System and method for a monitoring system

Abstract

This refers to a system, method, mobile communication device, and one or more computer programs for a monitoring system. In one aspect, the system includes a plurality of transmitters, each transmitter having associated with it a reflector antenna configured to substantially reflect the signal transmission toward a detection area; and a device configured to: receive transmitter signals from at least two transmitters among the plurality of transmitters; and determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area based on the signal strengths received from at least some of the transmitter signals.

Description

1 / 150 “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MONITORING SYSTEM Cross-referencing related requests

[001] This application claims priority over Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016903000 filed on July 29, 2016, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016903001 filed on July 29, 2016, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016903055 filed on August 3, 2016, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016903056 filed on August 3, 2016, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016904488 filed on November 3, 2016 and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2016904487 filed on November 3, 2016, the content of which is pre-incorporated herein by reference. Field of Invention

[002] The present invention relates to a system, method, mobile communication device and one or more computer programs for a monitoring system. By way of example, the monitoring system monitors vehicles entering and leaving a vehicle parking area. Background

[003] There are several problems with monitoring systems. For example, with regard to monitoring systems that monitor the entry and exit of vehicles to and from a facility. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 10 / 324 In 2 / 150 of vehicle parking, the most common technique is the use of a ticketing system. Specifically, a physical ticket is issued to the driver at the entry point upon being granted access to the parking facility. The driver can then present the ticket to a payment machine to pay for the time the vehicle was parked in the parking facility. The ticket can then be presented to another ticketing machine at an exit point to allow exit from the parking facility. Such ticketing systems have numerous problems. For example, due to the specific design of vehicles and parking stations, some drivers have difficulty retrieving the ticket from the ticketing machine at the entry point or inserting a ticket for reading with the ticket reader at the exit point without leaving the vehicle.Generally, the driver may also try to hold onto / find the ticket while driving inside the parking lot, which can distract the driver and result in accidents. Furthermore, if the ticket is lost by the driver, the driver is usually required to pay the full fee to leave the parking facility. Additionally, in crowded parking facilities, there may be a long queue of drivers at the payment machines to pay for their respective parking. Furthermore, in crowded parking facilities, there may be a significant queue. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 11 / 324 3 / 150 on ticket issuing and reading machines due to the time spent by the driver to collect and insert the ticket.

[004] Some attempts have been made to configure monitoring systems so that they automatically detect an approaching user's mobile device when it is at a specified location relative to the entry or exit point. However, current mobile device positioning systems are somewhat inaccurate or may not be appropriate for the particular problem at hand. For example, Bluetooth warning systems are generally affected by various changing environmental interferences, meaning that the user's mobile phone may detect a warning signal at varying distances from the entry or exit signal. Other positioning systems, such as satellite positioning systems (e.g., GPS), are generally only accurate within 3.5 meters; however, it is possible that the detected position may only be accurate to 10 meters.Satellite positioning systems are generally useful in outdoor environments. In areas such as underground parking garages, satellite positioning systems may simply not be available, or the accuracy will be extremely insufficient and therefore inappropriate for determining whether a user's mobile device is in a specified location relative to the ground. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 12 / 324 4 / 150 entry point or exit point in order to determine whether the user can enter or exit the restricted area.

[005] There are other problems with other applications of monitoring systems. For example, a residential / commercial building may have a monitoring system in the form of a residential parking access control system that can be activated using a hand-operated radio transmitter or proximity card to open a gate, rolling door, or similar. Because some drivers tend to try to locate the radio transmitter or proximity card before approaching the gate / door while driving to speed up the access process, the driver tends to get distracted, which can lead to accidents. Furthermore, if a new user wants to access the restricted parking area, a new hand-operated transmitter or proximity card must be requested, especially if the access control system is a proprietary system.

[006] Regarding building access control systems, users may be required to carry an identification device, such as a proximity card or similar, which can be read by a reading device in order to open a controlled access door, or similar. However, a large number of users tend to store their device Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 13 / 324 5 / 150 identification in a bag or wallet that, in some cases, must be removed to be read. This can be frustrating and time-consuming for the user. Furthermore, since users tend to carry a number of items when passing through these controlled access doors, it is frustrating that a dedicated device, with no other purpose, needs to be carried by the user when trying to access the restricted area.

[007] Monitoring systems to detect when a user's mobile device is located in a particular space or area are extremely difficult to obtain with significant accuracy. Existing systems include Apple iBeacon™ which cannot really control the distance a signal propagates with any precision. Therefore, a mobile device may determine that it is in a particular space or area when, in fact, the signal emitted by the iBeacon™ may have propagated substantially further than necessary, thus providing a false positive detection.

[008] Therefore, there is a need to reduce one or more of the problems mentioned above or to provide a commercial alternative.

[009] Reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or to any known subject matter is not, and should not be taken as, a confirmation or admission of any kind. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 14 / 324 6 / 150 of the suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or known material is part of common general knowledge in the field of activity to which this specification refers. Summary

[010] To summarize the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and innovative features of the invention have been described in this document. It should be understood that not all of these advantages can necessarily be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be incorporated or carried out in a way that aims at one advantage or group of advantages, as taught in this document, without necessarily aiming at other advantages, as may be taught or suggested in this document.

[011] In one aspect, a system is provided that includes:

[012] a plurality of transmitters, each transmitter having associated with it a reflector antenna configured to substantially reflect the signal transmission towards a detection area; and

[013] a mobile device configured for:

[014] receive transmitter signals from at least two transmitters in the plurality of transmitters; and

[015] determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area based on signal strengths Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 15 / 324 7 / 150 received from at least some of the transmitter signals.

[016] In certain configurations, each reflector antenna is a corner reflector antenna.

[017] In certain modes, the respective reflection walls of each reflector antenna are walls of a mooring pole that houses the respective transmitter.

[018] In certain embodiments, a dipole-driven element of each transmitter is spaced from the corner reflector antenna by a spacer bracket mounted inside the respective tie-down pole.

[019] In certain forms, each mooring post includes a cutout section to enable the transmission of the signal from the respective transmitter by the respective transmitter.

[020] In certain embodiments, each mooring post has a protective cover to cover the respective cutout section without substantially inhibiting the transmission of the respective transmitter signal by the respective transmitter towards the detection area.

[021] In certain embodiments, each mooring post has upper and lower signal suppression material located above and below the transmitter in order to substantially suppress transmission diffraction of the respective transmitter signal in an upward and downward direction. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 16 / 324 8 / 150

[022] In certain configurations, each mooring post has a substantially square cross-sectional profile.

[023] In certain modes, the plurality of transmitters consists of two transmitters, wherein the plurality of transmitters is separated from one another, and the reflector antennas of the transmitters are substantially facing each other in order to define the detection area in at least part of the area between them.

[024] In certain embodiments, the plurality of transmitters consists of three transmitters, which are separated from each other in a triangular configuration, and the reflector antennas of the plurality of transmitters are substantially facing each other in order to define the detection area in at least part of the area between them.

[025] In certain embodiments, the plurality of transmitters consists of four transmitters, which are separated from each other in a quadrilateral configuration, and the reflector antennas of the plurality of transmitters are substantially facing each other in order to define the detection area in at least part of the area between them.

[026] In certain modes, the plurality of transmitters are Bluetooth devices. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 17 / 324 9 / 150

[027] In certain modes, Bluetooth devices are Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices.

[028] In certain modes, the determination that the mobile device is located within the detection area is based on an average value of the received signal strengths.

[029] In certain modalities, the average value is one of:

[030] a harmonic mean value; and

[031] a geometric mean value.

[032] In certain modes, the mobile device is configured to determine a masking value using the signal strengths received for at least some of the transmitters, and the mobile device uses the average value and the masking value to determine whether the mobile device is located in one of a plurality of detection areas associated with the plurality of transmitters.

[033] In certain modes, the mobile device is configured to:

[034] determine a first masking value based on a discrepancy between a first average value of the received signal strength for signals received from a first pair of transmitters in the plurality of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 18 / 324 10 / 150 transmitters and a second average value of the received signal strength for signals received from a second pair of transmitters in the transmitter plurality;

[035] determine a second masking value based on a discrepancy between the second mean value and the first mean value;

[036] determine whether the mobile device is located in a first detection area if one or more first criteria are met based on masking the mean value using the first masking value; and

[037] determine whether the mobile device is located in a second detection area if one or more second criteria are met based on masking the average value using the second masking value.

[038] In certain modes, the mobile device is configured to determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area in response to the mobile device determining that the average value of the received signal strengths is greater than or equal to a signal strength threshold over a time-limit period.

[039] In certain modes, the mobile device is configured to determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area in response to the mobile device determining that the average value of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 19 / 324 11 / 150 received signal strength is greater than or equal to a first signal strength limit over a time-limit period that begins when the average value of the strengths The received signal strength is greater than a second signal strength limit, and the second signal strength limit is greater than the first limit. signal strength.

[040] In certain modes, the mobile device is configured to transfer data indicating the determination that the mobile device is within the detection area to a monitoring system.

[041] In certain modalities, the monitoring system includes a controller with an associated communication device, wherein the data indicating the determination is an access request generated and transferred by the mobile device that is received by the controller through the communication device, wherein the controller is configured to facilitate, based on the request, instructing an access control system to allow the entity to pass through an entry or exit point.

[042] In certain modalities, the entry or exit points are associated with a vehicle parking facility.

[043] In certain modalities, at least one of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 20 / 324 12 / 150 The input request and output request generated by the mobile communication device are indicative of one or more wireless devices to which the mobile communication device is currently connected, and if the controller receives data indicating a plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests received from multiple mobile communication devices, the one or more connected wireless devices indicated by at least one of the input or output requests are used to determine at least partially which input or output request from the plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests should be processed.

[044] In certain modes, the mobile communication device is configured to determine, using the signal strengths received from at least some of the transmitter signals, a positional displacement of the mobile device within the detection area, wherein at least one of the input or output requests is indicative of a positional displacement of the mobile device within the detection area, and if the controller receives data indicating a plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests received from multiple mobile communication devices, the positional displacement Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 21 / 324 13 / 150, indicated by at least one of the incoming or outgoing requests, is used to determine, at least partially, which incoming or outgoing request among a plurality of substantially simultaneous incoming or outgoing requests should be processed.

[045] In a second aspect, a method is provided that includes:

[046] transmit, from a plurality of transmitters, transmitter signals, each transmitter having associated with it a reflector antenna configured to substantially reflect the signal transmission towards a detection area; and

[047] determine, on a mobile device, that the mobile device is located within the detection area based on signal strengths received from at least two transmitter signals out of a plurality of transmitter signals.

[048] In certain modes, the determination that the mobile device is located within the detection area is based on an average value of the received signal strengths.

[049] In certain modalities, the average value is one of:

[050] a harmonic mean value; and

[051] a geometric mean value. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 22 / 324 14 / 150

[052] In certain embodiments, the method includes the mobile device determining a masking value using the signal strengths received for at least some of the transmitters, wherein the mobile device uses the average value and the masking value to determine whether the mobile device is located in one of a plurality of detection areas associated with the plurality of transmitters.

[053] In certain modalities, the method includes the mobile device:

[054] determine a first masking value based on a discrepancy between a first average value of the received signal strength for signals received from a first pair of transmitters in the plurality of transmitters and a second average value of the received signal strength for signals received from a second pair of transmitters in the plurality of transmitters;

[055] determine a second masking value based on a discrepancy between the second mean value and the first mean value;

[056] determine whether the mobile device is located in a first detection area if one or more first criteria are met based on masking the mean value using the first masking value; and

[057] determine if the mobile device is located Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 23 / 324 15 / 150 in a second detection area if one or more secondary criteria are met based on masking the mean value using the second masking value.

[058] In certain embodiments, the method includes the mobile device determining that the mobile device is located within the detection area in response to the mobile device determining that the average value of the received signal strengths is greater than or equal to a signal strength threshold over a time-limit period.

[059] In certain embodiments, the method includes the mobile device determining that the mobile device is located within the detection area in response to the mobile device determining that the average value of the received signal strengths is greater than or equal to a first signal strength threshold over a time-threshold period that begins when the average value of the intensities The received signal strength is greater than a second signal strength limit, and the second signal strength limit is greater than the first limit. signal strength.

[060] In certain embodiments, the method includes the mobile device transferring data indicating the determination that the mobile device is within the detection area to a monitoring system. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 24 / 324 16 / 150

[061] In certain embodiments, the monitoring system includes a controller with an associated communication device, wherein the indicative data of the determination is a request generated and transferred by the mobile device that is received by the controller through the communication device, wherein the method includes the controller instructing, based on the request, an access control system to allow the entity to pass through an entry or exit point.

[062] In certain modalities, the entry or exit point is associated with a vehicle parking facility.

[063] In certain embodiments, at least one of the input requests and the output requests generated by the mobile communication device is indicative of one or more wireless devices to which the mobile communication device is currently connected, and if the controller receives data indicating a plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests received from multiple mobile communication devices, the method involves the controller using one or more connected wireless devices indicated by at least one of the input or output requests to determine at least partially which input or output request is among the plurality of requests. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 25 / 324 17 / 150 substantially simultaneous inbound or outbound transactions must be processed.

[064] In certain embodiments, the mobile communication device is configured to determine, using the signal strengths received from at least some of the transmitter signals, a positional displacement of the mobile device within the detection area, wherein at least one of the input or output requests is indicative of a positional displacement of the mobile device within the detection area, wherein the controller receives data indicating a plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests received from multiple mobile communication devices, wherein the method includes the controller using the positional displacement indicated by at least one of the input or output requests to determine at least partially which input or output request among the plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests should be processed.

[065] In a third aspect, a system is provided that includes:

[066] a plurality of transmitters, each transmitter having associated with it a reflector antenna configured to substantially reflect transmission of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 26 / 324 18 / 150 signal towards a detection area; and

[067] a computer program executable by a mobile device associated with an entity, wherein the mobile device is configured to:

[068] receive transmitter signals from at least two transmitters in the plurality of transmitters; and

[069] determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area based on the signal strengths received from at least some of the transmitter signals.

[070] Other aspects and modalities will be recognized through detailed description. Brief Description of the Figures

[071] Exemplary embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is provided for illustrative purposes only, of at least one preferred, but not limiting, embodiment described in connection with the accompanying figures.

[072] Figure 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an example of a processing device that can be used to perform or give effect to a particular modality;

[073] Figure 2 illustrates an example of network infrastructure that can be used to perform or give effect to a particular modality;

[074] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 27 / 324 19 / 150 Example of a system for an access control system for a parking facility;

[075] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart that represents a method performed by the system in Figure 3;

[076] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an example of an input or output communication device body;

[077] Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of an example of a portion of the input or output communication device;

[078] Figure 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the input or output communication device of Figure 6;

[079] Figure 8 is an elevated view of a portion of the input or output communication device of Figure 6; and

[080] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the input or output communication device of Figure 6;

[081] Figures 10A to 10C are plan views of a schematic illustration of a vehicle approaching an entry point and being granted access to park within a parking facility using the system of Figure 3;

[082] Figures 11A to 11C are plan views of a Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 28 / 324 20 / 150 Schematic illustration of a vehicle approaching an exit point and being authorized to leave the parking facility using the system in Figure 3;

[083] Figure 12 is a time-scaled graph of power values ​​for the first, second, third, and fourth signals received by the mobile communication device of the communication system in Figure 3;

[084] Figure 13 illustrates a block diagram of an example system for an access control system for a residential / commercial parking area;

[085] Figure 14 illustrates a block diagram of an example system for an access control system for a building access system; and

[086] Figure 15 illustrates a block diagram of an additional system example for an access control system.

[087] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate a block diagram of an additional exemplary system for an access control system;

[088] Figure 17A illustrates a block diagram of an additional exemplary system for an access control system for a vehicle parking area;

[089] Figure 17B illustrates a flowchart representing a method performed by the system in Figure 17A;

[090] Figure 18 illustrates a plan view of a Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 29 / 324 21 / 150 alternative transmitter arrangement for a system in order to operate with an access control system;

[091] Figure 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary transmitter assembly that includes a mooring post and a transmitter;

[092] Figure 20 illustrates a semi-transparent projected view of the transmitter assembly of Figure 19;

[093] Figure 21 illustrates a contour plot showing the harmonic mean value calculated at various positions for a simulation of a noise-free four-transmitter configuration and an ideal superimposed region of the detection area;

[094] Figure 22 illustrates a two-dimensional plot of the region detection area for the simulated transmitter configuration of Figure 21;

[095] Figure 23 is a graph of the harmonic mean value calculated at positions along line E for the simulated transmitter configuration of Figure 21;

[096] Figure 24 is a graph of the harmonic mean value calculated at positions along line F for the simulated transmitter configuration of Figure 21;

[097] Figure 25 illustrates a contour plot showing the harmonic mean value calculated for a simulation of a configuration of four transmitters with noise and an ideal region superimposed on the detection area; Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 30 / 324 22 / 150

[098] Figure 26 is a two-dimensional plot of the detection area for the simulated transmitter configuration of Figure 25;

[099] Figure 27 is a graph of the harmonic mean value calculated at positions along line G for the simulated transmitter configuration of Figure 25;

[100] Figure 28 is a graph of the harmonic mean value calculated at positions along line H for the simulated transmitter configuration of Figure 25;

[101] Figure 29 is a contour plot representation showing the harmonic mean value calculated for a simulation of a two-transmitter configuration without noise and an ideal superimposed region of the detection area;

[102] Figure 30 is a two-dimensional plot of the region detection area for the simulated transmitter configuration of Figure 29;

[103] Figure 31 is a graph of the harmonic mean value calculated at positions along line I for the simulated transmitter configuration of Figure 29;

[104] Figure 32 is a graph of the harmonic mean value calculated at positions along line J for the simulated transmitter configuration of Figure 29;

[105] Figure 33 is a graph showing a plot of error rates for various mean value limits. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 31 / 324 23 / 150 harmonic for a two- and four-transmitter configuration;

[106] Figure 34 is a contour plot representation showing the RSSI for a simulation of a noise-free three-transmitter configuration and an ideal overlapping region of the detection area;

[107] Figure 35 is a contour plot representation showing the geometric mean value calculated for a simulation of a noise-free four-transmitter configuration and an ideal superimposed region of the detection area;

[108] Figure 36 illustrates a plan view of an alternative exemplary transmitter arrangement for a system to operate with an access control system, wherein the mobile communication device is located outside both detection areas;

[109] Figure 37 illustrates a plan view of the alternative transmitter arrangement of Figure 36, wherein the mobile communication device is located within a left detection area;

[110] Figures 38 and 39 illustrate a flowchart representing a method implemented by a system that includes the mobile communication device and access control system for the alternative transmitter arrangement of Figures 36 and 37; Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 32 / 324 24 / 150

[111] Figure 40A is a contour plot representation showing the average value at various positions calculated for the alternative transmitter arrangement of Figures 36 and 37;

[112] Figure 40B is a contour plot representation showing a discrepancy between a left mean value and a right mean value at various positions calculated for the alternative transmitter arrangement of Figures 36 and 37;

[113] Figure 40C is a contour plot representation showing the masked mean value at various positions that define a left detection area for the alternative transmitter arrangement of Figures 36 and 37;

[114] Figure 41 is a graph showing the masked mean value at positions along the K line;

[115] Figure 42 is a graph showing the masked mean value at positions along the L line;

[116] Figure 43 is a two-dimensional plot showing the region of the left detection area defined by a boundary for the alternative transmitter arrangement of Figures 36 and 37;

[117] Figure 44 is a graph showing a comparison of an error rate between the alternative transmitter arrangement of Figures 16A and 16B compared to the arrangement Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 33 / 324 25 / 150 alternative transmitter of Figures 36 and 37; and

[118] Figure 45 is an additional system for detecting whether a mobile device is located within a detection area. Detailed Description of Illustrative Modalities

[119] The following modes, provided for example purposes only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the object of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. In the Figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an exemplary embodiment, equal reference numbers are used to identify equal parts in all Figures.

[120] A particular embodiment of the present invention can be carried out using a processing device, an example of which is shown in Figure 1. In particular, the processing device 100 generally includes at least one processor 102, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 104, at least one input device 106 and at least one output device 108, coupled via a bus or group of buses 110. In certain embodiments, the input device 106 and the output device 108 may be the same device. An interface 112 may also be provided for coupling the processing device 100 to one or more peripheral devices, for example, the interface 112 may Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 34 / 324 26 / 150 being a PCI card or PC card. At least one storage device 114, hosting at least one database 116, may also be provided. Memory 104 may be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid-state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The processor 102 may include more than one distinct processing device, for example, to operate different functions within the processing device 100.

[121] Input device 106 receives input data 118 (such as electronic content data), for example, via a network or from a local storage device. Output device 108 produces or generates output data 120 (such as viewable content) and may include, for example, a display device or monitor, in which case the output data 120 is visual, a printer, in which case the output data 120 is printed, a port, for example, a USB port, a peripheral component adapter, a data transmitter or antenna, such as a modem or wireless network adapter, etc. Output data 120 may be distinct and derived from different output devices, for example, a visual display on a monitor in conjunction with data transmitted over a network. A user may view the output data, or an interpretation of the output data, for example, on a monitor. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 35 / 324 27 / 150 or using a printer. The storage device 114 can be any form of data or information storage medium, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid-state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc.

[122] Examples of electronic data storage devices 114 may include disk storage, optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, flash memory / memory cards (e.g., solid-state semiconductor memory), multimedia cards, USB drives or memories, pen drives, SD (Secure Digital) cards, microSD cards, miniSD cards, SDHC cards, miniSDSC cards, solid-state drives, and the like.

[123] In use, the processing device 100 is adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and / or retrieved from, via wireless or wired communication, at least one database 116. The interface 112 may allow wireless and / or wired communication between the processing unit 102 and peripheral components that may serve a specialized purpose. The processor 102 receives instructions as input data 118 through the input device 106 and may display processed results or other outputs sent to a user using the output device 108. More than one input device 106 and / or output device 108 may be Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 36 / 324 28 / 150 provided. It should be noted that the processing device 100 can be any type of terminal, PC, laptop, notebook, tablet, smartphone, specialized hardware, or similar.

[124] The processing device 100 can be part of a network communication system 200, as shown in Figure 2. The processing device 100 can connect to the network 202, for example, the Internet or the WAN. Input data 118 and output data 120 can be communicated to other devices through the network 202. Other terminals, for example, thin client 204, other processing systems 206 and 208, laptop 210, mainframe computer 212, PDA 214, pen computer 216, server 218 etc., can be connected to the network 202. A wide variety of other types of terminals or configurations can be used. The transfer of information and / or data on the network 202 can be achieved using wired communication means 220 or wireless communication means 222. The server 218 can facilitate the transfer of data between the network 202 and one or more databases 224.Server 218 and one or more databases 224 provide an example of an information source.

[125] Other networks can communicate with network 202. For example, telecommunications network 230 can facilitate data transfer between network 202 and a mobile phone. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 37 / 324 29 / 150 or mobile 232 or a PDA-type device 234, using wireless communication medium 236 and receiving / transmitting station 238. The satellite communication network 240 can communicate with a satellite signal receiver 242 that receives data signals from satellite 244, which, in turn, is in remote communication with the satellite signal transmitter 246. Terminals, for example, another processing system 248, a laptop computer 250, or a satellite phone 252, can thus communicate with the network 202. A local network 260, which, for example, can be a private network, LAN, etc., can also be connected to the network 202. For example, the network 202 can be connected to Ethernet 262, which connects the terminals 264, the server 266, which controls the transfer of data to and / or from the database 268, and the printer 270. Various other types of networks They can be used.

[126] The processing device 100 is adapted to communicate with other terminals, for example, other processing systems 206, 208, sending and receiving data 118, 120, to and from the network 202, thus facilitating possible communication with other components of the network communication system 200.

[127] In this way, for example, networks 202, 230, 240 may form part of or be connected to the Internet, in which case terminals 206, 212, 218, for example, may be web servers, Internet terminals or similar. The Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 38 / 324 30 / 150 networks 202, 230, 240, 260 may be or form part of other communication networks, such as LAN, WAN, Ethernet, token ring, FDDI, star networks, etc., or mobile telephony networks, such as GSM, CDMA or 3G, 4G networks, etc., and may be fully or partially wired, including, for example, fiber optic or wireless networks, depending on a particular implementation.

[128] Referring to Figure 3, an exemplary system 302 is shown for use with a monitoring system provided in the form of an access control 304 for a vehicle parking facility, such as a vehicle parking station. In one form, system 302 functions as a virtual ticketing system. Systems 302 and 304 work together to form system 300.

[129] In particular, the system 302 includes a communication system 306 associated with the vehicle parking facility and a computer program 308 executable on a mobile device, such as a mobile communication device 310.

[130] The mobile communication device 310 may be provided in the form of a processing device 100 and, more specifically, in the form of a smartphone, a tablet, a processing system or the like. In particular, the mobile communication device 310 generally includes a Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 39 / 324 31 / 150 processor 102, a memory 104, an input device 106, an output device 108 and a communication interface 112 coupled via a bus. The input and output devices 106, 108 may be provided in an integrated manner, such as a touch screen. In particular embodiments, the mobile communication device 310 may include a camera device. The mobile communication device 310 is generally associated with an entity, such as a user, which may be a driver or a passenger of the vehicle. The computer program 308 may be provided in the form of a 'mobile application'.

[131] In use, the mobile communication device 310 may be located near the user in the vehicle, in the user’s pocket, mounted inside the vehicle, or similar. Preferably, the user does not need to interact with the mobile communication device 310 during use for communication to occur between the mobile communication device 310 and the communication system 206. Instead, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to operate and communicate automatically with the communication system without user input to enter and exit the restricted vehicle parking area.

[132] The 304 access control system of the vehicle parking facility may be a ticket issuing system including a control processing system Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 40 / 324 32 / 150 access 312, an entry controller 314 in the form of a ticket issuing machine at an entry point of the vehicle parking facility, an exit controller 316 in the form of a ticket reading machine at the exit point of the vehicle parking facility, an automated entry and exit set 318, 320 (for example, an automatically controlled barrier gate) at the respective entry and exit points, and a vehicle detection system 322. The access control processing system 312 may be provided in the form of a processing system 100.

[133] Advantageously, the system described 302 can be adapted with an existing access control system 304 that currently issues physical tickets, such that an entity has the option of receiving authorization data in the form of a virtual ticket on its respective mobile communication device 310. However, it is possible that the system 300 is newly designed and installed including system 302. For clarity, the entity, in this example, is a user associated with the mobile communication device 310.

[134] Referring more specifically to Figure 3, communication system 306 is generally a local communication system that uses wireless communication. Communication system 306 includes an input communication system 324 including at least one input communication device associated with the area entry point. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 41 / 324 33 / 150 restricted and an outbound communication system 326 including at least one outbound communication device associated with the restricted area exit point.

[135] Preferably, the 306 communication system includes a plurality of input communication devices associated with the restricted area entry point and a plurality of output communication devices associated with the restricted area exit point. As will be described in more detail below, the use of multiple input and output communication devices can be advantageous for operating different mobile communication devices that have different communication characteristics (e.g., speed, communication sensitivity, etc.).

[136] More specifically, the entry communication system 324 includes a first entry communication device 334 located a short distance (i.e., 0.5 to 10 meters) before the ticket issuing machine 314 and the gate assembly with entry barrier 318 at the entry point of the parking facility. Similarly, a first exit communication device 354 is located a short distance (i.e., 0.5 to 10 meters) before the ticket reading machine 316 and the gate assembly with exit barrier 320 at the exit point of the parking facility. In one form, the first device of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 42 / 324 34 / 150 input communication 334 and the first output communication device 354 are located within their respective beacons. The first input and output communication devices 334, 354 are preferably fixed devices. Preferably, the first input communication device 334 and the first output communication device 354 communicate using a Bluetooth protocol, such as Bluetooth Low Energy. The wireless signal transmitted by the first input and output communication devices 334, 354 is indicative of a unique device identity / address for the respective communication device.

[137] Referring to Figure 5, a communication device body 325 of the first input communication device 334 or the first output communication device 354 is shown, which has a parabolic-shaped inner wall to house a directional antenna. Figures 6 to 9 show the communication device body assembled with a microcontroller 328, which is mounted on the rear surface of the communication device body 325. The microcontroller 328 is configured to perform various wireless communication processes. As can be seen in Figures 6 to 9, the antenna element 327, which is in electrical communication with the microcontroller 328, is located at a focal point of the parabolic-shaped inner wall. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 43 / 324 35 / 150 parabolic. The parabolic-shaped wall of the communication device body 325 defines an oriented transmission region, like an “access point,” where the mobile communication device 310 can detect a strong increase in received signal strength compared to areas outside the oriented transmission region. As shown in Figures 5 to 9, the directional antenna of the early input / output communication devices 334, 354 is a parabolic antenna that advantageously focuses the transmitted signal within a specific region while capturing signals transmitted from the mobile communication device 310 over a wide region. It will be observed that coverage can extend between the lateral edges of the body 325, which is substantially flush with the outer wall of the beacon, although, for clarity, this has not been shown in Figures 5 to 9.

[138] Preferably, the input communication system 324 of the communication system 306 may also include a second input communication device 336 located within or near the ticket issuing machine 318. In addition, the output communication system 326 of the communication system 306 may also include a second output communication device 356 located within or near the ticket reading machine 316. The second input and output communication devices Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 44 / 324 36 / 150 336 and 356 are preferably fixed devices. Preferably, the second input and output communication devices 336 and 356 are Bluetooth communication devices using Bluetooth Low Energy. The wireless signal transmitted by the second input and output communication devices 336 and 356 is indicative of a unique device identity / address for the respective communication device. The second input communication device 336 is part of or coupled to an entry point microcontroller 338, such as a Raspberry Pi microcontroller or similar, located within or near the ticket issuing machine 314. The first input communication device 334 is also coupled, via a cable extending between the beacon and the ticket issuing machine 314, to the entry point microcontroller 338.Similarly, the second output communication device 356 is part of, or coupled with, via a cable, an exit point microcontroller 358, such as a Raspberry Pi microcontroller or similar, located on or near the ticket reading machine 316. The first output communication device 354 is also part of, or coupled with, the exit point microcontroller 358 via a cable that extends between the beacon and the ticket reading machine 320. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 45 / 324 37 / 150

[139] The input communication system 324 of the communication system 306 preferably further includes a third and fourth input communication device 330, 332 provided in the form of a first input transmitter 330 and a second input transmitter 332. In addition, the output communication system 326 of the communication system 306 further includes a third and fourth output communication device 350, 352 provided in the form of a first output transmitter 350 and a second output transmitter 352. The first and second input and output transmitters 330, 332, 350, 352 are configured to function as beacons, each periodically transmitting a unique wireless signal that can be received by an approaching mobile communication device 310. The unique wireless signal may be indicative of a unique identity (such as a universally unique identifier) ​​associated with the respective communication device.The unique wireless signals that can be received by an approaching mobile communication device 310 can be used by the mobile communication device 310 to determine on which side of the vehicle (i.e., left or right) the approaching mobile communication device 310 is located. As will be explained in greater detail below, determining whether a particular mobile communication device 310 is located on the left or right side of the vehicle 1000 can. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 46 / 324 38 / 150 can be used to distinguish between several mobile communication devices 310 located in the vehicle 1000 that are attempting to communicate substantially simultaneously with the communication system 306. Additionally, the wireless signals received from transmitters 330, 332, 350, 352 can be analyzed by the approaching mobile communication device 310 to help determine when an input or output request should be transmitted by the mobile communication device 310.

[140] The first and second input transmitters 330, 332 are generally located on opposite adjacent sides of the input path (i.e., road or garage) as shown in Figures 10A to 10C. In particular, the first and second input transmitters 330, 332 are spatially offset relative to the center of the vehicle's input path. In particular, the first input transmitter 330 and the second input transmitter 332 may be mounted / embedded in a ceiling surface, floor surface, or wall surface of the parking facility. Generally, the first and second input transmitters 330, 332 are aligned substantially orthogonally relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle 1000 along the vehicle's input path as it passes the first and second input transmitters 330, 332. In one form, the Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 47 / 324 39 / 150 first and second input transmitters 330, 332 share a common power source, although separate power sources are possible.

[141] Similarly, the first and second output transmitters 350, 352 are generally located on opposite adjacent sides of the exit path (i.e., road or garage) as shown in Figures 11A to 11C. In particular, the first and second output transmitters 350, 352 are spatially offset relative to the center of the vehicle's exit path. In particular, the first output transmitter 350 and the second output transmitter 352 may be mounted / embedded in a ceiling surface, floor surface, or wall surface of the parking facility. Generally, the first and second output transmitters 350, 352 are aligned substantially orthogonally relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle 1000 along the vehicle's exit path as it passes the first and second output transmitters 350, 352.In one configuration, the first and second output transmitters 350, 352 share a common power source, although separate power sources are possible.

[142] In general, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to generate and transfer the input request in response to receiving a first input signal from the first input communication device. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 48 / 324 40 / 150 334 that satisfies an entry criterion. Additionally, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to generate and transfer the output request in response to receiving a first output signal 354 from the first output communication device that satisfies an output criterion. In one form, the entry criteria and the output criteria are based, at least partially, on the signal strength received from the first input signal and the first output signal received, respectively.

[143] In more preferred embodiments, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to generate and transfer the input request in response to receiving a first input signal from the first input communication device 334 and a second input signal from the second input communication device 336 that substantially simultaneously satisfy one or more input criteria. Similarly, in more preferred embodiments, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to generate and transfer the output request in response to receiving a first output signal from the first output communication device 354 and a second output signal from the second output communication device 356 that substantially simultaneously satisfy one or more output criteria.

[144] Due to a wide variety of locations where the Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 49 / 324 41 / 150 mobile communication device 310 may be located in a vehicle 1000, which may impact the received signal strength, and also due to the various signal reception characteristics of a wide variety of mobile communication devices 310, in some cases, it may not be possible to predefine the entry criteria and exit criteria depending solely on the received signal strength of a predefined threshold. Therefore, preferably, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to dynamically determine an input scale value based on the received signal strength from a plurality of third and / or fourth input signals received from the first and second input transmitters 330, 332, such that a predefined input criterion is used by the mobile communication device 310 to determine when to transfer the input request using the input scale value.Similarly, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to dynamically determine an output scale value based on the signal strength received from a plurality of third and / or fourth output signals received from the first and second output transmitters 350, 352, such that a predefined output criterion is used by the mobile communication device 310 to determine when to transfer the output request using the output scale value. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 50 / 324 42 / 150

[145] More specifically, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to continuously convert the received signal strength for the third and fourth input signals into received power values. Each power value is determined by the mobile communication device 310 using the received signal strength and configuration data stored in memory indicative of the transmission characteristics of the first and second input transmitters 330, 332. The mobile communication device 310 then analyzes at least some of the power values ​​(such as a historical window of power value variation) for the third and fourth received input signals as it approaches the entry point to determine an order of magnitude of the power values ​​being calculated.In particular, the order of magnitude of received power can vary significantly between various mobile communication devices and the location of the mobile communication device within the vehicle. In one way, the order of magnitude of the power values ​​can be determined based on a peak power value detected for the first or second transmitter 330, 332. In another way, the peak power value can occur when the mobile communication device has just passed the point spatially closest to the first or second input transmitter 330, 332. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 51 / 324 43 / 150 illustrated in Figure 10B. The length of the historical variation window may be stored in memory (such as through configuration data) to account for variations due to interference and the like. Depending on the location of the mobile communication device 310 within the vehicle 1000, the peak power value may be identified for either the first or second input transmitter 330, 332. Once a peak power value has been detected for the first or second input transmitter 330, 332 due to a detected decline in the power of the third or fourth received input signal, the mobile communication device 310 determines an input scaling value based on the peak power value of the third or fourth received input signal from the first or second input transmitter 330, 332.The input scaling value can be determined by the mobile communication device 310, such that the peak power value is linearly scaled to have a predefined scaling power value (e.g., 1000 – as shown in Figure 12). The input scaling value is stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 310 and subsequently used to determine whether / when to transmit an input request in relation to the first and second input signals received. In this particular example, the input request can be received by the system's second input communication device 336. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 52 / 324 44 / 150 communication 306.

[146] The mobile communication device 310 can also determine and compare the peak power values ​​of the first and second input transmitters 330, 332 to determine which side of the vehicle 1000 (e.g., left or right) the mobile communication device 310 is located. The mobile communication device 310 has stored in memory configuration data, received from a server processing system 340, indicating which side of the input path each input transmitter is located on. For example, the first input transmitter 330 may be located on the left side of the vehicle's input path and the second input transmitter 332 may be located on the right side of the vehicle's input path.If the highest peak power value between the two input transmitters 330, 332 is associated with a third signal received from the first input transmitter 330, the mobile communication device 310 determines that it is located on the left side of the vehicle 1000. Alternatively, if the highest peak power value between the two input transmitters 330, 332 is associated with a fourth signal received from the second input transmitter 332, the mobile communication device 310 determines that it is located on the right side of the vehicle 1000. Position data indicating the specific side of the vehicle where. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 53 / 324 45 / 150 the mobile communication device 310 is located are stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 310 and transferred as part of the input request, which can be used by the access control processing system 312 to distinguish between several input requests received substantially simultaneously from several mobile communication devices 310 within the same vehicle.

[147] Once the input scaling value has been determined, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to scale the determined power values ​​of the first and second input signals received from the first and second input communication devices 334, 336.

[148] For each first input signal that the mobile communication device 310 receives as it approaches the entry point, the mobile communication device 310 determines the received signal strength of the first input signal and then converts the received signal strength into power. The mobile communication device 310 then scales the power according to the input scaling value and applies a smoothing function to the scaled power value taking into account previously determined scaled power values ​​for at least a portion of any first input signals. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 54 / 324 46 / 150 received previously. A similar process occurs with respect to each second received input signal. In particular, with each second input signal that the mobile communication device 310 receives as it approaches the entry point, the mobile communication device 310 determines the received signal strength of the second input signal and then converts the received signal strength into power. The mobile communication device 310 then scales the power value according to the input scaling value and applies a smoothing function to the scaling power value taking into account previously determined scaling power values ​​for at least a portion of any second previously received signals. The mobile communication device 310 then determines whether the scaling power values ​​for the most recently received samples of the first and second input signals satisfy one or more input signal criteria.In response to one or more input signal criteria being met, mobile communication device 310 generates and transmits an input request. In this example, the input request is received by the second communication device 356.

[149] More specifically, the mobile communication device dynamically generates a first baseline input-scale power value after receiving each first Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 55 / 324 47 / 150 input signal and a second baseline of input scaled power value after receiving each second input signal. The first and second baseline of input scaled power values ​​can be calculated as the average of the scaled power values ​​received over a limit period or over a limit number of received signals (e.g., last 50 samples). In this way, it will be observed that the baseline changes over time. The 310 mobile communication device has stored in memory a first and second predefined input limit growth rate. In one form, the first and second predefined input limit growth rate can be defined in the configuration data. In one example, the various growth rates can be expressed as a percentage of growth, although other expressions of the growth rate are possible.Mobile communication device 310 determines a first input growth rate of the real-scale power value of the first input signal relative to the first baseline input-scale power value. Furthermore, mobile communication device 310 determines a second input growth rate of the real-scale power value of the second input signal relative to the second baseline input-scale power value. Mobile communication device 310 then determines whether the first and... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 56 / 324 48 / 150 the second input growth rate satisfies or exceeds the first and second predefined input growth rate limits respectively. In one form, the 310 mobile communication device can also determine whether the first and second scale power values ​​of the most recently received signals satisfy or exceed a first and second scale power limit in order to avoid false positive detections. In the case of a positive determination, the 310 mobile communication device generates and transmits an input request. In a variation, a plurality of consecutive growth rates may be required to satisfy or exceed the limit for consecutive scale power values ​​for an input request to be generated and transmitted in order to avoid sudden changes in interference and the like.

[150] In the event that the first and second input growth rates do not meet or exceed the first and second predefined input growth rate limits, respectively, the 310 mobile communication device can be configured to check whether consecutive scaling power values ​​for a limit period are greater than a predefined scaling power value limit. The time limit and the associated predefined scaling power value limit can be stored in Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 57 / 324 49 / 150 memory of the mobile communication device 310 and can be defined by the configuration data. This security processing can be performed due to unusual circumstances, such as a user approaching the entry point with their mobile communication device. For example, if the mobile communication device 310 determines that the power scale value for the first input signal was greater than a first power scale limit (e.g., 200) for a time limit (e.g., 4 seconds) and the power scale value for the second input signal was greater than a second power scale limit (e.g., 400) for a time limit (e.g., 4 seconds), the mobile communication device 310 determines that one or more entry criteria have been met and then proceeds to generate and transmit an entry request.

[151] A similar process occurs with respect to the first and second output communication devices. In particular, mobile communication device 310 is configured to continuously convert the received signal strength for the third and fourth output signals into received power values. Each power value is determined by mobile communication device 310 using the received signal strength and predefined data stored in memory indicative of the characteristics of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 58 / 324 50 / 150 transmission from the first and second output transmitters 350, 352. The mobile communication device 310 then analyzes at least some of the received power values ​​(such as a historical window of power value variation for the third and fourth received output signals) to determine an order of magnitude of the power values. In one way, an order of magnitude can be determined based on the magnitude of a peak power value for the first or second output transmitter 350, 352. In another way, the peak power value can be determined when the mobile communication device 310 has just passed the spatially closest point to the first or second output transmitter 350, 352, as illustrated in Figure 11B. The length of the historical variation window is defined to account for variations due to interference and the like and can be defined in the configuration data.Depending on the location of the mobile communication device 310 within the vehicle 1000, the peak power value may be associated with the first or second output transmitter 350, 352. Once a peak power value has been detected for the first or second output transmitter 350, 352 due to a detected decline in the power of the third or fourth received output signal, the mobile communication device 310 determines an output scaling value based on the power value of. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 59 / 324 51 / 150 peak of the third or fourth output signal received from the first or second output transmitter 350, 352. The output scaling value can be determined by the mobile communication device 310, such that the peak power value is linearly scaled to have a predefined scaling power value (e.g., 1000). The output scaling value is stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 310 and used later to determine whether / when to transmit an output request in response to the first and second output signals.

[152] In some cases, the mobile communication device 310 can also determine and compare the peak power values ​​of the first and second output transmitters 350, 352 to determine on which side of the vehicle 1000 (e.g., left or right) the mobile communication device 310 is located when attempting to exit the restricted area. The mobile communication device 310 has stored in its memory configuration data, received from the server processing system 340, indicating which side of the vehicle's exit path each output transmitter 350, 352 is located. For example, the first output transmitter 350 may be located on the left side of the vehicle's exit path and the second output transmitter 352 may be located on the right side of the vehicle's entry path. In the case of the higher peak power value Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 60 / 324 52 / 150 between the two input transmitters 350, 352 being associated with a third signal received from the first output transmitter 330, the mobile communication device 310 determines that it is located on the left side of the vehicle 1000. Alternatively, in the case of the highest peak power value between the two output transmitters 350, 352 being associated with a fourth signal received from the second output transmitter 352, the mobile communication device 310 determines that it is located on the right side of the vehicle 1000.Position data indicating the specific side of the vehicle where the mobile communication device 310 is located are stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 310 and provided as part of the input request that can be used by the access control processing system 312 to distinguish between several output requests received substantially simultaneously from several mobile communication devices in the same vehicle 1000.

[153] Once the output scaling value has been determined, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to scale the determined power values ​​of the first and second signals received from the first and second input communication devices.

[154] For each first output signal that the mobile communication device 310 receives as it approaches the point Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 61 / 324 53 / 150 output, the mobile communication device 310 determines the received signal strength of the first output signal and then converts the received signal strength into power. The mobile communication device 310 then scales the power according to the output scale value and applies a smoothing function to the scaled power value, taking into account previously determined scaled power values ​​for at least a portion of any previously received first output signals. A similar process occurs with respect to each second output signal received. In particular, for each second output signal that the mobile communication device 310 receives as it approaches the output point, the mobile communication device 310 determines the received signal strength of the second output signal and then converts the received signal strength into power.The mobile communication device 310 then scales the power value according to the output scaling value and applies a smoothing function to the scaling power value, taking into account previously determined scaling power values ​​for at least a portion of any previously received second output signals. The mobile communication device 310 then determines whether the scaling power values ​​for the first and second most recently received output signals satisfy one or more criteria. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 62 / 324 54 / 150 input. In response to one or more output criteria being met, mobile communication device 310 generates and transmits an output request. In this particular example, the output request may be received by the second output communication device 356 of communication system 306.

[155] More specifically, the mobile communication device 301 dynamically generates a first baseline of output scaled power value after receiving each first output signal and a second baseline of output scaled power value after receiving each second output signal. The first and second baselines of output scaled power values ​​can be calculated as the average of the scaled power values ​​received over a limit period or over a limit number of received signals (e.g., last 50 samples). In this way, it will be observed that the baseline changes over time. The mobile communication device 310 has stored in memory a predefined first and second limit output growth rate. The mobile communication device 310 determines a first output growth rate of the actual scaled power value of the first output signal relative to the first baseline of output scaled power value.Furthermore, the 310 mobile communication device determines a second output growth rate. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 63 / 324 The mobile communication device 310 then determines whether the first and second output growth rates meet or exceed the first and second output growth rate limits, respectively. Optionally, the mobile communication device 310 determines whether the scaled power values ​​of the first and second most recently received signals meet or exceed a scaled power limit. In the case of a positive determination, the mobile communication device 310 then generates and transmits an output request.As discussed earlier regarding entry criteria, in one variation, a plurality of consecutive growth rates may need to meet or exceed the threshold for consecutive scaled power values ​​in order for an output request to be generated and transferred, thus avoiding sudden interference and similar changes.

[156] If the first and second output growth rates do not meet or exceed the first and second predefined limit output growth rates, respectively, the 310 mobile communication device can be configured to check if consecutive scaling power values ​​have been determined within a limit period, which meet or exceed a power value limit. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 64 / 324 56 / 150 on a predefined scale. The power value limits on a scale or time can be stored in the memory of the 310 mobile communication device and can be part of the configuration data. This safety processing can be performed due to unusual circumstances, such as a user approaching the exit point while carrying their 310 mobile communication device.For example, in the case where mobile communication device 310 determines that the power scale value for the first output signal was greater than a first power scale limit (e.g., 200) for a time limit (e.g., 4 seconds) and the power scale value for the second output signal was greater than a second power scale limit (e.g., 400) for a time limit (e.g., 4 seconds), mobile communication device 310 determines that one or more output signal criteria have been met and then proceeds to generate and transmit the output request.

[157] In some configurations and as mentioned above, there may be cases where several 310 mobile communication devices are located in the vehicle approaching the exit point. However, only one of the 310 mobile communication devices may have, stored in its memory, authorization data for the respective parking facility. In response to receiving one or more Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 65 / 324 57 / 150 output signals from the output communication system 326, each mobile communication device 310 can be configured by the computer program 308 to determine if any authorization data is currently stored in the memory indicating the restricted area. In the event that one of the mobile communication devices 310 determines that no authorization data is stored in memory, the respective mobile communication device 310 can be configured to ignore the received output signals. Therefore, in most cases, the output request indicating the position of the respective mobile communication device 310 within the respective vehicle 1000 may not be necessary. Thus, in some embodiments, only a single output transmitter may be required to allow the mobile communication device 310 to configure the output scale value.However, in some situations, users of two separate mobile communication devices 310, who were granted access separately to the restricted area, both exit the parking lot together in the same vehicle 1000. In this case, the position data from the exit request can be used by the access control processing system 312 to distinguish between multiple exit requests to determine which user account the parking session should be associated with.

[158] The 310 mobile communication device is Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 66 / 324 58 / 150 preferably configured to use location and region monitoring services of the associated operating system. In particular, one or more geographic regions are registered with the operating system of the mobile communication device 310, where each registered geographic region defines a geographic boundary in a respective parking facility. The boundary can be a predefined radius (e.g., 500 meters) from a point in the respective parking facility. Each geographic region that is registered by the computer program 308 has a list of transmission regions (also referred to as signaling regions) associated with the communication devices 330, 332, 334, 336, 350, 352, 354, 356 of the parking facility's communication system 306.Mobile communication device 310 is configured to determine a region crossing event, using the operating system's location services, when mobile communication device 310 crosses a defined geographic boundary associated with a respective parking facility. When mobile communication device 310 determines that mobile communication device 310 has entered the defined geographic region based on location services, computer program 308 is initialized in the operating system's background environment if computer program 308 is not already loaded in the background environment. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 67 / 324 59 / 150 of the operating system. The mobile communication device 310 is configured to listen for transmitted input or output signals associated with one or more of the registered transmission regions (also referred to as signaling regions) associated with communication devices 330, 332, 334, 336, 350, 352, 354, 356 of the respective communication system 306.

[159] The entry point microcontroller 338 includes a data port for connection to the ticket issuing machine 314 via a data cable 334. Similarly, the exit point microcontroller 358 also includes a data port for connection to the ticket receiving machine 316 via a data cable 338. Each data port can be a serial port that connects to the serial port of the ticket receiving / issuing machine 314, 316 via a serial cable 334, 338. It will be noted that other types of data cables and data ports can be used. As will be noted, the ticket issuing machine 314 and the ticket receiving machine include a controller for issuing and reading tickets, respectively.

[160] With regard to ticket issuing machine 314, the second input communication device 336 transfers data to ticket issuing machine 314 via data cable 334 based on the received input request. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 68 / 324 60 / 150 The data transferred to the ticket issuing machine may be indicative of, or include, the entry request and additionally a flag or marker indicating that the user is a registered user of system 302, such that no physical ticket needs to be issued by the ticket issuing machine 314. The ticket issuing machine 314 transfers the entry request to the access control processing system 312 via a local computer network. The access control system may then determine whether access should be granted based on data stored in a data store 340 or based on a determination made by the server processing system 340 and data store 342. In response to a successful determination that access should be granted to the user, the access control processing system 312 or the server processing system 340 generates authorization data in response.The authorization data is then transferred from the access control processing system 312 to the ticket issuing machine 314, which then forwards the authorization data to the point-of-entry microcontroller 338 via the data cable 334. The point-of-entry microcontroller 338 then wirelessly transfers the authorization data via the second entry communication device 336 to the mobile communication device 310, which... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 69 / 324 61 / 150 is configured to store authorization data in the memory of the mobile communication device 310. Upon generating / receiving authorization data, the access control processing system 312 transfers an entry drive command to the gate assembly with entry barrier 318 at the entry point, such that the gate with entry barrier is activated to the open position to allow the user to drive their vehicle into the parking facility. In particular embodiments, the gate assembly with entry barrier 318 is electrically coupled to a vehicle entry detection system 322, wherein the gate assembly with entry barrier 318 is only activated to the open position in response to receiving the entry drive command in combination with receiving an electrical signal from the vehicle entry detection system 322 indicating that a vehicle is present at the gate assembly with entry barrier.Specifically, the 322 incoming vehicle detection system can be provided in the form of a circle detector or similar.

[161] With regard to the ticket reading machine 316 located at the exit point, the second exit communication device 356 transfers the exit request received from the mobile communication device 310 to the ticket reading machine 316 via the data cable. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 70 / 324 62 / 150 338. The exit request is indicative of the received authorization data stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 310. It will be noted that, in some embodiments, the authorization data may include typical ticket data stored on a magnetic stripe or encoded data from a traditional parking ticket. However, as will be discussed in relation to various embodiments, the authorization data may include additional information. The exit request is then transferred to the access control processing system 312 via the computer network. The authorization data may be forwarded to the server processing system 340 in some configurations. The access control processing system 312 or the server processing system 340 determines, based on the received exit request indicative of the authorization data, whether the user is authorized to leave the parking facility.In response to a positive determination, the access control processing system 312 or the server processing system 340 records the exit time in the data storage 344 or data storage 342, and the access control processing system 312 transfers an exit trigger command to the exit barrier gate assembly 320 at the exit point via the ticket reading machine. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 71 / 324 63 / 150 316. The gate assembly with exit barrier 320 is then operated to an open position to allow the user to drive their vehicle out of the parking facility.

[162] As shown in Figure 3 and as already mentioned, the system 302 also includes the server processing system 340 in data communication with an access control processing system 312. The server processing system 340 can be configured by one or more server computer programs. The server processing system 340 includes or can access the data storage 342 provided in the form of a database including entity records for registered users of the system 302. Users can register to use the system 302 through a website hosted by a web server associated with the server processing system 340 or through the computer program 308 running on the mobile communication device 310.

[163] After successful user registration, the server processing system 340 stores in the server database 342 device-specific data that links the user to the mobile communication device 310. The device-specific data may include a MAC address of the mobile communication device 310 and device type data. The user registration stored in the database Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 72 / 324 64 / 150 server data 342 additionally includes a user identity. The user identity can be transferred to the mobile communication device 310 for storage in the mobile communication device's memory 310. Alternatively, the user identity can be presented to the user, such that it is entered when needed in future interactions with the computer program 308.

[164] Each user record in the data storage 342 additionally includes financial data indicating a financial account that can be debited by the server processing system 340 in response to parking fees incurred by the parking facility's access control system 304. In particular, once the user leaves the parking facility, the access control processing system 312 generates an electronic invoice that is transferred to the server processing system 340 via a communication network, such as a Wide Area Network (WAN) like the Internet. The server processing system 340 then automatically debits the corresponding user account according to the invoiced amount. A service fee may additionally be charged by the system operator 302 to the user account.

[165] After successful user registration for Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 73 / 32465 / 150 using system 302, the server processing system 340 additionally generates key data that is associated with the user record for the user. The key data is stored in the server database 342. Furthermore, the key data is transferred to the mobile communication device 310 via a communication network, where the mobile communication device 310 stores the key data in memory. The key data includes key pairs, where each key pair includes a single-use input key and a corresponding single-use output key. The mobile communication device 310 generates the input request to include one of the input keys associated with the user. The access control processing system 312 queries a database of registered entities 344 accessible to the access control processing system 312 to determine if the indicated input key is valid.The mobile communication device 310 also generates the exit request to include the corresponding exit key associated with the user. The access control processing system 312 queries the registered entities database 344 to determine if the indicated exit key is valid. Periodically, the server processing system 340 updates the data storage in the registered entities database 344 with new key data and new identities. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 74 / 324 66 / 150 user to allow the 312 access control processing system to verify the validity of incoming and outgoing requests.

[166] When the inbound communication system 324 receives an inbound request, the inbound request may also be indicative of the user identity and a hashed user identity. The computer program 308 of the mobile communication device 310 is configured to obtain the user identity from memory or through user input and to hash the user identity using device-specific information associated with the mobile communication device 310, such as the MAC address and device type of the mobile communication device 310. The inbound request is forwarded to the access control system 304 for verification using the registered entities database 344.The database of registered entities 344 contains user records, each including the respective user identity, device-specific information for the user's respective mobile communication device 310, and key pairs associated with the respective user. The access control processing system 312 performs the same hash function on the user identity using the device-specific information and compares the hashed user identity with the... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 75 / 324 67 / 150 user identity in hash received indicated by the inbound request. The access control processing system 312 also determines whether the inbound key is associated with the respective user indicated by the received user identity. In response to successful comparisons, the access control processing system 312 determines that the received inbound request is valid and generates the authorization data to transfer to the ticketing machine 314 which is eventually forwarded to the mobile communication device 310. Although this validation process has been described as being performed by the access control processing system 312, it is alternatively possible that the server processing system 340 performs this validation process.If the access control processing system 312 or the server processing system 340 determines that the received incoming request is invalid based on the comparison results, the access control processing system 312 transfers a failure signal back to the ticket issuing machine 314, which issues a physical ticket as per normal operation. When a successful verification is determined by the access control processing system 312, the access control processing system 312 updates the registered entities database 344 to indicate that the key... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 76 / 324 Input key 68 / 150 has been used, therefore this input key cannot be used again.

[167] When the outbound communication system 326 receives an outbound request, the outbound request may indicate an outbound key corresponding to the inbound key previously presented upon entering the parking facility, the user identity, and the hashed user identity. The access control processing system 312 may perform the same hashing and comparison process as described above. Additionally, the access control processing system 312 may also determine whether the outbound key is associated with the user in the database and whether the outbound key corresponds to the inbound key previously presented upon entering the parking facility. In alternative arrangements, the server processing system 344 may perform this validation process.In response to successful comparisons, the access control processing system 312 determines or receives data indicating that the received exit request is valid and transfers the exit trigger command back to the ticket reading machine 316 to trigger the opening of the exit barrier gate assembly 320 to allow the user to exit the parking facility with their vehicle.

[168] Due to the single-use nature of key pairs, Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 77 / 324 69 / 150 The mobile communication device 310 under the control of computer program 308 can issue a key pair replacement request to the server processing system 340, which is transferred through a communication network where the server processing system 340 generates a plurality of new key pairs that are then transferred back to the mobile communication device 310 for storage. The key pair replacement request can be transferred automatically by computer program 308 when a limit value of key pairs has been reached. Alternatively, the key pair replacement request can be sent through user interaction with computer program 308. A copy of key pairs that have been issued is also stored in the server database 342 of the server processing system 340.Additionally, a copy of the new key pairs is updated to the registered entities database 344 accessible by the access control processing system 312. Every time an input or output key is used for an input or output request, the mobile communication device 310 signals or marks a key pair or, alternatively, deletes the respective key pair once it has been used and is no longer reused.

[169] In particular modalities, the program of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 78 / 324 70 / 150 computer 308 controls mobile communication device 310 to generate the input and output request indicative of one or more wireless devices to which mobile communication device 310 is currently connected. In the event that communication system 306 receives data indicating substantially simultaneous input or output requests from multiple mobile communication devices 310, communication system 306 may use the data indicating the one or more connected wireless devices, as indicated by the input or output requests, to determine which user account to associate with the parking session.In particular, the entry or exit request from the 310 mobile communication device may indicate that a specific 310 mobile communication device is connected to a hands-free communication system, which may be a vehicle hands-free communication system or a separate device, such as a Bluetooth headset. Effectively, a 310 mobile communication device that is connected to other wireless devices is considered to have priority over other 310 mobile communication devices, and thus the entry request received from that 310 mobile communication device should be processed so that parking sessions are associated with the respective user account. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 79 / 324 71 / 150

[170] Additionally or alternatively, computer program 308 controls mobile communication device 310 to generate the input and output request to be indicative of a relative position of mobile communication device 310 within the vehicle based on the received signal strength or power scale value of the third or fourth input or output signal. In particular, because mobile communication device 310 has stored, in local memory, configuration data indicative of the communication system configuration 306 for parking, the received signal strength or power scale value for the third and fourth input or output signals can indicate whether mobile communication device 310 is located on the left or right side of vehicle 1000.For example, referring to Figure 12, a graph is shown of the scaled power values ​​generated by a mobile communication device 310 based on input signals received from the first input communication device 334 (line 1230), second input communication device 338 (line 1240), first input transmitter 330 (line 1220) mounted on the left side of the vehicle path, and second input transmitter 332 (line 1210) mounted on the right side of the vehicle path. In this example, the second input transmitter 332 mounted on the right side of the vehicle path has the... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 80 / 324 72 / 150 highest power value on the scale in Figure 12, where the computer program configures the mobile communication device 310 to generate the entry request to include side data indicative of the right side of the vehicle. In the event that the communication system 306 receives substantially simultaneous access or exit requests from multiple mobile communication devices 310, the access control processing system 312 can use the relative location of the mobile communication device 310 to determine which user account to associate with the parking session. In one form and in countries where the driver is located on the right side of the vehicle, priority is given to an entry and exit request indicating a relative location on the right side of the vehicle. It will be observed that in countries where the driver is located on the left side of the vehicle, priority is given to an entry or exit request indicating a left location.

[171] In another form, the 310 mobile communication device generates the entry and exit request to be indicative of one or more timestamps associated with entry or exit signals, wherein one or more timestamps can be used as a means to determine whether the user is located in the front or rear of the vehicle. This information along with the information of whether a user is Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 81 / 324 73 / 150 located on the left or right side of the vehicle can be used to indicate a quadrant of the vehicle in which the mobile communication device 310 is located. For example, quadrants may include front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right. The access control processing system 312 can use the quadrants to determine which mobile communication device 310 is likely to be associated with the vehicle driver. For example, in countries where the driver sits in the front-right portion of the vehicle, the access control processing system prioritizes incoming requests from the mobile communication device 310 that indicate a relative front-right location within the vehicle.

[172] In certain situations, it may not be clear that mobile communication device 310 is associated with the parking session when substantially simultaneous entry requests are received from the same vehicle 1000. As a result, temporary authorization data may be issued to the mobile communication devices 310 associated with the substantially simultaneous entry requests. A confirmation notification may then be transferred by the server processing system 340 to each mobile communication device 310. The received confirmation notification presented by the program of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 82 / 324 74 / 150 Computer 308 requests user confirmation for mobile communication device 310 to be associated with the parking session. In response to a user of one of the mobile communication devices 310 responding to the confirmation notification indicating that the respective mobile communication device 310 should be associated with the parking session, the server processing system and / or the access control processing system 312 updates the data stored in the data storage(s) 342, 344. The access control processing system 312 and / or the server processing system 340 generates authorization data to replace the temporary authorization data, which is then transferred to the confirmed mobile communication device 310 for storage in memory.

[173] In one form, the parking facility may be associated with various commercial stores, shops and establishments that offer user parking validation. For example, it is common for a cinema associated with a parking facility to validate the customer's ticket, such that the customer does not need to pay for parking. In this sense, the mobile communication device 310 may be operated under the control of the computer program 308 to obtain a parking validation code and transfer authorization data. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 83 / 324 75 / 150 indicators of the validation code for the output communication device 326 for processing by the access control system 304. In particular, a receipt may be issued to the user, who is a customer of a business associated with the parking facility, wherein the receipt may include machine-readable printout, such as a barcode or QR code. The computer program 308 allows the user to capture a photograph of the machine-readable printout which is subsequently interpreted to determine the parking validation code. The parking validation code may be combined with already stored authorization data, such that when the authorization data is transferred to the output communication device 326 upon approaching the parking exit point, the access control system 304 may process the ticket according to the validation code.

[174] System 302 may additionally include a plurality of parking facility communication devices 346 located throughout the parking facility. Each parking facility communication device 346 may transmit navigation information that can be received by mobile communication device 310 within a transmission proximity of communication device 346 and present Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 84 / 324 76 / 150 navigation information to the user. In one form, the navigation information can be presented audibly.

[175] Referring to Figure 4, a flowchart is shown representing a method executed by the various components of system 302 and by the access control system 304 of the vehicle parking facility.

[176] In particular, in step 405, method 400 includes the mobile communication device that detects a boundary crossing event. The mobile communication device begins monitoring a list of registered transmission regions of the communication system 306 in response to the detected boundary crossing event. Additionally, the computer program 308 is initialized in the background environment of the mobile communication device's operating system 310, if it is not already there.

[177] As the user approaches an entry point of the vehicle parking facility, step 410 of method 400 involves the mobile communication device 310 under the control of the computer program 308 receiving input signals from the input communication system 324 of the communication system 306 that are associated with the monitored region.

[178] In step 412, the method includes the mobile communication device determining an input scale value, Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 85 / 324 77 / 150 based on a detected peak power value from one of the input communication devices of the input communication system 324, to scale the power values ​​of received input signals.

[179] In step 415, method 400 includes the mobile communication device 310 generating and transferring, to the second input communication device 338, an input request in response to one or more received input signals satisfying one or more input criteria. Preferably, the input request is generated and transferred automatically without user intervention (i.e., without the user holding the mobile communication device and without operating the mobile communication device).

[180] In step 420, the method includes the second input communication device 336 transferring the received input request to the access control system 304 via the ticket issuing machine 314. More specifically, the input communication device 336 communicates with the ticket issuing machine 314 via the data cable. The ticket issuing machine 314 then transfers the input request to the access control processing system 312 via a computer network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN).

[181] In step 425, method 400 includes the second input communication device 336 receiving data from Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 86 / 324 78 / 150 authorizations are generated by the access control system 304 via the ticket issuing machine. In particular, the access control processing system 312 generates the authorization data which is transferred to the ticket issuing machine 314 via the computer network which, in turn, transfers the authorization data to the second input communication device 336 of the point-of-entry microcontroller 338 and the interconnection data cable 338. The authorization data is stored in a database 344 accessible by the access control processing system 312.

[182] In step 430, method 400 includes the second input communication device 336 wirelessly transferring the authorization data to the user's mobile communication device 310 for storage in the memory of the mobile communication device 310 as a form of virtual ticket.

[183] In step 435, method 400 includes the access control processing system 312 instructing the ticket issuing machine 314 to trigger the gate assembly with entry barrier 318 to move to an open position.

[184] As the user approaches an exit point of the vehicle parking facility, step 440 of method 400 includes the mobile communication device 310 under Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 87 / 324 79 / 150 computer program control 308 receiving output signals from at least some of the communication system output devices 306 that are associated with the monitored region.

[185] In step 442, method 400 involves the mobile communication device determining an output scaling value, based on a detected peak power value from one of the communication devices in the output communication system 326, to scale the power values ​​of received output signals.

[186] In step 445, method 400 involves the user's mobile communication device 310 transferring an outgoing request indicating authorization data to the outgoing communication system 326 in response to one or more received outgoing signals satisfying one or more outgoing criteria. Preferably, the outgoing request is generated and transferred automatically without user intervention (i.e., without the user holding the mobile communication device and without operating the mobile communication device). The outgoing request is indicative of at least the authorization data in this example.

[187] In step 450, method 400 includes the second output communication device 356 transferring the output request to the access control processing system 312 and to the reading machine of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 88 / 324 80 / 150 tickets 316. In particular, the second output communication device 326 of the point-of-sale microcontroller 358 transfers the output request to the ticket reading machine 316 via the data cable 338. The ticket reading machine 316 then transfers the output request to the access control processing system 312 via the LAN.

[188] In step 455, method 400 includes the access control processing system 312 transferring an exit drive command to the ticket reading machine 316, such that the exit barrier gate assembly 320 is opened to allow the user to drive his vehicle out of the exit point of the vehicle parking facility.

[189] The computer program 308 running on the mobile communication device 310 can be opened by the user to display a user interface that can present various information to the user or allow the user to request the execution of various functions. For example, the user can be presented with information regarding the parking entry time, which is stored as part of the authorization data. In addition, a temporal indication of the amount of time available to remain in the parking lot can be presented. Furthermore, the user can transfer the authorization data. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 89 / 324 81 / 150 for a different registered user, wherein the authorization data is transferred to the server processing system 340 and retransmitted to another mobile communication device 310 associated with the named registered user. Furthermore, the server processing system 340 communicates the transfer to the access control processing system 312, such that different key data is used when authenticating the outgoing request.

[190] In addition, the user can request, through computer program 308, the payment of parking fees through an alternative financial account. Furthermore, the user can review a transaction history. Additionally, the user can mark specific transactions with markers (i.e., work expense, personal expense, etc.). Furthermore, the user can request the printing of a physical ticket through computer program 308, where a code is generated, which can be entered by the user into a ticket payment machine associated with the parking facility, such that a physical ticket is printed with the associated authorization data. Furthermore, the user can request that computer program 308 be disabled from generating incoming and outgoing requests until it is enabled again. This feature can be selected to ensure that the correct mobile communication device 310 transmits the data. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 90 / 324 82 / 150 authorization in the case of multiple 310 mobile communication devices being located in the vehicle.

[191] In particular modalities, the user can interact with computer program 308 to make a reservation for a parking space in the parking facility. Mobile communication device 310 communicates with server processing system 340 to make a reservation. The server processing system provides marker data indicating the reservation that was made with the access control system of the selected parking facility. When the entry request is generated by the mobile communication device 310, the entry request is indicative of the marker. Access control processing system 312 can use this marker to calculate the final invoice that is sent to server processing system 340. It will be observed that similar markers can be requested through computer program 308 from server processing system 340 for various types of rates.

[192] In an optional form, an alternative mobile communication device may be used, which is permanently fixed inside the vehicle 1000. For example, the mobile communication device may be provided in the form of a microcontroller that is permanently associated with the vehicle. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 91 / 324 83 / 150

[193] It will be appreciated, from the description above, that multiple users using multiple mobile communication devices can be registered to use the 302 system. Additionally, it will be noted that 310 mobile communication devices can be used for multiple restricted areas (i.e., multiple parking facilities). It will also be noted that multiple parking facilities can be adapted for use with the 302 system.

[194] It will be observed that, in certain arrangements, it may not be necessary to operate a barrier gate to allow a user to enter or exit the restricted area. However, it may be preferable in this arrangement that the system include a feedback device at each access point, such as an electric light that can be activated to indicate successful communication between the mobile communication device 310 and the access control system 304. For example, the system may include an entry electric light that can be activated to display a red light when a mobile communication device 310 of an approaching vehicle has not had authorization data transmitted. When authorization data is successfully transmitted, the entry electric light can be activated to display a green light. Similarly, an exit electric light may be provided and activated to indicate when authorization data has been transmitted. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 92 / 324 84 / 150 successfully received from mobile communication device 310 and processed.

[195] It will be observed that, in order to compensate for the various manufacturers of mobile communication devices, the 306 communication system can be configured to include a plurality of communication devices at one access point. This allows a scaling value to be determined based on one of the communication devices in order to then scale the signals received from the second communication device to determine whether a limiting power growth rate has been reached or exceeded to cause the input / output request to be generated. Therefore, it is possible to implement the system to include only two communication devices, instead of the four communication devices described in the previous examples.For example, if the relative position of mobile communication device 310 is not necessarily required, it may be possible to implement system 300 to include a first communication device provided in the form of an input / output transmitter (e.g., beacon) transmitting a first wireless signal to mobile communication device 310 as it approaches the access point, in order to allow a determination of the scale value, and a second communication device (e.g., input / output communication device 336, 356 or 334, 354). Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 93 / 324 85 / 150 located closest to the access point assembly (i.e., barrier gate), in order to allow the mobile communication device to determine, based on the rate of increase of scaling power values, when it is located substantially close to the access point assembly, such that an input / output request is transmitted at the appropriate time. Alternatively, in situations where transmitters cannot be used, the wireless signal received from the first input / output communication device 334, 354 can be used to determine the scaling value, and the scaling power values ​​derived from the wireless signals received from the second input / output communication device 336, 356 can be used to determine when an input / output request should be transmitted.

[196] In some embodiments, it may be possible to limit the wide spectrum of wireless reception characteristics to a plurality of mobile communication devices used by a plurality of users for the access control system (i.e., employees of an employer using an employee parking lot may all be issued with the same type of mobile communication device) to access the restricted area. Therefore, scaling of received power may not be necessary. Under these circumstances, it is possible to use a single device of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 94 / 324 86 / 150 communication at each access point and analyze the growth rate of the input / output signal power to determine when an input / output request should be issued.

[197] In embodiments where a vehicle 1000 approaches an entry or exit point of the restricted area and several mobile communication devices are inside the vehicle 1000, each mobile communication device 310 can communicate with the other mobile communication devices 310 inside the vehicle 1000, so that each mobile communication device determines which single mobile communication device should send the entry or exit request. This configuration prevents multiple entry or exit requests from being transferred. In one form, the various mobile communication devices 310 can communicate locally with each other using short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth Low Energy.In some situations where the various 310 mobile communication devices include an alternative wireless communication device that is not used to receive input or output signals from the 306 communication system, the various 310 mobile communication devices will perform a handshaking process and communicate using the alternative wireless communication protocol. This can be advantageous given a significant processing load. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 95 / 324 87 / 150 can already be handled by the Bluetooth communication device of the mobile communication device. For example, the synchronization process (which may initially be conducted using Bluetooth) may determine that each mobile communication device can communicate using NFC (Near Field Communication). Wireless communication between the 310 mobile communication devices within the vehicle 1000 can then be conducted using the NFC devices of the 310 mobile communication devices. Each mobile communication device can wirelessly transmit data relating to the input or output signals being received. For example, the data being communicated may include timestamps when specific input or output signals are received, the scaled power values ​​of input or output signals being received, raw power values ​​of signals being received, and / or received signal strength of signals being received.Each mobile communication device 310 is configured by computer program 308 to determine, based on data received from other mobile communication devices 310, as well as input and output signals received by the respective mobile communication device 310, whether the respective mobile communication device 310 is associated with the driver. Since the same analysis must be conducted on each mobile communication device 310, only one of the devices... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 96 / 324 88 / 150 mobile communication will determine which driver is associated with it, which is then configured to issue the entry or exit request.

[198] It will be noted that, for communication devices that use Bluetooth Low Energy, the input and output signals may be BLE advertisements that may include the unique device identity (such as a universally unique identifier) ​​of the respective communication device.

[199] In the previous examples, where the mobile communication device 310 attempts to transmit an input or output request to the second input or output communication device 336, 356, the communication can be conducted using Bluetooth Low Energy. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device 310 attempts to establish a communication session with the second communication device 336, 356 coupled to / integrated with the input / output point microcontroller 338, 358 when transmitting the input or output request. Generally, the communication session is in an anonymous connection, where the second communication device 336, 356 can conduct only one communication session at a specific time. Once the input / output access set (e.g., barrier gate) 318, 320 is triggered to allow the user to enter or exit the restricted area, the Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 97 / 324 The 89 / 150 communication session is eventually terminated due to mobile communication device 310 moving out of range, such that the second incoming or outgoing communication device 336, 356 is free to establish a new communication connection with mobile communication device 310 of the next vehicle 1000 in the incoming / outgoing queue.

[200] In some cases, it is possible that a mobile communication device 310 of vehicle 1000 that has passed through the entry / exit point set 318, 320 maintains the wireless communication session for a long time, overlapping with a point in time when a different mobile communication device 310 located in the next vehicle in the entry / exit queue attempts to transfer an entry / exit request. In this situation, the mobile communication device 310 of the next vehicle 1000 will not be able to identify the second communication device 336, 356 as being available for connection due to the communication session maintained with the mobile communication device 310 of the previous vehicle 1000. However, the scanning operation will detect the first entry communication device 334, 354 as being available for a communication connection, which acts as a safeguard in these cases.Therefore, the mobile communication device 310 of the last vehicle 1000 establishes a communication connection with the first input / output communication device 334. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 98 / 324 90 / 150 354, which then forwards the entry / exit request to the entry / exit point microcontroller 338, 358. In the case where an entry request has been received by the first entry communication device 334, the entry point microcontroller 338 transfers the generated authorization data to the first communication device 334, which is then forwarded to the connected mobile communication device 310 for storage. The entry point microcontroller 338 then activates the gate assembly with entry barrier 318 via the ticket issuing machine 314 as normal. In the case where an exit request has been received by the first exit communication device 354, the first mobile communication device 310 transfers the authorization data to the exit point microcontroller 358, which is then processed by the access control processing system 312.After successful validation and processing, the exit point microcontroller 358 communicates with the ticket reading machine 316 to activate the exit barrier gate assembly 320.

[201] Referring to Figure 13, another system 1302 is shown for use with a monitoring system provided in the form of an access control system 1304 for a residential / commercial parking area. For clarity, Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 99 / 324 91 / 150 identical reference numbers are used between Figures 3 and 13 to identify identical parts that function in the same way. The 1302 and 1304 systems work together to form the 1300 system.

[202] In particular, the 1302 system includes the input communication system 324 including a plurality of input communication devices 330, 336 and an output communication system 326 including a plurality of output communication devices 350, 356. As the same access point is generally used for both exiting and entering the residential / commercial parking area, the communication system 306 may include a single access point microcontroller 1330, which is in communication with at least one of the input communication devices 336 and at least one of the output communication devices 356. The access point microcontroller 1330 is in communication with the access control processing system 312. The access control processing system 312 is electrically connected to a parking access assembly 1318 which may include assemblies such as controlled access gates, rolling doors and the like.The access control processing system 312 may also be in data communication with the server processing system 340, having access to the data storage 342. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 100 / 324 92 / 150 It will be observed that, for less sophisticated access control processing systems 312, the server processing system 340 may not be in data communication with the access control processing system 312.

[203] System 1302 operates similarly to system 300. When a vehicle driver approaches the access point to enter the residential / commercial parking area, an input signal from an input transmitter 330 can be received by the mobile communication device 310. The peak power value for the input transmitter 330 is used to determine an input scale value. Another input signal is received by the mobile communication device 310 from the input communication device 336. The mobile communication device performs the same processing as described above, wherein, if at least some of one or more input criteria have been met, the mobile communication device 310 transmits the input request which is received by the input point communication device 336 and transferred to the access control processing system 312 via the access point microcontroller 1330.The 312 access control processing system then determines whether the entry request is valid as previously described. In the case of successful validation... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 101 / 324 93 / 150 succeeded, the access control processing system 312 electrically controls the parking access assembly 1318 to allow the user to drive into the residential / commercial parking area.

[204] A similar process occurs when a driver of a vehicle 1000 approaches the access point to exit the residential / commercial parking area, an output signal from an exit transmitter 350 can be received by the mobile communication device 310. The peak power value for the exit transmitter 350 is used to determine an output scale value. Another output signal is received by the mobile communication device 310 from the exit communication device 356. The mobile communication device performs the same processing described above, in which, if at least some of one or more of the exit criteria have been met, the mobile communication device 310 transmits the exit request, which is received by the exit point communication device 356 and transferred to the access control processing system 312 via the access point microcontroller 1330.The 312 access control processing system then determines whether the exit request is valid. Unlike the ticketing system described earlier, the exit request may not need to indicate authorization data, but only uniquely identify the individual. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 102 / 324 94 / 150 holds the user to allow exit through the access point. Therefore, exit requests can be processed in the same way as entry requests. In the case of successful validation, the access control processing system 312 electrically controls the parking access assembly 1418 to allow the user to drive out of the residential / commercial parking area.

[205] It will be noted that the 1302 system can be configured in the same way as a ticket-based system described in relation to the 302 system. Furthermore, it will be noted that in some residential / commercial parking areas, entry into the residential / commercial parking area is restricted, but no exit request needs to be transmitted to leave the residential / commercial parking area. For example, a vehicle detection device, such as the one described earlier, can be used to detect that a vehicle wishes to leave the residential / commercial parking area. Thus, the exit communication system 326 of the 1302 system is not necessary for this type of arrangement.

[206] Referring to Figure 14, an additional system diagram of a 1402 system is shown for use with a monitoring system provided in the form of an access control 1404 for building doors. The 1402 systems Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 103 / 324 95 / 150 and 1404 work together to form system 1400. For clarity, identical reference numbers are used between Figures 3 and 14 to identify identical parts that function in the same way. In particular, system 1402 includes a communication system 306 including a plurality of communication devices 330, 336. The communication system 306 also includes an access point microcontroller 1330 that is in communication with at least one of the communication devices 330, 336. The access point microcontroller 1330 is in communication with the access control processing system 312. The access control processing system 312 is electrically connected to a door lock access assembly 1418. The access control processing system 312 may also be in data communication with the server processing system 340 having access to the data storage 342.It will be observed that, for less sophisticated access control processing systems 312, the server processing system 340 may not be in data communication with the access control processing system 312. It will be observed that the system 1402 is configured so that the user is only required to issue an entry request to pass through the door in a first direction, where the door is opened without the issuance of an access request. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 104 / 324 96 / 150 go through the door in the opposite direction.

[207] The 1402 system works similarly to the 302 system. Generally, a user is carrying the mobile communication device 310 with them in some way (i.e., in their pocket, hand, etc.). When the user moves toward the door in a direction that requires an entry request to be issued to access a restricted area of ​​a building, an entry signal from an entry transmitter 330 can be received by the mobile communication device 310. The peak power value for the entry transmitter 330 is used to determine an entry scale value. Another entry signal is received by the mobile communication device 310 from the entry communication device 336.Mobile communication device 336 performs the same processing as described above, whereby, if at least some of one or more of the input criteria are met, mobile communication device 310 transmits the input request, which is received by communication device 336 and transferred to the access control processing system 312 via the access point microcontroller 1330. The access control processing system 312 then determines whether the input request is valid and whether the user is authorized, as previously described. In the case of successful validation and authorization, the processing system... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 105 / 324 97 / 150 access control 312 electrically controls door lock assembly 1418 to allow the user to open the door and pass through the door to access the restricted area of ​​the building.

[208] As discussed above, the mobile communication device 310 can receive configuration data from the server processing system 340. The server processing system 340 can be a cloud server. The configuration data may include data relating to the configuration of one or more communication systems 306 associated with one or more restricted areas. In particular, the configuration data may include unique device identities (such as a universally unique identifier, MAC addresses, etc.) for each input and output communication device and the associated identity of the restricted area (i.e., parking identity or similar), calibration data such as transmission characteristics of each input and output communication device and the side of a vehicle route on which each communication device is located.Computer program 308 can configure mobile communication device 310 to obtain updated configuration data periodically. The configuration data can be sent to or retrieved by mobile communication device 310 from cloud server 340. Therefore, in the case of a communication system... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 106 / 324 98 / 150 particular 306 to be reconfigured, thus altering the various transmission characteristics of the particular 306 communication system for a restricted area, the configuration data can be changed on the cloud server 340, where each mobile communication device 310 obtains the changed configuration data in a timely manner (e.g., within 6 hours).

[209] Systems 302, 1302, 1402 are advantageous insofar as the mobile communication device 310 transmits the entry / exit request using a short-range wireless communication network to the local communication system 306. In this way, the user does not need internet access to enter or exit the restricted area. However, in a variation of systems 302, 1302, 1402, the entry request and the exit request can alternatively be transferred via a WAN, such as the internet, to the server processing system 340 for processing. An example of this system arrangement 1502 is shown in Figure 15. It will be noted that some restricted areas (e.g., underground parking facilities) may not be appropriate for such a configuration.However, for areas where the 310 mobile communication device can access the Internet using mobile communication services, the 340 server processing system can be configured. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 107 / 324 99 / 150 to process the incoming or outgoing request based on the data stored in data storage 342 in order to determine the validity of the request. In response to positive validation, server processing system 340 may transfer a command to access control processing system 312 of access control system 1504 to actuate the respective incoming / outgoing control set 318, 320 (i.e., barrier gate or similar) to allow the user to enter or exit the restricted area. In some examples, the incoming / outgoing control set 318 / 320 may be more sophisticated and may receive data directly from server processing system 340. Systems 1502 and 1504 operate together to form system 1500.

[210] With reference to Figures 16A and 16B, an example of an additional system 1600 is shown. In particular, the system 1600 includes a plurality of transmitters 1610A, 1610B, 1610C, 1610D and a mobile device 310 provided in the form of a mobile communication device 310 configured by a computer program 308. The numerical reference 1610 is used to refer to any of the transmitters 1610A, 1610B, 1610C, 1610D. Each transmitter 1610 has associated with it a reflector antenna 1615 (i.e., transmitter 1610A has associated with it the reflector antenna 1615A, transmitter 1610B has associated with it an antenna Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 108 / 324 100 / 150 reflector 1615B, transmitter 1610C has an associated reflector antenna 1615C and transmitter 1610D has an associated reflector antenna 1615D). Each reflector antenna 1615 is configured to reflect substantially transmitted signal towards a detection area 1630 located between the transmitters. It will be noted that although the exemplary system in Figures 16A and 16B includes four transmitters, it is possible to deploy the system 1600 using two or more transmitters 1600.

[211] Computer program 308 is an executable program stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 310. The mobile communication device 310 can be associated with an entity, such as a user. The mobile communication device 310 is configured by computer program 308 to receive transmitter signals from two or more transmitters 1610 of the transmitter plurality 1610 when the entity approaches or is within the detection area 1630. The mobile communication device 310 is configured by computer program 308 to determine, based on at least two of the transmitter signals of the transmitter plurality, whether the mobile communication device 310 is located in the detection area 1630. In one form, as a result of a positive determination, the mobile communication device 310 is configured to generate and transfer data to a system Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 109 / 324 101 / 150 monitoring indicates detection.

[212] In one embodiment, the monitoring system 1600 may be an access control system for an entry or exit point, such as an entry or exit point of a vehicle parking facility. In this embodiment, the data transferred to the access control system may be a request to traverse the entry or exit point 1620 based on the received signals. In one embodiment, the request is based on a result of a comparison of an average value to a threshold, wherein the average value is calculated by the mobile communication device 310 based on at least two of the transmitter signals received from at least some of the transmitters 1610. In one embodiment, the average value is indicative of a received average signal strength value that may be expressed in dBm, mW or similar or may be unitless. Similarly, the threshold may be expressed in dBm, mW or similar, or may be unitless.

[213] Preferably, the mobile communication device 310 calculates the average value and then compares it to a threshold stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 310. Preferably, the mobile communication device 310 determines whether the average value is greater than or equal to the threshold. In one form, the average value is a harmonic mean. In another form, the average value is a geometric mean. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 110 / 324 102 / 150

[214] In one form, the request to traverse the entry or exit point is transmitted in response to the mobile communication device 310 which determines that the average value of the received signal strengths is greater than or equal to the signal strength threshold over a time-limit period. More specifically, the request to traverse the entry or exit point is transmitted in response to the mobile communication device 310 which determines that the average value of the received signal strengths is greater than or equal to a first signal strength threshold over a time-limit period that begins when the average value of the received signal strengths is greater than a second signal strength threshold. In this case, the second signal strength threshold is greater than the first signal strength threshold.Both limits can be stored in the memory of the 310 mobile communication device and can be received as part of the configuration data, as discussed in the previous example. This configuration attempts to overcome problems in system sensitivity where there may be many changes in the received signal strength over a short period of time due to a variety of factors.

[215] With reference to Figure 16A, it can be observed that the mobile communication device 310 approaches the entry / exit point 1620 in the direction 9000. However, Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 111 / 324 103 / 150 as can be seen in Figure 16A, the mobile communication device 310 is located substantially outside the detection area 1630. In particular, the reflector antennas 1615A and 1615B suppress the signal transmission of the transmitter signals in a direction behind the reflector antennas 1615A, 1615B respectively. Although the transmitter signals are likely to be received by the mobile communication device 310 from transmitters 1610C and 1610D, these transmitters 1610C and 1610D are further away from the mobile communication device 310 and when the average value is calculated considering the suppressed transmissions received from 1610A and 1610B, the average value will be substantially lower than the limit that defines the detection area 1630.Therefore, no request is generated or transferred by the mobile communication device 310 in the situation shown in Figure 3A, and thus the entity did not receive access to traverse the entry / exit point controlled by the access control system 304.

[216] With reference to Figure 16B, mobile communication device 310 continued to move in direction 9000 towards entry / exit point 1620. However, in Figure 16B, mobile communication device 310 is located within detection zone 1630 defined by the average threshold value. Mobile communication device 310 calculates the value Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 112 / 324 104 / 150 average based on received signal strength, such as RSSI values ​​of transmitter signals received from transmitters 1610A, 1610B, 1610C, and 1610D. Since the received transmitter signals will have a higher signal strength within detection zone 1630 due to the reflector antennas 1615, the average value is substantially higher than the average value calculated outside detection zone 1630. When mobile communication device 310 compares the average value to the threshold in the situation depicted in Figure 16B, the average value is greater than or equal to the threshold. As a result of the comparison, mobile communication device 310 generates or transmits a request, thus requesting permission from the entity to traverse through the entry / exit point controlled by the access control system 304.Based on the access request, the access control system 304 can activate a set of access controls 318, 320 in order to allow the entity to pass through the entry / exit point 1620, which in this case could be a door, a barrier, or similar.

[217] It will be observed that the rectangular representation of the detection area 1630 in Figures 16A and 16B is only illustrative for clarity. However, as will be shown with additional results, the use of reflector antennas 1615 associated with transmitters 1610 and the calculation of an average value of the received transmitter signals Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 113 / 324 105 / 150 enables a region or perimeter substantially free from the detection area 1630, whereby the mobile communication device 310 can generate and transfer a request to traverse through the associated entry / exit point 1630. More specifically, the use of reflector antennas creates a substantial rate of change in the average received signal strength for the signals, thus allowing the threshold to be set in the memory of the mobile communication device 310 to determine when it is located within the detection area 1630. It will be observed that the average value of the transmitter signals received within the region of the detection area 1630 is greater than the threshold configured to define the region of the detection area 1630.

[218] With reference to Figure 17A, a block diagram of an exemplary 1700 system is shown for a monitoring system provided in the form of an access control system for a parking facility. In particular, the 1700 system is a modification of the 300 system described previously. The common numerical reference was used for common components between the 300 system and the 1700 system in order to avoid duplicating the functional description of the common components. Therefore, the previous description regarding the common components is incorporated into the description of the 1700 system. The 324 input communication system includes Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 114 / 324 The 106 / 150 input transmitters 1710 include a plurality of 1610 transmitters. The output communication system 326 similarly includes output transmitters 1720 which include a plurality of 1610 transmitters.

[219] The operation of system 1700 will now be described with reference to method 1750 represented by the flowchart in Figure 17B.

[220] In particular, in step 1752, method 1750 includes mobile communication device 310 that detects a region crossing event. For example, a location-based push notification can be generated by mobile communication device 310 in response to a region crossing event. Mobile communication device 310 starts monitoring for a list of registered transmission regions from communication system 306 in response to the detected region crossing event. Additionally, computer program 308 is launched in the background environment of the mobile communication device 310 operating system if it is not already available.

[221] As the user approaches an entry point of the vehicle parking facility, step 1754 of method 1750 includes the mobile communication device 310 under the control of the computer program 308 that receives input transmission signals from the input transmitters 1710 of the input communication system 324 of the system. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 115 / 324 107 / 150 communication 306 that are associated with the monitored region.

[222] In step 1756, method 1750 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines an average value of the received signal strength based on the received input transmission signals and compares the average value to the threshold. In particular, as discussed earlier, the average value can be a harmonic mean of the received signal strength for the signals received from the input transmitters 1610. In some circumstances, the average value can be calculated as a geometric mean of the received signal strength. In experiments, it was found that the harmonic mean obtains a more discernible region for the detection area.

[223] If the entry criteria are met, whereby the average value is greater than or equal to the first limit defining the detection area, method 1750 proceeds to step 1758. Otherwise, if the average value does not meet the criteria (i.e., less than or equal to the first limit), the method returns to step 1754, although the entity associated with the mobile communication device 310 continues to approach entry point 1630. However, in some embodiments, if the entry criteria are met, the mobile communication device 310 may additionally continue to calculate the average value for received samples of signals received from the transmitters. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 116 / 324 108 / 150 1610 and can determine that an additional entry criterion is met, whereby the average value does not decrease or remains equal to a second limit value for a time limit period. The second limit value may be less than the first limit value. If the second criteria are met, the method proceeds to step 1758.

[224] In step 1758, method 1750 includes mobile communication device 310 that generates and transfers, to an input point microcontroller 338 via communication device 336, an input request in response to the average value that is greater than or equal to the threshold. Preferably, the input request is generated and transferred in an automated manner without user intervention (i.e., without the user holding the mobile communication device 310 and without operating the mobile communication device 310).

[225] In step 1760, method 1750 includes the entry point microcontroller 338 which transfers the received entry request to the access control system 304 via the ticket issuing machine 314. More specifically, the entry point microcontroller 338 communicates with the ticket issuing machine 314 via the data cable 334. Then, the ticket issuing machine 314 transfers the entry request to the access control processing system 312 via Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 117 / 324 109 / 150 of a computer network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN).

[226] In step 1762, method 1750 includes the point-of-entry microcontroller 338 which receives, via the communication device 336 and the ticket issuing machine 314, authorization data generated by the access control system 304. In particular, the access control processing system 312 generates the authorization data which is transferred to the ticket issuing machine 314 via the computer network which, in turn, transfers the authorization data to the communication device 336 of the point-of-entry microcontroller 338 and the interconnection data cable 334. The authorization data is stored in the database 344 accessible by the access control processing system 312.

[227] In step 1764, method 1750 includes communication device 336 associated with point-of-entry microcontroller 338 that wirelessly transfers authorization data to the user's mobile communication device 310 for storage in the memory of the mobile communication device 310 as a form of virtual ticket.

[228] In step 1766, method 1750 includes the access control processing system 312 which instructs the ticket issuing machine 314 to actuate the entrance door assembly 318 so as to move to an open position.

[229] As the user approaches a point of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 118 / 324 110 / 150 exit from the vehicle parking facility, step 1768 of method 1750 includes the mobile communication device 310 under the control of the computer program 308 that receives output transmission signals from at least some of the communication system output devices 306 that are associated with the monitored region.

[230] In step 1770, method 1750 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines an average value based on the signal strength received from the output transmission signals of the output transmitters 1610 and compares the average value to a threshold. In particular, as discussed earlier, the average value can be a harmonic mean. In some circumstances, the average value can be calculated as a geometric mean. In experiments, it was found that the harmonic mean obtains a more discernible region for the detection area.

[231] If the average value satisfies the exit criteria (that is, the average value is greater than or equal to the value that defines the detection area for the exit point), method 1750 proceeds to step 1772. Otherwise, if the average value does not satisfy the exit threshold (that is, the average value is less than or equal to the threshold that defines the detection area for the exit point), method 1750 returns to step 1768, although the entity associated with mobile communication device 310 continues to approach exit point 1630. In Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 119 / 324 111 / 150 However, in some embodiments, the mobile communication device 310 may further calculate the average value for received samples of signals received from transmitters 1610 over time and determine that each average value actually decreases or remains equal to a second limit value for a time limit period. The second limit value may be less than the first limit value. If a second entry criterion is satisfied, whereby the average values ​​that were calculated after the first criteria were satisfied were greater than the second limit value for the time limit period, the method proceeds to step 1772.

[232] In step 1772, method 1750 includes the user's mobile communication device 310 which transfers an outgoing request indicating authorization data to the outgoing communication system 356 in response to the average value that satisfies one or more outgoing criteria. Preferably, the outgoing request is generated and transferred automatically without user intervention (i.e., without the user holding the mobile communication device and without operating the mobile communication device). The outgoing request is indicative of at least the authorization data in this example.

[233] In step 1774, method 1750 includes the device Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 120 / 324 112 / 150 communication device 356 that transfers the exit request to the access control processing system 312 and the ticket reading machine 316. In particular, the exit communication device 356 of the exit point microcontroller 358 transfers the exit request to the ticket reading machine 316 via the data cable 338. Then, the ticket reading machine 316 transfers the exit request to the access control processing system 312 via the LAN.

[234] In step 1776, method 1750 includes the access control processing system 312 which transfers an exit actuation command to the ticket reading machine 316 so that the exit barrier gate assembly 320 is opened in order to allow the user to drive his vehicle out of the exit point of the vehicle parking facility.

[235] As discussed above, the mobile communication device 310 can receive configuration data from the server processing system 340. The server processing system 340 can be a cloud server. The configuration data may include data relating to one or more limits for a plurality of entry / access points. The computer program 308 can configure the mobile communication device 310 in order to obtain periodically updated configuration data. The data of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 121 / 324 113 / 150 configurations can be pushed or pulled by the mobile communication device 310 from the cloud server 340. Therefore, if a particular communication system 306 is reconfigured, thus altering the various transmission characteristics of the particular communication system 306 to a restricted area, the configuration data can be changed on the cloud server 340, with each mobile communication device 310 receiving the changed configuration data promptly (e.g., within 6 hours). Different types of configuration data can be stored by the cloud server 340 for various types and models of mobile communication devices.For example, the cloud server might have a first type of configuration data for a first type of mobile communication device (e.g., Apple iPhone™), a second type of configuration data for a second type of mobile communication device (e.g., Samsung mobile phones and similar phones), and a third type of configuration data for other types of mobile communication devices (e.g., Motorola mobile phones and similar phones). Thus, the cloud server is configured to determine the type of mobile communication device 310 and provide the corresponding type of configuration data for the respective mobile communication device 310. The configuration data can be... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 122 / 324 114 / 150 provided in the form of a database.

[236] With reference to Figure 18, an alternative arrangement of transmitters 1610A, 1610B is shown. Unlike the examples shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the transmitter arrangement includes only two transmitters 1610A and 1610B. As can be seen in Figure 18, the plurality of transmitters 1610A, 1610B are separated from each other and the reflector antennas 1615A, 1615B associated with transmitters 1610A, 1610B are oriented substantially towards each other in order to define the detection area 1630 in at least part of the area between them.

[237] In particular arrangements, each reflector antenna 1615 is a corner reflector antenna which generally includes reflector walls that are orthogonal to each other. In these arrangements, each transmitter is spaced about half a wavelength from a respective corner of the respective corner reflector antenna and wherein the respective reflector walls of the respective corner reflector antenna are equal to or greater than the wavelength. In particular arrangements, the transmitters 1610 are preferably Bluetooth devices, such as Bluetooth low energy transmitters. Therefore, given the operating frequency of such Bluetooth devices, a dipole-driven element 1901 of the transmitter is located Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 123 / 324 115 / 150 approximately 6.25 cm from the corner of the corner reflector antenna. In this example, the reflector walls have a sheet-like profile in the sense that the reflector walls have no gaps or holes (like a screen), thus inhibiting transmission behind the reflector walls relative to the 1901 dipole.

[238] With reference to Figures 19 and 20, the transmitter and the reflector antenna can together form a transmitter assembly 1900 provided in the form of a tie-down pole 1905. The reflector walls of each reflector antenna 1615 are two orthogonal walls 1910, 1920 of a tie-down pole housing the respective transmitter. As can be seen in Figures 19 and 20, the tie-down pole 1905 has a substantially square cross-sectional profile. A dipole-driven element 1901 of each transmitter is spaced from the corner reflector antenna 1615 by a spacer support 1950 shown inside the respective tie-down pole 1905. In particular, the spacer support members 1951, 1952 and 1953 extend from the walls 1910, 1920 and the corner of the corner reflector antenna 1615 in order to locate the dipole-driven element 1901 of the transmitter 1610 in free space, the required distance from the corner.In experiments conducted with Bluetooth devices, the horizontal length of the orthogonal walls 1910, 1920 of the mooring post that form the reflection walls of the reflector antenna 1615 was greater than or equal to approximately 12.5 cm. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 124 / 324 116 / 150 (that is, about one wavelength for Bluetooth devices) and preferably about 15 cm.

[239] As can be seen in Figures 19 and 20, the transmitter assembly 1900 may include an electrical power supply 1940 which is electrically coupled by means of an electrical wire 1965 to the transmitter 1610. In the examples shown in Figures 19 and 20, the electrical power supply 1940 may be a battery which is mounted on the wall 1940 which is not part of the reflector antenna 1615 and free from the window 1970. It will be noted that it is possible that other power sources may be used, such as power from feed lines or the like.

[240] With reference to Figure 20, each tie-down post 1905 includes a cutout section that defines a window 1970 to enable the transmission of the respective transmitter signals by the respective transmitter 1610. Each tie-down post 1905 has a protective cover to substantially cover the respective cutout section that defines the window 1970 without substantially inhibiting the transmission of the respective transmitter signal by the respective transmitter 1610 towards the detection area.

[241] Each mooring post may include upper and lower signal suppression material located above and below the transmitter to substantially suppress diffraction of the respective transmitter signal transmission. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 125 / 324 117 / 150 in an up and down direction. For example, a top and bottom reflection plate can be provided, thus providing a cheese-type antenna.

[242] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the transmitter arrangement may include four 1610 transmitters arranged in a quadrilateral arrangement. The transmitters may be spaced at a sufficient distance to allow the entity to enter the detection area 1630 through and between neighboring 1610 transmitters. As also discussed in relation to Figure 18, it is also possible to provide a transmitter arrangement that includes two 1610 transmitters. In addition, it is possible to provide three 1610 transmitters, the three transmitters being separated from each other in a triangular configuration and the reflector antennas 1615 being oriented substantially towards each other to define the detection area in at least part of the area between them. This triangular arrangement of transmitters may occur when one of the 1610 transmitters ceases to operate.

[243] In the example discussed in relation to Figures 17A and 17B, the input or output request is received by the communication device 336, 356 associated with the input or output microcontroller 338, 358 which allows the system to be operational in situations such as Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 126 / 324 118 / 150 as underground vehicle parking facilities, wherein the mobile communication device 310 may not have the capability to use a mobile telecommunications network to connect to the Internet and the like. However, in situations, the system is operational in an area where a mobile telecommunications network can be accessed by the mobile communication device 310, and the entry or exit request can be transferred to the access control processing system 312 via the mobile telecommunications network associated with the mobile communication device 310. Upon receiving the entry or exit request, the access control processing system 312 can instruct the entry or exit microcontroller 338, 358 to activate the respective access control assembly 318, 320.Authorization data can be transferred by the access control processing system 312 via a computer network, which is received by the mobile communication device 310 via the mobile telecommunications network. In this arrangement, communication between the mobile communication device 310 and the access control processing system 312 does not need to be retransmitted via the input / output microcontroller 338, 358.

[244] During the installation of the transmitter array, an installer may walk close to the area Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 127 / 324 The installation monitors the expected 119 / 150 signal strength from the detection area while simultaneously holding the mobile communication device and viewing the average received signal strength values, which are calculated and displayed to the installer. Additionally, a log can be recorded by the mobile communication device. When there is no substantial rate of change in the average value recorded in the region, the average value is recorded. Average values ​​are recorded at different locations (i.e., front edge, back edge, left side edge, right side edge) of the detection area. Then, the threshold is calculated as the average of the average values, as shown below by Equation 1. RSSIedge + RSSIedge2 + RSSIedge3 + RSSIedge4 RSSlLimite = -----------------4----------------- - Equation 1

[245] Next, the determined limit can be stored as part of the configuration data managed by the cloud server 340 which can be distributed to one or more mobile communication devices 310 of the system. The installer may have different types of mobile communication devices to install that represent common types of mobile communication devices used by users. In this way, the process can be repeated for the remaining mobile communication devices to install to capture configuration data relevant to them. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 128 / 324 120 / 150 types of mobile communication devices that have different antenna models.

[246] The simulation results relating to Figures 21 to 34 refer to a transmitter arrangement in which transmitters are separated by 3.5 meters. For example, in a fourth transmitter arrangement, the 1610 transmitters are arranged in a square configuration in which the distance between neighboring transmitters is 3.5 meters. In a third transmitter arrangement, one of the transmitters in the fourth transmitter arrangement is switched off. In a two-transmitter arrangement, two neighboring transmitters are switched off so that the two remaining transmitters are separated by 3.5 meters.

[247] With reference to Figure 21, a contour plot is shown of a simulation of the harmonic mean value calculated for an area adjacent to an entry / exit point. The simulation does not include noise. The contour plot also has an ideal region of the detection area superimposed on it. Based on the harmonic mean value, a harmonic mean threshold value can be selected, which in this example is set to -79 dBm to define a detection area shown in Figure 22. As shown in Figure 22, selecting a harmonic mean threshold results in a detection area spanning 3.7 meters in geometric directions xe y. Figures 23 and 24 show graphs. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 129 / 324 121 / 150 of the harmonic mean values ​​calculated on the geometric x and y axes of the area adjacent to the entry / exit point along lines E, F shown in Figure 21. Figures 23 and 24 clearly show that there is a substantial increase in the harmonic mean value and its rate of change when the rate of change increases during the approach to the detection zone region, thus allowing the selection and adjustment of an appropriate harmonic mean threshold to enable the mobile communication device 310 to determine when it is within the detection area 1630.

[248] With reference to Figures 25, 26, 27 and 28, contour plots similar to those in Figures 21, 22, 23 and 24 are shown, but for the simulated transmitter array which includes noise. As can be seen in these contour plots, a free detection area can be defined based on the selection of an appropriate mean harmonic threshold, despite the noise, which again in this example was selected as -79 dBm. Due to the noise applied to the simulation, the detection area covers a region that extends 4.1 meters on the geometric axis x and 3.8 meters on the geometric axis y to the area adjacent to the input / output point.

[249] With reference to Figures 29, 30, 31 and 32, the plotting of contour lines is similar to those in Figures Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 130 / 324 122 / 150 Figures 21, 22, 23, and 24, however, are for a simulated, noise-free transmitter array with only two transmitters, as discussed and depicted in Figure 18. Again, as can be seen in Figure 30, with the selection and an appropriate mean harmonic threshold, a distant detection area can be defined. Figures 31 and 32 clearly show that the mean harmonic value increases substantially in the region of the detection area, as defined by the selected mean harmonic threshold. In this example, the mean harmonic threshold is set to -77 dBm, which defines a detection area extending 3.4 meters along the geometric axis and 4.1 meters along the geometric y-axis.

[250] Figure 33 depicts a graph plotting the error rate for various harmonic mean limits selected for the simulated arrangements of four transmitters and two transmitters. The error rates were calculated using a simulation of the mobile communication device 310 traversing through each detection area at various random speeds and using random communication transitions and different mean limits. As can be seen in Figure 33, a similar error rate (i.e., less than 0.001) can be obtained with differently selected harmonic mean limits. As can also be seen, substantially low error rates can be obtained using the Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 131 / 324 123 / 150 multiple transmitter provisions disclosed.

[251] Figure 34 shows a contour plot of the harmonic mean value calculated over an area adjacent to an entry / exit point using a simulation of a triangular spaced configuration of 1610 transmitters. In particular, one of the 1610 transmitters in the four-transmitter configuration was switched off and the harmonic mean value was calculated over the region. As can be seen from the contour plot in Figure 34, a transmitter arrangement of three 1610 transmitters arranged in a triangular configuration can be used if an approximately selected harmonic mean threshold is used to define a free region for the detection area.

[252] Figure 35 shows a contour plot of the geometric mean value calculated over the same area adjacent to an entry / exit point using the same simulated quadrilateral spaced configuration of 1610 transmitters as used for Figure 21. When the contour plots of Figures 35 and 21 are compared, it can be observed that the geometric mean can also be calculated by the mobile communication device 310 and that the mean limit can be set as an appropriate geometric mean limit to then define a region of the detection area. However, it will be observed from Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 132 / 324 124 / 150 a comparison of Figures 21 and 35 which is considered more preferable to use the harmonic mean value.

[253] It will be observed that transmitter arrangements 1610 to enable the mobile communication device 310 to automatically determine that its location is within a defined detection area are highly advantageous. In particular, due to the use of an average RSSI boundary that effectively defines a relatively contained detection area, it is possible to locate an array of multiple transmitters in an area. For example, a vehicle parking facility may have multiple entry and exit points located close to each other. Using the techniques described above, contained detection areas can be defined so as not to leak or overlap with adjacent areas, such as a neighboring path with a transmitter array and respective detection area.This advantage is unique because it is highly difficult to achieve this level of precision with current deployments, such as Apple iBeacon, which lacks the level of control over the defined regions in which the mobile communication device will perform an automatic action in response to receiving a warning signal.

[254] In another variation, it is possible that the mobile communication device 310 determines a plurality of values. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 133 / 324 125 / 150 average for adjacent transmitters 1610. For example, a first average value can be determined for transmitters 1615A and 1615B, and then a second average value can be determined for transmitters 1615C and 1615D. Then, the mobile communication device 310 can determine a discrepancy value from the first and second average values. The mobile communication device can then compare the discrepancy to a discrepancy range stored in memory. If the discrepancy is within the range, the mobile communication device 310 determines that the input / request output can be transferred accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, a first average value for the pair of diagonal transmitters can be determined for transmitters 1615A and 1615D, and then a second average value for the pair of diagonal transmitters can be determined for transmitters 1615B and 1615C.Next, the 310 mobile communication device can determine a diagonal pair discrepancy value from the first and second average values ​​of the diagonal transmitter pairs. Then, the mobile communication device can compare the diagonal pair discrepancy value to a diagonal pair discrepancy stored in memory. If the diagonal pair discrepancy value is within the range, the 310 mobile communication device determines that the input / request output can be transferred accordingly. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 134 / 324 126 / 150 Optionally, both discrepancy values ​​need to be within their respective ranges in order for the input / request output to be transferred.

[255] In a further variation, a time series of discrepancy values ​​can be used to determine a path through the detection area.

[256] With reference to Figures 36 and 37, an additional exemplifying transmitter arrangement 3800 is shown for two entry points provided for two lanes 3820A, 3820B for vehicles. Each entry point has an associated entry point set 304A, 304B. Transmitters 1610A, 1610B, 1610C, 1610D utilize reflector antennas 1615A, 1615B, 1615C, 1615D as discussed above. In this example, a signal processing technique can be performed by the mobile communication device 310 in the left or right lane to determine whether an entry request should be transferred based on the signals received from the four transmitters 1610A, 1610B, 1610C, 1610D.In particular, the 310 mobile communication device determines a masking value based on the signal strength received from the transmitter signals and then determines an average value of the signal strength received from the transmitter signals, where the average value has been masked by the masking value. The masked average value can then be used to determine whether one or more... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 135 / 324 127 / 150 criteria used were satisfied to indicate that mobile communication device 310 is located in a detection area associated with a particular lane 3820A, 3820B, with distinct and different detection areas 1630A, 1630B being defined within the common transmission area 3810 for transmitters 1610A, 1610B, 1610C, 1610D.

[257] More specifically, the masked average value can be used to determine whether the mobile communication device 310 for a vehicle is located within a left portion or a right portion of a perimeter 3810 defined by transmitters 1610A, 1610B, 1610C, 1610D that transmit along the two lanes 3820A, 3820B. Thus, instead of installing four transmitters per vehicle lane at each entry or exit point to define a detection area for a single lane, the four transmitters 1610A, 1610B, 1610C, 1610D can be shared for two neighboring lanes 3820A, 3820B at two neighboring entry / exit points, and the signal processing above, which uses the masking value, can be used by a mobile communication device 310 to determine whether the mobile communication device is located in a left or right lane.Therefore, in some circumstances only half of the 1610 transmitters may need to be installed for a particular inlet or outlet area where multiple lanes are provided. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 136 / 324 128 / 150 Furthermore, this transmitter arrangement may be necessary in circumstances where there may be physical limitations to installing transmitters 1610 between adjacent vehicle lanes. As shown in Figure 38A, the mobile communication device 310 is not detected as being located in either of the left or right detection areas 1630A, 1630B. However, in Figure 38B, once the vehicle associated with the mobile communication device 310 approaches the entry point, the mobile communication device using the signal processing technique described above determines that it is located within the left detection area 1630A.

[258] With reference to Figures 38 and 39, a flowchart is shown representing a 3900 method for performing the signal processing discussed in relation to Figures 36 and 37. The 3800 method will be described initially with reference to the transmitter arrangement of Figures 36 and 37 operating at input points and then subsequently operating at output points. This transmitter arrangement can be used in relation to the system described in relation to Figure 17A. It will be noted that the terms left and right are used throughout the description of these examples for clarity; thus, the examples are not limited to the specific left and right configurations, and the terms first and second can be Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 137 / 324 129 / 150 interchangeably for the terms left and right respectively throughout these examples for a more general example.

[259] In particular, step 3802 of method 3800 is performed in the same way as step 1752.

[260] As the user approaches an entry point of the vehicle parking facility, step 3804 of method 3800 is performed in the same way as step 1754.

[261] In step 3806, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines an average value indicative of the received signal strength based on the received input transmission signals. In one particular form, the average value may be a harmonic mean value. Other average values ​​may be determined.

[262] In step 3808, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines an indicative average value of the received signal strength for signals received from a left pair of transmitters. In the transmitter arrangement shown in Figures 36 and 37 there may be transmitters 1610A and 1610C. In a particular form, the average value may be a harmonic mean value. Other average values ​​may be determined.

[263] In step 3810, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines an average value indicative of the received signal strength for signals Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 138 / 324 130 / 150 received from a right pair of transmitters. In the transmitter arrangement shown in Figures 36 and 37, transmitters 1610B and 1610D may be present. In a particular configuration, the average value may be a harmonic mean value. Other average values ​​may be determined.

[264] In step 3812, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines the left and right masking values ​​based on the average values ​​for the left and right transmitter pairs. Specifically, each masking value is determined as a value that is in a range between 0 and 1. In particular, if a left masking value needs to be calculated for use in determining whether the mobile communication device is located in the left lane, as shown in Figures 36 and 37, Equation 2 can be used: 10logi0 (meam) - 10logi0 (meang) . maski(l) = --------05 x FBR--------+0.5 - Equation 2

[265] where:

[266] - maskL(i) is the left masking value for a sample.

[267] - meanL(i) is the mean value (mW) for a sample of the left transmitters.

[268] - meanR (i) is the mean value (mW) for a sample of the right transmitters.

[269] - FBR is the front-to-back ratio (dB) for the antenna Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 139 / 324 131 / 150 of the transmitters.

[270] If a right masking value needs to be calculated, Equation 3 can be used, as shown below: 10logi0 (meanR(i)) - 10logi0 (meani(i)) _ _π_ maskR(l) = ----------0.5 χ FBR----------+0.5 - Equation 3

[271] where:

[272] - maskR is the left masking value for a sample.

[273] The '0.5' that appears in the denominator of Equations 2 and 3 is used to square the masking value so that there is a clear distinction between the segments of the detection area. It will be noted that this value is only exemplary and that, depending on the circumstances, this value may increase or decrease in order to more clearly define the region of the detection area. The value 0.5 that is added to the initial portion of Equations 2 and 3 results in a masking value that is in a range between 0 and 1.

[274] In step 3814, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines a left and right masked average value using the average value and the left and right masking values ​​respectively. In one form, the masked average value can be expressed in dBm. Therefore, the left and right masked average values ​​expressed in dBm can be Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 140 / 324 132 / 150 calculated according to Equations 4 and 5 respectively: meant, masked(i) = lOlogio (meanL,R(i)) x meant(i) — Equation 4 meanR, masked(i) = lOlogio (meanL,R(i)) x meanR(i) — Equation 5

[275] where:

[276] meanL,masked(i) is the left masked mean value for a sample.

[277] meanR,masked(i) is the right masked mean value for a sample. meanL,R(i) is the average value (mW) for a sample received from the left and right transmitters.

[278] In step 3816, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which uses left and right masked average values ​​to determine whether one or more criteria have been met to indicate that mobile communication device 310 is located within a left or right detection area. For example, the left masked average value can be compared to a left lane boundary to determine whether mobile communication device 310 is located in detection area 1630A associated with the left lane. More specifically, if the left masked average value is greater than the boundary stored in the memory of mobile communication device 310, mobile communication device 310 determines that mobile communication device 310 is located in detection area 1630A for the left lane. Similarly, Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 141 / 324 The 133 / 150 right masked media value can be compared by the mobile communication device 310 to a right track threshold stored in the memory of the mobile communication device 310 to determine if the mobile communication device 310 is located in the detection area associated with the right track. More specifically, if the right masked media value is greater than the threshold, the mobile communication device 310 determines that the mobile communication device 310 is located in detection area 1630B for the right track.

[279] If the left or right masked mean values ​​satisfy (i.e., are greater than or equal to) the respective threshold that defines the respective left or right detection areas 1630A, 1630B, method 3900 proceeds to step 3845. Otherwise, if both the left and right masked mean values ​​do not satisfy (i.e., are less than or equal to) the respective thresholds, method 3900 returns to step 3804 while the entity associated with the mobile communication device 310 continues to approach an entry point 1630.

[280] In step 3818, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 that generates and transfers, to an entry point microcontroller 338 associated with the respective lane for the vehicle and by means of communication device 336, an input request in response to a Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 142 / 324 134 / 150 among the masked average values ​​that satisfy the threshold. Preferably, the input request is generated and transferred automatically without user intervention (i.e., without the user holding the mobile communication device and without operating the mobile communication device).

[281] Step 3820 of method 3800 is performed in the same way as step 1760.

[282] Step 3822 of method 3800 is performed in the same way as step 1762.

[283] Step 3824 of method 3800 is performed in the same way as step 1764.

[284] Step 3826 of method 3800 is performed the same way as step 1766.

[285] The following steps of method 3800 will now be described based on the transmitter arrangement shown in Figures 36 and 37 operating at the exit points.

[286] As the user approaches an exit point of the vehicle parking facility, step 3828 of method 3800 is performed in the same way as step 1768.

[287] In step 3830, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines an average value indicative of the received signal strength based on the received output transmission signals. In a particular form, the average value may be an average value Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 143 / 324 135 / 150 harmonic. Other average values ​​can be determined.

[288] In step 3832, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines an indicative average value of the received signal strength for signals received from a left pair of transmitters. In the transmitter arrangement shown in Figures 36 and 37 there may be transmitters 1610A and 1610C. In a particular form, the average value may be a harmonic mean value. Other average values ​​may be determined.

[289] In step 3834, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines an indicative average value of the received signal strength for signals received from a right pair of transmitters. In the transmitter arrangement shown in Figures 36 and 37 there may be transmitters 1610B and 1610D. In a particular form, the average value may be a harmonic mean value. Other average values ​​may be determined.

[290] In step 3836, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which determines the left and right masking values ​​based on the average values ​​for the left and right pairs of transmitters 1610A and 1610C, 1610B and 1610D. Specifically, each masking value is determined as a value that is in a range between 0 and 1. In a particular form, if a left masking value must be calculated to determine whether Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 144 / 324 136 / 150 mobile communication device 310 is located in the left lane, as shown in Figures 36 and 37, Equation 2 can be used, as discussed above. If a right masking value needs to be calculated, Equation 3 can be used, as discussed above.

[291] In step 3838, method 3800 involves determining a left and right masked average value using the average value and the left and right masking values ​​respectively. In one form, the masked average value can be expressed in dBm. Therefore, the left and right masked average values ​​expressed in dBm can be calculated by the mobile communication device 310 according to Equations 4 and 5 discussed above.

[292] In step 3840, method 3800 includes mobile communication device 310 which uses left and right masked average values ​​to determine whether one or more criteria have been met to indicate that mobile communication device 310 is located within a left or right detection area 1630A, 1630B at the exit points. For example, the left masked average value can be compared to a left lane boundary to determine whether mobile communication device 310 is located in the detection area associated with the left lane. More specifically, if the left masked average value is greater than the boundary, mobile communication device 310 Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 145 / 324 137 / 150 determines that mobile communication device 310 is located in detection area 1630A for the left track exit point. Similarly, the right masked average value can be compared to a right track limit to determine if mobile communication device 310 is located in detection area 1630B associated with the right track. More specifically, if the right masked average value is greater than the limit, mobile communication device 310 determines that mobile communication device 310 is located in detection area 1630B for the right track exit point.

[293] If the left or right masked mean values ​​satisfy (i.e., are greater than or equal to) the respective threshold that defines the respective left or right detection areas, method 3800 proceeds to step 3842. Otherwise, if both the left and right masked mean values ​​do not satisfy (i.e., are less than or equal to) the respective thresholds, method 3800 returns to step 3828 while the entity associated with the mobile communication device 310 continues to approach an entry point 1630.

[294] In step 3842, method 3800 includes the user's mobile communication device 310 that transfers an outgoing request indicating authorization data to the outgoing communication system 356 associated with the lane in Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 146 / 324 138 / 150 response detected at the respective average value that satisfies (i.e., is greater than or equal to) the respective output threshold. Preferably, the output request is generated and transferred automatically without user intervention (i.e., without the user holding the mobile communication device and without operating the mobile communication device). The output request is indicative of at least the authorization data in this example.

[295] In step 3844, method 3800 includes communication device 356 that transfers the outgoing request to the access control processing system 312 and the ticket reading machine 316. In particular, the outgoing communication device 356 of the point-of-sale microcontroller 358 transfers the outgoing request to the ticket reading machine 316 via the data cable 338. Then, the ticket reading machine 316 transfers the outgoing request to the access control processing system 312 via the LAN.

[296] Step 3846 of method 3800 is performed in the same way as step 1774.

[297] Step 3848 of method 3800 is performed in the same way as step 1776.

[298] It will be observed that the received signal strength values ​​can be scaled to the 3900 method. For example, scaling can be performed so that the Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 147 / 324 139 / 150 magnitude of particular values ​​can be expressed more advantageously from a memory management and processing speed point of view. In particular, RSSI values ​​expressed in dBm can be offset by 100 dBm so that values ​​expressed in Watts or milliwatts can be stored in data structures, such as an integer data structure or similar. If the masked average value is to be compared to a threshold value in dBm, the masked average value can be adjusted (such as by subtracting -100 dBm) or the threshold can be adjusted accordingly.Additionally or alternatively, due to the various positions in which the mobile communication device 310 may be located in a vehicle, which may affect the reception experienced by the respective mobile communication device, method 3800 may be modified to apply input and output scale values ​​to the received signal strength values ​​in order to determine whether the mobile communication device 310 is located in a particular detection area associated with a particular lane.

[299] With reference to Figures 40A, 40B and 40C, three contour plots are shown based on a simulation that illustrates the signal processing that is performed to determine whether a mobile communication device 310 located inside a vehicle is located in Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 148 / 324 140 / 150 a left or right track using the transmitter model shown in Figures 36 and 37. The contour plot in Figure 40A shows the average harmonic value of the signals received from the transmitters, which is determined at various positions. The contour plot in 40B shows a left masking value for the left pair of transmitters determined at various positions. The contour plot in 40C shows the multiplication of the first contour plot (i.e., the average value) and the second contour plot (the masking value), resulting in the masked average value at various positions. As can be seen in the third contour plot, the higher RSSI values ​​are shown in the left portion of the common transmission area 3810 for transmitters 1610. Figures 41 and 42 show the RSSI values ​​on the x and y geometric axis for the third contour plot.By defining an appropriate threshold value, a detection area for the left lane can be defined, as shown in Figure 43.

[300] With reference to Figure 44, a comparison of the error rate between the model discussed in relation to the transmitter arrangement discussed in relation to Figures 16A and 16B is shown in comparison to the transmitter arrangement in relation to Figures 38A and 38B. As can be seen, the transmitter arrangement of Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 149 / 324 141 / 150 Figures 38A and 38B have a minimum error rate of 0.13% (i.e., a 99.87% success rate), which is a higher error rate than the transmitter arrangement in Figures 16A and 16B (where 0.02% results in a 99.98% success rate). However, since the error rate is still extremely lower, the benefits of installing half (or approximately half, depending on the physical layout) of the transmitters needed to detect whether a vehicle is located in a left or right lane can be considered more advantageous despite the slightly higher error rate.

[301] It will be observed that, if there are a large number of neighboring entry or exit points, the alternative transmitter arrangement described above can be used, whereby a set of 1610 transmitters transmits along two neighboring lanes. Therefore, there may be a plurality of sets of transmitters in such a configuration.

[302] As discussed above, the mobile communication device 310 can receive configuration data from the server processing system 340. The server processing system 340 can be a cloud server. The configuration data may include data reacting to the configuration of one or more communication systems 306 associated with one or more restricted areas. In particular, the configuration data may include unique device identities (such as an identifier). Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 150 / 324 142 / 150 universally unique, MAC addresses, etc.) for each input and output communication device and the associated identity of the restricted area (i.e., parking facility identity or similar), calibration data such as transmission characteristics of each input and output communication device and the side of a vehicle trajectory on which each communication device is located. Computer program 308 can configure mobile communication device 310 in order to obtain periodically updated configuration data. The configuration data can be pushed or pulled by the mobile communication device 310 from the cloud server 340.Therefore, if a particular communication system 306 is reconfigured, thereby altering the various transmission characteristics of the particular communication system 306 for a restricted area, the configuration data can be changed on the cloud server 340, and each mobile communication device 310 obtains the changed configuration data in a timely manner (for example, within 6 hours).

[303] The systems described are advantageous because the mobile communication device 310 transmits the input / request output using a short-range wireless communication network to the local communication system 306. In this way, the user does not require internet access. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 151 / 324 143 / 150 enter or exit the restricted area. However, in a variation of these systems, the entry request and exit request can alternatively be transferred via a WAN, such as the Internet, to the server processing system 340 for processing. An example of this system arrangement 1502 is shown in Figure 15. It will be noted that some restricted areas (e.g., underground parking facilities) may not be suitable for such a configuration. However, for areas that are suitable when the mobile communication device 310 can access the Internet using mobile communication services, the server processing system 340 can be configured to process the received entry or exit request based on the data stored in the data storage 342 in order to determine the validity of the request.In response to positive validation, server processing system 340 can transfer a command to access control processing system 312 from access control system 1504 to actuate the respective entry / exit control set 318, 320 (i.e., barrier gate or similar) to allow the user to enter or exit the restricted area. In some examples, the entry / exit control set 318 / 320 may be more sophisticated and may receive data directly from server processing system 340. Systems 1502 and 1504 operate together to... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 152 / 324 144 / 150 form the 1500 system.

[304] It will be noted that although the previous examples have shown a single server processing system 340, it is possible for a server processing system to include a distributed server processing system including multiple server processing systems.

[305] It will be observed that, although in the previous examples, the entry point microcontroller 338 and the exit point microcontroller 358 are not directly connected to the access control processing system 312 (instead of indirectly through the ticket issuing machine 314 and the ticket reading machine 316), it is possible that the system 300 be modified such that the entry point microcontroller 338 and the exit point microcontroller 358 are configured to be connected directly to the access control processing system 312 through a communication medium, such as through a data cable (e.g., network cable), such that direct communication can occur between the respective processing systems.

[306] In the examples described above, no user interaction with the mobile communication device 310 is required for the incoming request or the outgoing request to be generated and transferred. However, in particular variations of these examples, the communication device Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 153 / 324 Mobile 145 / 150 310 can be configured by computer program 308 to allow the user to interact with a user interface of the computer program that is presented through the display of the mobile communication device in order to generate and transmit the input request or the output request. In certain examples, analysis of the received signal strength of the input and output signals is unnecessary since the user simply interacts with the interface when entering or exiting the restricted area. However, in other examples, analysis of the received signal strength of the input and output signals can be used by the mobile communication device to enable a portion of the interface that is normally disabled. In particular, before approaching the entry or exit point of the restricted area, a portion of the computer program 308 interface, such as a button, is disabled.The mobile communication device 310 is configured by the computer program to analyze the received signal strength, as discussed above in previous examples. When the mobile communication device 310 determines that one or more input or output criteria have been met, the computer program 308 enables the interface button, such that the user can then select the button to instruct the mobile communication device to generate and transfer the input or output request. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 154 / 324 146 / 150 This configuration reduces the risk of a user in a queue at the entry or exit point interacting with computer program 308 to generate and transfer an entry or exit request that actually allows a different user located ahead in the queue to enter or exit the restricted area.

[307] In another example shown in Figure 45, a system 4500 is provided that may include a mobile device 310, a plurality of receivers 4510 (4510A, 4510B, 4510C, 4510D) and a processing system 4520. Each receiver 4510 has associated with it a reflector antenna 4530 (4530A, 4530B, 4530C, 4530D). The mobile device 310 is configured to transmit a signal that is received by at least two receivers 4510. The receivers 4510 that receive the signal communicate a received signal strength to the processing system 4520. The processing system 4520 determines, based on the signal strengths received by at least two of the receivers 4510, whether the mobile device 310 is located within a detection area 1630.Similar to the previous examples, the 4520 processing system can determine an average of the received signal strengths and then determine whether the criteria have been met based on the average value to indicate that the mobile device 310 is located within the detection area 1630. Once the antennas... Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, pp. 155 / 324 147 / 150 reflector antennas 4530 act as a shield; some of the receivers 4510 will not receive the signal transmitted by the mobile device 310 when the mobile device 310 is located outside the detection area, or at least the signal strength received by these receivers 4510 will be low compared to when the mobile device 310 is located within the detection area. For example, in Figure 45, reflector antennas 4530A and 4530B act as a shield for receivers 4510A and 4510B; thus, the average value is lower, allowing the system to correctly determine that the mobile device 310 is not located in the detection area 1630. Each receiver 4510 may have an associated receiver processing system 4515 to determine the received signal strength and communicate the received signal strength to the processing system 4520.

[308] This receiver arrangement 4510 discussed in relation to Figure 45 can be substituted for the transmitter arrangement used in system 1700. The mobile communication device 310 of system 1700 can be reconfigured to periodically transmit a signal, such as a Bluetooth signal, during approach within the detection area. The processing system 4520 that determines the average received signal strengths can be the input point microcontroller 338 or the output point controller 358 of system 1700 that receives the strengths. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 156 / 324 148 / 150 of signal received from receiver processing systems 4515 that receive the signal transmitted by mobile device 310. Then, the input point microcontroller 338 or output point microcontroller 358 can determine if the criteria have been met to indicate whether mobile device 310 is located within the detection area 1630.

[309] In examples where the monitoring system monitors a vehicle entering or leaving an area, the mobile device 310 may be part of the vehicle rather than a separate device, such as a smartphone, located inside the vehicle. For example, the mobile device 310 may be an embedded processing system of the vehicle. In certain embodiments of this example, the vehicle may be an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

[310] It will be observed that for the systems described in relation to Figures 17 and 36, substantially simultaneous entry or exit requests may be received by the access control system 304 from multiple mobile communication devices 310 located within the detection area. In this sense, the entry request and the exit request generated by each mobile communication device may be indicative of one or more wireless devices to which the mobile communication device is currently connected, and if the system Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 157 / 324 149 / 150 communication receives data indicating a plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests received from multiple mobile communication devices, the one or more connected wireless devices indicated by at least one of the input or output requests is used to determine at least partially which input or output request among the plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests should be processed. For example, the input or output request from one of the mobile devices that is connected to a hands-free system in the vehicle may be accepted for processing, and the remaining requests may be disregarded.

[311] Additionally or alternatively to address the substantially simultaneous inbound or outbound requests received by the access control system 304, the mobile communication device 310 can determine, based on the signal strength received from the transmitters 1610, to which side or quadrant of the detection area the mobile device 310 is positionally displaced within the detection area. Each inbound or outbound request can indicate the positional displacement of the mobile device within the detection area. The access control system 304 can then use the positional displacement of each mobile device to Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 158 / 324 150 / 150 filtering of inbound or outbound requests. For example, the 304 access control system may accept an inbound or outbound request from a 310 mobile device indicating a positional displacement corresponding to a front right quadrant if the drivers are conveniently located in the front right portion of the vehicle. In jurisdictions where the driver is located in the front left portion of the vehicle, the 304 access control system may accept an inbound or outbound request from a mobile device indicating a positional displacement corresponding to a front left quadrant. Subsequently, other inbound or outbound requests that were received substantially simultaneously may be disregarded.

[312] Many modifications within the scope of the invention will be observed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[313] Many modifications within the scope of the invention will be observed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 159 / 324

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. A system characterized in that it includes: a plurality of transmitters, each transmitter having associated with it a reflector antenna configured to substantially reflect a signal transmission towards a detection area, wherein the reflector of at least some of the several transmitters is substantially directed towards each other, thus defining at least part of the detection area between them; and a mobile device configured to: receive transmitter signals from at least two transmitters among the plurality of transmitters; and determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area based on signal strengths received from at least some of the transmitter signals.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that each reflector antenna is a corner reflector antenna.

3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that each reflector antenna is a wall of a mooring pole housing the respective transmitter.

4. System, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a driven dipole element of each transmitter is separated from the corner reflector antenna by a spacer support mounted inside the respective tie-down pole.

5. System, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that each mooring post includes Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page 160 / 324 2 / 6 a cutout section to enable the transmission of the respective transmitter signal by the respective transmitter.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plurality of transmitters consists of: two transmitters; three transmitters, wherein the plurality of transmitters is separated from each other in a triangular configuration; or four transmitters, wherein the plurality of transmitters is separated from each other in a quadrilateral configuration.

7. A system, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the plurality of transmitters are Bluetooth devices.

8. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the determination that the mobile device is located within the detection area is based on an average value of the received signal intensities.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the average value is one of: a harmonic mean value; and a geometric mean value.

10. System, according to any claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the mobile device is configured to determine a masking value using the signal strengths received for at least some of the transmitters, wherein the mobile device uses the average value and the masking value to determine whether the mobile device is located in one of a plurality of detection areas associated with the plurality of transmitters.

11. System, according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the mobile device is configured to: determine a first masking value based on a discrepancy between a first average value of the received signal strength for signals received from a first pair of transmitters in a plurality of transmitters and a second average value of the received signal strength for signals received from a second pair of transmitters in a plurality of transmitters; determine a second masking value based on a discrepancy between the second average value and the first average value; determine whether the mobile device is located in a first detection area in the case where one or more first criteria are satisfied based on masking the average value using the first masking value;and determine if the mobile device is located in a second detection area in the case where one or more second criteria are met based on masking the average value using the second masking value.

12. System, according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the mobile device is configured to determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area in response to the mobile device's determination that the average value of the received signal strengths is greater than or equal to a signal strength threshold over a threshold period of time.

13. System according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the mobile device is configured to determine that the mobile device is located within the detection area in response to the mobile device's determination that the average value of the received signal intensities is greater than or equal to a first signal intensity threshold over a threshold time period that begins when the average value of the received signal intensities is greater than a second signal intensity threshold, wherein the second signal intensity threshold is greater than the first signal intensity threshold.

14. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the mobile device is configured to transfer data indicative of the determination that the mobile device is within the detection area to a monitoring system.

15. System, according to claim 14, characterized in that the monitoring system includes a controller with an associated communication device, wherein the indicative data of the determination is an access request generated and transferred by the mobile device that is received by the controller through the communication device, wherein the controller is configured to facilitate, based on the request, the instruction of an access control system to allow an entity to pass through an entry or exit point.

16. System according to claim 15, characterized in that the entry and exit points are associated with a vehicle parking facility.

17. A system according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that at least one of the input requests and output requests generated by the mobile communication device is indicative of one or more wireless devices to which the mobile communication device is currently connected, wherein the controller receives data indicative of a plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests received from multiple mobile communication devices, the one or more connected wireless devices indicated by at least one of the input requests or output requests are used to determine, at least partially, which input or output request among the plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests to process.

18. System, according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the mobile communication device is configured to determine, using the signal strengths received from at least part of the transmitter signals, a positional displacement of the mobile device within the detection area, with at least one of the entry request or Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, page.164 / 324 6 / 6 output is indicative of a positional displacement of the mobile device within the detection area, and in the case where the controller receives data indicating a plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests received from multiple mobile communication devices, the positional displacement indicated by at least one of the input or output requests is used to determine, at least partially, which input or output request among the plurality of substantially simultaneous input or output requests to process.

19. A method characterized by the fact that it includes: transmitting, from a plurality of transmitters, transmitter signals, each transmitter having associated with it a reflector antenna configured to substantially reflect the signal transmission towards a detection area, wherein the reflector of at least some of the several transmitters is substantially directed towards each other to thus define at least part of the detection area between them; and determining, in a mobile device, that the mobile device is located within the detection area based on signal strengths received from at least two transmitter signals among the plurality of transmitter signals. Petition 870260062754, dated 06 / 26 / 2026, p. 165 / 324

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