Method for learning deployment environment specific characteristics for seamless access

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for determining the location of one or more access control devices using an individual carrying a mobile device. The method includes: detecting a first wireless signal; determining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first wireless signal; determining a distance between a mobile device and a first access control device in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal; determining the location of the mobile device when the first wireless signal is detected; and determining the location of the first access control device in response to the location of the mobile device and the distance between the mobile device and the first access control device.

Description

Background of the Invention

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field of access control systems, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for operating an access control system.

[0002] Existing access control devices may allow an individual to open a room via a key (ie, a mobile device), but it may be difficult to determine the location of the room relative to other rooms. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to one embodiment, a method for determining the location of one or more access control devices using an individual carrying a mobile device is provided. The method includes: detecting a first wireless signal; determining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first wireless signal; determining a distance between a mobile device and a first access control device in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal; determining a location of the mobile device when the first wireless signal is detected; and determining the location of the first access control device in response to the location of the mobile device and the distance between the mobile device and the first access control device.

[0004] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include the first wireless signal being advertised by the first access control device, and the mobile device being configured to detect the first wireless signal.

[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include the first wireless signal being advertised by the mobile device, and the access control device being configured to detect the first wireless signal.

[0006] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include generating a map showing the location of the first access control device.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include that the first wireless signal is a Bluetooth signal.

[0008] In addition to or in lieu of one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include determining the location of the mobile device using at least one of GPS and RSSI of wireless signals between the mobile device and a wireless access protocol device having a known location.

[0009] In addition to or instead of one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include: detecting a first noise near the location of the first access control device; associating the first noise with the location of the first access control device; detecting a second noise near the location of the first access control device; determining that the second noise is substantially equivalent to the first noise; and confirming that the mobile device is within the location range of the first access control device in response to the first noise and the second noise.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a method for determining the location of one or more access control devices using an individual carrying a mobile device is provided. The method includes: detecting a first wireless signal; determining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first wireless signal; determining a distance between the mobile device and a first access control device in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal; detecting a second wireless signal; determining an RSSI of the second wireless signal; determining a distance between the mobile device and a second access control device in response to the RSSI of the second wireless signal; and determining a distance between the first access control device and the second access control device in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal and the RSSI of the second wireless signal.

[0011] In addition to or instead of one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include: determining the location of the mobile device when the first wireless signal is detected; and determining the location of the first access control device in response to the location of the mobile device when the first wireless signal is detected and the distance between the mobile device and the first access control device.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include determining a position of the second access control device in response to the position of the first access control device and the distance between the first access control device and the second access control device.

[0013] In addition to or instead of one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include: determining a second position of the mobile device when the second wireless signal is detected; and determining the position of the second access control device in response to the position of the mobile device when the second wireless signal is detected and the distance between the mobile device and the second access control device.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, another embodiment may include the first access control device announcing the first wireless signal, the second access control device announcing the second wireless signal, and the mobile device being configured to detect the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, another embodiment may include the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal being announced by the mobile device, the first access control device being configured to detect the first wireless signal, and the second access control device being configured to detect the second wireless signal.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include generating a map showing the location of the first access control device relative to the location of the second access control device.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include generating a map showing the location of the first access control device and the location of the second access control device.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include generating a map showing the location of the first access control device and the location of the second access control device.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include that the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal are Bluetooth signals.

[0020] In addition to or in lieu of one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include determining the location of the mobile device using at least one of GPS and RSSI of wireless signals between the mobile device and a wireless access protocol device having a known location.

[0021] In addition to or in lieu of one or more of the above features, further embodiments may include: detecting a first noise near the location of the first access control device; associating the first noise with the location of the first access control device; detecting a second noise near the location of the first access control device; determining that the second noise is substantially equivalent to the first noise; and confirming that the mobile device is within the location range.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a computer program product tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium is provided. The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations including: detecting a first wireless signal; determining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first wireless signal; determining a distance between a mobile device and a first access control device in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal; determining a location of the mobile device when the first wireless signal is detected; and determining the location of the first access control device in response to the location of the mobile device and the distance between the mobile device and the first access control device.

[0023] Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include tracking the position, location, and movement of a mobile device relative to an access control device in order to map the relative positions of multiple access control devices.

[0024] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the aforementioned features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements and their operation will become more clear in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and the accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature, rather than restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar elements are numbered similarly:

[0026] Figure 1 shows an overall schematic system diagram of an access control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of an access control device, a mobile device and a server of an access control system;

[0028] Figure 3 is a method of utilizing an individual carrying a mobile device to determine the location of one or more access control devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 4 A method of utilizing an individual carrying a mobile device to determine the location of one or more access control devices is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0030] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0031] Figure 1An access control system 10 is schematically shown. The system 10 generally includes a mobile device 12, a server 14, a wireless access protocol device 216, and an access control device 16. The access control system 10 may include any number of access control devices 16. It should be understood that, although a particular system is defined separately in the schematic block diagram, each or any one of the systems may be further combined or separated via hardware and / or software. In the illustrated embodiment, the access control device 16 may control access to a room 208 via a door 202. The access control system 10 may include any number of doors 202 and rooms 208. In addition, each room 208 may have multiple doors 202 and access control devices 16. It will be understood that, although the access control system 10 is illustrated using a door 202 and room 208 system, the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to other access control systems, such as, for example, elevators, turnstiles, safes, cars, garage doors, and the like.

[0032] A mobile device 12 belonging to an individual may be granted access to one or more access control devices 16 (e.g., a door lock assigned to an individual's office or hotel room). In one example, when an individual starts working in a new building, their mobile device 12 will be granted access to a specific room 208 that allows them to enter and / or work. In another example, when an individual checks into a hotel room, their mobile device 12 will be granted access to the room 208. There may be one or more mobile devices 12 assigned to a room 208 (e.g., a couple in a hotel; or multiple staff members in a collaborative workspace), so the embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to multiple mobile devices for each room 208. An individual may utilize their mobile device 12 to unlock and / or lock an access control device 16 operably connected to a room 208 to which it is assigned via an access request 304. The mobile device 12 may store credentials for unlocking and / or locking the access control device 16. If a single assigned room 208 has multiple access control devices 16 or an individual is assigned access to multiple rooms 208, some credentials may be used for multiple access control devices 16. For example, an access control device 16 operably connected to an individual's hotel room and an access control device 16 operably connected to a hotel swimming pool may respond to the same credentials. Other credentials may be specific to a single access control device 16.

[0033] Wireless communication may occur between the access control device 16 and the mobile device 12 via short-range wireless communication, such as, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, infrared, or any other short-range wireless communication method known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication is Bluetooth. The mobile device 12 may have to be within a selected range of the access control device 16 in order to utilize the short-range wireless communication.

[0034] Each access control device 16 is a wireless-capable, limited-access or limited-use device, such as a wireless lock, an access control reader for a building entrance, and other limited-use machines. The mobile device 12 submits credentials to the access control device 16, thereby selectively permitting the user to actuate (i.e., access or activate) a function of the access control device 16. For example, a user may submit credentials to an electromechanical lock to unlock it and thereby gain access to the room 208.

[0035] When the mobile device 12 is placed near the access control device 16, the mobile device 12 can transmit an access request 304 to the access control device 16 via a short-range radio transmission. The mobile device 12 is a handheld device with wireless capabilities (such as a smart phone) that is operable to communicate with the server 14 and the access control device 16. The server 14 can provide credentials and other data to the access control device 16, such as firmware or software updates to be communicated to one or more of the access control devices 16. Although the server 14 is shown as a single device herein, it should be understood that the server 14 can alternatively be embodied as multiple systems from which the mobile device 12 receives credentials and other data. The access control device 16 can communicate directly with the server 14 or communicate with it via a wireless access protocol device 307.

[0036] The system 10 may include a location mapping engine 400 configured to determine the relative location of one or more access control devices 16 as the mobile device 12 moves between the one or more access control devices 16. The location mapping engine 400 is comprised of modules including: a mobile device activity determination module 410; a mobile device location determination module 420; and an access control device relative location determination module 430. Each module 410, 420, 430 may be located on the mobile device 12 or the server 14. Alternatively, the modules 410, 420, 430 may be distributed between the mobile device 12 and the server 14.

[0037] The mobile device activity determination module 410 uses the inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor 57 (see Figure 2 ) to detect the location of the mobile device 12 (e.g., how the mobile device 12 is carried by the user: in the individual's hand, in the individual's back pocket, in the individual's front pocket) and the activity of the individual carrying the mobile device 12 (e.g., sitting, standing, moving, slowing down, accelerating, and stopping). The IMU sensor 57 may be composed of one or more sensors, including but not limited to accelerometers and light sensors.

[0038] The mobile device location determination module 420 is configured to determine the location of the mobile device 12 relative to one or more access control devices 16 in response to the location data. The collection of location data will be discussed further below. The mobile device location determination module 420 is configured to further refine the location of the mobile device 12 in response to the location of the mobile device 12 detected by the mobile device activity determination module 410 (e.g., applying different location offsets when the mobile device 12 is in a back pocket of an individual carrying the mobile device 12 versus in a front pocket of the individual). Knowing the location of the mobile device 12 is advantageous because the human body can interfere with the signal strength of wireless signals (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), so having the mobile device 12 in a front pocket or back pocket may cause the mobile device 12 to be in a direct line of sight of the access control device 16 or position the individual's body between the mobile device 12 and the access control device 16. The mobile device location determination module 420 can also use GPS or a single strength detection between the mobile device 12 and the wireless access protocol device 216 to determine the location of the mobile device 12.

[0039] The location of the mobile device 12 can also be tracked and / or reconfirmed using the background noise level captured using microphone data. In one embodiment, when the individual carrying the mobile device 12 is moving, the microphone 59 of the mobile device 12 is used to capture background noise. The mobile device 12 is configured to detect sound using the microphone 59 and associate the sound with the current location of the mobile device 12. For example, the sound of walking on a carpeted floor is different from the sound of walking on a tiled floor. Advantageously, associating a specific sound with a specific location may be useful in various other downstream tasks using such information. In addition, data from a single mobile device 12 and / or multiple mobile devices 12 active in the area can be used to learn the sound association with a specific location. The data flashed from multiple mobile devices 12 can then be uploaded to the cloud server 14 that learns such features.

[0040] The access control device relative position determination 430 is configured to generate a map of the location of each access control device 16 in response to the location of the mobile device 12. In several non-limiting examples, the map can be a graph, a drawing, or a coordinate matrix. In another example, the fingerprint array 440 can be a representation of the captured relative position information. In yet another example, if the location / coordinates of several "anchor" nodes (e.g., access control devices 16) are known, then this information can be used with the fingerprint array 440 and the wireless signal propagation model to calculate the coordinate matrix of each access control device 16. In a non-limiting example, the map can show the access control devices 16 relative to each other and / or can map the actual location of each access control device 16 within the building. Advantageously, this allows the access control system 10 to be installed with increased speed and accuracy because the location of each access control device 16 is automatically determined. In addition, advantageously, this allows the access control devices 16 within the access control system 10 to be rearranged and the location of each access control device 16 to be automatically mapped by the individual carrying the mobile device 12.

[0041] The access control device 16 may be configured to continuously advertise a wireless signal 306. For example, the wireless signal 306 of the access control device 16 may be a Bluetooth signal that may be seeking to connect to the mobile device 12. The mobile device 12 is configured to detect the wireless signal 306 and then determine the distance between the mobile device 12 and each access control device 16 in response to the signal strength of the wireless signal 306. The determined distance may then be adjusted in response to the location of the mobile device 12 or the activity of the mobile device 12, as discussed above.

[0042] In another embodiment, the mobile device 12 may be configured to advertise the wireless signal 308. For example, the mobile device's wireless signal 308 may be seeking to connect to the access control device 16. The access control device 16 may be configured to detect the wireless signal 308 and then determine the distance between the mobile device 12 and each access control device 16 in response to the signal strength of the wireless signal 306. In one embodiment, each access control device 16 may detect the wireless signal, determine the wireless signal strength, and then communicate this information to the server 14 to determine the approximate distance between the mobile device 12 and each access control device 16. The determined distance may then be adjusted in response to the location of the mobile device 12 or the activity of the mobile device 12, as discussed above.

[0043] Wireless signal interaction data between the mobile device 12 and the access control device 216 can be transmitted to the server 14 to determine the location data. The server can use the signal strength detected between the mobile device 12, the access control device 16 and the wireless access protocol device 216 to determine the location data of the mobile device 12.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 2 , while continuing to refer to Figure 1 . Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary electronic lock system 20 including an access control device 16, a mobile device 12, and a server 14 is shown. The access control device 16 generally includes a lock actuator 22, a lock controller 24, a lock antenna 26, a lock transceiver 28, a lock processor 30, a lock memory 32, a lock power supply 34, a lock card reader 90, and a credential module 36. The access control device 16 can basically have two readers (one reader 90 is used to read a physical key card 92) and a credential module 36 to communicate with the mobile device 12 via the lock processor 30 and the transceiver 28 and the antenna 26. In addition to using the mobile device 12 to actuate the access control device 16, a physical key card 92 can also be used to actuate the access control device 16 by inserting it into the access control device 16, so that the access control device 16 reads the physical key card 92 (e.g., a magnetic stripe on the encoded card 92). The physical key card 92 can be encoded with card data, such as a magnetic stripe or an RFID chip. The card data can include credentials that grant access to a specific access control device 16. For example, a mobile device 12 may be granted access to a particular access control device 16 during certain time periods, such as, for example, check-in / check-out time periods for the individual owning the mobile device 12 .

[0045] The access control device 16 responds to credentials from the mobile device 12 and may be, for example, a turnstile lock or door lock. After receiving and authenticating the appropriate credentials from the mobile device 12 using the credential module 36, or after receiving card data from the lock card reader 90, the lock controller 24 commands the lock actuator 22 to lock or unlock the mechanical or electronic lock. The lock controller 24 and the lock actuator 22 may be parts of a single electronic or electromechanical lock unit, or may be components that are sold or installed separately.

[0046] The lock transceiver 28 is capable of transmitting data to and receiving data from at least the mobile device 12. The lock transceiver 28 can be, for example, a near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, infrared, ZigBee or Wi-Fi transceiver, or another suitable wireless transceiver. The lock antenna 26 is any antenna suitable for the lock transceiver 28. The lock processor 30 and the lock memory 32 are a data processing device and a storage device, respectively. The lock processor 30 can be, for example, a microprocessor that can process instructions to verify the credentials and determine the access rights contained in the credentials, or pass messages from the transceiver to the credential module 36, and receive response indications returned from the credential module 36. The lock memory 32 can be a RAM, EEPROM or other storage medium, where the lock processor 30 can read and write data, including but not limited to lock configuration options. The lock power supply 34 is a power source, such as a line power connection, a power collection system, or a battery that supplies power to the lock controller 24. In other embodiments, the lock power supply 34 may only power the lock controller 24 , with the lock actuator 22 being powered primarily or entirely by another source, such as user work (eg, turning a bolt).

[0047] Although Figure 2 The lock antenna 26 and transceiver 28 are shown connected to the processor 30, but this is not limiting as other embodiments may have additional antennas 26 and transceivers 28 connected directly to the credential module 36. The credential module 36 may contain the transceiver 28 and antenna 26 as part of the credential module. Alternatively, the credential module 36 may have a transceiver 28 and antenna 26 separate from the processor 30, which may also have a separate transceiver 28 and antenna 26 of the same type or a different type. In some embodiments, the processor 30 may route communications received via the transceiver 28 to the credential module 36. In other embodiments, the credential module may communicate directly with the mobile device 12 via the transceiver 28.

[0048] The mobile device 12 generally includes a key antenna 40, a key transceiver 42, a key processor 44, a key memory 46, a GPS receiver 48, an input device 50, an output device 52, a key power supply 54, a microphone 59, and an IMU sensor 57. The key transceiver 42 is a transceiver of a type corresponding to the lock transceiver 28, and the key antenna 40 is a corresponding antenna. In some embodiments, the key transceiver 42 and the key antenna 40 can also be used to communicate with the server 14. In other embodiments, one or more separate transceivers and antennas can be included to communicate with the server 14. The key memory 46 is a type for storing multiple credentials locally on the mobile device 12. The mobile device 12 can also include a mobile device application 80. The embodiments disclosed herein can be operated via the mobile device application 80 installed on the mobile device 12. The IMU sensor 57 can be a sensor such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a similar sensor known to those skilled in the art. The microphone 59 is configured to detect sound.

[0049] Now refer to Figure 3 , while continuing to refer to Figure 1-2 . Figure 3 A flow chart of a method 500 for determining the location of one or more access control devices 16 using an individual carrying a mobile device 12 is shown. The method 500 may be performed by the mobile device 12 and / or the server 14. At block 504, a first wireless signal 306, 308 is detected. In one embodiment, the wireless signal 306, 308 is Bluetooth. In another embodiment, the first wireless signal 306 is advertised by the first access control device 16, and the mobile device 12 is configured to detect the first wireless signal 306. In another embodiment, the first wireless signal 308 is advertised by the mobile device 12, and the access control device 16 is configured to detect the first wireless signal 308.

[0050] At block 506, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first wireless signal 306, 308 is determined. At block 508, a distance between the mobile device 12 and the first access control device 16 is determined in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal 306, 308. At block 510, a location of the mobile device 12 is determined when the first wireless signal 306, 308 is detected. In one embodiment, GPS is used to determine the location of the mobile device 12. In another embodiment, the RSSI of the wireless signal 307 between the mobile device 12 and a wireless access protocol device 216 having a known location is used to determine the location of the mobile device 12.

[0051] At block 512 , a location of the first access control device 16 is determined in response to the location of the mobile device 12 and the distance between the mobile device 12 and the first access control device 16 . The method 500 may include generating a map showing the location of the first access control device 16 .

[0052] When the mobile device is located near the location of the first access control device 16, the sound detected by the microphone 59 of the mobile device 12 may be used to confirm the location of the first access control device 16. For example, the method 500 may also include: detecting a first noise near the location of the first access control device 16; associating the first noise with the location of the first access control device 16; detecting a second noise near the location of the first access control device 16; determining that the second noise is substantially comparable to the first noise; and confirming that the mobile device 12 is within the location range of the first access control device 16 in response to the first noise and the second noise.

[0053] Although the above description has been described in a specific order Figure 3 The present invention provides a flow chart of the present invention, but it should be understood that the order of the steps can be changed unless otherwise specifically required in the appended claims.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 4 , while continuing to refer to Figure 1-2 . Figure 4 A flow chart of a method 600 for determining the location of one or more access control devices 16 using an individual carrying a mobile device 12 is shown. At block 604, a first wireless signal 306, 308 is detected. In one embodiment, the wireless signal 306, 308 is Bluetooth. In another embodiment, the first wireless signal 306 is advertised by the first access control device 16, and the mobile device 12 is configured to detect the first wireless signal 306. In another embodiment, the first wireless signal 308 is advertised by the mobile device 12, and the access control device 16 is configured to detect the first wireless signal 308. At block 606, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first wireless signal 306, 308 is determined. At block 608, a distance between the mobile device 12 and the first access control device 16 is determined in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal.

[0055] At block 610, a second wireless signal 306, 308 is detected. In one embodiment, the second wireless signal 306, 308 is Bluetooth. In another embodiment, the second wireless signal 306 is advertised by the second access control device 16, and the mobile device 12 is configured to detect the second wireless signal 306. In another embodiment, the second wireless signal 308 is advertised by the mobile device 12, and the access control device 16 is configured to detect the second wireless signal 308. At block 612, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the second wireless signal 306, 308 is determined. At block 614, a distance between the mobile device 12 and the first access control device 16 is determined in response to the RSSI of the second wireless signal 306, 308. At block 616, a distance between the first access control device 16 and the second access control device 16 is determined in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal 306, 308 and the RSSI of the second wireless signal 306, 308.

[0056] The method 600 may also include determining the location of the mobile device 12 when the first wireless signal 306, 308 is detected, and determining the location of the first access control device 16 in response to the location of the mobile device 12 when the first wireless signal 306, 308 is detected and the distance between the mobile device 16 and the first access control device 16. In one embodiment, the location of the second access control device 16 may be determined in response to the location of the first access control device 16 and the distance between the first access control device 16 and the second access control device 16. In another embodiment, the location of the second access control device 16 may be determined by determining the second location of the mobile device 16 when the second wireless signal 306, 308 is detected, and determining the location of the second access control device 16 in response to the location of the mobile device 12 when the second wireless signal 306, 308 is detected and the distance between the mobile device 12 and the second access control device 16.

[0057] In one embodiment, GPS is used to determine the location of the mobile device 12. In another embodiment, the RSSI of the wireless signal 307 between the mobile device 12 and a wireless access protocol device 216 with a known location is used to determine the location of the mobile device 12.

[0058] When the mobile device is located near the location of the first access control device 16, the sound detected by the microphone 59 of the mobile device 12 may be used to confirm the location of the first access control device 16. For example, the method 600 may also include: detecting a first noise near the location of the first access control device 16; associating the first noise with the location of the first access control device 16; detecting a second noise near the location of the first access control device 16; determining that the second noise is substantially comparable to the first noise; and confirming that the mobile device 12 is within the location range of the first access control device 16 in response to the first noise and the second noise.

[0059] The method 600 may include generating a map showing the location of the first access control device 16 and the location of the second access control device 16 or the location of the first access control device 16 relative to the location of the second access control device 16 .

[0060] Although the above description has been described in a specific order Figure 4 The present invention provides a flow chart of the present invention, but it should be understood that the order of the steps can be changed unless otherwise specifically required in the appended claims.

[0061] As described above, the embodiments may be in the form of processor-implemented processes and devices (such as processors) for practicing these processes. The embodiments may also be in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as network cloud storage devices, SD cards, flash drives, floppy disks, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage media, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into a computer and executed by the computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. The embodiments may also be in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into a computer and / or executed by a computer, transmitted on a transmission medium, loaded into a computer and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted on a transmission medium (such as a wire or cable), through an optical fiber, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into a computer and executed by a computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

[0062] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed. For example, "about" may include a range of ±8% or 5% or 2% of a given value.

[0063] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limitations of the present disclosure. As used herein, unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the / said" are also intended to include plural forms. It should also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, element parts and / or their groupings.

[0064] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and elements of the present disclosure may be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for implementing the present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining the location of one or more access control devices using an individual carrying a mobile device, the method comprising: detecting a first wireless signal; determining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first wireless signal; determining a distance between a mobile device and a first access control device in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal; determining a location of the mobile device when the first wireless signal is detected; as well as determining a location of the first access control device in response to a location of the mobile device and a distance between the mobile device and the first access control device, Wherein, the method further comprises: detecting a first noise proximate a location of the first access control device; associating the first noise with a location of the first access control device; detecting a second noise proximate to the location of the first access control device; determining that the second noise is substantially equivalent to the first noise; and The mobile device is confirmed to be within a location range of the first access control device in response to the first noise and the second noise.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: The first wireless signal is advertised by the first access control device, and the mobile device is configured to detect the first wireless signal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: The first wireless signal is advertised by the mobile device, and the access control device is configured to detect the first wireless signal.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: A map is generated showing the location of the first access control device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein: The first wireless signal is a Bluetooth signal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: The location of the mobile device is determined using at least one of GPS and RSSI of wireless signals between the mobile device and a wireless access protocol device having a known location.

7. A method of determining the location of one or more access control devices using an individual carrying a mobile device, the method comprising: detecting a first wireless signal; determining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first wireless signal; determining a distance between a mobile device and a first access control device in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal; detecting a second wireless signal; Determining the RSSI of the second wireless signal; determining a distance between the mobile device and a second access control device in response to the RSSI of the second wireless signal; as well as A distance between the first access control device and the second access control device is determined in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal and the RSSI of the second wireless signal.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: determining a location of the mobile device when the first wireless signal is detected; as well as The location of the first access control device is determined in response to the location of the mobile device and the distance between the mobile device and the first access control device when the first wireless signal is detected.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The location of the second access control device is determined responsive to the location of the first access control device and a distance between the first access control device and the second access control device.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: When the second wireless signal is detected, determining a second location of the mobile device; as well as The location of the second access control device is determined in response to the location of the mobile device and the distance between the mobile device and the second access control device when the second wireless signal is detected.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein: The first wireless signal is advertised by the first access control device, the second wireless signal is advertised by the second access control device, and the mobile device is configured to detect the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein: The first wireless signal and the second wireless signal are advertised by the mobile device, the first access control device is configured to detect the first wireless signal, and the second access control device is configured to detect the second wireless signal.

13. The method of claim 7, further comprising: A map is generated showing the location of the first access control device relative to the location of the second access control device.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: A map is generated that shows the location of the first access control device and the location of the second access control device.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: A map is generated that shows the location of the first access control device and the location of the second access control device.

16. The method of claim 7, wherein: The first wireless signal and the second wireless signal are Bluetooth signals.

17. The method of claim 8, wherein: The location of the mobile device is determined using at least one of GPS and RSSI of wireless signals between the mobile device and a wireless access protocol device having a known location.

18. The method of claim 8, further comprising: detecting a first noise proximate a location of the first access control device; associating the first noise with a location of the first access control device; detecting a second noise proximate to the location of the first access control device; determining that the second noise is substantially equivalent to the first noise; as well as It is determined that the mobile device is within the location range.

19. A computer readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: detecting a first wireless signal; determining a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the first wireless signal; determining a distance between the mobile device and the first access control device in response to the RSSI of the first wireless signal; determining a location of the mobile device when the first wireless signal is detected; as well as determining a location of the first access control device in response to a location of the mobile device and a distance between the mobile device and the first access control device, The operation further includes: detecting a first noise proximate a location of the first access control device; associating the first noise with a location of the first access control device; detecting a second noise proximate to the location of the first access control device; determining that the second noise is substantially equivalent to the first noise; and The mobile device is confirmed to be within a location range of the first access control device in response to the first noise and the second noise.

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