Method and system for accessing a system

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention focus on methods, systems and apparatus to assist users in providing seamless access to access points through an access system. The present invention describes estimating various factors such as time, distance and signal strength that enable frictionless access to a user. The present invention describes adjusting time intervals and signal strengths based on the needs of the user. Various other embodiments of the present invention describe estimating threshold signal strengths and time intervals based on the distance of the user from the access point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to security systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing seamless access to users through an access control system. Background Art

[0002] In an access control system, a door may contain a Bluetooth enabled device / reader. Users are typically issued a radio frequency identification (RFID) card, which is placed on the Bluetooth reader to open the door. The RFID card can be replaced by a mobile app. The mobile app can use the built-in Bluetooth hardware to send the user's credentials from the mobile device. However, the user needs to be at a specific distance from the Bluetooth enabled device in order to access it. Typically, accurately identifying the specific distance is cumbersome.

[0003] Furthermore, when dealing with seamless digital credentials and access, in order to have the best experience, users need to know the Bluetooth signal strength and have to guess at the strength needed to give them enough time to get through the door or entrance. Bluetooth signal strength needs to take into account interference that affects signal strength, such as bags, pockets, or corners. To fine-tune the experience, users often revisit the configuration user interface to adjust the signal strength to achieve the desired state of seamless access. Revisiting the user interface to make adjustments is cumbersome. Even more cumbersome is the fact that this process needs to be repeated for each door or access point.

[0004] Access control systems enabled by Bluetooth readers also depend on adequate signal strength required to establish communication between the mobile device and the access control system. As the proximity of the mobile device to the access control system decreases, the signal strength increases. Therefore, in order to provide seamless access to the user, signal strength needs to be considered.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art to develop methods and systems for providing mechanisms for seamless access to access control systems without any friction. Summary of the invention

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention describe a method of providing seamless access to a user of a user terminal. The method describes placing the user terminal at a distance from an access system. Estimating a threshold signal strength and a time interval for accessing the access system based on the distance. The method describes receiving user input at the user terminal based on the estimation. Initiating a registration request for registering the user terminal and sending the registration request to the access system. The access system then registers the user terminal based on the distance, the time interval, and the threshold signal strength.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal sends an access request to the access system for verification, thereby providing or denying access inside the access point to the user of the user terminal.

[0008] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, upon detecting said distance and said threshold signal strength, said access request is automatically sent to said access system for verification.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, said estimate of said signal strength and said time interval together with said distance is determined using a user application on said user terminal. Said receiving of said user input and sending said registration request are performed by said user application.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, said user application on said user terminal is configured to store user credentials for said access requests to access a plurality of access points.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the registration request includes the estimated signal strength and time interval, along with the distance. The registration request further includes user credentials.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, said time interval represents a duration between sending user credentials to access said access system and activating said access system in order to open an access associated with said access system.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, said distance and said time interval are adjusted by said access system based on an updated threshold signal strength.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the distance and the time interval are adjusted by the access system based on an adjustment request from the user.

[0015] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, said distance and said time interval are automatically adjusted by said access system based on a usage pattern of said user accessing said access system.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the access point includes a communication module compatible with the communication unit of the user terminal, wherein the communication module can be a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module or a ZigBee module.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the access point and the user terminal are communicatively coupled to an access control unit.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the threshold signal strength is represented by a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value for communications between the user terminal and the access system.

[0019] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system is disclosed that includes a user terminal and an access system. The user terminal is configured to estimate a threshold signal strength and a time interval for accessing the access system based on a distance. The user terminal is placed at the distance from the access system. Based on the estimation, a user input is received at the user terminal to initiate a registration request. The registration request is sent to the access system to register the user terminal for access based on the distance, the time interval, and the threshold signal strength. The access system includes an access point, an access control unit, and a controller, the controller being configured to receive the registration request from the user terminal and register the user terminal for access associated with the access system based on the distance, the time interval, and the threshold signal strength.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the access control unit comprises: a credential server for storing data related to user credentials for verification of access requests; and a database for storing details of the access requests made by the user on the access system.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, said distance and said time interval are adjustable by said access system based on an updated threshold signal strength.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the time interval is automatically adjusted by the access system based on a usage pattern of the user of the user terminal accessing the access system.

[0023] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the access point includes a communication module compatible with the communication unit of the user terminal, wherein the communication module can be a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module or a ZigBee module.

[0024] In another embodiment of the present invention, the access system automatically receives user credentials from the user terminal for verification, thereby providing or denying access to the user of the user terminal.

[0025] In various other embodiments of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is disclosed, comprising one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The memory stores instructions executed by the one or more processors to estimate a threshold signal strength and a time interval for accessing an access point of an access system based on a distance. A user terminal is placed at the distance from the access point. The processor is configured to receive user input at the user terminal based on the estimation. The processor is further configured to send a registration request from the user terminal to the access system. The access system registers a user of the user terminal based on the distance, the time interval, and the threshold signal strength.

[0026] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0027] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a state of interaction between a user terminal and a portal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 is an example flow chart depicting different steps used to implement the present invention according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Described herein are technologies relating to systems, methods, and devices for seamless access for users within premises (such as offices, homes, hotels, etc.) that utilize electronic security control systems.

[0033] Various embodiments of the present invention further describe a method for providing seamless access to a user inside a house by registering a user terminal for a distance time interval and a threshold signal strength. The present invention describes using a user terminal with a user application as a badge / access card to gain access to the inside of a house. The present invention describes placing a user terminal at a distance from an access point of an access system. The access point is capable of communicating with the user terminal in order to provide access to the inside of a house to the user of the user terminal. The access point may include a communication module, such as a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, or a Zigbee module. The communication module is compatible with a communication unit of the user terminal.

[0034] After placing the user terminal at the distance, the access system can estimate the threshold signal strength and time interval for a given distance. The distance represents the actual distance between the user terminal and the access point in SI units. The interval can be a default time set by an administrator of the access system for a given distance. The estimated time interval may depend on the distance between the user terminal and the access point. At a specific distance, the user terminal can estimate the signal strength and time interval. Subsequently, the user can initiate a request to register the signal strength as "threshold signal strength". At the same time, the request may include the distance and time interval configured with the threshold signal strength. The request is sent to the access system via a communication channel. Upon receiving the registration request, the access system can register the user of the user terminal based on the distance, time interval, and threshold signal strength to access the access point.

[0035] The time interval based on the distance estimate may not be sufficient for a user accessing the access point. For example, access may have been granted, and then when the user arrives at the access point, the access may have been revoked. On the other hand, when the user attempts to enter the interior of the access point, the access point may interfere with the user's free movement from the same distance and threshold signal strength when the access point is about to close. In this case, the access system can adjust the time interval without changing the distance and threshold signal strength.

[0036] As another example, the time interval may be too long and the access may be susceptible to being tailgated. In this case, the access system may change the distance (e.g., 1.5 meters) and threshold signal strength (-30 dB) for the same time interval. Thus, the user may have only enough time interval to pass through the access point.

[0037] In another case, the user may not be able to achieve the threshold signal strength from the same distance (e.g., due to interference or other factors). For example, the registered distance is 1 meter. However, due to interference, the threshold signal strength (-20 dB) is not achieved. In this case, the access system can automatically change the distance (e.g., 0.5 meters) and time interval (e.g., 3 seconds) so that the same threshold signal strength (-20 dB) is achieved.

[0038] Before sending the registration request, the user terminal may already have user credentials for accessing the house, or the user credentials may be received after registering the user terminal. The user credentials are stored in the memory of the user terminal and can be accessed by the user application for the access request about the access system. The user credentials can be part of the user request for accessing the access point of the access system. After the access system detects the threshold signal strength and distance, the access request can be automatically sent to the access system. The access system is configured to verify the user credentials and thereby provide or deny access to the user of the user terminal inside the house. The user application on the user terminal can be configured to estimate the signal strength and time interval required for the user to access the access system. The user application can also be configured to send a registration request based on user input to register the user of the user terminal with the access system. The registration request can include the estimated signal strength, time interval and distance. In addition, the user credentials can also be part of the registration request.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the registration of the user terminal for obtaining access rights can be performed by the user application. The user application can prompt the user to adjust to a specific distance and hold the user terminal. The time interval can be estimated by the access system for the specified distance and can be edited by the user according to his / her needs. The user application can also display a signal strength indicator to the user of the user terminal. The user can then initiate a request to register the user of the user terminal for a specific distance, time interval, and signal strength. The time interval can represent the duration between sending the user credentials to access the access system and activating the access system to open the entrance associated with the access system. Registration can be initiated using a button, a voice command, or by a user interface element provided by the user application and known to those skilled in the art. The access system can receive the request and may take some time (such as 5-10 seconds) to register the user terminal for access to the access system.

[0040] In another embodiment of the present invention, the user application can be associated with user preferences such as a notification service. The notification service can be operated by the access control unit of the access system. For example, the notification service can notify the user of a specific access, together with the name of the entrance and the timestamp associated with opening the access or entrance. Similarly, the notification service can notify the user terminal of a request from the access system to modify the distance and time interval for accessing the access system. The user can then submit input to change the distance and time interval (if any). The change can be sent to the access system, so that the change in distance and time interval will be registered. Similarly, preferences can include settings for sensitivity, where the user can modify the time interval, distance, and signal strength, and register updated changes to the access system. In addition, preferences can show various paths for users to reach specific locations inside the house. The user application can also provide preferences for activating or deactivating access using the user terminal. Preferences can also be used to select the entrance to obtain internal access using the user terminal. Other preferences can also be provided, and these preferences are within the scope of the present invention.

[0041] In various other embodiments, the present invention discloses a system including a user terminal and an access system. The user terminal can be configured to estimate a threshold signal strength and time interval for accessing the access system based on a distance. The user terminal can be placed at the distance from the access system. The user terminal receives user input based on the estimation. If the user of the user terminal is satisfied with the threshold signal strength and time interval from the distance, the user can send a request to the access system to register the user of the user terminal to access the access system based on the threshold signal strength and time interval from the specific distance. The access system receives the registration request using a communication module. The access system registers the user terminal for the threshold signal strength and time interval for the specific distance.

[0042] After registration, when the user of the user terminal wants to access an access point of the access system from a specific distance, the user terminal will automatically send an access request to the access system when the registered threshold signal strength is detected from the specific distance. Based on the verification, access rights are granted to the user, and a portal associated with the access system is opened for the user. The time interval represents the time provided for transmitting the access request from the user terminal to the access point of the access system, verifying the access request, opening the portal after verification, and an additional time that the portal remains open. In another embodiment, the time interval can represent the time that the portal remains open.

[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the distance and the time interval are adjusted by the access system based on an updated threshold signal strength.The updated signal strength may be initiated by the user, or it may be automatically set by the access system.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance and time interval can also be modified by the user, and accordingly, the threshold signal strength can be changed. In addition, the change of the distance and time interval can be automatically set by the access system based on the user's regular usage pattern.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the threshold signal strength may represent a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value used for communications between the user terminal and the access system.

[0046] Now turning to the attached figure, Figure 1 Components for accessing an access system by estimating a threshold signal strength and time interval from a specified distance are depicted. When a user (102) having a user terminal (104) approaches an access point (116) having a communication module of the access system, the user terminal detects a threshold signal strength from a distance registered by the user. Upon sensing the signal strength, an access request is transmitted from the user terminal (104) to a credential server (110) of an access control unit (108) via the access point (116). The access control unit (108) then verifies the access request. The access control unit may include a credential server (110) and a database (112). The access request may include user credentials, a unique code, etc. The user credentials can be sent directly to the credential server (110). The credential server and the database may verify the user credentials and / or the access request. Once the access request is verified, the database (112) may actuate a controller (120) to open the door (118) and provide access to the user (102). The access control unit (108) may provide instructions to the controller (120) to issue the actuation command. The credential server (110) and the database (112) may be a single entity within the scope of the present invention.The access system (106) allows a user to access a door (118) after registration and within a time interval registered by the access system.

[0047] Figure 2 Depicted is the opening of a door (204) when a user terminal (202) is within a configurable distance of an access system (100) and has a threshold signal strength. Upon detecting the threshold signal strength, the user terminal (202) transmits user credentials to the access system (100). When the user credentials are transmitted to the access system, they are verified and the door (204) is actuated to open and provide access through the door to the user. Note that the door is associated with an access point of the access system for opening and closing the door.

[0048] Figure 3A flow chart outlining features of the invention in an embodiment of the invention is depicted. The flow chart (300) describes a method of registering a user of a user terminal to access a premises from a distance from an access point of an access system. The method begins at (302) by placing a user terminal at a distance from an access system. The user terminal estimates (304) a threshold signal strength. Based on the estimate of the signal strength and a time interval, a user input is received (306) at the user terminal. A registration request is sent to the access system to register the user of the user terminal with the access system (308) from the distance and within the time interval. The user is registered (310) based on the distance, the time interval, and the threshold signal strength.

[0049] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a computer-readable medium, comprising one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing instructions executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors being operable to estimate a threshold signal strength and time interval for accessing an access system based on distance. Initially, a user terminal is placed at a certain distance from an access point of the access system for estimation. After estimating the signal strength, the processor is configured to receive input from a user of the user terminal. Based on the user input, the processor is configured to send a registration request for the user of the user terminal. Subsequently, the access system registers the user to access the access point of the access system based on the threshold signal strength and time interval for registration at a given distance. The registration request includes user credentials, along with the distance, time interval, and threshold signal strength.

[0050] The various embodiments of the invention described herein can be combined and implemented together to achieve an invention within the scope of the present invention.

[0051] The present invention provides various advantages of seamless access to access systems such as entrances, doors, etc. with automated security. The present invention provides a frictionless and adaptable method of accessing security systems. The user can adjust the distance and time required for contactless entry rights without even having to show an access device at any access point.

[0052] Exemplary computer readable media include flash drives, digital versatile disks (DVDs), compact disks (CDs), floppy disks, and cassette tapes. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media are tangible and mutually exclusive with communication media. Computer storage media are implemented in hardware and do not include carrier waves and propagated signals. Computer storage media for the purposes of the present invention are not signals themselves. Exemplary computer storage media include hard disks, flash drives, and other solid-state memories. In contrast, communication media typically contain computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0053] Although described in connection with an exemplary computing system environment, examples of the invention are implementable with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices.

[0054] Examples of the present invention may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Computer executable instructions may be organized into one or more computer executable components or modules. Typically, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Aspects of the present invention may be implemented with any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific computer executable instructions or specific components or modules shown in the drawings and described herein. Other examples of the present invention may include different computer executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than shown and described herein.

[0055] Aspects of the present invention transform a general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device when configured to execute the instructions described herein.

[0056] Unless otherwise noted, the execution or running order of the operations in the examples of the present invention shown and described herein is not essential. That is, unless otherwise noted, the operations can be performed in any order, and examples of the present invention may include additional operations or operations less than the operations disclosed herein. For example, it is expected that a specific operation is performed or run before, simultaneously with, or after another operation within the scope of aspects of the present invention.

[0057] Further references to any of the contents have been made throughout the specification, and words and phrases such as "user device", "user terminal", "mobile terminal", "mobile phone" have been used interchangeably and mean a handheld device for installing the configuration of all the devices in the system. In addition, words and phrases like "cloud", "server", "cloud server" and "database" have been used interchangeably, which means a remotely located storage location for storing configurations and configuration updates for all the devices in the system. Other words and phrases such as "door", "entrance" or access point have been used interchangeably, which means an access point associated with a door and entrance to provide access within the entrance or within the door.

[0058] When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or examples thereof, the articles "a / an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. The term "exemplary" is intended to mean "an example of ..." The phrase "one or more of: A, B, and C" means "at least one of A and / or at least one of B and / or at least one of C."

[0059] Having described aspects of the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims. As various changes may be made in the above-described constructions, products and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0060] Although the subject matter has been described with language specific to structural features and / or actions, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Instead, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for accessing an access system, the method comprising: placing a user terminal at a certain distance from an access point of the access system; estimating a threshold signal strength and a time interval for accessing the access system based on the distance; receiving user input at the user terminal to initiate a registration request based on the estimation; as well as sending the registration request to the access system, The access system registers the user of the user terminal based on the distance, the time interval and the threshold signal strength.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user terminal sends an access request to the access system for verification, thereby providing or denying access inside the access point to the user of the user terminal.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein upon detecting the distance and the threshold signal strength, the access request is automatically sent to the access system for verification.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said estimate of said signal strength and said time interval together with said distance is determined using a user application on said user terminal, wherein said receiving of said user input and sending said registration request are performed by said user application.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the user application on the user terminal is configured to store user credentials for access requests to access a plurality of access points.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the registration request includes an estimated signal strength and time interval along with the distance, wherein the registration request further includes the user credentials.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the time interval represents a duration between sending the access request to access the access system and activating the access system to open an access point associated with the access system.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the distance and the time interval are adjusted by the access system based on an updated threshold signal strength.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the distance and the time interval are adjusted by the access system based on an adjustment request from the user.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the distance and the time interval are automatically adjusted by the access system based on a usage pattern of the user accessing the access system.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the access point comprises a communication module compatible with a communication unit of the user terminal, wherein the communication module can be a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, or a Zigbee module.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the access point and the user terminal are communicatively coupled to an access control unit.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the threshold signal strength is represented by a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value for communications between the user terminal and the access system.

14. A system for accessing an access system, comprising: A user terminal is configured to perform the following operations: estimating a threshold signal strength and a time interval for accessing the access system based on a distance, wherein the user terminal is placed at the distance from the access system; receiving user input at the user terminal to initiate a registration request based on the estimation; as well as sending the registration request to the access system, The access system comprises an access point, an access control unit and a controller, wherein the access system is configured to perform the following operations: receiving the registration request from the user terminal; and A user of the user terminal is registered to access an access associated with the access system based on the distance, the time interval, and the threshold signal strength.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the access control unit comprises: a credential server for storing data associated with user credentials for verification of access requests; A database for storing details of said access requests made by said users on said access system.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the distance and the time interval are adjustable by the access system based on an updated threshold signal strength.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the time interval is automatically adjusted by the access system based on a usage pattern of the user of the user terminal accessing the access system.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the access point comprises a communication module compatible with the communication unit of the user terminal, wherein the communication module can be a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, or a Zigbee module.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the access system automatically receives the access request from the user terminal for verification to provide or deny access to a user of the user terminal.

20. A computer-readable medium comprising one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors, the memory storing instructions executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors being configured to perform the following operations: estimating a threshold signal strength and a time interval for accessing an access system based on a distance, wherein a user terminal is positioned at said distance from an access point of said access system; receiving user input at the user terminal to initiate a registration request based on the estimation; as well as sending the registration request to the access system, The access system registers the user of the user terminal based on the distance, the time interval and the threshold signal strength.

Images