111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US 20190371096Al
`
`(19) United States
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Fisher
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2019/0371096 A1
`Dec. 5, 2019
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) ELECTRONIC LOCKBOX WITH
`INTERFACE TO OTHER ELECTRONIC
`LOCKS
`
`(71) Applicant: SentriLock, LLC, Cincinnati, OH (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Scott R. Fisher, West Chester, OH
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: SentriLock, LLC, Cincinnati, OH (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 16/424,880
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`May 29, 2019
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 62/679,132, filed on Jun.
`1, 2018.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G07C 9100
`H04W 41021
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ..... G07C 9100103 (2013.01); G07C 9100309
`(2013.01); G07C 9100571 (2013.01); G07C
`2009/00317 (2013.01); H04W 41021
`(2013.01); G07C 2009/00769 (2013.01); G07C
`9100904 (2013.01)
`
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`An electronic lock system that uses an intermediary con-
`troller ("IMC"), such as an electronic lockbox, to commu-
`nicate with an electronic lock that protects buildings, such as
`dwellings. The IMC also communicates with a wireless
`portable computer ("WPC"), such as a smart phone, so that
`an authorized user can first authenticate credentials to the
`IMC, then have the IMC (or the WPC) send appropriate
`messages to the electronic lock to command that lock to
`unlock. The IMC must initially be setup by an ADMIN, so
`that the IMC's memory contains the specific codes and
`protocols to successfully communicate with the electronic
`lock. In this manner, the user can obtain access to the
`building without specific knowledge of those specific codes
`and protocols required by the electronic lock. An alarm
`panel on a building could also be disarmed by the IMC, if
`its specific codes and protocols are first setup into the IMC's
`memory.
`
`,----280
`
`Alarm
`Panel
`
`Intermediary
`Controller
`(IMC)
`
`~10.~
`
`,----270
`
`Electronic
`Lock
`(EL)
`
`Wireless
`Portable
`Computer
`(WPC)
`
`,----260
`
`Central
`
`Computer 5
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 1 of 40
`
`

`

`~ .....
`
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`
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`OSClLLATOR
`
`CRYSTAL
`
`16~
`31
`
`15~
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`LOCK BOX
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`,_
`
`MECHANISM
`I r12
`LOCK DRIVE
`r25
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`r27
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`
`CIRCUIT
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`
`FIG. 1
`
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`~ I
`
`INPUT /OUTPUT
`
`INTERFACE
`
`-
`
`......==
`
`'-26
`CAPACITOR
`
`BACKUP
`
`SHACKLE DRIVE
`
`-
`
`-
`
`24~
`SUPPLY
`POWER
`18~
`
`KEYPAD
`
`14~
`
`TEMPERATURE
`
`SENSOR
`
`11~
`
`10~
`
`CIRCUIT
`
`'-56
`
`SENSOR
`IMPACT
`
`"'---13
`MECHANISM
`SHACKLE
`
`I
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 2 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 5, 2019 Sheet 2 of 11
`
`US 2019/0371096 A1
`
`250~
`
`282
`
`269
`INTERNET OR
`INTERNET
`CONNECTION ~-----~~-1 TELEPHONE ~--~~----!llll>o­
`CONNECTION
`
`281
`
`CLEARINGHOUSE ~ 260
`COMPUTER
`261
`COMPUTER
`PROCESSOR
`MEMORY
`
`MOBILE COMM.
`SERVICE
`PROVIDER
`ANTENNA
`
`-'~---262
`
`/--;x-110
`( WAN
`\
`
`~ , _____ /;
`
`100~
`
`WPC
`
`116-r--. CPU
`122- RAM
`123-r- ROM
`
`I
`130-!' 110 ~- L
`118-r--- POWER
`SUPPLY
`(BATTERY)
`
`LOW POWER L/
`RADIO
`i"-
`'--------~
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`WAN
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`
`10~
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`32
`i"'
`~
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`'--117
`
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`
`I
`MOTION
`SENSOR
`"--156
`
`14
`
`FIG~ 2
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 3 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 5, 2019 Sheet 3 of 11
`
`US 2019/0371096 A1
`
`260~
`
`1840~
`
`1854
`POWER
`SUPPLY
`(BATTERY)
`1856
`
`ELECTRONIC
`LOCK
`
`__ v-
`261
`
`!--
`
`CLEARINGHOUSE
`COMPUTER
`COMPUTER
`PROCESSOR
`MEMORY
`r
`...........
`,../ .....--- i--
`r--.....
`DATA .-
`, BASE/
`
`262
`
`I
`I
`
`I I
`
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`I J --.
`
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`
`1800-<
`
`1810~
`
`~-
`
`1816
`2-
`182
`1815
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`183
`183 2-
`
`183 4-
`
`183 6-
`
`182 o-
`
`IMC
`
`1827"
`LOW
`1812~ POWER
`RADIO
`=
`1818""""-.
`POWER
`SUPPLY
`(BATTERY)
`
`~PROCESSOR
`~MEMORY
`r--CLOCK
`~ I/0 I face
`~MEMORY
`ARBITRATOR
`POWER
`~CONTROLLER
`
`~OPTiONAL
`MANUAL
`RESET
`
`~OPTIONAL
`MOTiON
`SENSOR
`
`II
`OPTIONAL
`LEOS
`1824../
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 4 of 40
`
`

`

`804./
`
`LOW POWER
`
`RADIO
`
`!..............
`
`INTERFACE
`
`SERIAL
`
`827"""\
`
`I r812
`
`MECHANISM
`
`LOCK
`
`r825
`
`LOCK DRIVE
`
`~ CIRCUIT
`
`~ .....
`
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`
`~
`
`.... 0 =
`.... 0 = '"= = 0" -....
`'e -....
`
`~ .....
`
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`
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`
`r820
`
`~ INDICATOR
`
`r819
`,-----CONNECTOR
`SMART CARD
`(817
`
`LAMPS
`
`')
`
`822
`
`821)
`
`816\
`
`OSCILLATOR
`
`CRYSTAL
`
`815~
`
`LOCK BOX
`
`r------<
`
`KEYPAD
`
`814~
`
`1---
`
`TEMPERATURE
`
`SENSOR
`
`811\
`
`800 ~
`
`KEY COMPARTMENT DOOR
`
`OPEN/CLOSE SENSOR
`
`FIG. 4
`
`(830
`
`_INPUT/OUTPUT
`
`'-802
`INTERFACE
`
`CAPACITOR
`
`BACKUP
`
`r826
`
`823)
`
`,EEPROM
`
`RAM
`
`MEMORY
`FLASH
`
`CPU
`
`SHACKLE DRIVE r------<
`
`CIRCUIT
`
`-
`
`824~
`SUPPLY
`POWER
`818~
`
`828_)
`
`I TRANSCEIVER~
`
`i KEY 1.0. DETECTOR:
`"--813
`831\
`MECHANISM
`SHACKLE
`
`I
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 5 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 5, 2019 Sheet 5 of 11
`
`US 2019/0371096 A1
`
`ELECTRONIC KEY
`,--916
`CPU
`, 922
`RAM
`923
`ROM"'
`930
`1/0"
`
`DISPLAY
`
`/900
`
`11--- RADIO
`
`WAN ---<
`
`'-911
`
`LOW
`
`POWER ---<
`
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`'-927
`
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`SUPPLY
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`
`c.............
`
`KEYPAD
`
`...............
`
`r
`'-914
`
`950~
`
`952
`
`FIG. 6
`
`-954
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 6 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 5, 2019 Sheet 6 of 11
`
`US 2019/0371096 A1
`
`0
`
`0
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`0
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`
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`
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`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 7 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 5, 2019 Sheet 7 of 11
`
`US 2019/0371096 A1
`
`Geofence #2
`
`312
`
`.324
`WPC-POS3
`
`WPC-POS1
`
`Geofence #1
`-----, -322
`//
`'~ WPC-POS2
`310~/
`",
`\
`I
`\
`I
`: 320.
`\
`\
`1 0, 800, 181 0
`\
`I
`\
`I
`'
`/1
`
`~,
`
`'
`
`/
`
`/
`-----~~
`
`FIG. 8
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 8 of 40
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 5, 2019 Sheet 8 of 11
`
`US 2019/0371096 A1
`
`Geofence #2
`
`312
`
`WPC-POS3
`/tt_334
`332y velocity
`
`WPC-POS2
`
`1 0, 800, 181 0
`
`330.
`WPC-POS1
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 9 of 40
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 5, 2019 Sheet 9 of 11
`
`US 2019/0371096 A1
`
`SETUP
`
`Admin WPC connects to
`
`/400
`
`Does IMC
`detect EL and
`identify
`automatically?
`
`NO
`
`414
`Admin selects EL
`from list of
`model numbers
`
`YES
`
`420
`
`EL Is activated if sleeping
`
`Admin enters security information
`
`WPC sends security information to IMC
`
`Initiate
`
`WPC
`
`is notified of succesful pairing
`
`Event log updates on central computer
`
`Return
`
`424
`
`428
`
`430
`
`432
`
`440
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
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`Page 10 of 40
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 5, 2019 Sheet 10 of 11
`
`US 2019/0371096 A1
`
`OPERATION/ACCESS
`
`User WPC connects to IMC
`
`Credentials authorization
`of WPC by IMC
`
`520
`
`510
`
`512
`
`/500
`
`522
`
`Store event
`in central
`database
`event log
`
`IMC
`
`IMC sends stored security
`info to EL
`
`532
`
`IMC monitors
`.-~ presence of WPC
`with in geofences
`
`Security information
`authorization of
`!MC by EL
`
`Using stored protocol
`information, IMC sends
`commands to EL
`
`534
`
`536
`
`NO
`
`552
`
`538
`
`IMC sends relock
`command to EL
`
`Store activity in event log
`and access log of IMC
`
`FIG. 11
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
`Page 11 of 40
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 5, 2019 Sheet 11 of 11
`
`US 2019/0371096 A1
`
`OPERATION/ACCESS
`
`User WPC connects to IMC
`
`Credentials authorization
`of WPC by IMC
`
`610
`
`612
`
`/600
`
`!MC connects
`
`Store event
`in central
`database
`event log
`
`IMC sends stored security
`info to EL
`
`632
`
`Monitor velocity
`of WPC,
`between two time
`intervals
`
`Security information
`authorization of
`IMC by EL
`
`Using stored protocol
`information, IMC sends
`commands to EL
`
`634
`
`636
`
`638
`
`Store activity in event log
`and access log of iMC
`
`FIG. 1 2
`
`YES
`
`652
`IMC sends relock
`command to EL
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
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`

`

`US 2019/0371096 AI
`
`1
`
`Dec. 5, 2019
`
`ELECTRONIC LOCKBOX WITH
`INTERFACE TO OTHER ELECTRONIC
`LOCKS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`[0001] The present application claims priority to provi-
`sional patent application Ser. No. 62/679,132, titled "ELEC-
`TRONIC LOCKBOX WITH INTERFACE TO OTHER
`ELECTRONIC LOCKS," filed on Jun. 1, 2018.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`[0002] The technology disclosed herein relates generally
`to electronic locks and electronic lockbox systems and is
`particularly directed to a system of the type that includes a
`wireless portable computer (such as a smart phone, or a
`tablet computer; electronic products that are sometimes
`referred to "smart devices") that communicates with an
`electronic lockbox using a low power radio link. Embodi-
`ments are specifically disclosed as using a wireless portable
`computer (a "WPC") that includes both a low power radio
`to communicate to the lockbox and a wide area network
`(WAN) radio to communicate to a central computer, and
`optionally includes a Global Positioning System (GPS)
`receiver to determine approximate physical location of the
`lockbox when in communication with the lockbox. (The
`central computer in some systems is often referred to as a
`"central clearinghouse computer" or "CCC".)
`[0003] A further embodiment is disclosed involving the
`wireless portable computer that communicates to an elec-
`tronic lockbox using a low power radio and that communi-
`cates to a central computer using a wide area network radio.
`In the more advanced functions of this technology, the WPC
`can comprise a smart phone, which can run application
`software programs (called "APPS"), to customize the func-
`tions executed by the smart phone, and to allow certain
`information (including information residing on the central
`computer) to be displayed on the smart phone.
`[0004] Embodiments are also disclosed as a system having
`an electronic lockbox (or other type of secure electronic
`product) that sends identifYing data to the WPC via a low
`power radio, and the WPC relays that data to the central
`computer. Examples of such data include attempted accesses
`of the electronic lock system, including successful attempts;
`the electronic equipment typically keeps an "event log" and
`an "access log" of such access attempts, successful or
`otherwise.
`In many "newer" dwellings or other types of build-
`[0005]
`ings, the access points are securely controlled by some type
`of electronic lock, rather than by a mechanical lock. Such
`electronic security products will be generally referred to
`herein as "EL", which reflects their characteristics as being
`electronic locks. Such dwellings/buildings may also contain
`an alarm system in addition to having an electronic lock (an
`EL). Alternatively, some dwellings/buildings can have a
`mechanical lock, but still have an alarm system.
`In some situations, such as in real estate sales, a
`[0006]
`real estate sales agent (such as a REALTOR®) will arrive at
`a dwelling that is for sale and then "show" that dwelling to
`a potential buyer (which is typically referred to as a "show-
`ing"). To conduct that showing, the real estate sales agent
`obviously needs to obtain access to the interior spaces of that
`dwelling. In the past, the sales agent (commonly known as
`
`the "showing agent") would obtain access to an electronic
`lockbox that contained a mechanical key to the dwelling
`door, and then enter that dwelling. However, if the dwelling
`is protected by an electronic lock, then a mechanical key
`would not typically be available, and instead, the sales agent
`would need an appropriate "App" installed on their WPC
`and have the correct credentials for the dwelling owner's
`electronic lock. The technology disclosed herein will auto-
`mate that rather bulky procedure and provide a seamless
`interface for both mechanical locks and their keys, plus
`electronic door locks that are increasingly found on prop-
`erties.
`In some applications for this technology, a different
`[0007]
`kind of electronic "lock" could be used in lieu of an
`electronic "lockbox"; and furthermore, in many applications
`for this technology, an electronic controller (also known as
`a "system on a chip") alternatively could be used in lieu of
`an electronic lockbox. In the new system disclosed herein,
`the three types of electronic products just described (i.e., the
`lockbox, the different kind of electronic lock, and the system
`on a chip) can act as an "intermediary controller" (some-
`times referred to herein as an "IMC"), which will operate as
`described below.
`In a real estate sales situation using this new
`[0008]
`system, the showing agent would use his or her WPC to
`communicate to the IMC, which is an electronic product that
`is typically installed by another real estate sales agent
`(commonly known as the "listing agent"). The IMC would
`first authenticate the showing agent's WPC and any other
`information that the showing agent is required to provide; if
`everything is in order, then the IMC (or the WPC) will
`communicate with the dwelling's electronic lock (the EL),
`to establish a communications session between the IMC and
`the EL. During that session, the IMC (or the WPC) will send
`the appropriate information to the EL that will authenticate
`the IMC to the EL, and the EL will respond by allowing the
`showing agent to obtain access to the dwelling.
`In the above example using this new system, there
`[0009]
`would need to be a previous "setup" procedure performed
`between the IMC and the EL. In a typical real estate sales
`situation, for example, the listing agent (who typically owns
`the IMC) would install the IMC (e.g., an electronic lockbox
`or a system on a chip) at the site of the specific dwelling that
`is being protected by the EL. During a "setup" session, the
`IMC would be loaded with the necessary data that will later
`allow the IMC (or the WPC) to communicate with the EL,
`and also to send the appropriate protocol and security code
`information to the EL so that the EL will open for a later
`showing agent who has the appropriate authorization.
`[0010] The types of buildings and human personnel that
`can use this system is not limited to real estate sales.
`Dwellings could be accessed by medical caregivers, for
`example, to visit human occupants of those dwellings; the
`dwelling is not "on sale" in that situation. Dwellings and
`other building could be accessed by government inspectors
`or utility company personnel, for example, particularly in
`large housing projects, or perhaps in relatively remote areas
`where infrequent visits are needed to buildings that are
`either unmanned or are manned only at certain times or
`certain days of the week.
`
`iApartments Ex. 1011
`
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`

`

`US 2019/0371096 AI
`
`2
`
`Dec. 5, 2019
`
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`[0011] None.
`
`BACKGROUND
`[0012] Traditionally, lockboxes have stored a physical key
`for use by a third party (a showing agent, for example) to
`enter a dwelling or a building. Newer electronic locks may
`not necessarily use a physical key, but rather a digital key
`(e.g., a numeric code) that is relayed wirelessly to the
`electronic lock. In order to access a dwelling or building
`protected by such an electronic lock, a traditional lockbox
`may be of limited value, because there may be no physical
`key available.
`[0013] Even the "newer" conventional lockboxes that
`have wireless communications ability may be of limited
`utility, although some such lockboxes may at least be able to
`send a message to an electronic key, in which that message
`might provide unlocking codes that could be displayed to a
`human user, for use in disarming the electronic lock on that
`dwelling or building. In that scenario, the human user would
`still be required to enter the "code" information at the
`building's electronic lock, which is an additional step that
`could be prone to human error.
`
`SUMMARY
`[0014] Accordingly, it is an advantage to provide an
`electronic locking system in which an electronic intermedi-
`ary controller is used to communicate to a wireless portable
`computer (a "WPC") such as a smart phone, and the
`electronic intermediary controller (or the WPC) is used to
`communicate to an electronic lock that protects a dwelling
`or other type of building, in which the human USER only
`needs to have authorization to access the electronic inter-
`mediary controller, and the system will automatically obtain
`access to the electronic lock that protects the dwelling/
`building.
`[0015]
`It is another advantage to provide an electronic
`locking system in which an electronic lockbox (acting as an
`intermediary controller) is used to communicate to a wire-
`less portable computer such as a smart phone, and the
`electronic lockbox (or the WPC) is used to communicate to
`an electronic lock that protects a dwelling or other type of
`building, in which the human USER only needs to have
`authorization to access the electronic lockbox, and the
`system will automatically obtain access to the electronic
`lock that protects the dwelling/building.
`[0016] Additional advantages and other novel features
`will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in
`part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
`examination of the following or may be learned with the
`practice of the technology disclosed herein.
`[0017] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, and
`in accordance with one aspect, an electronic lockbox system
`is provided, which comprises: (a) an electronic lockbox, the
`electronic lockbox comprising a first processing circuit, a
`first memory circuit including instructions executable by the
`first processing circuit, a first short range wireless commu-
`nications circuit, and a secure compartment at least a portion
`of which is movable and is under the control of the first
`processing circuit, wherein the electronic
`lockbox is
`assigned to a specific property; (b) a portable computer, the
`portable computer comprising a second processing circuit, a
`
`second memory circuit including instructions executable by
`the second processing circuit, a display, a user operated input
`circuit, and a second short range wireless communications
`circuit; and (c) an electronic lock used to protect the specific
`property, the electronic lock comprising a third processing
`circuit, a third memory circuit including instructions execut-
`able by the third processing circuit, a third short range
`wireless communications circuit, and a physical lock that is
`under the control of the third processing circuit; (d) wherein
`the first, second, and third processing circuits are configured:
`(i) to connect between the portable computer and the elec-
`tronic lockbox, by communicating first data messages
`between the first and second short range wireless commu-
`nications circuits, the first data messages including first
`security information; (ii) at the electronic lockbox, to per-
`form a credentials authorization routine using the first pro-
`cessing circuit to analyze the first security information
`received from the portable computer; (iii) if the portable
`computer has sent valid credentials, then to connect between
`the electronic lockbox and the electronic lock, by commu-
`nicating second data messages between the first and third
`short range wireless communications circuits, the second
`data messages including second security information that
`was previously stored in the first memory circuit; (iv) at the
`electronic lock, to perform a security authorization routine
`using the third processing circuit to analyze the second
`security information received from the electronic lockbox;
`and (v) if the electronic lockbox has sent valid security
`information, then at the electronic lock, to authorize the
`electronic lockbox to send predetermined commands that
`will be obeyed by the electronic lock.
`[0018]
`In accordance with another aspect, a wireless con-
`troller remote locking system is provided, which comprises:
`(a) wireless controller, the wireless controller comprising a
`first processing circuit, a first memory circuit including
`instructions executable by the first processing circuit, and a
`first short range wireless communications circuit, wherein
`the wireless controller is assigned to a specific property; (b)
`a portable computer, the portable computer comprising a
`second processing circuit, a second memory circuit includ-
`ing instructions executable by the second processing circuit,
`a display, a user operated input circuit, and a second short
`range wireless communications circuit; and (c) an electronic
`lock used to protect the specific property, the electronic lock
`comprising a third processing circuit, a third memory circuit
`including instructions executable by the third processing
`circuit, a third short range wireless communications circuit,
`and a physical lock that is under the control of the third
`processing circuit; (d) wherein the first, second, and third
`processing circuits are configured: (i) to connect between the
`portable computer and the wireless controller, by commu-
`nicating first data messages between the first and second
`short range wireless communications circuits, the first data
`messages including first security information; (ii) at the
`wireless controller, to perform a credentials authorization
`routine using the first processing circuit to analyze the first
`security information received from the portable computer;
`(iii) if the portable computer has sent valid credentials, then
`to connect between the wireless controller and the electronic
`lock, by communicating second data messages between the
`first and third short range wireless communications circuits,
`the second data messages including second security infor-
`mation that was previously stored in the first memory
`circuit; (iv) at the electronic lock, to perform a security
`
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`authorization routine using the third processing circuit to
`analyze the second security information received from the
`wireless controller; and (v) if the wireless controller has sent
`valid security information, then at the electronic lock, to
`authorize the wireless controller to send predetermined
`commands that will be obeyed by the electronic lock.
`[0019]
`In accordance with yet another aspect, a method for
`setting up an electronic lock security system is provided, in
`which the method comprises the following steps: (a) pro-
`viding an intermediary controller, the intermediary control-
`ler comprising a first processing circuit, a first memory
`circuit including instructions executable by the first process-
`ing circuit, and a first short range wireless communications
`circuit, wherein the intermediary controller is assigned to a
`specific property; (b) providing a portable computer, the
`portable computer comprising a second processing circuit, a
`second memory circuit including instructions executable by
`the second processing circuit, a display, a user operated input
`circuit, and a second short range wireless communications
`circuit; and (c) providing an electronic lock used to protect
`the specific property, the electronic lock comprising a third
`processing circuit, a third memory circuit including instruc-
`tions executable by the third processing circuit, a third short
`range wireless communications circuit, and a physical lock
`that is under the control of the third processing circuit; (d)
`wherein the first, second, and third processing circuits are
`configured to perform the following functions: (i) connect-
`ing the portable computer to the intermediary controller by
`communicating first data messages between the first and
`second short range wireless communications circuits, the
`first data messages including first security information; (ii)
`performing a credentials authorization routine using the first
`processing circuit of the intermediary controller, to analyze
`the first security information received from the portable
`computer; (iii) if the portable computer has sent valid
`credentials, then identifYing a specific type of the electronic
`lock, including lock protocol information; (iv) after activat-
`ing the electronic lock, sending second security information
`from the portable computer to the electronic lock, first by
`communicating second data messages between the first and
`second short range wireless communications circuits, then
`by communicating third data messages between the second
`and third short range wireless communications circuits, the
`second security information including at least a security
`code and lock protocol information pertaining to the elec-
`tronic lock; (v) if the electronic lock validates the second
`security information, then sending a notification of the
`successful validation to the portable computer from the
`electronic lock, using the first, second, and third short range
`wireless communications circuits; and (vi) storing second
`security information in the first memory circuit, for later use
`by other authorized visitors at the specific property.
`[0020]
`In accordance with still another aspect, an elec-
`tronic lockbox system is provided, which comprises: (a) an
`electronic lockbox, the electronic lockbox comprising a first
`processing circuit, a first memory circuit including instruc-
`tions executable by the first processing circuit, a first short
`range wireless communications circuit, and a secure com-
`partment at least a portion of which is movable and is under
`the control of the first processing circuit, wherein the elec-
`tronic lockbox is assigned to a specific property; (b) a
`portable computer, the portable computer comprising a
`second processing circuit, a second memory circuit includ-
`ing instructions executable by the second processing circuit,
`
`a display, a user operated input circuit, and a second short
`range wireless communications circuit; and (c) an alarm
`control panel used to protect the specific property, the alarm
`control panel comprising a third processing circuit, a third
`memory circuit including instructions executable by the
`third processing circuit, and a third short range wireless
`communications circuit; (d) wherein the first, second, and
`third processing circuits are configured: (i) to connect
`between the portable computer and the electronic lockbox,
`by communicating first data messages between the first and
`second short range wireless communications circuits, the
`first data messages including first security information; (ii)
`at the electronic lockbox, to perform a credentials authori-
`zation routine using the first processing circuit to analyze the
`first security information received from the portable com-
`puter; (iii) if the portable computer has sent valid creden-
`tials, then to connect between the electronic lockbox and the
`alarm control panel, by communicating second data mes-
`sages between the first and third short range wireless com-
`munications circuits, the second data messages including
`second security information that was previously stored in the
`first memory circuit; (iv) at the alarm control panel, to
`perform a security authorization routine using the third
`processing circuit to analyze the second security information
`received from the electronic lockbox; and (v) if the elec-
`tronic lockbox has sent valid security information, then at
`the alarm control panel, to authorize the electronic lockbox
`to send a predetermined command that will disarm the alarm
`control panel.
`[0021]
`In accordance with a further aspect, a method for
`operating an electronic lock security system is provided, in
`which the method comprises the following steps: (a) pro-
`viding an intermediary controller, the intermediary control-
`ler comprising a first processing circuit, a first memory
`circuit including instructions executable by the first process-
`ing circuit, and a first short range wireless communications
`circuit, wherein the intermediary controller is assigned to a
`specific property; (b) providing a portable computer, the
`portable computer comprising a second processing circuit, a
`second memory circuit including instructions executable by
`the second processing circuit, a display, a user operated input
`circuit, and a second short range wireless communications
`circuit; and (c) providing an electronic lock used to protect
`the specific property, the electronic lock comprising a third
`processing circuit, a third memory circuit including instruc-
`tions executable by the third processing circuit, a third short
`range wireless communications circuit, and a physical lock
`that is under the control of the third processing circuit; (d)
`wherein the first, second, and third processing circuits are
`configured to perform the following functions: (i) storing, at
`the intermediary controller, an electronic lock authorization
`credential pertaining to the electronic lock; (ii) communi-
`cating data messages between the portable computer and the
`intermediary controller, and performing an authentication
`routine between the intermediary controller and the portable
`computer; (iii) ifthere is a successful authentication between
`the intermediary controller and the portable computer, then
`communicating the electronic lock authorization credential
`from the intermediary controller to the electronic lock; and
`(iv) after the electronic lock has received valid electronic
`lock authorization credential from the intermediary control-
`ler, then sending at least one predetermined command that
`will be obeyed by the electronic lock.
`
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`In accordance with a yet further aspect, a method
`[0022]
`for operating an electronic lock security system is provided,
`in which the method comprises the following steps: (a)
`providing an intermediary controller, the intermediary con-
`troller comprising a first processing circuit, a first memory
`circuit including instructions executable by the first process-
`ing circuit, and a first short range wireless communications
`circuit, wherein the intermediary controller is assigned to a
`specific property; (b) providing a portable computer, the
`portable computer comprising a second processing circuit, a
`second memory circuit including instructions executable by
`the second processing circuit, a display, a user operated input
`circuit, and a second short range wireless communications
`circuit; and (c) providing an electronic lock used to protect
`the specific property, the electronic lock comprising a third
`processing circuit, a third memory circuit including instruc-
`tions executable by the third processing circuit, a third short
`range wireless communications circuit, and a physical lock
`that is under the control of the third processing circuit; (d)
`wherein the first, second, and third processing circuits are
`configured to perform the following functions: (i) pairing the
`intermediary controller with the electronic lock; (ii) sending
`pairing information and protocol information relating to the
`operation of the electronic lock from the portable computer,
`under control of an ADMIN, to the intermediary controller;
`and (iii) storing the pairing information and protocol infor-
`mation in the first memory circuit for later use by a USER
`who will attempt to open the electronic lock.
`In accordance with still a further aspect, an elec-
`[0023]
`tronic lockbox system is provided, which comprises: (a) an
`electronic lockbox, the electronic lockbox comprising a first
`processing circuit, a first memory circuit including instruc-
`tions executable by the first processing circuit, a first short
`range wireless communications circuit, and a secure com-
`partment at least a portion of which is movable and is under
`the control of the first processing circuit, wherein the elec-
`tronic lockbox is assigned to a specific property; (b) a
`portable computer, the portable computer comprising a
`second processing circuit, a second memory circuit includ-
`ing instructions executable by the second processing circuit,
`a display, a user operated input circuit, and a second short
`range wireless communications circuit; and (c) an electronic
`lock used to protect the specific property, the electronic lock
`comprising a third processing circuit, a third memory circuit
`including instructions executable by the third processing
`circuit, a third short range wireless communications circuit,
`and a physical lock that is under the control of the third
`processing circuit; (d) wherein the first, second, and third
`processing circuits are configured: (i) to connect between the
`portable computer and the electronic lockbox, by commu-
`nicating first dat