Smart Adaptive Power Saving for Multi-Technology Credential Readers

Abstract

A method and system for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader provides improved credential reader power management. The credential reader polls a first credential type using a first credential radio of a plurality of credential radios. The credential reader detects a first device associated with the first credential type within a radio frequency range of the first credential radio and transitions a second credential radio associated with a second credential type into a low power mode in response to detecting the first device. The credential reader determines that the first device is located within a proximity threshold range of the credential reader and grants credential access (e.g., physical access, logical access) to the first device in response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The embodiments described herein relate generally to power management of readers in access control systems, and more particularly to adaptive power management of access credential devices. [Background technology]

[0002] There are many applications in which access credential devices are desirable. Some examples include physical access control systems and logical access control systems. Physical access control involves the identification of authorized users or devices (e.g., vehicles, drones, etc.) and the operation of gates, doors, or other mechanisms or controls, e.g., physical or electronic / software controls, used to protect an area, thereby allowing access to a secured physical asset, such as a computing device (e.g., desktop computer, mobile device, wearable electronic device, copier / printer, etc.). Logical access control involves the identification of authorized users or devices to provide access to a logical asset, such as an application, cloud-based service, financial or personal account, or another logical asset. A credential device generally includes any device that holds evidence of entitlement to the authority, status, rights, or privileges of the credential device holder and may include any portable device (e.g., credential card, electronic key, mobile phone, etc.) with memory that stores one or more user credentials or credential data. Non-limiting examples of credential devices include the various credential devices offered by HID Global Corporation, based in Austin, Texas.

[0003] Access credential devices can be based on various types of access technologies. In some examples, physical access cards may use magnetic stripe credentials, radio frequency identification (RFID) credentials (e.g., low frequency (LF) 125 kHz credentials, high frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz credentials), or other wireless technologies. The deployment and use of physical access cards face various challenges, such as losing physical access cards and the environmental unfriendliness of manufacturing physical access cards. Additional technologies have been explored to address the challenges faced by lost or environmentally unfriendly physical access cards. These alternative access credential technologies may include biometric readers (e.g., fingerprint readers, facial recognition), or wireless communication devices such as mobile phones and wearable devices. The wireless communication devices may use one or more wireless communication technologies, such as Bluetooth® (BT), Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and other wireless communication technologies.

[0004] Access credential devices can be expanded to include multi-technology credential readers. In one example, a multi-technology access credential device can be configured to communicate with RFID cards, Wi-Fi enabled phones, and BLE enabled wearable devices. However, these multi-technology access credential devices require additional power to support multiple access technologies. Therefore, a solution that enables improved power management and reduced power consumption for multi-technology access credential devices is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments.

[0006] In some aspects, techniques described herein relate to a system for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, the system comprising: a multi-technology credential reader including a plurality of credential radios; a processing circuit; and a memory including a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: poll a first credential type using a first credential radio of the plurality of credential radios; detect a first device associated with the first credential type within radio frequency range of the first credential radio; transition a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to a low power mode in response to detecting the first device; determine that the first device is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and grant physical access to the first device in response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range.

[0007] In some aspects, techniques described herein relate to a method for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology enabled credential reader, the method comprising: polling a first credential type using a first credential radio, the first credential radio being one of a plurality of credential radios connected to the multi-technology enabled credential reader; detecting a first device associated with the first credential type within radio frequency range of the first credential radio; in response to detecting the first device, transitioning a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to a low power mode; determining that the first device is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology enabled credential reader; and in response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range, granting physical access to the first device.

[0008] In some aspects, techniques described herein relate to a method for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, the method including reading at the multi-technology credential reader a first polling countdown timer and a low-power polling countdown timer of a plurality of countdown timers stored in a memory of the multi-technology credential reader; and determining that the first polling countdown timer has not expired, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential type and a first credential radio connected to the multi-technology credential reader. determining that the low power polling countdown timer has expired, the low power polling countdown timer being associated with a low power credential type and a low power credential radio; polling the low power credential type using the low power credential radio; determining that a low power device associated with the low power credential type is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology enabled credential reader; and granting physical access to the low power device in response to determining that the low power device is located within the proximity threshold range.

[0009] In some aspects, techniques described herein relate to a system for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, the system comprising a multi-technology credential reader including a plurality of credential radios, a processing circuit, and a memory including a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: read a first polling countdown timer and a low-power polling countdown timer of a plurality of countdown timers stored in the memory; and determine that the first polling countdown timer has not expired, wherein the first polling countdown timer is a countdown timer for the first credential radio. determining that the low power polling countdown timer has expired, the low power polling countdown timer being associated with a low power credential type and a first credential radio; polling the low power credential type using the low power credential radio; determining that a low power device associated with the low power credential type is located within a proximity threshold range of a multi-technology enabled credential reader; and granting physical access to the low power device in response to determining that the low power device is located within the proximity threshold range.

[0010] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be understood, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modification in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like reference numbers may describe like components in different views. Like reference numbers with different suffixes may represent different instances of like components. Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary intent-based adaptive power saving flow chart for a multi-technology credential reader. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary intent-based polling method for a multi-technology credential reader. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary traffic-based adaptive power saving flow chart for a multi-technology credential reader. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary device history-based polling method for a multi-technology credential reader. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of various components of an exemplary reader, such as the multi-technology credential reader described herein. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic block diagram of several example hardware components of an example machine that may be used as one or more credential-based devices described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an example intent-based adaptive power saving flowchart 100 for a multiple technology credential reader. To provide improved power management, the credential reader can be configured to determine when a user is attempting to access a secured physical or logical asset, such as by identifying the user's intent to open a secured door (e.g., intent to open a door). In one example, intent to open a door may include identifying a user approaching a door, such as by identifying a wireless device within wireless radio range or optically recognizing that the user has entered an area surrounding or near the secured physical or logical asset. For example, the credential reader may poll for LF credentials (110), for HF credentials (115), and for BLE credentials (120). If the credential reader detects one or more credential types, the credential reader may identify 130 that there is a high likelihood of intent to open the door. Intent to open the door may be determined using various techniques, such as using a radio to detect wireless devices at a distance from the credential reader. Intent to open the door may be based on a measured authorization or determined distance (e.g., distance, proximity) from the credential reader, a measured approach speed or determined approach speed determined based on a signal strength indicator (e.g., received signal strength indication (RSSI)), or other indicators of the user device's location, proximity, acceleration, or other movement.

[0013] If the credential reader identifies 130 a high probability of door opening intent, the credential reader may determine 140 whether the door has been accessed within a predetermined door access countdown timer. For example, if 130 employs a technique for identifying 130 a high probability of door opening intent, the credential reader may start a 10-second timer. If the credential reader determines that the timer has not yet expired, the credential reader may set 150 an interpolling delay for one or more access credential radios. In one example, setting 150 the polling interval may include placing 160 an LF radio in a sleep mode, placing 165 an HF radio in a sleep mode, and causing 170 a BLE radio to poll BLE devices. The sleep mode of the LF or HF radios may include turning them off for a predetermined door access countdown timer or increasing their respective polling intervals (e.g., increasing the time between polling events). In one example, the LF and HF radios may typically poll LF or HF devices at a first polling interval (e.g., once every 100 ms, once every 200 ms, or another suitable first polling interval), and in sleep mode, the LF and HF radios may reduce their polling to a second polling interval that is longer than the first polling interval (e.g., once every 1000 ms, once every 2000 ms, or another suitable second polling interval). Having the BLE radio poll the BLE device (170) may include instructing the BLE radio to poll at its previous polling interval, to poll at a shorter polling interval (e.g., to save power), or to poll at a longer polling interval (e.g., to respond more quickly to a user requesting access).Although the example in flowchart 100 is shown and described as a process in which the HF and LF radios transition to sleep mode when a BLE device is detected, a similar process may be used to detect an HF device (e.g., transitioning the BLE and LF radios to sleep mode), to detect an LF device (e.g., transitioning the BLE and HF radios to sleep mode), to detect more than one device, or to detect other access credential techniques (e.g., using facial recognition).

[0014] If the credential reader determines 140 that the predetermined door access countdown timer has expired or that the door has been accessed within the predetermined door access countdown timer, the credential reader may reset 180 the polling interval. If the predetermined door access countdown timer has expired, it may indicate that the user does not intend to access the protected area, such as if the user has passed by the credential reader or is loitering near the credential reader. Resetting 180 the polling interval may include returning one or more of the LF radio, HF radio, or BLE radio to their respective original polling intervals. For example, if setting the polling interval (150) includes reducing the number of polls the LF and HF radios make to a second polling interval, then resetting the polling interval (180) may include returning the LF and HF radios to polling the LF or HF devices based on a first polling interval, the first polling interval being shorter than the second polling interval. Resetting the polling interval (180) may be based on one or more previously detected devices. For example, if the credential reader previously identified (130) a high likelihood of intent to open a door based on the identification of a BLE device, resetting the polling interval (180) may include operating the BLE radio to shorten the BLE polling interval so as to respond more quickly to identifying the same or similar BLE devices.

[0015] The flowchart 100 for intent-based adaptive power saving provides various power management improvements. By increasing the polling interval of one or more radios, the power consumed by the radios decreases proportionally to the increased polling interval. For example, changing the polling interval from once every 100 ms to once every 1000 ms can reduce the power consumption of the affected radios by approximately 10 times. By turning off one or more radios, power consumption can be reduced to the power needed for the remaining radio or radios and to power the credential reader's processor. Power management can be further improved by reducing or eliminating the power consumed by higher-power wireless devices. In the example shown in flowchart 100, if the LF and HF radios consume substantially more power than the BLE radios, transitioning the LF and HF radios to sleep mode can provide a substantial reduction in power consumption. Power management can be further improved by modifying the radio polling interval based on radio range. In one example, BLE radios may provide a greater detection range than LF and HF radios. By increasing the detection range of lower power BLE radios, more BLE devices may be detected or detected more frequently, which may allow the LF and HF radios to operate in sleep mode for longer periods of time.

[0016] Although flowchart 100 is described with respect to LF, HF, and BLE technologies, the adaptive power saving intent illustrated in flowchart 100 can use various combinations of multiple credential technologies. The selection of devices may be based on similar considerations as for LF, HF, and BLE technologies, such as detection range and power consumption. For example, the step of polling LF credentials 110 in flowchart 100 may more generally represent a polling process for a relatively high-power or relatively short-detection-range access credential technology, such as an LF credential. The step of polling HF credentials (115) in flowchart 100 may more generally represent a polling process for a lower-power or longer-detection-range access credential than LF credential 110, such as polling a near-field communication (NFC) credential. Similarly, the step of polling BLE credentials (120) in flowchart 100 may more generally represent a polling process for access credential technologies with lower power or longer detection range than either LF credential 110 or HF credential 115, such as BLE, Wi-Fi, or UWB credentials. In one example, a passive credential device (e.g., a proximity card) may require more power from a credential reader than an active credential device (e.g., to transfer power to an induction coil in the passive credential device). In another example, an encrypted credential device may require more power than an unencrypted credential device for encryption or decryption of the credential at the credential reader.Power savings can be realized based on transitioning relatively low power or a relatively narrow range (e.g., BLE) device technologies into sleep mode, although more substantial power savings are expected from transitioning relatively high power or a relatively narrow range (e.g., LF, HF) device technologies into sleep mode.

[0017] Although flowchart 100 is described with respect to wireless communication technologies (e.g., LF, HF, BLE), the intent-based adaptive power saving illustrated in flowchart 100 can use various types of credential technologies. These credential technologies may include short-range credential technologies, such as magnetic strip and fingerprint credentials, where authentication occurs through proximity to or physical contact with a reader. Some technologies may use a combination of wireless radios, optical sensors (e.g., motion detectors, image capture devices), and other sensors to detect users at various distances. In one example, a facial recognition system may use an image capture device (e.g., a video camera) to detect a user approaching a credential reader. In another example, intent to open a door may be determined based on a preliminary doorway, such as a user opening an exterior entrance door or a user opening the elevator door of a credential-based elevator.

[0018] Determining the location, proximity, acceleration, or other movement of a user device may include various thresholds. In one example, a maximum distance for user device detection may include detecting a user within 5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters, or another suitable user detection distance of a credential reader. Detecting intent to open a door may typically include detecting a wireless device closer to the credential reader than the maximum user device detection distance, such as when the credential device (e.g., a BLE device) is within 30 cm, 50 cm, 1 meter, 10 meters, or another suitable door-opening intent distance of the credential reader. The credential reader may be configured to determine whether to grant access to a secure area or asset protected by the credential reader if the credential reader determines that the device is located within the proximity threshold, which typically indicates a location closer to the credential reader than the distance at which intent to open a door is detected. The proximity threshold may include detecting that the device is touching the credential reader, or that the device is located within 1 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, or another proximity threshold distance of the credential reader. The determination of the threshold distance may be based on various considerations, such as technical limitations (e.g., maximum radio range in a given environment), power management considerations (e.g., operating the radio at less than full power), or operational considerations. In one example, an operational consideration may include allowing a user to open a secured door without requiring the user to place a BLE device near the reader, and the proximity threshold may include a range corresponding to a user being located close enough to open the door.

[0019] 2 illustrates an exemplary intent-based polling method 200 for a multi-technology enabled credential reader. Method 200 is illustrated and described using two primary examples: when a credential device is being used to access a secured area (e.g., steps 205-230) and when a credential device is detected but not being used to access a secured area (e.g., steps 205 and 235-245). In the first example, when a credential device is being used to access a secured area, method 200 begins by polling (205) for a first credential type using a first credential radio. The first credential radio may be included within the multi-technology enabled credential reader or may be one of multiple credential radios connected to the multi-technology enabled credential reader. The method 200 includes detecting (210) a first device associated with a first credential type, such as identifying a BLE credential device, using a radio frequency range of the first credential radio. In response to detecting the first device, the method 200 includes transitioning (215) at least a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to a low power mode. This may include transitioning the LF and HF radios to a sleep mode. In one example, a first polling interval of the first credential radio may be shortened, such as to poll the BLE credential device more frequently. The shortening of the first polling interval may occur before, during, or substantially simultaneously with transitioning (215) at least the second credential radio to the low power mode.

[0020] Method 200 includes determining (220) that a first device is located within a proximity threshold range of a multi-technology credential reader. In response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range, method 200 includes granting access to the first device (225). The proximity threshold range may be based on the first device being adjacent to or located within a predetermined range of the multi-technology credential reader, such as within 1 meter, within 10 cm, within 1 cm, in physical contact with the reader, or another suitable distance. Granting physical access to the first device may also be in response to determining that a first access timer has not expired, for example, to indicate that the BLE credential device is requesting access within a predetermined time window.

[0021] Transitioning (215) the second credential radio to a low power mode may include operating the second credential radio to prohibit polling for the second credential type. Transitioning (215) the second credential radio to a low power mode may include increasing the polling interval of the second credential radio or turning off the second credential radio. Transitioning (215) the second credential radio to a low power mode may significantly reduce device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader. Method 200 may further include, following authorization of physical access for the first device, exiting the low power mode and operating (230) the second credential radio to poll for the second credential type. In one example, if the first polling interval of the first credential radio is shortened, the first polling interval may be restored to a default value or a previous delay value. This change in the first polling interval may occur before, during, or substantially simultaneously with the step of causing the second credential radio to exit the low power mode (230).

[0022] In a second example, a credential device is detected but not used to gain access to a secured area. Method 200 begins by polling (205) a first credential type using a first credential radio. Method 200 further includes detecting (235) a second device associated with the first credential type within a radio frequency range of the first credential radio, such as identifying another BLE credential device. Method 200 includes transitioning (240) at least a second credential radio associated with the second credential type to a low power mode in response to detecting the second device. In one example, a first polling interval of the first credential radio may be shortened, which may occur before, during, or substantially simultaneously with transitioning (240) at least a second credential radio to a low power mode.

[0023] Method 200 further includes determining (245) that a second access timer has expired. The second access timer may be used to determine whether the BLE credential device is located within a proximity threshold range of a multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined time window. In one example, expiration of the second access timer may occur when a user passes by or stands near the credential reader. In response to determining (245) that the second access timer has expired, method 200 includes operating (250) the second credential radio to exit the low power mode and poll for the second credential type. In one example, if the first polling interval of the first credential radio has been shortened, the first polling interval may be returned to a default value or a previous delay value, which may occur before, during, or substantially simultaneously with transitioning at least the second credential radio into the low power mode (240).

[0024] 3 illustrates an exemplary traffic-based adaptive power saving flowchart 300 for a multi-technology credential reader. To provide improved power management, the credential reader may be configured to monitor and classify credential usage based on credential traffic type and may reset one or more polling intervals for the credential traffic type based on recent credential traffic. While the example illustrated in flowchart 300 shows and describes the flow sequentially: LF credentials (e.g., starting at 310), then HF credentials (e.g., starting at 335), and finally BLE credentials (e.g., starting at 360), other credential orderings may be possible. For example, flowchart 300 may instead start with HF credentials, or BLE credentials, or may process two or more credential types substantially simultaneously.

[0025] A first example in flowchart 300 includes a path that identifies only BLE credentials. In this first example, the credential reader may start by checking the LF credential (310) and determine whether the LF polling interval timer has expired (315). In one example, the LF polling interval timer may indicate that an additional 500 ms must elapse before polling for the LF credential. If it is determined that the LF polling interval timer has not expired (e.g., the LF radio is not active), the credential reader may check the HF credential (335) and determine whether the HF polling interval timer has expired (340). In one example, the HF polling interval timer may indicate that an additional 100 ms must elapse before polling for the HF credential. If it is determined (340) that the HF polling interval timer has not expired, the credential reader may check (360) the BLE credential to determine whether the BLE polling interval timer has not expired (365). In response to determining that the BLE polling interval timer has expired, the credential reader may poll (370) the BLE credential, read (375) the BLE card, and record (380) the BLE read time.

[0026] After recording 380 the BLE read time, the credential reader may retrieve 385 a configurable power management policy, determine 390 one or more credential polling interval timers, and set 395 the polling intervals. Setting 395 the polling intervals may include modifying one or more of the LF polling interval timer used in step 315, the HF polling interval timer used in step 340, and the BLE polling interval timer used in step 365. Determining 390 the credential polling interval timers and setting 395 the polling intervals may be based on a combination of retrieving 385 the configurable power management policy and recording 380 the BLE read time. In this first example, where only BLE cards are read 375, the BLE polling interval timers may be set to shorten the polling interval for BLE devices and lengthen the polling interval for LF and HF devices. In another example, if the recorded reading times indicate increased use of BLE devices over LF and HF devices, the BLE polling interval timer may be set to decrease the polling interval for BLE devices and increase the polling interval for LF and HF devices. Increasing the polling interval for LF and HF devices may reduce the power required to poll the LF and HF devices and provide reduced power consumption.

[0027] A second example in the flowchart is a path that identifies only LF devices. In this second example, the credential reader may start by checking the LF credential (310), determining whether the LF polling interval timer has expired (315), polling the LF card (320), reading the LF card (325), and recording the LF read time (330). After recording the LF read time (380), the credential reader may obtain a configurable power management policy (385), determine a polling interval timer for one or more credentials (390), and set the polling interval (395). Determining the credential polling interval timer (390) and setting the polling interval (395) may be based on a combination of obtaining the configurable power management policy (385) and recording the LF read time (330). In this second example, where only LF cards are read (375), the LF polling interval timer may be set to shorten the polling interval for LF devices and lengthen the polling interval for HF and BLE devices. In another example, if the recorded read times indicate increased use of LF devices over HF and BLE devices, the LF polling interval timer may be set to shorten the polling interval for LF devices and lengthen the polling interval for HF and BLE devices. Lengthening the polling interval for HF and BLE devices may reduce the power required to poll the HF and BLE devices and provide reduced power consumption.

[0028] A third example in the flowchart is a path that identifies only HF devices. In the third example, the credential reader may start by checking the LF credential (310), determining whether the LF polling interval timer has expired (315), checking the HF credential (335), determining whether the HF polling interval timer has expired (340), polling the HF credential (345), reading the HF card (350), and recording the HF read time (355). After recording the HF read time (355), the credential reader may obtain a configurable power management policy (385), determine a polling interval timer for one or more credentials (390), and set the polling interval (395). Determining (390) the credential polling interval timer and setting (395) the polling interval may be based on a combination of obtaining (385) the configurable power management policy and recording (355) the HF read times. In this third example, where only the HF card is read (350), the HF polling interval timer may be set to shorten the polling interval for HF devices and lengthen the polling interval for LF and BLE devices. In another example, if the recorded read times indicate increased use of HF devices over LF and BLE devices, the HF polling interval timer may be set to shorten the polling interval for HF devices and lengthen the polling interval for LF and BLE devices. Lengthening the polling interval for LF and BLE devices may reduce the power required to poll the LF and BLE devices and provide reduced power consumption.

[0029] Configurable power management policies 385 may be based on various power management considerations. Power management policies 385 may be based on access credential deployment, such as shortening polling intervals for commonly deployed devices (e.g., BLE devices) and increasing polling intervals for less frequently deployed devices (e.g., LF and HF devices). Power management policies 385 may be based on timing, such as increasing polling intervals for one or more devices based on time of day, day of the week, holiday schedules, or other timing considerations. Power management policies 385 may be set by an organization based on one or more personnel policies, such as to promote or discourage the use of one or more credential types. For example, an organization may discourage the use of LF or HF devices while always promoting the use of BLE devices, or may require individuals to use BLE devices during certain periods (e.g., weekends).

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary device history-based polling method 400 for a multi-technology credential reader. Method 400 includes reading (405) a first polling countdown timer and a low-power polling countdown timer at the multi-technology credential reader. The first polling countdown timer and the low-power polling countdown timer may be one of multiple countdown timers stored in a memory of the multi-technology credential reader. Method 400 includes determining (410) that the first polling countdown timer has not expired. The first polling countdown timer may be associated with a first credential type and a first credential radio connected to the multi-technology credential reader. Method 400 includes determining (415) that the low-power polling countdown timer has expired. The low-power polling countdown timer may be associated with the low-power credential type and the low-power credential radio. The method 400 includes polling a low-power credential type using a low-power credential radio (420). The method 400 includes determining that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is located within a proximity threshold range of a multi-technology credential reader (425). The method 400 includes granting physical access to the low-power device in response to determining that the low-power device is located within the proximity threshold range (430). The first credential radio may be associated with greater power consumption than the low-power credential radio. The first polling countdown timer may be set to be longer than the low-power polling countdown timer so that the first credential radio may be polled less frequently than the low-power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption. The method 400 may further include resetting each of the multiple countdown timers in response to granting physical access to the low-power device (435), such as returning the first countdown timer to a default value or their respective previous value.The method 400 may further include updating a device log based on the physical access of the low-power device 440. The device log may include a record of multiple past physical access authorizations.

[0031] Method 400 may further include recalculating 445 all polling countdown timers based on updates to the device log. The device log may include a rolling window average associated with each credential type. The rolling window average may include a number of physical accesses in a predetermined rolling window period. Method 400 may further include shortening 450 a low power polling countdown timer in response to a physical access of the low power device, where shortening the low power polling countdown timer indicates increased usage of the device associated with the low power credential radio.

[0032] Method 400 may further include determining (455) based on the device log that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window and lengthening a first polling countdown timer to reduce a first power consumption by the first credential radio. In response to granting physical access to the low-power device, each of the multiple countdown timers may be set based on the device log and based on a power management policy. The power management policy may include setting the multiple countdown timers based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule. Method 400 may further include receiving (460) a power management input and adjusting the power management policy based on the power management input.

[0033] 5 shows a schematic block diagram of components of an exemplary reader 500, such as a multi-technology credential reader described herein. Generally, reader 500 may include one or more of a memory 502, a processor 504, one or more antennas 506, a communications module 508, a network interface device 510, a user interface 512, and a power supply or power circuitry 514. Reader 500 may include a surface-mounted device (such as a wall, door, etc.), although reader 500 may also be a freestanding device or a portable device (such as a mobile electronic device).

[0034] Memory 502 may be used for temporary or long-term storage of program instructions or instruction sets 516 and / or credential or authorization data 518 (e.g., credential data, credential authorization data), access control data or instructions in connection with the execution of application programming or instructions by processor 504, as described herein. For example, memory 502 may include executable instructions 516 used by processor 504 to operate other components of reader 500 and make access decisions based on credential or authorization data 518. Memory 502 may include computer-readable media, which may be any medium capable of containing, storing, transmitting, or transferring data, program code, or instructions for use by and in connection with reader 500. A computer-readable medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, an electrical connection having one or more wires, or a tangible storage medium such as a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or EEPROM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), any solid-state storage device, generally a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical or magnetic storage device. Computer-readable media should not be confused with, but includes, computer-readable storage media, which is intended to cover all physical, non-transitory, or similar embodiments of computer-readable media.

[0035] Processor 504 may correspond to one or more computer processing devices or resources. For example, processor 504 may be provided as silicon, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), any other type of integrated circuit (IC) chip, a collection of IC chips, etc. As a more specific example, processor 504 may be provided as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or multiple microprocessors or CPUs configured to execute a set of instructions stored in internal memory 520 or memory 502.

[0036] The antenna 506 may correspond to one or more antennas and may be configured to provide, for example, wireless communication between the reader 500 and a credential or key device. The one or more antennas 506 may be configured to operate using one or more wireless communication protocols and operating frequencies, such as IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), ZigBee, GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, RF, UWB, etc. By way of example, the one or more antennas 506 may be one or more RF antennas and thus may transmit / receive RF signals via free space to be received / transmitted by a credential or key device having an RF transceiver.

[0037] The communications module 508 can be configured to communicate with one or more different systems or devices, either remote or local to the reader 500, such as one or more control mechanisms 306 or control panels 308, according to any suitable communications protocol.

[0038] The network interface device 510 includes hardware for enabling communication with other devices, such as a control panel or a host server, over a communications network using any one of several transport protocols (e.g., frame relay, internet protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Exemplary communications networks include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), a mobile telephone network (e.g., a cellular network), a plain old telephone (POTS) network, a wireless data network (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi or the IEEE 802.16 family of standards known as WiMax), a network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, and a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In some examples, the network interface device 510 may include an Ethernet port or other physical jack, a Wi-Fi card, a network interface card (NIC), a cellular interface (e.g., antennas, filters, and associated circuitry), etc. In some examples, the network interface device 510 may include one or more antennas for wireless communication using, for example, at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) techniques.

[0039] User interface 512 may include one or more input or display devices. Examples of suitable user input devices that may be included in user interface 512 include, but are not limited to, one or more buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-sensitive surface, a stylus, a camera, a microphone, a PIN pad, a touch screen, a fingerprint reader, a magnetic stripe reader, a chip reader, etc. Examples of suitable user output devices that may be included in user interface 512 include, but are not limited to, one or more LEDs, an LCD panel, a display screen, a touch screen, one or more lights, a speaker, etc. It should also be understood that user interface 512 may include combined user input and user output devices, such as a touch-sensitive display, etc.

[0040] Power supply 514 may be any suitable internal power source, such as a battery, a capacitive power source, or similar type of charge storage device, or may include one or more power conversion circuits suitable for converting external power to power suitable for the components of reader 500 (e.g., converting externally supplied AC power to DC power). Power supply 514 may also include some implementations of surge protection circuitry for protecting the components of reader 500 from power surges.

[0041] The reader 500 may also include one or more buses or interlinks 522 operable to transmit communications between the reader's hardware components. The system bus or interlink 522 may be any of several types of commercially available bus structures or bus architectures. By connecting the device to the reader 500 via the bus or interlink 522, a computing device or credential reader manager may reconfigure the reader 500, for example, by changing device parameters (e.g., configurable polling intervals), overriding device management policies, updating software, updating firmware, or other reconfiguration.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic block diagram of exemplary hardware components of an exemplary machine 600 that may be used, for example, as one or more of the credential-based devices described herein. These credential-based devices may include one or more of a credential reader (e.g., reader 500), a credential reader manager device connected to the credential reader (e.g., for updating the credential reader), a computing device (e.g., a computer that allows a user to enter input and update power management policies), or a credential device (e.g., a BLE device). These devices may include one or more of the exemplary components shown in FIG. 6, which may depend on the device's form factor. Examples may generally include or be operated by a logical component or components, modules, or mechanisms within machine 600 as described herein. Modules may be hardware, software, or firmware communicatively coupled to one or more processors to perform the operations described herein. In general, the circuitry (e.g., processing circuitry) of the exemplary machine 600 may include a collection of circuits embodied in the machine's 600 tangible entities, including hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). Elements of the circuitry may be flexibly changed over time. The circuitry includes components that, when operational, can perform specified operations, either singly or in combination. In some examples, the circuitry hardware may be invariably designed (e.g., hardwired, etc.) to perform specific operations. In some examples, the circuitry hardware may include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.) that include machine-readable media that have been physically altered (e.g., magnetically, electrically, movable arrangements of immutable mass particles, etc.) to encode instructions for specific operations. When connecting physical components, the underlying electrical properties of the hardware constructs change, for example, from insulator to conductor (or vice versa).The instructions allow the embedded hardware (e.g., an execution unit or loading mechanism) to create elements of the circuitry within the hardware via variable connections to perform some of the specific operations when in operation. Thus, in some examples, the machine-readable medium element is part of the circuitry or is communicatively connected to other components of the circuitry when the device is in operation. In some examples, any one physical component may be used in more than one element of more than one circuitry. For example, during operation, an execution unit may be used in a first circuit of a first circuitry at one time and reused by a second circuit of the first circuitry, or used by a third circuit of the second circuitry at a different time. Additional or more specific examples of components related to machine 600 are provided below.

[0043] In some embodiments, machine 600 can operate as a standalone device or can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked configuration, machine 600 can operate as a server machine, a client machine, or both in a server-client network environment. In some examples, machine 600 can operate as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. Machine 600 can be or include a PC, tablet PC, set-top box (STB), PDA, mobile phone, web appliance, network router, switch or bridge, RFID smart card or other proximity-based card, access control card, electronic key, key fob, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify operations to be performed by the machine. Additionally, although only a single machine is shown, the term "machine" should also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or collectively execute a set (or sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods described herein, such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), other computer cluster configurations, etc.

[0044] The machine (e.g., a computer system) 600 may include a hardware processor 602 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 604, a static memory 606 (e.g., memory or storage for firmware, microcode, basic input / output (BIOS), unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI), etc.), or mass storage 608 (e.g., a hard drive, tape drive, flash storage, or other block device), some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interlink (e.g., a bus) 634. The machine 600 may further include a display device 610, an input device 612, or a user interface (UI) navigation device 614. Examples of suitable display devices include, but are not limited to, one or more LEDs, an LCD panel, a display screen, a touch screen, one or more lights, etc. Exemplary input devices and UI navigation devices include, but are not limited to, one or more buttons, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive surface, a stylus, a camera, a microphone, etc. In some examples, one or more of the display device 610, the input device 612, or the UI navigation device 614 may be a combined unit such as a touchscreen display. The machine 600 may further include a signal generation device 618 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 620, one or more antennas 630, a power source 632, one or more sensors 616, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, or other sensors. The machine 600 may include an output controller 628, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB)), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), NFC, etc.) connection, to communicate with or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, a card reader, etc.).

[0045] Processor 602 may correspond to one or more computer processing devices or resources. For example, processor 602 may be provided as silicon, as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), any other type of integrated circuit (IC) chip, a collection of IC chips, etc. As a more specific example, processor 602 may be provided as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or multiple microprocessors or CPUs configured to execute a set of instructions stored in internal memory 622 and / or memories 604, 606, 608.

[0046] Any of memories 604, 606, and 608 can be used for temporary or long-term storage of program instructions or instruction sets 624 or other data for performing any of the functions or methods described herein, such as for in-field encoding of access credentials as described herein, in connection with execution of application programming or instructions by processor 602 to perform any of the functions or methods described herein. Any of memories 604, 606, 608 can comprise computer-readable media, which can be any medium that can contain, store, convey, or transfer data, program code, or instructions 624 for use by or in connection with machine 600. A computer-readable medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, an electrical connection having one or more wires, or a tangible storage medium such as a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or EEPROM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a solid-state storage device, generally a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical or magnetic storage device. As noted above, computer-readable media includes, but is not to be confused with, computer-readable storage media, which is intended to encompass all physical, non-transitory, or similar embodiments of computer-readable media.

[0047] The network interface device 620 includes hardware for enabling communication with other devices over a network using any one of several transport protocols (e.g., Frame Relay, Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), etc.). Exemplary communication networks may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), a mobile telephone network (e.g., a cellular network), a plain old telephone (POTS) network, a wireless data network (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 family of standards known as Wi-Fi or the IEEE 802.16 family of standards known as WiMax), a network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, and a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In some examples, the network interface device 620 may include an Ethernet port or other physical jack, a Wi-Fi card, a network interface card (NIC), a cellular interface (e.g., an antenna, filters, and associated circuitry), etc. In some examples, the network interface device 620 may include one or more antennas for wireless communication using, for example, at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) techniques.

[0048] The antenna 630 may correspond to one or more antennas and may be configured to provide wireless communication between the machine 600 and another device. The one or more antennas 630 may be configured to operate using one or more wireless communication protocols and operating frequencies, including IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), ZigBee, GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, RF, UWB, and the like. By way of example, the one or more antennas 630 may be one or more RF antennas and thus may transmit / receive RF signals via free space to be received / transmitted by another device having an RF transceiver.

[0049] The power supply 632 may be any suitable internal power source, such as a battery, a capacitive power source, or similar type of charge storage device, or may include one or more power conversion circuits suitable for converting external power to power suitable for the components of the machine 600 (e.g., converting externally supplied AC power to DC power). The power supply 632 may also include some implementations of surge protection circuitry for protecting the components of the machine 600 from power surges. As mentioned above, the machine 600 may include one or more interlinks or buses 634 operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components of the machine. The system bus 634 may be any of several types of commercially available bus structures or bus architectures.

[0050] 1-5 , a user approaches credential reader 500, and the credential device can communicate the user's credential or credential data to credential reader 500, e.g., using appropriate RFID or PAN technology. In some examples, the user credential device may include a portable device having a memory that stores one or more user credentials or credential data and a reader interface (i.e., an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) chip) that enables the credential to exchange data with a reader device, such as credential reader 500, via the reader's credential interface, such as antenna 506. More generally, as noted above, the credential device may include some, any, or all of the various components described above with respect to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 6. In some exemplary embodiments, reader 500 and the credential device may be the same device; for example, a user may attempt to access a logical asset via their own mobile device. If the credential reader 500 or other device determines that the user's credential or credential data provided by the credential device is valid or authorized, the credential reader 500 may operate a control mechanism to allow the user with the credential device access to the secured physical asset.

[0051] Additional Cases Example 1 is a system for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader. The system includes a multi-technology credential reader including a plurality of credential radios, a processing circuit, and a memory including a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: poll a first credential type using a first credential radio of the plurality of credential radios; detect a first device associated with the first credential type within a radio frequency range of the first credential radio; in response to detecting the first device, transition a second credential radio associated with a second credential type into a low power mode; determine that the first device is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and, in response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range, grant credential access to the first device.

[0052] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes the additional subject matter where authorizing the credential access for the first device is also responsive to determining that a first access timer has not expired.

[0053] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1-2 includes the additional subject matter where the low power mode includes operating the second credential radio to inhibit polling of the second credential type.

[0054] In Example 4, the first to third subject matters include the additional subject matter that the low power mode includes turning off all of the plurality of credential radios other than the first credential radio.

[0055] In Example 5, the first through fourth subject matters include the additional subject matter that the second credential radio consumes more power than the first credential radio during polling, and by transitioning the second credential radio to a low power mode, device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader is substantially reduced.

[0056] In Example 6, the first through fifth subject matters include the additional subject matter where, after authorizing the credential access of the first device, the instructions operate the second credential radio to exit the low power mode and poll for the second credential type.

[0057] In Example 7, the first through sixth subject matters include instructions for causing the multi-technology credential reader to: detect a second device associated with the first credential type within the radio frequency range of the first credential radio; determine that a second access timer has expired, where the expiration of the second access timer indicates that the second device is not located within the proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and operate the second credential radio to exit the low power mode and poll for the second credential type.

[0058] In Example 8, the first through seventh subject matter include instructions for operating the first credential radio to shorten an access polling time interval associated with granting the credential access in response to detecting the first device.

[0059] In Example 9, the first through eighth subject matter include the additional subject matter where the proximity threshold range is set based on the first device being located adjacent to the multi-technology credential reader.

[0060] In Example 10, the first through ninth subject matter include instructions for operating the multi-technology credential reader to decrease polling intervals associated with the plurality of credential radios based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

[0061] In Example 11, the first to tenth subject matter includes the additional subject matter that the first credential type includes a Bluetooth® low energy device and the second credential type includes a passive radio frequency access device.

[0062] In Example 12, the eleventh subject matter includes the additional subject matter where the plurality of credential radios further includes a third credential type, and the third credential type includes an active radio frequency access device.

[0063] In Example 13, the twelfth subject matter includes the additional subject matter where the passive radio frequency access device includes a low frequency access device and the active radio frequency access device includes a high frequency access device.

[0064] In Example 14, the first through thirteenth subject matter includes the additional subject matter that the credential access includes at least one of physical access and logical access. Example 15 is a method for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, the method comprising: polling a first credential type using a first credential radio, the first credential radio being one of a plurality of credential radios connected to the multi-technology credential reader; detecting a first device associated with the first credential type within radio frequency range of the first credential radio; transitioning a second credential radio associated with a second credential type to a low power mode in response to detecting the first device; determining that the first device is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and granting credential access to the first device in response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range.

[0065] In Example 16, the fifteenth subject matter includes the additional subject matter where authorizing the credential access for the first device is also responsive to determining that a first access timer has not expired.

[0066] In Example 17, the subject matter of paragraphs 15-16 includes the additional subject matter that the low power mode includes operating the second credential radio to inhibit polling of the second credential type.

[0067] In Example 18, the fifteenth through seventeenth subject matters include the additional subject matter that the low power mode includes turning off all of the plurality of credential radios other than the first credential radio.

[0068] In Example 19, the subject matter of paragraphs 15-18 includes the additional subject matter that the second credential radio consumes more power than the first credential radio during polling, and by transitioning the second credential radio to a low power mode, device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader is substantially reduced.

[0069] In Example 20, the subject matter of claims 15-19 further includes, after authorizing the credential access of the first device, exiting the low power mode and operating the second credential radio to poll for the second credential type.

[0070] In Example 21, the subject matter of claims 15-20 further includes detecting a second device associated with the first credential type within the radio frequency range of the first credential radio; determining that a second access timer has expired, where the expiration of the second access timer indicates that the second device is not located within the proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and operating the second credential radio to exit the low power mode and poll for the second credential type.

[0071] In Example 22, the subject matter of any of the fifteenth to twenty-first aspects further includes, in response to detecting the first device, decreasing an access polling time interval associated with granting the credential access.

[0072] In Example 23, the subject matter of paragraphs 15-22 includes the additional subject matter that the proximity threshold range is set based on the first device being located adjacent to the multi-technology credential reader.

[0073] In Example 24, the subject matter of any of claims 15-23 further includes shortening polling time intervals associated with the plurality of credential radios based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

[0074] In Example 25, the subject matter of paragraphs 15-24 includes the additional subject matter that the first credential type includes a Bluetooth® low energy device and the second credential type includes a passive radio frequency access device.

[0075] In Example 26, the twenty-fifth subject matter includes the additional subject matter where the plurality of credential radios further includes a third credential type, and the third credential type includes an active radio frequency access device.

[0076] In Example 27, the twenty-sixth subject matter includes the additional subject matter where the passive radio frequency access device includes a low frequency access device and the active radio frequency access device includes a high frequency access device.

[0077] In Example 28, the fifteenth to twenty-seventh subject matter includes the additional subject matter that the credential access includes at least one of physical access and logical access. Example 29 is a system for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, the system including a multi-technology credential reader including a plurality of credential radios, a processing circuit, and a memory including a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, read a first polling countdown timer and a low power polling countdown timer of a plurality of countdown timers stored in the memory, determine that the first polling countdown timer has not expired, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential type and a first credential radio, and determine that the low power polling countdown timer has not expired. and causing the multi-technology enabled credential reader to: determine that a low-power polling countdown timer has expired, the low-power polling countdown timer being associated with a low-power credential type and a low-power credential radio; poll the low-power credential type using the low-power credential radio; determine that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is located within a proximity threshold range of a multi-technology enabled credential reader; and grant credential access to the low-power device in response to determining that the low-power device is located within the proximity threshold range.

[0078] In Example 30, the twenty-ninth subject matter includes the additional subject matter that the first credential radio is associated with a greater power consumption than a low-power credential radio, and the first polling countdown timer is set to be longer than a low-power polling countdown timer such that the first credential radio polls less frequently than the low-power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption.

[0079] In Example 31, the twenty-ninth-thirtieth subject matter includes instructions for operating the multi-technology credential reader to reset each of the plurality of countdown timers in response to authorizing the low-power device to access the credential.

[0080] In Example 32, the subject matter of claims 29-31 includes instructions for operating the multi-technology credential reader to update a device log based on the credential accesses of the low-power device, the device log including a record of historical credential access authorizations.

[0081] In Example 33, the thirty-second subject matter includes instructions for operating the multi-technology credential reader to recalculate all polling countdown timers based on the updates to the device log.

[0082] In Example 34, the thirty-second and thirty-third subject matters include the additional subject matter that the device log includes a rolling window average associated with each credential type. In Example 35, the thirty-fourth subject matter includes the additional subject matter where the rolling window average includes the number of credential accesses during a predetermined rolling window period.

[0083] In Example 36, the thirty-second through thirty-fifth subject matter includes instructions for operating the multi-technology credential reader to shorten the low power polling countdown timer in response to the credential access of the low power device, wherein shortening the low power polling countdown timer indicates increased usage of a device associated with the low power credential radio.

[0084] In Example 37, the subject matter of claims 32-36 includes instructions for operating the multi-technology credential reader to: determine, based on the device log, that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window; and lengthen the first polling countdown timer to reduce a first power consumption by the first credential radio.

[0085] In Example 38, the subject matter of paragraphs 32-37 includes the additional subject matter of operating the multi-technology credential reader to set each of the plurality of countdown timers based on the device log and based on a power management policy in response to authorizing the credential access for the low-power device.

[0086] In Example 39, the thirty-eighth subject matter includes the additional subject matter where a power management policy includes setting the plurality of countdown timers based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

[0087] In Example 40, the thirty-eighth-thirty-ninth subject matter includes instructions for operating the multi-technology credential reader to receive a power management input and adjust the power management policy based on the power management input.

[0088] In Example 41, the subject matter of paragraphs 29-40 includes the additional subject matter that, after determining that the first polling countdown timer has not expired and before determining that the low power polling countdown timer has expired, the instructions operate the multi-technology credential reader to determine that a second polling countdown timer has not expired, the second polling countdown timer being associated with a second credential type and a second credential radio.

[0089] In Example 42, the subject matter of paragraphs 29-41 includes the additional subject matter that the credential access includes at least one of physical access and logical access. Example 43 is a method for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, the method including: reading at the multi-technology credential reader a first polling countdown timer and a low power polling countdown timer of a plurality of countdown timers stored in a memory of the multi-technology credential reader; determining that the first polling countdown timer has not expired, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential type and a first credential radio connected to the multi-technology credential reader; and determining that the low power polling countdown timer has not expired. determining that a low power polling countdown timer has expired, wherein the low power polling countdown timer is associated with a low power credential type and a low power credential radio; polling the low power credential type using the low power credential radio; determining that a low power device associated with the low power credential type is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology enabled credential reader; and granting credential access to the low power device in response to determining that the low power device is located within the proximity threshold range.

[0090] In Example 44, the 43rd subject matter includes the additional subject matter that the first credential radio is associated with a greater power consumption than a low power credential radio, and the first polling countdown timer is set to be longer than a low power polling countdown timer such that the first credential radio polls less frequently than the low power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption.

[0091] In Example 45, the subject matter of paragraphs 43-44 further includes resetting each of the plurality of countdown timers in response to granting the credential access to the low-power device.

[0092] In Example 46, the subject matter of any one of claims 43-45 further includes updating a device log based on the credential access of the low-power device, the device log including a record of multiple historical credential access authorizations.

[0093] In Example 47, the 46th subject matter further includes recalculating all polling countdown timers based on the update to the device log. In Example 48, the subject matter of paragraphs 46-47 includes the additional subject matter that the device log includes a rolling window average associated with each credential type.

[0094] In Example 49, the 48th subject matter includes the additional subject matter where the rolling window average includes the number of credential accesses during a predetermined rolling window period. In Example 50, the subject matter of claims 46-49 further includes shortening the low power polling countdown timer in response to the credential access of the low power device, wherein shortening the low power polling countdown timer indicates increased usage of a device associated with the low power credential radio.

[0095] In Example 51, the subject matter of claims 46-50 further includes determining, based on the device log, that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window, and lengthening the first polling countdown timer to reduce a first power consumption by the first credential radio.

[0096] In Example 52, the subject matter of paragraphs 46-51 includes the additional subject matter of further including, in response to authorizing the credential access for the low-power device, setting each of the plurality of countdown timers based on the device log and based on a power management policy.

[0097] In Example 53, the fifty-second subject matter includes the additional subject matter where the power management policy includes setting the plurality of countdown timers based on at least one of a time of day, a day of the week, and a holiday schedule.

[0098] In Example 54, the subject matter of claims 52-53 further includes receiving a power management input and adjusting the power management policy based on the power management input. In Example 55, the subject matter of claims 43-54 further includes, after determining that the first polling countdown timer has not expired and before determining that the low power polling countdown timer has expired, determining that a second polling countdown timer has not expired, the second polling countdown timer being associated with a second credential type and a second credential radio.

[0099] In Example 56, the subject matter of clauses 43-55 includes the additional subject matter that the credential access includes at least one of physical access and logical access. Example 57 is at least one non-transitory machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the execution of operations to implement any of Examples 1-56.

[0100] Example 58 is an apparatus having means for carrying out any one of Examples 1 to 56. Example 59 is a system that implements any of Examples 1 to 56. Example 60 is a method for carrying out any of Examples 1-56.

[0101] Important Notes The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, for illustrative purposes, specific embodiments that can be practiced. These embodiments may be referred to herein as "examples." Such embodiments or examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only the shown or described elements are provided. Moreover, the inventors also contemplate examples that use any combination or permutation of the shown or described elements (or one or more aspects thereof) with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. That is, the above-described embodiments or examples, or one or more aspects, features, or elements thereof, can be used in combination with each other.

[0102] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied as a method (including, e.g., a computer-implemented process, a business process, or any other process), an apparatus (including, e.g., a system, a machine, a device, a computer program product, or the like), or a combination of the foregoing. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure, or portions thereof, may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code embodied therein that defines the processes or methods described herein. One or more processors may perform the necessary tasks defined by the computer-executable program code. In the context of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium may be any medium that can store, preserve, transmit, or transport a program for use by or in connection with the systems disclosed herein. As mentioned above, a computer-readable medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, tangible storage media such as an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage device. As mentioned above, computer-readable medium includes, but should not be confused with, computer-readable storage media, which is intended to cover all physical, non-transitory, or similar embodiments of computer-readable media.

[0103] In the foregoing description, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments have been chosen and described to provide the best explanation of the principles of the present disclosure and their practical application, and to enable those skilled in the art to utilize the various embodiments, with various modifications, as appropriate for the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure, as determined by the appended claims, and are to be interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. 1. A system for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, comprising: a multi-technology credential reader including a plurality of credential radios, a processing circuit, and a memory including a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: polling a first credential type using a first credential radio of the plurality of credential radios; Detecting a first device associated with the first credential type within radio frequency range of the first credential radio; transitioning a second credential radio associated with a second credential type into a low power mode in response to detecting the first device; determining that the first device is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and in response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range, authorizing credential access for the first device.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein authorizing the credential access for the first device is further responsive to determining that a first access timer has not expired.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the low power mode includes operating the second credential radio to inhibit polling of the second credential type.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the low power mode includes turning off all of the plurality of credential radios other than the first credential radio.

5. the second credential radio consumes more power during polling than the first credential radio; 10. The system of claim 1, wherein operating the second credential radio to enter a low power mode substantially reduces device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader.

6. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein after authorizing the credential access of the first device, the instructions cause the second credential radio to exit the low power mode and to operate to poll for the second credential type.

7. The instructions may include instructions for the multi-technology credential reader to: Detecting a second device associated with the first credential type within the radio frequency range of the first credential radio; determining that a second access timer has expired, the expiration of the second access timer indicating that the second device is not located within the proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: exiting the low power mode and operating the second credential radio to poll for the second credential type.

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

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the proximity threshold range is set based on the first device being located adjacent to the multi-technology credential reader.

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

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

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

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

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

15. 1. A method for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, comprising: polling a first credential type using a first credential radio, the first credential radio being one of a plurality of credential radios connected to a multi-technology credential reader; Detecting a first device associated with the first credential type within radio frequency range of the first credential radio; transitioning a second credential radio associated with the second credential type into a low power mode in response to detecting the first device; determining that the first device is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and granting credential access to the first device in response to determining that the first device is located within the proximity threshold range.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein authorizing the credential access for the first device is also in response to determining that a first access timer has not expired.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the low power mode includes operating the second credential radio to inhibit polling of the second credential type.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the low power mode includes turning off all of the plurality of credential radios other than the first credential radio.

19. the second credential radio consumes more power during polling than the first credential radio; 16. The method of claim 15, wherein operating the second credential radio to enter a low power mode substantially reduces device power consumption of the multi-technology credential reader.

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

21. Detecting a second device associated with the first credential type within the radio frequency range of the first credential radio; determining that a second access timer has expired, the expiration of the second access timer indicating that the second device is not located within the proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: exiting the low power mode and operating the second credential radio to poll for the second credential type.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30. 1. A system for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, comprising: a multi-technology credential reader including a plurality of credential radios, a processing circuit, and a memory including a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the processing circuit, cause the multi-technology credential reader to: reading a first polling countdown timer and a low power polling countdown timer from a plurality of countdown timers stored in the memory; determining that the first polling countdown timer has not expired, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential type and a first credential radio; determining that the low power polling countdown timer has expired, the low power polling countdown timer being associated with a low power credential type and a low power credential radio; polling the low power credential type using the low power credential radio; determining that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and in response to determining that the low-power device is located within the proximity threshold range, granting credential access to the low-power device.

31. the first credential radio is associated with a greater power consumption than a low power credential radio; 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the first polling countdown timer is set to be longer than a low-power polling countdown timer such that the first credential radio polls less frequently than a low-power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption.

32. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the instructions operate the multi-technology credential reader to reset each of the countdown timers in response to granting the low-power device the credential access.

33. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the instructions operate the multi-technology credential reader to update a device log based on the credential access of the low-power device, the device log including a record of historical credential access authorizations.

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

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

36. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the rolling window average comprises a number of credential accesses during a predetermined rolling window period.

37. 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the instructions operate the multi-technology credential reader to shorten the low power polling countdown timer in response to the credential access of the low power device, wherein shortening the low power polling countdown timer indicates increased usage of a device associated with a low power credential radio.

38. The plurality of instructions: determining, based on the device log, that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window; 34. The system of claim 33, further comprising: operating the multi-technology credential reader to: lengthen the first polling countdown timer to reduce a first power consumption by the first credential radio.

39. 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the instructions operate the multi-technology credential reader to, in response to granting the credential access to the low-power device, set each of the countdown timers based on the device log and based on a power management policy.

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

41. The plurality of instructions: receiving a power management input; 40. The system of claim 39, further comprising: operating the multi-technology credential reader to: adjust the power management policy based on the power management input.

42. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein after determining that the first polling countdown timer has not expired and before determining that the low power polling countdown timer has expired, the instructions operate the multi-technology credential reader to determine that a second polling countdown timer has not expired, the second polling countdown timer being associated with a second credential type and a second credential radio.

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

44. 1. A method for adaptive power saving in a multi-technology credential reader, comprising: reading, at the multi-technology credential reader, a first polling countdown timer and a low-power polling countdown timer of a plurality of countdown timers stored in a memory of the multi-technology credential reader; determining that the first polling countdown timer has not expired, the first polling countdown timer being associated with a first credential type and a first credential radio connected to the multi-technology credential reader; determining that the low power polling countdown timer has expired, the low power polling countdown timer being associated with a low power credential type and a low power credential radio; polling the low power credential type using the low power credential radio; determining that a low-power device associated with the low-power credential type is located within a proximity threshold range of the multi-technology credential reader; and granting credential access to the low-power device in response to determining that the low-power device is located within the proximity threshold range.

45. the first credential radio is associated with a greater power consumption than a low power credential radio; 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first polling countdown timer is set to be longer than a low-power polling countdown timer such that the first credential radio polls less frequently than a low-power credential radio to reduce overall power consumption.

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

47. 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising updating a device log based on the credential access of the low-power device, the device log including a record of multiple historical credential access authorizations.

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

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

50. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the rolling window average comprises a number of credential accesses during a predetermined rolling window period.

51. 48. The method of claim 47, further comprising shortening the low power polling countdown timer in response to the credential access of the low power device, wherein shortening the low power polling countdown timer indicates increased usage of a device associated with a low power credential radio.

52. determining, based on the device log, that the first credential type has not accessed the multi-technology credential reader within a predetermined access window; 48. The method of claim 47, further comprising: lengthening the first polling countdown timer to reduce a first power consumption by the first credential radio.

53. 48. The method of claim 47, further comprising, in response to granting the credential access for the low-power device, setting each of the plurality of countdown timers based on the device log and based on a power management policy.

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

55. receiving a power management input; 54. The method of claim 53, further comprising adjusting the power management policy based on the power management input.

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

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

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

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