Dynamic BTLE Advertisement Rate for Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access control systems face a trade-off between performance and battery life when using Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) always-on capability, as the advertisement rate affects the time required to connect to a device, leading to a compromise in lock opening speed and battery longevity.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically changes the advertisement mode of access controls based on events such as scan requests, RSSI values, and pre-set schedules, allowing for adjustments between nominal, faster, and slower rates to optimize battery life while ensuring peak performance during usage periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the BTLE advertisement rate is increased to improve lock opening speed, then the connection time is reduced, but the battery life is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic advertisement rate adjustment where the access control device transitions between different advertisement modes (fast, nominal, slow) based on real-time conditions. The system monitors for scan requests from mobile devices and adjusts the advertisement rate dynamically - switching to fast mode when a scan request is detected to enable quick connection, and switching to slow mode during idle periods to conserve battery power. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the advertisement rate variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the advertisement rate parameter based on system state and external events. Specifically, it monitors RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) values and scan request events to determine when to adjust the advertisement rate. When a scan request is received or RSSI indicates a device is nearby, the system increases the advertisement rate to improve connection speed. When no devices are nearby, it decreases the rate to extend battery life, thus resolving the speed-battery life tradeoff through parameter adjustment.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the advertisement rate is slowed down to extend battery life, then the operational current draw is reduced, but the time required to connect to the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of nearby devices by monitoring scan requests and RSSI values before actually needing to establish a connection. When a scan request is detected or high RSSI is measured, the system proactively switches to fast advertisement mode in advance, preparing the system for quick connection before the user actually attempts to open the lock. This preliminary action ensures that when connection is needed, the system is already optimized for speed, minimizing connection time while only using high power mode when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of the environment for scan requests and RSSI changes, with the advertisement rate being adjusted in response to these periodic checks. The system cycles through monitoring states and adjusts advertisement rates periodically based on detected conditions, allowing it to maintain slow mode during extended idle periods (conserving battery) while quickly switching to fast mode when periodic detection identifies a nearby device needing connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dynamically changing a mode of advertising for at least one of a multiple of access controls, including transmitting advertisements from an access control at a nominal mode; and changing the nominal mode in response to an event.