Abstract:
The lockbox contains a microcomputer used in the processes of validating preapproved credentials. One method of obtaining access to the lockbox is by user carrying only an identification card, the lockbox scanning the identification card and transmitting its data to the lockbox&#39;s server for validation via an internal cell phone modem&#39;s connection through cell towers. The lockbox is also capable of capturing video and audio recordings, storing and categorizing the recordings into data such as traffic or noise levels over varying periods of time; and such data can be transferred to a user&#39;s cell phone upon the owner&#39;s approval. Additionally, the lockbox is powered by a solar panel power source, making it self-sustaining.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates to the field of keys; accessories therefore/key safes, namely CPC E05B19/0005, CPC E05B49/00, CPC G07C9/00103, CPC G07C9/00309, CPC G07C9/00174. 
         [0003]    The Problem to be Solved 
         [0004]    There are two types of lockboxes: ones that are accessible only to real estate agents, and ones that are accessible to users. Problem at issue relates to a lockbox accessible to users so the following discussion only follows the development of such lockboxes. 
         [0005]    Lockboxes have been developed with the sole purpose of providing access to locked premises that are unattended. Lockboxes contain a secured storage area for a key to a locked property, allowing access to authorized users. The locked property can be a home, or any other kind of property that is locked by a lock that requires a key. For mechanical lockboxes, users may be required to enter the correct combination password in order unlock the lockbox and gain access to the property. 
         [0006]    Conventional electronic lockboxes have allowed users to communicate credentials to the lockbox by physically connecting to the lockbox via a wireless connection either provided by or in conjunction with the user&#39;s cell phone or via a local wireless network. Users have been required to communicate credentials attributed to the user&#39;s cell phone or other access device capable of providing such credentials. The electronic lockboxes have been able to connect wirelessly via short range wireless connections such as IrDA by using infrared signals generated by the user&#39;s access device as well as far field connections such as RF, Bluetooth, WIFI, etc. There has been a range of problems depending on the nature of the wireless connection. With shorter ranged connections, there are often concerns about batteries due to excessive power drainage when performing such connections or when the lockbox needs to wake from a sleep mode periodically to check for the availability of a user&#39;s cell phone. With the IrDA connection specifically, there is the concern of the line of sight alignment that is often inconvenient. With longer ranged connections, there are issues with security such as interference and the difficulty in addressing the desired lockbox among multiple lockboxes located in close proximity. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    It would be desirable to provide a lockbox that provides wireless connection without concerns of power drainage, one that does not require a user to possess a cell phone or PDA in order to gain access to a locked property, and one that does more than provide a key to a user. 
         [0000]    The illustrated embodiments include a lockbox for dispensing a key or other item to a user upon validation. The lockbox includes a locked storage area capable of being selectively unlocked, a circuit including a microcomputer, the circuit being communicated with the locked storage area and various other components of the lockbox, and a means for communicating with the circuit for selectively validating a user&#39;s credentials and dispensing the key or other item from the locked storage area to the user. The lockbox could also contain a wifi card and/or cell phone modem as part of its circuit. 
         [0008]    The lockbox is further configured with a camera and recorder with video and audio capabilities, a server that the circuit connects to in order to validate a user&#39;s credentials, a scanner used to scan the barcode of a user&#39;s identification card and transmit the data to the lockbox&#39;s server via the circuit, a solar panel power source coupled with the entire device, and a USB slot affixed to the exterior of the device, allowing the device to be utilized as a charging station. The microcomputer is a credit card-sized single-board computer that stores and categorizes video and/or audio recordings from the camera, and sends recordings to the server for storage when it runs out of storage space. The microcomputer, cell phone modem, and wifi card are USB compatible. 
         [0009]    The lockbox further includes batteries charged by solar panel cells and balanced by a solar balance charger, all coupled to the lockbox. It also contains a DC converter coupled with a USB slot accessible from exterior to the lockbox, allowing the lockbox to be utilized as a charging station, a GPS transmitter that periodically transmits the lockbox&#39;s location, and strings of LEDs all connected to the circuit and a light timer to illuminate the lockbox during selected hours. 
         [0010]    The lockbox is operated when a user scanning his/her identification card and the lockbox transmitting the scanned data from the identification card via the circuit to the server for validation. Upon validation, the microcomputer sends a signal to the locked storage area to dispense a key or other stored item. The lockbox can also be operated by a user requesting access with the user&#39;s user&#39;s cell phone by connecting to the same Internet connection as the lockbox. The lockbox then communicates with the user&#39;s cell phone credentials via the circuit to the server for validation and upon validation, the microcomputer would send a signal to the locked storage area to dispense a key or other stored item upon validation of the user&#39;s preapproved cell phone credentials. Another method of operating the lockbox is a user holding any access device capable of communicating with the lockbox&#39;s microcomputer, the microcomputer recognizing that device as a valid and authorized device, and then sending a signal to the locked storage area to dispense the key or other stored item. The circuit being comprised of the microcomputer, and could also include a wifi card and/or cell phone modem. 
         [0011]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The disclosure can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a flowchart which illustrates the steps taken to gain access to the locked property by use of an identification card. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a diagram which illustrates the one way of operating the lockbox in granting access to the user by scanning an identification card in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a diagram which illustrates the two side panels of the lockbox; one containing LEDs and the other containing the USB slot in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a diagram which illustrates a front facing view of the interior of the lockbox&#39;s front panel in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a diagram which illustrates a plain view of the interior of the lockbox&#39;s rear roof panel and exterior of the lockbox&#39;s front roof panel in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a diagram which illustrates a view of the interior of the lockbox&#39;s bottom panel of the lockbox in accordance with one embodiment 
       
    
    
       [0019]    The disclosure and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Glossary 
       [0020]    The glossary below is provided for clarity, but the defined terms do not exclude construction of the terms according to standard dictionaries, technical dictionaries, trade dictionaries or usages as established in related channels of trade and technology. 
         [0021]    “Circuit” in this context refers to, but not limited to, the microcomputer and it could also include a cell phone modem and/or wifi card. 
         [0022]    “Identification card” in this context refers to including, but not limited to, a state issued identification card, driver&#39;s license, and the like. 
         [0023]    “Locked property” in this context refers to a property that can be opened by a key stored in the lockbox; such property can include, but is not limited to a dwelling, boat, shed, airplane, safe, a locked box, etc. 
         [0024]    “Locked storage area” in this context refers to the interior space of the lockbox including the key dispenser but excluding the circuit, camera and recorder, solar balance charger, batteries, LEDs, light timer, and any other components of the lockbox. 
         [0025]    “Solar panel power source” in this context refers to a system for a self-sustaining lockbox comprised of batteries, solar panel cells, and a solar balance charger. 
         [0026]    “Access device” in this context refers to any device capable of communicating with the lockbox 
       DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Disclosed below are representative embodiments of a lockbox  602  that should not be construed as limiting in any way. The disclosed technology is not limited to any specific aspect or feature, or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed methods and apparatus require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved. 
         [0028]    Described below is a lockbox  202  that enables access to a key or other item (not shown) to an authorized user, in which the key or other item is stored in a locked area or key dispenser  208  within the lockbox  202  and is connected to and controlled by a microcomputer  204  that unlocks the item upon authorization. In one embodiment the size of the storage area is 18×11×8 inches in dimensions (essentially the entire interior space of the lockbox  202 ), limiting the size of a stored item to those dimensions. In one embodiment the key is dispensed in a container (not shown) with key dispenser  208  that stays attached to the lockbox  202  and the authorized user takes the key out of the container. In another embodiment the key would be attached and stay attached to a cable with sensors (not shown) communicated to microcomputer  204  to detect its severance from the lockbox  202 . 
         [0029]    The lockbox  202  is further comprised of a camera and recorder  404  with video and/or audio capabilities that records and categorizes the camera feed as downloadable data. In one embodiment the lockbox  202  is comprised of a circuit  502  containing a USB compatible microcomputer  204  (such as raspberry pi), cell phone modem  210 , and wifi card  514 . The circuit  502  is connected to the camera and recorder  404 , the locked storage area and key dispenser  208 , and communicated wirelessly through the cell phone network  214  with the lockbox&#39;s server  216 . In one embodiment the lockbox  202  also includes two 12 volt batteries (battery  610  and battery  606 ) coupled with a solar balance charger  208  and four 6 volt solar panel cells  506 ,  508  on the roof  504  of the lockbox  602 , creating a self-sustaining lockbox  202 ; a 12 volt GPS transmitter  516  that transmits its location every 2 to 24 hours as a way to track down the unit in case of theft; a 5 to 12 volt DC converter coupled with a female USB slot  312  affixed to the exterior of the lockbox  202  allowing users to utilize the device as a charging station; and strings of LEDs (LED  408 , LED  314 , LED  422 ) with transistor drivers (not separately shown) all coupled with a light timer (not shown) or microcomputer  204  allowing for the lockbox  202  to be illuminated during darkness. The transistors are wired in the LEDs to lower the overall power consumption of the lights. The lockbox  202  is further comprised of scanner  206  affixed to the front of the lockbox  202  that scans a user&#39;s identification card  220  by using a beam of light  222  reflected from the barcode of the user&#39;s identification card  620  similar to a conventional bar code scanner. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment a user  218  can gain access to the key by walking up to the lockbox  602  with a valid identification card  220  is step  102  shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 1  and placing it in front of the scanner  206  which scans the card  220  at step  104  and transmit its data at step  106  to the lockbox&#39;s server  216  through the microcomputer  204  and cell phone modem  210 . The server  216  will then validate the user&#39;s preapproved credentials at step  108 . Upon receiving validation from server  216 , the microcomputer  204  sends a signal to a motor shield that controls a motor (signal indicated by arrow  212 ), which turns a mechanical gear assembly to dispense the key at steps  110 ,  112 . In another embodiment the lockbox  202  can also validate the user&#39;s cell phone credentials using the microcomputer  204  and cell phone modem  210  to connect to the lockbox&#39;s server  216  where the preapproved credentials are validated. In either of these embodiments, when the key dispenser is unlocked, the rest of the locked storage area is also unlocked and the side panel of the lockbox  202  can be opened in a manner similar to that of a mailbox, to give access to any other items the owner may have stored for the user  218 . Also in either of these embodiments the lockbox  202  can connect to the server  216  using the internet connection provided through the wifi card  214  as well through an accessible internet access point within range. In another embodiment the user  218  could walk up to the lockbox with a preapproved access device capable of communicating with the lockbox, the microcomputer  204  would recognize the valid and authorized credentials of the device and send a signal to a motor shield that controls a motor (signal indicated by arrow  212 ), which turns a mechanical gear assembly to dispense the key. 
         [0031]    The microcomputer  204  of the lockbox  202  acts as a digital storage system and is coupled with the small camera and recorder  404 , which includes a microphone and speaker system, allowing digital recording and play back. The stored recordings can be categorized into data such as traffic or noise levels over varying periods of time. The lockbox  202  can transmit the stored data to a user&#39;s cell phone if the owner of the lockbox  202  authorizes such data transfer. The USB compatibility of the microcomputer  204  allows for the wide array of sensors and transmitters such as the scanner  206  used to read and transmit the information on a user&#39;s identification card  220 . 
         [0032]    The cell phone modem  210  provides the capability of connecting to the internet through cell towers  214 , providing connections such as 3G or 4G. In one embodiment the lockbox  202  is also wifi-enabled as the wifi card  514  allows the lockbox  202  to be connected to a local wireless network. The wifi card is also capable of providing the lockbox  202  with its own wifi network, allowing for the lockbox  202  to be used as a wifi hub and hotspot. These connections to the internet being means by which the circuit communicates with the camera and recorder  404 , server  216 , and the user&#39;s cell phone (not shown) to carry out the functions of the lockbox  202 . 
         [0033]    Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following embodiments and its various embodiments. 
         [0034]    Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. A teaching that two elements are combined in a claimed combination is further to be understood as also allowing for a claimed combination in which the two elements are not combined with each other, but may be used alone or combined in other combinations. The excision of any disclosed element of the embodiments is explicitly contemplated as within the scope of the embodiments. 
         [0035]    The words used in this specification to describe the various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself. 
         [0036]    The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
         [0037]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
         [0038]    The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments.