Electronic Lock Beacon Circuit Using Narrowband Wake-Up Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic locks face challenges in power efficiency for beacon signals, particularly in battery-powered access control devices, and managing multiple key devices in crowded environments.

Innovation Solution

A beacon circuit that transmits a narrowband beacon signal to initiate subsequent communication, using less power than the subsequent communication channel, and includes an indication of communication time, identity, and optional encryption, to enhance power efficiency and manage multiple devices efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UWB communication channel is used for beacon signals, then communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication process is divided into two segments: beacon signal transmission using narrowband channel for initial contact, and subsequent data communication using UWB channel. This segmentation allows each stage to use the most appropriate communication mode, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full UWB capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beacon circuit performs preliminary action by transmitting narrowband beacon signals before establishing full UWB communication. This preliminary beacon transmission allows receivers to be alerted and prepare for subsequent UWB communication, avoiding the need for continuous high-power UWB transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If beacon signals are transmitted frequently, then device discoverability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice discoverabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The beacon circuit transmits signals periodically at optimized intervals rather than continuously or on-demand. This periodic transmission maintains device discoverability for both static and moving devices while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If narrowband channel is used for beacon signals, then power consumption is reduced, but communication bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to support multiple communication modes (narrowband for beacons, UWB for data) within a single access control device. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt its communication strategy based on power availability and communication needs, achieving both low-power operation and high-bandwidth capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250371921A1Beacon circuit for use with electronic locks

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 ASSA ABLOY AB

AI summary

It is provided a beacon circuit for use with electronic locks. The beacon circuit comprises a transmitter. The beacon device is configured to repetitively transmit a beacon signal to initiate subsequent communication with a receiver. The energy use for the beacon signal employs a communication channel which consumes less power than a communication channel for the subsequent communication. The beacon signal comprises an indication of time of the subsequent communication.