System for controlling key access using an internet-connected key box device
View Patent ↗A system for controlling key access using a phone and Internet-connected key box device. The key box device comprises a SIM card programmed with a unique phone number associated with the key box. Calling the phone number using any phone will provide access to the key box. A cloud computing software application then interfaces with operations programmed into a circuit board. A user then unlocks a key chamber by calling the number at a scheduled time. The key box device owner monitors and controls access to the box and its key chamber via the software application.
1. A system for remotely granting dwelling access to a visitor, comprising:
a dwelling having at least one fixture on which a key box device may be placed;
a visitor of the dwelling, wherein the visitor has at least an identifying name and phone number;
an owner of the dwelling;
a key box device positioned at at least one access point of the dwelling;
a removable key chamber positioned inside the key box device;
a key to the dwelling positioned inside the key chamber;
a Subscriber Identity Module (“SIM”) card phone number which is unique to the key box device;
a display on the key box device which can show at least one phone number;
a cloud-computing software application that enables wireless communication between an owner's mobile communication device and the key box device and between a visitor's mobile communication device and the key box device;
a circuit board connected to the system's cloud-computing software application;
an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals;
a communication module which enables the key box device to wirelessly receive data from the visitor's mobile communication device and establishes a mobile Internet connection through the system's cloud-computing software application;
a power source;
access to the dwelling is granted when at least the following steps are performed:
the visitor's phone number, anticipated check-in time, and anticipated check-out time are initially entered into the cloud-computing software application;
a power button on the key box device is engaged by the visitor at about the anticipated check-in time;
the key box device displays the key box device's SIM card phone number on its display;
the visitor calls the key box device's SIM card phone number on their mobile communication device;
the key box device's communication module receives the visitor's call and establishes a mobile Internet connection;
the system's cloud-computing software application verifies that the incoming call number matches the visitor's phone number;
the cloud-computing software application commands the key box device to open its key chamber;
the key box device releases a key chamber latch to expose the key chamber;
the visitor retrieves the key from the key chamber;
the visitor uses the key to enter the dwelling;
the visitor returns the key to the key box device's key chamber;
the key chamber is returned to its initial position within the key box device; and
the software application recognizes the key chamber's initial position.
2. The System of claim 1 , wherein the key box device further comprises;
a load cell capable of measuring the weight of the key chamber;
a servo control mechanism which controls the chamber latch;
a spring which forces the key chamber substantially out of the key box device.
3. The System of claim 1 , wherein the key box device further comprises;
a detachable hook which can fit over a fixture at the dwelling;
a hook latch which releases the hook from the key box device
a hook release button which manually opens the hook latch to release the hook from the key box device.
4. The System of claim 1 wherein the software application communicates unauthorized entry attempts to the owner.
5. The System of claim 1 , further comprising a manual override system wherein the owner can manually retrieve the key from its chamber.
6. The System of claim 1 wherein the key box device further comprises multiple key chambers, each chamber connected to the system's cloud-computing software application.
7. The System of claim 1 , wherein the cloud-computing software application notifies the owner when the key box device's power source is depleted.
8. The System of claim 1 wherein the key box further comprises a battery chamber.
9. The System of claim 1 wherein the key box further comprises a motion sensor that activates the power button when the visitor is within a pre-determined proximity of the key box device.
10. The System of claim 1 wherein the display on the key box device is a screen which can display instructional and salutary information to the visitor.
11. The System of claim 1 wherein the cloud-computing software application stores, processes and communicates the owner's schedule for multiple visitors to the dwelling.
12. The System of claim 1 wherein the cloud-computing software application stores, processes and communicates the identifying information of multiple visitors.
13. The System of claim 1 wherein the cloud-computing software application tracks, stores, processes and communicates the frequency of visitors at the dwelling.
14. The System of claim 1 , wherein the communication module utilizes a digital cellular network protocol conforming with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard.
15. The System of claim 1 , wherein the communication module utilizes a digital cellular network protocol conforming with the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) 3G standard.
16. The System of claim 1 , wherein the communication module utilizes a digital cellular network protocol conforming with the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard.
17. The System of claim 1 , wherein the key comprises an electronic radio frequency identification RFID device.
18. The System of claim 1 , wherein the key comprises a scannable bar code.