Lockbox access device and method with biometric security data

1. A lockbox access apparatus comprising a wireless communications device for use by a user and having a stored program configured to:

cause the wireless communications device to communicate an access request to the lockbox; and

receive lockbox identifying information from the lockbox,

wherein the wireless communication device is further configured to:

take entry of non-biometric identifying information of an individual other than the user;

record biometric identifying information of the individual; and

transmit the lockbox identifying information, the biometric identifying information, and the non-biometric identifying information to a remote destination.

2. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stored program is configured to receive said lockbox identifying information as a result of the communication of the access request.

3. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stored program is configured to prompt the user to select between:

said recording of the biometric identifying information; and

selection of already stored biometric identifying information.

4. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the biometrtic identifying information comprises a photograph.

5. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the stored program is configured to prompt the user for entry of personal security information of the user.

6. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the personal security information is a PIN.

7. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wireless communications device is a wireless telephone.

8. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wireless communications device is configured to initiate the communication to the remote destination via a data communication sent over the wireless communications device's wireless carrier network.

9. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the remote destination to which the wireless communications device initiates the communication includes a central authority having a computer receptive to communications from the wireless communications device over the wireless communications device's wireless carrier network.

10. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wireless communications device and the lockbox are configured such that the access request is communicated wirelessly.

11. The lockbox access apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the wireless communication includes Bluetooth communication.

12. A method for using the apparatus of claim 1 , the method comprising:

recording with the wireless communication device said biometric identifying information of the individual;

communicating via the wireless communications device the access request to the lockbox and

transmitting with the wireless communication device the lockbox identifying information, the biometric identifying information, and the non-biometric identifying information to said remote destination.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

taking entry with the wireless communication device of said non-biometric identifying information.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein:

the recording is via taking a digital photograph.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein:

the lockbox is used to secure a key to a premises; and

the individual is a visitor.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein:

the lockbox is used to secure a key to a vehicle; and

the individual is a prospective test driver of the vehicle.

17. A lockbox access apparatus system comprising one or more servers having a stored program configured to:

receive from a wireless communication device of a user:

identifying information of the user;

lockbox identifying information; and

biometric identifying information of an individual other than the user seeking access to a property secured via the lockbox, and non-biometric identifying information of the individual.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the stored program is further configured to:

transmit to said wireless communications device a credential allowing the wireless communications device to open said lockbox.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the stored program is configured to:

generate a report output for a remote device that includes, in visual form, the biometric identifying information and the non-biometric identifying information.

20. The system of claim 17 further comprising:

at least one said wireless communication device.

21. A lockbox access apparatus system comprising one or more devices having a stored program configured to:

verify storage of biometric identifying information of an individual seeking access to a property secured via a lockbox and non-biometric identifying information of the individual; and

responsive to the verification, communicate an access request to the lockbox ; and

receive lockbox identifying information.

22. The lockbox access apparatus system of claim 21 wherein the one of more devices comprise:

a wireless communication device; and

one or more servers.

23. A method for using a lockbox access apparatus, the lockbox access apparatus comprising a wireless communications device having a stored program configured to:

cause the wireless communications device to communicate an access request to a lockbox; and

receive lockbox identifying information from the lockbox,

wherein the wireless communication device is further configured to:

record biometric identifying information of an individual;

take entry from a user of non-biometric identifying information of the individual; and

transmit the lockbox identifying information, the biometric identifying information, and the non-biometric identifying information to a remote destination,

the method comprising:

recording with the wireless communication device said biometric identifying information of the individual, biometric identifying information of the individual not already stored at the remote destination;

communicating via the wireless communications device the access request to the lockbox; and

transmitting with the wireless communication device the lockbox identifying information, the biometric identifying information, and the non-biometric identifying information to said remote destination.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising:

verifying storage of the biometric identifying information and the non-biometric identifying information as a precondition.