Dynamic Sleep-Wake Access Control Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In places of hospitality, guests face inconvenience and delays due to the need to carry and locate multiple access keys, and access control devices (ACPs) often operate in static sleep/wake cycles, leading to delayed access to controlled areas as they do not respond to unlock messages while in sleep mode until they cycle into wake mode, reducing energy efficiency and increasing battery replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic sleep/wake cycle for ACPs based on user location, using location-based services and proximity sensors to determine when a guest is approaching a controlled area, sending control messages to switch the ACP to wake mode in advance, allowing immediate access when the guest is proximate, thus enhancing energy efficiency and reducing wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If ACPs operate in static sleep/wake cycles to conserve battery power, then energy efficiency is improved, but access response time deteriorates because ACPs do not respond to unlock messages during sleep mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static sleep/wake cycle into a dynamic power management system that adapts to real-time conditions. The ACP transitions between sleep and wake modes based on detected user presence, proximity signals, or scheduled access times, allowing the system to optimize both power consumption and access responsiveness by being awake only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting user approach or access requests before the actual unlock event. When a user approaches the controlled area or sends an access request, the system proactively wakes the ACP from sleep mode in advance, ensuring the ACP is ready to respond immediately when the user arrives, thus eliminating wait time while maintaining power savings during idle periods.
2Loss of time
If ACPs operate continuously in wake mode to ensure immediate access response, then access response time is improved, but energy consumption increases and battery replacement frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wake cycles where the ACP alternates between sleep and wake modes at scheduled intervals. During wake periods, the ACP is fully operational and can respond to unlock messages immediately. Between wake periods, the ACP enters sleep mode to conserve battery power. This periodic pattern balances energy efficiency with access responsiveness by ensuring the ACP is awake at regular intervals when access is likely needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor access patterns, user presence, and operational status. Based on this feedback, the power management system dynamically adjusts the sleep/wake schedule. If access requests are frequent during certain periods, the system increases wake frequency during those times. If no access is needed for extended periods, the system extends sleep duration, thereby optimizing battery usage while maintaining adequate access response capability.
3Reliability
If multiple access keys are provided for different controlled areas, then access authorization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because guests must locate the correct key
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically identifying and authenticating users without requiring manual key selection. Users present their device (smartphone, wearable, or card) near the ACP, and the system automatically retrieves their authorization credentials, verifies access rights to the specific controlled area, and triggers the unlock sequence. This eliminates the need for users to physically locate or select the correct key from multiple keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the ACP and its associated control logic) that mediates between the user and the access control database. Instead of requiring users to manually present the correct key, the intermediary system detects the user's presence, queries the database for authorized access credentials, and automatically matches the user with the appropriate controlled area. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of key management transparently, improving ease of operation while maintaining secure authorization.
Data Source
AI summary
Managing an access device associated with a controlled area at a place of hospitality is described. A location of a device of a user is determined. A controlled area that the user is authorized to access is determined. The location of the device of the user is monitored, and when the location of the device of the user is within a first area proximate to the controlled area, a first signal is transmitted to an access device associated with the controlled area. The first signal is used to manage an operation of the access device. An additional location of the device of the user may be determined. When the additional location of the device of the user is within a second area proximate to the controlled area, a second signal used to enable access to the controlled area is transmitted to the access device.