the PDA key to reprogram a keybox. 
   5. New Showing Reports 
   As previously described, KIM downloads new showings for the agent&#39;s listings on a daily basis. Only the keybox serial number and date/time of showing are downloaded to the PDA key. The PDA key uses the keybox inventory file to match these showings by serial number to the keybox address contained in the PDA key. This allows the agent&#39;s key to then display a “new showing” report on the PDA display, giving it by listing address. 
   6. Custom Programming 
   The agent may use the PDA key to reprogram shackle codes. The existing shackle code must be input in order to update it to a new shackle code. After an agent reprograms a keybox, the KIM database will be automatically updated with the change during the daily hot sync upload/download program. 
   The agent may use the PDA key to reprogram the Time-of-Day keybox access hours. The shackle code must be input in order to change the access hours. When an agent reprograms a keybox, the KIM database will be updated with those changes during the daily hot sync upload/download program. 
   An agent may use the PDA key to turn “on” or “off” the Call Before Showing (“CBS”) function. The agent will also be able to reprogram the CBS code of a particular keybox. When an agent reprograms that keybox, the KIM database will be updated with those changes during the daily hot sync upload/download program. 
   7. Showing-Activity Reports 
   Listing agents will be able to receive showing-activity reports for their listings without reading the keybox. As part of the daily hot sync upload/download process, the showing activity from every agent&#39;s PDA key will be sent to KIM and sorted by keybox serial number. Agents will be able to access/request showing reports of their listings in the following manner:
         Voice reports   Internet access   Fax reports   MLS menu option       

   An agent&#39;s individual keybox access/showing activity will also be available. The agent activity is stored as part of the daily hot sync upload/download process. The agent activity can be accessed by the agent, the agent&#39;s broker or the Association in the following manner:
         Voice reports   Internet access   Fax reports       

   Keybox activity reports will also be available at the listing. The user will use the existing keybox read function and use the speaker in the PDA key to transmit the most recent five accesses/showings. A voice report will then provide the names, offices, phone numbers and dates and times of access. A fax report could then be requested as well. 
   8. Immediate Showing Feedback 
   Listing agents will be able to read a keybox and immediately display the last five entries on the PDA key, including the showing agent&#39;s PDA serial number, and date and time of access. This function requires no FSK transmission and is not intended to identify the agent, but only determine if a keybox transaction took place during the timeframe than an incident occurred. If the agent name is required, the tone transmission function and the voice report option are used. 
   9. Infrared Capacity 
   The PDA/keybox key is designed with an infrared transmission capability allowing it to be used with an enhanced keybox. The enhanced keybox will have a UL listing, and will be smaller in size than the AEII keybox. Further, this keybox will allow a keybox activity report (including agent name and phone number) to be displayed on the PDA key at the listing, without transmission to the KIM system. 
   MLS Access Functions 
   Access to MLS System Information 
   Agents are able to automatically receive and optionally gain access to MLS information using the hot sync stand  10  and the daily upload/download program. A wireless communication protocol allows an enhanced PDA to make such communications wirelessly. MLS access can be accomplished as part of the automatic nightly download process. The agent initiates this process by placing the PDA key on the hot sync base or nest  10 , or the process can be performed on demand by selecting the desired function and then placing the PDA key on the base or nest  10  and depressing the hot sync button  12 . Information and functions that will be available are: 
   Agents&#39; Personal Listings 
   A summary of the agent&#39;s personal listings is downloaded with selected fields, such as listing address, owner name, square footage, price, bedrooms, baths, days on the market, etc. The PDA database is updated during the nightly hot sync upload/download only when there is a change to the agent&#39;s listings. 
   Custom Listing/Information (Agents&#39; Farm) 
   Agents may request a custom profile that will be programmed into their PDA key. This profile will determine what MLS data is downloaded into the PDA key as part of the daily hot sync upload/download process. The custom profile will contain new or changed listing information specific to pre-specified characteristics of the agent&#39;s territory or “farm.” A profile sheet is filled out by the agent and entered into the PDA key during system implementation. 
   Examples of information contained in this profile would be listing number, listing address, price, square footage, number of bedrooms/baths, or listing information that has changed on an existing listing, assuming that the request for the information was contained in the profile selected by the agent during initial programming. 
   Listing Hot Sheet 
   With access to MLS System Information as described above, an agent can choose to be notified of all new listings. This hot sheet feature would allow the agent to be made aware of the most recent listings rather than having new listings roll up into the custom listing information described above. 
   Buyers Show 
   An agent may choose to initiate a search of the MLS database by selecting from a number of search fields. For instance, an agent could select a specific zone or market area, price range, square footage range, number of baths, bedrooms, etc. The agent then places the PDA key on the hot sync stand  10  and initiates an upload. The result of the search would then be downloaded to the PDA key for display by the agent. This function can be requested in an “off-line” mode by the agent inputting the request for information but not placing the PDA key on the base or nest  10  until a later time. In this instance, the information requested would be processed as part of the daily hot sync upload/download program. 
   Business Communications 
   1. Broker Bulletin Board 
   The broker has the ability to input information for display on the bulletin board of each agent&#39;s PDA key. The bulletin board can be updated at any time by the Broker via the Internet, and will be automatically downloaded to an agent&#39;s PDA key anytime the PDA key is placed on a hot sync stand  10 . In addition to the Broker bulletin board, offices may also communicate with the agents assigned to that office via the PDA key using the same process. 
   2. Board/MLS Bulletin Board 
   The Board and/or the MLS will have the same capability to communicate with the member agents as described in the Broker Bulletin Board above. 
   3. Technical Administration Bulletin Board 
   The Technical Administrator of the network will have the ability to broadcast technical and user information through the network to agents&#39; PDA keys. Examples may include helpful hits for using the system, technical support suggestions and guidelines, product promotions and listing technology trend updates. 
   4. General Bulletin Board 
   The Board or broker will be able to sell bulletin board space to an organization outside real estate channels. Such advertising will generate revenue for the Board or Broker and may defray the cost of the PDA key for members. 
   5. New Listing Board 
   The New Listing Board enables an office to communicate new listings that have occurred. This feature allows Brokers the ability to post listings to their agents before they appear in the MLS. 
   6. Public Information (Programmable Profiles) 
   The PDA key can also be programmed to receive daily downloads of information such as stock updates, tax schedules and updates, industry specific information, etc. 
   Agent Personal Productivity Tools 
   The agent will have full use of all existing PalmPilot standard application programs that are delivered with a PalmPilot V unit. These include:
         Date book (appointment scheduler that can display daily, weekly or monthly view screens and is equipped with reminder alarms)   Address/phone book (program for filing and editing addresses and personal notes)   Memo list (allows user to write messages that can be synchronized to computer applications, e.g., Microsoft Word)   E-mail (receive and respond to electronic mail messages whenever the PDA key is placed onto the hot sync stand  10 )   Financial Calculator (calculate payment, interest and amortization)       

   These and other features are presented in bullet point form as follows: 
   Agent Benefits ( FIG. 4 ) 
   
       
       
         
           Keybox operation and information system integrated with:
           PDA Platform   MLS Access Tool   Business Communications   Agent Productivity Tools   
         
           Immediate visual notification of key status ( FIG. 5 ) 
           Emergency update option with Supra hotline support 
           Agents cannot continually use hotline for update ( FIG. 6 ) 
           Benefits
           Ensures use of hot sync upload/download   Central database integrity is maintained
 
Listing Agent Benefits
   
         
           Automatic daily notification of showings ( FIG. 7 )
           Who   When   Which listing   Phone#   
         
           Part of daily hot sync upload/download
 
Agent Benefits
 
           Multi-function display key ( FIGS. 8 and 11 )
           Keybox operations   Programming functions   Information management   Keybox inventory and location, programming   Showing activity   
         
           PDA “Key” backward compatable with AEII Keybox ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ) 
           Forward enabled for AEIII Keybox 
           Operates key container like existing Superkey 
           Operates shackle like existing Superkey
 
Listing Agent Benefits
 
           Database of KeyBox inventory ( FIG. 12 )
           Serial number   Listing address   
         
           Point and select for KeyBox programming information 
           Programming database for each KeyBox ( FIG. 13 )
 
Agent Benefits
 
           In-field programming ( FIG. 14 )
           No need to travel to Board/MLS for KeyBox or key programming   
         
           Database updated via hot sync upload program 
           Agent selectable PIN ( FIG. 15 ) 
           KIM database always has current PIN via hot sync upload program
 
Listing Agent Benefits
 
           Changeable shackle code ( FIG. 16 )
           All KeyBoxes can be programmed by agent to have the same shackle code   
         
           Changes automatically uploaded to KIM via hot sync upload program
 
Agent Benefits ( FIG. 17 )
 
           PDA “key” backward compatible with AEII KeyBox 
           Forward enabled for AEIII KeyBox 
           Operates like existing SuperKey 
           Infrared operation with AEIII
 
Board/MLS System Benefits
 
           Daily key update 
           Broadcast bulletin board to all agents 
           Daily showing activity database 
           Provide listing information to agents without PC&#39;s 
           Future UL certified KeyBox 
           Long term listing access solution
 
Agent Benefits
 
         
       
     
  
   Full PDA key functionality—no upfront cost!
         Automatic update (daily)   Notification of key status   Notification of showings   Automatic showings report
           PDA display   E-mail   
           Compatible with AEII KeyBox-AEIII enabled   Programming of KeyBox (shackle, CBS, Time of Day)   User selectable PIN   KeyBox inventory and programming status   Voice reports at listing
 
Personal Productivity Tools
   Data book   Address/phone book   Memo list   E-mail   Financial calculator
 
New Solutions Discussion Systems Applications
   MLS information access   Broker desktop functions
 
Next Generation Comparison
       

                                                         AEII   AEIII                                    Programmable Features               Call Before Showing   Board/MLS   Agent       Time of Day Lockout   Board/MLS   Agent       Shackle code   Board/MLS   Agent       PIN code   Board/MLS   Agent       Security Features       Update frequency   Monthly   Daily       Update process   Agent calls   Automated       PIN protected key   Yes   Yes       Key lockout   Possible   Daily       Agent tracking   Optional   Automated       Report Features       Non-transmission feedback   None   PDA display       Showing report types   Voice/fax   Voice/fax/               internet/MLS       Agent activity reports   Possible   Yes       New showing alerts   No   Yes       Buyers show   No   Yes       KeyBox inventory with program options   No   No                    
Optional Generation Comparison
 
                                                         AEII   AEIII                                    Technology Features               FSK transmission compatible with AEIII   Analog   Analog or digital       KeyBox       Intrared capability   No   Yes       Support future upgrades   No   Yes       Communications   KeyBox   Yes           None   Bulletin boards,               E-mail       Technical Support Features       Online help   No   Yes       Automated troubleshooting   Yes   Yes       Hotline 800 support   Yes   Yes       Personal Productivity Tools       Data book   No   Yes       Address/phone book   No   Yes       Memo list   No   Yes       E-mail   No   Yes       Financial Calculator       MLS Access Features       Agents personal listings   No   Yes       Custom listing profiles (farm)   No   Yes       Display of listing stats for buyer   No   Yes       Listing hot sheet notification   No   Yes       Bulletin board communication   No   Yes       Office listings   No   Yes       Quick search (on demand) of comparative   No   Yes       homes                    
Optional Service Levels
         Gold Level
           Palm 5 PDA   Keybox Functions   Message Board   Personal Listing with content   Office Listings   Tegris Reflex Desktop   
           Platinum Level
           Hot Sheet Listings   Personal Farming Profile   Quick Search (MLS)   Internet Services   Content Services
               Interest Rates   Weather   Stock Market Information   
               Transaction Status   Street Mapping   
               
   (As used herein, “palmtop” is meant to refer to any portable, microprocessor-based device, including palmtop computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, and dedicated microprocessor-based key units) is used as an access control device for electronic lock devices. A “general purpose palmtop” is meant to refer to a palmtop which is not dedicated to access control tasks exclusively.) 
   To provide a comprehensive disclosure without unduly lengthening this specification, applicants incorporate by reference the patents and commonly-owned applications referenced herein. 
   Having described an illustrated the principles of our invention with reference to an illustrative embodiment, it will be recognized that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. Accordingly, we claim as our invention all such modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the following claims, and equivalents thereto.