U.S. patent application number 15/433419 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-08 for automated entry.
The applicant listed for this patent is Clark Zhe Li, Merrick Schmidt-Lackner. Invention is credited to Clark Zhe Li, Merrick Schmidt-Lackner.
Application Number | 20170161979 15/433419 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54769981 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170161979 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmidt-Lackner; Merrick ;
et al. |
June 8, 2017 |
AUTOMATED ENTRY
Abstract
Automated entry to properties is provided. A user selects a
property for automated entry. It is confirmed whether the property
is available for automated entry by the user. Automated entry to
the user is enabled when automated entry is available for the user
and when the user is within a predetermined distance from the
property.
Inventors: |
Schmidt-Lackner; Merrick;
(Los Angeles, CA) ; Li; Clark Zhe; (Thousand Oaks,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schmidt-Lackner; Merrick
Li; Clark Zhe |
Los Angeles
Thousand Oaks |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54769981 |
Appl. No.: |
15/433419 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13551566 |
Jul 17, 2012 |
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15433419 |
|
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61582163 |
Dec 30, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 9/38 20200101; G06Q
50/163 20130101; G07B 15/00 20130101; G07C 9/00912 20130101; G07C
9/27 20200101; G07C 2209/63 20130101; G06Q 40/12 20131203; G07C
2009/00936 20130101; G07C 9/00571 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07C 9/00 20060101
G07C009/00; H04W 4/02 20060101 H04W004/02; G06Q 50/16 20060101
G06Q050/16 |
Claims
1. A computer implemented method for providing automated entry to
properties, comprising: receiving, by a portable computing device,
a user selection of a property; confirming, by the portable
computing device, the property is available for automated entry by
the user; using, by the portable computing device, a positioning
system to determine when automated entry is enabled to the user,
the positioning system using a triangulation technique to determine
a geographic location of the portable device and distance of the
portable computing system relative to the property, including
receiving signals from the positioning system; and, enabling
automated entry to the user when automated entry is available for
the user and then immediately upon the geographic location of the
portable computing device relative to the property as determined by
the positioning system using the triangulation technique being
within a predetermined distance from the property, the automated
entry not being enabled until the geographic location of the
portable computing device relative to the property as determined by
the positioning system using the triangulation technique is within
the predetermined distance from the property.
2. A computer implemented method as in claim 1 wherein, receiving
the user selection of the property includes the user selecting a
property from search results of a list of properties on a
server.
3. A computer implemented method as in claim 1 wherein confirming
property is available for automated entry by the user includes:
confirming the user has successfully registered to be provided with
automated entry; and, confirming the user has paid a fee for
automated entry to the property.
4. A computer implemented method as in claim 1 wherein confirming
property is available for automated entry by the user includes:
requesting the user to pay a fee for automated entry to the
property; and, confirming the user has paid the fee for automated
entry to the property.
5. A computer implemented method as in claim 1 wherein enabling
automated entry includes one of the following: providing the user
with a code to open a lock box; providing a portable device with a
signal to open the lock box; providing the portable device with a
pattern readable by the lock box; providing the user with a code to
open a door of the property; providing the portable device with a
signal to open the door of the property; providing the portable
device with a pattern readable by a door locking device.
6. A computer implemented method as in claim 1 wherein confirming
the property is available for automated entry by the user includes
consulting a list within a database that indicates automated entry
status for the property.
7. A computer implemented method as in claim 1, wherein the
positioning system is a global positioning system.
8. A computer implemented method as in claim 1, wherein the
positioning system is a triangulation positioning system.
9. A computer implemented method as in claim 1 additionally
comprising: collecting data and statistics about automated entry of
the user to the property.
10. A computer implemented method as in claim 1 wherein a user
selection of a property is received by inputting an identifier from
a sign located on the property.
11. A portable computing device, the portable computing device
including: a display interface that displays properties available
for automated entry; a communication interface to a positioning
system that allows the portable computing device to interact with
the positioning system to determine when automated entry is enabled
to the user, the positioning system using a triangulation technique
to determine a geographical location of the portable computing
device, the communication interface being able to receive signals
originating from the positioning system; and, an automated entry
module that, in response to a user selection of a selection of a
property to view, confirms the property is available for automated
entry by the user and enables automated entry to the user when
automated entry is available for the user and then immediately upon
the geographic location of the portable computing device relative
to the property as determined by the positioning system using the
triangulation technique being within a predetermined distance from
the property, the automated entry not being enabled until the
geographic location of the portable computing device relative to
the property as determined by the positioning system using the
triangulation technique is within the predetermined distance from
the property.
12. A portable computing device as in claim 11 wherein the
automated entry module receives from the user authorization of
payment of a fee for automated entry to the property.
13. A portable computing device as in claim 11 wherein the
automated entry module enables automated entry in one of the
following ways: providing the user with a code to open a lock box;
providing a signal to open the lock box; providing through the
display interface a pattern readable by the lock box; providing the
user with a code to open a door of the property; providing a signal
to open the door of the property; providing through the display
interface a pattern readable by a door locking device.
14. A portable computing device as in claim 11 wherein the
automated entry module consults a list within a database that
indicates automated entry status for the property.
15. A portable computing device as in claim 11, wherein the
position system is a global positioning system (GPS).
16. A portable computing device as in claim 11 wherein the
automated entry module collects data about automated entry of the
user to the property.
17. A system that provides a user with automated entry to
properties, comprising: a list of properties, the list including
properties available for automated entry; a portable computing
device that includes a communication interface to a positioning
system that allows the portable computing device to interact with
the positioning system to determine when automated entry is enabled
to the user, the positioning system using a triangulation technique
to determine a geographical location of the portable computing
device, the communication interface being able to receive signals
originating from the positioning system; and, a server in which the
list of properties is stored, the server confirming to the portable
device when a user selected property is available for automated
entry by the user and the server providing to the portable computer
information that enables the portable device to provide automated
entry to the user when automated entry is available for the user
and then immediately upon the geographical location of the portable
computing device relative to the property as determined by the
positioning system using the triangulation technique being within a
predetermined distance from the property, the automated entry not
being enabled until the geographic location of the portable
computing device relative to the property as determined by the
positioning system using the triangulation technique is within the
predetermined distance from the property.
18. A system as in claim 17 additionally comprising: registration
information for the user, the registration information indicating
the user is registered to be provided with automated entry to
properties.
19. A system as in claim 17 wherein the server confirms the user
has paid a fee for automated entry to the property before the
server provides to the portable computer information that enables
the portable device to provide automated entry to the user.
20. A system as in claim 17 wherein the server additionally
collects data pertaining automated entry of the user to the
property.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Renting or buying a place to live can be a time consuming
endeavor. Available properties are advertised, for example, by
signs on or near the property, advertisements in printed media, in
radio or in television, posting on internet sites and so on.
[0002] Renters and buyers often consider a number of criteria when
selecting a place such as location, price, square footage of
inhabitable area, number of bedrooms or bathrooms, condition of
property and so on. A renter or buyer of a property often desires
to make a detailed personal inspection of a property before making
a decision to rent or purchase.
[0003] Viewing properties can be time consuming. Often times it
requires making arrangement with one or more of a listing agent, a
property manager, a landlord, an owner and so on. Because of
conflicting schedules, it may take a while before some one with
access to the property can meet the prospective buyer or renter at
the property and conduct a tour. When there are many properties to
be inspected, this can be an onerous burden on the time of the
prospective purchaser or renter. It can also be an onerous burden
on the listing agent, property manager, or etc. when multiple
showings are required to obtain a rental or a purchase.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system that
provides automated entry to a property in accordance with an
implementation.
[0005] FIG. 2 is an example of a simplified device display
illustrating use of a search facility of a system that provides
automated entry to a property in accordance with an
implementation.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a simplified device display illustrating results
of a search in accordance with an implementation.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a device display illustrating a property detail
display in accordance with an implementation.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a device display illustrating use of an automated
entry facility of a system that provides automated entry to a
property in accordance with an implementation.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a simplified flowchart illustrating registration
to use a system that provides automated entry to a property in
accordance with an implementation.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a simplified flowchart illustrating use of a
system that provides automated entry to a property in accordance
with an automated entry module is located on portable devices
implementation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] A system provides automated entry to a prospective buyer or
renter of properties. The provision of automated entry eliminates
the need to arrange a tour with an agent or landlord. The system
automates the tour registration process and property entry. This
eliminates the need for an on-site representative of the
property.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of the system. An
automated entry module 16 is located on a portable device 12. For
example, portable device 12 is a smart phone, another type of
cellular phone, a media player, a personal e-mail device, a
personal data assistant ("PDA"), a handheld gaming device, a
digital camera, a computer tablet, a laptop computer or any other
type of device that can be transported to a property and that has
processing capability sufficient to implement the functionality of
automated entry module 16.
[0013] Other portable devices, such as portable device 13, can also
host an automated entry module similar to automated entry module
16. Such portable devices can be connected through a network 10 to
one or more servers, such as a server 11 shown in FIG. 1. Network
10 is, for example, the Internet, a cellular phone network or any
other type of network or combinations of network that allow a
personal device to connect to a server. Server 11, for example,
contains a list of properties 17. List of properties 17 may
include, for example, properties available to rent and/or
properties available to purchase. List of properties 17 also, for
example, contains information indicating which properties are
currently available for automated entry as well as information on
how automated entry is to be provided. While list of properties 17
is shown within server 11, list of properties can be within
portable device 12 or in any other location where it is accessible
to automate entry module 16. List of properties 17, for example, is
a part of a database that stores information on properties such as
visit logs and so on.
[0014] Automated entry module 16 allows a user to search through
property list 17 in order to find properties to search. One of the
properties in property list 17 for which automated entry is enabled
is represented in FIG. 1 by a property 14. Information stored
within property list 17, can be utilized by automated entry module
16 to allow a user of portable device 12 automated entry to
property 14.
[0015] For example, a lock box 15 is shown in FIG. 1 representing
one of the ways automated entry module 16 allows a user of portable
device 12 to access property 14. For example, lock box 15 contains
a key that will open a door allowing entry to property 14. To open
lock box 15, automated entry module 16 can for example, depending
upon various implementations of lock box 15, provide the user with
a code to open lock box 15, provide portable device 12 with a
signal to open lock box, provide portable device 12 with a pattern
to display for optical scanning by lock box 15.
[0016] Alternatively, automated entry module 16 can allow a user of
portable device 12 to access property 14 in other ways. For
example, automated entry module 16 can provide instructions or
codes to the user of portable device 12 to enable the user of
portable device 12 to open a lock to allow access to property 14.
Alternatively, portable device 12 can function as a key to open
lock box 15, or a door or entry way of property 14. For example,
portable device 15 transmits a signal using an appropriate protocol
and radio signal (e.g., RHO signal or other near field
communication) to direct lockbox 15 or a door on property 14 to be
opened. Alternatively, portable device 12 can display a pattern for
an optical reader associated with a property door.
[0017] As will be additionally described below, portable device 12
can receive the ability to access property 14 at any suitable time,
including, for example, upon checking-in remotely. In this
scenario, the entry information can be securely transmitted to
portable device 12 through, for example, network 10, which in this
case includes, for example, a secure wireless network. The ability
to utilize portable device 12 to gain access to property 14 allows
a prospective buyer or renter using device 12 to gain access to
property 14 without the requirement of an appointment with a
listing agent, broker, a landlord, property owner, property
manager, or some other keeper of property 14.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an example of a display of portable device 12
illustrating the ability of portable device 12 to access property
list 17 so that a user of portable device can search for properties
to purchase or to rent.
[0019] For example, within a display 40 of portable device 12,
search fields allow a user to specify search criteria for searching
through list of properties 17. The representative search fields
shown in FIG. 2 include a neighborhood search field 41, a number of
bedrooms search field 42, a number of bathrooms search field 43, a
budget search field 44 and a pet search field 45. These search
fields are exemplary, as other search fields such as square
footage, information on available parking, number of stories and so
on can be included in addition to or instead of the search fields
shown in FIG. 2.
[0020] In FIG. 2, the search fields receive user input by way of
pull down selection menus, illustrated in FIG. 2 by an arrow being
included within each search field. Other methods, such as text
boxes, check boxes and so on can be used to receive search criteria
information from a user.
[0021] Based on search criteria received from the user of portable
device 12, portable device 12 can display search results. For
example, the search criteria are sent via a database query to
server 11. For example, only the properties meeting the input
criteria and which are available for automated tour at the time of
the search are returned as search results. For example, if list of
properties 17 is within portable device 12, this list may be
searched without accessing a server. An example of returned search
results is provided in FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows, for example, pictures for five properties
displayed on display 40 of portable device 12. Each of a property
picture 51, a property picture 52, a property picture 53, a
property picture 54 and a property picture 55 is accompanied by
additional information on the property as well as an arrow that
allows additional detail to be accessed. For example, the number of
prospective renters who have already viewed each displayed property
and the number of renters who have applied to rent each property 14
are included in the additional information. FIG. 3 is only an
example of search results format. Other search results format known
in the art can be used based on implementation requirements,
display size and so on.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a simplified version of a display that appears
when an arrow associated with picture 53 is selected. Additional
information on that property is displayed. For example, a bigger
picture 65 of the property is shown and/or a series of pictures of
the property are available. FIG. 4 is only an example of
information that can be displayed about the property. Many other
types of information can be displayed. For example, the information
may include listing information provided by listing agents,
property managers, landlords and so on. The information may be
associated with one or more databases that are further associated
with one or more servers or can include information previously
downloaded to portable device 12. The information can include
preset times and methods for touring one or more vacancies.
[0024] The user of portable device 12 can select a button 62 to
access a summary of the property. The user of portable device 12
can select a button 63 to access a description of the property. The
user of portable device 12 can select a button 64 to access a map
showing a location of the property. The user of portable device 12
can select a button 61 to go back to the previous screen shown in
FIG. 3. To take a tour of the property, including obtaining
physical access to the property, a user of portable device can
select a start tour now button 66.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a simplified version of a display that appears
when the user of portable device 12 selects start tour now button
66. From the menu displayed in FIG. 5, the user of portable device
12 can return to the previously displayed menu by selecting a back
button 71. To check in, in order to obtain access to the selected
property, the user of portable device 12 can select a button 72. To
call a manager of the selected property, the user of portable
device 12 can select a button 73. For example, if the user of
portable device 12 has questions, before, during or after viewing
the property, the user of portable device 12 can call a phone
number obtained by selecting button 73 shown in FIG. 5. If the
property manager, owner or assistant is not available to answer the
call, the call will go to voice mail. Records of all voice mail
calls are associated with the prospective property stored in a
database on server 11.
[0026] To leave a comment to the manager of the selected property,
the user of portable device 12 can select a button 74 The ability
to leave comments allows the user of portable device 12 to provide
feedback to listing agents, property managers, landlords, etc.
about their experience visiting the selected property.
[0027] For example, upon selecting button 72, portable device 12
notifies server 11. Server 11 then immediately sends an entry
notification, such as an e-mail, text message or automated
voicemail to the property manager and/or owner. For example, the
entry notification includes a name and contact information for the
user of portable device 12. Server 11 also, for example, records in
a database the entry of the user of portable device. The database
keeps a log of user entries, e-mails, texts, voicemails and other
contacts for each property, which are accessible by property
managers and owners for their property.
[0028] To submit an application pertaining to the selected
property, the user of portable device 12 can select a button 75. A
fee associated with the application is shown on button 75. To
return to a window showing search results, the user of portable
device 12 can select a button 76. To report a problem, the user of
portable device 12 can select a button 77.
[0029] FIG. 5 is only an example of a menu for a tour of the
property. Other menus with additional and/or alternative features
can be implemented on portable device 12 and displayed on display
40.
[0030] In some implementations, it is required that a user register
before being allowed automated entry to properties. For example,
FIG. 7 shows a registration process required for a user of portable
device 12 to obtain automated entry to properties.
[0031] In a block 21, the registration process is started. In a
block 22, user information is obtained from the user. For example,
the user information can include identification information such as
name, contact information, current residence, birth date, login
identification and password, drivers license and so on. This
information can be used, for example, in a block 23 to verify the
user. The verification can be as simple as sending a confirmation
e-mail, or can be more complex, including, for example, running a
credit check and checking references. In addition to identification
information, in a block 24, payment information is obtained. This
payment information can be, for example, credit card information,
debit card information, bank information or some other information
that will allow payment to be obtained from the user of portable
device 12 when services are rendered. For example, the information
obtained from the user is stored in server 11.
[0032] In a block 25, the information obtained from the user of
portable device 12 is checked to determine if it is sufficient to
qualify the user of portable device 12 as approved for automated
access of properties. If so, in a block 26 the approval is recorded
in a database located, for example, in server 11. In a block 27,
the registration process is completed. This completion of the
registration process includes, for example, providing a message to
the user of portable device 12 indicating whether or not the user
of portable device 12 is approved for automated access of
properties.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a process to provide
automated entry to property 14 to the user of portable device 12.
In a block 31, the user of portable device 12 selects to view the
property. In a block 32, a check is made to confirm automated entry
is available for the selected property.
[0034] If automated entry is not available, in a block 38, the
automated entry process is completed. Ending of the automated entry
process may include, for example, displaying or making available to
the user of portable device 12 contact information to a landlord,
property manager, owner or real estate agent for the selected
property. For example, auto-entry may be available only during
specified hours (e.g., 8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday). If
the prospective buyer or renter requests to view at a time when the
property is unavailable for viewing, the renter/buyer will be
directed to return when the property is available for viewing. For
example, a property manager or owner or other keeper of the
property sets viewing hours which are stored in server 11.
[0035] If in block 32 it is confirmed that automated entry is
available for the selected property, in a block 33 a request for
payment is made. For example, a small fee may be charged for each
entry made using automated entry. This charge can be made or
authorized here or later in the automated entry process, or not at
all in some implementations.
[0036] In a block 34, a check is made to see whether payment has
been made or authorized. Payment may be made, for example, in
accordance with payment information received during the
registration process illustrated in FIG. 6. If in block 34 it is
determined that payment has not been made or authorized, in block
38, the automated entry process is completed.
[0037] If in block 34 it is determined that payment has been made
or authorized, in a block 35 a location of the selected property is
displayed. For example, the location of the selected property may
be displayed along with an indication of the current location of
portable device 12. The location of portable device 12 can be
determined, for example, using a positioning system. The
positioning system can include any suitable system such as, for
example, a global positioning system ("GPS"), or another type of
positioning system that utilizes a suitable triangulation technique
to determine geographic coordinates of portable device 12. For
example, such a triangulation technique can determine various
measurements (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio ("SNR") or signal
strength measurements) of, for example, a network signal (e.g., a
cellular telephone network signal, a wireless network access point
or "hot spot," or any other suitable network signal) associated
with portable device 12 to perform triangulation,
[0038] In a block 36, a determination is made as to whether the
location of portable device 12, for example, as determined above,
is near to the location of the selected property. If portable
device 12 is located within a predetermined distance of the
selected property, in a block 37, portable device 12 grants
automated access to the property to the user of portable device 12.
The entry can be granted using lock box 15 or using any other means
as described above in the discussion of FIG. 1 or by some other
method such as, portable device 12 transmitting a signal using an
appropriate protocol and radio (e.g., Bluetooth signal or other
near field communication) to direct a door to be opened, or
portable device 12 displaying a pattern for an optical reader
associated with a door or simply displaying a code to open lock box
15 containing a key which can be used to unlock a door on the
selected property.
[0039] For cases where a prospective renter or buyer does not have
a smart phone, the property manager or owner or other keeper of the
property can still provide for remote entry. For example, a number
listed on a for sale or for rent sign can be dialed by the
prospective renter or buyer. The property manager or owner or other
keeper of the property or an assistant can obtain, for example,
identification and credit card information over the phone, log the
obtained information in a database for the property and issue a
one-time pass code that will allow the prospective renter or buyer
access to the properly. In this way, a record of the visit to the
property by the renter will be in the database and there is no need
for the property manager or owner or other keeper of the property
to travel to the property to let the prospective renter or buyer in
to see the property.
[0040] For example, data and/or statistics about user of portable
device 12 are collected by automated entry module and stored either
locally on portable device 12 or remotely on server 11 or some
other electronic device. Such data and statistics can include
information such as the date and time the user of portable device
12 entered a property, the amount of time spent at the property,
the amount of time required to process a rental application and so
on. This provides listing agents, property managers, landlords,
etc. with indications about why particular properties aren't being
rented or sold. This also allows owners and property managers,
etc., to accumulate detailed statistics on property activity such
as, how many views, how many interests (click visit), how many
unlocks and so on.
[0041] In one implementation, a property owner or manager or other
keeper of the property can generate a one-time entry code manually
in the portal. This is useful, for example, when after speaking
with a potential renter over the phone, the property owner or
manager or other keeper of the property desires to let the
potential renter view the home without expending time and gas on a
physical trip to the property.
[0042] The layers used--e.g., registration, gps, one time code,
etc--allow for screening and increased security for the process by
which prospective renters and buyers view properties.
[0043] For example, once a potential renter or buyer has selected a
property to tour, additional nearby properties also available to
tour may be presented to the user. In this case, it would not be
necessary for a potential renter or buyer to begin the search
process again in order to tour additional nearby properties.
[0044] For example, automated entry module 16 may be embodied in a
computer program product that includes a non-transitory machine
readable and/or usable medium. For example, such a computer usable
medium may consist of a read-only memory device, such as a CD ROM
disk or conventional ROM device, or a random access memory, such as
a hard drive device or a computer diskette, or flash memory device
having a computer readable program code stored thereon.
[0045] In the system shown in FIG. 1, a sticker may be placed on a
sign to identify a property. For example, the sticker includes a
bar code or some other encoded or unencoded indicium that is an
identifier of the property. Alternately, for example, the sticker
is not present but the Identifier is placed directly on the
sign.
[0046] For example, when portable device 12 is equipped with a
scanner, the sticker can be scanned to obtain the identifier.
Alternately, the identifier can be obtained from the sticker by
some other means. For example, the identifier could be a number
that a user of portable device 12 reads and manually enters into
portable device 12.
[0047] A query to a list of properties 17, stored, for example, in
server 11 or portable device 12, can be used to obtain property
detail, such as the additional information disclosed in the display
shown in FIG. 4. For example, to take a tour of the property,
including obtaining physical access to the property, a user of
portable device can select a start tour now button 66, shown in
FIG. 4. This allows a user of portable device 12 to instantly
obtain information about a property, and instant access to the
property, all from scanning an identifier on a sign located on the
property.
[0048] For example, the sticker can include an identifier that is
associated with lock box 15, so that the sign (or a new sign with
the sticker) and lock box 15 can simultaneously be easily moved
together to a new property with minimal reconfiguration.
[0049] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely
exemplary methods and implementations. As will be understood by
those familiar with the art, the disclosed subject matter may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit
or characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is
intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the
invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *