Bluetooth low energy data transfer communication system and method

Abstract

A method for data transfer includes establishing a first wireless connection between a transceiver and a handheld device, the transceiver initially operating in a peripheral role and the handheld device operating in a central role; switching the roles of both the transceiver and the handheld device in response to establishing the first wireless connection, the transceiver module switching from the peripheral role to the central role and the handheld device switching from the central role to the peripheral role; and after the switching, establishing a second wireless connection between the transceiver and the handheld device.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems and, more particularly, to Bluetooth for augmenting access control mechanisms. TM Systems and methods for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication performance.

[0002] Bluetooth TM A network is often called a piconet and consists of at least two devices, one of which is a central device (scanning) and the other a peripheral device (advertising). TM The central device performs scanning and the peripheral device performs advertising. The central role and the peripheral role are defined by the Bluetooth standard. Each device communicates with each other on a given period called the connection interval (minimum 7.5 milliseconds, increasing in steps of 1.25 milliseconds).

[0003] Bluetooth TM Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) TM 4.0. Like the previous protocol (often called "Classic" Bluetooth TM ), BLE operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band. TM Unlike Bluetooth LE, which always stays in sleep mode except when initiating a connection, the actual BLE connection time is only a few milliseconds, while the classic Bluetooth TM The connection time is about a few hundred milliseconds.

[0004] and classic Bluetooth TM In comparison, BLE significantly reduces power consumption and cost while maintaining a similar communication range. A particular example use case for BLE, where power usage is very low, is in access control mechanisms, such as hotel room locks. Using BLE, a room can be accessed via a handheld device (e.g., a wireless phone) without the need for a physical key card. BLE's low power usage allows the access control mechanism to always be on and sending notifications. To maximize battery life, the notification rate of the BLE module in a hotel room lock is typically relatively slow, making the operating current consumption acceptable for a reasonable battery life expectancy (e.g., 2 years) without requiring overly cumbersome maintenance. However, the relatively slow rate at which the access control mechanism sends BLE notifications directly impacts the time required to connect, because after the user indicates intent to open the lock (e.g., via an app on the handheld device), the handheld device must wait for the next notification before establishing a connection with the hotel room lock.

[0005] When initiating an access control mechanism connection, the handheld device is scanning for advertisements and always acts as a central, while the lock is advertising and always acts as a peripheral. This applies to all brands of handheld devices. However, some handheld devices inherently limit Bluetooth connectivity when connecting as a central device by using a relatively long connection interval. TM The possible operating speed of a connection to prevent a peripheral device from using all available resources of the central device. TM The standard places the central location under these limits. For example: the minimum connection interval for the iOS central role is 20–30 milliseconds; the minimum connection interval for the iOS peripheral role is 7.5 milliseconds; and the Android TM The minimum value of the central role connection interval is 7.5 milliseconds; and Android TM The minimum value of the peripheral role connection interval is 7.5 milliseconds.

[0006] This extended time for the iOS central role connection interval may provide benefits in supporting connections that occur frequently or remain open for relatively long periods of time, however, in access control mechanism architectures, this results in a relatively long delay before lock actuation (e.g., approximately 2.5 seconds compared to Android). TM is about 1.5 seconds). Summary of the Invention

[0007] A method for data transmission according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes: establishing a first wireless connection between a transceiver and a handheld device, the transceiver initially operating in a peripheral role and the handheld device operating in a central role; switching roles of both the transceiver and the handheld device in response to establishing the first wireless connection, the transceiver module switching from the peripheral role to the central role, and the handheld device switching from the central role to the peripheral role; and establishing a second wireless connection between the transceiver and the handheld device after the switching.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the transceiver is a Bluetooth TM A Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module switches to the central role after the first wireless connection.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes where the access control mechanism is a lock.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes disconnecting the first wireless connection before establishing the second wireless connection.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes maintaining the first wireless connection while establishing the second wireless connection.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes advertising from the handset at a maximum advertising rate after switching the role of the handset.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes operating a first radio connection interval at a normal transmission rate followed by operating a second radio connection interval at a maximum transmission rate.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes, before establishing the first wireless connection, TM Advertisements are sent wirelessly from the transceiver at the normal advertising rate of the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module.

[0015] A method for data transmission according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes: wirelessly sending a notification from an access control authority; establishing a first wireless connection between the access control authority and a handheld device; switching the access control authority from a peripheral role to a central role in response to the first wireless connection; switching the handheld device from a central role to a peripheral role in response to the first wireless connection; and establishing a second wireless connection between the access control authority and the handheld device.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes disconnecting the first connection before establishing the second connection.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes, prior to establishing the first connection, wirelessly sending advertisements from the access control authority according to a normal advertisement rate.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wirelessly transmitting a notification from the handheld device at a maximum transmission rate after the first wireless connection.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes where wirelessly sending notifications at the maximum rate is at a rate of 32 times per second.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the handheld device commands the access control authority to switch to the central role after the first wireless connection.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes disconnecting the first wireless connection before establishing the second wireless connection.

[0022] A handheld device according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transceiver operable to provide a Bluetooth TM Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Central Role and BluetoothTM a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) peripheral role; a power supply; a memory for storing executable instructions; and a processor in communication with the memory and the power supply, the processor being operable to execute the executable instructions to switch the transceiver from the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) peripheral role to the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) peripheral role in response to an initial connection with an access control authority. TM Switching to the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) central role TM Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) peripheral role.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the executable instructions command the access control authority to switch from a peripheral role to a central role after the first wireless connection.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the transceiver initially uses the Bluetooth TM Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) central role operation to receive notifications.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the handheld device is a phone.

[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes wherein the access control mechanism is a lock.

[0027] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the aforementioned features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. The following description and accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Various features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed non-limiting embodiments. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0029] Figure 1 It is the overall schematic diagram of the system;

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the handheld device and access control mechanism architecture;

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a method for transmitting data; and

[0032] Figure 4 A method of transmitting data according to a disclosed non-limiting embodiment Figure 3 Flowchart of the process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1An exemplary electromechanical lock system 10 is schematically illustrated. The system 10 generally includes a handheld device 12, a server 14, and a plurality of access control mechanisms 16, schematically illustrated as 16a, 16b, ..., 16n. Although specific components are shown in the schematic block diagram, each or any component may be combined or separated in other ways via hardware and / or software. Furthermore, although each access control mechanism 16 disclosed in the illustrated embodiment is a lock such as a hotel door lock, a Bluetooth enabled access control mechanism 16 may be used. TM Any device that uses a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module will benefit from it.

[0034] "Handheld device" refers to a portable electronic device that is configured to send messages to and / or receive messages from a server via a long-range wireless communication network (e.g., SMS, wireless, or cellular network). Examples of handheld devices include, but are not limited to: wireless phones; tablet computers, personal digital assistants ("PDAs"); portable computers; and the like.

[0035] "Server" conveys its customary meaning and further includes a corporate data center that provides services, for example, for data connections to handheld devices and / or electronic locking devices. Although server 14 is depicted as a single device, it should be understood that server 14 may alternatively be embodied as a cloud, multiple systems, or other architecture from which handheld device 12 receives credentials and other data.

[0036] In this example, the handheld device 12 includes a BLE module for communicating with the access control agencies 16 and is also operable to communicate via other communication protocols (e.g., via a cellular network) with the server 14. The server 14 provides the credentials and other data to the handheld device 12, which can then communicate it to one or more of the access control agencies 16 for authentication, and then activate the appropriate access control agency 16.

[0037] In this example, each access control mechanism 16 is a BLE-enabled lock (e.g., a hotel room lock including a BLE module), however, other devices utilizing BLE modules (e.g., readers for building entrances, electronic banking controls (e.g., ATMs), data transmission devices, mobile dispenser devices, tool dispensing devices, and / or other limited-use machines) would also benefit.

[0038] In operation, once a connection is established, the handheld device 12 submits the credentials to the appropriate access control mechanism 16, thereby selectively granting the user access or activating the functions of the access control mechanism 16. In one example, the handheld device 12 submits the credentials to an electromechanical lock to unlock the access control mechanism 16 and thereby gain access to a restricted area. In another example, the handheld device 12 may submit the credentials to an electronic banking device to withdraw funds. In yet another example, the handheld device 12 may submit the credentials to a unit that distributes data associated with the credentials to an access card or retrieves data from the credentials. The handheld device 12 may store credentials for one or all of the above examples, and furthermore, may simultaneously store multiple credentials for each type of application. Some credentials may be used for multiple access control mechanisms 16. For example, multiple electronic locks in a facility may respond to the same credentials. Other credentials may be dedicated to a single access control mechanism 16.

[0039] Figure 2 An example of a system 10 including an exemplary access control mechanism 16a is shown. The access control mechanism 16a generally includes an actuator 22 (e.g., an electromechanical lock cylinder) and a controller 24. The controller 24 includes an antenna 26, a transceiver 28, a processor 30, a memory 32, a power supply 34, a card reader 90, and a credential module 36, as discussed further below. The controller 24 and the actuator 22 can be part of a single electronic or electromechanical lock unit. While the example is a lock, other systems in which credentials are transmitted to identify a user, verify user access rights, or provide authorization would also benefit from this disclosure.

[0040] The transceiver 28 is capable of sending and receiving data to and from at least the handheld device 12. In this example, the transceiver 28 is a BLE module and / or another wireless transceiver for BLE communication and / or an appropriate wireless communication protocol (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi). The antenna 26 is any antenna suitable for the transceiver 28. The processor 30 and the memory 32 are a data processing device and a storage device, respectively. For example, the processor 30 can be a microprocessor that can process instructions to verify card data and determine the access rights contained in the card data, or pass messages from the transceiver 28 to the credential module 36 and receive response instructions from the credential module 36 with the card data. The memory 32 can be RAM, EEPROM, or other storage medium, into which the processor 30 can read and write data, including but not limited to lock configuration options and a lock audit trail. The lock audit trail can be a unified audit trail that includes events triggered by accessing the lock via the card reader 90 or the handheld device 12. The power supply 34 is a power source, such as a line power connection, a power conversion system, and / or a battery, that powers the controller 24. In other embodiments, the power supply 34 may power only the controller 24, with the actuator 22 being powered primarily or entirely by another source, such as user action (e.g., turning a bolt).

[0041] The credential module 36 is in communication with the processor 30 and is operable to decrypt and verify the credential to extract the virtual card data that is communicated to the controller 24 as a virtual card read. The access control mechanism 16a may have a reader 90 to read the physical key card 92 to obtain a physical card read and a credential module 36 to communicate with the handheld device 12 to obtain a virtual card read. After receiving and authenticating the appropriate credential from the handheld device 12 using the credential module 36, or after receiving and authenticating the appropriate card data from the card reader 90, the controller 24 commands the actuator 22 to lock or unlock.

[0042] While the figures illustrate various specific modules, this is not limiting of other embodiments, which may have, for example, additional antennas and transceivers 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, or the credential module 36 may have the transceiver 28 and antenna 26 separate from the processor 30, which may also have a separate transceiver 28 and antenna 26 of the same or 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 36 may communicate directly with the handheld device 12 through the transceiver 28.

[0043] Handheld device 12 typically includes a handheld device antenna 40, a handheld device transceiver 42, a handheld device processor 44, handheld device memory 46, a GPS receiver 48, an input device 50, an output device 52, and a handheld device power supply 54. Handheld device processor 44 can be any type of microprocessor with desired performance characteristics. Handheld device memory 46 can include any type of computer-readable medium that stores data and executable instructions described herein below. Mobile application software, or mobile apps, is application software with executable instructions designed to run on handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets. Executable instructions can be stored or organized in any manner and at any level of abstraction, such as in conjunction with one or more applications, processes, routines, procedures, methods, etc. Handheld device transceiver 42 is a transceiver of the same type as transceiver 28, and handheld device antenna 40 is a corresponding antenna. In some embodiments, handheld device transceiver 42 and handheld device antenna 40 can also be used to communicate with server 14. In other embodiments, one or more separate transceivers and antennas can be included to communicate with server 14.

[0044] The handheld device memory 46 can typically store multiple credentials locally on the handheld device 12 to operate the access control mechanism 16. In other embodiments, the handheld device 12 communicates with the server 14 simultaneously with the access control mechanism 16. This is an online configuration, and in this embodiment, the mobile credentials are retrieved in real time and passed to the credential module 36 without first being stored in the handheld device memory 46 on the handheld device 12.

[0045] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each access control mechanism 16 initially operates as a peripheral device and advertises using, for example, BLE. That is, initially and typically, the access control mechanism 16 is the peripheral device and advertises, while the handheld device 12 is the central device and scans for advertisements. This initial advertisement by the access control mechanism device 16 as a peripheral device is typically performed at the relatively low normal advertisement rate typical of normal BLE operation.

[0046] Then according to Figure 4 The illustrated method 400 reverses the roles to improve performance and promote greater user satisfaction. TM Announcements are used for indoor positioning information, meaning the access control mechanism still operates as a beacon. This architecture maintains backward compatibility, allowing handheld devices that can only connect as a central device to operate. However, if they can utilize role switching, the entire operation can be performed in a shorter amount of time.

[0047] As will be described further below, when the user indicates an intent to open the lock with their handheld device 12, such as by connecting via an application on the handheld device 12, iOS scans and connects to the access control mechanism 16 as a central device, and then automatically begins advertising as a peripheral device if the connection is still broken. TM Both the central and peripheral connections between the devices may not be disconnected at the same time, so the access control mechanism 16 automatically disconnects and then connects back to the handheld device 12 as a central device. It should be understood that these functions can be implemented in a programmed software routine that is executable in various microprocessor-based electronic control embodiments of the handheld device 12, so that the access control mechanism 16 does not need to be modified to utilize the method 400.

[0048] In one example, access control mechanism 16 is a peripheral device that initially advertises at a normal rate (step 402). A normal advertising rate may be, for example, one (1) advertisement per second, which provides a battery life of approximately 2.5 years. Typically, more power is required to scan for advertisements than to generate them.

[0049] The access control mechanism 16 typically advertises specific information via BLE, including but not limited to serial number, Bluetooth TM The handheld device 12 scans a specific identifier associated with a specific access control mechanism 16 (i.e., an identifier of a room that the guest can access). For example, the identifier can be a serial number associated with a door lock that was previously received in a credential from the server 14.

[0050] When the user indicates an intention to open a particular access control mechanism 16 through their handheld device 12, such as by pressing a button on the handheld device 12, the handheld device 12 establishes a connection with the access control mechanism 16 (step 404). In one example, the connection operates with a connection interval of approximately 20-30 milliseconds. This connection interval may be a hard limit imposed by the specific operating system of some handheld devices to provide an interval between data packets to allow, for example, other BLE connections.

[0051] Immediately after the initial connection is established, and in response thereto, the handheld device 12 automatically begins advertising as a peripheral device. The standard operating mode of the access control mechanism 16 is that of a peripheral device, but after initiating the initial connection, if the access control mechanism 16 is the iOS handheld device attempting to connect, the access control mechanism becomes a central device and begins scanning. However, if the access control mechanism 16 cannot find any advertising devices, the access control mechanism 16 remains in the peripheral role and does not proceed with step 405 and the additional steps, which aids in backward compatibility.

[0052] Bluetooth TM The specification supports role switching during a connection, which allows two devices to swap roles without having to connect and reconnect. iOS does not support this role switching, so method 400 operates by causing the iOS device to first connect as a central device, begin advertising as a peripheral device, and then, in response, the access control mechanism 16 drops the first connection upon finding an iOS device advertising as a peripheral device, then connects as a central device, causing the access control mechanism 16 role to switch to the advertising role (step 406). That is, the operational roles are switched in response to achieving the initial connection. In response to the first wireless connection, the handheld device 12 instructs the access control mechanism 16 to switch to the central role.

[0053] When switching to the notification role, handheld device 12 can be configured to notify at a maximum notification rate. In this example, the maximum notification rate is approximately 32 times per second. While this maximum notification rate may utilize more power, this usage only lasts for a relatively short period of time. That is, even with the role reversal, connection / communication / disconnection / connection occurs quickly, freeing up resources for other applications. Handheld device 12 becomes the peripheral device, and access control mechanism 16 becomes the central device for a predetermined period of time, until a second connection occurs or the predetermined period of time has passed. In other words, the role reversal may be time-limited.

[0054] The handheld device 12 announces information associated with the specific access control mechanism 16 to establish a second connection (step 408). In one example, because the announcement is made at the maximum rate, the connection takes approximately 200 milliseconds to establish. Because the access control mechanism 16 is then the central device and 'owns' the connection, the access control mechanism 16 can set the connection interval to a faster rate (e.g., a 12.5 millisecond connection interval) to transfer data more quickly and, thereby, activate the access control mechanism 16 more quickly. Because the second connection operates at the maximum rate, the communication of the necessary data (i.e., the transmission of credential data to operate the access control mechanism 16) improves overall performance and reduces the time experienced by the user. That is, even though the additional time associated with the role reversal requires approximately 0.5 seconds, the total time to operate the access control mechanism 16 is reduced from approximately 2.5 seconds to approximately 1.5 seconds.

[0055] Between the switch from the access control mechanism 16 to the handheld device 12, a disconnection of the initial connection may occur (step 405). Alternatively, both connections may remain disconnected simultaneously. If a second connection does not occur within, for example, a predetermined time period, the access control mechanism 16 reverts to the notifying role.

[0056] While using method 400 may not impact the battery life of the access control mechanism 16, it can result in faster connection and lock activation. The reverse connection role method begins with the lock as a peripheral device when the connection is first initiated, but allows for roles to be reversed to improve communication performance with certain brands of handheld devices. This is the typical or normal advertising rate for establishing a first or initial BLE connection between the handheld device 12 and the access control mechanism 16. That is, iOS does not impose a minimum connection interval that can be used when the handheld device 12 is a peripheral device. The reverse connection role method begins with the lock as a peripheral device when the connection is first initiated, but allows for roles to be reversed to improve communication performance.

[0057] The elements described and depicted herein, including the flowcharts and block diagrams throughout the accompanying drawings, imply logical boundaries between the elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering practices, the depicted elements and their functions may be implemented on a machine via a computer-executable medium having a processor capable of executing program instructions stored thereon as a monolithic software structure, as an independent software module, or as a module using external routines, code, services, etc., or any combination thereof, and all such implementations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] In the context of the description (especially in the context of the following claims), the use of the terms "a," "an," "the," and similar referents should be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless the context indicates otherwise or is specifically contradicted by context. The modifier "about" used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity). All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

[0059] Although different non-limiting embodiments have specifically described components, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those specific combinations. It is possible to use some components or features from any non-limiting embodiment in combination with features or components from any other non-limiting embodiment.

[0060] It should be understood that like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings. It should also be understood that although a particular component arrangement has been disclosed in the illustrated embodiments, other arrangements will also benefit from this.

[0061] Although a particular sequence of steps is shown, described, and claimed, it should be understood that the steps can be performed in any order, separated, or combined unless otherwise indicated and will still benefit from the present disclosure.

[0062] The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not to be limited by the limitations herein. Various non-limiting embodiments are disclosed herein. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that, in light of the above teachings, various modifications and variations will fall within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Therefore, the appended claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. A method for operating a lock, comprising: wirelessly transmitting the notification from a lock transceiver module coupled to the lock operating in a peripheral role; the handheld device transceiver module operates in a central role, scans the transmitted notifications, and establishes a first wireless connection between the lock transceiver module and the handheld device transceiver module based on the scanned notifications, wherein establishing the first wireless connection includes transmitting information associated with the lock; In response to establishing the first wireless connection and an intention by a user of the handheld device to operate the lock, switching roles of the lock transceiver module and the handheld device transceiver module, the lock transceiver module switching from the peripheral role to the central role, and the handheld device transceiver module switching from the central role to the peripheral role; as well as establishing a second wireless connection between the lock transceiver module and the handheld device transceiver module after the switching, wherein establishing the second wireless connection includes advertising information associated with the lock and reverting the lock transceiver module to a peripheral role in response to the second connection not occurring within a predetermined time period; as well as The lock is operated based on the information associated with the lock, wherein the information includes at least one of a credential or an identifier.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the lock transceiver module and the handheld device transceiver module is a Bluetooth TM Low Energy (BLE) module, the Bluetooth Tm The Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module switches to the central role after the first wireless connection. 3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising disconnecting the first wireless connection before establishing the second wireless connection. 4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising maintaining the first wireless connection while establishing the second wireless connection.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising advertising from the handheld device at a maximum advertising rate after switching the role of the handheld device.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising operating the first wireless connection at a normal transmission rate and then operating the second wireless connection at a maximum transmission rate.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: Before establishing the first wireless connection, according to Bluetooth Tm Advertisements are sent wirelessly from the lock transceiver module at the normal advertising rate of the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein: The peripheral character has a peripheral character connection interval smaller than a central character connection interval of the central character.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: After the switching step, the lock transceiver module sets the connection interval to a faster rate.

10. A method for operating access control, comprising: Send notifications wirelessly from access control operating in a peripheral role; The handheld device operates in a central role, scans the transmitted notifications, and establishes a first wireless connection between the access control and the handheld device based on the scanned notifications, wherein establishing the first wireless connection includes transmitting information associated with the access control; In response to the first wireless connection and an intention by a user of the handheld device to manipulate the access control, switching the access control from the peripheral role to a central role and switching the handheld device from the central role to a peripheral role; as well as establishing a second wireless connection between the access control and the handheld device after the switching, wherein establishing the second wireless connection includes advertising information associated with the access control and reverting the access control to a peripheral role in response to the second connection not occurring within a predetermined time period; and The access control is operated based on the information associated with the access control, wherein the information includes at least one of a credential or an identifier. The method of claim 10 , further comprising disconnecting the first wireless connection before establishing the second wireless connection.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising wirelessly sending advertisements from the access control according to a normal advertisement rate before establishing the first wireless connection.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising wirelessly transmitting an announcement from the handheld device at a maximum transmission rate after the first wireless connection.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: The maximum rate at which notifications are sent wirelessly is at a rate of 32 times per second.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein: The handheld device commands the access control to switch to the central role after the first wireless connection.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising disconnecting the first wireless connection before establishing the second wireless connection.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein: The access control is a lock.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein: The peripheral character has a peripheral character connection interval smaller than a central character connection interval of the central character.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: After the switching step, the access controlled transceiver module sets the connection interval to a faster rate.

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