Patent Publication Number: US-2022222990-A1

Title: Voice activated real estate access control

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/136,391, filed Jan. 12, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to real estate access control and, more particularly, to real estate access control using a voice activated assistant. 
     Access to real estate for sale may be achieved using locking devices, such as a lock box that contains a physical key to the property or an electronic lock (e.g., a smart lock). Typically, a real estate agent will manage the locking device by setting unlock codes, setting features of the locking device (e.g., call before showing), etc. There exists systems to improve access to locking devices, such as U.S. Pat. No. 9,330,514, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment, a method of providing real estate access control includes receiving a voice input at a voice assistant unit; sending the voice input from the voice assistant unit to a language processing system; at the language processing system, processing the voice input to define a message; sending the message from the language processing system to a locking device management system; at the locking device management system, processing the message as one of a command to a locking device and a query regarding the locking device. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include when the message is the command to the locking device, the locking device management system generating a credential including programming for the locking device. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the locking device management system sending the credential to a mobile device. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the mobile device transferring the credential to the locking device. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the mobile device sending an acknowledgment of programming of the credential by the locking device to the locking device management system. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the locking device management system sending the acknowledgment of programming of the credential by the locking device to the language processing system. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the language processing system sending the acknowledgment of programming of the credential by the locking device to the voice assistant unit. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include when the message is the query regarding the locking device, the locking device management system accessing a locking device information database; the locking device management system generating a query response in response to accessing the locking device information database. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the locking device management system sending the query response to the language processing system. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include the language processing system sending the query response to the voice assistant unit. 
     According to another embodiment, a system of providing real estate access control includes a language processing system configured to receive a voice input from a voice assistant unit; the language processing system configured to process the voice input to define a message; a locking device management system configured to receive the message from the language processing system; the locking device management system configured to process the message as one of a command to a locking device and a query regarding the locking device. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include when the message is the command to the locking device, the locking device management system generating a credential including programming for the locking device. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include the locking device management system sending the credential to a mobile device. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include the mobile device transferring the credential to the locking device. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include the mobile device sending an acknowledgment of programming of the credential by the locking device to the locking device management system. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include the locking device management system sending the acknowledgment of programming of the credential by the locking device to the language processing system. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include the language processing system sending the acknowledgment of programming of the credential by the locking device to the voice assistant unit. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include when the message is the query regarding the locking device, the locking device management system accessing a locking device information database; the locking device management system generating a query response in response to accessing the locking device information database. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described herein, or as an alternative, further embodiments of the system may include the locking device management system sending the query response to the language processing system. 
     According to another embodiment, a computer program product for providing real estate access control, the computer program product includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to implement operations comprising: receiving a voice input at a voice assistant unit; sending the voice input from the voice assistant unit to a language processing system; at the language processing system, processing the voice input to define a message; sending the message from the language processing system to a locking device management system; at the locking device management system, processing the message as one of a command to a locking device and a query regarding the locking device. 
     Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include providing access to one or more locking devices using verbal commands/queries. 
     The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and non-limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a system for providing real estate access control using a voice activated assistant in an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a locking device management system, mobile device and locking device in an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a mobile device in an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a locking device in an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a language processing system in an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a flowchart for providing real estate access control in an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a system for providing real estate access control using a voice activated assistant in an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a system for providing real estate access control using a voice activated assistant in an example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts a system for providing real estate access control using a voice activated assistant in an example embodiment. The system includes a voice assistant unit  80  that receives a voice input  82  from a user  84 . The voice assistant unit  80  may also generate an audible output  86 . The voice assistant unit  80  may be implemented using known voice processing devices, such as Amazon™ Alexa™, Google™ Home Assistant, Apple™ Siri™, etc. The voice assistant unit  80  is in communication with a network  120 . 
     Network  120  provides for communication between various elements of the system of  FIG. 1 . The network  120  may be implemented via one or more wired/wireless networks, such as, but are not limited to, one or more of WiMax, a Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Personal area network (PAN), a Campus area network (CAN), a Metropolitan area network (MAN), a Wide area network (WAN), a Wireless wide area network (WWAN), or any broadband network, and further enabled with technologies such as, by way of example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS), Bluetooth, WiFi, Fixed Wireless Data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G (e.g., WCDMA/UMTS based 3G networks), 4G, IMT-Advanced, pre-4G, LTE Advanced, mobile WiMax, WiMax 2, WirelessMAN-Advanced networks, enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), General packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced GPRS, iBurst, UMTS, HSPDA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, UMTS-TDD, 1×RTT, EV-DO, messaging protocols such as, TCP/IP, SMS, MMS, extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), real time messaging protocol (RTMP), instant messaging and presence protocol (IMPP), instant messaging, USSD, IRC, or any other wired/wireless data networks, broadband networks, or messaging protocols. 
     A language processing system  150  is in communication with the network  120 . The language processing system  150  may be embodied as any type of processor-based computation or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including, without limitation, a computer, a server, a workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a mobile computing device, a wearable computing device, a network appliance, a web appliance, a distributed computing system (e.g., cloud computing), a processor-based system, and/or a consumer electronic device. In other embodiments, the language processing system  150  is embodied in the voice assistant unit  80 . 
     A locking device management system  100  is in communication with the network  120 . The locking device management system  100  may be embodied as any type of processor-based computation or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including, without limitation, a computer, a server, a workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a mobile computing device, a wearable computing device, a network appliance, a web appliance, a distributed computing system (e.g., cloud computing), a processor-based system, and/or a consumer electronic device. 
     Mobile device  110  represents any type of mobile computing device capable of communicating with the locking device management system  100  via network  120  and, additionally, capable of communicating with a locking device  130 . The locking device  130  may be a lockbox or an electronic lock, as described further herein. Although mobile device  110  is depicted in  FIG. 1  as a single device, in some embodiments, mobile device  110  can represent a plurality of mobile devices capable of communicating with locking device management system  100  and locking device  130 . 
     In embodiments, mobile device  110  can communicate with locking device  130  via a signal  115 . Signal  115  can represent various forms of wireless signals including, but not limited to, Bluetooth, infrared, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and other radio signals. Accordingly, mobile device  110  can communicate with locking device  130  when mobile device  110  and locking device  130  are a distance to communicate by Bluetooth, infrared, NFC, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or other radio signals. Additionally, in embodiments, information communicated between mobile device  110  and locking device  130  can be encrypted and decrypted using one or more encryption methods, such as Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), RSA, Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), etc. 
     Locking device  130  represents any type of device capable of fastening and/or controlling access, and locking device  130  can include mechanical and electrical components. Additionally, locking device  130  can receive signals from and transfer signals to mobile device  110 . Although locking device  130  is depicted in  FIG. 1  as a single device, in some embodiments, locking device  130  can include a plurality of interconnected devices capable of performing the functions discussed herein. Additionally, in further embodiments, locking device  130  can represent a plurality of locking devices capable of receiving signals from and transferring signals to mobile device  110 . 
     In some embodiments, locking device  130  can be configured to request and/or verify digital certificate information from mobile device  110 . Additionally, in certain implementations, locking device  130  can be configured to decrypt information received from mobile device  110  and encrypt information sent to mobile device  110 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a locking device management system  100 , network  120 , mobile device  110  and locking device  130  in an example embodiment. Locking device management system  100  can include a processor  102  communicating with a memory  104 , such as electronic random access memory, or other forms of transitory or non-transitory computer readable storage mediums. Memory  104  can include a locking device information database  105 . Locking device information database  105  can be utilized to store locking device status information, locking device identifier information, mobile device identifier information, digital certificate information, etc. In some implementations, mobile device identifier information can include mobile device numbers, international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) information, subscriber identity module (SIM) information, etc. 
     Processor  102  can execute control logic and perform data processing to perform the functions and techniques as discussed herein. For example, processor  102  can process locking device programming triggers and retrieve and set locking device status and identifier information in locking device information database  105 . Further, in embodiments, processor  102  can generate reports based on locking device status information stored in locking device information database  105 . 
     Processor  102  can be connected to, provide commands to, and receive information from communication module  106 . Locking device management system  100  can utilize communication module  106  to communicate with mobile device  110  via network  120 . For example, communication module  106  can include a server-side network protocol application. 
     In embodiments, processor  102  can be configured to generate one or more locking device programming triggers. A locking device programming trigger can include a change in ownership of one or more locking devices. An administrator accessing locking device management system  100  can add, remove, and transfer ownership of one or more locking devices, causing a locking device programming trigger. In certain embodiments, ownership of a set of locks can be tied to ownership of a building containing the set of locks. Upon a change of ownership of the building, ownership of the locking devices can likewise be changed, which may necessitate reprogramming the device with a new owner identifier, encryption keys, or other locking device settings that pertain specially to the owner. 
     Additionally, a locking device programming trigger can include changing a list of approved users for one or more locking devices and/or changing levels of access of one or more users. An administrator can add users to or remove users from a list of approved users for a single locking device or for a set of locking devices. Additionally, different users may be granted different levels of access to specified locking devices, and such levels of access can be edited by an administrator. For example, a first user can be identified as an administrative user and be granted access to a set of locking devices in a building at all times, while a second user can be identified as a restricted user and only be granted access to a set of locking devices for a specified period of time. 
     Further, a locking device programming trigger can include changes to lock parameters. For example, an administrator can set the time zone of a lock, change the mode of operation of a locking device, such as change the mode of operation to latch open or auto-relock, set the duration of time to hold the locking device open, set configuration instructions for a locking device to remain open during specified periods of time, or set specified periods of time for restricted users. Any changes to the lock parameters of one or more locks can cause a locking device programming trigger. 
     Once a locking device programming trigger is recognized, processor  102  can select, automatically or as directed by an administrator, one or more mobile devices, including mobile device  110 , to transfer programming instructions. For example, processor  102  can identify that mobile device  110  is associated with a locking device user classified as an installer for a desired locking device or processor  102  can identify that mobile device  110  has permission to access the desired locking device. Accordingly, processor  102  can transfer programming instructions to mobile device  110  using communication module  106 . 
     In some embodiments, transferring or sending locking device programming instructions to mobile device  110  may be done by mobile device  110  first initiating communication with locking device management system  100  to request or pull queued locking device programming instructions. 
     In some embodiments, processor  102  can additionally send one or more digital certificates to mobile device  110 . The one or more digital certificates can be utilized by mobile device  110  to transfer to the locking device and verify that mobile device  110  has been approved to transfer programming instructions. The digital certificates and locking device programming instructions can include data that can be processed by a processor  102 . The data may include a locking device  130  unique identifier or a locking device  130  owner unique identifier, either of which may be used to identify the specific lock or set of locks for which the locking device programming instructions are targeted. The data may further include a programming identifier that is unique to the programming transaction to provide traceability throughout the programming process. The data may include an expiration date when the locking device programming instruction is set to expire or to identify newer instructions that supersede older instructions. Further, the data may include actual programming instructions, such as address, length, value objects that specify how to change the memory contents of the locking device  130 . Or, the data may include a special command that, when executed by the locking device  130 , effects a programming operation. The data may be encrypted and may include a digital signature that ensures the integrity of the locking device programming instruction in a way that the locking device  130  can verify. 
     In embodiments, communication module  106  can utilize cryptographic protocols to prevent unauthorized access to locking device management system  100  and to ensure that mobile device  110  is authorized to receive locking device programming instructions. Additionally, in embodiments, communications and information exchanged between locking device management system  100  and mobile device  110  can be encrypted and decrypted using one or more encryption methods. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , mobile device  110  can include a processor  210  communicating with a memory  220 , such as electronic random access memory, or other forms of transitory or non-transitory computer readable storage mediums. Processor  210  can further communicate with communication module  230 , which in turn can communicate with a wide area network, such as various public or private networks, telecommunications networks, and/or via wireless signals. More particularly, the wide area network can connect mobile device  110  to one or more locking device management system, such as locking device management system  100 , as discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , and/or other components. Additionally, mobile device  110  can communicate with one or more locking devices, such as locking device  130 , as discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , via wireless signals, such as an infrared or Bluetooth signal. 
     Processor  210  can execute control logic and perform data processing to perform functions and techniques as discussed herein. For example, processor  210  can install and/or execute a locking device programming application  240 . In some embodiments, locking device programming application  240  may be a part of a general access control application for opening locking devices. Further, locking device programming application  240  can be configured to receive locking device programming instructions for one or more locking devices from a locking device management system  100 . Additionally, in embodiments, locking device programming application  240  can be configured to store, using memory  220 , locking device identifier information and/or digital certificate information for communicating with the one or more locking devices. 
     In embodiments, upon receipt of locking device programming instructions, locking device programming application  240  can utilize communication module  230  to transmit a wireless signal to search for specified locking devices. In some embodiments, locking device programming application  240  can search for the specified locking devices automatically, while, in further embodiments, locking device programming application  240  can require instructions from a user of mobile device  200  before such wireless signals are transmitted. 
     Automatic searching can be performed based on known GPS locations of locking devices, where the locking device programming application initiates communication on arriving at a pre-determined location. Further, automatic search can be a periodic search that happens continuously until a lock responds. Additionally, a user instruction for initiating a search for specified locking devices could be the same operation that a user would initiate normally to open a locking device, such as an open command to locking device programming application  240 . In some implementations, the programming operation could happen automatically during the normal locking device open sequence without the user&#39;s knowledge, while, in further embodiments, the programming operation could occur without any instructions from the user. 
     Once locking device programming application  240  receives a confirmation signal back from a specified locking device, locking device programming application  240  can transmit locking device programming instructions and/or digital certificates to the locking device. In some embodiments, locking device programming application can transmit, using communication module  230 , the locking device programming instructions and/or digital certificates to the locking device automatically, while, in further embodiments, locking device programming application  240  can require instructions from a user of mobile device  110  before any information is transmitted. 
     In certain implementations, locking device programming application  240  can be configured to receive multiple sets of programming instructions for various different locking devices. Additionally, locking device programming application  240  can be configured to discard expired programming instructions and/or non-current programming instructions. For example, programming instructions can be specified to be transferred within a certain time window, for example, one week. If the programming instructions are not transferred to the specified locking device by the end of the time window, the programming instructions can be discarded. Further, as an additional example, locking device programming application  240  can discard locking device programming instructions for a specified locking device upon receipt of more recent locking device programming instructions for the same locking device. 
     In some embodiments, once locking device programming application  240  transmits locking device programming instructions to and receives a confirmation status from a specified locking device, locking device programming application  240  can transfer a confirmation status back to a locking device management system  100 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a locking device  130  in an example embodiment. The locking device  130  can include a processor  310  communicating with a memory  320 , such as electronic random access memory, or other forms of transitory or non-transitory computer readable storage mediums. Processor  310  can further communicate with communication module  330 , which in turn can communicate with mobile devices via wireless signals. 
     Processor  310  can execute control logic and perform data processing to perform the functions and techniques as discussed herein. For example, processor  310  can be configured to verify digital certificates, for example, digital certificates that were generated by the locking device management system  100 , from mobile devices received via wireless signal using communication module  330 , execute locking device programming instructions, and transmit status information back to the mobile devices via wireless signal. The verification of digital certificates can include 1) checking a signature based on a cryptographic operation, 2) checking the data in the certificate/credential to make sure the data indicates that this mobile device  110  has access rights to this locking device  130 , and/or  3 ) checking the programming data to make sure it&#39;s within bounds of acceptable parameters, etc. 
     In some embodiments, locking device  130  can be configured to constantly search for incoming wireless signals from mobile devices, while, in additional embodiments, locking device  130  can be configured to search for incoming wireless signals during specified periods of time. 
     In still further embodiments, locking device  130  can include an input that allows a user to “wake up” or activate locking device  130 . After locking device  130  receives the “wake up” input, locking device  130  can begin searching for an incoming wireless signal from a mobile device. For example, locking device  130  can include a “wake up” button, or, as additional examples, locking device  130  can receive a “wake up” input by a user turning a handle attached to locking device  130 , or can sense the presence of a user nearby with a presence sensor such as passive infrared sensor. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a language processing system  150  in an example embodiment. Language processing system  150  can include a processor  402  communicating with a memory  404 , such as electronic random access memory, or other forms of transitory or non-transitory computer readable storage mediums. Memory  404  can include a user database  405 . User database  405  can be utilized to identify a user  84  who has submitted a voice input  82  to the language processing system  150 . As described in further detail with reference to  FIG. 6 , the language processing system  150  determines the user identify. If the voice input  82  relates to a locking device  130 , the language processing system  150  forwards a message to the locking device management system  100  for further processing. Processor  402  can execute control logic and perform data processing to perform the functions and techniques as discussed herein. Processor  402  can be connected to, provide commands to, and receive information from communication module  406 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a flowchart for providing real estate access control in an example embodiment.  FIG. 6  depicts processing by the language processing system  150  and the locking device management system  100 . The process begins at  602  wherein the voice assistant unit  80  receives a voice input  82 . The user  84  providing the voice input  82  may have one or more different roles. For example, the user  84  may be a real estate agent who may be generating a voice input  82  for information or action with respect to several properties including a plurality of locking devices  130  (e.g. “turn the call before showing code on at 123 main street”, “tell me how many of my lock boxes are not active on properties”, “which of my listings had showings today”, “set the access hours on all my listings from  8  to  5 ”, etc.). Alternatively, the user  84  may be a homeowner generating a voice input  82  for information or action with respect to their own property (e.g., what time is the next showing scheduled, please set the access hours for the home from  8  to  5 , please set the do not disturb, who showed my house, how long were they here, etc.). 
     At  604 , the voice assistant unit  80  forwards the voice input  82  to the language processing system  150  over the network  120 . At  606 , the language processing system  150  determines if the voice input relates to a locking device  130 . The language processing system  150  may determine if the voice input  82  includes certain keywords such as lockbox, listing, street address, offer, inspection, etc. If the voice input  82  is not related to a locking device, then flow proceeds to  608  where the language processing system  150  operates per conventional processes. 
     If the voice input  82  relates to a locking device, flow proceeds to  610  where the language processing system  150  verifies the user  84  that generated the voice input  82 . The user  84  may be verified in a number of manners. User verification may be done by associating the user  84  with a login identifier or password. In other embodiments, user verification is performed by the language processing system  150  analyzing the voice input  82  to determine a biometric of the user  84  based on the voice input  82  and verifying user identity to ensure they are the correct person. In other embodiments, the voice input  82  could include an authorizing word or pass phrase that also authenticates them as the correct person. In other embodiments, user-to-device association may be used to confirm the user  84  is associated with particular locking device(s)  130  to authorize commands. In other embodiments, programming code(s) of locking device(s)  130  are required before the voice input  82  is processed. In other embodiments, in response to the voice input  82 , a request may be sent to a user mobile device for confirmation prior to processing of the voice input  82 . This way anyone could give the voice input  82 , but the Real Estate agent or home owner or authorized person would have to approve the voice input  82  before the processing is completed. In other embodiments, different voice inputs  82  may have different levels of authorization. Some voice inputs  82  may be allowable by anyone. Some voice inputs  82  may require an additional password. Some voice inputs  82  may require the confirming process before completion, etc. 
     At  612 , the language processing system  150  processes the voice input to remove extraneous content and supplement additional information to form a message. The user  84  may say “Good Morning Siri, can you tell me all the showings today at my cottage at 123 Main Street.” The language processing system  150  can process the voice input  82  to form a message including one or more fields including a user identifier, an action field, date field, and address field. In this example, the language processing system  150  may create a message of {MarySmith:showings:01012021:123 Main Street:Hartford:CT:06103}. It is understood that the message may include other types of fields based on the voice input  82 . 
     At  614 , the language processing system  150  forwards the message to the locking device management system  100  over network  120 . At  616 , the locking device management system  100  verifies the user and whether that user  84  is permitted to access information or control the locking device(s) identified in the message. If not, the locking device management system  100  will send a response to the language processing system  150  of an unauthorized access. The language processing system  150  can then send the response to the user  84  through the voice assistant unit  80 . 
     If the user is verified at  616 , the locking device management system  100  may perform various operations based on whether the message includes a command or a query. A command is an operation that changes some operation or setting of the locking device  130 . A query is an operation that requests information regarding locking device(s)  130 , but requires no programming of the locking device(s)  130 . 
     If the message contains a command, flow proceeds to  618  where the locking device management system  100  produces a locking device programming trigger for one or more locking device(s)  130 . The locking device management system  100  produces a credential in response to the locking device programming trigger. At  620 , the credential is distributed to one or more mobile devices  110 . The credential includes programming instructions/data for the locking device(s)  130 . 
     At  622 , the credential may be transferred to the locking device  130  when a mobile device  110  is in proximity to a locking device  130  (e.g., when a real estate agent is attempting to open a lock box to show a property/home to a potential buyer). The mobile device  110  communicates with the locking device  130  using radio signals (e.g., Bluetooth). At  622 , the locking device  130  processes the credential to validate that it&#39;s authentic and from the locking device management system  100 . Upon verifying authenticity, the locking device  130  self-updates based on the programming instructions in the credential, e.g., the locking device  130  changes its internal configuration by following the programming instructions. 
     Once the credential is programmed by the locking device  130 , the locking device  130  will acknowledge the programming to the mobile device  110 . At  624 , the mobile device  110  transmits acknowledgment of programming of the credential to the locking device management system  100 . The locking device management system  100  sends the acknowledgement to the language processing system  150 . The language processing system  150  can then send the acknowledgement to the user  84  through the voice assistant unit  80 , either at a time after programming is completed by the locking device  130  or in response to an inquiry from a user  84 . 
     If at  616 , the message includes a query (rather than a command), flow proceeds to  626  where the locking device management system  100  accesses a locking device information database  106 . For example, the query may be “give me a list of all my showings today at 123 Main Street.” The locking device management system  100  access the locking device information database  106  and retrieves the matching records to form a query response. At  628 , the locking device management system  100  sends the query response to the language processing system  150 . At  630 , the language processing system  150  can then send the query response to the user  84  through the voice assistant unit  80 . The language processing system  150  may convert data received from the locking device management system  100  into an audible format to be generated by the voice assistant unit  80 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a system for providing real estate access control using a voice activated assistant in another example embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG.  7 , communication with the locking device  130  is performed through a gateway  111 . The gateway  111  may be located at the property where the locking device  130  is located. The gateway  111  communicates with the network  120  using, for example, a wired connection. The gateway  111  communicates with the locking device  130  using a wireless protocol (e.g. 802.11xx, Bluetooth, etc.). In the example of  FIG. 7 , there is no need for a mobile device  110  to be in proximity of the locking device  130  to retrieve information or install locking device programming trigger(s). The process of  FIG. 6  is performed with steps  620 ,  622  and  624  being implemented by the locking device management system  100  communicating with the locking device  130  directly through network  120  and gateway  111 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts a system for providing real estate access control using a voice activated assistant in another example embodiment. The embodiment of  FIG. 8  is similar to that of  FIG. 7 , except that locking device  130  is implemented using an electronic lock  131  (e.g., a smart lock) rather than a lockbox as shown in  FIG. 7 . In the example of  FIG. 8 , there is no need for a mobile device  110  to be in proximity of the locking device  131  to retrieve information or install locking device programming trigger(s). The process of  FIG. 6  is performed with steps  620 ,  622  and  624  being implemented by the locking device management system  100  communicating with the locking device  131  directly through network  120  and gateway  111 . 
     As described above, embodiments can be in the form of processor-implemented processes and devices for practicing those processes, such as a processor  102 , processor  210 , processor  310  and processor  402 . Embodiments can also be in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as network cloud storage, SD cards, flash drives, floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium. Embodiments can also be in the form of computer program code transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As described herein, in some embodiments various functions or acts may take place at a given location and/or in connection with the operation of one or more apparatuses, systems, or devices. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of a given function or act may be performed at a first device or location, and the remainder of the function or act may be performed at one or more additional devices or locations. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps described in conjunction with the illustrative figures may be performed in other than the recited order, and that one or more steps illustrated may be optional. 
     Those of skill in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in the particular embodiments, but the present disclosure is not thus limited. Rather, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.