Intelligent Lock Wake-Up Schedules for Battery Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for internet-connected door locks face challenges such as high installation costs, complexity in setup, limited battery life due to high-power WiFi transmission, and the need for multiple gateways, which increases expenses and requires skilled IT staff for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an access control device with a battery, processor, locking mechanism, credential acceptance mechanism, and multiple wireless transceivers. The device creates customizable wake-up schedules for the transceivers, allowing for varying transmission frequencies based on predefined times, which can be configured by an administrative user to optimize battery life and transmission reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-power WiFi transmission is used for internet connectivity, then connectivity and security are improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic wake-up schedules where the transceiver alternates between active and sleep states. During active periods, high-power WiFi transmission occurs for data communication; during sleep periods, the transceiver consumes minimal power. This periodic operation maintains connectivity reliability while significantly extending battery life compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake-up schedule is dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to adapt transmission frequency and power consumption based on operational needs. The schedule can be modified to balance connectivity requirements against battery life constraints, enabling the system to optimize performance under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple gateways are deployed for network coverage, then connectivity is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access control device itself functions as a wireless gateway by integrating WiFi and Bluetooth transceivers. This eliminates the need for separate external gateways, as the lock device can directly communicate with mobile devices and networks. The multi-functional design simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining connectivity reliability.
3Reliability
If frequent wake-ups are scheduled for transceivers, then transmission reliability is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses configurable periodic wake-up schedules that allow administrators to set appropriate intervals between transceiver activations. By optimizing these intervals, the system achieves sufficient transmission reliability for security operations while minimizing battery consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake-up schedule parameters (frequency, duration, power levels) are configurable to adapt to different operational requirements. This allows the system to adjust transmission reliability and power consumption based on specific use cases, such as high-security areas requiring more frequent checks versus low-traffic areas where longer intervals are acceptable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an access control comprises creating a plurality of wake-up schedules for a wireless transceiver. Each of the plurality of wake-up schedules may be configured to control how frequently the wireless transceiver wakes up to transmit or receive information. Each of the plurality of wake-up schedules for the wireless transceiver may be different from another one or the plurality of wake-up schedules for the wireless transceiver. The method may further comprise automatically switching between the plurality of wake-up schedules for the wireless transceiver such that a duration of time between wake-ups for the wireless transceiver radio is shorter during some predefined times and longer during other predefined times. The duration of time between wake-ups for the wireless transceiver may be configurable by an administrative user via an interface.