Dynamic power management for electronic locksets

An exemplary embodiment pertains to a method of operating an electronic lockset during a plurality of iterations of a recurring period of time, wherein the electronic lockset includes a first electronic component. The method generally includes generating a usage score for the electronic component based on usage of the electronic lockset during the first iteration of the recurring period of time, selecting a schedule for the electronic component based on the first usage score, and during a second iteration of the recurring period of time occurring after the first iteration of the recurring period of time, operating the electronic component operating according to the selected schedule.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to electronic locksets, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to methods of controlling such locksets.

BACKGROUND

Certain electronic locksets include a variety of electronic components that require electrical power to operate, such as wireless transceivers, cameras, and digital displays. Currently, most such locksets operate the electronic components according to a set schedule, for example by keeping the electronic components on at all times. However, such operation can cause the lockset to consume significantly more power than is strictly necessary, which is of particular concern when the lockset is powered by an onboard power supply, such as a battery. For these reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment pertains to a method of operating an electronic lockset during a plurality of iterations of a recurring period of time, wherein the electronic lockset includes a first electronic component. The method generally includes generating a usage score for the electronic component based on usage of the electronic lockset during the first iteration of the recurring period of time, selecting a schedule for the electronic component based on the first usage score, and during a second iteration of the recurring period of time occurring after the first iteration of the recurring period of time, operating the electronic component operating according to the selected schedule. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

With reference toFIG. 1, illustrated therein is an access control device in the form of a lockset100according to certain embodiments. The lockset100is mounted to a door80, and generally includes an inside assembly110mounted to an inner side81of the door80, an outside assembly120mounted to an outer side82of the door80, a chassis130mounted within a cutout83of the door80and connected with the inside assembly110and the outside assembly120, and a bolt mechanism140operably connected with the chassis130and operable to extend beyond a swinging edge84of the door80. The lockset100further includes an electronically-operable locking mechanism150having a locking state and an unlocking state, and a control assembly160operable to transition the locking mechanism150between the locking state and the unlocking state.

The inside assembly110includes an inside actuator112that is operably connected to the chassis130such that the inside actuator112is at least selectively operable to actuate the bolt mechanism140. In the illustrated form, the inside actuator112is provided in the form of a handle, and more particularly as a lever. In other embodiments, the inside actuator112may be provided in another form, such as that of a knob, a thumbturn, or a pushbar mechanism. The inside assembly110further includes a lock state selector114operable to transition the lockset100between a locked state and an unlocked state. In certain forms, the lock state selector114may be a mechanical lock state selector that physically drives the locking mechanism150between its locking state and its unlocking state. In other forms, the lock state selector114may be an electronic lock state selector that is in communication with the control assembly160and is operable to cause the control assembly160to transition the locking mechanism150between its locking state and its unlocking state.

The outside assembly120includes an outside actuator122that is operably connected to the chassis130such that the outside actuator122is selectively operable to actuate the bolt mechanism140. In the illustrated form, the outside actuator122is provided in the form of a handle, and more particularly as a lever. In other embodiments, the outside actuator122may be provided in another form, such as that of a knob, a thumbturn, or a lock cylinder. The outside assembly120may further include a credential reader124in communication with the control assembly160. The credential reader124may, for example, take the form of a card reader, a keypad, or a biometric credential reader. During operation of the lockset100, presentation of an appropriate credential to the credential reader124(e.g., by inputting a code or presenting a card, a fob, or a biometric input) causes the control assembly160to transition the locking mechanism150from the locked state to the unlocked state.

The chassis130is mounted within the door cutout83and at least selectively connects each of the actuators112,122with the bolt mechanism140. The chassis130may, for example, take the form of a mortise-format chassis, a cylindrical-format chassis, or a tubular-format chassis, the features of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The chassis130has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the chassis130maintains the bolt mechanism140in a retracted state and/or permits the outside assembly120to retract the bolt mechanism140. In the locked state, the chassis130maintains the bolt mechanism140in an extended state and/or prevents the outside assembly120from retracting the bolt mechanism140. The chassis130may be transitioned between the locked state and the unlocked state by the electronic locking mechanism150.

The bolt mechanism140includes a bolt142having an extended position and a retracted position. With the bolt142in the extended position and the door80in the closed position, the bolt142extends into the doorframe and retains the door80in the closed position. When the bolt142is retracted, the door80is free to move from the closed position to the open position. In the illustrated form, the bolt mechanism140is provided in the form of a latchbolt mechanism, and includes a spring-loaded latchbolt142that is biased toward its extended position. In other forms, the bolt mechanism140may be provided in the form of a deadbolt mechanism, and may include a bolt142in the form of a deadlocking deadbolt. Additionally, while the illustrated bolt mechanism140is provided adjacent the chassis130, it is also contemplated that the bolt mechanism140may be positioned remotely from the chassis130.

The electronic locking mechanism150may be mounted within the chassis130, and has an unlocking state in which the door80can be opened from the outer side82(e.g., by operating the outside actuator122and/or pulling the door80toward its open position), and a locking state in which the door80cannot be opened from the outer side82. In the illustrated form, the locking mechanism150prevents the outside actuator122from actuating the bolt mechanism140when in the locking state, and permits the outside actuator122to actuate the bolt mechanism140when in the unlocking state. In other forms, the locking mechanism150may retract the bolt142when transitioned from the locking state to the unlocking state, and may extend the bolt142when transitioned from the unlocking state to the unlocking state.

With additional reference toFIG. 2, the electronic locking mechanism150includes a locking member152having a locking position and an unlocking position, and an electronic actuator154operable to drive the locking member152between the locking position and the unlocking position to thereby adjust the locked/unlocked state of the lockset100. In certain forms, the locking member152may be configured to selectively prevent the outside actuator122from retracting the bolt142. As one example, the outside actuator122may be operably coupled with the bolt mechanism140such that rotation of the actuator122retracts the bolt142, and the locking member152may prevent rotation of the actuator122when in the locking position. As another example, the outside actuator122may be selectively coupled with the bolt mechanism140via the locking member152. In such forms, rotation of the actuator122may cause retraction of the bolt142when the locking member152is in its unlocking position, and the actuator122may freewheel without causing retraction of the bolt142when the locking member152is in its locking position. In further embodiments, the locking member152may be provided as the bolt142such that the locking mechanism150drives the bolt142between its extended locking position and its retracted unlocking position without requiring operation of either manual actuator112,122.

The control assembly160includes a controller162, a clock163, an energy storage device164such as a supercapacitor or battery, and at least one electronic device166operable to draw power from the energy storage device164. It is also contemplated that the energy storage device164may be omitted, for example in embodiments in which the lockset100is configured for connection to line power. The electronic device166may, for example, include a first wireless transceiver167such as a Bluetooth transceiver, a second wireless transceiver168such as a Wi-Fi transceiver, and/or a camera169. As described herein, the controller162is configured to selectively operate the electronic device166according to each of a higher-power schedule and a lower-power schedule based on historical usage of the lockset100.

As will be appreciated, the electronic device166consumes more power when operated according to the higher-power schedule than when operated according to the lower-power schedule. In certain forms, the higher-power schedule may be a full-functionality schedule, in which the electronic device166operates to the fullest of its capabilities. In certain embodiments, the lower-power schedule may be a degraded-functionality schedule, in which some capabilities of the electronic device166are disabled or operated at a lower duty cycle. In certain embodiments, the lower-power schedule may involve disabling the electronic device.

While certain descriptions made hereinafter refer to a lower-power schedule and a higher-power schedule, it is to be appreciated that multiple levels of schedules may be used. For example, the available schedules may include a full-power schedule, a high-power schedule, a mid-power schedule, a low-power schedule, and a no-power schedule. As will be appreciated, the terms “higher-power” and “lower-power” are terms of degree that indicate that the higher-power schedule utilizes more power than the lower-power schedule. Thus, when the higher-power schedule is selected as the full-power schedule, the lower-power schedule may be any of the high-power schedule, the mid-power schedule, the low-power schedule, or the no-power schedule. Similarly, when the lower-power schedule is selected as the no-power schedule, the higher-power schedule may be selected as any of the full-power schedule, the high-power schedule, the mid-power schedule, or the low-power schedule.

In embodiments in which the electronic device166comprises a Bluetooth transceiver (e.g., as the wireless transceiver167), the higher-power schedule may involve transmitting advertisements with a first periodicity, the lower-power schedule may involve transmitting the advertisements less frequently (i.e., with a lower duty cycle) than the advertisements are transmitted in the higher-power schedule. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that such a reduction in the frequency with which the advertisements are transmitted reduces the amount of power consumed by the transmission of advertisements. For example, reducing the frequency of transmission (i.e., increasing the periodicity) from every three seconds to every six seconds would equate to a power savings of fifty percent. In certain forms, the lower-power schedule may involve disabling the Bluetooth transceiver.

In embodiments in which the electronic device166comprises a Wi-Fi transceiver (e.g., as the wireless transceiver168), the higher-power schedule may involve operating the Wi-Fi transceiver with a greater range and/or as an always-on transceiver. The lower-power schedule may involve operating the Wi-Fi transceiver with a lesser range and/or intermittently, or may involve disabling the transceiver.

In embodiments in which the electronic device166comprises a camera169, the higher-power schedule may involve constantly recording video to record persons approaching the lockset100. In such forms, the lower-power schedule may involve operating the camera with a lower duty cycle, for example by having the camera record in three-second bursts every ten seconds, or by having the camera take a single still image per second. It is also contemplated that the higher-power schedule may alternatively involve operating the camera169at a duty cycle less than 100% but greater than the duty cycle selected for the lower-power schedule. As one example, the higher-power schedule may involve capturing one image per second while the lower-power schedule involves capturing one image every two seconds or every three seconds.

While certain exemplary forms for the electronic device have been provided, it is to be appreciated that other forms of electronic device may be selectively operated according to higher-power and lower-power schedules based on historical use data. As one example, the lockset100may include a door position sensor in the form of a magnetometer that determines whether the door is closed or open based on the strength of a magnetic field generated by one or more magnets positioned in the strike. When operating according to the lower-power mode, the door position sensor may determine the door position less frequently than the door position is determined in the higher-power mode, thereby saving power. It is also contemplated that similar degradation may be applied to other types of sensors, such as passive infrared sensors. Similarly, the credential reader124may be placed in a lower-power sleep mode based on the historical usage data.

In certain forms, the control assembly160may be in communication with an external device190, such as a mobile device192, an access control system194, and/or a smart home system196. The control assembly160may, for example, be in communication with the external device190via one or both of the wireless transceivers167,168. When in communication with the external device190, the control assembly160may transmit information to the external device190and/or receive information from the external device190. Examples of information that may be transmitted from the lockset100to the external device190include, without limitation, audit information and information obtained by the camera169(e.g., photos and/or videos). In certain forms, the lockset100may be capable of livestreaming information from the camera169to the external device190. Examples of information that may be transmitted from the external device190to the lockset100include, without limitation, updates and override schedules, which are described in further detail below.

With additional reference toFIG. 3, in order to determine when to operate the electronic device166according to the higher-power schedule and when to operate the electronic device166according to the lower-power schedule, the controller162monitors usage of the lockset100for at least one recurring period of time200, such as a day or a week. The recurring period of time is divided into blocks, such as blocks of one hour or less, such that each iteration of the recurring period of time comprises the same set of blocks. While three blocks210,220,230are illustrated for ease and simplicity of description, it is to be appreciated that the recurring period of time200may be divided into a greater number of blocks. As one example, the recurring period of time200may be a week, and each block may have a duration of between ten and fifteen minutes. In certain forms, each block may be of the same duration, while in other forms, the blocks may be of varying durations. For example, blocks of shorter duration may be selected during daytime hours when greater granularity is desired, and blocks of longer duration may be selected during nighttime hours to reduce memory storage requirements. Additionally, while only a first iteration200′ and a second iteration200″ of the recurring period of time200are illustrated, it is to be appreciated that the processes described herein may take place over the course of more iterations of the recurring period of time200. As described herein, each block210,220,230has associated therewith a plurality of block-specific parameters. In the illustrated form, the block-specific parameters include a timeframe202, a usage score204, a selected schedule206, and a current usage208.

With additional reference toFIG. 4, illustrated therein is an exemplary process300that may be performed by and/or using the lockset100. Operations illustrated for the processes in the present application are understood to be examples only, and operations may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Unless specified to the contrary, it is contemplated that certain operations or steps performed in the process300may be performed wholly by one or more elements illustrated in the Figures (e.g., the lockset100, the control assembly160, and/or the external device190), or that the operations or steps may be distributed among one or more of the elements and/or additional devices or systems that are not specifically illustrated in the Figures. Furthermore, while the operations are illustrated in a relatively serial manner, it is to be appreciated that some operations may be performed concurrently.

The process300may begin with a commissioning procedure310, which generally involves an initial commissioning of the lockset100. The commissioning procedure310may begin with an operation312, which generally involves dividing a recurring period of time into a plurality of blocks, each having a corresponding timeframe202within the recurring period of time200. As a result, each iteration of the recurring period of time200comprises the blocks, and each block corresponds to a recurring timeframe202. For example, operation312may involve dividing the recurring period of time200into the three blocks210,220,230. As a result, a first iteration200′ of the recurring period of time200comprises the three blocks210,220,230, as does a second iteration200″ of the recurring period of time200. More particularly, the first iteration200′ of the recurring period of time200includes a first iteration of the three blocks210,220,230, and the second iteration200″ of the recurring period of time200includes a second iteration of the three blocks210,220,230.

While three blocks210,220,230are illustrated for ease and simplicity of description, it is to be appreciated that the recurring period of time200may be divided into a greater number of blocks. For example, in embodiments in which the duration selected for the recurring period of time200is one week and the duration selected for each block is one hour, the recurring period of time200would be divided into one hundred sixty-eight (168) blocks. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that decreasing the duration selected for the blocks while retaining the same duration for the recurring period of time200would increase the number of blocks in each recurring period of time. For example, selecting a recurring period of time200with a duration of one week and selecting a duration for each block of fifteen minutes would result in each recurring period of time200being divided into six hundred seventy-two (672) blocks.

For ease and convenience of description, an earlier iteration of the recurring period of time200is referred to herein as the first iteration200′ of the recurring period of time200, and a later iteration of the recurring period of time200is referred to as the second iteration200″ of the recurring period of time. It should be appreciated, however, the other iterations of the recurring period of time200may take place before the first iteration200′ and between the first iteration200′ and the second iteration200″. Thus, the first and second iterations200′,200″ of the recurring period of time need not be sequential. Similarly, while the blocks210,220,230may be referred to herein as the first block210, the second block220, and the third block230, it is to be appreciated that the blocks210,220,230need not be sequential.

The commissioning procedure310also includes an operation314, which generally involves assigning each block an initial usage score204. The initial usage score204may, for example, be assigned a value between zero (indicating no usage) and one (indicating high or maximum usage). In certain forms, operation314may involve assigning each block the same usage score204, such as a value of one, or a value ranging between a predetermined threshold value and one. In other forms, operation314may involve assigning the blocks different scores, for example based on anticipated usage during the block. By way of illustration, if it is anticipated that usage of the lockset100will be greater during the first block210than during the second block220, operation314may involve assigning the first block210a greater usage score204than is assigned to the second block220.

The commissioning procedure also includes an operation316, which generally involves selecting a schedule206for each block. In certain forms, operation316may involve selecting the higher-power schedule for each block, such as in embodiments in which each block is assigned a usage score of one and/or embodiments in which each block is assigned a usage score exceeding a predetermined usage score threshold. In other forms, operation316may involve selecting the lower-power schedule for one or more blocks, for example in embodiments in which one or more blocks is initially assigned a usage score below the predetermined usage score threshold.

The process300also includes an operating procedure320, which generally involves operating the lockset100. Each iteration of the operating procedure320corresponds to a respective one of the blocks, and occurs at least in part during the timeframe202defined for the corresponding block. As should be appreciated, the controller162may determine to perform the operating procedure320in connection with a particular block based on information from the clock163indicating that the current time is one that falls within the timeframe202for that particular block. While one iteration of the operating procedure320is described herein as relating to the first block210, the next iteration of the operating procedure320may correspond to the second block220, and a subsequent iteration of the operating procedure320may correspond to the third block230. As will be appreciated, a subsequent iteration of the operating procedure320may again relate to the first block210, which recurs during the next iteration (e.g., the second iteration200″) of the recurring period of time200.

The operating procedure320includes an operation322, which generally involves operating the electronic device166according to the block-specific schedule206selected for the block. For example, in embodiments in which the initially-selected schedule206for the first block210is the higher-power schedule, a first iteration of operation322corresponding to the first block210would involve operating the electronic device166according to the higher-power schedule during the timeframe202associated with the first block210.

The operating procedure320further includes an operation324, which generally involves monitoring usage of the lockset100during the timeframe202associated with the corresponding block, and generating the current usage parameter208based on the usage. In certain forms, operation324may involve monitoring the general usage of the lockset100, for example by monitoring a sensor that indicates how often the lockset100is operated. Such sensors may, for example, include one or more of a request-to-exit (RX) sensor monitoring usage of the inside actuator112, a request-to-enter sensor monitoring usage of the outside actuator122, a door position sensor (DPS) monitoring the position of the door80, a latchbolt position monitor (LX) sensing the position of the latchbolt142, and/or a credential use sensor monitoring usage of the credential reader124. As described herein, in certain embodiments, operation324may involve monitoring a specific usage of the lockset100. For example, operation324may involve monitoring the usage of the electronic device166itself. The current usage parameter208may be normalized to the scale selected for the usage score (e.g., ranging from zero to one).

The operating procedure320further includes an operation326, which generally involves adjusting the block-specific usage score204for the corresponding block (e.g., the first block210) based on the block-specific current usage parameter208. In other words, operation326generally involves generating an adjusted usage score based on the existing block-specific usage score204and the current usage parameter208generated in operation324. For example, operation326may involve increasing the usage score204when the current usage parameter208is greater than the usage score204, and decreasing the usage score204when the current usage parameter208is less than the usage score204.

The existing usage score204and the current usage parameter208may be assigned relative weights to provide for a desired degree of sensitivity to changes in usage. For example, when historical trends are to be weighted higher than more recent fluctuations, the existing usage score204may be weighted relatively highly while the current usage parameter208is weighted relatively lowly. Conversely, should it be desired to weigh recent trends more highly than past historical trends, the existing usage score204may be weighted relatively lowly while the current usage parameter208is weighted relatively highly.

The operating procedure320further includes an operation328, which generally involves updating the block-specific selected schedule206for the block (e.g., the first block210) based on the block-specific adjusted usage score204for the corresponding block (e.g., the first block210). Operation328may involve selecting the higher-power schedule when the adjusted usage score204for the corresponding block satisfies a first criterion, and selecting the lower-power schedule when the adjusted usage score204for the corresponding block satisfies a second criterion. By way of example, satisfaction of the first criterion may involve the block-specific usage score204exceeding a threshold usage score, and satisfaction of the second criterion may involve the block-specific usage score204falling below the threshold usage score. In certain forms, operation328may involve selecting a no-power schedule when the adjusted usage score204for block210satisfies a third criterion, for example by falling below a second threshold usage score. As will be appreciated, the schedule selected in operation328serves as the selected schedule206for the next iteration of the operating procedure320that corresponds to the same block (e.g., the iteration of the operating procedure320that occurs in the immediately subsequent iteration of the recurring period of time200and corresponds to the first block210).

The process300may further include a check-in procedure330, which generally involves activating one of the wireless transceivers167,168to check in with the access control system194. In certain forms, the check-in procedure330may be performed regardless of the schedule under which the electronic device166is operated in the operating procedure320. For example, if the Wi-Fi transceiver is operated according to a no-power schedule in the operating procedure320, the Wi-Fi transceiver may nonetheless be activated to check in with the access control system194at some point during the timeframe202for the first block210.

During the check-in procedure330, the lockset100may communicate with an external device190. As one example, the lockset100may transmit to the external device190audit information and/or information (e.g., images and/or videos) obtained by the camera169during the timeframe202corresponding to the first block210. As another example, the lockset100may receive from the external device190updates and/or new schedule information. For example, the access control system194may be operable to selectively override the selected schedule202for one or more blocks, such as in response to a request from a user or based on information available to the smart home system196.

Following the performance of the operating procedure320for the first block210, the operating procedure320may be performed in association with the second block220. As a result of operation322, during the timeframe202associated with the second block220, the electronic device166is operated according to the schedule206selected for the second block220. Additionally, usage of the lockset100during the timeframe202associated with the second block220is monitored in operation324, and a current usage parameter208for the second block220is generated. The usage score204for the second block220is adjusted in operation326, and the selected schedule206for the second block220is updated based on the adjusted usage score204in operation328. The check-in procedure330may then be reiterated, and the operating procedure320may be reiterated for the third block230.

Once the operating procedure320has been iterated for each block in the recurring period of time200, the first iteration200′ may be completed, and another iteration such as the second iteration200″ may begin. During the second iteration200″, the operating procedure320for the first block210is performed using the usage score204and selected schedule206as those parameters were adjusted and/or updated in the prior iteration of the operating procedure320for the first block210. Similarly, the operating procedure320for the second and third blocks220,230are performed using the usage score204and selected schedule206as those parameters were adjusted and/or updated in the prior iteration of the operating procedure320for the second and third blocks220and230. As a result, the power usage of the lockset100is dynamically adjusted based on historical trends, thereby conserving battery life while minimizing the adverse effects on the functionality of the lockset100.

While certain aspects of the process300have been described with reference to a single electronic component166, it is to be appreciated that the process300may involve controlling the operation of more than one electronic component166. In such forms, the usage score204, the selected schedule206, and the current usage208for each block may each comprise plural individual component-specific parameters, each relating to a corresponding and respective one of a plurality of electronic components166. By way of example, the usage score204, the selected schedule206, and the current usage208may each include individual component-specific parameters for the first wireless transceiver167and the second wireless transceiver168.

By way of illustration, if during one or more iterations of the operating procedure320for a particular block it is determined that the first wireless transceiver167is used frequently and the second wireless transceiver168is used far less frequently, the current usage parameter208may include a high value component-specific current usage parameter208for the first transceiver167and a low value component-specific current usage parameter208for the second transceiver168, and the corresponding component-specific parameters within the usage score204for that block may be adjusted accordingly. Should the appropriate criteria be satisfied in operation328, the schedule206may be selected to include the higher-power schedule for the first transceiver167and the lower-power schedule for the second transceiver168such that the transceivers167,168operate according to the corresponding parameters of the schedule202in the following iteration of the operating procedure320that corresponds to the block.

In certain embodiments, a component-specific current usage parameter208generated during operation324may be based on the usage of the component itself, for example in embodiments in which the power usage of a particular component corresponds to usage of the component. For example, a wireless transceiver167such as a Bluetooth transceiver may consume more power when it is being used to transmit and/or receive information. Thus, a component-specific usage score204and/or usage parameter208for a wireless transceiver167may be based at least in part upon the power consumed by the wireless transceiver167.

In certain embodiments, a component-specific current usage parameter208generated during operation324may be based on the usage of another component or on the usage of the lockset100as a whole, for example in embodiments in which the power usage of a particular component depends primarily on the duty cycle with which the component is operated. By way of example, if the current usage parameter208for the camera169were generated based only upon the power usage of the camera169, the usage score204may remain relatively constant. More specifically, the usage score204would remain high when the camera169is operated according to the higher-power schedule, and would remain low when the camera169is operated according to the lower-power schedule. For components of this type, the current usage parameter208may be based on usage of other components and/or on additional criteria.

As one example, a component-specific current usage parameter208for a camera169may be generated based on overall usage of the lockset100during the corresponding block, as greater usage of the lockset100corresponds to a greater utility for higher-granularity information from the camera169. As another example, a component-specific usage parameter208for the camera169may be based on movement detected within the video shot by the camera169, as less movement corresponds to a lower utility for high-granularity information from the camera169.

As another example, a component-specific current usage parameter208for a door position sensor (DPS) such as a magnetometer may be based on overall usage of the lockset100during the corresponding block, as greater usage of the lockset100corresponds to a greater utility for higher-granularity information from the door position sensor (DPS). As another example, a component-specific usage parameter208for the DPS may be based on the number of times the signal generated by the DPS transitions between a closed-door signal and an open-door signal, as less movement of the door corresponds to a lower utility for high-granularity information from the DPS.

As noted above, the access control system194may be operable to provide an override instruction that overrides the selected schedule for a particular block. Additionally or alternatively, the lockset100itself may provide an override schedule for a particular block based upon usage of the lockset100. For example, the lockset100may override the lower-power schedule with the higher-power schedule for a predetermined period of time following operation of the lockset100. By way of illustration, when the lockset100is operating the electronic device166according to the lower-power schedule and the lockset100is actuated (for example as sensed by a door position sensor, a request to exit sensor, or another sensor), the lockset100may operate the electronic device166according to the higher-power schedule for the next thirty minutes to provide greater functionality in the event that the user again wishes to interact with the lockset100. Thus, if the user returns within the next half-hour, the lockset100will still be operating the electronic device166according to the higher power schedule in anticipation of the user's return.

For purposes of illustration, an exemplary use case scenario will now be described with reference to the process300. In the commissioning procedure310, the recurring period of time200is selected as one week, and blocks of one-hour duration are selected. Thus, each block has an associated timeframe202that can be expressed as the day of the week and the start of the hour (e.g., Tuesday 8 AM, Friday 2 PM, etc.) Each daytime block is initially assigned a usage score202of one, and each nighttime block is initially assigned a usage score that is less than one but above the predetermined threshold usage score. For the first four weeks, the lockset100is not interacted with by a user during nighttime hours or on Sundays, thereby causing the usage scores204for the corresponding blocks to decrease. The usage score204for the nighttime blocks falls below the threshold usage score following the second week, and the lockset100starts operating the electronic component166according to the lower-power schedule during nighttime blocks starting on the third week. Similarly, the usage score for the Sunday daytime hours falls below the threshold usage score following the fourth week, and the lockset100starts operating the electronic component166according to the lower-power schedule during Sunday daytime hours starting on the fifth week.

With continued reference to the example use case scenario, the first wireless transceiver167is provided as a Bluetooth transceiver, and the second wireless transceiver168is provided as a Wi-Fi transceiver. During the first four weeks, the lockset100is frequently operated during the Tuesday 8 AM block. The typical user during the Tuesday 8 AM block presents his or her credential by transmitting the credential from a mobile device192via the Bluetooth transceiver167, for example using an app193installed to the mobile device192. As a result, the block-specific and component-specific usage score204corresponding to the Bluetooth transceiver167and the Tuesday 8 AM block remains high, as does the block-specific and component-specific usage score204for the camera169and the Tuesday 8 AM block. However, the Wi-Fi transceiver168is used infrequently during the Tuesday 8 AM block, such that the block-specific and component-specific usage score204relating to the Wi-Fi transceiver168and the Tuesday 8 AM block falls below the threshold value following the fourth iteration of the Tuesday 8 AM block. When the fifth Tuesday 8 AM block occurs, the lockset100therefore operates the Wi-Fi transceiver168according to the lower-power schedule (e.g., by disabling the transceiver168), while continuing to operate the Bluetooth transceiver167and the camera169according to the higher-power schedule. During the fifth iteration of the Tuesday 8 AM block, the user may attempt to form a wireless connection between the mobile device192and the lockset100via the Wi-Fi transceiver168. When this occurs, the app193on the mobile device192informs the user that the performance of the lockset100has been degraded to conserve battery, and that communication with the lockset100may be obtained via the Bluetooth transceiver167. Additionally or alternatively, such information may be indicated by the lockset100itself, for example via a display and/or indicators.

Continuing the use case scenario, the user may determine that a package is set to be delivered the during the following Tuesday 8 AM block. The user causes the access control system194to transmit to the lockset100an override instruction, for example during a time when the Wi-Fi transceiver168is being operated according to the higher-power schedule and/or during one of the check-in procedures330. Responsive to the override instruction, the lockset100updates the schedule204for the following Tuesday 8 AM block to select the higher-power schedule for the Wi-Fi transceiver168. The user is thus able to view a livestream from the camera169to watch for the delivery personnel via the smart home system166. When the delivery arrives, the user may remotely cause the lockset100to transition to the unlocked state to permit the delivery personnel to place the package inside the home, and may thereafter remotely return the lockset100to its locked state.

In certain forms, the user may not need to instruct the access control system194to perform the override. For example, the lockset100may be integrated with a smart home system196such as Amazon Key such that the access control system194has access to information indicating that a delivery from Amazon is scheduled to arrive during the Tuesday 8 AM block. In such forms, the access control system194may provide the override instruction to the lockset100without requiring input from the user.

With continued reference to the example use-case scenario, as noted above, the lockset100operates the electronic device166(e.g., the Bluetooth transceiver167) according to the lower-power schedule on Sundays. On one such Sunday during the 11 AM block, the user exits her home via the door80, thereby utilizing the lockset100. This use is detected by the DPS or the RX sensor, and is taken into account for future calculations regarding the schedule to be selected for future Sunday 11 AM blocks. Additionally, based upon the lockset100being used in the current Sunday 11 AM block, the lockset100overrides the lower-power schedule selected for the current Sunday 11 AM block, and instead operates the wireless transceiver167according to the higher-power schedule for the remainder of the Sunday 11 AM block and the entirety of the following 12 PM block. Thus, when the user returns, the lockset100is operating the wireless transceiver167at full power in anticipation of the user's return. The user can therefore utilize her mobile device198to unlock the lockset100upon her return, despite the fact that the wireless transceiver167would have been operated according to the lower-power schedule but for the operation of the lockset100.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a computing device400is shown. The illustrative computing device400depicts at least one embodiment of a lockset, control assembly, or controller that may be utilized in connection with the lockset100, the control assembly160, and/or the controller162illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2.

Depending on the particular embodiment, the computing device400may be embodied as a server, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, notebook, netbook, Ultrabook™, mobile computing device, cellular phone, smartphone, wearable computing device, personal digital assistant, Internet of Things (IoT) device, reader device, access control device, control panel, processing system, router, gateway, and/or any other computing, processing, and/or communication device capable of performing the functions described herein.

The computing device400includes a processing device402that executes algorithms and/or processes data in accordance with operating logic408, an input/output device404that enables communication between the computing device400and one or more external devices410, and memory406which stores, for example, data received from the external device410via the input/output device404.

The input/output device404allows the computing device400to communicate with the external device410. For example, the input/output device404may include a transceiver, a network adapter, a network card, an interface, one or more communication ports (e.g., a USB port, serial port, parallel port, an analog port, a digital port, VGA, DVI, HDMI, FireWire, CAT 5, or any other type of communication port or interface), and/or other communication circuitry. Communication circuitry may be configured to use any one or more communication technologies (e.g., wireless or wired communications) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi®, WiMAX, etc.) to effect such communication depending on the particular computing device400. The input/output device404may include hardware, software, and/or firmware suitable for performing the techniques described herein.

The external device410may be any type of device that allows data to be inputted or outputted from the computing device400. For example, in various embodiments, the external device410may be embodied as the lockset100, the control assembly160, the controller162, and/or the external device190(e.g. the mobile device192or the access control system194). Further, in some embodiments, the external device410may be embodied as another computing device, switch, diagnostic tool, controller, printer, display, alarm, peripheral device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch screen display, etc.), and/or any other computing, processing, and/or communication device capable of performing the functions described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it should be appreciated that the external device410may be integrated into the computing device400.

The processing device402may be embodied as any type of processor(s) capable of performing the functions described herein. In particular, the processing device402may be embodied as one or more single or multi-core processors, microcontrollers, or other processor or processing/controlling circuits. For example, in some embodiments, the processing device402may include or be embodied as an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), and/or another suitable processor(s). The processing device402may be a programmable type, a dedicated hardwired state machine, or a combination thereof. Processing devices402with multiple processing units may utilize distributed, pipelined, and/or parallel processing in various embodiments. Further, the processing device402may be dedicated to performance of just the operations described herein, or may be utilized in one or more additional applications. In the illustrative embodiment, the processing device402is of a programmable variety that executes algorithms and/or processes data in accordance with operating logic408as defined by programming instructions (such as software or firmware) stored in memory406. Additionally or alternatively, the operating logic408for processing device402may be at least partially defined by hardwired logic or other hardware. Further, the processing device402may include one or more components of any type suitable to process the signals received from input/output device404or from other components or devices and to provide desired output signals. Such components may include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a combination thereof.

The memory406may be of one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable media, such as a solid-state memory, electromagnetic memory, optical memory, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the memory406may be volatile and/or nonvolatile and, in some embodiments, some or all of the memory406may be of a portable variety, such as a disk, tape, memory stick, cartridge, and/or other suitable portable memory. In operation, the memory406may store various data and software used during operation of the computing device400such as operating systems, applications, programs, libraries, and drivers. It should be appreciated that the memory406may store data that is manipulated by the operating logic408of processing device402, such as, for example, data representative of signals received from and/or sent to the input/output device404in addition to or in lieu of storing programming instructions defining operating logic408. As illustrated, the memory406may be included with the processing device402and/or coupled to the processing device402depending on the particular embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the processing device402, the memory406, and/or other components of the computing device400may form a portion of a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and be incorporated on a single integrated circuit chip.

In some embodiments, various components of the computing device400(e.g., the processing device402and the memory406) may be communicatively coupled via an input/output subsystem, which may be embodied as circuitry and/or components to facilitate input/output operations with the processing device402, the memory406, and other components of the computing device400. For example, the input/output subsystem may be embodied as, or otherwise include, memory controller hubs, input/output control hubs, firmware devices, communication links (i.e., point-to-point links, bus links, wires, cables, light guides, printed circuit board traces, etc.) and/or other components and subsystems to facilitate the input/output operations.

The computing device400may include other or additional components, such as those commonly found in a typical computing device (e.g., various input/output devices and/or other components), in other embodiments. It should be further appreciated that one or more of the components of the computing device400described herein may be distributed across multiple computing devices. In other words, the techniques described herein may be employed by a computing system that includes one or more computing devices. Additionally, although only a single processing device402, I/O device404, and memory406are illustratively shown inFIG. 5, it should be appreciated that a particular computing device400may include multiple processing devices402, I/O devices404, and/or memories406in other embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, more than one external device410may be in communication with the computing device400.