Access control based on device location

Abstract

Methods, devices, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media are provided. A method includes determining that the user device is in a proximity of an access control device. The method includes wirelessly communicating with one or more reference devices of a plurality of reference devices to obtain a plurality of reference values corresponding to one or more connectivity parameters. The method includes determining, based on the plurality of reference values, a spatial relationship between the access control device and the one or more reference devices. The method includes selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, a scan rate for scanning for the access control device.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1ACCESS CONTROL BASED ON DEVICE LOCATIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 700,323, filed September 27, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Some electronic devices can communicate directly using wireless short-range signals, over wireless local area networks (WLANs), or both. Wireless short-range communications can be based on one or more technologies, such as BLUETOOTH, THREAD, ZIG-BEE, UWB or WI-FI DIRECT. A WLAN, which is based on the IEEE 802.11 standard (also known as WI-FI), typically includes an access point (AP) that provides one or more stations (STAs), such as electronic devices with wireless communications capabilities, with access to another network, such as the Internet. There are several generations of the IEEE 802.11 standard, including 802.1 lax (WI-FI 6) and 802.1 Ibe (WI-FI 7).Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1SUMMARY

[0003] In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes determining that a device is in proximity (e.g., effective communication range or within a threshold distance) of an access control device. The method includes wirelessly communicating with a plurality of reference devices to obtain a plurality of reference values corresponding to one or more connectivity parameters. The method includes determining, based on the plurality of reference values, a spatial relationship between the access control device and one or more reference devices of the plurality of reference devices. The method includes selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, a scan rate for scanning for the access control device.

[0004] In some implementations, the method can include determining, based on the spatial relationship, a threshold corresponding to the one or more connectivity parameters, and obtaining a plurality of measured values of the one or more connectivity parameters. Selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, a scan rate for scanning for the access control device can involve: determining whether the plurality of measured values satisfies the threshold, respectively; in response to determining that the plurality of measured values does not satisfy the threshold, scanning for the access control device in a first mode; and in response to determining that the plurality of measured values satisfies the threshold, scanning for the access control device in a second mode.

[0005] In some implementations, selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, a scan rate for scanning for the access control device can involve: in response to determining that the plurality of measured values satisfies the threshold, performing a ranging operation between (i) the device and (ii) at least one of the access control device or at least one of the plurality of reference devices.

[0006] In some implementations, the ranging operation is based on an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology.

[0007] In some implementations, the access control device can be, or include, a switch configured to control a lock that restricts access to a building. The method can further include, in response to a result of the ranging operation, transmitting a signal to the access control device to unlock the lock.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1

[0008] In some implementations, the device is configured to scan at a first rate in the first mode and at a second rate in the second mode, the first rate being lower than the second rate.

[0009] In some implementations, determining the spatial relationship involves generating a map based on locations of the plurality of reference devices.

[0010] In some implementations, the one or more connectivity parameters can be at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RS SI), a channel sounding result, a ranging result, or a multipath propagation measurement result.

[0011] In some implementations, the method further includes updating the spatial relationship based on one or more updated values of the connectivity parameters.

[0012] In some implementations, the method further includes determining the one or more connectivity parameters based on at least one of an operation status of the device, an environment of the device, a motion of the device, or a storage of the device.

[0013] In some implementations, wirelessly communicating with one or more reference devices comprises establishing a plurality of wireless connections according to one or more radio technologies, such as: WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, THREAD, or ZIG-BEE.

[0014] In some implementations, determining that the device is in proximity of the access control device includes determining that the device is within a communication range or a predefined range of the access control device.

[0015] In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a device is provided. The device includes one or more processors and memory configured to store instructions. The one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to perform one or more operations of the method(s) described above.

[0016] In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform one or more operations of the method(s) described above.

[0017] The details of one or more implementations of these systems and methods are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of these systems and methods will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of example electronic devices communicating wirelessly, according to some implementations.

[0019] FIG. IB illustrates a block diagram of an example environment for short-range communications between wireless communications devices, according to some implementations.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates an example home environment with multiple electronic devices, according to some implementations.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an example device communicating with a plurality of reference devices and an access control device, according to some implementations.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example method, according to some implementations.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an example electronic device, according to some implementations.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A device, such as a mobile phone, a smartwatch, or other such device, can wirelessly communicate with an access control device (e.g., using wireless short-range communications and / or a WLAN), to obtain access to a premise, such as a building or a room, or other controlled space or object. For example, the access control device can include a switch coupled to a lock that can be electronically actuated. When associated with a door, the access control device can be used to control access to the corresponding space, e.g., a home, through the door on which the door lock is mounted. The device can scan for (e.g., attempt to receive) signals that are broadcast by the access control device. Once the device discovers one or more signals broadcast by the access control device, the device can determine that the device is at a location close enough to the access control device to support an inference that the user intends to enter or leave the room or building through the door. In other implementations, a proximity metric, such as range, signal strength, etc., can be used as a threshold for the inference. When in communication, the device can trigger the access control device to actuate the door lock, e.g., to unlock or lock. In some implementations, actuation may be deferred until a proximity metric is satisfied, e.g., the lock can be controlled based on the inference.

[0025] In some cases, it can be desirable to reduce the delay in locking or unlocking the door lock, e.g., to control access through the door. To achieve this, the device can scan for signals broadcast by the access control device at short intervals, e.g., at high scan rates. However, as the scan interval increases, the power consumed by the device increases. Since the user may often be far from the access control device without any intention to access the door, power consumption by the device can be limited by configuring different scan modes depending on the device’s spatial location with respect to the access control device. However, current techniques for determining the device’s location relative to the access control device can be inadequate and thus are often inefficient in adjusting the scan rate based on the device’s location.

[0026] This disclosure provides improved techniques. As described in detail below, implementations of this disclosure provide techniques to determine a spatial relationship between the access control device and one or more of a plurality of reference devices (e.g., home electronic devices with known, fixed locations within a building) by, e.g., constructing a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map of the locations of the reference devices and the access control device within the building. Accordingly, by communicating with a pluralityAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1 of reference devices, the device can obtain, or otherwise estimate, its spatial location with respect to the access control device and adjust the scan mode correspondingly. As such, implementations of this disclosure improve user experience by increasing access control accuracy, without increasing power consumption by the device.

[0027] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram 100 of an example of electronic devices communicating wirelessly, according to some implementations. Notably, one or more electronic devices 110 (such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet, a wearable, or other such electronic devices) and access point 112 can communicate wirelessly in a WLAN using an IEEE 802.11 communication protocol. Thus, electronic devices 110 can be associated with, or can have a connection with, access point 112. For example, electronic devices 110 and access point 112 can wirelessly communicate, including detecting one another by scanning wireless channels, transmitting and receiving beacons or beacon frames on wireless channels, establishing connections (e.g., by transmitting connect requests), and / or transmitting and receiving packets or frames (which can include the request and / or additional information, such as data, as payloads). Note that the access point 112 can provide access to a network, such as the Internet. Access point 112 can be a physical access point or a virtual or “software” access point that is implemented on an electronic device that also may function as a station (STA) with respect to an infrastructure access point (AP). In this specification, electronic devices 110 are sometimes referred to as “recipient electronic devices” or “receiver stations.”

[0028] Although the environment shown in FIG. 1 A is provided as an example, in alternative implementations, different numbers and / or types of electronic devices can be present. For example, some implementations can include more or fewer electronic devices. As another example, in some implementations, different electronic devices can be transmitting and / or receiving packets or frames. In some implementations, multiple links can be used during communication between electronic devices 110.

[0029] As described further below with reference to FIG. 5, electronic devices 110 and access point 112 can include one or more subsystems, such as a networking subsystem, a memory subsystem, and / or a processor subsystem. In addition, electronic devices 110 and access point 112 can include one or more radios 114 in the networking subsystems. More generally, electronic devices 110 and access point 112 can include (or can be included within) any electronic devices with networking subsystems that enable electronic devices 110 and accessAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1 point 112, respectively, to wirelessly communicate with another electronic device. This can include transmitting beacons on wireless channels to enable the electronic devices to make initial contact with or to detect each other, followed by exchanging subsequent data / management frames (such as connect requests) to establish a connection, configure security options, transmit and receive packets or frames via the connection, etc.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1A, wireless signals 116 are communicated by one or more radios 114-1 and 114-2 in electronic device 110-1 and access point 112, respectively. For example, as noted previously, electronic device 110-1 and access point 112 can exchange packets or frames using a WI-FI communication protocol, e.g., in a WLAN. Further, one or more radios 114-1 can receive wireless signals 116 that are transmitted by one or more radios 114-2 via one or more links between electronic device 110-1 and access point 112. Alternatively, the one or more radios 114-1 can transmit wireless signals 116 that are received by the one or more radios 114-2.

[0031] In some implementations, wireless signals 116 are communicated by one or more radios 114 in electronic devices 110 and access point 112, respectively. For example, one or more radios 114-1 and 114-3 can receive wireless signals 116 that are transmitted by one or more radios 114-2 via one or more links between the electronic devices 110-1 and 110-2, and the access point 112.

[0032] In some implementations, the access point 112 can group the electronic devices 110 into a target station set. The target station set concept comes from downlink multi-user transmission where the access point 112 can transmit to multiple stations simultaneously in one Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) or multiuser (MU) Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO). Here, the target station set is a set of stations that can simultaneously be served by the access point 112. The stations in the target station set do not need to share the same PHY parameters, such as MCS, number of streams, etc.

[0033] In some implementations, the access point 112 can simultaneously communicate with a plurality of electronic devices 110 using MU techniques, such as MU-MIMO. In some examples, the access point 112 communicates with the electronic devices 110 using frequency multiplexing such that the access point 112 allocates each of the electronic devices a portion of the overall bandwidth. For example, to simultaneously communicate with four electronic devices over an 80 Megahertz (MHz) bandwidth, the access point 112 transmits a MU-PPDUAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1 over the 80 MHz bandwidth. The MU-PPDU includes a sub-PPDU for each of the four electronic devices, where each sub-PPDU (or sub-channel) is allocated 20 MHz. The access point 112 can use the MU-PPDU to communicate with devices in the same target set and / or devices in different target sets.

[0034] In some implementations, access point 112 and one or more electronic devices can be compatible with an IEEE 802.11 standard that includes trigger-based channel access, e.g., IEEE 802.1 lax. In 802.1 lax, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is used to enable simultaneous communications between the access point 112 and multiple electronic devices. OFDMA divides the available physical spectrum into multiple orthogonal subchannels, or resource units (RUs), which can be allocated to different electronic devices (users). Under the standard, the access point 112 coordinates multiuser OFDMA by broadcasting a trigger frame which, among other things, allocates a RU to each participating electronic device. A participating electronic device can respond to the trigger frame by transmitting a PPDU to the access point 112 using the allocated RU. The trigger frame can also include power control information. The access point 112 can instruct all electronic devices 110 when to start and stop transmitting. The multi-user, trigger-based channel access, such as OFDMA, enables electronic devices 110 to communicate with one or more reference devices in parallel to obtain one or more reference values corresponding to one or more connectivity parameters. The multi-user trigger-based channel access also allows the electronic devices 110 to receive updates from one or more reference devices quickly when proximity to the access point 112 changes. Furthermore, the multi-user trigger-based channel access can help electronic devices 110 handle fine-grained time and frequency synchronization with one or more reference devices to obtain accurate reference values. Note that access point 112 and the electronic devices 110 can communicate with one or more legacy electronic devices that are not compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., that do not use multi-user trigger-based channel access), which ensures backward interoperability.

[0035] In some implementations, processing a packet or frame in one of electronic devices 110 access point 112, or a combination of both, can include: receiving wireless signals 116 encoding a packet or a frame; decoding / extracting the packet or frame from received wireless signals 116 to acquire the packet or frame; and processing the packet or frame to determine information contained in the packet or frame (such as data in the payload).Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1

[0036] As discussed previously, one or more of electronic devices 110 and access point 112 can communicate with each other. Notably, access point 112 can transmit a PPDU that includes a preamble and a data field. In some implementations, access point 112 can be configured to use concatenated PPDUs (C-PPDUs), e.g., for low latency communications with receiver stations. A C-PPDU includes a plurality of component PPDUs, each of which includes preamble and a data payload. As described in more detail below, the C-PPDU includes a plurality of component PPDUs. The first component PPDU is preceded by a first preamble called a “full preamble.” The remaining component PPDUs in the C-PPDU are each preceded by respective preambles that are shorter in length than the first preamble. In some implementations, the access point 112 might not perform contention or receive a block acknowledgement (BA) before the plurality of component PPDUs are transmitted.

[0037] FIG. IB illustrates a block diagram of a system 100a for short-range communications between electronic devices 102a and 102b, according to some implementations. System 100a includes a first electronic device 102a having a first wireless transceiver 104a, and a second electronic device 102b having a second wireless transceiver 104b. Electronic devices 102a and 102b can be similar to electronic devices 110 or 112 of FIG. 1A and can support one or more short-range communication technologies, such as BLUETOOTH, THREAD, WI-FI DIRECT, or ZIG-BEE.

[0038] In some implementations, system 100a enables electronic devices 102a and 102b to perform continuous synchronization estimation over communications links, such as links 106a and 106b. The first electronic device 102a is configured to obtain synchronization data of the clock of the second electronic device 102b. The first electronic device 102a, which may include a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, smartwatch, etc.), is configured to receive a time synchronization request from the second electronic device 102b. The time synchronization request can be sent from the second electronic device 102b to the first electronic device 102a depending on the clock drift of clock 108b of the second electronic device 102b relative to clock 108a of the first electronic device 102a. The clock drift can result in clock skew (e.g., a variation in a frequency of the clock) between the clock 108a and the clock 108b. Generally, the second electronic device 102b is configured to send recurring requests for time synchronization, e.g., periodically, based on an event, etc. In response, the first electronic device 102a can activate an application processor (AP) 112a to process the request and establish synchronization with the second electronic device 102b for performingAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1 communications. AP 112a can process the request by, e.g., executing firmware 110a stored on the first electronic device 102a.

[0039] Electronic devices 102a and 102b can communicate with one another via one or more wireless communications links using wireless transceivers 104a and 140b, respectively. Further, electronic devices 102a and 102b can transmit data to and / or receive data from one another via the wireless communications links 106a and 106b (e.g., by encoding the data in one or more signals and transmitting the signals wirelessly according to one or more wireless communications protocols). In some implementations, at least one of electronic devices 102a or 102b can operate using one or more operating systems (e.g., Apple macOS, Apple iOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Unix, Google Android, etc.) and one or more architectures (e.g., x86, PowerPC, ARM, etc ).

[0040] In some implementations, system 100a can be used to control access to premises or a resource, e.g., a building, a room, a locker, etc. For example, the first electronic device 102a can be a mobile device that is carried by a user. Further, the second electronic device 102b can be a reference device or an access control device that is stationary relative to the premise. The first electronic device 102a can store information that controls the access control device to unlock a door of the premise, thereby enabling the user to gain access to the premise. In some implementations, system 100a can be used to emulate the functionality of a remote keyless system for the premise.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a building 200 with multiple electronic devices, according to some implementations. Building 200 can be, e.g., a two-story house that is home to user 230.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, multiple electronic devices 221a-221f (collectively referred to as devices 221) are located in building 200. For example, devices 221 include appliances 221a and 221b located in the kitchen, television (TV) 221c located in the living room, lamp 22 le located in the study room, security camera 22 If located in the garage, and speaker 22 Id located in the bedroom of user 230. Devices 221 can include other types of devices as well, such as wireless smart thermostats, smart controllers, smart plugs, wireless sensors, among others. In some implementations, devices 221 are stationary devices whose locations do not change often, if at all. Devices 221 can have different horizontal and vertical locations. For example, appliances 221a and 221b are located on the ground of the first floor, security camera 221f is located on the wall close to the ceiling in the garage, and speaker 22 Id is placed on a table or stand on the second floor.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1

[0043] Each of devices 221 can be implemented as an example of electronic devices 110 of FIG. 1A or an example of electronic devices 102a or 102b of FIG. IB. For example, each of devices 221 can be equipped with a wireless communications module, which can be an example of radio 114, that supports wireless connections with other electronic devices. One or more of devices 221 can be Internet-of-Things (loT) devices.

[0044] User 230 can carry a user device 231 that moves with user 230. User device 231 can establish wireless connections with devices 221 according to one or more radio technologies, such as WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, THREAD, or ZIG-BEE. For example, user device 231 can wirelessly communicate with electronic devices 221a and 221b using WI-FI, and wirelessly communicate with electronic devices 221c-221f using BLUETOOTH.

[0045] In some implementations, user device 231 is configured to use more than one radio technology for communicating with a given electronic device. For example, user device 231 can wirelessly communicate with speaker 22 Id using BLUETOOTH if the communication quality is sufficient, e.g., the BLUETOOTH packet error rate between speaker 221d and user device 231 is lower than a threshold; otherwise, user device 231 can switch to WI-FI to wirelessly communicate with speaker 22 Id. The determination of radio technology can be performed dynamically to accommodate different situations e.g., as user device 231 moves within building 200, as user device 231 is carried at different positions on user 230, or as user device 231 operates under different modes.

[0046] Building 200 can be accessed through door 210. The lock of door 210 is coupled to or integrated with access control device 212, which can include a switch and / or other components configured to lock and / or unlock door 210. User device 231 can wirelessly communicate with access control device 212 to control (e.g., grant or deny) access through door 210.

[0047] User device 231 can perform a ranging operation using, e.g., ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, to determine (or estimate) its distance from access control device 212. When the distance from access control device 212 satisfies a threshold (e.g., is less than), user device 231 can determine (or infer) that user 230 is about to leave (or enter) building 200 through door 210. Based at least in part on this determination, user device 231 can trigger access control device 212 to unlock door 210. In some implementations, user device 23 land / or access control device 212 can determine, prior to triggering, whether the lock associated with door 210 is presently engaged (or locked).Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1

[0048] In some implementations, access control device 212 periodically broadcasts wireless signals that can be detected in the surrounding area of access control device 212. Meanwhile, user device 231 periodically scans for wireless signals, advertisements, messages, etc., including the wireless signals broadcast by access control device 212. User device 231 can start a ranging operation after detecting a signal from access control device 212. If user device 231 scans too frequently, it may consume excess power, leading to decreased power efficiency and rapid reduction of device battery charge. Conversely, if user device 231 scans too infrequently, it may miss one or more broadcast signals, causing a delay when user 230 intends to unlock door 210.

[0049] In some implementations, to reduce the power consumption of user device 231 while increasing the accuracy of access control, user device 231 is configured to adjust the scan rate (e.g., scan frequency) according to user device 231’s location within building 200. For example, using devices 221 as reference devices, user device 231 can create and update a spatial relationship between devices 221 and access control device 212. The spatial relationship can be stored in user device 231, e.g., in the form of a two-dimensional map, a three-dimensional map, a coordinate system, relative relationships, etc. The location of any / all reference devices and the location of access control device 212 can be recorded within the spatial relationship, e.g., on a map, in a table, etc. User device 231 can then determine its location, e.g., on the map or in the coordinate system, based on communication with one or more of the reference devices. When user device 231 is within a threshold distance of access control device 212, user device 231 can implement a higher scan rate than when user device 231 is located more than a threshold distance from access control device 212. The scan rate also can be modified based on one or more other factors, such as time of day, historical data, user device 231 velocity, the presence of one or more other electronic devices proximate to user device 231, etc. Further, a variety of different scan rates can be implemented or the scan rate can be determined dynamically based on one or more of the preceding factors. Details about the creation and updating of the spatial relationship are described below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates user device 331 communicating with a plurality of reference devices 321a-321c (collectively referred to as reference devices 321) and access control device 312, according to some implementations. User device 331 can be similar to user device 231 of FIG. 2, each of reference devices 321 can be similar to any of devices 221 of FIG. 2, and access control device 312 can be similar to access control device 212 of FIG. 2.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1

[0051] In some implementations, user device 331 is configured to determine and store a spatial relationship between reference devices 321 and access control device 312. This can be done as a calibration operation, e.g., each time user device 331 is within proximity of access control device 312 or periodically when user device 331 is within proximity of access control device 312. For example, when a proximity and / or periodicity factor is satisfied, a ranging operation between user device 331 and access control device 312 is triggered. User device 331 can enter a calibration mode when in the proximity of access control device 312. The proximity can be a region, predetermined or manually selected, where there is sufficient certainty for user device 331 to infer that access to the door controlled by user device 331 satisfies a likelihood threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the calibration operation can be activated when user device 331 successfully locks or unlocks the door controlled by access control device 312. The calibration operation can be performed separately for each direction of travel, e.g., approaching the door / access control device 312 from the interior and approaching the door / access control device 312 from the exterior. In some examples, the proximity can correspond to a communication range of the user device 331 (e.g., a range in which the user device 331 can effectively communicate with the access control device 312).

[0052] When user device 331 is within the proximity of access control device 312, user device 331 wirelessly communicates with one or more reference devices 321 to obtain values of one or more connectivity parameters. The one or more reference devices 321 can differ based on the direction of approach, e.g., from interior or from exterior. In some implementations, one or more reference devices 321 can be used for approaches from either direction, e.g., from interior and from exterior. Further, the parameter values associated with a reference device 321 can differ based on the direction of approach, e.g., because signal attenuation may differ based on relative position, intervening objects, etc. The connectivity parameters, sometimes referred to as radio frequency (RF) fingerprints, can include any / all of, e.g., a received signal strength indicator (RS SI), a channel sounding result, a ranging result, a multipath propagation measurement result, and / or any other signal strength metric. In some implementations, the connectivity parameters include parameters that are calculated based multiple measured parameters and / or multiple radio technologies (e.g., a combination of BLUETOOTH RSSI and WI-FI RSSI). The values of the connectivity parameters are referred to as reference values.

[0053] For example, user device 331 can communicate with reference device 321a using BLUETOOTH technology and obtain a reference value of RSSI from the communication. Based on the reference value of RSSI, user device 331 can determine a distance between userAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1 device 331 and reference device 321a. Because user device 331 is located within the proximity of access control device 312, the distance can be considered an estimate of a spatial relationship (e.g., distance) between access control device 312 and reference device 321a.

[0054] Similarly, user device 331 can communicate with each of reference devices 321b and 321c using BLUETOOTH technology (or a different radio technology) and obtain a reference value of RSSI (or a different connectivity parameter) from each communication. Based on the reference values obtained from the communications, user device 331 can estimate spatial relationships between access control device 312 and reference devices 321b and 321c. User device 331 can determine which radio technology and / or which connectivity parameter to use based on a variety of factors, such as: an operation status of the user device (e.g., whether a particular radio technology is presently enabled, or whether the user device is sufficiently powered to support measurement of a particular connectivity parameter), an environment of the user device (e.g., whether there is severe radio interference that causes unstable communication under a particular radio technology or unreliable measurement of a particular connectivity parameter, or whether the user device is located indoor or outdoor), a motion of the user device (e.g., whether the user device is moving to the left or right of access control device 312, whether the user device’s movement causes the orientation of an antenna designated for a particular radio technology to change unwantedly), a storage location of the user device (e.g., whether the user device is being handheld or stored in a pocket or a backpack), etc.

[0055] User device 331 can store the reference values as indicators of the respective spatial relationships between access control device 312 and reference devices 321. For example, user device 331 can store the reference values obtained from reference devices 321 in a table. Different reference values can be stored for different circumstances, e.g., indoor and outdoor. In some implementations, user device 331 can generate a two-dimensional map or a three- dimensional map that shows locations of reference devices 321 in relation to access control device 312. In some implementations, the map can be made visually accessible to the user to allow the user to make adjustments to the spatial relationships between access control device 312 and reference devices 321 (e.g., by indicating on the map that a reference device is located on the second floor instead of the first floor). In other implementations, the reference values can be used to generate spatial relationships between any / all of the reference devices 321, the access control device 312, and the user device 331, e.g., using a coordinate system, relative positioning, or other such representation.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1

[0056] User device 331 can repeat the calibration operation described above and update the spatial relationship based on updated reference values. For example, the reference value obtained from the same reference device 321a may be different between calibration operations due to variations in, e.g., radio interference in the building, power status of user device 331 and / or reference device 321a, antenna orientation of user device 331, signal attenuation due to blocking objects (e.g., user’s pocket or backpack) on the radio path between user device 331 and reference device 321a, atmospheric conditions, etc. By repeating the calibration operation and updating the spatial relationship based on updated reference values, user device 331 can improve the accuracy of the spatial relationship.

[0057] Based on the spatial relationship and the reference values stored, user device 331 can periodically communicate with reference devices 321 to determine the location of user device 331. Based on the determined location, user device 331 can determine whether the user is approaching the door and intends to access the door. If the user is not approaching the door with an intent to access the door, then user device 331 can scan for access control device 312 in a first mode, e.g., with a lower scan rate and lower power consumption. Conversely, if the user is approaching the door with an intent to access the door, then user device 331 can scan for access control device 312 in a second mode, e.g., with a higher scan rate and higher power consumption.

[0058] To determine the location of user device 331, user device 331 can periodically communicate with each of reference devices 321 to measure a value of one or more connectivity parameters. For example, user device 331 can communicate with each of reference devices 321 using BLUETOOTH to measure RSSI. User device 331 can then compare the measured values of RSSI with a plurality of threshold values corresponding to reference devices 321. If some or all of the measured values exceed the respective threshold values, user device 331 can determine that the location of user device 331 is close enough to access control device 312 to increase the scan rate. Otherwise, user device 331 can determine that the location of user device 331 is far away from access control device 312 and it is sufficient to scan at a lower rate.

[0059] User device 331 can determine the plurality of threshold values based on the spatial relationship stored in user device 331. For example, user device 331 can determine that the plurality of threshold values are equal to or proportional to the stored reference values. Alternatively or additionally, user device 331 can assign different weights to reference devicesAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1321 based on, e.g., the distance from each of reference devices 321 to access control device 312. User device 331 can determine the plurality of threshold values by multiplying the weights and the corresponding reference values.

[0060] In some implementations, user device 331 further uses the location history of user device 331 to infer whether user device 331 is moving towards access control device 312. The location history can help increase the accuracy for user device 331 to determine whether the user is approaching the door and whether user device 331 should increase the scan rate.

[0061] In some implementations, instead of or in addition to increasing the scan rate, user device 331 performs one or more other operations after determining that user device 331 is approaching access control device 312 at a close distance. As an example, user device 331 can perform a ranging operation with access control device 312. As another example, user device 331 can perform a ranging operation with one or more of reference devices 321, such as the reference devices that are relatively closer to access control device 312 according to the spatial relationship. These ranging operations, which can be based on the UWB technology, can help user device 331 to more precisely determine the location of user device 331 and the distance between user device 331 and access control device 312. Besides the ranging operations, user device 331 can perform one or more operations that are specific to the applied ratio technology, such as an “RSSI Intent” operation of BLUETOOTH technology. If user device 331 determines from these operations that the user intends to access the door (e.g., based on the distance between user device 331 and access control device 312 being less than a threshold), then user device 331 can transmit a signal to access control device 312 to instruct access control device 312 to unlock the door.

[0062] While the example above describes operation with respect to an access door, e.g., to a building, these techniques can be applied to use with an access control device associated with any object, such as a vehicle, a safe, a cabinet, a window, an elevator, an appliance, an environmental controller, etc. In some implementations, instead of or in addition to providing physical access, the access control device can enable / disable access to physical and / or virtual controls of a device (e.g., a thermostat or security system).

[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 400, according to some implementations. For clarity of presentation, the description that follows generally describes method 400 in the context of the other figures in this description. For example, method 400 can be performed by any of electronic device 110 of FIG. 1 A, by user device 231 of FIG. 2, orAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1 by user device 331 of FIG. 3. It will be understood that method 400 can be performed, for example, by any suitable system, environment, software, hardware, or a combination of systems, environments, software, and hardware, as appropriate. In some implementations, various steps of method 400 can be run in parallel, in combination, in loops, or in any order.

[0064] At 402, method 400 involves determining that the user device is within a proximity (e.g., communication range or other defined range) of an access control device, which can be similar to access control device 212 of FIG. 2 or access control device 312 of FIG. 3.

[0065] At 404, method 400 involves wirelessly communicating with one or more reference devices of a plurality of reference devices to obtain a plurality of reference values corresponding to one or more connectivity parameters. The plurality of reference devices can be similar to reference devices 321 of FIG. 3. Further, the access control device can be a reference device.

[0066] At 406, method 400 involves determining, based on the plurality of reference values, a spatial relationship between the access control device and the one or more reference devices. The spatial relationship can include a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map, a coordinate system, a table, etc. as described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0067] At 408, method 400 involves selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, a scan rate for scanning for the access control device. Depending on the spatial relationship and the user device’s location, the scanning can be in one of multiple modes. FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device 500, according to some implementations. The electronic device 500 can be a cellular telephone, a smartwatch, an access point, a wireless speaker, an Internet-of-Things (loT) device, among other examples. The electronic device 500 includes hardware resources 502 that include one or more processors (or processor cores) 510, one or more memory / storage devices 520, and one or more communication resources 530, each of which can be communicatively coupled via a bus 540.

[0068] The one or more processors 510 include one or more devices configured to perform computational operations. For example, the one or more processors 510 can include one or more microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), programmable-logic devices, and / or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). The processors 510 can include, for example, a processor 512 and a processor 514. The processor(s) 510 can be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a complex instruction set computingAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1(CISC) processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a DSP such as a baseband processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), another processor (including those discussed herein), or any suitable combination thereof.

[0069] The memory / storage devices 520 can include main memory, disk storage, or any suitable combination thereof. The memory / storage devices 520 can include, but are not limited to, any type of volatile or nonvolatile memory such as dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Flash memory, solid-state storage, etc. In some implementations, the memory / storage devices 520 are coupled to one or more high-capacity mass-storage devices (not shown). In some examples, memory / storage devices 520 can be coupled to a magnetic or optical drive, a solid-state drive, or another type of mass-storage device. In these examples, the memory / storage devices 520 can be used by electronic device 500 as fast-access storage for often-used data, while the massstorage device is used to store less frequently used data.

[0070] The communication resources 530 can include interconnection or network interface components or other suitable devices to communicate with one or more peripheral devices 504 or one or more databases 506 via a network 508. For example, the communication resources 530 can include wired communication components (e.g., for coupling via USB), cellular communication components, Near-Field Communication (NFC) components, BLUETOOTH (or BLUETOOTH Low Energy) components, WI-FI components, and other communication components.

[0071] The communication resources 530 include one or more devices configured to couple to and communicate on a wired and / or wireless network (i.e., to perform network operations), such as: control logic, one or more interface circuits and a set of antennas (or antenna elements) in an adaptive array that can be selectively turned on and / or off by control logic to create a variety of optional antenna patterns or “beam patterns.” Alternatively, instead of the set of antennas, in some examples, electronic device 500 includes one or more nodes, e.g., a pad or a connector, which can be coupled to the set of antennas. Thus, electronic device 500 might or might not include the set of antennas. For example, communication resources 530 can include a BLUETOOTH networking system, a cellular networking system (e.g., a 3G / 4G / 5G / 6G network such as UMTS, LTE, etc.), a universal serial bus (USB) networking system, aAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1 networking system based on the standards described in IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a WI-FI networking system), an Ethernet networking system, and / or another networking system.

[0072] In some implementations, communication resources 530 includes one or more radios, such as a wake-up radio that is used to receive wake-up frames and wake-up beacons, and a main radio that is used to transmit and / or receive frames or packets during a normal operation mode. The wake-up radio and the main radio can be implemented separately (such as using discrete components or separate integrated circuits) or in a common integrated circuit.

[0073] The communication resources 530 include processors, controllers, radio s / antennas, sockets / plugs, and / or other devices used for coupling to, communicating on, and handling data and events for each supported networking system. Note that mechanisms used for coupling to, communicating on, and handling data and events on the network for a network system are sometimes collectively referred to as a “network interface” for the network system.

[0074] Instructions 550 can involve a software, a program, an application, an applet, an app, or other executable code for causing at least any of the processors 510 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. The instructions 550 can reside, completely or partially, within at least one of the processors 510 (e.g., within the processor’s cache memory), the memory / storage devices 520, or any suitable combination thereof. In some implementations, any portion of the instructions 550 can be transferred to the hardware resources 502 from any combination of the peripheral devices 504 or the databases 506. Accordingly, the memory of processors 510, the memory / storage devices 520, the peripheral devices 504, and the databases 506 are examples of computer-readable and machine-readable media.

[0075] While the preceding discussion used a WI-FI communication protocol as an illustrative example, in other implementations a wide variety of communication protocols and, more generally, wireless communication techniques can be used. Thus, the communication techniques can be used in a variety of network interfaces. Furthermore, while some of the operations in the preceding implementations were implemented in hardware or software, in general the operations in the preceding implementations can be implemented in a wide variety of configurations and architectures. Therefore, some or all of the operations in the preceding implementations can be performed in hardware, in software or a combination of both. For example, at least some of the operations in the communication techniques can be implemented using instructions 550, operating system (such as a driver for an interface circuit inAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1 communication resources 530) or in firmware in an interface circuit in communication resources 530. Additionally or alternatively, at least some of the operations in the communication techniques can be implemented in a physical layer, such as hardware in an interface circuit in communication resources 530. In some implementations, the communication techniques are implemented, at least in part, in a MAC layer and / or in a physical layer in an interface circuit in communication resources 530.

[0076] While the preceding implementations illustrated the use of wireless signals in one or more bands of frequencies, in some implementations, electromagnetic signals in one or more different frequency bands are used to determine the range. For example, these signals can be communicated in one or more bands of frequencies, including: a microwave frequency band, a radar frequency band, 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 60 GHz, and / or a band of frequencies used by a Citizens Broadband Radio Service, by LTE, 5G, or any other communication system.

[0077] Although specific components are used to describe electronic device 500, in some implementations, different components and / or subsystems can be present in electronic device 500. For example, electronic device 500 can include one or more additional processing subsystems, memory subsystems, networking subsystems, and / or display subsystems. Additionally, one or more of the subsystems might not be present in electronic device 500. In some implementations, electronic device 500 can include one or more additional subsystems that are not shown in FIG. 5. In some implementations, electronic device can include an analysis subsystem that performs at least some of the operations in the communication techniques. Although separate subsystems are shown in FIG. 5, in some implementations some or all of a given subsystem or component can be integrated into one or more of the other subsystems or component(s) in electronic device 500.

[0078] For one or more implementations, at least one of the components set forth in one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, or methods as set forth in the example section below. For example, the baseband circuitry as described above in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth below. For another example, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc. as described above in connection with one or more of the preceding figures may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples set forth below in the example section.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1

[0079] Although the implementations above have been described in considerable detail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

[0080] It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1CLAIMSWe Claim:

1. A method comprising: determining that a user device is in proximity of an access control device; wirelessly communicating with one or more reference devices of a plurality of reference devices to obtain a plurality of reference values corresponding to one or more connectivity parameters; determining, based on the plurality of reference values, a spatial relationship between the access control device and the one or more reference devices; and selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, a scan rate for scanning for the access control device.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, based on the spatial relationship, a threshold corresponding to at least one of the one or more connectivity parameters; and obtaining a plurality of measured values corresponding to at least one of the one or more connectivity parameters, wherein selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, the scan rate for scanning for the access control device comprises: determining whether the plurality of measured values satisfies the threshold corresponding to at least one of the one or more connectivity parameters; scanning, when the plurality of measured values does not satisfy the threshold, for the access control device in a first mode; and scanning, when the plurality of measured values satisfies the threshold, for the access control device in a second mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, the scan rate for scanning for the access control device further comprises: in response to determining that the plurality of measured values satisfies the threshold, performing a ranging operation between the user device and at least one of the access control device or one or more of the plurality of reference devices.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO14. The method of claim 3, wherein the ranging operation is based on an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the access control device comprises a switch configured to control a lock, the method further comprising: in response to a result of the ranging operation, transmitting a signal to the access control device to unlock the lock.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the user device is configured to scan at a first rate in the first mode and a second rate in the second mode, the first rate being lower than the second rate.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the spatial relationship comprises generating a map based on locations corresponding to the plurality of reference devices.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more connectivity parameters comprise at least one of: a received signal strength indicator (RS SI), a channel sounding result, a ranging result, or a multipath propagation measurement result.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating the spatial relationship based on one or more updated values of the connectivity parameters.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the one or more connectivity parameters based on at least one of: an operation status of the user device, an environment of the user device, a motion of the user device, or a storage of the user device.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO111. The method of claim 1, wherein wirelessly communicating with the one or more reference devices comprises establishing a plurality of wireless connections according to one or more radio technologies.

12. A user device comprising: one or more processors; and memory configured to store instructions, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to cause the user device to perform operations comprising: determining that the user device is within a communication range of an access control device; wirelessly communicating with one or more reference devices of a plurality of reference devices to obtain a plurality of reference values corresponding to a connectivity parameter; determining, based at least on the plurality of reference values, a spatial relationship between the access control device and the one or more reference devices; and selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, a scan rate for scanning for the access control device.

13. The user device of claim 12, the operations further comprising: determining, based on the spatial relationship, a threshold corresponding to the connectivity parameter; and obtaining a plurality of measured values associated with the connectivity parameter, wherein selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, the scan rate for scanning for the access control device comprises: determining whether the plurality of measured values satisfies the threshold; scanning for the access control device in a first mode when the plurality of measured values does not satisfy the threshold; and scanning for the access control device in a second mode when the plurality of measured values satisfies the threshold.Attorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO114. The user device of claim 13, wherein selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, the scan rate for scanning for the access control device further comprises: in response to determining that the plurality of measured values satisfies the threshold, performing a ranging operation between the user device and at least one of the access control device or one or more of the plurality of reference devices.

15. The user device of claim 14, wherein the ranging operation is based on an ultra- wideband (UWB) technology.

16. The user device of claim 14, wherein the access control device comprises a switch configured to control a lock, the operations further comprising: in response to a result of the ranging operation, transmitting a signal to the access control device to configure the lock in a first state.

17. The user device of claim 13, wherein the user device is configured to scan at a first rate in the first mode and a second rate in the second mode, the first rate being lower than the second rate.

18. The user device of claim 12, wherein determining the spatial relationship comprises generating a map based on locations corresponding to the plurality of reference devices.

19. The user device of claim 12, the operations further comprising updating the spatial relationship based on one or more updated values of the connectivity parameter.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform operations comprising: determining that a user device is within a communication range of an access control device; wirelessly communicating with a reference device to obtain a reference value corresponding to a connectivity parameter; determining, based on the reference value, a spatial relationship between the access control device and the reference device; andAttorney Docket No. 50759-0993 WO 1 / P67960WO1 selecting, based at least on the spatial relationship, a scan rate for scanning for the access control device.

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