# US 2017/0256111 A1 · Device and system for controlling secure key access using an internet-connected key box device

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- Number: US 2017/0256111 A1
- Document ID: US20170256111A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 15/252,103
- Filed: 2016-08-30
- Published: 2017-09-07
- Earliest claimed: 2016-03-04
- Inventors: Yuan-Chou Chung; Chiu-Wan Li
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170256111A1

## CPC

- G07C 9/00309: {operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks}
- G07C 9/00896: {specially adapted for particular uses}
- G07C 9/32: in combination with an identity check
- H04W 12/08: Access security
- G07C 9/00571: {operated by interacting with a central unit}
- G07C 2009/00396: {starting with prompting the keyless data carrier}
- G07C 2009/00769: {with data transmission performed by wireless means}
- G07C 2009/00793: {by Hertzian waves}
- G07C 2009/00936: {for key cabinets}
- H04W 88/02: Terminal devices
- G07C: TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- H04W: WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (broadcast communication H04H; communication systems using wireless links for non-selective communication, e.g. wireless extensions H04M1/72)

## Abstract

A system for controlling key access using a phone and internet-connected key box device. The key box device hangs or mounts on a fixture and controls key access to visitors. Visitors may unlock a chamber in a key device for key access by calling the phone number on the key box device display and passing an authentication process during a scheduled time. The key box device owner may monitor and remotely control access to the key box and its key chamber via a software application on cloud computing services that interfaces with operations programmed into a circuit board in the key box device.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A system for remotely controlling and monitoring key access, comprising:
a structure or vehicle having a flat surface on which to mount a key box device or at least one fixture on which a key box device may be placed;
a lock;
a key;
a visitor needing key access, wherein the visitor has at least an identifying phone number;
an owner or agent controlling and monitoring key access;
a cloud computing software application;
a call center that takes inbound calls;
a key box device, comprising:
a display that may show text messages
a removable chamber for holding a key;
a key to be placed in the chamber;
a locking mechanism configured to lock or release the chamber;
a cloud computing software application that enables wireless communication
a circuit board coupled to the cloud computing software application
an antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless signals;
a subscriber identity module (SIM) card;
a power source
a granting of key access when at least the following steps are performed:
the visitor's phone number, anticipated check-in time, and anticipated
check-out time are registered into the cloud computing software application;
the key box device is activated at about the anticipated check-in time;
the key box displays a number for the visitor to call;
the visitor calls the displayed number on the visitor's registered mobile communication device;
the cloud computing software application verifies the incoming call number matches the registered visitor phone number;
the cloud computing software application commands the key box device to release its key chamber; and
the key box device releases its key chamber.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the key box device further comprises a global positioning system receiver.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the key box device further comprises a G-force sensor or an accelerometer for sensing external forces.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the key comprises an electronic opener.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the key box device does not release the key compartment and the key compartment comprises an electronic opener that grants access when authentication of the visitor is verified.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the key box device further comprises a camera to take photos and video, such as at the moment the key box device is activated and when the key chamber is removed or returned.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the key box device may be completely controlled remotely via the cloud computing software application.

### Claim 8

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer executable instructions executable by a processor, the instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
receive and store data entered by an owner or agent controlling key access;
power-on a lock box;
receive and store data from a lock box activated by a visitor;
send dialing information to the lock box;
display a message on the screen of the lock box;
receive and store data from the visitor's call to the call center;
compare data entered by the owner or agent for a match with data from the visitor's call (verification or authentication step);
send a command to the lock box based on the result of the data comparison;
execute the command on the lock box;
receive and store additional data from the lock box;
power-off the lock box; and
receive and store additional data from the call center upon deactivation.