Wake-up of access execution points

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented wake-up method performed by an access execution point is provided. The access execution point may be configured to cause operation of the access point, preferably to cause unlocking and / or locking of the access point. The access execution point may include an energy harvesting device, which may include a solar cell and an energy storage device. The method may include collecting ambient light by a solar cell and generating a solar cell signal. The method may include determining that the solar cell signal satisfies a mode switching condition. The method may include switching an access execution point from a sleep mode to an active mode in response to determining that the solar cell signal satisfies a mode switching condition. The mode switching condition may include a drop in the solar cell signal, which may correspond to a reduction in ambient light incident on the solar cell that may occur when the solar cell is manually shaded.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a wake-up method for one or more access execution points, in particular to an energy-saving wake-up method. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of access execution points in a wake-up method. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding computer program. BACKGROUND

[0002] Access systems have been widely used in applications, in particular for access control in building facilities. Access control involves allowing, denying or restricting access to certain parts of a controlled area, usually by using a barrier (e.g. a door, a turnstile, a parking gate, an elevator door or other barriers) for a certain level of access control.

[0003] Various prior art systems are known for access control, using corresponding technologies based on various principles. According to a first known method, called "who are you", access control aims at being achieved by recognizing the individual as such (using biometric recognition technology). A particular biometric recognition technology for people flow control uses face recognition to recognize individuals. While face recognition technology has its advantages, it is prone to errors and thus often unreliable. Furthermore, face recognition technology has proven to be greatly affected by face coverings (due to cultural and / or hygiene reasons). Furthermore, face recognition is based on at least one camera that is always active, which is not energy-saving. An alternative particular biometric recognition technology for access flow control uses fingerprints to recognize individuals. However, this is disadvantageous because fingerprint recognition is often unreliable (slow, affected by the dryness of a person's skin) and because it requires contact with a frequently used surface (fingerprint reader), which is particularly disadvantageous.

[0004] According to another known method, called "what you have", access control is based on the use of an item owned by the user, called a token or authentication medium, to identify the individual. Keyless entry systems are particularly advantageous due to their convenience and / or reliability. Keyless entry systems can for example operate by means of a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) access control terminal, performing a wireless communication with an authentication device, for example a keyless key fob, a key card or an authentication medium integrated with a corresponding wireless transceiver. Once said wireless communication between the access control terminal and the authentication medium has been performed, the access control terminal exchanges data messages with the authentication medium. Authentication can be initiated by the user, for example by pressing a button on the authentication medium to trigger the transmission of authentication data to the access control terminal. Upon successful authentication, i.e. verification of the user's credentials (for example by associating the authentication data received from the authentication device with a list of authorized users), the access control terminal allows access to the user in possession of the corresponding authentication medium, for example by opening said barrier. On the other hand, if authentication fails, the access control terminal denies access to the user in possession of the corresponding authentication medium, for example by locking the barrier / by keeping the barrier locked.

[0005] For close-range applications, radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders (or tags) are commonly used, which basically replace the early magnetic stripe cards. Other current solutions use infrared systems or radio systems to transmit the authentication signal from the authentication medium to the access control terminal of the security control system. Close proximity keyless systems, i.e. systems between direct contact and a threshold of a few centimeters, such as RFID-based systems, allow to determine the proximity of the user to the barrier by appropriately positioning the reader of the access control terminal. However, as the name suggests, the drawback of close proximity keyless systems is that they require the authentication medium to be very close to the access control terminal. To overcome this drawback, mid-range keyless entry systems have been proposed, in particular systems based on BLE and / or UWB communication. UWB systems are advantageous because they enable reliable mid-range communication, without the need for the user to precisely identify the reader device. As the communication range between the authentication device and the UWB access control terminal increases, convenience and ease of use also increase, since the authentication medium does not need to be placed within a very close range, for example less than one centimeter from the UWB access control terminal. The user no longer needs to precisely position the UWB access control terminal (or its antenna), not only increasing the convenience, but also having the potential to speed up the process, thus increasing the throughput through the barrier.

[0006] The network topology of such access control systems typically comprises a central access rights server to which each access control terminal is connected. A user brings the authentication medium he holds close to the access control terminal for a wireless exchange of credentials. These credentials are then transmitted from the access control terminal to the server, which performs a lookup in a database of access rights. If access is allowed, the server sends a signal to the access control terminal, which in turn allows the user to pass through an electronically controlled doorway. A drawback of this topology is that it requires each access control terminal to be permanently connected to the server, which is associated with considerable wiring costs and a single point of failure. More modern access control systems have shifted the access control decision to the access control terminal itself. However, if these access control terminals are not connected to a server, the question arises of how and when to update the database of access rights in each access control terminal.

[0007] Other access rights systems reverse this situation by storing a database or table of user access rights in the medium itself. At the access control point, the access control terminal exchanges data with the authentication medium, which contains the identifier of the access control terminal and the access rights of the user at that access control point. However, the authentication medium is a vulnerable entity in terms of data protection. Furthermore, updating the access rights becomes cumbersome, as each affected party must update its authentication medium to the new access rights.

[0008] Other solutions involve an Access Enforcement Point, which is configured to operate an access point (e.g. unlock a door), and which continuously communicates with another device. Such an Access Enforcement Point can be operated by a battery, which must be replaced at regular intervals. Such a solution is not necessarily energy-efficient and also requires maintenance, considering that the Access Enforcement Point continuously communicates with and / or searches for another device, which continuously consumes considerable energy.

[0009] The article “Recognizing Hand Gestures using Solar Cells” by Dong Ma et al., IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, doi: 10.1109 / TMC.2022.3148143 discloses a system that can recognize hand gestures in the vicinity of a solar-powered device by analyzing the pattern of photocurrent.

[0010] None of the known concepts provides an energy-efficient and at the same time easy-to-use solution for the wake-up of an access control point. Therefore, there is a need for such a solution. SUMMARY

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a wake-up method for accessing an execution point which at least partly overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an energy-saving and intuitive wake-up method.

[0012] According to the invention, the above-mentioned objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and the description.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented wake-up method is provided which can be executed by an access execution point. The access execution point can be configured to cause an operation of an access point, preferably an unlocking and / or locking of the access point. The access execution point can comprise an energy harvesting device. The energy harvesting device can comprise a solar cell and an energy storage device. The method can comprise harvesting light, e.g. ambient light, by the solar cell and generating a solar cell signal. The method can comprise determining that the solar cell signal fulfils a mode switching condition. The method can comprise, e.g. in response to determining that the solar cell signal fulfils the mode switching condition, switching the access execution point from a sleep mode to an active mode. The mode switching condition can comprise a drop of the solar cell signal, which can correspond to a reduction of light, e.g. ambient light, incident on the solar cell, which can occur upon shading, preferably manual shading, of the solar cell, e.g. upon manual partial shading of the solar cell.

[0014] The method can enable a wake-up of the access execution point.

[0015] The wake-up method does not require the use of a dedicated switch for wake-up purposes only. Instead, the solar cell which is used for energy harvesting anyway can be used. Thus, the wake-up method enables a simple and cost-effective construction of the access execution point and a simple and cost-effective wake-up method.

[0016] Allowing the access execution point to be in a sleep mode enables an energy-saving access execution point. Thus, the energy harvesting device needs to provide less energy and can be manufactured more cost-effectively.

[0017] Allowing the access execution point to be in a sleep mode enables a reduction of the energy consumption of the access execution point and thus a reduction of the need for maintenance. In other words: An access execution point configured to execute the above-described wake-up method essentially only needs to be maintained in case it is damaged or its energy is depleted.

[0018] Considering that the access execution point can not be connected to the power grid, but can be powered by its own energy harvesting device (e.g. powered completely by the energy harvesting device), it is desirable to reduce the energy consumption of the access decision point, e.g. by operating in active mode only when such operation can be needed (e.g. when an intention to operate the access point is possible and / or when an instruction can be sent to the access execution point).

[0019] The active mode can be a mode in which the access execution point is able to cause operation of the access point. The active mode can be a mode in which the access execution mode is able to send an instruction request. The active mode can be a mode in which the access execution mode is able to receive an instruction.

[0020] The sleep mode can be a mode in which the access execution point is able to determine that the solar cell signal satisfies the mode switching condition. The sleep mode can be a mode in which the access execution point is able to collect ambient light and generate the solar cell signal from the solar cell.

[0021] The sleep mode can be a mode in which the access execution point consumes less energy compared to the access execution point being in the active mode.

[0022] The term "the mode switching condition is based on / includes condition XYZ or comprises condition XYZ" can refer to the mode switching condition being satisfied if condition XYZ is satisfied. The mode switching condition can include / may be based on more than one condition, e.g. based on conditions XYZ and ABC. In some implementations, the mode switching condition can be satisfied if all conditions on which the mode switching condition is based / included are satisfied (e.g. if both XYZ and ABC are satisfied). In some implementations, the mode switching condition can be satisfied if at least one of the conditions on which the mode switching condition is based / included is satisfied (e.g. if at least one of XYZ and ABC is satisfied).

[0023] The term access execution point can comprise any device capable of unlocking and / or locking an access point. In particular, the access execution point can not have a decision capability to decide whether to unlock based on the validity of a credential. Rather, the access execution point can be capable of executing or causing the unlocking and / or locking of the respective access point upon receiving a respective command. Each access execution point can be associated with / can have an access point. Each access point can be associated with / can have an access execution point. For example, the access execution point can comprise an actuator for unlocking and / or locking the access point. Thus, in other words, the access execution point can be understood as a dumb device, which can only execute a command without making any decision, e.g. without making any decision about whether a user has the intention to unlock or whether the user is allowed to access the respective access point. Furthermore, the access execution point can have the capability to make low-power wireless communication to receive said command, in particular from one or more access decision points and / or from an authentication medium. Due to this configuration of the access execution point, the access execution point can be capable of operating with very low energy consumption. This is beneficial, since the need for maintenance is significantly reduced. In other words: the access execution point basically only needs to be maintained in case it is damaged or its energy is depleted. The access execution point can not be connected to a power grid to keep the installation effort low.

[0024] The access execution point can be a low-power access execution point.

[0025] It can be provided that the access execution point causes the unlocking of the associated access point, e.g. upon receiving an unlock command from an access decision point. Thus, the access execution point can comprise means for executing / causing the unlocking, e.g. a lock. The access execution point can be configured to cause the operation of the access point, in particular the unlocking and / or locking of the access point.

[0026] It can be provided that the access execution point and / or the access point comprise signaling means, in particular visual signaling means and / or acoustic signaling means, e.g. for indicating the status and / or operation of the access execution point and / or the access point, e.g. locked / unlocked.

[0027] The method can comprise storing the energy, e.g. electrical energy, generated by the solar cell in an energy storage device. The energy harvesting device and / or the energy storage device can be adapted to provide the access execution point with an amount of energy sufficient to operate the access execution point. That is, the energy harvesting device and / or the energy storage device can be adapted to power the access execution point. The access execution point can not be electrically connected to a power grid. The access execution point is electrically independent from the power grid. The solar cell can be configured to charge the energy storage device, i.e. to transfer energy into the energy storage device. The energy storage device can be configured to power the access execution point in the absence of a solar cell signal, e.g. in the dark.

[0028] The solar cell signal can be a time-dependent signal. The solar cell signal can be, for example, a photocurrent and / or a photocurrent density generated by the solar cell. The solar cell signal can be, for example, a current and / or a current density generated by the solar cell. The solar cell signal can be a voltage, for example, a voltage output by the solar cell. The solar cell signal can be filtered and / or averaged, for example, using a moving average over a predetermined amount of time. The solar cell signal can be amplified, for example, by an access execution point. The access execution point can be configured to internally amplify the solar cell signal.

[0029] Switching the access execution point from the sleep mode to the active mode can be and / or can comprise a wake-up of the access execution point.

[0030] Switching the access execution point from the sleep mode to the active mode can be triggered when a mode switching condition is fulfilled / reached. The drop of the solar cell signal comprised in the mode switching condition can be a sudden drop, i.e., it can be a sudden drop and / or it can drop by a predetermined magnitude, for example, a large magnitude. The predetermined magnitude can be relative to the magnitude of the solar cell signal, for example, 25% or more, 50% or more, or 75% or more. The predetermined magnitude can be an absolute magnitude.

[0031] The ambient light can be light from indoor lighting and / or can be indoor light and / or can be sunlight, for example, sunlight passing through a window in a building. The ambient light can be light from a window.

[0032] The solar cell can be an indoor solar cell. The area of the light-receiving surface of the solar cell can be less than 100 cm^2, or less than 50 cm^2. The area of the light-receiving surface of the solar cell can be less than the average palm of a human hand. The area of the light-receiving surface of the solar cell can be less than the average area of a physical key card.

[0033] Shielding the solar cell can refer to shielding a surface of the solar cell.

[0034] The mode switching condition can comprise a drop of the solar cell signal, which can correspond to a reduction of the ambient light incident on the solar cell, which can occur when the solar cell is manually shielded, for example, more than 10% of the solar cell surface is shielded and / or more than 25% of the solar cell surface is shielded and / or more than 50% of the solar cell surface is shielded and / or more than 75% of the solar cell surface is shielded. The solar cell does not need to be completely shielded / covered. The solar cell can be partially shielded / covered. The term shielded can correspond to covered. When the solar cell is manually shielded, a finger can be spread out. Shielding only a certain percentage of the solar cell can be referred to as partially shielding the solar cell and / or can be referred to as shielding the solar cell.

[0035] If in doubt, it can be better to switch the access execution point more frequently to the active mode compared to the risk of not switching to the active mode when expected (e.g. by the user).

[0036] The solar cell can be manually shielded by the user such that substantially no ambient light is incident on the solar cell, e.g. more than 90% of the solar cell surface can be shielded.

[0037] The solar cell can be shielded by a physical key card, for example. For example, the access execution point can comprise a key card reader and shielding the solar cell by the key card can simultaneously allow reading out the key card and / or receiving a credential from the key card. The key card can be an authentication medium.

[0038] The drop of the solar cell signal, e.g. a fraction of the solar cell signal drop, can correspond to a fraction of the solar cell surface that is shielded (e.g. manually shielded).

[0039] It can be provided that the access point is a mailbox and / or parcel box and / or door and / or lockable furniture and / or access-restricted trigger mechanism. The access-restricted trigger mechanism can be provided at an elevator, wherein unlocking the access-restricted trigger mechanism causes the elevator to perform a predetermined action, e.g. moving to a specific floor or locking the elevator while keeping the elevator door open.

[0040] The access execution point can comprise a wake-up sensor that can be used by the user to cause the access execution point (preferably immediately) to switch from the sleep mode to the active mode. The solar cell can be used as the wake-up sensor, in particular wherein the user can cover the solar cell, e.g. with his hand or body, thereby causing a sudden drop in the amount of incident light, which can be interpreted as a wake-up signal.

[0041] The method can further comprise sending, e.g. by the access execution point, an instruction request upon switching the access execution point to the active mode.

[0042] The timing of sending the instruction request can be set based on switching the access execution point to the active mode. Sending the instruction request by the access execution point can be triggered by / at switching the access execution point to the active mode.

[0043] The sending by the access execution point can comprise broadcasting and / or polling and / or repeated sending and / or multicasting. The access execution point can send and / or can be configured to send the instruction request to multiple access decision points. The sending can be performed in a broadcast manner. The instruction request can be a broadcast signal.

[0044] The access execution point can send the instruction request to a plurality of devices, and / or can be configured to send the instruction request to a plurality of devices (e.g. in addition to the access execution point).

[0045] Sending the instruction request upon switching to the active mode can enable sending the instruction request as soon as there is a high likelihood of a user intending to operate the access point. Sending the instruction request upon switching to the active mode (e.g. upon determining that the solar cell signal meets the mode switching condition) can enable reducing the probability / rate of sending the instruction request when the access point is not intended to be operated. Thus, energy consumption of the access execution point can be reduced.

[0046] The method can further comprise receiving the instruction by the access execution point (preferably in response to sending the instruction request), e.g. in the active mode. The instruction can comprise an operation command for causing an operation of the access point, e.g. an unlock command or a lock command. The method can further comprise causing, by the access execution point, the operation of the access point according to the instruction, e.g. unlocking and / or locking.

[0047] The operation can be an unlock operation and / or a lock operation. There can be a plurality of access execution points and a plurality of access points. Each access point can have an access execution point configured to cause an operation of the respective access point.

[0048] The instruction request can be received by the access execution point without the respective instruction request being sent by the access execution point. The instruction sender can be connected to the power grid and / or can have its own energy storage means independent of the energy storage means of the access execution point. For example, the access decision point can send the instruction, and / or the authentication medium can send the instruction.

[0049] Sending the instruction, e.g. due to the access execution point being in the inactive mode, can not be received by the access execution point without detriment to the energy consumption of the access execution point. On the other hand, being in the active mode can be disadvantageous in terms of the energy consumption of the access execution point, e.g. powered by its own energy harvesting means, when there is no intention to operate the access point and / or when the access execution point is less likely to receive the instruction.

[0050] The instruction can be received from an authentication medium (preferably a mobile device or a physical key card). The instruction can comprise a credential. In some embodiments of the present application, the validity of the credential can be determined prior to causing the operation of the access point, and the operation of the access point can only be caused upon determining that the credential is valid. In some embodiments of the present application, the instruction can comprise a command causing the operation of the access point independent of the validity of the credential and / or the instruction. In some embodiments of the present application, the instruction can comprise a command causing the operation of the access point without the need to determine the validity of the credential and / or the instruction.

[0051] The authentication medium can be, for example, a mobile device or a physical key card. The operating access point can comprise unlocking and / or locking the access point. The authentication medium can be configured to send the instruction.

[0052] The authentication medium can be a token, a badge, a mobile device, a user's body or a part of a user's body, e.g. suitable for biometric detection, etc. In case the authentication medium is a user's body or a part of a user's body, the access decision point can perform camera tracking to determine whether the user intends to unlock the respective access point. Furthermore, the access decision point can perform biometric authentication to check whether the respective user is allowed to access the respective access point. The biometric authentication can comprise, for example, face recognition, iris recognition, etc.

[0053] In case the authentication medium is a token, a badge or a mobile device, the communication between the access execution point or the access decision point and the authentication medium can be performed wirelessly. In particular, the communication can comprise ultra-wideband transmission and / or Bluetooth transmission.

[0054] The validity of the credential can be determined using the authentication medium, e.g. by using a fingerprint sensor of a smart phone and / or by unlocking a lock screen.

[0055] The presence of a valid credential can be interpreted as a strong intention. According to an implementation of the present invention, an intention and / or a strong intention can be required.

[0056] It can be provided that the validity of the credential for unlocking the respective access execution point is verified by a backend server, e.g. with which the access decision point and / or the authentication medium can communicate.

[0057] The instruction can be received from the access decision point. The access decision point can be configured to receive an instruction request sent by the access execution point. The access decision point can be configured to receive a signal of the authentication medium of the user. The access decision point can be configured to determine the intention of the user to operate the access point, e.g. upon receiving the signal of the authentication medium. The access decision point can be configured to generate the instruction dedicated to the access execution point, e.g. upon determining the intention of the user. The access decision point can be configured to send the instruction to the access execution point, e.g. upon receiving the instruction request.

[0058] The term access decision point can comprise any type of access controller that is able to decide whether an access point should be unlocked. It can have the capability to determine the intent of unlocking the access point. Furthermore, it can have the capability to check the validity of a user's credentials. The access decision point can comprise an integrated and / or spaced apart tracking system that is able to track the location of a user's authentication medium. Examples of said tracking system are a camera tracking system and / or an ultra-wideband tracking system. In case the access decision point comprises an ultra-wideband tracking system, the ultra-wideband tracking system can comprise a plurality of ultra-wideband anchors that facilitate ranging of the authentication medium, in particular determining successive positions of the authentication medium. Thus, the access decision point according to embodiments of the present application can comprise an identification module that can be configured to verify credentials and / or an intent detection module that can track a user, e.g. as described above, e.g. to determine the user's access intent. The modules can be arranged spaced apart from each other and in communication with each other.

[0059] The access decision point can be connected to the power grid and / or can comprise a periodically replaceable battery to prevent the access decision point from running out of energy. In a particular embodiment, the access decision point can be connected to the power grid and additionally comprise a battery to buffer potential power outages in the power grid. Then advantageously, the access control system is able to temporarily work during a power outage of the power grid.

[0060] The access decision point can be configured to communicate wirelessly with the access enforcement point. The access control system can comprise more than one access decision point and e.g. a plurality of access enforcement points. The number of access enforcement points comprised in the access control system can be greater than the number of access decision points comprised in the access control system.

[0061] The communication between the access enforcement point and the access decision point can be performed wirelessly, e.g. via a low-power communication protocol, e.g. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or any other suitable low-power communication protocol. Thus, the instruction request sent by the access enforcement point can be an advertisement signal, e.g. via Bluetooth.

[0062] The access decision point can be configured to determine the intent of the user, e.g. upon receiving a signal of the authentication medium and / or e.g. upon receiving an instruction request. The access decision point can be configured to generate the instruction prior to receiving the instruction request, e.g. upon determining the intent of the user. The access decision point can be configured to send the instruction within a predetermined time period, e.g. at least 30 s, at least 1 min, at least 1.5 min, at least 2 min or at least 5 min. The access enforcement point can receive the instruction as soon as it can have switched to the active mode. In other words: the instruction can be sent from the access decision point during a predetermined time period, during which the access enforcement point can first be in the sleep mode and subsequently in the active mode.

[0063] The access decision point can be connected to the power grid. Thus, sending the instruction by the access decision point can not be energy critical. Sending the instruction within the predetermined time period can enable the access execution point to receive the instruction immediately after switching to the active mode. It can also remove the need for a request for sending the instruction by the access execution point. Thus, sending the instruction within the predetermined time period can enable to reduce the energy consumption of the access execution point.

[0064] The access decision point can be configured to send the instruction comprising a no-action command, e.g. if the intent of the user is not determined and / or a signal of an authentication medium of the user is not received and / or a request for an instruction is not received from the access decision point. Sending the instruction comprising a no-action command can comprise not sending any instruction, i.e. the access execution point can be configured to interpret the absence of a received instruction, e.g. after having sent a request for an instruction, as a no-action command / no-action instruction.

[0065] In some embodiments, the method can comprise determining, by the access execution point in the active mode, that no instruction is received from the access decision point, e.g. within a predetermined time interval, and sending a request for an instruction in response to determining that no instruction is received from the access decision point. The determination that no instruction is received can be performed in response to switching the access execution point to the active mode.

[0066] The computer-implemented wake-up method can be performed by an access control system. The access control system can comprise an access execution point, an access decision point, an access point and an energy harvesting device.

[0067] The access decision point can be configured to receive a credential, preferably from an authentication medium. The access decision point can be configured to determine the validity of the credential. Determining the validity of the credential can preferably be comprised in the determination of the intent of the user to operate the access point. In some embodiments, the access decision point can preferably be configured to generate and / or send the instruction only in case the credential is determined to be valid.

[0068] The access decision point can be configured to receive a credential, preferably by receiving a signal from an authentication medium, wherein the signal comprises the credential.

[0069] The method can further comprise switching the access execution point from the active mode to the sleep mode upon receiving the instruction and / or after causing the operation of the access point. The method can preferably further comprise a dead time after switching the access execution point from the active mode to the sleep mode. During the dead time, a switch from the sleep mode to the active mode can be prevented and / or excluded.

[0070] The method can further comprise switching the access execution point from the active mode to the sleep mode upon switching to the active mode and upon not receiving the instruction within the predetermined time period.

[0071] The method can further comprise switching the access execution point from the active mode to the sleep mode upon causing the unlocking or locking of the access point. The method can further comprise not switching the access execution point to the sleep mode upon receiving the inaction command and / or not switching the access execution point to the sleep mode within a predetermined waiting time upon receiving the inaction command, and then (e.g. if no instruction is received during the waiting time) switching the access execution point to the sleep mode. The dead time can be a predetermined amount of time.

[0072] The method can further comprise preventing and / or excluding the switching from the sleep mode to the active mode during the dead time after switching the access execution point from the active mode to the sleep mode.

[0073] For example, during night time, it is less likely that the access point is operated twice within a short time interval (e.g. within a few seconds and / or minutes). For example, during night time, it is possible that only a security personnel passes the access point once per hour or once per two hours. Thus, the dead time can make the operation of the wake-up method more energy efficient while still allowing to operate the access point when desired by an authorized user. The dead time can be for example 10 s or less, 20 s or less, 30 s or less, 1 min or less, 2 min or less, or 5 min or less. The waiting time can be for example 10 s or less, 20 s or less, 30 s or less, 1 min or less, 2 min or less, or 5 min or less.

[0074] The dead time can further enable to prevent frequent switching to the active mode, e.g. to prevent switching to the active mode when the mode switching condition is met but there is actually no intention to operate the access point.

[0075] The mode switching condition can be based on the signal of the solar cell falling below a first solar cell fall threshold and / or falling a second solar cell fall threshold.

[0076] The second solar cell fall threshold can be a threshold referring to the degree of fall of the signal of the solar cell.

[0077] The first solar cell drop threshold and / or the second solar cell drop threshold can be predetermined. The first solar cell drop threshold and / or the second solar cell drop threshold can be an absolute threshold and / or a relative threshold, e.g. relative to the solar cell signal at a time before the solar cell signal satisfies the mode switching condition, and / or relative to a moving average of the solar cell signal. For example, the mode switching condition can correspond to the solar cell signal dropping by 20% or more relative to a moving average of the solar cell signal over a time of 10 s or less, 30 s or less, 1 min or less, and / or the solar cell signal dropping to, e.g., 80% or less of the moving average of the solar cell signal. For example, the mode switching condition can correspond to the solar cell signal dropping by 50% or more, or 75% or more, relative to a moving average of the solar cell signal over a time of 10 s or less, 30 s or less, 1 min or less, and / or the solar cell signal dropping to, e.g., 50% or less, or 25% or less, of the moving average of the solar cell signal. The mode switching condition can be based on the signal of the solar cell being below the first solar cell drop threshold. The relative threshold can be a dynamic / case dependent threshold.

[0078] The first solar cell drop threshold and / or the second solar cell drop threshold can be a threshold that combines an absolute threshold and a relative threshold, e.g. below 80% of a moving average and below a certain milliamp value.

[0079] Using the first solar cell drop threshold and / or the second solar cell drop threshold can enable robust and simple determination of whether the mode switching condition is satisfied. Using the first solar cell drop threshold and / or the second solar cell drop threshold can enable avoiding / reducing unnecessary switching to the active mode, e.g. false / unintended switching.

[0080] The mode switching condition can be based on the signal of the solar cell exceeding and / or being above the first solar cell threshold. The mode switching condition can be based on the signal of the solar cell dropping below and / or being below the second solar cell threshold. The mode switching condition can be based on the signal of the solar cell changing by the solar cell change threshold. The mode switching condition can be based on the signal of the solar cell having a standard deviation above / exceeding a standard deviation threshold.

[0081] The first solar cell threshold, the second solar cell threshold, and the solar cell change threshold can be predetermined thresholds, e.g. absolute thresholds and / or relative thresholds (e.g. relative to a moving average of the solar cell signal).

[0082] The mode switching condition can be based on the solar cell signal first being above a first solar cell threshold and then being below a second solar cell threshold, or vice versa. The second solar cell threshold can be lower than the first solar cell threshold. This can provide a particularly robust switching condition which reduces the rate / probability of false / unintended switching.

[0083] The solar cell signal can have a higher standard deviation, e.g. if a person is approaching the solar cell. Employing a mode switching condition based on the standard deviation of the solar cell signal can enable the access execution point to make faster mode switching, i.e. can reduce the latency between the intention to perform mode switching by the access execution point and the actual performance of mode switching by the access execution point. Employing a mode switching condition based on the standard deviation of the solar cell signal can enable the access point to make faster operation, i.e. can reduce the latency between the intention to operate the access point and the actual operation of the access point. The standard deviation of the solar cell signal can be determined across a predetermined amount of time, e.g. 5 s or less, 10 s or less, 20 s or less, or 30 s or less.

[0084] Changes in the solar cell signal within a tolerance range, e.g. changes below a change threshold, can be ignored when determining whether the switching condition is met. The tolerance range / change threshold can be defined such that a person moving around the access execution point causing a change in the amount of incident light can be ignored, i.e. does not trigger wake-up. This can reduce the rate of unintentional switching of the access execution point into active mode, which in turn can reduce the energy consumption of the access execution point.

[0085] The mode switching condition can be based on: the solar cell signal being above a first solar cell threshold at a first time and the solar cell signal being below a second solar cell threshold at a second time, or the solar cell signal being below the second solar cell threshold at the first time and the solar cell signal being above the first solar cell threshold at the second time. The second time can be later than the first time, and the time difference between the first time and the second time can be 100 ms or less, 500 ms or less, 1 s or less, or 2 s or less. The solar cell signal at the first time and the solar cell signal at the second time can be averaged over a predetermined amount of time, respectively.

[0086] The solar cell signal being above a first solar cell threshold at a first time and the solar cell signal being below a second solar cell threshold at a second time can correspond to, e.g., a drop in the solar cell signal corresponding to a reduction in ambient light incident on the solar cell which can occur when the solar cell is manually shaded.

[0087] The solar cell signal being below the second solar cell threshold at the first time and above the first solar cell threshold at the second time can correspond to an increase of the solar cell signal, which increase corresponds to, for example, an increase of ambient light incident on the solar cell, which increase can occur, for example, when lighting in a building is switched on and / or when the solar cell is intentionally illuminated.

[0088] The solar cell signal at the first time and at the second time can be measured and, for example, averaged.

[0089] The second solar cell threshold can be at least one of: a value calibrated during operation of the solar cell, a design value of the solar cell, a fraction of a moving average of the solar cell signal averaged across a predetermined amount of time, in particular, the past 100 ms or less, 250 ms or less, 500 ms or less, 1 s or less, 5 s or less, 10 s or less, 30 s or less, 1 min or less, 2 min or less, 5 min or less, or 10 min or less, a fraction of an average solar cell signal averaged across 24 hours, a fraction of a value corresponding to a solar cell signal at a typical ambient light at the location of the solar cell, preferably when lighting is switched on, a fraction of a value corresponding to a solar cell signal at an illumination intensity of AM 1.5, or AM 2, AM 5, or AM 10, or a photocurrent density below 1 mA / cm^2, preferably below 500 μΑ / cm^2, more preferably below 100 μΑ / cm^2, even more preferably below 50 μΑ / cm^2.

[0090] The first solar cell threshold can be at least one of: a value calibrated during operation of the solar cell, a design value of the solar cell, a multiple of a moving average of the solar cell signal averaged across a predetermined amount of time, in particular, the past 100 ms or less, 250 ms or less, 500 ms or less, 1 s or less, 5 s or less, 10 s or less, 30 s or less, 1 min or less, 2 min or less, 5 min or less, or 10 min or less, a multiple of an average solar cell signal averaged across 24 hours, a multiple of a value corresponding to a solar cell signal at a typical ambient light at the location of the solar cell, preferably when lighting is switched on, a multiple of a value corresponding to a solar cell signal at an illumination intensity of AM 1.5, or AM 2, AM 5, or AM 10, a photocurrent density above 100 μΑ / cm^2, preferably above 500 μΑ / cm^2, more preferably above 1 mA / cm^2.

[0091] Using a threshold value for the reference solar cell signal can provide a particularly robust switching condition, which reduces the rate / probability of false / unintended switching operations.

[0092] The threshold value for the reference solar cell signal can be calibrated during operation of the solar cell. For example, the threshold value can be calibrated individually for each solar cell. A common threshold value for a plurality of solar cells calibrated based on the plurality of solar cells can also be used. The calibration can be performed under typical operating conditions, i.e. when the solar cell is in a typical operating position, and under typical ambient light conditions.

[0093] The threshold value for the reference solar cell signal can be based on a design value provided by a manufacturer of the solar cell.

[0094] The threshold value for the reference solar cell signal can be based on a fraction of the average solar cell signal. The term fraction can refer to a factor of the solar cell signal, wherein the factor can be less than 1, e.g. 75% or less, 50% or less, 25% or less, or 10% or less.

[0095] The threshold value for the reference solar cell signal can be based on a multiple of the average solar cell signal, wherein the multiple can be greater than 1, e.g. 1.25 or more, 1.5 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, or 5 or more.

[0096] The threshold value for the reference solar cell signal can be based on the average solar cell signal, e.g. averaged over a predetermined amount of time, e.g. 1 min or less, 2 min or less, 5 min or less, 10 min or less, or 24 h or less, in a typical position of the solar cell, e.g. under typical ambient light conditions.

[0097] The term radiation intensity AMX (X is a numerical value) refers to air mass as known to the person skilled in the art.

[0098] The mode switching condition can be adjusted in dependence on the solar cell signal. The first solar cell drop threshold and / or the second solar cell drop threshold can be adjusted based on the solar cell signal at a time before the solar cell signal meets the mode switching condition.

[0099] The mode switching condition can be based on the solar cell signal. The mode switching condition can depend on the solar cell signal. The mode switching condition can be set / adjusted based on the solar cell signal.

[0100] The first solar cell drop threshold and / or the second solar cell drop threshold can be adjusted based on the solar cell signal at a time before the solar cell signal meets the mode switching condition.

[0101] For example, if the ambient light is bright, the first solar cell drop threshold can be much lower compared to the un-affected signal (i.e. the signal before the solar cell is shaded). For example, if the ambient light is dark (i.e. if there is not much ambient light), the first solar cell drop threshold can only be a little lower compared to the un-affected signal (i.e. the signal before the solar cell is shaded).

[0102] The mode switching condition can depend on an energy storage level of the energy stored in the energy storage device. The mode switching condition can be adjusted as a function of the energy storage level. The mode switching condition can be relaxed at higher energy storage levels and / or be strict at lower energy storage levels.

[0103] Relaxing the mode switching condition at higher energy storage levels can result in a lower probability of a false negative error (i.e. the probability of not switching to the active mode even though a switch is desired).

[0104] Making the mode switching condition strict at lower energy storage levels can enable the functionality of accessing the execution point to be maintained, i.e. to avoid the energy storage level being depleted of stored energy.

[0105] Making the mode switching condition strict can for example comprise decreasing the first solar cell drop threshold and / or increasing the second solar cell drop threshold. Making the mode switching condition relaxed can for example comprise increasing the first solar cell drop threshold and / or decreasing the second solar cell drop threshold.

[0106] It is less likely that the more strict mode switching condition is determined to be met compared to the more relaxed mode switching condition. In other words: certain solar cell signals can not meet the strict mode switching condition, but can meet the relaxed mode switching condition.

[0107] The mode switching condition can be dynamically adjusted as a function of the energy storage level. The mode switching condition can be dynamically adjusted as a function of the energy storage level in discrete steps, i.e. there can be several discrete mode switching conditions. The mode switching condition can be dynamically adjusted as a function of the energy storage level continuously. The mode switching condition can be dynamically adjusted such that the energy storage level is kept within a predetermined range.

[0108] The method can further comprise charging the energy storage device using the solar cell, wherein the solar cell can be intentionally illuminated (e.g. by a user) using a light source (e.g. using an external light source). The mode switching condition can be based on the charging, preferably based on the solar cell signal exceeding a charging solar cell threshold and / or based on the energy storage exceeding an energy storage threshold.

[0109] Charging the energy storage device can comprise / can be understood as transferring energy to the energy storage device. The method can comprise charging the energy storage device by intentionally illuminating the solar cell, e.g. by a user using a light source, e.g. an external light source.

[0110] The charging solar cell threshold value can be a predetermined threshold value. The charging solar cell threshold value can be an absolute threshold value and / or a relative threshold value, e.g. relative to the solar cell signal and / or relative to a moving average of the solar cell signal in time before the solar cell signal exceeds the charging solar cell threshold value. For example, the charging solar cell threshold value can correspond to 120% or more, or 150% or more, or 200% or more of a moving average of the solar cell signal in time of the last 10 s or less, the last 30 s or less, the last 1 min or less.

[0111] The energy storage threshold value can be at least 100% or less, or 125% or less, or 150% or less, or 200% or less of the total amount of energy required for the access execution point to perform the following actions a predetermined integer number of times: determining that the signal of the solar cell corresponds to the mode switching condition a predetermined integer number of times, switching the access execution point from the sleep mode to the active mode a predetermined integer number of times, and operating the access point once or a predetermined integer number of times according to the instructions, and preferably receiving the instructions a predetermined integer number of times, and more preferably sending the instruction request a predetermined integer number of times. The predetermined integer number can be, for example, 1, or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5.

[0112] The energy storage threshold value can prevent switching the access execution point to the active mode when there is not enough energy in the energy storage device for the access execution point to perform the desired actions.

[0113] The charging solar cell threshold value can enable determining that the energy storage device of the access execution point is intentionally charged.

[0114] The charging solar cell threshold value and / or the energy storage threshold value can enable operating / using the access execution point even when the energy storage device of the access execution point is empty or almost empty.

[0115] The mode switching condition can be based on the energy level stored in the energy storage device being below the energy storage threshold value. Preferably, the energy storage threshold value can be at least the total amount of energy required for the access execution point to perform the following actions a predetermined integer number of times: determining that the signal of the solar cell corresponds to the mode switching condition a predetermined integer number of times, switching the access execution point from the sleep mode to the active mode a predetermined integer number of times, and preferably operating the access point once or a predetermined integer number of times according to the instructions, and preferably receiving the instructions a predetermined integer number of times, and more preferably sending the instruction request a predetermined integer number of times, wherein the predetermined integer number can be, for example, 1, or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5.

[0116] The energy storage threshold can relate to a minimum amount of energy stored in the energy storage threshold required for the access execution point to be able to perform a basic operation. If the energy level stored in the energy storage device is close to the energy storage threshold (e.g. only 125% or less of the energy threshold, or even below the energy threshold), the mode switching condition can be made very strict to minimize the risk / rate of unintentional / mistaken mode switching as much as possible, and so as to still enable useful operation of the access execution point even at such low energy storage levels.

[0117] According to a second aspect of the application, an access execution point can be provided for use in the computer-implemented wake-up method according to the first aspect of the application. The access execution point can comprise an energy harvesting device comprising an energy storage device and a solar cell, a communication interface (preferably for communicating with an access decision point and / or an authentication medium), means preferably for causing operation of the access point; and processing means for determining that a signal of the solar cell corresponds to a mode switching condition, and for switching the access execution point from a sleep mode to an active mode.

[0118] According to a third aspect of the application, an access execution point can be provided. The access execution point can comprise an energy harvesting device, and the energy harvesting device can comprise an energy storage device and a solar cell. The access execution point can be adapted / configured to perform the following actions: determining that a signal of the solar cell satisfies a mode switching condition, switching the access execution point from a sleep mode to an active mode, e.g. in response to determining that the signal of the solar cell satisfies the mode switching condition, and preferably causing operation of the access point. The access execution point can be configured for use in the computer-implemented wake-up method according to the first aspect of the application.

[0119] According to a fourth aspect of the application, an access control system can be provided. The access control system can comprise at least one access execution point and at least one access point. One of the at least one access execution point can comprise an energy harvesting device, which can comprise a solar cell and an energy storage device. The access control system can be configured to perform the computer-implemented wake-up method according to the first aspect of the application.

[0120] According to a fifth aspect of the application, a computer program or computer readable medium can be provided, the computer program or computer readable medium comprising computer readable instructions which, when executed by a data processing system, cause the data processing system to perform the computer-implemented wake-up method according to the first aspect of the application.

[0121] All technical implementation details and advantages described in relation to the first aspect of the application apply mutatis mutandis to the second, third, fourth, fifth aspects of the application, and vice versa.

[0122] The terms "a plurality" and "more than one" can be used interchangeably unless otherwise specified. The terms "lock / unlock" and "operation / operating" can be used interchangeably unless otherwise specified. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" include the term "a plurality". The terms "a plurality" and "more than one" can be used interchangeably unless otherwise specified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0123] The application will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0124] Figure 1 is a highly schematic perspective view of an access execution point and a user according to an embodiment of the application.

[0125] Figure 2 is a high level flow chart illustrating a first sequence of a wake-up method according to an embodiment of the application.

[0126] Figure 3A is an illustrative example of a drop in a solar cell signal corresponding to a reduction in ambient light incident on the solar cell that can occur when manually shading the solar cell.

[0127] Figure 3B is another illustrative example of a drop in a solar cell signal corresponding to a reduction in ambient light incident on the solar cell that can occur when manually shading the solar cell.

[0128] Figure 3C is an illustrative example of an increase in a solar cell signal corresponding to an increase in ambient light incident on the solar cell that can occur when turning on lighting in a building.

[0129] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a building comprising an access control system including an access execution point implementing a wake-up method according to an embodiment of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0130] Figure 1 is a highly schematic perspective view of an access execution point and a user according to an embodiment of the application. The access execution point 201 is configured to cause operation of the access point 201a. The access execution point 201 comprises an energy harvesting device including a solar cell (not shown) and an energy storage device (not shown), for example a battery.

[0131] The user 301 can approach the access execution point 201. The user 301 can cause a drop in the solar cell signal by manually shading the solar cell surface. The access execution point 201 can determine that the solar cell signal satisfies a mode switching condition, which can include a drop in the solar cell signal, e.g., corresponding to a reduction in ambient light incident on the solar cell. The access execution point 201 can switch from the sleep mode to the active mode, e.g., in response to determining that the solar cell signal satisfies the mode switching condition.

[0132] The user 301 has an authentication medium 301a, which can carry a valid credential for the access point 201a. The authentication medium 301a can send an instruction to the access execution point 201. The instruction can include the credential. In some embodiments, the validity of the credential can be determined, and the operation of the access point can be caused only if the credential is determined to be valid. In some embodiments, the instruction can include a command that causes the operation of the access point 201a independent of determining the validity of the credential and / or the instruction.

[0133] The access decision point 101 (not shown) can communicate with the authentication medium 301a and can determine the intent of the user 301 to operate / cause the operation of the access point 201a. The intent determination can be performed, e.g., based on the continuous position or direction and / or speed of movement of the authentication medium 301a. Alternatively or additionally, the intent can be determined based on the validity of the credential. In such a case, the following can occur: the next time the access decision point 101 receives an instruction request from the access execution point 201, the access decision point 101 can respond to the unlock command, causing the access execution point 201 to unlock the access point 201a, so that the user 301 can access the access point 201a.

[0134] The access execution point 201 can be in the active mode. The access execution point 201 in the active mode can communicate with the authentication medium 301a and can receive an instruction of the authentication medium 301a of the user 301 to operate / cause the operation of the access point 201a, e.g. The access execution point 201 can cause the operation of the access point 201a, e.g., upon receiving the instruction.

[0135] Figure 2 is a high-level flowchart showing a first sequence of a wake-up method according to an embodiment of the present application. The method comprises: a step S01 of collecting ambient light and generating a solar cell signal; a step S02 of determining that the solar cell signal satisfies a mode switching condition; and a step S03 of switching an access execution point to an active mode. An optional step S04 comprises sending an instruction request. An optional step S05 comprises receiving an instruction request. The instruction request can be received without a prior sending of the instruction request. An optional step S06 comprises causing the operation of the access point according to the instruction.

[0136] Figure 3A is an illustrative example of a drop in the solar cell signal corresponding to a reduction in ambient light incident on the solar cell that can occur when manually shading the solar cell. The threshold value (e.g., the first solar cell drop threshold) is indicated by the dashed line. The units of the solar cell signal and time are arbitrary units (a.u.), which can be linear or logarithmic units, for example.

[0137] Figure 3B is an illustrative example of a drop in the solar cell signal corresponding to a reduction in ambient light incident on the solar cell that can occur when manually shading the solar cell. Here, the standard deviation of the solar signal increases prior to the drop in the solar cell signal. The increased standard deviation can be caused by / associated with a user approaching the solar cell.

[0138] Figure 3C is an illustrative example of a rise in the solar cell signal corresponding to an increase in ambient light incident on the solar cell that can occur when turning on lighting in a building and / or when intentionally shining a solar cell. The dotted line indicates a threshold value, e.g., the charge solar cell threshold.

[0139] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a building comprising an access control system according to an embodiment of the application, the access control system comprising an access execution point at which a wake-up method can be implemented.

[0140] In the description of Figure 4 the reference signs 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 are abbreviated to 101,..., 108; the reference signs 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212 are abbreviated to 201,..., 212; the reference signs 201a, 202a, 203a, 204a, 205a, 206a, 207a, 208a, 209a, 210a, 211a, 212a are abbreviated to 201a,..., 212a; the reference signs 301, 302, 303, 304 are abbreviated to 301,..., 304; and the reference signs 301a, 302a, 303a, 304a are abbreviated to 301a,..., 304a.

[0141] The building comprises a plurality of access points 201a,..., 212a. Each access point 201a,..., 212a has a respective access execution point 201,..., 212, at which a wake-up method can be implemented, in particular a wake-up method according to an embodiment of the application. Figure 4In the example shown, the access execution points 201, ..., 212 include actuators in the door panels capable of unlocking and / or locking access points 201a, ..., 212a. Furthermore, the building is equipped with multiple access decision points 101, ..., 108 distributed throughout the building. Access execution points 201, ..., 212 can, for example, send instruction requests to access decision points 101, ..., 108 when switching to an active mode. The instruction requests can be received by at least a portion of the access decision points 101, ..., 108, for example, by access decision points 101, ..., 108 within the wireless communication range of the respective access execution point 201, ..., 212.

[0142] like Figure 4 As depicted, multiple users 301, ..., 304 are located inside or near a building. Each user 301, ..., 304 has a corresponding authentication medium 301a, ..., 304a. According to... Figure 4 The illustration shows that authentication media 301a, ..., 304a are mobile devices capable of wireless communication. If an access decision point 101, ..., 108 receives a signal from authentication media 301a, ..., 304a (which may be a mobile device) of user 301, ..., 304, and determines that user 301, ..., 304 intends to unlock the corresponding access execution point 201, ..., 212, then access decision point 101, ..., 108 can generate an instruction and send it to the corresponding access execution point 201, ..., 212 (e.g., in response to receiving an instruction request from the corresponding access execution point 201, ..., 212). In some embodiments, the instruction is generated only if, in addition to the intent, access decision point 201, ..., 212 has successfully verified a valid credential. The corresponding instruction may include an unlock command that unlocks the corresponding access execution point 201, ..., 212. Therefore, user 301, ..., 304 can access the corresponding access point 201a, ..., 212a. If access decision points 201, ..., 212 do not receive / confirm the unlocking intent or do not receive / confirm valid credentials, the instruction can be a no-action command. A no-action command can also be understood as taking no action, that is, not responding at all.

[0143] Although some aspects have been described in the context of the apparatus, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of the corresponding apparatus.

[0144] Some or all of the method steps can be performed by (or using) hardware e.g., a processor, a microprocessor, a programmable computer or electronic circuitry. Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the application can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be performed using a non-transitory storage medium such as a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disc, a DVD, a Blu-Ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, and EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory having electronically readable control signals stored thereon, which cooperate (or are capable of cooperating) with a programmable computer system such that the respective method is performed. Therefore, the digital storage medium can be computer readable.

[0145] Some embodiments of the application provide a data carrier having electronically readable control signals, which are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system, such that one of the methods described herein is performed.

[0146] Generally, embodiments of the present application can be implemented as a computer program product, having a program code, which can be operative for performing one of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer. The program code can for example be stored on a machine readable carrier. Other embodiments comprise the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, stored on a machine readable carrier. In other words, an embodiment of the present application is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program is run on a computer.

[0147] Another embodiment of the present application provides a storage medium (or a data carrier, or a computer-readable medium) having stored thereon a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program is executed by a processor. The data carrier, the digital storage medium or the record medium is typically tangible and / or non-transitionary. Another embodiment of the present application is an apparatus comprising a processor and the storage medium as described herein.

[0148] A further embodiment of the present application is a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data stream or the sequence of signals can for example be configured to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet.

[0149] A further embodiment of the present application provides a processing means, for example a computer, or a programmable logic device, configured to or adapted for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0150] A further embodiment of the present application provides a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0151] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus or system configured to transfer a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein (e.g., electronically or optically) to a receiver. The receiver can be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a memory device, etc. The apparatus or system can include, for example, a file server for transferring the computer program to the receiver.

[0152] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array) can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array can cooperate with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware apparatus.

[0153] Reference signs

[0154] 101,..., 108 access decision points

[0155] 201,..., 212 access execution points

[0156] 201a,..., 212a access points

[0157] 301,..., 304 users

[0158] 301a,..., 304a authentication media

[0159] S01 collecting ambient light and generating a solar cell signal

[0160] S02 determining that the solar cell signal meets a mode switching condition

[0161] S03 switching the access execution point to an active mode

[0162] S04 sending an instruction request

[0163] S05 receiving an instruction request

[0164] S06 causing an operation of the access point.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented wake-up method executed by an access execution point (201), in, The access execution point (201) is configured to cause an operation of the access point (201a), preferably causing the access point (201a) to unlock and / or lock. The access execution point (201) includes an energy harvesting device, which includes a solar cell and an energy storage device. The method includes: The solar cell collects ambient light (S01) and generates a solar cell signal. It is determined (S02) that the solar cell signal meets the mode switching condition. In response to the determination (S02) that the solar cell signal meets the mode switching condition: the access execution point (201) is switched from sleep mode (S03) to active mode. The mode switching condition includes a decrease in the solar cell signal, which corresponds to a reduction in ambient light incident on the solar cell. This reduction in ambient light can occur when the solar cell is shaded, preferably manually shaded. The method further includes: when the access execution point (201) is switched (S03) to active mode: the access execution point sends (S04) an instruction request.

2. The computer-implemented wake-up method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The access execution point (201) in the activity mode receives (S05) the instruction, preferably in response to sending (S04) the instruction request and receiving (S05) the instruction; The instructions include operation commands for inducing operation of the access point (201a), and the method further includes: The access point (201a) is operated by the access execution point (201a) according to the instruction (S06).

3. The computer-implemented wake-up method according to claim 2, in, The instruction is received from the authentication medium (301a), which is preferably a mobile device or a physical key card. The instructions include credentials. Specifically, before initiating the operation of the access point (201a) in (S06), the validity of the credential is determined, and the operation of the access point (201a) is only initiated when the validity of the credential is determined. or The instructions include commands for inducing operations of the access point (201a) independently of determining the validity of the credential.

4. The computer-implemented wake-up method according to claim 2, wherein, Receive (S05) the instruction from the access decision point (101), wherein the access decision point (101) is configured to: Receive the instruction request sent by the access execution point (201). Receives signals from the authentication medium (301a) of the user (301). Upon receiving the signal from the authentication medium (301a), the intent of the user (301) to operate the access point (201a) is determined. Upon determining the user's intent, an instruction specifically for the access execution point (201) is generated, and Send the instruction to the access execution point (201).

5. The computer-implemented wake-up method according to claim 4, in, The access decision point (101) is configured as follows: Receiving credentials, preferably receiving the credentials from an authentication medium, and Determine the validity of the credential; Preferably, determining the validity of the credential is included in determining the user's (301) intention to operate the access point (201a). Preferably, the access decision point (101) is configured to generate and / or send the instruction only if the credential is determined to be valid.

6. The computer-implemented wake-up method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in, The method further includes: upon receiving the instruction (S05) and / or after the operation that causes the access point (201a) (S06), switching the access execution point (201) from the active mode to the sleep mode. Preferably, the method further includes a dead time after the access execution point (201) is switched from the active mode to the sleep mode. During the dead time, switching from the sleep mode to the activity mode is prevented.

7. The computer-implemented wake-up method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The mode switching condition is based on the signal of the solar cell falling below a first solar cell drop threshold and / or falling below a second solar cell drop threshold.

8. The computer-implemented wake-up method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The mode switching conditions are adjusted based on the solar cell signal. Wherein, claim 8 is preferably subordinate to claim 7, and the first solar cell drop threshold and / or the second solar cell drop threshold are adjusted based on the solar cell signal at a time before the solar cell signal satisfies the mode switching condition.

9. The computer-implemented wake-up method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The mode switching condition depends on the energy storage level of the energy stored in the energy storage device. Preferably, the mode switching conditions are adjusted based on the energy storage level. More preferably, the mode switching conditions are relaxed at higher energy storage levels and / or strict at lower energy storage levels.

10. The computer-implemented wake-up method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in, The method further includes: The energy storage device is charged using the solar cell, wherein the solar cell is intentionally illuminated by a user (301) using a light source. The mode switching condition is based on the charging, preferably based on the solar cell signal exceeding the charging solar cell threshold and / or based on the energy storage exceeding the energy storage threshold.

11. Use of an access execution point (201) in a computer-implemented wake-up method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said access execution point (201) comprising: An energy harvesting device, the energy harvesting device including an energy storage device and a solar cell; A communication interface, preferably used for communicating with an access decision point (101) and / or an authentication medium (301a); Preferably, it is a device for inducing operation of the access point (201a); as well as A processing device for determining that the signal of the solar cell corresponds to a mode switching condition, and for switching the access execution point (201) from sleep mode to active mode.

12. An access execution point, in, The access execution point (201) includes an energy harvesting device; The energy harvesting device includes an energy storage device and a solar cell; The access execution point (201) is adapted to perform the following actions: • Determine (S02) that the signal from the solar cell meets the mode switching conditions. • Switch the access execution point (201) from sleep mode (S03) to active mode. • When switching the access execution point (201) (S03) to active mode: send (S04) an instruction request, and • Preferably, the operation that triggers the access point (S06) is performed. Preferably, the access execution point (201) is configured for use in a computer-implemented wake-up method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. An access control system, comprising: At least one access execution point (201). At least one access point (201a). One of the at least one access execution point (201) includes an energy harvesting device, which includes a solar cell and an energy storage device. The system is configured to execute the computer-implemented wake-up method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer program comprising computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a data processing system, cause the data processing system to perform a computer-implemented wake-up method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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