Access control system for buildings for energy-efficient communication via two wireless standards

Abstract

Access control system (1) for buildings (2) with a stationary unit (20) and a mobile unit (10), wherein the mobile unit (10) comprises a mobile transceiver (11) which has a first mobile module for communication via a first radio standard and a second mobile module for communication via a second radio standard and is configured to wirelessly and encryptedly transmit signals (S) for authentication and authorization of the mobile unit (10) vis-à-vis the stationary unit (20) and for control of the stationary unit (20) by the mobile unit (10) to a stationary transceiver (21) of the stationary unit (20), which has a first stationary module for communication via the first radio standard and a second stationary module for communication via the second radio standard, wherein the stationary unit (20) has a control device (22) which is configured, When the mobile unit (10) moves into a communication area of ​​the stationary transceiver (21) defined by the first radio standard, a first radio link is established between the stationary transceiver (21) and the mobile transceiver (11) via the first radio standard, and a distance (r) of the mobile unit (10) to the stationary unit (20) is determined via the first radio link. to compare the distance (r) with a predetermined threshold (W1, W2) and, if the threshold (W1, W2) is undershot, to establish a second radio link between the stationary transceiver (21) and the mobile transceiver (11) via the second radio standard and to determine the position of the mobile unit (10) relative to the stationary unit (20) via the second radio link, wherein at least two zones (Z1, Z2) are stored in the control device (22) and each zone (Z1, Z2) is assigned a predetermined threshold value (W1, W2), and wherein the control device (22) is designed, to assign the mobile unit (10) to one of the zones (Z1, Z2) depending on its position and to save the assignment, and to disconnect the second radio connection if the assignment changes.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an access control system for buildings for energy-efficient communication via two radio standards.

[0002] An access control system within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a system comprising a stationary or fixed unit and a mobile unit that can be carried by a user, in which these units communicate wirelessly with each other for the authentication and authorization of the mobile unit, and thus of the user, vis-à-vis the stationary unit. Based on this authentication and authorization, the stationary unit controls various functions and, in particular, releases, i.e., unlocks, the associated access point, for example, a door or gate. Beyond most conventional access systems, the access system according to the invention also provides position determination, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0003] Wireless access control systems are state of the art and are known, for example, from documents WO 2023 / 222462 A1 and DE 10 2020 114 403 A1.

[0004] However, such systems can be further optimized. Modern access control systems, for example, are often powered purely by batteries or other energy sources not permanently connected to a power grid, both for mobile and stationary units. Accordingly, it is desirable – despite potentially extensive functionality and features such as location tracking – to achieve the lowest possible energy consumption and thus longer operating times.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing an access control system with improved energy efficiency or low energy consumption.

[0006] This problem is solved by the combination of features according to claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, an access control system for buildings, or a building access control system, is proposed, which accordingly comprises a stationary unit (i.e., fixed in place and preferably permanently connected to the building) and a mobile unit (i.e., not fixed in place and, in particular, portable by a user). The mobile unit is essentially an electronic key, which can, for example, be in the form of a smart fob or a smartphone. For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that the access control system can comprise a plurality of mobile units, each of which is distinguishable by a unique identifier specific to the mobile unit. The stationary unit can, for example, also be a unit that can be attached to a door lock or that replaces the door lock.Fundamentally, both the stationary and mobile units each have a transceiver, where a transceiver is understood to be a transmit-receive unit. The transceiver of the mobile unit, referred to as the mobile transceiver, preferably has at least one antenna and electronics for transmitting signals via that antenna and for processing the signals received via that antenna. The transceiver of the stationary unit, referred to as the stationary transceiver, preferably has at least two antennas and electronics for transmitting signals via at least one of the two antennas and for processing the signals received via both antennas.The mobile transceiver is designed to wirelessly transmit encrypted signals, particularly via radio, for authentication and authorization of the mobile unit to the stationary unit, and optionally for control of the stationary unit by the mobile unit to the transceiver of the stationary unit, referred to as the stationary transceiver.

[0008] Fundamentally, authentication refers to verifying whether the mobile unit, or rather its identity, is known to the stationary unit, specifically whether a unique identifier for the mobile unit is stored in the stationary unit. Authorization, on the other hand, refers to verifying whether the authenticated mobile unit has the necessary access rights for the access controlled by the access control system. Authentication and authorization can be performed together or separately.

[0009] Furthermore, the mobile transceiver is provided for with a first mobile module for communication via a first radio standard and a second mobile module for communication via a second radio standard. The stationary transceiver is further provided for with a first stationary module for communication via the first radio standard and a second stationary module for communication via the second radio standard. The aforementioned electronics of the transceiver, as well as the antennas, can be provided for each module individually or shared between the two modules.

[0010] A key aspect of the invention is that the stationary unit has a control device which, when the mobile unit moves into a communication area of ​​the stationary transceiver defined by the first radio standard, which preferably corresponds to a maximum range or radio range of a radio connection possible with the first radio standard, establishes a first radio connection between the stationary transceiver and the mobile transceiver via the first radio standard and determines a distance between the mobile unit and the stationary unit via the first radio connection or from the signals transmitted by the mobile transceiver to the stationary transceiver via the first radio connection.Based on this, the control device is further designed to compare the distance with a predetermined threshold and, if the threshold is undershot, to establish a second radio connection between the stationary transceiver and the mobile transceiver via the second radio standard and to determine a position of the mobile unit relative to the stationary unit via the second radio connection or from the signals transmitted by the mobile transceiver to the stationary transceiver via the second radio connection.

[0011] This design enables secure, flexible, and energy-saving access control, improving authentication and positioning of the mobile unit through the combination of two radio standards, with energy-intensive communication for positioning only occurring when necessary.

[0012] Determining the distance between a mobile and a stationary unit – starting from a BLE radio link mentioned earlier – can be done, for example, by evaluating the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) signal. In newer BLE versions, the BLE Channel Sounding method can alternatively be used for a more direct and precise distance determination. This distance measurement can be used to situationally define the threshold for switching to the second, more energy-intensive radio link.

[0013] One variant provides that the control device is designed to determine a control command for triggering a function of the stationary unit from the position and / or a sequence of several positions. Accordingly, an access area and / or movement pattern (also referred to as a movement path) can be stored in the control device, so that the control of the function, e.g., unlocking or locking access, can be carried out depending on the position or the movement pattern determined by the sequence of positions detected immediately following each other in time.

[0014] Such functions or basic functions of the access control system are understood to include, in particular, unlocking and locking access controlled by the access control system.

[0015] However, additional comfort functions may also be provided, which may require the transmission of a separate control command from the mobile unit to the stationary unit via the first or second radio standard.

[0016] The technical effect of this further training is that the system not only reacts to the mere presence of the mobile unit, but can also generate complex control commands depending on movement patterns or current positions.

[0017] According to the invention, at least two zones are stored in the control device, each zone being assigned a predetermined threshold value. The control device is designed to assign the mobile unit to one of the zones depending on its position and to store this assignment. For this purpose, an identifier assigned to the mobile unit can, for example, be stored with the zone currently assigned to the mobile unit. Thus, if the position of a mobile unit is within a given zone, the mobile unit is assigned to that zone.

[0018] The zones, starting from the building, are defined as "outside" and "inside" the building, so that for each mobile unit, its respective identifier can indicate whether it was last located "outside" or "inside" the building. The zones can be defined, for example, by their boundaries or as a collection of nodes.

[0019] The advantage of this measure lies in the fact that the access control system can define different zones, each with its own access criteria or rights, and in particular, different threshold values. This makes it possible, when the mobile unit re-enters the communication range of the first radio link, to automatically use the appropriate threshold for switching to the second radio link, specific to each user or unit. The system thus remains adaptable and energy-efficient.

[0020] Regarding energy savings, the invention provides that the control device disconnects the second radio link and preferably deactivates the second stationary module at or immediately after a change in the mobile unit's location, i.e., a change from "inside" the building to "outside" the building or vice versa. Furthermore, and as described below, the control device can transmit a signal to the mobile unit, either via the second radio link or subsequently via the first, causing the mobile unit to disconnect the second radio link and deactivate the second mobile module.

[0021] This enables specific assignment on the one hand and saves energy on the other, since the need for position determination, for example to unlock access, only arises before the change and not after the change.

[0022] This means that after a change in zone assignment, communication via the second radio standard is specifically terminated, which contributes to energy savings and increases system security by avoiding unnecessary radio connections.

[0023] It is also advantageous if the control device is designed to determine the predetermined threshold value by means of the identifier assigned to the specific mobile unit when establishing the first radio connection with the mobile unit and to use this when comparing the distance with the predetermined threshold value.

[0024] This allows the system to set individual thresholds for different zones, enabling energy-saving and convenient zone-dependent access control and further increasing the flexibility and security of the system.

[0025] For example, threshold values ​​of 5 m can be set for a zone “outside” the building and 1 m for a zone “inside” the building.

[0026] Further training stipulates that the control device is trained to activate the second stationary module when the second radio connection is established and / or to disconnect the second radio connection and deactivate the second stationary module when the mobile unit moves out of a predetermined area.

[0027] This leads to optimized resource utilization, as only the radio module required for the current communication situation is active at any given time. This reduces energy consumption and increases system stability.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the mobile unit may be designed to activate the second mobile module when the second radio connection is established, and / or to disconnect the second radio connection, deactivate the second mobile module and activate the first mobile module when the mobile unit moves out of a predetermined area.

[0029] The technical effect of this measure is that the mobile unit also operates energy-efficiently, and the second mobile module is only activated when needed. This extends the battery life of the mobile unit and increases the reliability of the system.

[0030] If the second radio link is established, or also in order to establish the second radio link, the first radio link preferably remains active and the corresponding modules are activated so that parameters necessary for establishing and / or communicating via the second radio link can be transmitted between the mobile and stationary units via the first radio link.

[0031] Further training stipulates that the first radio standard is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and the first radio connection is a BLE radio connection and / or that the second radio standard is Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and the second radio connection is a UWB radio connection.

[0032] By using BLE and UWB, the advantages of both wireless technologies are leveraged: BLE enables energy-efficient communication over medium distances, while UWB allows for highly precise positioning over short distances. This improves the efficiency and accuracy of the access control system.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the access control system according to the invention, the connection via the first radio standard, i.e., in particular BLE communication, is not permanently established, but only when needed. The stationary unit can switch between a power-saving advertising mode and an active connection mode as soon as a mobile unit comes within range. This minimizes the energy consumption of the stationary, often battery-powered, unit.

[0034] Another variant provides that the stationary unit, in addition to a stationary transceiver which can be designated as the first stationary transceiver, has further stationary transceivers which can be connected to the first stationary transceiver via signal technology and preferably arranged inside the building, so that the position of the mobile unit can be determined even inside the building and despite conditions that may make communication difficult, such as walls.

[0035] The advantage of this design is also that the access control system can be extended to larger or more complex buildings with multiple access points, thereby increasing the scalability and flexibility of the system.

[0036] The access control system can also allow for targeted adjustment of thresholds and zones via an application on the mobile device, such as a smartphone. Additionally or alternatively, this can also be achieved by positioning the mobile device at the desired thresholds and / or zone boundaries. This enables a highly individualized and user-friendly configuration of access criteria.

[0037] The features disclosed above can be combined in any way, provided that this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0038] Reference is also made to earlier German utility model applications, published as DE 20 2025 102 409 U1, DE 20 2025 102 410 U1, DE 202025102413 U1, DE 20 2025 102 412 U1, DE 20 2025 102 414 U1, DE 202025102415 U1, DE 20 2025 102 416 U1, DE 20 2025 102 417 U1 and DE 20 2025 102 418 U1, which also further develop an access control system according to the invention. Reference is hereby made to the aforementioned disclosures, so that their content is incorporated into the disclosure and teaching of the present application.

[0039] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims or are described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1. an access control system; Fig. 2 an access control system with zone-specific thresholds; Fig.3 Flowchart for selecting the threshold and determining the position.

[0040] The figures are schematic examples. Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical functional and / or structural features.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the essential components of an access control system 1 at a building 2 according to the invention.

[0042] Such an access control system 1 basically comprises a stationary unit 20 and a mobile unit 10, wherein the stationary unit 20 is fixed in place or connected to the building 2 and is designed to control the access point 3, for example, a door, of the building 2 and, in particular, to lock or unlock the access point 3 or the door 3 depending on the position of the mobile unit 10, wherein the stationary unit 20 receives signals S from the mobile unit 10 to determine its position and to authenticate and authorize it. The mobile unit 10 has a mobile transceiver 11, which has a first mobile module for communication via a first radio standard, specifically a BLE module for communication via BLE, and a second mobile module for communication via a second radio standard, specifically a UWB module for communication via UWB.This enables the mobile transceiver 11 to wirelessly and encryptedly transmit signals S for authentication and authorization of the mobile unit 10 to the stationary unit 20 and, if necessary, for control of the stationary unit 20 by the mobile unit 10 to a stationary transceiver 21 of the stationary unit 20.

[0043] The stationary transceiver 21 has a first stationary module for communication via the first radio standard, specifically a BLE module for communication via BLE, and a second stationary module for communication via the second radio standard, specifically a UWB module for communication via UWB.

[0044] Generally, identification and authentication are preferably carried out via BLE, whereas localization and position determination are preferably carried out using cryptographically secured communication via UWB.

[0045] It is essential that the control of the stationary unit 20 should not be based, or preferably at least not exclusively, on control commands received from the mobile unit 10, but rather that the position of the mobile unit 10 relative to the stationary unit 20, or a movement pattern determined by a successive sequence of positions recorded over time, should be evaluated. Regarding the position, for example, an access request can be assumed if the position of the mobile unit is within a predetermined access area 30.

[0046] Accordingly, the stationary unit 20 can have a control device 22 which is configured to determine a position of the mobile unit 10 relative to the stationary unit 20 from the signals S transmitted by the mobile transceiver 11 to the stationary transceiver 21 and to automatically control a function when the position of the mobile unit 10 is within a predetermined access area 30.

[0047] If the mobile transceiver 11 is located within a second radio range 21B possible with the second radio standard, so that a radio connection can be established via the second radio standard, it can be provided, for example, that the control device 22 determines an angle Φ from which the signals S were received and a distance r from which the signals S were received from the signals S transmitted by the mobile transceiver 11 to the stationary transceiver 21, as is the case in Fig.Figure 1 shows the position of the mobile unit 10 so that it can be specified as polar coordinates of a polar coordinate system. It follows that the stationary transceiver 21 is located at the origin of this two-dimensional polar coordinate system.

[0048] In Fig. 2 is an access control system according to Fig. Figure 1 is shown. The control device 22 contains two zones, a first zone Z1 "inside" building 2 and a second zone Z2, complementary to the first zone Z1, "outside" building 2. Based on this, the control device 22 contains a first threshold W1, e.g., 1 m, for the first zone Z1 and a second threshold W2, e.g., 5 m, for the second zone Z2.

[0049] If a mobile unit 10 is within a first radio range 21A enabled by the first radio standard, the mobile unit 10 establishes communication with the stationary unit 20. Subsequently, the unique identifier (ID) of the mobile unit 10 is used to determine in which zone it was last detected. Based on this, the threshold value W1, W2 corresponding to the zone of last detection is selected, which then serves as the threshold for switching between the radio standards and thus also for position determination.

[0050] According to the procedure based on a flowchart Fig. 3. The control device 22 is suitable or designed to carry out the following process steps: Step A As soon as the mobile unit 10 is within a radio range 21A of the first radio standard, a radio connection is established between the mobile unit 10 and the stationary unit 20 via the first radio standard, in particular BLE. Step B The first radio connection is used to determine a distance r between the mobile unit 10 and the stationary unit 20. Step C From a specific identifier (ID) of the mobile unit 10, the zone last assigned to the mobile unit 10, i.e., Zone Z1 or Zone Z2, is determined. Step D If mobile unit 10 is assigned zone 1 "inside" building 2, then proceed to step E. If mobile unit 10 is assigned zone 2 "outside" building 2, then proceed to step F. Step E Retrieve the threshold value W1 assigned to Zone 1 – “inside” Building 2 – and compare the distance r with the threshold value W1 assigned to Zone 1. Does the distance r fall below the threshold value? If no, then return to step B. If yes, then proceed to step G. Step F Retrieve the threshold value W2 assigned to Zone 2 – “outside” Building 2 – and compare the distance r with the threshold value W2 assigned to Zone 2. Does the distance r fall below the threshold value? If no, then return to step B. If yes, then proceed to step G. Step G The second stationary module of the stationary transceiver 21, which is a UWB module, is activated, i.e., supplied with power and / or woken up from a standby mode. Step H A radio connection is established between the mobile unit 10 and the stationary unit 20 via the second radio standard, in particular via UWB. Step J The position of mobile unit 10 is determined based on the radio link via the second radio standard. Step K Is mobile unit 10 located in a zone other than the one assigned to it, meaning the assigned zone is no longer correct? If no, return to step J. If yes, proceed to step L. Step L The assignment of the zone to the ID of mobile unit 10 is changed so that the ID is assigned to the current zone in which mobile unit 10 is located. Step M The second radio connection is disconnected and the second stationary module is deactivated. Step N If the mobile unit 10 moves out of range of the first radio link, the first radio link is disconnected. Step O The stationary transceiver 21 sends advertising signals via the first stationary module to signal readiness for connection. Reference symbol list: 1 Access control system 2 buildings 3 Access / Door 10 mobile units 11 mobile transceivers 20 stationary units 21 stationary transceivers 21A First radio range / radio area of ​​the first stationary module 21B Second radio range / radio area of ​​the second stationary module 22 Control device 30 Access area S Signal(s) Z1 Zone 1 (“inside” the building) Z2 Zone 2 (“outside” the building) W1 Threshold for Zone 1 W2 Threshold for Zone 2 r distance Φ angle (polar coordinates) QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2023 / 222462 A1

[0003] OF 10 2020 114 403 A1

[0003] OF 20 2025 102 409 U1

[0038] OF 20 2025 102 410 U1

[0038] DE 202025102413 U1

[0038] OF 20 2025 102 412 U1

[0038] OF 20 2025 102 414 U1

[0038] DE 202025102415 U1

[0038] OF 20 2025 102 416 U1

[0038] OF 20 2025 102 417 U1

[0038] OF 20 2025 102 418 U1

[0038]

Claims

[1] Access control system (1) for buildings (2) with a stationary unit (20) and a mobile unit (10), wherein the mobile unit (10) comprises a mobile transceiver (11) which has a first mobile module for communication via a first radio standard and a second mobile module for communication via a second radio standard and is configured to wirelessly and encryptedly transmit signals (S) for authentication and authorization of the mobile unit (10) vis-à-vis the stationary unit (20) and for control of the stationary unit (20) by the mobile unit (10) to a stationary transceiver (21) of the stationary unit (20), which has a first stationary module for communication via the first radio standard and a second stationary module for communication via the second radio standard, wherein the stationary unit (20) has a control device (22) which is configured, When the mobile unit (10) moves into a communication area of ​​the stationary transceiver (21) defined by the first radio standard, a first radio link is established between the stationary transceiver (21) and the mobile transceiver (11) via the first radio standard, and a distance (r) of the mobile unit (10) to the stationary unit (20) is determined via the first radio link. to compare the distance (r) with a predetermined threshold (W1, W2) and, if the threshold (W1, W2) is undershot, to establish a second radio link between the stationary transceiver (21) and the mobile transceiver (11) via the second radio standard and to determine the position of the mobile unit (10) relative to the stationary unit (20) via the second radio link, wherein at least two zones (Z1, Z2) are stored in the control device (22) and each zone (Z1, Z2) is assigned a predetermined threshold value (W1, W2), and wherein the control device (22) is designed, to assign the mobile unit (10) to one of the zones (Z1, Z2) depending on its position and to save the assignment, and to disconnect the second radio connection if the assignment changes. [2] Access control system according to claim 1, wherein the control device (22) is designed, to determine a control command to trigger a function of the stationary unit (20) from the position and / or a sequence of several positions. [3] Access control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (22) is designed, to store the assignment with an identifier (ID) assigned to one of the specific mobile unit (10). [4] Access control system according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (22) is designed, When changing the assignment of the mobile unit (10), disconnect the second radio link and deactivate the second stationary module. [5] Access control system according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the control device (22) is designed, When establishing the first radio connection with the mobile unit (10), the predetermined threshold (W1, W2) is determined using the identifier (ID) assigned to the specific mobile unit (10) and this is used when comparing the distance (r) with the predetermined threshold (W1, W2). [6] Access control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (22) is designed, to activate the second stationary module when establishing the second radio connection and / or When the mobile unit (10) moves out of a predetermined area, the second radio link is disconnected and the second stationary module is deactivated. [7] Access control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile unit (10) is trained, to activate the second mobile module when establishing the second radio connection, and / or When the mobile unit (10) moves out of a predetermined area, the second radio link is disconnected and the second mobile module is deactivated. [8] Access control system according to any of the preceding claims, where the first wireless standard is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and the first wireless connection is a BLE wireless connection and / or where the second radio standard is Ultra-Wideband (UWB) and the second radio link is a UWB radio link. [9] Access control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stationary unit (20) comprises further stationary transceivers.

Images