Patent Publication Number: US-2023145570-A1

Title: Solar powered access control devices

Description:
The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/263,918 filed on Nov. 11, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Some locations remote from building enclosures and/or ready access to line power could benefit from having access control systems to provide controlled access for security and safety. For example, swimming pools are often enclosed by fencing to prevent unauthorized usage and for safety. Access to the fenced area is controlled by a gate or other entry device. It is beneficial that the entry device be locked. Since the location of the entry device may be remote from a power supply, any lock that is used is typically a manual lock. Providing and revoking access privileges is therefore cumbersome and inefficient since physical keys or numerical combinations are required to be issued to potential users. Therefore, further improvements in this area are needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment, an access control device includes an electronic locking mechanism, a reader device for reading access credentials to actuate the locking mechanism, and a control unit connected to the reader device for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism. The control unit is powered by a rechargeable battery. A solar device is connected to the rechargeable battery for receiving solar power to charge the rechargeable battery for powering the control unit, and powering the reader device and locking mechanism through the control unit. 
     According to another embodiment, an access control system includes a plurality of access control devices that each include an electronic locking mechanism, a credential reader device, and a control unit for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism in response to credentials read by the reader device. At least one of the access control devices includes a control unit powered by a battery that is recharged by solar power, and at least one of other of the access control devices includes a control unit powered by line power. 
     In an embodiment, the solar device includes a solar charge controller that is connected between a photovoltaic panel/array and the rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the charge controller, the battery, and the control unit are located in a waterproof enclosure. In an embodiment, the charge controller and the battery are located in one waterproof enclosure, and the control unit is located in another waterproof enclosure. In an embodiment, the enclosure(s) are NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) rated enclosures. 
     In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion battery. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery is a lithium iron phosphate battery. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery is a 12 volt rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery is a 24 volt rechargeable battery. 
     In an embodiment, the solar device is at least one photovoltaic solar panel. In an embodiment, the solar device is a photovoltaic solar array. In an embodiment, the access control system is used in conjunction with an access portal that is located outdoors and controls access to an outdoor space. In an embodiment, the access portal is a gate for an enclosed outdoor area. In an embodiment, the enclosed outdoor area includes a swimming pool. 
     In an embodiment, a user&#39;s credentials can be used to open both a line powered access control device and a solar powered access control device. In an embodiment, the solar powered access control device can be updated with user credentials without the solar powered access control device being connected to a network or accessed by a credential manager. 
     Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The concepts described herein are illustrative by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where considered appropriate, references labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of an access control system including indoor and outdoor portals for access to secured areas; 
         FIG.  2    is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a computing system; 
         FIG.  3    is a simplified schematic of an access portal with an embodiment of a solar powered access control device; 
         FIG.  4    is a simplified schematic of an embodiment of a solar powered access control device; and 
         FIG.  5    is a simplified schematic of an embodiment of a solar powered access control device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Although the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims. 
     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. 
     The disclosed embodiments may, in some cases, be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The disclosed embodiments may also be implemented as instructions carried by or stored on one or more transitory or non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable storage medium may be embodied as any storage device, mechanism, or other physical structure for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory, a media disc, or other media device). 
     In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , in the illustrative embodiment, an access control system  10  includes one or more first enclosures  12  with a first space  14  that can be accessed by at least one first access portal  16 , and one or more second enclosures  100  with a second space  102  that can be accessed by at least one second access portal  104 . First access portal  16  includes a first access control device  20  that can be electronically locked and unlocked by one or more credentialed users, and second access portal  104  can include a second access control device  110  that is solar powered and that can be electronically locked and unlocked by one or more credentialed users. It should be appreciated that one or more of the features of the access control system  10  may be omitted in some embodiments, or that one or more of the features can be duplicated. 
     In an embodiment, at least part of first space  14  is an indoor space enclosed by a first enclosure  12  that is a building or other structure with walls and a roof. First access portal  16  can be, for example, a door leading to an interior of a building, or a door located within an interior of the building. First access portal  16  can provide access to a common area of the first enclosure  12 , or to a more restricted area of first enclosure  12 , such as a rental unit, dwelling, or office, via the first access control device  20  at the first access portal  16 . While one first access portal  16  is shown in  FIG.  1   , it is contemplated multiple first access portals  16  are contemplated as part of the access control system  10  with each including a first access control device  20  having line power. One or more of the first access portal(s)  16  can also be connected to a communication network  18  associated with the first space  14 . 
     In an embodiment, at least part of the second space  102  is an outdoor space enclosed by a second enclosure  100  that is a fence or other barrier. Second access portal  106  can be, for example, a gate leading to a fenced-in second space  102 , or a door to a shed or other building forming second enclosure  100  at a location remote from first enclosure  12  such that providing line power to second access portal  106  is costly or impractical. Second access portal  106  can provide access to a pool or other facility in the second space  102  that is protected by the second access control device  110 . While one second enclosure  100  and second access portal  106  are shown, it is contemplated multiple second enclosures  100  and/or multiple second access portals  106  can be part of the access control system  10 . As discussed further below, it is not necessary for one or more of the second access portal(s)  106  to be connected to communication network  18 . Furthermore, systems in which only solar-powered access control device(s)  110  are provided are also contemplated. 
     It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the illustrative access control system  10  allows for flexible access to and/or control over the first space  14  and/or the second space  102 . For example, in some embodiments, the owner of system  10  may invite others to have access to the one or more secure areas in the first space  14  and/or in the second space  102  without the owner or user being present at second space  102  or having a real-time connection to the second access control device  110 . To do so, the access control system  10  may utilize connectivity to a communication network  18  such as a cloud server that distributes access tokens or credentials to one or more users via an encoded key card or via an application or token on a mobile device such as a smartphone for subsequent use with a specific access control device  20 ,  110 . 
     It should be further appreciated that, in some embodiments, the access control list of authorized users of the access control devices  20 ,  110  may be stored on the cloud server such that the first access control device  20  and/or second access control device  110  is not required to locally store an access control list. For example, access control device  110  can be out of range of WiFi or other wireless communications network. Access control device  110  can be updated via a physical credential or mobile application to deliver credential access rights without touring access control device  10 . Examples of such “no tour” capabilities are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/578,747 filed Sep. 23, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, local storage of access control lists and/or touring of the access control devices  20 ,  110  to update credentials is not prohibited by the current disclosure. 
     Communication network  18  may be any suitable wireless communication connection (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) established between one or more devices and/or users of the system  10 . Additionally, in various embodiments, communications can occur with a cloud server over Wi-Fi, WiMAX, a WAN (e.g., the Internet), and/or a suitable telecommunications network/protocol. As such, it should be appreciated that the illustrative communication network  18  is located at one or more remote locations relative to the users and/or access control devices  20 ,  110 . In other embodiments, it should be appreciated that one or more of the communication connections may be wired. In addition, although not shown, communications with local servers and/or a gateway device in conjunction with third-party integrations with the access control system  10  are also contemplated. 
     It should be appreciated that each of the access control devices  20 ,  110  and other servers and gateway devices used with access control system  10  may be embodied as a computing device similar to the computing device  200  described below in reference to  FIG.  2   . For example, in the illustrative embodiment, access control devices  20 ,  110  may each include a processing device  202  and a memory  206  having stored thereon operating logic  208  for execution by the processing device  202  for operation of the corresponding device. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a computing device  200  is shown. The illustrative computing device  200  depicts at least one embodiment of an access control device that may be utilized in connection with the access control system  10  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . Depending on the particular embodiment, the computing device  200  may be embodied as a reader device, credential device, access control device, 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, 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 device  200  includes a processing device  202  that executes algorithms and/or processes data in accordance with operating logic  208 , an input/output device  204  that enables communication between the computing device  200  and one or more external devices  210 , and memory  206  which stores, for example, data received from the external device  210  via the input/output device  204 . 
     The input/output device  204  allows the computing device  200  to communicate with the external device  210 . For example, the input/output device  204  may 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 of the computing device  200  may be configured to use any one or more communication technologies (e.g., wireless or wired communications) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, WiMAX, etc.) to affect such communication depending on the particular computing device  200 . The input/output device  204  may include hardware, software, and/or firmware suitable for performing the techniques described herein. 
     The external device  210  may be any type of device that allows data to be inputted or outputted from the computing device  200 . For example, in various embodiments, the external device  210  may be embodied as the first access control device  20  and/or the second access control device  110 . Further, in some embodiments, the external device  210  may 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 device  210  may be integrated into the computing device  200 . 
     The processing device  202  may be embodied as any type of processor(s) capable of performing the functions described herein. In particular, the processing device  202  may 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 device  202  may 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 device  202  may be a programmable type, a dedicated hardwired state machine, or a combination thereof. Processing devices  202  with multiple processing units may utilize distributed, pipelined, and/or parallel processing in various embodiments. Further, the processing device  202  may 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 device  202  is programmable and executes algorithms and/or processes data in accordance with operating logic  208  as defined by programming instructions (such as software or firmware) stored in memory  206 . Additionally or alternatively, the operating logic  208  for processing device  202  may be at least partially defined by hardwired logic or other hardware. Further, the processing device  202  may include one or more components of any type suitable to process the signals received from input/output device  204  or from other components or devices and to provide desired output signals. Such components may include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a combination thereof. 
     The memory  206  may 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 memory  206  may be volatile and/or nonvolatile and, in some embodiments, some or all of the memory  206  may be of a portable type, such as a disk, tape, memory stick, cartridge, and/or other suitable portable memory. In operation, the memory  206  may store various data and software used during operation of the computing device  200  such as operating systems, applications, programs, libraries, and drivers. It should be appreciated that the memory  206  may store data that is manipulated by the operating logic  208  of processing device  202 , such as, for example, data representative of signals received from and/or sent to the input/output device  204  in addition to or in lieu of storing programming instructions defining operating logic  208 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the memory  206  may be included with the processing device  202  and/or coupled to the processing device  202  depending on the particular embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the processing device  202 , the memory  206 , and/or other components of the computing device  200  may 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 device  200  (e.g., the processing device  202  and the memory  206 ) 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 device  202 , the memory  206 , and other components of the computing device  200 . 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 device  200  may 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 device  200  described 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 device  202 , I/O device  204 , and memory  206  are illustratively shown in  FIG.  2   , it should be appreciated that a particular computing device  200  may include multiple processing devices  202 , I/O devices  204 , and/or memories  206  in other embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, more than one external device  210  may be in communication with the computing device  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , an embodiment of the solar powered second access control device  110  is shown as designated as an access control device  300 . Access control device  300  is used in conjunction with a second access portal  106  that is a gate  302 . Gate  302  includes a frame  304  and a movable barrier  306  mounted to frame  304 . Access control device  300  includes a locking mechanism  310  that is secured to frame  304  and movable barrier  306  to provide electronic locking capabilities and controlled access via gate  302 . In an embodiment, locking mechanism  310  is an electric strike type locking mechanism. However, any suitable locking mechanism for an outdoor or remote access portal is contemplated, so long as it can be electronically actuated and controlled by electronic user credentials. 
     Referring further to  FIG.  4   , access control device  300  further includes a credential reader  320  mounted to frame  304 , or otherwise at a suitable location relative to gate  302 . Credential reader  320  can be any suitable reader to read and verify credentials from an access key card, mobile device, token other user carried electronic key using Bluetooth, Near Field Communication, smart credentials, and/or standard proximity credentials. In an embodiment, credential read  320  is an MTB mobile enabled multi-technology reader from Schlage®. 
     Reader  320  is connected to a control unit  330  that includes power outputs to the locking mechanism  310  and to the reader  320 . Control unit  330  also includes communications connected to the reader  320  so that locking mechanism  310  can be controlled to be unlocked in response to authorized credentials being read at reader  320 . In an embodiment, control unit  330  is a Schlage® CTE single door controller. In an embodiment, control unit  330  may be used to operate multiple access control devices, such as multiple locks associated with different parts of the outdoor area, such as a gate(s), a pool house door, pool cover, storage device door, etc. Other controller types are contemplated. 
     Control unit  330  receives power from a rechargeable battery  340 . Rechargeable battery  340  is connected to a solar device  350  that is operable to recharge the battery  340  using solar power. Solar device  350  includes a charging controller  360  and at least one solar cell  370  for converting solar energy to electrical energy. 
     Solar cell  370  can include, for example, at least photovoltaic panel or array of panels. In an embodiment, solar cell  370  is rated at a wattage between about 20 watts and 110 watts. In an embodiment, solar cell  370  is rated at a wattage between about 50 watts and 110 watts. In an embodiment, battery  340  is a 12 volt battery. In an embodiment, battery  340  is a 24 volt battery. In an embodiment, battery  340  is a lithium-ion battery. In an embodiment, battery  340  is a lithium iron phosphate battery. Battery  340  may include a single battery, or may include a bank of batteries each connected to charging controller  360  as shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     Since access control device  300  is employed in an outdoor environment, an enclosure  380  may be provided to house control unit  330 , battery  340 , and charge controller  360 . In an embodiment, the enclosure  380  is a NEMA rated enclosure. In an embodiment, a conduit  390  is provided for the wires that connect control unit  330  with the reader  320  and/or locking mechanism  310 . 
     In another embodiment, separate enclosures are provided for various parts of access control device  300 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , a first enclosure  500  is provided for control unit  330 , and a second enclosure  510  is provided for battery  340  and charge controller  360 . 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated. According to one aspect, an access control device includes an electronic locking mechanism for securing an access portal and a reader device for reading access credentials that authorize actuation of the locking mechanism. The access control device further includes a control unit connected to the reader device for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism in response to the access credentials and a rechargeable battery for powering the control unit, the reader device, and the electronic locking mechanism. A solar device is connected to the rechargeable battery for receiving solar power to charge the rechargeable battery. 
     In an embodiment, the solar device includes a solar charge controller that is connected between a photovoltaic panel/array and the rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the charge controller, the battery, and the control unit are located in a waterproof enclosure. In an embodiment, the charge controller and the battery are located in a first waterproof enclosure, and the control unit is located in a second waterproof enclosure. In an embodiment, each of the first and second waterproof enclosures are NEMA rated enclosures. 
     In another embodiment, the rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion battery. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery is a lithium iron phosphate battery. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery is a 12 volt rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery is a 24 volt rechargeable battery. 
     In another embodiment, the solar device includes at least one photovoltaic solar panel. In an embodiment, the at least one photovoltaic solar panel is rated for about 20-110 watts. In an embodiment, the at least one photovoltaic solar panel is rated for about 50-110 watts. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an access control system includes a plurality of access control devices. Each of the access control devices includes an electronic locking mechanism, a credential reader device, and a control unit for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism in response to credentials read by the reader device. A first one of the access control devices is powered by a battery that is recharged by solar power, and a second one of the access control devices is powered by line power. 
     In an embodiment, the locking mechanism and the reader device of the first one of the access control devices are mounted at an access portal that is located outdoors remote from the second one of the access control devices. In an embodiment, the access portal is a gate for an outdoor enclosed area. In an embodiment, the enclosed area includes a swimming pool or other gated outdoor area. 
     In an embodiment, the locking mechanisms of the first one and the second one of the access control devices are actuated by a same credential when read by the credential reader device thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the access control system includes a communication network and the first one of the access control devices is not connectable to the communication network and the second one of the access control devices is connected to the communication network. 
     In an embodiment, the first one of the access control devices includes a solar charge controller that is connected between a photovoltaic panel/array and the battery. In an embodiment, the first one of the access control devices includes a waterproof enclosure housing the solar charge controller, the battery, and the control unit. In an embodiment, the first one of the access control devices includes a first waterproof enclosure housing the charge controller and the battery, and a second waterproof enclosure housing the control unit.