Intelligent adaptive power savings for multiple technology credential readers

Abstract

Methods and systems for adaptive power savings of a multi-technology credential reader may provide improved credential reader power management. The multi-technology credential reader may poll for a first credential type using a first credential radio within the plurality of credential radios. The multi-technology credential reader may discover a first device associated with a first credential type within a radio frequency range of the first credential radio, and may enter a low power mode in response to discovering the first device, a second credential radio associated with a second credential type. The multi-technology credential reader may determine that the first device is positioned within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader, and may authorize credential access (e.g., physical access, logical access) for the first device in response to determining that the first device is positioned within the proximity threshold range.

Description

[0001] Priority application

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 477,933, filed on December 30, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Implementations described herein generally relate to power management of reader devices of access control systems, and particularly to adaptive power management of access credential devices. Background Art

[0004] There are many applications for which it is desirable to be equipped with access credential devices. Some examples include physical and logical access control systems. Physical access control includes the identification of authorized users or devices (e.g., vehicles, drones, etc.) and the actuation of gates, doors, or other mechanisms used to secure an area or the actuation of control mechanisms (e.g., physical or electronic / software control mechanisms) to allow access to secure physical assets such as computing devices (e.g., desktop computers, mobile devices, wearable electronic devices, copiers / printers, etc.). Logical access control includes the identification of authorized users or devices to provide access to logical assets (e.g., applications, cloud-based services, financial or personal accounts, or another logical asset). Generally, a credential device may include any device that carries evidence of the authority, status, rights, or privileges of the holder of the credential device, including any portable device with a memory that stores one or more user credentials or credential data (e.g., a credential card, electronic key, mobile phone, etc.). Non-limiting example credential devices include various credential devices provided by HID Global, Inc., located in Austin, Texas.

[0005] Access credential devices can be based on different types of access technologies. In some examples, physical access cards can use magnetic stripe credentials, radio frequency identification (RFID) credentials (e.g., low frequency (LF) 125KHz credentials, high frequency (HF) 13.56MHz credentials) or other wireless technologies. The adoption and use of physical access cards face various problems, such as physical access cards being lost and physical access card production being environmentally unfriendly. In order to solve the problem of physical access cards being lost or environmentally unfriendly, additional technologies have been explored. These alternative access credential technologies can include biometric readers (e.g., fingerprint readers, facial recognition) or wireless radio devices such as mobile phones or wearable devices. The wireless radio device can use one or more wireless radio technologies such as Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband (UWB) and other wireless radio technologies.

[0006] Access credential devices can be expanded to include multi-technology credential readers. In one example, a multi-technology access credential device can be equipped to communicate with an RFID card, a Wi-Fi phone, and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wearable device. However, these multi-technology access credential devices require additional power to support multiple access technologies. Therefore, solutions are desired that improve power management and reduce power consumption for multi-technology access credential devices. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all embodiments nor to delineate the scope of any or all embodiments.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a system for adaptive power conservation of a multi-technology credential reader, the system comprising: a multi-technology credential reader comprising a plurality of credential radios, processing circuitry, and a memory comprising instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: poll for a first credential type using a first credential radio within the plurality of credential radios; discover a first device associated with the first credential type within a radio frequency range of the first credential radio; in response to discovering the first device, cause a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to enter a low power mode; determine that the first device is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and in response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range, authorize physical access to the first device.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method for adaptive power conservation for a multi-technology credential reader, the method comprising: polling for a first credential type using a first credential radio, the first credential radio being among a plurality of credential radios coupled to the multi-technology credential reader; discovering a first device associated with the first credential type within a radio frequency range of the first credential radio; in response to discovering the first device, causing a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to enter a low power mode; determining that the first device is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and in response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range, authorizing physical access to the first device.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method for adaptive power conservation for a multi-technology credential reader, the method comprising: retrieving, at the multi-technology credential reader, a first polling countdown timer and a low-power polling countdown timer from a plurality of countdown timers stored in a memory of the multi-technology credential reader; determining that the first polling countdown timer has not yet completed, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential radio and a first credential type coupled to the multi-technology credential reader; determining that a low-power polling countdown timer has completed, the low-power polling countdown timer being associated with a low-power credential type and the low-power credential radio; polling for the low-power credential type using the low-power credential radio; determining that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and authorizing physical access to the low-power device in response to determining that the low-power device is located within the proximity threshold range.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a system for adaptive power conservation of a multi-technology credential reader, the system comprising: a multi-technology credential reader comprising multiple credential radios, processing circuitry, and a memory comprising instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: retrieve a first polling countdown timer and a low-power polling countdown timer from among a plurality of countdown timers stored in the memory; determine that the first polling countdown timer has not yet completed, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential type and a first credential radio; determine that a low-power polling countdown timer has completed, the low-power polling countdown timer being associated with a low-power credential type and the low-power credential radio; poll for the low-power credential type using the low-power credential radio; determine that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and authorize physical access to the low-power device in response to determining that the low-power device is located within the proximity threshold range.

[0012] Although a plurality of embodiments are disclosed, other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the present invention. As will be appreciated, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modification in various obvious respects without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like reference numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like reference numerals with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. By way of example and not limitation, some embodiments are shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 An example intent-based adaptive power conservation flow diagram for a multi-technology credential reader is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 An example intent-based polling method for a multi-technology credential reader is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 An example flow-based adaptive energy conservation flow diagram for a multi-technology credential reader is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 An example device history-based polling method for a multi-technology credential reader is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 A block diagram schematic of various components of an example reader, such as the multi-technology credential readers discussed herein, is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating various example hardware components of an example machine that may be used as one or more credential-based devices described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figure 1An example intent-based adaptive power saving flow diagram 100 for a multi-technology credential reader is shown. To provide improved power management, the credential reader can be configured to determine when a user is likely to access a secure physical or logical asset, such as identifying a user's intent to open a secure door (e.g., an intent to open a door). In an example, an intent to open a door can include identifying when a user approaches a door, for example, by identifying a wireless device within wireless radio range or optically identifying when a user enters an area around or near a secure physical or logical asset. For example, the credential reader can poll for LF credentials 110, poll for HF credentials 115, and poll for BLE credentials 120. When the credential reader detects one or more credential types, the credential reader can identify that an intent to open a door is likely 130. Various techniques can be used to determine the intent to open a door, such as using a radio to detect a wireless device at a distance from the credential reader. The intention to open the door can be based on a measured or determined distance from the credential reader (e.g., distance, proximity), a measured or determined closing speed determined based on a signal strength indication (e.g., received signal strength indication (RSSI)), or other indication of user device position, proximity, acceleration, or other motion.

[0021] Once the credential reader identifies that a door opening attempt is possible 130, the credential reader can determine 140 whether the door has been accessed within a predetermined door access countdown timer. For example, when using the technique of identifying that a door opening attempt is possible 130, the credential reader can start a ten-second timer. If the credential reader determines that the timer has not elapsed, the credential reader can configure an interpolling delay 150 for one or more access credential radios. In an example, configuring the interpolling delay 150 can include placing the LF radio into sleep mode 160, placing the HF radio into sleep mode 165, and causing the BLE radio to poll the BLE device 170. The sleep mode for the LF or HF radio can include causing the radio to shut down for the duration of the predetermined door access countdown timer, or increasing their respective interpolling delays (e.g., increasing the period between polling events). In an example, the LF radio and the HF radio may generally poll the LF device or the HF device at a first inter-poll interval (e.g., once every 100 ms, once every 200 ms, or another suitable first polling interval), and the sleep mode may cause the LF radio and the HF radio to reduce their polling period to a second inter-poll interval that is longer than the first polling interval (e.g., once every 1000 ms, once every 2000 ms, or another suitable second polling interval). Causing the BLE radio to poll the BLE device 170 may include instructing the BLE radio to poll at its previous inter-poll delay, to poll at a reduced inter-poll delay (e.g., to reduce power), or to poll at an increased inter-poll delay (e.g., to be more responsive to user requests for access). Although the example in flowchart 100 is shown and described for a detected BLE device and an HF radio and a LF radio entering sleep mode, a similar process may be used for detection of an HF device (e.g., placing the BLE radio and the LF radio into sleep mode), for detection of an LF device (e.g., placing the BLE radio and the HF radio into sleep mode), detection of more than one device, or detection of other access credential technologies (e.g., using facial recognition).

[0022] When the credential reader determines 140 that a predetermined door access countdown timer has expired, or that a door has been accessed within the predetermined door access countdown timer, the credential reader may reconfigure the inter-poll delay 180. Expiration of the predetermined door access countdown timer may indicate that a user does not intend to access the protected area, such as when a user walks past or wanders near the credential reader. Reconfiguring the inter-poll delay 180 may include returning one or more of the LF radio, HF radio, or BLE radio to their respective original inter-poll delays. For example, if configuring the inter-poll delay 150 includes causing the LF radio and the HF radio to reduce their polling period to a second inter-poll interval, reconfiguring the inter-poll delay 180 may include returning the LF radio and the HF radio to polling for the LF device or HF device based on a first inter-poll interval, where the first inter-poll interval is shorter than the second inter-poll interval. Reconfiguring the inter-poll delay 180 may be based on one or more previously detected devices. For example, if the credential reader previously identified that an intention to open a door is possible 130 based on identification of a BLE device, reconfiguring 180 the inter-poll delay may include causing the BLE radio to reduce the BLE inter-poll delay, e.g., to respond more quickly to identifying the same BLE device or a similar BLE device.

[0023] The intent-based adaptive power saving flowchart 100 provides various power management improvements. By increasing the inter-poll delay on one or more radios, the power consumed by the radio can be proportional to the increase in inter-poll delay. For example, changing the inter-poll delay from once every 100ms to once every 1000ms can result in an approximately tenfold reduction in power consumption for the affected radios. By shutting down one or more radios, power consumption can be reduced to the power required by the remaining radio(s) and to power the credential reader processor. Power management can also be improved by reducing or eliminating the power consumed by high-power radios. In the example shown in flowchart 100, if the LF and HF radios consume significantly more power than the BLE radio, placing the LF and HF radios in sleep mode can provide a significant reduction in power consumption. Power management can also be improved by modifying the inter-poll delay of the radios based on radio range. In this example, BLE radios can provide a greater detection range than LF and HF radios. By increasing the detection range of the low-power BLE radio, more BLE devices can be detected, or detected more frequently, which can increase the time the LF and HF radios can operate in sleep mode.

[0024] While flowchart 100 is described for LF, HF, and BLE technologies, the intent-based adaptive power conservation shown in flowchart 100 can utilize various combinations of credential technologies. The selection of devices can be based on similar considerations as for LF, HF, and BLE technologies, such as detection range and power consumption. For example, the step of polling 110 for LF credentials in flowchart 100 can more generally represent polling for access credential technologies with relatively higher power or relatively shorter detection ranges, such as LF credentials. The step of polling 115 for HF credentials in flowchart 100 can more generally represent polling for access credentials with lower power or longer detection ranges than LF credentials 110, such as near-field communication (NFC) credentials. Similarly, the step of polling 120 for BLE credentials in flowchart 100 can more generally represent polling for access credential technologies with lower power or longer detection ranges than LF credentials 110 or HF credentials 115, such as BLE credentials, Wi-Fi credentials, or UWB credentials. In one example, a passive credential device (e.g., a proximity card) may require more power from a credential reader than an active credential device (e.g., to transfer power to an inductive coil within the passive credential device). In another example, an encrypted credential device may require more power to encrypt or decrypt the credential at the credential reader than an unencrypted credential device. While it is expected that more significant power savings will be achieved by placing relatively higher power or shorter range device technologies (e.g., LF, HF) into sleep mode, power savings can be achieved by placing lower power or longer range device technologies (e.g., BLE) into sleep mode.

[0025] While flowchart 100 is described with respect to wireless radio technologies (e.g., LF, HF, BLE), the intent-based adaptive power conservation illustrated in flowchart 100 can be used with various types of credential technologies. These credential technologies can include short-range credential technologies such as magnetic stripe and fingerprint credentials where authentication occurs at a short distance from the reader or in physical contact with the reader. Some technologies can use a combination of wireless radios, optical sensors (e.g., motion detectors, image capture devices), and other sensors to detect users at varying distances. In an example, a facial recognition system can use an image capture device (e.g., a camera) to detect a user approaching a credential reader. In another example, a door opening intent can be based on a preliminary doorway, such as a user opening an exterior lobby door or a user opening an elevator door of a credential-based elevator.

[0026] Determination of user device location, proximity, acceleration, or other motion can include various thresholds. In an example, the maximum detection distance of the user device can include detecting a user within 5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters, or another suitable user detection distance of the credential reader. Detection of an intent to open a door can include detecting a wireless device at a distance typically closer to the credential reader than the maximum user device detection distance, such as when a credential device (e.g., a BLE device) is within 30 cm, 50 cm, 1 meter, 10 meters, or another suitable distance of the credential reader from the credential reader. The credential reader can be configured to determine whether to allow access to a secure area or asset protected by the credential reader when the credential reader determines that the device is positioned within a proximity threshold, wherein the proximity threshold is typically closer to the credential reader than detection of an intent to open a door. The proximity threshold can include detecting that the device is touching the credential reader, positioned within 1 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, or another proximity threshold distance of the credential reader. The determination of the threshold distance may be based on various considerations such as technical limitations (e.g., maximum radio range in a given environment), power management considerations (e.g., operating the radio at less than full power), or operational considerations. In an example, operational considerations may include allowing a user to open a security door without requiring the user to place a BLE device near the reader, and the proximity threshold may include a range corresponding to a user positioned close enough to open the door.

[0027] Figure 2 An example intent-based polling method 200 for a multi-technology credential reader is shown. Method 200 is shown and described with two primary examples: one in which a credential device is used to gain access to a secure area (e.g., steps 205 through 230 ), and one in which a credential device is detected but not used to gain access to a secure area (e.g., steps 205 and 235 through 245 ). In the first example, where the credential device is used to gain access to a secure area, method 200 begins by polling 205 for a first credential type using a first credential radio. The first credential radio can be among multiple credential radios included in or coupled to the multi-technology credential reader. Method 200 includes discovering 210 a first device associated with the first credential type using the radio frequency range of the first credential radio, such as identifying a BLE credential device. Method 200 also includes causing 215 at least a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to enter a low-power mode in response to discovering the first device. This can include causing both the LF radio and the HF radio to enter a sleep mode. In an example, the first inter-poll delay may be reduced for the first credential radio, such as to poll the BLE credential device more frequently. The reduction of the first inter-poll delay may occur before, during, or substantially simultaneously with causing 215 at least the second credential radio to enter low power mode.

[0028] Method 200 includes determining 220 that a first device is located within a proximity threshold range of a multi-technology credential reader. In response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range, method 200 includes authorizing 225 access to the first device. The proximity threshold range can be based on the first device being located adjacent to the multi-technology credential reader or within a predetermined range of the multi-technology credential reader, such as within 1 meter, within 10 centimeters, within 1 centimeter, in physical contact with the reader, or another suitable distance. Authorizing physical access to the first device can also be in response to determining that a first access timer has not expired, such as to indicate that the BLE credential device is requesting access within a predetermined time window.

[0029] Placing 215 the second credential radio into low power mode can include causing the second credential radio to avoid polling for the second credential type. Placing 215 the second credential radio into low power mode can include increasing an inter-poll delay for the second credential radio or turning off the second credential radio. Placing 215 the second credential radio into low power mode can significantly reduce device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader. Method 200 can also include, after granting physical access to the first device, causing 230 the second credential radio to exit low power mode and poll for the second credential type. In an example, if the first inter-poll delay is reduced for the first credential radio, the first inter-poll delay can return to a default value or to its previous delay value. This modification of the first inter-poll delay can occur before, during, or substantially simultaneously with causing 230 the second credential radio to exit low power mode.

[0030] In a second example, when a credential device is detected but not used to gain access to a secure area, method 200 begins by polling 205 for a first credential type using a first credential radio. Method 200 also includes discovering 235 a second device associated with the first credential type within radio frequency range of the first credential radio, for example, identifying another BLE credential device. Method 200 includes, in response to discovering the second device, causing 240 at least a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to enter a low-power mode. In an example, a first inter-poll delay can be reduced for the first credential radio, which can occur before, during, or substantially simultaneously with causing 240 at least the second credential radio to enter a low-power mode.

[0031] Method 200 also includes determining 245 that a second access timer has expired. The second access timer can be used to determine whether the BLE credential device has been positioned within a proximity threshold of the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined time window. In an example, expiration of the second access timer may occur when a user walks past or hovers near the credential reader. In response to determining 245 that the second access timer has expired, method 200 includes causing 250 the second credential radio to exit low power mode and poll for a second credential type. In an example, if the first inter-poll delay is reduced for the first credential radio, the first inter-poll delay can return to a default value or to its previous delay value, which can occur before, during, or substantially simultaneously with causing 240 at least the second credential radio to enter low power mode.

[0032] Figure 3 An example flow-based adaptive power saving flowchart 300 for a multi-technology credential reader is shown. To provide improved power management, the credential reader can be configured to monitor credential usage and classify it based on credential traffic type, and can reconfigure one or more inter-poll delays for a credential traffic type based on recent credential traffic. While the example shown in flowchart 300 is shown and described as having a sequential flow through LF credentials (e.g., starting at 310), then HF credentials (e.g., starting at 335), and finally BLE credentials (e.g., starting at 360), other credential sequences may be possible. For example, flowchart 300 may instead start with HF credentials, may start with BLE credentials, or may process two or more credential types substantially simultaneously.

[0033] A first example path through flowchart 300 may include identifying only the BLE credential. In this first example, the credential reader may begin by checking the LF credential 310 and may determine whether the LF inter-poll timer has expired 315. In an example, the LF inter-poll timer may indicate that an additional 500 ms must elapse before polling for the LF credential. If it is determined that the LF inter-poll timer has not expired (e.g., the LF radio is not active), the credential reader may check the HF credential 335 and may determine whether the HF inter-poll timer has expired 340. In an example, the HF inter-poll timer may indicate that an additional 100 ms must elapse before polling for the HF credential. If it is determined that the HF inter-poll timer has not expired 340, the credential reader may check the BLE credential 360 and may determine whether the BLE inter-poll timer has not expired 365. In response to determining that the BLE inter-poll timer has expired, the credential reader may poll for the BLE credential 370, read the BLE card 375, and record the BLE read time 380.

[0034] After recording the BLE read times 380, the credential reader can retrieve a configurable power management policy 385, determine one or more credential inter-poll timers 390, and configure an inter-poll delay 395. Configuring the inter-poll delay 395 can include modifying one or more of the LF inter-poll timer used in 315, the HF inter-poll timer used in 340, and the BLE inter-poll timer used in 365. Determination 390 of the credential inter-poll timer and configuration 395 of the inter-poll delay can be based on a combination of the retrieved configurable power management policy 385 and the record 380 of the BLE read times. In this first example of reading only the BLE card 375, the BLE inter-poll timer can be configured to: decrease the inter-poll delay for the BLE device; and increase the inter-poll delay for both the LF and HF devices. In another example, if the recorded read times indicate increased usage of the BLE device relative to both the LF and HF devices, the BLE inter-poll timer can be configured to: decrease the inter-poll delay for the BLE device; and increase the inter-poll delay for both the LF and HF devices. Increasing the inter-polling delay for LF and HF devices may provide reduced power consumption by reducing the power required to poll the LF and HF devices.

[0035] A second example path through the flowchart can include identifying only LF devices. In this second example, the credential reader can begin by checking the LF credential 310, determining whether the LF inter-poll timer has expired 315, polling for an LF card 320, reading the LF card 325, and recording the LF read time 330. After recording the LF read time 380, the credential reader can retrieve a configurable power management policy 385, determine one or more credential inter-poll timers 390, and configure an inter-poll delay 395. The determination 390 of the credential inter-poll timer and the configuration 395 of the inter-poll delay can be based on a combination of the retrieved configurable power management policy 385 and the record 330 of the LF read time. In this second example of only reading the LF card 375, the LF inter-poll timer can be configured to: reduce the inter-poll delay for LF devices; and increase the inter-poll delay for HF and BLE devices. In another example, if the recorded read times indicate increased usage of the LF device relative to the HF and BLE devices, the LF inter-poll timer can be configured to: reduce the inter-poll delay for the LF device; and increase the inter-poll delay for the HF and BLE devices. The increase in inter-poll delay for the HF and BLE devices can provide reduced power consumption by reducing the power required to poll the HF and BLE devices.

[0036] A third example path through the flowchart can include identifying only HF devices. In this third example, the credential reader can begin by checking the LF credential 310, determining whether the LF inter-poll timer has not expired 315, checking the HF credential 335, determining whether the HF inter-poll timer has expired 340, polling for the HF credential 345, reading the HF card 350, and recording the HF read time 355. After recording the HF read time 355, the credential reader can retrieve a configurable power management policy 385, determine one or more credential inter-poll timers 390, and configure an inter-poll delay 395. The determination 390 of the credential inter-poll timer and the configuration 395 of the inter-poll delay can be based on a combination of the retrieved configurable power management policy 385 and the record 355 of the HF read time. In this third example of only reading the HF card 350, the HF inter-poll timer can be configured to: reduce the inter-poll delay for HF devices; and increase the inter-poll delay for both LF and BLE devices. In another example, if the recorded read times indicate increased usage of HF devices relative to LF and BLE devices, the HF inter-poll timer can be configured to: reduce the inter-poll delay for the HF device; and increase the inter-poll delay for the LF and BLE devices. The increase in inter-poll delay for the LF and BLE devices can provide reduced power consumption by reducing the power required to poll the LF and BLE devices.

[0037] Configurable power management policies 385 can be based on various power management considerations. Power management policies 385 can be deployed based on access credentials, such as reducing the inter-poll delay for commonly deployed devices (e.g., BLE devices) and increasing the inter-poll delay for less frequently deployed devices (e.g., LF devices and HF devices). Power management policies 385 can be based on timing, such as increasing the inter-poll delay for one or more devices based on time of day, day of the week, holiday schedule, or other timing considerations. Power management policies 385 can be configured by an organization based on one or more personnel policies, such as to encourage or discourage the use of one or more credential types. For example, an organization may discourage the use of LF devices or HF devices and may encourage the use of BLE devices at all times, or may require personnel to use BLE devices during certain time periods (e.g., weekends).

[0038] Figure 4An example device history-based polling method 400 for a multi-technology credential reader is shown. Method 400 includes retrieving 405 a first poll countdown timer and a low-power poll countdown timer at the multi-technology credential reader. The first poll countdown timer and the low-power poll countdown timer may be among a plurality of countdown timers stored in a memory of the multi-technology credential reader. Method 400 includes determining 410 that the first poll countdown timer has not yet completed. The first poll countdown timer may be associated with a first credential radio and a first credential type coupled to the multi-technology credential reader. Method 400 includes determining 415 that the low-power poll countdown timer has completed. The low-power poll countdown timer may be associated with a low-power credential type and the low-power credential radio. Method 400 includes polling 420 for the low-power credential type using the low-power credential radio. Method 400 includes determining 425 that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is located within a proximity threshold of the multi-technology credential reader. The method 400 includes authorizing 430 physical access to the low-power device in response to determining that the low-power device is located within a proximity threshold range. The first credential radio can be associated with higher power consumption than the low-power credential radio. The first polling countdown timer can be greater than the low-power polling countdown timer so that the first credential radio can be polled less frequently than the low-power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption. The method 400 may also include resetting 435 each of a plurality of countdown timers in response to authorizing physical access to the low-power device, such as restoring the first countdown timer to a default value or to its corresponding previous value. The method 400 may also include generating 440 an update to a device log based on the physical access to the low-power device. The device log may include a record of a plurality of historical physical access authorizations.

[0039] The method 400 may also include recalculating 445 all poll countdown timers based on updates to the device log. The device log may include a rolling window average associated with each credential type. The rolling window average may include a number of physical accesses within a predetermined rolling window duration. The method 400 may also include decrementing 450 a low-power poll countdown timer in response to a physical access to the low-power device, the decrement of the low-power poll countdown timer indicating increased usage of the device associated with the low-power credential radio.

[0040] The method 400 may also include determining 455 based on the device log that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window; and increasing a first polling countdown timer to reduce a first power consumption of the first credential radio. In response to authorizing physical access to the low-power device, each of a plurality of countdown timers may be set based on the device log and based on a power management policy. The power management policy may include setting the plurality of countdown timers based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule. The method 400 may also include receiving 460 power management input and adjusting the power management policy based on the power management input.

[0041] Figure 5 A block diagram schematically illustrates various components of an example reader 500 (e.g., the multi-technology credential readers discussed herein). Generally, reader 500 may include one or more of a memory 502, a processor 504, one or more antennas 506, a communication module 508, a network interface device 510, a user interface 512, and a power source or power supply 514. Reader 500 may include a device that is attached to a surface (e.g., a wall, a door), although reader 500 may also be a standalone device or a portable device (e.g., a mobile electronic device).

[0042] The memory 502 can be used in conjunction with the execution of application programming or instructions by the processor 504 and for temporary or long-term storage of program instructions or instruction sets 516 or credential or authorization data 518, such as credential data, credential authorization data, or access control data or instructions. For example, the memory 502 can contain executable instructions 516 that are used by the processor 504 to operate other components of the reader 500 and make access determinations based on the credential or authorization data 518. The memory 502 can include computer-readable media, which can be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, or transport data, program code, or instructions for use by or in connection with the reader 500. A computer-readable medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, any solid-state storage device having one or more electrical connections or tangible storage media such as a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or EEPROM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), typically a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical or magnetic storage devices. Computer-readable media includes but should not be confused with computer-readable storage media, which is intended to encompass all physical, non-transitory, or similar embodiments of computer-readable media.

[0043] The processor 504 may correspond to one or more computer processing devices or resources. For example, the processor 504 may be provided as silicon, as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), any other type of integrated circuit (IC) chip, an IC chip set, etc. As a more specific example, the processor 504 may be provided as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or multiple microprocessors or CPUs configured to execute an instruction set stored in the internal memory 520 or the memory 502.

[0044] Antenna 506 may correspond to one or more antennas and may be configured to provide, for example, wireless communication between reader 500 and a credential or key device. Antenna 506 may be arranged to operate using one or more wireless communication protocols and operating frequencies (e.g., IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), ZigBee, GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, RF, UWB, etc.). By way of example, antenna 506 may be an RF antenna and may therefore transmit / receive RF signals through free space for reception / transmission by a credential or key device having an RF transceiver.

[0045] The communication module 508 may be configured to communicate with one or more different systems or devices (eg, one or more control mechanisms 306 or control panel 308 ) remote or local to the reader 500 according to any suitable communication protocol.

[0046] The network interface device 510 includes hardware for facilitating communication with other devices (e.g., a control panel or host server) over a communication network using any of a variety of transmission protocols (e.g., frame relay, Internet Protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), a mobile phone network (e.g., a cellular network), a plain old telephone (POTS) network, a wireless data network (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi or the IEEE 802.16 family of standards known as WiMax), a network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, and a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In some examples, the network interface device 510 may include an Ethernet port or other physical jack, a Wi-Fi card, a network interface card (NIC), a cellular interface (e.g., an antenna, filters, and associated circuitry), etc. In some examples, network interface device 510 may include one or more antennas for wireless communication using, for example, at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) technology.

[0047] The user interface 512 may include one or more input devices or display devices. Examples of suitable user input devices that may be included in the user interface 512 include, but are not limited to, one or more buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-sensitive surface, a stylus, a camera, a microphone, a PIN pad, a touch screen, a fingerprint reader, a magnetic stripe reader, a chip reader, and the like. Examples of suitable user output devices that may be included in the user interface 512 include, but are not limited to, one or more LEDs, an LCD panel, a display screen, a touch screen, one or more lights, a speaker, and the like. It should be understood that the user interface 512 may also include a combined user input device and user output device, such as a touch-sensitive display, and the like.

[0048] Power supply 514 may be any suitable internal power source, such as a battery, a capacitive power source, or a similar type of charge storage device, or may include one or more power conversion circuits suitable for converting external power to suitable power for components of reader 500 (e.g., converting externally supplied AC power to DC power). Power supply 514 may also include some implementation of surge protection circuitry for protecting components of reader 500 from electrical surges.

[0049] The reader 500 may also include one or more buses or interconnect links 522 that are operable to pass communications between the various hardware components of the reader. The system bus or interconnect link 522 may be any of several types of commercially available bus structures or bus architectures. A computing device or credential reader manager may reconfigure the reader 500 by connecting a device to the reader 500 via the bus or interconnect link 522 (e.g., by changing device parameters (e.g., a configurable inter-polling delay), by overwriting device management policies, by updating software, by flashing firmware, or other reconfiguration).

[0050] Figure 6 A block diagram schematic diagram of various example hardware components of an example machine 600 that can be used, for example, as one or more credential-based devices described herein. These credential-based devices may include one or more of a credential reader (e.g., reader 500), a credential reader manager device connected to a credential reader (e.g., to refresh the credential reader), a computing device (e.g., a computer that allows a user to enter input to update a power management policy), or a credential device (e.g., a BLE device). These devices may include Figure 6One or more of the example components shown in , which may depend on the form factor of the device. As described herein, the examples may generally include logic or multiple components, modules, or mechanisms in the machine 600, or may be operated by logic or multiple components, modules, or mechanisms in the machine 600. A module may be hardware, software, or firmware that is communicatively coupled to one or more processors to perform the operations described herein. Typically, the circuit system (e.g., processing circuit system) of the example machine 600 may include a collection of circuits implemented in a tangible entity of the machine 600, which may include hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). The membership of the circuit system may be flexible over time. The circuit system includes members that can perform specified operations individually or in combination when in operation. In some examples, the hardware of the circuit system may be immutably designed to perform specific operations (e.g., hard-wired). In some examples, the hardware of the circuit system may include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.) to encode instructions for specific operations, wherein the variably connected physical components include machine-readable media that are physically modified (e.g., magnetically, power-wise, by removable placement of fixed aggregate particles, etc.). When physical components are connected, the underlying electrical properties of the hardware components change, for example, from an insulator to a conductor, or vice versa. Instructions allow embedded hardware (e.g., an execution unit or a loading mechanism) to create members of a circuit system in hardware via variable connections to perform a portion of a specific operation when in operation. Thus, in some examples, the machine-readable medium element is part of the circuit system, or is communicatively coupled to other components of the circuit system when the device is in operation. In some examples, any of the physical components can be used in more than one member of more than one circuit system. For example, under operation, an execution unit can be used in a first circuit of a first circuit system at one point in time and reused by a second circuit in the first circuit system or a third circuit in the second circuit system at a different time. The following are additional or more specific examples of components of machine 600.

[0051] In some embodiments, the machine 600 can operate as a standalone device or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 600 can operate in the capacity of a server machine, a client machine, or both in a server-client network environment. In some examples, the machine 600 can act as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. The machine 600 can be or include a PC, a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a PDA, a mobile phone, a web appliance, a network router, a switch or bridge, an RFID smart card or other proximity-based card, an access control card, an electronic key, a key fob, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequentially or otherwise) specifying an action to be taken by the machine. Furthermore, although only a single machine is shown, the term "machine" should be construed to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein (e.g., cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), other computer cluster configurations).

[0052] The machine (e.g., a computer system) 600 may include a hardware processor 602 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof) and a main memory 604, static memory (e.g., memory or storage for firmware, microcode, basic input and output (BIOS), unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI), etc.) 606, or a mass storage device 608 (e.g., a hard drive, tape drive, flash memory, or other block device), some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interconnection link (e.g., a bus) 634. The machine 600 may also include a display device 610, an input device 612, or a user interface (UI) navigation device 614. Examples of suitable display devices include, but are not limited to, one or more LEDs, an LCD panel, a display screen, a touch screen, one or more lights, and the like. Example input devices and UI navigation devices include, but are not limited to, one or more buttons, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive surface, a stylus, a camera, a microphone, and the like. In some examples, one or more of the display device 610, the input device 612, or the UI navigation device 614 may be a combined unit such as a touch screen display. The machine 600 may further include a signal generating device 618 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 620, one or more antennas 630, a power source 632, and one or more sensors 616, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, or other sensors. The machine 600 may include an output controller 628, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB)), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), NFC, etc.) connection, to communicate with or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, a card reader, etc.).

[0053] The processor 602 may correspond to one or more computer processing devices or resources. For example, the processor 602 may be provided as silicon, as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), any other type of integrated circuit (IC) chip, an IC chip set, etc. As a more specific example, the processor 602 may be provided as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or multiple microprocessors or CPUs configured to execute an instruction set stored in the internal memory 622 or the memories 604, 606, 608.

[0054] Any of the memories 604, 606, and 608 can be used in conjunction with the execution of application programming or instructions by the processor 602 for performing any of the functions or methods described herein, and for temporary or long-term storage of program instructions or instruction sets 624 or other data for performing any of the functions or methods described herein, such as, for example, for on-site encoding of access credentials as described herein. Any of the memories 604, 606, and 608 can include computer-readable media, which can be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, or transport data, program code, or instructions 624 for use by or in connection with the machine 600. A computer-readable medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, an electrical connection or tangible storage medium having one or more lines, such as a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or EEPROM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a solid-state storage device, typically a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical or magnetic storage devices. As described above, computer-readable media includes computer-readable storage media but should not be confused with computer-readable storage media, which is intended to encompass all physical, non-transitory or similar embodiments of computer-readable media.

[0055] The network interface device 620 includes hardware for facilitating communication with other devices over a communication network using any of a variety of transmission protocols (e.g., Frame Relay, Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), a mobile phone network (e.g., a cellular network), a plain old telephone (POTS) network, a wireless data network (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi or the IEEE 802.16 family of standards known as WiMax), a network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, and a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In some examples, the network interface device 620 may include an Ethernet port or other physical jack, a Wi-Fi card, a network interface card (NIC), a cellular interface (e.g., an antenna, filters, and associated circuitry), etc. In some examples, network interface device 620 may include one or more antennas for wireless communication using, for example, at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) technology.

[0056] Antenna 630 may correspond to one or more antennas and may be configured to provide wireless communication between machine 600 and another device. Antenna 630 may be arranged to operate using one or more wireless communication protocols and operating frequencies, including IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), ZigBee, GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, RF, UWB, etc. By way of example, antenna 630 may be an RF antenna and may therefore transmit / receive RF signals through free space for reception / transmission by another device having an RF transceiver.

[0057] The power supply 632 can be any suitable internal power source, such as a battery, a capacitive power source, or a similar type of charge storage device, or can include one or more power conversion circuits suitable for converting external power to suitable power for the components of the machine 600 (e.g., converting externally supplied AC power to DC power). The power supply 632 can also include some implementation of surge protection circuitry for protecting the components of the machine 600 from electrical surges. As indicated above, the machine 600 can include one or more interconnecting links or buses 634 that are operable to pass communications between the various hardware components of the machine. The system bus 634 can be any of several types of commercially available bus structures or bus architectures.

[0058] Return to reference Figures 1 to 5 , the user may approach the credential reader 500, and the credential device may transmit the user credentials or credential data to the credential reader 500, for example, via suitable RFID or PAN technology. In some examples, the user credential device may include a portable device having a memory that stores one or more user credentials or credential data and a reader interface (i.e., an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) chip) that allows the credential to exchange data with a reader device (e.g., credential reader 500) via the reader device's credential interface (e.g., antenna 506). More generally, and as indicated above, the credential device may include the above-described credential device. Figure 6 5. In some example embodiments, the reader 500 and the credential device may be the same device, where, for example, a user may be attempting to access a logical asset via the user's own mobile device. If the credential reader 500 or other device determines that the user credentials or credential data provided by the credential device are valid or authorized, the credential reader 500 may operate a control mechanism to allow access to the secure physical asset by the user with the credential device.

[0059] Additional Examples

[0060] Example 1 is a system for adaptive power conservation of a multi-technology credential reader, the system comprising: a multi-technology credential reader comprising a plurality of credential radios, processing circuitry, and a memory comprising instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: poll for a first credential type using a first credential radio within the plurality of credential radios; discover a first device associated with the first credential type within a radio frequency range of the first credential radio; in response to discovering the first device, cause a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to enter a low power mode; determine that the first device is positioned within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and in response to determining that the first device is positioned within the proximity threshold range, authorize credential access to the first device.

[0061] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 also includes the subject matter wherein authorizing credential access to the first device is further responsive to determining that the first access timer has not expired.

[0062] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1-2 also includes the subject matter wherein the low power mode includes causing the second credential radio to avoid polling for the second credential type.

[0063] In Example 4, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 3 also includes the subject matter wherein the low power mode includes turning off all voucher radios of the plurality of voucher radios except the first voucher radio.

[0064] In Example 5, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 4 further includes the subject matter wherein the second credential radio consumes more power during polling than the first credential radio; and placing the second credential radio into low power mode significantly reduces device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader.

[0065] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 5 also includes the subject matter wherein, after granting credential access to the first device, the instructions further cause the second credential radio to exit low power mode and poll for a second credential type.

[0066] In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 6 includes instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to: discover a second device associated with the first credential type within a radio frequency range of the first credential radio; determine that a second access timer has expired, the expiration of the second access timer indicating that the second device is not positioned within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and cause the second credential radio to exit low power mode and poll for the second credential type.

[0067] In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 7 includes, in response to discovering the first device, the instructions further causing the first credential radio to decrease an access polling time interval associated with authorizing credential access.

[0068] In Example 9, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 8 also includes the subject matter wherein the proximity threshold range is based on the first device being positioned adjacent to the multi-technology credential reader.

[0069] In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 9 includes the instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to decrease a polling time interval associated with the plurality of credential radios based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

[0070] In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 10 also includes the subject matter wherein the first credential type comprises a Bluetooth low energy device; and the second credential type comprises a passive radio frequency access device.

[0071] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 also includes the subject matter wherein the plurality of credential radios further includes a third credential type; and the third credential type includes an active radio frequency access device.

[0072] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 also includes the subject matter wherein the passive radio frequency access device comprises a low frequency access device; and the active radio frequency access device comprises a high frequency access device.

[0073] In Example 14, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 13 also includes the subject matter wherein the credential access includes at least one of physical access and logical access.

[0074] Example 15 is a method for adaptive power conservation for a multi-technology credential reader, the method comprising: polling for a first credential type using a first credential radio, the first credential radio being among a plurality of credential radios coupled to the multi-technology credential reader; discovering a first device associated with the first credential type within a radio frequency range of the first credential radio; in response to discovering the first device, causing a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to enter a low power mode; determining that the first device is positioned within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and in response to determining that the first device is positioned within the proximity threshold range, authorizing credential access to the first device.

[0075] In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 also includes the subject matter wherein authorizing credential access to the first device is further responsive to determining that the first access timer has not expired.

[0076] In Example 17, the subject matter of Examples 15-16 also includes the subject matter wherein the low power mode comprises causing the second credential radio to avoid polling for the second credential type.

[0077] In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 17 also includes the subject matter wherein the low power mode includes turning off all voucher radios of the plurality of voucher radios except the first voucher radio.

[0078] In Example 19, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 18 further includes the subject matter wherein the second credential radio consumes more power during polling than the first credential radio; and placing the second credential radio into low power mode significantly reduces device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader.

[0079] In Example 20, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 19 includes, after authorizing credential access for the first device, causing the second credential radio to exit low power mode and poll for a second credential type.

[0080] In Example 21, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 20 includes: discovering a second device associated with a first credential type within a radio frequency range of a first credential radio; determining that a second access timer has expired, the expiration of the second access timer indicating that the second device is not positioned within a proximity threshold range of a multi-technology credential reader; and causing the second credential radio to exit a low power mode and poll for a second credential type.

[0081] In Example 22, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 21 includes, in response to discovering the first device, reducing an access polling time interval associated with the authorization credential access.

[0082] In Example 23, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 22 also includes the subject matter wherein the proximity threshold range is based on the first device being positioned adjacent to the multi-technology credential reader.

[0083] In Example 24, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 23 includes reducing a polling time interval associated with the plurality of voucher radios based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

[0084] In Example 25, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 24 also includes the subject matter wherein the first credential type comprises a Bluetooth low energy device; and the second credential type comprises a passive radio frequency access device.

[0085] In Example 26, the subject matter of Example 25 also includes the subject matter wherein: the plurality of credential radios further comprises a third credential type; and the third credential type comprises an active radio frequency access device.

[0086] In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 also includes the subject matter wherein the passive radio frequency access device comprises a low frequency access device; and the active radio frequency access device comprises a high frequency access device.

[0087] In Example 28, the subject matter of Examples 15 to 27 also includes the subject matter wherein the credential access comprises at least one of physical access and logical access.

[0088] Example 29 is a system for adaptive power conservation of a multi-technology credential reader, the system comprising: a multi-technology credential reader comprising multiple credential radios, a processing circuit system, and a memory comprising instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit system, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: retrieve a first polling countdown timer and a low-power polling countdown timer from a plurality of countdown timers stored in the memory; determine that the first polling countdown timer has not yet completed, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential type and a first credential radio; determine that a low-power polling countdown timer has completed, the low-power polling countdown timer being associated with a low-power credential type and a low-power credential radio; poll for the low-power credential type using the low-power credential radio; determine that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is positioned within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and in response to determining that the low-power device is positioned within the proximity threshold range, authorize credential access for the low-power device.

[0089] In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 also includes the following subject matter, wherein the first credential radio is associated with higher power consumption compared to the low power credential radio; and the first polling countdown timer is greater than the low power polling countdown timer such that the first credential radio is polled less frequently than the low power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption.

[0090] In Example 31, the subject matter of Examples 29 to 30 includes the instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to reset each of the plurality of countdown timers in response to authorizing credential access to the low-power device.

[0091] In Example 32, the subject matter of Examples 29 to 31 includes instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to generate an update to a device log based on the credential access to the low-power device, the device log including a record of the plurality of historical credential access authorizations.

[0092] In Example 33, the subject matter of Example 32 includes the instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to recalculate all poll countdown timers based on the update to the device log.

[0093] In Example 34, the subject matter of Examples 32-33 also includes the subject matter wherein the device log includes a rolling window average associated with each credential type.

[0094] In Example 35, the subject matter of Example 34 also includes the subject matter wherein the rolling window average includes a plurality of credential accesses within a predetermined rolling window duration.

[0095] In Example 36, the subject matter of Examples 32 to 35 includes the instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to decrement a low power poll countdown timer in response to a credential access for the low power device, the decrement of the low power poll countdown timer indicating increased usage of the device associated with the low power credential radio.

[0096] In Example 37, the subject matter of Examples 32 to 36 includes instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to: determine based on the device log that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window; and increase the first polling countdown timer to reduce a first power consumption of the first credential radio.

[0097] In Example 38, the subject matter of Examples 32 to 37 also includes the subject matter wherein, in response to authorizing credential access to the low-power device, the instructions further cause the multi-technology credential reader to set each of the plurality of countdown timers based on the device log and based on the power management policy.

[0098] In Example 39, the subject matter of Example 38 also includes the subject matter wherein the power management policy comprises setting the plurality of countdown timers based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

[0099] In Example 40, the subject matter of Examples 38 to 39 includes instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to: receive a power management input; and adjust a power management policy based on the power management input.

[0100] In Example 41, the subject matter of Examples 29 to 40 also includes the following subject matter, wherein, after determining that the first polling countdown timer has not completed and before determining that the low power polling countdown timer has completed, the instructions further cause the multi-technology credential reader to determine that a second polling countdown timer has not completed, the second polling countdown timer being associated with the second credential type and the second credential radio.

[0101] In Example 42, the subject matter of Examples 29 to 41 also includes the subject matter wherein the credential access comprises at least one of physical access and logical access.

[0102] Example 43 is a method for adaptive power conservation for a multi-technology credential reader, the method comprising: retrieving, at the multi-technology credential reader, a first polling countdown timer and a low-power polling countdown timer from a plurality of countdown timers stored in a memory of the multi-technology credential reader; determining that the first polling countdown timer has not yet completed, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential radio and a first credential type coupled to the multi-technology credential reader; determining that a low-power polling countdown timer has completed, the low-power polling countdown timer being associated with a low-power credential type and the low-power credential radio; polling for the low-power credential type using the low-power credential radio; determining that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is positioned within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and authorizing credential access for the low-power device in response to determining that the low-power device is positioned within the proximity threshold range.

[0103] In Example 44, the subject matter of Example 43 also includes the following subject matter, wherein the first credential radio is associated with higher power consumption compared to the low power credential radio; and the first polling countdown timer is greater than the low power polling countdown timer such that the first credential radio is polled less frequently than the low power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption.

[0104] In Example 45, the subject matter of Examples 43 to 44 includes resetting each of the plurality of countdown timers in response to authorizing credentialed access to the low-power device.

[0105] In Example 46, the subject matter of Examples 43 to 45 comprises generating an update to a device log based on credential access to the low-power device, the device log comprising a record of a plurality of historical credential access authorizations.

[0106] In Example 47, the subject matter of Example 46 includes recalculating all polling countdown timers based on updates to the device log.

[0107] In Example 48, the subject matter of Examples 46-47 also includes the subject matter wherein the device log includes a rolling window average associated with each credential type.

[0108] In Example 49, the subject matter of Example 48 also includes the subject matter wherein the rolling window average includes a plurality of credential accesses within a predetermined rolling window duration.

[0109] In Example 50, the subject matter of Examples 46 to 49 comprises decrementing a low power poll countdown timer in response to credential access for the low power device, the decrement of the low power poll countdown timer indicating increased usage of the device associated with the low power credential radio.

[0110] In Example 51, the subject matter of Examples 46 to 50 includes determining, based on the device log, that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window; and increasing a first polling countdown timer to reduce a first power consumption of the first credential radio.

[0111] In Example 52, the subject matter of Examples 46 to 51 also includes the subject matter wherein, in response to authorizing credentialed access to the low-power device, further comprises setting each of the plurality of countdown timers based on the device log and based on the power management policy.

[0112] In Example 53, the subject matter of Example 52 also includes the subject matter wherein the power management policy includes setting the plurality of countdown timers based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

[0113] In Example 54, the subject matter of Examples 52 to 53 includes receiving a power management input; and adjusting a power management policy based on the power management input.

[0114] In Example 55, the subject matter of Examples 43 to 54 includes determining that a second poll countdown timer has not completed after determining that the first poll countdown timer has not completed and before determining that the low power poll countdown timer has completed, the second poll countdown timer being associated with the second credential type and the second credential radio.

[0115] In Example 56, the subject matter of Examples 43 to 55 also includes the subject matter wherein the credential access comprises at least one of physical access and logical access.

[0116] Example 57 is at least one machine-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations for implementing any one of Examples 1-56.

[0117] Example 58 is an apparatus comprising means for implementing any one of Examples 1 to 56.

[0118] Example 59 is a system for implementing any one of Examples 1 to 56.

[0119] Example 60 is a method for implementing any one of Examples 1 to 56.

[0120] Additional Notes

[0121] The above detailed description includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The accompanying drawings show specific embodiments that can be put into practice by way of illustration. These embodiments may also be referred to as "examples" in this article. Such embodiments or examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, the inventors have also contemplated examples that only provide examples of those elements shown or described. In addition, the inventors have also contemplated examples of any combination or permutation of those elements (or one or more aspects of those elements) shown or described with respect to the specific examples (or one or more aspects of the specific examples) shown or described herein or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects of other examples). That is, the embodiments or examples described above or one or more aspects, features or elements thereof may be used in combination with each other.

[0122] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as methods (including, for example, computer-implemented processes, business processes, and / or any other processes), devices (including, for example, systems, machines, apparatuses, computer program products, etc.), or combinations thereof. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code embodied in the medium, the computer-executable program code defining the processes or methods described herein. A processor or processors may perform the necessary tasks defined by the computer-executable program code. In the context of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, transmit, or transport a program used by or in conjunction with the systems disclosed herein. As indicated above, a computer-readable medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, an electrical connection or tangible storage medium having one or more lines such as a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage device. As described above, computer-readable media includes computer-readable storage media but should not be confused with computer-readable storage media, which is intended to cover all physical, non-transitory, or similar embodiments of computer-readable media.

[0123] In the foregoing description, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. In view of the above teachings, obvious modifications or variations are possible. Various embodiments are selected and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to utilize various embodiments with various modifications as are suitable for the specific purposes envisioned. When interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which the appended claims are fairly, legally and equitably entitled, all such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for adaptive power conservation of a multi-technology credential reader, the system comprising: A multi-technology credential reader comprising a plurality of credential radios, processing circuitry, and memory including instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: polling for a first credential type using a first credential radio within the plurality of credential radios; discovering a first device associated with the first credential type within radio frequency range of the first credential radio; responsive to discovering the first device, causing a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to enter a low power mode; determining that the first device is positioned within a proximity threshold of the multi-technology credential reader; as well as In response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range, credential access to the first device is authorized.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Authorizing the credential access to the first device is also responsive to determining that a first access timer has not expired.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The low power mode includes causing the second credential radio to avoid polling for the second credential type.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The low power mode includes turning off all of the plurality of credential radios except the first credential radio.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein: the second credential radio consumes more power during polling than the first credential radio; and Placing the second credential radio into a low power mode significantly reduces device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: After granting the credential access to the first device, the instructions also cause the second credential radio to exit the low power mode and poll for the second credential type.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions further cause the multi-technology credential reader to: discovering a second device associated with the first credential type within the radio frequency range of the first credential radio; determining that a second access timer has expired, the expiration of the second access timer indicating that the second device is not positioned within the proximity threshold of the multi-technology credential reader; and The second credential radio is caused to exit the low power mode and poll for the second credential type.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein, in response to discovering the first device, the instructions further cause the first credential radio to decrease an access polling time interval associated with granting access to the credential.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The close proximity threshold range is based on the first device being positioned adjacent to the multi-technology credential reader.

10. The system of claim 1, the instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to decrease a polling time interval associated with the plurality of credential radios based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein: The first credential type comprises a Bluetooth low energy device; and The second credential type includes a passive radio frequency access device.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein: The plurality of credential radios further includes a third credential type; and The third credential type includes an active radio frequency access device.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein: The passive radio frequency access device comprises a low frequency access device; and The active radio frequency access device includes a high frequency access device.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The credential access includes at least one of physical access and logical access.

15. A method for adaptive power conservation for a multi-technology credential reader, the method comprising: polling for a first credential type using a first credential radio, the first credential radio among a plurality of credential radios coupled to a multi-technology credential reader; discovering a first device associated with the first credential type within radio frequency range of the first credential radio; responsive to discovering the first device, causing a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to enter a low power mode; determining that the first device is positioned within a proximity threshold of the multi-technology credential reader; as well as In response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range, credential access to the first device is authorized.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein Authorizing the credential access to the first device is also responsive to determining that a first access timer has not expired.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The low power mode includes causing the second credential radio to avoid polling for the second credential type.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein The low power mode includes turning off all of the plurality of credential radios except the first credential radio.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein: the second credential radio consumes more power during polling than the first credential radio; and Placing the second credential radio into a low power mode significantly reduces device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising, after granting the credential access to the first device, causing the second credential radio to exit the low power mode and poll for the second credential type.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising: discovering a second device associated with the first credential type within the radio frequency range of the first credential radio; determining that a second access timer has expired, the expiration of the second access timer indicating that the second device is not positioned within the proximity threshold of the multi-technology credential reader; as well as The second credential radio is caused to exit the low power mode and poll for the second credential type.

22. The method of claim 15, further comprising, in response to discovering the first device, decreasing an access polling time interval associated with granting access to the credential.

23. The method according to claim 15, wherein The close proximity threshold range is based on the first device being positioned adjacent to the multi-technology credential reader.

24. The method of claim 15, further comprising decreasing a polling time interval associated with the plurality of credential radios based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

25. The method of claim 15, wherein: The first credential type comprises a Bluetooth low energy device; and The second credential type includes a passive radio frequency access device.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein: The plurality of credential radios further includes a third credential type; and The third credential type includes an active radio frequency access device.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein: The passive radio frequency access device comprises a low frequency access device; and The active radio frequency access device includes a high frequency access device.

28. The method according to claim 15, wherein The credential access includes at least one of physical access and logical access.

29. At least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to being executed by processor circuitry of a computer-controlled device, cause the processor circuitry to perform the method of any one of claims 15 to 28.

30. A system for adaptive power conservation of a multi-technology credential reader, the system comprising: A multi-technology credential reader comprising a plurality of credential radios, processing circuitry, and memory including instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: retrieving a first polling countdown timer and a low power polling countdown timer from among a plurality of countdown timers stored in the memory; determining that the first polling countdown timer has not completed, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential type and a first credential radio; determining that the low power poll countdown timer has completed, the low power poll countdown timer being associated with a low power credential type and a low power credential radio; polling for the low power credential type using the low power credential radio; determining that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is positioned within a proximity threshold of the multi-technology credential reader; and In response to determining that the low-power device is located within the close proximity threshold range, credentialed access to the low-power device is authorized.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein: The first credential radio is associated with higher power consumption than the low-power credential radio; and The first poll countdown timer is greater than the low power poll countdown timer such that the first credential radio is polled less frequently than the low power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption.

32. The system of claim 30, the instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to reset each of the plurality of countdown timers in response to authorizing the credential access to the low-power device.

33. The system of claim 30, the instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to generate an update to a device log based on the credential access to the low-power device, the device log comprising a record of a plurality of historical credential access authorizations.

34. The system of claim 33, the instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to recalculate all polling countdown timers based on the update to the device log.

35. The system of claim 33, wherein: The device log includes a rolling window average associated with each credential type.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein: The rolling window average includes a number of credential accesses within a predetermined rolling window duration.

37. The system of claim 33, the instructions further causing the multi-technology credential reader to decrement the low power poll countdown timer in response to the credential access for the low power device, the decrement of the low power poll countdown timer indicating increased usage of a device associated with a low power credential radio.

38. The system of claim 33, wherein the instructions further cause the multi-technology credential reader to: determining, based on the device log, that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window; and The first polling countdown timer is increased to reduce a first power consumption of the first credential radio.

39. The system of claim 33, wherein: In response to authorizing the credential access to the low-power device, the instructions further cause the multi-technology credential reader to set each of the plurality of countdown timers based on the device log and based on a power management policy.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein: The power management strategy includes setting the plurality of countdown timers based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

41. The system of claim 39, wherein the instructions further cause the multi-technology credential reader to: receiving a power management input; and The power management policy is adjusted based on the power management input.

42. The system of claim 30, wherein: After determining that the first poll countdown timer has not completed and before determining that the low power poll countdown timer has completed, the instructions further cause the multi-technology credential reader to determine that a second poll countdown timer has not completed, the second poll countdown timer being associated with a second credential type and a second credential radio.

43. The system of claim 30, wherein: The credential access includes at least one of physical access and logical access.

44. A method for adaptive power conservation for a multi-technology credential reader, the method comprising: retrieving, at a multi-technology credential reader, a first polling countdown timer and a low-power polling countdown timer from among a plurality of countdown timers stored in a memory of the multi-technology credential reader; determining that the first polling countdown timer has not completed, the first polling countdown timer associated with a first credential radio and a first credential type coupled to the multi-technology credential reader; determining that the low power poll countdown timer has completed, the low power poll countdown timer being associated with a low power credential type and a low power credential radio; polling for the low power credential type using the low power credential radio; determining that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is positioned within a proximity threshold of the multi-technology credential reader; and In response to determining that the low-power device is located within the close proximity threshold range, credentialed access to the low-power device is authorized.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein: The first credential radio is associated with higher power consumption than the low-power credential radio; and The first poll countdown timer is greater than the low power poll countdown timer such that the first credential radio is polled less frequently than the low power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption.

46. ​​The method of claim 44, further comprising resetting each of the plurality of countdown timers in response to granting the credentialed access to the low-power device.

47. The method of claim 44, further comprising generating an update to a device log based on the credential access to the low-power device, the device log comprising a record of a plurality of historical credential access authorizations.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising recalculating all polling countdown timers based on the update to the device log.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein The device log includes a rolling window average associated with each credential type.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein The rolling window average includes a number of credential accesses within a predetermined rolling window duration.

51. The method of claim 47, further comprising decrementing the low power poll countdown timer in response to the credential access for the low power device, the decrement of the low power poll countdown timer indicating increased usage of a device associated with the low power credential radio.

52. The method of claim 47, further comprising: determining, based on the device log, that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window; as well as The first polling countdown timer is increased to reduce a first power consumption of the first credential radio.

53. The method of claim 47, wherein: Responsive to authorizing the credentialed access to the low-power device, further comprising setting each of the plurality of countdown timers based on the device log and based on a power management policy.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein: The power management strategy includes setting the plurality of countdown timers based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

55. The method of claim 53, further comprising: receiving power management input; and The power management policy is adjusted based on the power management input.

56. The method of claim 44, further comprising determining that a second poll countdown timer has not completed after determining that the first poll countdown timer has not completed and before determining that the low power poll countdown timer has completed, the second poll countdown timer being associated with a second credential type and a second credential radio.

57. The method of claim 44, wherein: The credential access includes at least one of physical access and logical access.

58. At least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by processor circuitry of a computer-controlled device, cause the processor circuitry to perform the method of any one of claims 44 to 57.

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