Abstract:
A system for controlling key access using a phone and Internet-connected key box device. The key box device comprises a SIM card programmed with a unique phone number associated with the key box. Calling the phone number using any phone will provide access to the key box. A cloud computing software application then interfaces with operations programmed into a circuit board. A user then unlocks a key chamber by calling the number at a scheduled time. The key box device owner monitors and controls access to the box and its key chamber via the software application.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/161,448 filed May 14, 2015. The content of the above application is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to the field of electronic lock and key devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A property owner who is selling a property by herself or renting the property on the market must stay close to the property in order to complete the check-in and check-out process of accessing the property. Typically, access is gained by using a keyed door or gate. If the owner cannot be near the property, several problems occur. The owner may put the key in an insecure or hidden place, such as under the door mat or under a flower pot. The visitor often then needs to communicate with the owner to find the key. In addition, some visitor may forget to return the key when they check out. Furthermore, owners may place the key in an analog key box and its pass-code needs to be memorized and changed periodically. In other cases, the owner may install a digital door lock which permanently changes the door configurations. In addition, many electronic key boxes requires the visitors to install an App on their phone or to hold a pre-delivered device, such as an RFID tag. Not all visitors can meet these requirements. 
     Many door locks controlled by Internet Applications accidentally open or close when no one is home. Some systems require a Wi-Fi connection for the digital door to function, and the digital door lock may be out of Wi-Fi range. Furthermore, if the owner has a multi-family property, the above problems become even more cumbersome. Real-time human interaction can be unreliable and costly. An analog key box gives both the owner and the visitor several procedures to memorize and execute. Digital door locks require constant changing of the lock&#39;s configurations, and many require the visitor to install a mobile Application. It is clear that a solution is needed that allows for remote access to tenants or agents of the owner without having to coordinate with the owner to locate the key while maintaining a high level of security. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system for controlling key access using a key box comprising a chamber for holding a key device; a circuit board coupled to a locking mechanism configured to lock or release the chamber; an antenna coupled to the circuit board for receiving and transmitting wireless phone signals to a trigger release of the chamber; and a *SIM card coupled to the circuit board and antenna; the SIM card comprising a unique phone number registered to the key box, and the phone number accessed wirelessly by a user to access the key device in the chamber. 
     The disclosed invention comprises an Internet-connected key box device that provides the owner the means to remotely manage “check-in” and “check-out” activities of a visitor in a unique way. A pre-approved visitor can access the key within the Internet-connected key box device by calling the device on his phone, with no other technology involved from the visitor&#39;s point of view. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the system steps in one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2 a    is a front view of the outside of the key box device in one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2 b    is a front view of the internal components of the key box device in one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the interaction of the communication systems in one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DEFINITIONS 
     Circuit: a complete electrical network with a closed loop giving a return path for current. 
     Cloud computing software application (interchangeable with “software application”): an interactive client-server software application. The application is able to perform messaging, data processing and other functions that a desktop software application performs. A host must log into the software application to access and control its functions. The application&#39;s portal is the front-end user interface between the user and the software application. For purposes of the present invention, the portal functions are comprised within the term “software application.” 
     Server: a computer data system that processes and delivers data. The server  306  responds to requests across a computer network to provide network data storage. A server  306  may deliver data to systems on a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WLAN) over the Internet. 
     Communication Module: the telecommunication means that effectuates communication between the key box device and the cellular network. The communication module is a mobile communication platform featuring the digital, circuit-switched network optimized to include data communications over GSM (global system for mobile communications) and/or GPRS (general packet radio services) standards. The GSM standard was developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute to describe protocols for second generation (2G) and future digital cellular networks used by mobile phones. In some embodiments, the communication module used is UMTS/HSDPA, which is a 3G through 3.5G standard. 
     Key: any device that can open a lock, door, gate, or means of access. Examples are a metal key, a magnetic-strip key card, a scannable bar code key, an RFID tag key device, a Key-FOB device, an integrated circuit-chip card, and other similar devices commonly known in the art as “keys.” 
     Firmware: Software installed on a circuit board. When a Printed Circuit board  202  comprises a Software Program part of a Software Application, the Program is referred to as Firmware. 
     Identifier: for this invention, identifiers are information about a person that relates his identity to a device, such as a pre-registered phone number, name, email address, physical appearance, bar code, RFID code, QR™ code, or other unique tagging and tracking method which device can associate with the individual. 
     Mobile Communication Device: a phone that can perform the functions needed for the key-access System. 
     Key Box Device: a key container that performs the functions enumerated in the key-access System. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention. 
     Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted. 
     The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, among others, are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components. 
     Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). 
     The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm and upper limit is 100 mm. 
     Aspects of the disclosed invention may be embodied as a system, method or process, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosed invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the disclosed invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon. 
     Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35. U.S.C. §112 ¶6. Specifically, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of U.S.C. §112 ¶6. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the steps of one embodiment of the invention start when the owner  301  inputs  101  the visitor  302 &#39;s info (identifiers), including at least his name and phone number, into the cloud computing software application. The visitor  302  will then power on  102  the key box device  201  (hereinafter “key box”  201 ). The key box  201  then displays  103  its SIM card  204  phone number on a digital screen display  206  common in the art. The visitor  302  then calls  104  the box&#39; SIM card  204  phone number on his own phone. The box communication module  203  receives the call and establishes  105  a mobile Internet connection. The cloud computing software application then verifies  106  the incoming call number. The software application then commands  107  the box&#39; key chamber  208  to open via the circuit board  202 . The key chamber latch  210  then releases  108 , exposing the key. The visitor  302  then retrieves  109  the key from key chamber  208 . The visitor  302  then uses the  110  key to enter the dwelling. Upon check-out, the visitor  302  returns  112  the key to the key chamber  208 . The visitor  302  then returns  113  the key chamber  208  to its initial position. The software application then recognizes  113  the key chamber&#39;s  208  position and powers down the device to the extent possible. This is the END of a single check-in, check-out process. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the key box  201  acknowledges key-return via an RFID tag-key method rather than the method described above. In an alternative embodiment, the system comprises a load cell which recognizes the weight of the key chamber  208  to differentiate between an empty chamber and a chamber containing a key. 
     The embodiment in  FIG. 2 a    illustrates the exterior of the key box  201  device  201 . The key box device  201  comprises a detachable hook  211  which fits over a door knob or other dwelling fixture. The visitor  302  presses the power button  207  and the key box  201  will then automatically display its SIM card phone number on its display  206  screen. 
     The embodiment in  FIG. 2 b    diagrams the features on the interior of the key box  201 . This embodiment of the key box  201  comprises a circuit board  202 , a SIM card  204 , a communication module  203 , an antenna  205 , a key chamber  208 , a key chamber latch  210 , and a key  209 . This embodiment also features a hook latch  212  which can release a detachable hook  212 . 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of the system&#39;s interactive communication system. The dwelling owner  301  uses his phone  304  or PC  308  to input the name, phone number and check-in/check-out times of a visitor  302  into the software application  305 . The software application  305  then stores the visitor  302  data on its database  307  and access it through its server  306 . The visitor  302  uses his phone  304  to call the key box  201 ′ communication module  203 . The communication module  203  receives the call and accesses the system&#39;s software application  305  via the Internet. The circuit board  202  comprises the firmware component of the software application  305  which ultimately executes commands to the key box  201 ′ hook latch  212  and the key chamber latch  210 . 
     The circuit board  202  comprises a microcontroller unit to store and run the needed programs on the software application. Alternatively, a printed circuit board  202  can function as the system&#39;s circuit board  202 . Embodiments of the device also comprise one or more batteries, a battery chamber, and insulated copper wiring of sufficient length to connect the circuit board  202 . 
     One or more embodiments of the system comprise a servo and a spring mechanism of sufficient tension to eject the key chamber  208  once the key chamber latch  210  is disengaged. This embodiment features a chamber dispenser spring which pushes the key chamber  208  out of the key box  201  as soon as the tip of the key chamber latch  210  is released. Other embodiments comprise an optional load cell and switch. Other embodiments comprise an optional rotation plate. 
     Further describing the embodiments shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 3 , the SIM card  204  is inserted into the communication module  203 , which is connected to the circuit board  202 . The antenna  205  is either wire-connected or embedded in the communication module  203 , or positioned on the circuit board  202 . The circuit board  202  is also connected to a power button  207 , to batteries in battery chamber, to an optional servo, to a display  206 , to an optional load cell, and to a switch, either by copper wiring or directly embedded in the circuit board  202 . The power button  207  can optionally be replaced by motion sensor. A servo may connect to a hinge and swing arm system which can operate the key chamber latch  210  and the hook latch  212 . The hook may also release via a hook release button. An alternative embodiment can use two servos to control the latches separately, or other similar mechanism that can effectuate open and closed states. 
     In one or more embodiments, a rotation plate is on the top portion of the key box  201  and would connect to the hook. Specifically, the circuit board  202  receives a message from the software application and commands the servo to rotate to release the key chamber latch  210  to open the key chamber  208 . In the same embodiment, if the circuit board  202  commands the servo rotate in the other direction, it opens the hook latch  212  to release the hook. In another embodiment, a hook release button can also release the hook latch  212 . In this embodiment, the owner  301  pushes the hook release button to release the hook from the rotation plate. 
     Other embodiments feature a hook and body assembly, wherein the hook is disengaged from the body of the key box  201  at one of two anchor points. Once unhooked at one anchor point, gravity and a potential tug from the user or owner  301  will pull the hook away from the body of the key box  201 . The hook is reattached at the same anchor points. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the key box  201  is attached to a wall or fixture with a mounting assembly. In this embodiment, the hook and hook latch  212  features are no longer necessary, as the mounting assembly is either removable or comprises a mount latch which allows the key box  201  to detach from the wall or fixture. 
     Electronically, in several embodiments, a program is installed in the circuit board  202  as firmware. This firmware receives input from the communication module  203 , the switch, the optional load cell, the power button  207  and the software application via Internet connection. The communication module  203  uses 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G, 5G or the current standard in practice at the box&#39;s location, at 850, 900, 1800 or 1900 MHz or other optimal frequency performance established by the communication module  203 . The firmware then sends output to the display  206 , the servo and the software application via Internet connection established by the communication module  203 . The software application also takes data from the circuit board  202  and inserts it into the database  307 . 
     In several embodiments, the software application may show data and on the owner  301 &#39;s personal computer  308  or smart phone  304  device via the software application. The software application may also send data to the database  307 , processes commands on the server  306 , and communicate with the owner  301  and visitor  302 s by sending them notifications. The software application may send notifications via SMS, e-mail, direct phone  304  calling, or other convenient means. 
     In several embodiments of the system, the owner  301  initially inputs visitor  302  data, including the owner  301 &#39;s and visitor  302 &#39;s name, phone  304  number, address, and check-in check-out schedule into the database  307  via the software application. The software application may also process data such as weight of objects inside the key chamber  208  via the optional load cell. The software application may also gather, process and utilize information such as battery status and geographic location of the key box  201 . 
     In at least one embodiment of the invention, the software application gives a “time-stamp” to every action taken by owner  301  and visitor  302 . The software application may produce web portal display  206 s, or “web pages,” that may show the owner  301  or user&#39;s calendar, maintain a chronological schedule of dwelling visitor  302 s, maintain an address book of various visitor  302 s&#39; data, and may maintain and process data about various states and actions of the key box  201 . 
     In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the key box  201  may comprise multiple key chambers  208  or attached key chamber  208  modules. The multiple key chamber  208  modules may efficiently share the same communication module  203  and the same mobile Internet connection. An optional USB connector may connect to other key box  201   es  or other key chambers  208  via a daisy-chain connection and may utilize the same software application.