CA3154096A1 - Electronic lockbox system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT An electronic lockbox system includes a non-transitory, computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor of a server to: store identifying information of an authorized requester; receive a request from an app to remotely unlock a specified lockbox; store the request; compare identifying data in the request to data on file for that authorized requester to identify the authorize requester; receive biometric data or proximity information from the specified lockbox; compare the biometric data or proximity information to data on file for that authorized requester to identify the closest match in the main system. In the event that authorize requester identified by the request is the same as the authorize requester identified by the closest match: send a unique code to the app of the authorize requester; receive a verification from the authorize requester; send an unlock signal to the specified lockbox. - 29 -Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01

Description

TITLE: ELECTRONIC LOCKBOX SYSTEM
INVENTOR: JOHNY MIKHAEL

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to electronic lockboxes, and more particularly to electronic lockboxes for use in real estate and property rental.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the profession of real estate sales, it is it has been very common for many years to use a lockbox on the door of a home to retain the housekey for authorized real estate agent(s) to use to obtain entry to the home. The authorized real estate agent(s) either have a key that is used to open the lockbox, or are aware of the numeric code used to open the lockbox. In the last few years, it has also been common to use such lockboxes for rental properties, such as Airbnb.

[0003] There are fundamental problems associated with basic conventional lockboxes. If a key is used to open the lockbox, the lockbox can be easily picked. If a numeric code is used to unlock the lockbox, the numeric code can become no one to others.

[0004] More recently, modern electronic technology has been incorporated into many types of lockboxes. Such technology includes electronic control circuitry, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 computer control circuitry, digital displays, near field communication, Wi-Fi, GPS, display screens, cameras, impact sensors, optical sensors, and so on.

[0005] One relevant prior art document is United States patent document RE46,539E, re-issued September 1, 2017 to Fisher et al, and entitled Electronic Lockbox Proximity Access Control. This electronic lockbox system includes a wireless portable transponder that communicates with an electronic lockbox using a low power radio link. The portable transponder includes: a wide area network radio to communicate to a central clearinghouse computer, a motion sensor to activate its wide area network radio, and a connector to communicate with a secure memory device. The electronic lockbox sends a hail message that is intercepted by the portable transponder;
the hail message includes identification information. The portable transponder responds with a message that includes a time sensitive encryption key; the lockbox authenticates this response message using its own time sensitive encryption key. If the messages are authenticated, the lockbox sends an access event record to the portable transponder, and this access event record is stored in the secure memory device. If a wide area network is available, the portable transponder sends the access event record to the central clearinghouse computer.

[0006] Another relevant prior art document is United States published patent application 2017/0270726A1, published September 21, 2017 to Fisher et al, and entitled Contextual Data Delivery To Other Users At An Electronic Lockbox. This electronic Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 lockbox system allows both sales agents and sales prospects to communicate either with the lockbox, or with the central clearinghouse computer. Contextual data then is provided to the sales prospect while the prospect is visiting a specific property that is the site of a lockbox installation. Both the agent and the prospect use smart devices, such as smart phones, that have both wide area network capability and low power radio capability. In other situations, contextual data can be sent to a user having a smart device, in which that contextual data pertains to at least one human occupant of the specific property where that lockbox has been installed, which can be useful where a medical caregiver arrives to visit a human occupant of a specific property that is protected by the electronic lockbox. A camera or scanner can record the delivery and can scan barcodes or other identifying information.

[0007]
Another relevant prior art document is United States patent document 11,158,02262, issued October 26, 2021 to Lee et al, and entitled Electronically Operated Lockbox Mailbox Assembly. This electronically operated lockbox mailbox assembly provides a customizable lockbox assembly with a smart lock. The enclosure can be configured with heating, cooling and humidity functions so the internal contents remains at an optimal temperature for storage until the unit is unlocked. The assembly can be linked with other home security devices. The smart lock operated with an application for tracking, opening and security of the assembly. The assembly may take the form of a box, locker, or similar shape that can be either free-standing or "hard installed" as part of a new commercial or residential build or retrofitted to an existing Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 commercial or residential build that is powered via hardwire, plug or battery.
A screen provides instructions and can display visual feedback to a user.

[0008] Another relevant prior art document is United States patent document 10,229,550612, issued March 12, 2019 to Tudi, and entitled Scheduled Enabled Lockbox Access. This lockbox includes a compartment that has a door and a door locking mechanism controlling operations of the door. The lockbox includes a memory storing a time access period. The lockbox includes a transceiver that automatically activates and manages a wireless communication mechanism based on the time access period. The transceiver also detects a user device on the wireless communication mechanism. The lockbox includes a processor, which is electrically coupled to the memory and the transceiver. The processor automatically authenticates the user device detected on the wireless communication mechanism and disables the door locking mechanism to provide access via the door to the compartment in response to a completed authentication.

[0009] Another relevant prior art document is United States patent document 9,990,79162, issued June 5, 2018 to Firth et al, and entitled Smart Lockbox.
The lockbox contains a microcomputer used in the processes of validating preapproved credentials. One method of obtaining access to the lockbox is by user carrying only an identification card, the lockbox scanning the identification card and transmitting its data to the lockbox's server for validation via an internal cell phone modem's connection Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 through cell towers. The lockbox is also capable of capturing video and audio recordings, storing and categorizing the recordings into data such as traffic or noise levels over varying periods of time; and such data can be transferred to a user's cell phone upon the owner's approval. Additionally, the lockbox is powered by a solar panel power source, making it self-sustaining.

[00010]
Another relevant prior art document is United States published patent application 2020/0308870A1, published October 1, 2020 to Fisher et al, and entitled Electronic Lockbox. This electronic lockbox uses a rotary actuator with multiple positions to achieve multiple locking states. Multiple positions of the actuator are detected, using optical sensors. The locking mechanism includes an outer sleeve and an inner cylindrical barrel that are coupled with torsion springs. The lockbox has a shackle and a key bin that are retained by the inner barrel when in the locked state, and the barrel can be rotated to either release the shackle or to release the key bin that typically holds a building's key. There is an electronic control circuit that includes a computer processing circuit, a memory circuit including instructions executable by the processing circuit, an input/output interface circuit, a motor driver circuit, at least one light source driver circuit, and at least one photosensor detection circuit. A
key bin is either locked in place or is released, which is under the control of the computer processing circuit. A shackle is either locked in place or is released, which is also under the control of the computer processing circuit.
A movable actuator has a home position, a key bin release position, and a shackle release position. A
movable indicator (7, ;
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 is in mechanical communication with the movable actuator. A motor that acts as a prime mover of the movable indicator. A light source that emits electromagnetic energy toward the movable indicator, under the control of the computer processing circuit. A
photosensor is located proximal to the movable indicator to detect the electromagnetic energy that is emitted by the light source. If the movable actuator is positioned at the home position as determined by the at least one photosensor, then both the key bin and the shackle are locked in place. If the movable actuator is positioned at the key bin release position as determined by the at least one photosensor, then the key bin is in a released state and its contents become available to a human user. If the movable actuator is positioned at the shackle release position as determined by the at least one photosensor, then the shackle is in a released state and can be detached from the lockbox by a human user.

(00011] One fundamental problem found in known prior art lockboxes is that there is no direct and immediate control by an authorized person, such as a realtor or someone in a real estate office, or a homeowner who might be registered with Airbnb, to permit or deny access to the lockbox once access has been requested.

[00012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic lockbox.

[00013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic lockbox that permits direct and immediate control by an authorized person, such as a realtor or Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 someone in a real estate office, or a homeowner who might be registered with Airbnb, to permit or deny access to the lockbox once access has been requested.

[00014] Other objects, advantages, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00015] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a novel non-transitory, computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor of a server to: store identifying information of an authorized requester;
receive a request from an app to remotely unlock a specified lockbox; store the request;
compare identifying data in the request to data on file for that authorized requester to identify the authorize requester; receive biometric data from the specified lockbox;
compare the biometric data to data on file for that authorized requester to identify the closest match in the main system. In the event that authorize requester identified by the request is the same as the authorize requester identified by the closest match: send a Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 unique code to the app of the authorize requester; receive a verification from the authorize requester; and, send an unlock signal to the specified lockbox, subsequent to receipt of the verification from the authorize requester..

(00016] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a novel non-transitory, computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor of a server to: store identifying information of an authorized requester;
receive a request from an app to remotely unlock a specified lockbox; store the request;
compare identifying data in the request to data on file for that authorized requester to identify the authorize requester; receive proximity information from the specified lockbox; compare the proximity information to data on file for specified lockbox. In the event that authorized requester identified by the request is the same as the authorized requester identified by the proximity information: send a unique code to the app of the authorize requester; receive a verification from the authorize requester; and, send an unlock signal to the specified lockbox, subsequent to receipt of the verification from the authorize requester.

[00017) In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a novel electronic lockbox comprising a housing having a storage compartment for receiving and retaining a housekey therein; an electrically operable mechanism for providing selective access to the housekey; an electronic circuit for controlling the electrically operable mechanism; a computer circuit comprising at least computer -Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 processing circuitry and computer memory, for controlling the electronic circuit. The computer circuit is programmed to: receive from an authorized requester at least one of biometric data and proximity information; generate a data file related to the at least one of biometric data and proximity information; transmit the data file to the main system;
receive an unlock signal from the main system; and, use the unlock signal to control the electronic circuit to thereby cause the electrically operable mechanism to provide selective access to the housekey.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00018] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the apparatus according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently known embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[00019] Figure 1 is a flow chart of the electronic lockbox system according to the present invention.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

[00020] Reference will now be made to Figure 1, which shows the electronic lockbox system 100 according to the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 100.

[00021] Lockboxes are commonly used to control entrance into a building such as a residence or a commercial unit. In the present invention, a physical key to a door of the building is safely locked away inside the lockbox, and the person, such as a real estate agent or an Airbnb tenant, needs to request permission to have the lockbox opened remotely.

[00022] The present invention is used to permit controlled access to a secured key 114 stored in an electronic lockbox 110, to be used to enter a building, for persons such as real estate agents or a temporary tenant in a rental situation, and the like.

[00023] The electronic lockbox system 100 according to the present invention basically comprises an overall main computer system 102 that includes a server 103, an app 104 operable on devices 105 such as smartphones, tablets or computers, and the electronic lockbox 110 typically installed temporarily on the door of a building.
- u. -Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01

[00024]
The person who requires entrance into the building needs to be "on file" in the main computer system 102 as an authorized requester 108. In other words, identifying information 140 of an authorized requester 108 needs to be stored on the main computer system. More specifically, the authorized requester 108 needs to have preregistered at least one unique identifier on the main computer system, such as a cell phone number or an email address, and preferably also biometric data such as a scan of the person's face or fingerprint(s) or a recording of their voice.

(00025]
In the present invention, in conjunction with the server 103, there is a computer readable medium 106 storing instructions executable by a processor of a server 103 to do the following:
= Store identifying information of an authorized requester 108 on the main computer system 102, as indicated by arrow 150. The identifying information might include the name, cell phone number, email, residential address, business, business address, and so on, of the authorized requester 108.
= Receive a request, as indicated by arrow 152, from an app 104 controlled by the authorized requester 108 to remotely unlock the specified electronic lockbox 110.
The electronic lockbox 110 may be identified by address or geographical co-ordinate information, namely longitude and latitude.
It should be noted that the request comprises a unique code that is randomly generated for each request, and that a Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 subsequent request by the same authorized requestor 108 will not use the same code as the previous request.
= Store the request in the main computer system 102, as indicated by arrow 154, for subsequent use so that when authorized requester 108 arrives at the lockbox electronic lockbox 110, the main computer system 102 is ready to receive biometric data, such as facial recognition data or fingerprint recognition data or a voice recording, or proximity information, such as proximity to the lockbox (as determined by the establishment of NFC communication, such as Bluetooth) or geographical co-ordinate information, such as latitude and longitude as obtained by GPS via the cellphone, tablet or portable computer.
= Compare identifying data in the request to data on file for that authorized requester 108 to identify the authorized requester 108, as indicated by arrow 156. The identifying data in the request should readily match the identifying information 140 stored about one of the authorized requesters 108 in the main computer system 102.
That authorized requester 108 is therefore identified as being about to require unlocking of the specified lockbox within a short period of time, once the authorized requester 108 arrives at the lockbox.
= Receive biometric data or proximity information from the specified lockbox via cellular communication channels and/or Wi-Fi and Internet communication channels, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 or any other suitable communication channels, as indicated by arrow 158.
= Compare the biometric data or the proximity information to data on file for that authorized requester 108 to identify the closest match in the main computer system, as indicated by arrow 160. The closest match is identified and then compared to the authorized requester 108 identified by the request.
= In the event that authorized requester 108 identified by the request is the same as the authorized requester 108 identified by the closest match:
= Send a unique code to the app 104 of the authorized requester 108, typically via cellular communication channels and/or Wi-Fi and Internet communication channels, or any other suitable communication channels, as indicated by arrow 162.
This code appears on the screen of the device 105 (smart phone or tablet) running the app 104, thereby notifying the authorized requester 108 that the unique code has been received. In order to unlock the specified electronic lockbox 110, the authorized requester 108 must provide verification by responding to the receipt of the unique code, typically by pressing a "box" or "button" on the app 104, as indicated by arrow 164.
= Receive the verification from the authorized requester 108 subsequent to the request being sent, typically via cellular communication channels and/or Wi-Fi and Internet communication channels, or any other suitable communication channels, as Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 indicated by arrow 166.
= Send an unlock signal to the specified lockbox, as indicated by arrow 168, subsequent to receipt of the verification from the authorize requester 108.

[00026] The electronic lockbox 110 has a housing 111 with a storage compartment 112 for receiving and retaining a physical key 114 therein. A shackle 111s is operatively retained by the housing 111 for locked engagement around a door handle or the like, as is well known in the art of lockboxes.

[00027] Figure 1 shows the lockbox in a closed configuration "A" and an open configuration "B". In the closed configuration "A", the door 113 is closed over the storage compartment 112 and locked in place, to thereby secure the physical key 114 in the storage compartment 112. In the open configuration "B", the door 113 is open to permit access the storage compartment 112. A display screen 116 may be provided on the housing 111 of the specific electronic lockbox 110 to display information such as the name and contact information of a realtor, instructions for entry into the building, advertisements, and so on. An LED indicator light 117 on the housing 111 may be used to indicate various messages or conditions. For instance, the LED indicator light 117 may start flashing to notify a visitor that the real estate agent is nearby, as determined by GPS technology in the device 105 and transmission of the information via the app - is -Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 104 to the main computer system 102. A microphone 118 on the housing 111 may be used to capture the voice of the authorized requester 108.

[00028]
The electronic lockbox 110 further comprises an electrically operable mechanism 119 for providing selective access to the physical key 114, an electronic circuit 121 for controlling the electrically operable mechanism, and a computer circuit 120 for controlling the electronic circuit. In the present invention, the computer circuit 120 comprises at least computer processing circuitry 122 and computer memory 124.
The computer circuit may be programmed to:
= receive from an authorized requester 108 at least one of biometric data and proximity information, as indicated by arrow 170.
= generate a data file related to the at least one of biometric data and proximity information, as indicated by arrow 172.
= transmit the data file to the main computer system 102, as indicated by arrow 174.
= receive an unlock signal from the main computer system 102, as indicated by arrow 176.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 = use the unlock signal to control the electronic circuit 120 to thereby cause the electrically operable mechanism 119 to provide selective access to the physical key 114, as indicated by arrow 178.
= timestamp the at least one of biometric data and proximity information, as indicated by arrow 180.

[00029] In order to use the electronic lockbox system 100 according to the present invention, the authorized requester 108 has the app 104 installed on a cell phone 105, or even a tablet, and uses the app 104 to request unlocking of the specified electronic lockbox 110. The authorized requester 108 uses the app 104 to send the request to the main computer system 102. The request includes identifying information for the specific electronic lockbox 110. This identifier for the specific electronic lockbox 110 would be obtained from the owner of the lockbox, and could include possibly a street address and/or geographic coordinates (longitude and latitude).

[00030] The request 152 is sent to of the main computer system 102 typically via the device 105, such as a cell phone network and/or the Internet, and is received by the main computer system 102. The main computer system 102 receives the request and records and stores, as indicated by arrow 154, the request 152 as a valid request for a period of time. The main computer system 102 is thereby on notice that within - 1.7 -Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 some predetermined timeframe the authorized requester 108 will show up at the specific electronic lockbox 110.

[00031] When the authorized requester 108 is at the specific electronic lockbox 110, biometric data may be collected (fingerprint or facial recognition or voice) by the specific lockbox. In order to do this, the locked box would have a fingerprint scanner to receive and collect fingerprint data, camera to collect facial data, and a microphone to record a voice, as indicated by arrow 170. A data file is generated related to the at least one of biometric data and proximity information, as indicated by arrow 172.

[00032] Additionally or alternatively, when the authorized requester 108 is at the specific electronic lockbox 110, proximity information may be collected (GPS
or NFC
(such as Bluetooth)) via the phone, as indicated by arrow 170. The specific electronic lockbox 110 may recognize the near proximity of the device such as a phone by the fact that NFC communications within the device 105 are possible. The device may transmit GPS coordinates via NFC to the specific electronic lockbox 110.

[00033] The proximity information is transmitted by the specific lockbox, as indicated by arrow 174, via cellular communication channels and/or Wi-Fi and Internet communication channels, or any other suitable communication channels. The biometric information and/or the proximity information may additionally or alternatively be transmitted through the device 105 that has the app 104 thereon.
- is -Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01

[00034] The biometric information and/or the proximity information may be timestamped in order to set time limits for entry to the specified lockbox. If the biometric information matches the information stored on the main computer system, or if the proximity information is within a specified distance of the location of the lockbox, a unique code is sent out by the main computer system 102 to the user's registered phone or tablet and is received by the app 104. The unique code may be timestamped, in order to set time limits for entry to the specified lockbox.

[00035] The smart phone or tablet or computer running the app 104 notifies the authorized requester 108 that the unique code has been received and that the authorized requester 108 must respond, typically by pressing a box on the app 104.
The response is sent by the app 104 back to the main computer system 102 to verify that the user has received the code. The response must be received within a specified period of time (in other words, there is a "time-out" feature), as at least partially determined by the timestamps 160 and 162.

[00036] Upon receipt of the verification from the authorized requester 108, the main computer system 102 sends an unlock signal to the specified electronic lockbox 110. The specified electronic lockbox 110 receives an unlock signal from the main computer system 102, as indicated by arrow 176. The specified electronic lockbox 110 can then be opened using the unlock signal sent to the specified electronic lockbox 110 Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 by the main computer system 102. The unlock signal is used to control the electronic circuit 121 to thereby cause the electrically operable mechanism 119 to provide selective access to the physical key 114 in the storage compartment 112 of the specified electronic lockbox 110, as indicated by arrow 178.

[00037] Further, the main computer system 102 may send an alert to the homeowner or the real estate agent or brokerage before releasing the physical key 114 and wait for confirmation from the homeowner or the real estate agent or brokerage before releasing the physical key 114.

[00038] For the purposes of security and convenience, portable cameras within the building may be connected in data transfer relation to the specified electronic lockbox 110 in order to feed video signals through the specified electronic lockbox 110 and to the main computer system 102 for storage as video files and picture files, and subsequent replay of the video files and picture files. Each time an entry into a building occurs, the main computer system 102 creates a new account automatically. This account is used to record in store videos and pictures taken by the connected cameras within the building. A message is sent via the app 104, or email or text messaging, to the homeowner or the real estate agent or brokerage to inform the homeowner or the real estate agent or brokerage that the videos and pictures are available for review.
For instance, a potential real estate buyer can have a copy of a video virtual tour or Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 photos and information about the house with the push notification that gets added to the device 105 of the real estate agent.

[00039] In order to ensure that the physical key 114 is returned to the specific electronic lockbox 110, the specific electronic lockbox 110 may send a signal from time to time to the app 104 to remind the authorized requester 108 to return the physical key 114 to the specific electronic lockbox 110. Further, the specific electronic lockbox 110 may have a sensor 115 therein for detecting the presence of the physical key 114. If the physical key 114 is not in the specific electronic lockbox 110 and the device 105 with the app 104 is out of range of NEC communication with the specific electronic lockbox 110, the specific electronic lockbox 110 may send a signal from time to time to the app 104 to remind the authorized requester 108 to return the physical key 114 to the specific electronic lockbox 110.

[00040] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the multi-layer mat according to the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01

[00041] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention.
Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[00042] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising", "having", "including", and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as", "for example") provided herein, is intended merely Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[00043]
Illustrated embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those illustrated embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01

Claims (14)

CLAIMS:

1. A non-transitory, computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor of a server to:
store identifying information of an authorized requester;
receive a request from an app to remotely unlock a specified lockbox;
store the request;
compare identifying data in the request to data on file for that authorized requester to identify the authorize requester;
receive biometric data from the specified lockbox;
compare the biometric data to data on file for that authorized requester to identify the closest match in the main system;
in the event that authorize requester identified by the request is the same as the authorize requester identified by the closest match:
send a unique code to the app of the authorize requester;
receive a verification from the authorize requester; and, send an unlock signal to the specified lockbox, subsequent to receipt of the verification from the authorize requester.

2. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 1, further comprising instructions executable by a processor of a server to:
timestamp the request.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01

3. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 1, further comprising instructions executable by a processor of a server to:
timestamp the verification.

4. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the biometric data includes data generated by facial recognition.

5. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the biometric data includes data generated by fingerprint recognition.

6. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 1, further comprising instructions executable by a processor of a server to:
receive the biometric data from the specified lockbox subsequently to storing the request.

7. A non-transitory, computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor of a server to:
store identifying information of an authorized requester;
receive a request from an app to remotely unlock a specified lockbox;
store the request;

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 compare identifying data in the request to data on file for that authorized requester to identify the authorize requester;
receive proximity information from the specified lockbox;
compare the proximity information to data on file for specified lockbox;
in the event that authorized requester identified by the request is the same as the authorized requester identified by the proximity information:
send a unique code to the app of the authorize requester;
receive a verification from the authorize requester; and, send an unlock signal to the specified lockbox, subsequent to receipt of the verification from the authorize requester.

8. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 7, further comprising instructions executable by a processor of a server to:
timestamp the request.

9. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 7, further comprising instructions executable by a processor of a server to:
timestamp the verification.

10. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 7, wherein the proximity information includes identifying information received from the app of the authorized requester.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01

11. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 7, wherein the proximity information includes GPS information received from the app of the authorized requester.

12. A non-transitory, computer readable medium according to claim 7, further comprising instructions executable by a processor of a server to:
receive the proximity information from the specified lockbox subsequently to storing the request.

13. An electronic lockbox comprising:
a housing having a storage compartment for receiving and retaining a housekey therein;
an electrically operable mechanism for providing selective access to the housekey;
an electronic circuit for controlling the electrically operable mechanism;
a computer circuit comprising at least computer processing circuitry and computer memory, for controlling the electronic circuit, the computer circuit prograrnmed to:
receive from an authorized requester at least one of biometric data and proximity information;
generate a data file related to the at least one of biometric data and proximity information;
transmit the data file to the main system;
receive an unlock signal from the main system; and, Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01 use the unlock signal to control the electronic circuit to thereby cause the electrically operable mechanism to provide selective access to the housekey.

14. An electronic lockbox according to claim 13, computer circuit programmed to:
timestamp the at least one of biometric data and proximity information.

Date Recue/Date Received 2022-04-01