Abstract: An electronic lockbox sends identifying data to a portable communications device, which relays that data to a central computer, generating a response from the central computer containing customized information of special interest to the user. Such data can include information relating to the lockbox's property, and contextually relevant information relating to other similar properties nearby. Such data from the central computer also can be delivered to one more auxiliary portable communication devices, including such devices carried by individuals either in close proximity to the lockbox or at a remote location. The data also could comprise visitation history relevant to the user, allowing an agent or a prospect to review information about previous visits to properties. The central computer can also query a user to provide location information for a lockbox that has been added to the system database.

Abstract: An electronic lock box system includes a wireless portable transponder that communicates with an electronic lock box using a low power radio link. The portable transponder includes: a wide area network radio to communicate to a central clearinghouse computer, a motion sensor to activate its wide area network radio, and a connector to communicate with a secure memory device. The electronic lock box sends a hail message that is intercepted by the portable transponder; the hail message includes identification information. The portable transponder responds with a message that includes a time sensitive encryption key; the lock box authenticates this response message using its own time sensitive encryption key. If the messages are authenticated, the lock box sends an access event record to the portable transponder, and this access event record is stored in the secure memory device. If a wide area network is available, the portable transponder sends the access event record to the central clearinghouse computer.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing dwelling keys to a structure, and is typically mounted outside the dwelling structure. When properly instructed, usually with a coded message, the dwelling key can be accessed by opening the door to the secure compartment; such message can be manually entered on a keypad, or a programmed electronic key device can make the process more automatic. A lock box system uses a transponder at a dwelling base station (typically within the dwelling structure) to relay lock box status or access event information over a short range radio from the lock box to a remote central computer by using a more traditional communication system that is available within the dwelling. Additional sensors can be used to monitor the status of vandalism attempts. Furthermore, the lock box/transponder communications may be programmed so as to allow detection if the lock box is stolen.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A linear actuator moves in one direction opening the door to the secure compartment, and moves in the opposite direction releasing a shackle that holds the lock box to the structure. A lock box system uses an encryption algorithm to diversify user PIN data at a central computer, and stores that diversified information on a memory card for later use when the user attempts to access a lock box. The central computer and electronic lock box both keep track of system “epoch time,” and the memory card must be presented to the electronic lock box within a correct epoch time window for the diversified PIN data to be successfully decrypted and compared to the user's PIN data that is entered on a keypad of the electronic lock box.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a mechanical structure that allows the lock box to work in several different mechanical states. A first state is a key compartment door unlocking state, while a second state is a shackle release state. A third state is a “soft lock” state, which allows the key compartment door to be closed, or the shackle to be re-installed, and once this has occurred, the door will not fall open, and the shackle will not fall out. A fourth state is a “hard lock” state in which the key compartment door and the shackle are not easily disturbed by vibration or intentional impact by a would-be thief, who is attempting to unlawfully open the door or remove the shackle.

Abstract: An electronic lock box system includes a wireless portable transponder that communicates with an electronic lock box using a low power radio link. The portable transponder includes: a wide area network radio to communicate to a central clearinghouse computer, a motion sensor to activate its wide area network radio, and a connector to communicate with a secure memory device. The electronic lock box sends a hail message that is intercepted by the portable transponder; the hail message includes identification information. The portable transponder responds with a message that includes a time sensitive encryption key; the lock box authenticates this response message using its own time sensitive encryption key. If the messages are authenticated, the lock box sends an access event record to the portable transponder, and this access event record is stored in the secure memory device. If a wide area network is available, the portable transponder sends the access event record to the central clearinghouse computer.

Abstract: An electronic lock box system that includes a central computer, which allows “listing agents” (if used in a real estate sales environment) to custom tailor a survey questionnaire that relates to features connected with the potential sale or lease of a property, and thereby garner feedback information from potential buyers (or lessees), or at least from “showing agents” that represent potential buyers/lessees. To improve response rate, the listing agent can add incentives to other agents who provide useful feedback. Furthermore, the system can be configured such that reciprocal feedback is necessary in order for a participating agent to see feedback about his or her own listings.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A sensing system allow the lock box to determine whether the contents of the lock box have been replaced as well as ensuring the correct key or object has been returned. The system reports the status of the object back to the central clearinghouse computer through an electronic key or secure memory device.

Abstract: An improved electronic lock box system is provided for more secure control over the accessibility of a secure compartment in the electronic lock box, which is typically used to store a dwelling key. The new system uses biometric identification sensors to determine if the correct, authorized user is attempting to access the secure compartment of the electronic lock box. In one embodiment, the biometric identification sensor uses thermal scanning to detect a person's fingerprint pattern. This is compared to previously stored (enrollment) biometric identification information/data, and if the “live” (observed) biometric identification information/data sufficiently correlates to the stored enrollment biometric identification information/data, access will be granted.

Abstract: An improved electronic lock box system is provided for more secure control over the accessibility of a secure compartment in the electronic lock box, which is typically used to store a dwelling key. The new system uses biometric identification sensors to determine if the correct, authorized user is attempting to access the secure compartment of the electronic lock box. In one embodiment, the biometric identification sensor uses thermal scanning to detect a person's fingerprint pattern. This is compared to previously stored (enrollment) biometric identification information/data, and if the “live” (observed) biometric identification information/data sufficiently correlates to the stored enrollment biometric identification information/data, access will be granted.

Abstract: An improved electronic lock box system is provided for more secure control over the accessibility of a secure compartment in the electronic lock box, which is typically used to store a dwelling key. The new system uses biometric identification sensors to determine if the correct, authorized user is attempting to access the secure compartment of the electronic lock box. In one embodiment, the biometric identification sensor uses thermal scanning to detect a person's fingerprint pattern. This is compared to previously stored (enrollment) biometric identification information/data, and if the “live” (observed) biometric identification information/data sufficiently correlates to the stored enrollment biometric identification information/data, access will be granted.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a mechanical structure that allows the lock box to work in several different mechanical states. A first state is a key compartment door unlocking state, while a second state is a shackle release state. A third state is a “soft lock” state, which allows the key compartment door to be closed, or the shackle to be re-installed, and once this has occurred, the door will not fall open, and the shackle will not fall out. A fourth state is a “hard lock” state in which the key compartment door and the shackle are not easily disturbed by vibration or intentional impact by a would-be thief, who is attempting to unlawfully open the door or remove the shackle.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A linear actuator moves in one direction opening the door to the secure compartment, and moves in the opposite direction releasing a shackle that holds the lock box to the structure. A lock box system uses an encryption algorithm to diversify user PIN data at a central computer, and stores that diversified information on a memory card for later use when the user attempts to access a lock box. The central computer and electronic lock box both keep track of system “epoch time,” and the memory card must be presented to the electronic lock box within a correct epoch time window for the diversified PIN data to be successfully decrypted and compared to the user's PIN data that is entered on a keypad of the electronic lock box.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing dwelling keys to a structure, and is typically mounted outside the dwelling structure. When properly instructed, usually with a coded message, the dwelling key can be accessed by opening the door to the secure compartment; such message can be manually entered on a keypad, or a programmed electronic key device can make the process more automatic. A lock box system uses a transponder at a dwelling base station (typically within the dwelling structure) to relay lock box status or access event information over a short range radio from the lock box to a remote central computer by using a more traditional communication system that is available within the dwelling. Additional sensors can be used to monitor the status of vandalism attempts. Furthermore, the lock box/transponder communications may be programmed so as to allow detection if the lock box is stolen.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A linear actuator moves in one direction opening the door to the secure compartment, and moves in the opposite direction releasing a shackle that holds the lock box to the structure. A lock box system uses an encryption algorithm to diversify user PIN data at a central computer, and stores that diversified information on a memory card for later use when the user attempts to access a lock box. The central computer and electronic lock box both keep track of system “epoch time,” and the memory card must be presented to the electronic lock box within a correct epoch time window for the diversified PIN data to be successfully decrypted and compared to the user's PIN data that is entered on a keypad of the electronic lock box.

Abstract: An improved electronic lock system is provided for use with real estate lock boxes. 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'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.

Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A linear actuator moves in one direction opening the door to the secure compartment, and moves in the opposite direction releasing a shackle that holds the lock box to the structure. A lock box system uses an encryption algorithm to diversify user PIN data at a central computer, and stores that diversified information on a memory card for later use when the user attempts to access a lock box. The central computer and electronic lock box both keep track of system “epoch time,” and the memory card must be presented to the electronic lock box within a correct epoch time window for the diversified PIN data to be successfully decrypted and compared to the user's PIN data that is entered on a keypad of the electronic lock box.

Abstract: An improved electronic lock system is provided for use with real estate lock boxes where there is the need for many people to access the secured compartment of the lock box in a controlled manner. Each user has an identification card with a non-volatile secure memory (known as a “smart card”), for exchanging data with the lock box, and with a portable computer capable of reading data from the smart card; or a cell phone can be used to gain access information from a central computer. The user first inserts the smart card into the connector attached to the lock box; the lock box reads the user's ID stored in the smart card memory and records this information in lock box memory. The lock box then transfers its access code information and other data to the smart card for further processing. The user then inserts the smart card in a portable card reader to learn the access code, or calls a central computer via a mobile phone system and interacts with the computer to elicit the necessary access code information.

Abstract: An improved electronic lock system is provided for use with real estate lock boxes where there is the need for many people to access the secured compartment of the lock box in a controlled manner. Each user has an identification card with a non-volatile secure memory (known as a “smart card”), for exchanging data with the lock box, and with a portable computer capable of reading data from the smart card; or a cell phone can be used to gain access information from a central computer. The user first inserts the smart card into the connector attached to the lock box; the lock box reads the user's ID stored in the smart card memory and records this information in lock box memory. The lock box then transfers its access code information and other data to the smart card for further processing. The user then inserts the smart card in a portable card reader to learn the access code, or calls a central computer via a mobile phone system and interacts with the computer to elicit the necessary access code information.