Electronic lock box with key presence sensing

A security apparatus used with an electronic lock box system, said security apparatus comprising:

• (a) an identification member, which includes an identification control circuit, a first memory circuit having alterable memory elements, a wireless transceiver, and at least one input/output circuit;
• and
• (b) an attachment member for use with an external key;
• (c) wherein:
• said identification control circuit is configured to modify a first data value of said alterable memory elements, in response to said attachment member becoming detached from said key, and said identification control circuit remains enabled after modifying said first data value;
• further comprising:
• (d) an electronic lock box apparatus having a lockbox control circuit, a second memory circuit, an identifier sensing device, a secure compartment with an access element, wherein said lockbox control circuit is configured:
• (i) to exchange data signals with said identifier sensing device;
• (ii) during a procedure to obtain access to said secure compartment, to detect a presence of said security apparatus if said security apparatus is positioned within said secure compartment by using said identifier sensing device, and if so, then to read said first data value that was stored in said first memory circuit;
• (iii) if said identifier sensing device determines that said key has been detached from said security apparatus, then to automatically alter said first data value to a different value, thereby generating a second data value, and to automatically store said second data value in said first memory circuit;
• (iv) to detect, by use of said identifier sensing device, after said secure compartment has been opened, then later closed, a presence of said security apparatus and to read said second data value;
• and
• (v) to determine if said second data value is equal to said first data value, and if not, to store that status into an event log that is stored in said second memory circuit.

A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

• providing an electronic lock box apparatus having a control circuit, a first memory circuit, an identifier sensing device, a secure compartment with an access element, a shackle for attachment to a fixed object, and a keypad for use by a user to enter authentication data for operating said access element of the secure compartment;
• entering identification data on said keypad, by said user;
• providing a key with a security apparatus attached thereto, said security apparatus having an identification member with a second memory circuit, and an attachment member, said attachment member being used for attaching said security apparatus to said key;
• determining, by said control circuit:
• (a) whether or not said identification data is correct, and if so then, (b) commanding said access element to open, thereby allowing said user to obtain physical use of said key;
• using said identifier sensing device, detecting a presence of the identification member of said security apparatus, if said security apparatus is positioned within said secure compartment, and if so, then reading a first data value that is stored in said second memory circuit;
• automatically altering, only if said identifier sensing device determines that said key is has been detached from said security apparatus, said first data value to a different value, thereby generating a second data value and automatically storing said second data value in said second memory circuit of said security apparatus;
• after said secure compartment has been opened, then later closed, detecting, by use of said identifier sensing device, a presence of said security apparatus and reading said second data value that has been stored in said second memory circuit;
• and determining if said second data value is equal to said first data value, and if not, storing that status into an event log that is stored in said first memory circuit.

A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

• providing an electronic lock box apparatus having a control circuit, a first memory circuit, an identifier sensing device, a secure compartment with an access element, an access element status detection device, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;
• installing said lock box apparatus at said fixed object by use of said shackle;
• installing a key within said secure compartment, said key having a security apparatus attached thereto, said security apparatus having an identification control circuit, and a second memory circuit having alterable memory elements;
• detecting an access attempt of said secure compartment by an authorized user;
• before opening said secure compartment access element, detecting, by use of said identifier sensing device, a presence of said security apparatus and determining a first data value that has been stored in a predetermined set of memory elements of said second memory circuit;
• storing said first data value in said first memory circuit of said electronic lock box;
• opening said secure compartment access element, thereby allowing physical access to said key;
• automatically altering, only if said identifier sensing device determines that said key has been detached from said security apparatus, said first data value to a different value, under the control of said identification control circuit, thereby generating a second data value and automatically storing said second data value in said predetermined set of memory elements of said second memory circuit of said security apparatus;
• after said secure compartment has been opened, then later closed, detecting, by use of said identifier sensing device, a presence of said security apparatus and reading said second data value that has been stored in said second memory circuit;
• and
• determining if said second data value is equal to said first data value, and if not, storing that status into an event log that is stored in said first memory circuit.

A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

• providing an electronic lock box apparatus having a control circuit, a first memory circuit, an identifier sensing device, a secure compartment with an access element, an access element status detection device, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;
• installing said lock box apparatus at said fixed object by use of said shackle;
• installing a key within said secure compartment, said key having a security apparatus attached thereto, said security apparatus having an identification control circuit, and a second memory circuit having alterable memory elements;
• detecting an access attempt of said secure compartment by an authorized user;
• before opening said secure compartment access element, detecting, by use of said identifier sensing device, a presence of said security apparatus and determining a first data value that has been stored in a predetermined set of memory elements of said second memory circuit;
• storing said first data value in said first memory circuit of said electronic lock box;
• opening said secure compartment access element, thereby allowing physical access to said key;
• altering, if said key is detached from said security apparatus, said first data value to a different value, under the control of said identification control circuit, thereby generating a second data value and storing said second data value in said predetermined set of memory elements of said second memory circuit of said security apparatus;
• after said secure compartment has been opened, then later closed, detecting, by use of said identifier sensing device, a presence of said security apparatus and reading said second data value that has been stored in said second memory circuit;
• and
• determining if said second data value is equal to said first data value, and if not, storing that status into an event log that is stored in said first memory circuit;
• generating, at said electronic lock box, a random challenge that is sent to said security apparatus;
• generating, at said identification control circuit of the security apparatus, a mathematical response that is sent to said electronic lock box;
• generating, at said lock box control circuit, the expected response, and comparing said expected response to said received mathematical response;
• and
• if a match is found between said expected response and said received mathematical response, then said security apparatus is deemed valid.

A method for operating an electronic lock box system, said method comprising:

• providing an electronic lock box apparatus having a control circuit, a first memory circuit, an identifier sensing device, a secure compartment with an access element, and a shackle for attachment to a fixed object;
• providing a key, said key having a security apparatus attached thereto, said security apparatus having an identification control circuit and a second memory circuit, said second memory circuit having memory elements that hold a two-part security ID code, in which:
• (a) a first portion of the security ID code is fixed, and (b) a second portion of the security ID code is variable;
• training said security apparatus so that a lock box user identification attribute is used to generate said second portion of the security ID code, and storing said second portion in said second memory circuit;
• during a procedure to obtain access to said secure compartment, detecting a presence of said security apparatus if said security apparatus is positioned within said secure compartment by using said identifier sensing device, and if so, then reading a first data value that was stored in said second memory circuit;
• automatically altering, only if said identifier sensing device determines that said key is has been detached from said security apparatus, said first data value to a different value, thereby generating a second data value and automatically storing said second data value in said second memory circuit of said security apparatus;
• after said secure compartment has been opened, then later closed, detecting, by use of said identifier sensing device, a presence of said security apparatus and reading said second data value that has been stored in said second memory circuit;
• and determining if said second data value is equal to said first data value, and if not, storing that status into an event log that is stored in said first memory circuit.