Narrowband Beacon Circuit for Low-Power Electronic Locks
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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 in managing multiple key devices efficiently 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 features like encryption, identity indication, and time synchronization to optimize power usage and communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a narrowband communication channel is used for beacon signals, then power consumption is reduced, but communication capability for subsequent data transmission is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication process is divided into two distinct phases: beacon signal transmission using narrowband channel for power efficiency, and subsequent communication using wideband UWB channel for full capability. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate communication mode for its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon signal serves as a preliminary action that prepares the system for subsequent communication. It establishes initial contact, provides synchronization information, and enables the receiver to prepare for the upcoming wideband communication, thereby facilitating the transition to full-capability mode.
2Reliability
If beacon signals are transmitted repetitively, then device discoverability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Beacon signals are transmitted periodically rather than continuously, allowing the system to balance discoverability with power conservation. The periodic transmission intervals are optimized to maintain reliable device discovery while minimizing overall power consumption during the beacon phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The narrowband beacon signal acts as an intermediary that enables device discovery without requiring the power-intensive wideband UWB communication to be active continuously. This intermediary beacon mechanism facilitates reliable discovery while deferring the high-power communication until actually needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple key devices are supported, then access control flexibility is improved, but managing connections in crowded environments becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon signal performs preliminary actions including providing synchronization information, slot allocation data, and connection parameters before actual wideband communication begins. This preliminary setup enables multiple devices to be managed efficiently by establishing clear communication protocols and timing arrangements in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the beacon signal carries information about supported capabilities, slot rates, and connection data that help managing multiple key devices. This feedback enables the access control system to adapt to crowded environments by understanding the capabilities and requirements of multiple connected devices.
Data Source
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.