Wireless Access Controller On-Demand Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless access control systems face issues with high energy consumption and delayed updates, as they often require frequent communication between remote and central access controllers, leading to battery drain and delayed access for newly authorized users.
Innovation Solution
A demand-based wireless access control system that allows communication between remote and central access controllers only when necessary, using a remote access controller with a locking mechanism, an access request receiving device, a remote storage device, a remote programming mode device, a remote wireless communicator, a timer, and a transducer stimulator to conserve energy and provide timely updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent communication is maintained between remote and central access controllers, then access control updates are timely, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic wake-up cycles where the remote access controller alternates between sleep mode and active communication mode. The controller wakes up at predetermined intervals to check for updates or respond to events, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic activation pattern reduces average power consumption while ensuring timely access control updates when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote access controller autonomously determines when communication with the central controller is necessary based on local events (e.g., access attempts, credential presentations). Instead of continuous polling or centralized scheduling, the remote unit self-manages its communication needs, activating only when local conditions warrant an update or status report, thereby minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure.
2Reliability
If the remote access controller remains in standby mode to receive updates, then energy consumption increases, but access control updates are received promptly
Solution Approach 1:
The remote access controller employs periodic wake-up cycles rather than continuous standby operation. It enters low-power sleep mode between intervals, waking only at predetermined times to check for updates from the central controller. This approach maintains update reception capability while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous standby monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-scheduling wake-up times and update check intervals. The remote controller proactively wakes up at predetermined moments to check for updates before actual update needs arise, ensuring timely reception without requiring continuous active monitoring. This preliminary timing-based approach balances responsiveness with energy conservation.
3Loss of information
If continuous wireless communication is maintained, then access status is always current, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously. The remote access controller transmits and receives data only during scheduled communication windows or when triggered by specific events, then enters sleep mode. This periodic communication pattern maintains access status information currency while extending battery life by minimizing the duration of high-power wireless operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote access controller autonomously manages its communication schedule based on local events and stored access control data. It determines when wireless transmission is necessary based on changes in local conditions (e.g., new credentials, access attempts) rather than continuous bidirectional communication. This self-service approach ensures information currency only when locally relevant changes occur, conserving battery power during stable periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless access control system and method is described which permits wireless communication between a remote access controller and a central access controller on an “on demand” basis. The remote access controller can determine the state of the locking mechanism without communication to the central access controller when a valid access request is presented. However, if an invalid access request is presented, a remote wireless communicator will be placed in its transmission mode to request updated user control data from the central access controller. The remote wireless communicator can also be placed in its transmission mode to request updated user control data from the central access controller by a communication command input at a remote programming mode device.