Abstract:
A programmable lock system is provided for access restricting and user tracking The system includes a lock mechanism, a microcontroller, and an input device for receiving passing information. The microcontroller reads the received passing information and determines whether to unlock the lock mechanism. The system further includes an inlet for receiving an external storage with pre-programmed code. The microcontroller determines whether to access date contained therein base on the pre-programmed code.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/944,677, entitled “Programmable Electronic Lockbox System” filed on Nov. 11, 2010 the contents of the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to lock boxes. More particularly, the invention relates to a programmable electronic lockbox system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Lockboxes are commonly used in the real estate sales industry to provide a means for a large number of salesmen to conveniently gain access to locked buildings. A typical lockbox includes an inner repository that can be used to store a key to a building. The inner repository of the lockbox can be accessed by opening a door attached to the lockbox. A combination lock can be used to limit access to the inner repository. In this manner, individuals having the combination to the combination lock will have access to the key in the inner repository, thereby have access to the locked building. 
         [0004]    A number of lockbox designs have been developed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,557 issued to Larson discloses a secure entry system that makes use of radio transmissions to communicate with locks, keys, and related components throughout the system. The radio transmissions can be made using a paging system, a cellular telephone system, or any other RF carrier. Some embodiments employ a cellular telephone in lieu of an electronic key. Others integrate a paging receiver within an electronic key to provide a unit with dual functionality. The system is illustrated with reference to exemplary application in the industrial site security, real estate lockbox, and transportation fields. A homeowner key allows the homeowner greater oversight and involvement. The key includes a privacy feature, enabling the homeowner to disable the lockbox for a predetermined period if privacy is desired. 
         [0005]    In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/665,910 applicant Miller, et al. describes a lock programming device that is for use with a lock system which includes a computer and one door lock that has control. The computer has RAM, a storage device, and a program for generating lock code data files in response to user input. The lock control has memory for storing a lock code date file and is configured to operate the lock when receiving input corresponding to the code file. The programming device includes a base disposable in a user&#39;s hand and a flash memory connected with the base for storing at least one data file. A controller connected with the base is coupled with the flash memory and compliable with the computer. The controller communicates with the computer to write a data file in RA&lt; directly to the flash memory and communicates with the lock control to transfer the data file from the flash memory to the lock memory. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,193,503 issued to Fisher, et al. describes an improved electronic lock system that is provided for use with real estate lock boxes. In this system, each user has an identification card with a non-volatile secure memory for exchanging data with the lock box, and for exchanging data with a central computer. The user first inserts the card into a connector at the lock box, or at the central computer. The lock box or central computer must first enable (or unlock) the data in the card memory, and then can read the data stored in that card&#39;s memory and record this information in lock box memory. The card must then identify itself, and the user must identify himself/herself to the lock box or central computer. After the identification information is authenticated, the user can enter commands to the lock box; e.g., an access code is manually keyed into the lock box keypad by the user to obtain access to a secure compartment. 
         [0007]    While various improvements have been made to these traditional lockboxes over the years, certain disadvantages still remain. For example, it may be desirable for the owner of the lockbox to identify all individuals accessing the lockbox. The owner of the lockbox may also want to identify the date and time that the individual accessed the lockbox. Moreover, it is also desirable to be able to keep track of and obtain this information in an efficient and economical manner that does not include any reoccurring or hidden fees. 
         [0008]    Given the deficiencies described above, there exists an unfulfilled need for an improved lockbox system that addresses the various disadvantages inherent to lockboxes found in the prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an electronic lockbox system is provided that maintains an access log with the dates and times of entry. Furthermore, the access log can be maintained and retrieved without the need to pay any subscription fees. 
         [0010]    Preferably, a keypad is integrated into the lockbox through which a personal identification number (or “PIN”) can be input by a user. Upon recognition of the PIN by the lockbox, the door of the lockbox will open to expose the lockbox&#39;s inner repository. Any small item (e.g., a key) can be stored within this inner repository. 
         [0011]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lockbox includes a microprocessor that controls its operation consistent with stored instructions on a permanent memory device. Memory device can be used to maintain an access log, which includes information regarding the identities of the individuals accessing the lockbox, as well as the dates and time of entry. 
         [0012]    According to another embodiment, the memory device also includes programmed instructions that provide restrictions on the use of the lockbox. Such programmed instructions may be used to limit a user&#39;s ability to access the inner repository to a finite time period. 
         [0013]    According to another embodiment, the inventive lockbox includes a USB socket for accepting a USB mass storage device (e.g., flash drive). In this manner, information can be transmitted to or retrieved from the memory device within the lockbox. A USB mass storage device is used to retrieve the access log from the lockbox. The access log can then be reviewed on the user&#39;s computer with a program. USB mass storage device can also be used to transmit updated programmed instructions to the lockbox to affect its functionality. 
         [0014]    According to another embodiment, lockbox functions with a particular preprogrammed USB mass storage device, thereby preventing unwanted individuals from reprogramming or obtaining information from the lockbox. 
         [0015]    These and other benefits of the present invention will be readily apparent from figures and detailed description of the invention provided herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementation of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a lockbox according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary embodiment of lockbox in closed configuration according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a lockbox in open configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary embodiment of lockbox in open configuration with a battery compartment according to the present invention 
           [0021]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are conceptual diagrams illustrating how an external storage is used with a lockbox according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  provides an exemplary embodiment of a graphical user interface to manage lockbox access according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating how lockbox accessing information from an external storage according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  us a block diagram of an exemplary architecture that the present invention, can be implemented upon. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Exemplary Embodiments are described herein in the context of a programmable electronic lockbox system. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of the disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. 
       General Overview of the Lockbox 
       [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of lockbox  100  can generally be seen as including a body  102  having sliding lock lever  104 , LED indicators  106   a,    106   b,    106   c,  keypad  108 , attachment bail  110 , combination lock  112 , and combination lock cover  114 . 
         [0027]    In this embodiment of the invention, attachment bail  110  is U-shaped and extends away from the top surface  116  of body  102 . Attachment bail  110  is slidable from a first open position to a second closed position in which lockbox  100  can be secured to a building structure. As with other conventional combination padlocks, combination lock  112  can be used to secure attachment bail  110  to body  102  in the closed position. 
         [0028]    Attachment bail  110  can be moved from its closed to its open configuration by entering the correct combination into combination lock  112 . The combination for combination lock  112  will have a default value. Alternatively, user can reset the combination for combination lock  112  to any desirable unlocking code. A combination lock cover  114  may be used to cover combination lock  112 . Alternatively, lockbox  100  can be used without attachment bail  110  and combination lock  112 . 
         [0029]    In addition to the attachment bail  110 , lockbox  100  has an open and closed configuration. The closed configuration is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , while the open configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0030]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , lockbox  100  includes a 12-button keypad  108  that allows user to enter a PIN to electronically unlock lockbox  100 , upon which LWS indicators  106   a,    106   b,  and  106   c  will light up to indicate whether an acceptable code was input. The LED indicators may be any color, for example,  106   a  can be red, informing the user that access was denied or that errors occurred,  106   b  may be orange, indicating that lockbox  100  is busy processing data, and  106   c  may be green, informing the user that access has been granted. LCD display may also be used to provide notifications and/or other instructions to the user regarding the user&#39;s ability to successfully unlock lockbox  100 . 
         [0031]    Once an acceptable PIN has been input by the user, the user can slide lock lever  104  to unlock lockbox  100 . Sliding lock lever  104  up (toward top surface  116 ) will lock the lockbox  100 , and sliding lock lever  104  down (away from top surface  116 ) will unlock lockbox  100 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , lockbox  100  is illustrated in its open configuration. As shown in  FIG. 3 , this embodiment of the inventive lockbox  100  can generally be described as having front half  300  and back half  302 . Front half  300  is pivotally attached to back half  302  along the bottom  304  of lockbox  100 . Pulling down front half  300  (so that it pivots away from back half  302 ) exposes inner cavity  306 . Inner cavity  306  within lockbox  100  provides the area in which a key, access card, etc. can safely be stored. Lockbox  100  can further be seen as including cover  308  and sliding lever  310  on the inner surface of front half  300 . 
         [0033]    Moving sliding lever  310  to its open configuration will allow the user to remove cover  308 .  FIG. 4  illustrates lockbox  100  in its open configuration once sliding lever cover  308  has been removed. As shown in  FIG. 4 , lockbox  100  includes battery compartment  400  and USB port  402 . The functionality of USB port  402  will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0034]    Lockbox  100  is illustrated as accepting four AA batteries to power lockbox  100 . When the battery power drops below an acceptable level, the lockbox will start beeping. If the batteries completely die, lockbox  100  will not have the power to accept a PIN through keypad  108 . Accordingly, lockbox  100  can be equipped with an external power inlet. In this manner, lockbox  100  can be powered by an external battery pack to allow a user to input the correct PIN to open lockbox  100 . 
       Use of a USB Mass Storage Device with the Lockbox 
       [0035]      FIG. 7  provides a flow chart in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating lockbox  100  accessing information from a pre-programmed external storage, in response to user activation. Referring to  FIG. 7 , a microcontroller is incorporated into the design of the Lockbox  100 . The microcontroller is capable of retrieving information from and storing information to the pre-programmed external storage and storing information on the lockbox&#39;s internal storage. The pre-programmed external storage is advantageously a USB mass storage device such as flash drive, which can be connected to the lockbox  100  through USB port  402  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). This allows the user to retrieve and update the lockbox  100 ′s microcontroller without engaging the services of an outside entity and incurring subscription fees, or pay for any other subscription based services. 
         [0036]    When the user plugs the pre-programmed external storage into the USB port  402  of lockbox  100 , the microcontroller accessed the data in the external storage (Step  710 ). In a preferred embodiment, lockbox  100  requires the user to enter pass code to enable the microcontroller to access data. The microcontroller then verifies whether the pass code entered is correct (Step  720 ). If the microcontroller is unable to find the pre-programmed data from the external storage and a correct pass code in coexistence, the accessing process is aborted. Alternatively, lockbox  100  remains locked when missing the required information. Under another alternative, if either of a correct pass code and pre-programmed data is missing, lockbox  100  is triggered to issue alerting signals such as beeps or red flash. 
         [0037]    Upon detecting the pre-programmed data and correct pass code, the microcontroller is activated to retrieve and/or update the data stored therein (Step 730 ). Accordingly, a user can store, retrieve, append and delete data (e.g., date and time information, passwords, PIN information, access logs, etc.) from the lockbox  100 ′s internal storage (Step  740 ) using the external storage, e.g., USB mass storage device. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the external storage is a wireless device that can communicate remotely with the microcontroller. The wireless device may be a cell phone, pager, PDA, RF carrier, Bluetooth device, etc. The lockbox  100  incorporates a transmission module connected to the microcontroller for receiving signals such as Bluetooth or other radio waves. The signals carry pass code or pre-programmed data, upon receiving and verifying which the lockbox  100  is opened. 
         [0039]    The pass code and pre-programmed data, as depicted below, can be transferred from a computer system that implements the underlying software, to a portable (flash) drive as well as a wireless device. The microcontroller within lockbox  100  is capable of recording the pass code or pre-programmed data that has been used to access lockbox  100 . Because the computer software associates users with the particular pre-programmed data and pass code given to them, the administrator of the present invention can keep track of which users have accessed lockbox  100  and related data such as time and date. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  provide conceptual illustrations of how a USB mass storage device can be used with lockbox  100 . Referring now to  FIG. 5A , step  500  illustrates a computer that includes software capable of generating unique PINs to be assigned to the individuals who will be given access to the lockbox. In step  502 , the PINs are transferred to the lockbox&#39;s internal memory through a USB port on the lockbox. In this manner, lockbox  100  will be capable of differentiating and tracking all of the different users who access inner cavity  306  of lockbox  100 . 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 5B , step  506  generally illustrates a lockbox including a recorded access log that has been stored on the lockbox&#39;s microcontroller or data store. The access log is transferred to a flash drive in step  508  by way of the microcontroller, and then transferred to a computer in step  510 . Once the access log has been transferred to the computer, the owner of the lockbox will be able to easily review the lockbox&#39;s access log. 
         [0042]    The USB mass storage device used with lockbox  100  may be password protected so that only those individuals who know the password can use the USB device. In another embodiment, lockbox  100  will only work with a single USB device that has been specifically programmed to work with a single, specific lockbox. In yet another embodiment, the USB device used with the lockbox will be custom made to include dual partitions. In this manner, the first partition is not accessible by the user, but can still be used to store, retrieve, append and delete data through the use of the lockbox and its related software. The second partition would function as typical USB device where the user can store any related or unrelated information on the USB device. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a graphical user interface from a software program used to manage lockbox  100  is illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 6 , Lockbox Password Manager  600  includes several input boxes and command buttons that a user can use to manage lockbox  100 . The specific input boxes and command buttons employed in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6  can generally be described as follows. 
         [0044]    Input box  602  fives the user the option of updating the date and time information displayed by Password Manager  600 , which can in turn be transferred to lockbox  100 . In an embodiment, checking input box  602  causes Password Manager  600  to pull date and time information from the user&#39;s computer. In this embodiment, the date and time information is displayed adjacent to the top of Password Manager  600 . 
         [0045]    As set forth above, a PIN is an identifying number that can be assigned to each individual user of lockbox  100 . Input boxes  604 ,  606 , and  612  as well as command buttons  608  and  619  can be used to generate, edit, and delete PINs to be used by lockbox  100 . Specifically, input box  604  can be used by the user to create a certain number of PINs. As shown in  FIG. 6  , the user has indicated that 5 PINs should be crated through input box  604 . Input box  606  can be used by the user to select the PINs length. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the user has indicated that the PIN should have 6 digits through input box  606 . Selecting command button  608  will cause Password Manager  600  to generate PINs based on the user&#39;s desired settings. Selecting command button  610  will cause Password Manager  600  to delete all previously generated PINs. Input box  612  can be used by the user to specify the duration of the access time permitted for each user. For example, the user can direct Password Manager  600  to generate a PIN that includes an access time of “48”. Here, the user will have access to lockbox  100  for 48 hours after the initial use. The user can type in “0” for unlimited access. Selecting command button  614  allows the user to save generate PINs along with their settings. Selecting command button  616  allows the user to open previously generated PIN files. Selecting command button  618  allows the user to print generated PINs. 
         [0046]    In this embodiment, graphical user interface window  620  displays the number of PINs that have been generated, the exacted PINs, and the assigned access durations for the PINs. In and embodiment, a user can edit the PINs and access duration information for each individual PIN directly within window  620 . Furthermore, the user can input remarks into window  620  for the individual PINs so the user can easily see who has been assigned to a particular pin number. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the PIN 254697 has been assigned to the cleaning lady. 
         [0047]    In certain embodiments of the invention, Password Manager  600  can be used to set custom passwords for lockbox  100 . For example, in input box  622 , the user can set up a mater password to provide unlimited access to lockbox  100 . This password will work even in all PINs have expired. As another example, in input box  624 , the user can set up a program password which enables users to upload PINs and date/time information from the USB device to lockbox  100 . As yet another example, in input box  626 , the user can set up a report password that enables users to download access logs from lockbox  100  to the USB device. Password Manager  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6  indicates that 8-digit numbers are required for input boxes  622 ,  624 , and  626 . Other embodiments of the invention, however, may have different requirements (i.e., more or less required digits) and still fall within the scope of the invention. 
         [0048]    Still referring to  FIG. 6 , a user can click on command button  628  to transfer the PINs to the USB device. Along the same lines, a user can click on command button  630  to download access logs from the USB device to the computer. Finally, checking input box  632  will result in the PINs being automatically removed from the USB device as soon as they are uploaded to lockbox  100 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram of an exemplary architecture  800  that the present invention, particularly the Password Manager  600 , can be implemented upon. The example architecture  800  includes at least one processing device  802  coupled to a bus system  816  to transmit data, such as a data bus and a mother board. The example architecture  800  further includes the following units connected to the bus system  816 : data store  806 , memory  804 , input device  810 , output device  812 , graphics device  808 , and network interface  814 . 
         [0050]    The processing device  802  for executing programs of instructions can be or include general and special purpose microprocessors that incorporate functions of a central processing unit (CPU) on a single integrated circuit (IC). The CPU controls an operation of reading the information from the data store  806 , for example. 
         [0051]    The data store  806  or memory  804  both serve as computer data storage for the example architecture  800  to buffer or store data, temporarily and permanently. The computer data storage refers to computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time. The data store device  806  typically includes non-volatile storage device such as magnetic disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The memory  804  include all forms of non-volatile memory, including but not limited to semiconductor storage known as EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory devices, and dynamic random access memory, for example. 
         [0052]    Examples for the input device  819  include a video camera, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a stylus, etc.; and examples for output devices  812  can include a display device, an audio device, etc. The display monitors such as cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor for displaying information to a user. 
         [0053]    The graphics device  808  can, for example, include a video card, a graphics accelerator card, a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a display adapter, and is configured to generate and output images to a display device. In one implementation, the graphics device  808  can be realized in a dedicated hardware card connected to the bus system  816 . In another implementation, the graphics device  808  can be realized in a chipset of the bus system  816 . 
         [0054]    The network interface  814  can, for example, include a wired or wireless network device operable to communicate data to and from a network  818 . The network  818  may include one or more local area networks (LANs) or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet. 
         [0055]    In one implementation, the system  800  includes instructions defining an operating system stored in the data store  806  and/or the memory  804 . Example operating systems can include the MAC OS.® X series operating system, the WINDOWS.®. based operating system, or other operating systems. Upon execution of the operating system instructions, access to various system objects is enabled. Example system objects include data files, applications, functions, windows, etc. To facilitate an intuitive user experience, the system  800  may include graphical user interface that provides the user access to the various system objects and conveys information about the system  800  to the user in an intuitive manner. 
         [0056]    The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive of to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modification that are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention by defined by the claims and their equivalents.