Dynamic Sleep-Wake Access Control for Mobile Entry Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Guests at hospitality establishments face inconvenience due to the need to carry multiple access keys, difficulties in locating the correct key, key loss, and delays caused by static sleep/wake power cycles in access points, leading to inefficient access control and guest experience.
Innovation Solution
A mobile entry system where an electronic key is generated for authorized guests and stored on their mobile devices, allowing access to hospitality services by transmitting the key to access devices, which can operate in a dynamic sleep/wake cycle to enhance energy efficiency and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If access points operate in static sleep/wake power cycle to conserve battery energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but guest wait time increases and access responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access point transitions from a static sleep/wake cycle to a dynamic power management system that adjusts its operational state based on real-time conditions. The system can wake up in response to detected guest presence or incoming access requests, and return to sleep mode when idle, optimizing both energy efficiency and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the access point monitors for access requests, guest presence detection signals, or communication from central control systems. This feedback triggers state transitions between sleep and active modes, ensuring the system responds appropriately to actual operational needs rather than following a rigid schedule.
2Reliability
If guests carry multiple physical access keys for different controlled areas, then access control functionality is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to key management complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple access key functions into a single mobile device. The mobile entry program on the guest's smartphone or tablet consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate physical keys, simplifying key management while maintaining access control security through centralized digital key management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical physical keys with electronic/digital keys stored on mobile devices. This substitution eliminates the physical handling, tracking, and management of multiple keys while maintaining secure access control through electronic authentication mechanisms.
3Reliability
If access points require close proximity or physical contact with access keys, then security is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates when guests are carrying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical key insertion or close-proximity physical contact with wireless communication protocols. The mobile device can transmit access credentials wirelessly to the access point, allowing guests to maintain their loads while completing the authentication process from a convenient distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional physical key insertion to multi-dimensional wireless communication. Access authentication occurs through electromagnetic fields and wireless data transmission, allowing guests to approach the access point from various angles and distances without requiring precise physical alignment or contact.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for mobile entry may include determining that a user of a mobile device is eligible for a mobile entry program associated with a hospitality service. There may be a reservation for the hospitality service. A mobile entry program key associated with the reservation may be stored to the mobile device. An access device associated with the hospitality service may be switched to an operating mode in which the access device may receive the mobile entry program key from the mobile device.