System and method for monitoring an access key from a key box

A method for monitoring a location of an access key relative to a key box, the key box including an electronic controller, wherein the controller performs steps comprising:

• a first step of providing access to the key within the key box while the key box is in a locked configuration, the first step including:
• communicating over a personal area network with a first mobile device for the first user as the first user approaches the key box in an attempt to obtain the key,
• obtaining first credentials from the first mobile device,
• determining whether the first credentials are valid or invalid,
• when the first credentials are valid:
• putting the key box in an unlocked configuration,
• a second step of tracking a location of the key to determine whether the key is being returned to the key box, the second step including:
• communicating over the personal area network with:
• the key and/or mobile device to determine whether the key is being returned to the key box,
• wherein upon a determination by the key box or the mobile device that the key is not being returned, an alert is provided by the mobile device to the first user.

A system for monitoring a location of an access key relative to a key box, wherein the key box includes a controller that transmits over a personal area network periodic advertisements of whether the key is in the key box,

• the system including a mobile device configured to perform steps comprising:
• a first step of monitoring over the personal area network for advertisements,
• a second step of receiving over the personal area network the periodic advertisements from the key box,
• a third step of determining whether the periodic advertisements are indicative of the key being within the key box or removed from the key box;
• wherein
• when the periodic advertisements are indicative of the key being within the key box, the mobile device is configured to return to the first step, and
• when the periodic advertisements are indicative of the key being removed the key box, the mobile device is configured to perform steps comprising:
• a fourth step of monitoring elapsed time against a predetermined time period,
• a fifth step of monitoring a distance from the key box against a predetermined distance,
• a sixth step of continuing to monitor for transmitted periodic advertisements over the personal area network from the key box and determining whether the periodic advertisements are indicative of the key being within the key box or removed from the key box,
• wherein
• when the periodic advertisements are indicative of the key being within the key box, the mobile device is configured to discontinue monitoring elapsed time and monitoring the distance to the key box and to return to the first step, and
• when either of the elapsed time becomes greater than the predetermined time period or the distance from the key box becomes greater than the predetermined distance the mobile device is configured to provide an alert.