Patent Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling access devices including WI-FI and dual radio communications between an access control database and one or more access devices in a facility. The systems and methods allow real time communications between the database and the access devices utilizing existing communications WI-FI infrastructure in the facility while minimizing loss of battery life of the access devices by employing the radio network to target all or a portion of the access devices for communications when needed.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/644,384 filed on May 8, 2012. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to systems and methods for control and operation of electronic access devices in commercial, residential, industrial, storage, medical, and other facilities that can be monitored and controlled remotely through a computer system that selectively wakes the access devices via a radio signal from a radio frequency bridge device connected to the computer system, and the access devices are further selectively connected to the computer system with a wireless fidelity (WI-FI) connection for data transmission when waked with the radio signal. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Existing electronic lock systems are used to control access to various areas within a facility. Some systems employ wireless locks that communicate with an interface device that is in sufficient proximity to the electronic locks to enable radio communication. The various interface devices are hardwired to a central database that is connected to the computer system of the facility. The computer system provides updates to the electronic locks through this radio communication network. However, the hardwired connection of the interfaces devices with the access control device can be expensive in large facilities, and creates concerns that the hardwiring is redundant with the existing wiring of the various area networks of the facility. 
         [0004]    Some electronic lock systems leverage the existing WI-FI and other networks of the facility to communicate with the electronic locks so that programming and/or data can be transmitted to each lock without requiring separate updates for each lock. However, WI-FI systems are employed off-line, meaning that communication between the computer system and the electronic locks is only established at predetermined intervals to preserve battery life of the electronic locks, which are desired to operate for several years between battery changes. Therefore, further improvements in this area of technology are desired. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In one aspect, there is disclosed systems and methods for controlling one or more access devices using WI-FI and radio frequency networks connected to an access control device. The systems and methods provide real-time communications between the access devices and the access control device, which includes software and a database for updating of credentials, software, and other aspects of each access device while preserving battery life of the access device. The systems and methods can also be operated in an off-line mode where communication between the access control device and the access device is established at predetermined intervals. These and other aspects, features, forms, embodiments, objects, and advantages are also discussed below with reference at least in part to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a system for connecting a computer network to a plurality of access devices with a radio frequency (RF) bridge device and/or a WI-FI connection to allow on-line and off-line remote monitoring and control of the access devices from an access control device. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an access device that is configured for dual frequency communication with the computer network of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the radio frequency bridge device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the system of  FIG. 1  showing on-line communications protocols between the access control device, the radio frequency bridge device, and the access control device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of the sleep and wake modes of operation of the access devices of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a sleep mode of operation of the access control device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a wakeup mode of operation for the access control device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are a flow diagram of an initialization procedure for the access control device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0016]    Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for remote monitoring and control of access devices that are connectable to a WI-FI network and to a radio frequency network. The access devices can be located in or on, for example, a commercial building, industrial facility, medical facility, residential building or facility, hotel or resort facility, a residence, a storage facility, or other structure or group of structures. In one form, the access devices are configured to work with one or more bridge devices that provide RF communication with the access devices, with the bridge device(s) and access devices integrated into the computer network of the facility to leverage the facility&#39;s WI-FI network and allow real time communications between an access control database and selected access devices in order to minimize power consumption of the access devices for which communication is not needed. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates an access control system  10  that monitors and controls electronic access devices  20  including but not limited to electronic door locks. Access devices  20  may also include or alternatively be any one or more of deadbolts, cameras, lights, temperature controls, appliances, and the like. The system  10  includes a computer network  12  that can be coupled to an access control device  30 , which includes a database and software for operating the access control system. Computer network  12  can be any one or combination of wired local area network, a wireless area network, or the internet. Computer network  12  can further include a routing device  14 . At least one RF bridge device  16  couples an RF network  24  to the computer network  12 . In one embodiment, bridge device  16  is connected to computer network  12  with an Ethernet cable or other suitable connection with routing device  14 . 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a plurality of access devices  20  in the form of door locks, e.g. for use on an entrance door of a building, room or other part of a structure, that is configured to receive RF signals as part of the RF network  24  and that are also configured to send and receive signals to computer network  12  via a WI-FI connection  26 . However, it should be understood that many other devices can send and receive RF signals as part of the RF network  24  and WI-FI connection  26  and the illustrated door lock is simply an example of one of these devices. 
         [0019]    In the RF network  24 , each connected device  20  acts as a communication node that can receive a radio signal as a wakeup signal from access control device  30  through its assigned bridge device  16 , and then communicate to send and receive information packets via WI-FI connection  26  with computer network  12  to other devices in the system  10 , such as access control device  30 . If a wakeup signal is not addressed to the access device  20  in RF network  24 , the access device  20  ignores the wakeup signal. If the particular wakeup signal is addressed to the access device  20  that interrogates it, the access device  20  is awakened from a sleep mode and operates in a wake or run mode to communicate with access control device  30  through the WI-FI connection  26  with computer network  12 . In this arrangement, the battery operating life of each access device  20  is maintained since only access devices  20  that are designated to receive information from access control device  30  are awakened in real time for information downloads and information uploads. The interrogation of the wakeup signal by access device  20  occurs in conjunction with radio frequency communications, increasing battery life since the bridge device  16  transmits RF signals and the RF receiver of the access device  20  can operate at a lower power level when compared to standard wireless networks. 
         [0020]    Referring further to  FIG. 2 , in one construction, the RF network  24  communicates via a sub-1 GHz beacon with each of the access devices  20  in the radio network through an assigned bridge device  16 . In systems  10  with multiple bridge devices  16  having access devices  20  assigned to respective ones thereof, access control device  30  can identify which bridge devices  16  connected to computer network  12  to alert in order to send a wakeup signal to only a portion of access devices  20  in the system  10 . The wakeup signal enables WI-FI communication of the awakened access device  20  with access control device  30  through WI-FI connection  26 , which handles large data volumes more efficiently. Access device  20  downloads information packets from and transmits information packets to access control device  30  via WI-FI connection  26  with computer network  12 . 
         [0021]    The exemplary access device  20  shown in  FIG. 1  is a door lock, which is further shown in a block diagram form in  FIG. 3 . The access device  20  includes a logic and memory module  40 , a suitable power source  42 , such as A/C power and/or battery power, a keyless entry system  44 , a keyed entry mechanism  46 , a locking mechanism  48 , a multi-frequency transceiver  50 , and a user interface  52 . 
         [0022]    The keyless entry system  44  includes a keypad  44   a  for entering an access code and other data. In other constructions, other data entry systems may be used in place of the keypad, such as biometric entry, smart cards, infrared readers, etc. Keyless entry system  44  may also or alternatively include a card reader for electronically reading an access code from a card carried by the user. The keyless entry system  44  communicates with the logic and memory module  40  that stores access codes and other user identification information and for carrying out the functions of the access device  20 . The logic and memory module  40  may store individual user codes, where each person having access to the door is issued a unique user code that is stored and compared to input codes at the door to allow access decisions to be made at the door without transmissions over computer network  12 . In one embodiment, logic and memory module includes a processor that drives communications with RF network  24  and establishes WI-FI connection  26  through appropriate hardware on access device  20  and bridge device  16 . The logic and memory module  40  may further include an internal memory for storing credential data and audit data, and a real-time clock for determining times associated with access events. In addition, logic and memory module  40  is operable in a low power mode to preserve battery life. In one specific embodiment, logic and memory module  40  includes an advance reduced instruction set computer machine. 
         [0023]    The keyed entry mechanism  46  can manually operate the locking mechanism  48 , for example in case of power loss or other malfunction. The locking mechanism  48  of the access device  20  may include a locking device such as a sliding deadbolt, or other suitable locking mechanism coupled to a door handle or knob and/or to a key mechanism. In the illustrated construction, the locking mechanism  48  is power-driven, for example by a solenoid or an electric motor, to facilitate remote operation. The access device  20  may also include user interface  52  having visual components, such as an LED light and/or an LCD screen, and/or audio components, such as a speaker or other sound-generating device. 
         [0024]    Where the access device  20  is part of a networked system  10  such as that described herein, functions that can be performed remotely through access control device  30  include, but are not limited to, confirming the status of a lock, such as whether the door lock is locked or unlocked, notifying the network of an attempted access, including whether the lock was accessed, when it was accessed and by whom, whether there were attempts at unauthorized access, and other audit information. In some constructions, the access device  20  can also receive and execute a signal to unlock the lock, add or delete user codes for locks having such codes, and, if the door lock is paired with a suitable camera (not shown), transmit images of the person seeking entry. The access device  20  can also be used to send a command to disarm an electronic alarm or security system, or to initiate a duress command from the keypad  44   a  of the access device  20 , where the duress command may be utilized by the network to transmit a message to access control device  30  or other linked device, such as a computer terminal or mobile device, an electronic alarm or security system, or a networked computer server. 
         [0025]    The access device  20  can be a self-contained functional lock such as an electronic lock used to secure an access point. Access device  20  includes an electronically-controlled system containing a keypad  44   a,  logic-memory module  40 , and an electro-mechanical locking mechanism  48 . Using the keypad  44   a,  a user can enter a numeric access code to activate the electro-mechanical locking mechanism  48  thus unlocking the door controlled by access device  20 . The keypad  44   a  can also be used to program and configure the operation of the access device  20 , such as adding access codes, deleting access codes, enabling audible operation, and setting relocking time delays. Additionally, the access device  20  includes multi-frequency transceiver  50 , or interface, that can include an RF module  50   a  such as an antenna or programmable card for the reception and transmission of sub 1-GHz RF signals, a WI-FI module  50   b  configured to establish WI-FI connection  26  to and send and receive WI-FI signals to computer network  12 , and all necessary electronic components required for the reception and generation of RF signals and WI-FI connection/disconnection with logic-memory module  40 . The WI-FI interface with access control device  30  provides the same operation, programming, and configuration functionality as that afforded by the keypad  44   a,  in addition to a wide range of features including but not limited to audit information such as lock status reporting, lock operation reporting, lock battery status, and the like. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the RF bridge device  16 . The bridge device  16  includes a transceiver module  60 , such as a power over Ethernet (PoE) receiver for sending and receiving signals to and from the computer network  12  via connection  18  via transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). Bridge device  16  also include a network interface card  62  connected to transceiver module  60 . Network interface card  62  is connected to a microcontroller  64  and an RF transmitter  66 . RF transmitter  66  receives commands from microcontroller  64  and provides output of RF signals over RF network  24 . Bridge device  16  may also include a power source  68  and a user interface (not shown) for inputting information and obtaining status. Other transmission protocols besides Internet Protocol can also be employed to communicate with the computer network  12 . 
         [0027]    The RF transmitter  66  is suited for communication at the appropriate RF network frequency, for example sub-1 GHz, although other frequencies can be used as well. The RF transmitter  66  formats the RF signals it transmits according to the communications protocol that is being used. The RF bridge device  16  may include an antenna  17  ( FIG. 1 ), which can be contained within the housing of the bridge device  16  or may be external to the housing. The transceiver module  60  formats the signals it sends according to the communications protocol, e.g. Internet Protocol, used to connect the computer network  12 . In one construction, the RF bridge device  16  connects to a local-area network (LAN) via an Ethernet connection  18 , although other types of connections are possible. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the connection  18  includes a cable having a plug to connect to an Ethernet port on a router  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the router  14  can include wireless Internet Protocol signaling to communicate with suitable wireless-compatible devices such as access devices  20 . The transceiver module  60  may alternatively connect to a wireless router  16  using a wireless connection, for example using an IEEE 802.11x-based wireless networking protocol. The power source  68  of bridge device  16  can be a battery or other portable power supply, or an alternating current (A/C) or other fixed power source, or both. The user interface can include input mechanisms such as one or more buttons and an output mechanism such as a screen or indicator lights. 
         [0028]    The microcontroller  64  can be any suitable logic-memory unit configured to coordinate the various functions of the RF bridge device  16  as discussed herein. The micro-controller  64  coordinates transfer of signals between the RF network  24  and the computer network  12 . The microcontroller  64  translates signals from the transceiver module  60  into commands that the RF transmitter  66  broadcasts to the RF network  24  to access devices  20 . The microcontroller  64  may also translate signals into commands for the transceiver module  60  to transmit to the computer network  12 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates additional details of the communications protocols of system  10  of  FIG. 1 . Access control device  30  is connected to transceiver module  60  of bridge device  16  with at least one of computer network  12 , router  14  and Ethernet connection  18  for two-way communication. Transceiver module  60  is connected to RF transmitter  66  to provide RF signals over RF network  24 . Each of the access devices  20  is connected to RF network  24  with RF module  50   a  to receive and interrogate a wakeup signal. RF module  50   a  is connected with logic-memory module  40  of access device  20  so that when a RF signal that is targeted to access device  20 , access device  20  enters a wakeup mode of operation. In the wakeup mode, logic-memory module  40  activates WI-FI module  50   b,  which connects to computer network  12  via WI-FI connection  26  for two-way communication. Additional communications protocols are also contemplated and not precluded. For example, one or more remote devices, such as a networked computer and a mobile device, can connect to access control device  30  for access to computer network  12 . 
         [0030]    Access control device  30  can be, for example, a networked computer that is connected with computer network  12 , and that can communicate with a mobile device or networked computer using HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) commands or other protocols suited for use via the Internet or other connection, with appropriate web-browsing or other software being loaded on the mobile device or networked computer. Access control device  30  can include a database with, for example, user identifications, access device identifications, access device credentials, access device audit data, and programmed with software to manage the database information. Access control device  30  can further include software with user interface features that facilitate user operation of access control device  30  to view access device status, manage and update access devices  20  with programming, user credentials, and override commands, and to receive audit data from access devices  20 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  shows a flow diagram for a power state transition procedure  100  of access control device  20 . Any reset operation  102  that provides an input to access device  20  can cause access device  20  to reset, and in particular logic-memory module  40 , to enter a wakeup or run mode  104 . Reset operation  102  can include a number of wakeup sources such as, for example, an entry of an access code to access device  20 , reading of an access card by access device  20 , an RF signal interrupt received by access device  20 , a real time clock interrupt programmed into access device  20 , tampering of access device,  20 , or receipt of a data packet by access device  20  over WI-FI-connection  26  and/or RF network  24 . After a predetermined time of inactivity, access device  20  transitions to a sleep mode  106 , where logic-memory module  40  shuts down WI-FI connection  26 , suspends all tasks relating to wireless operation, and shuts down power to WI-FI module  50   b.  In one embodiment, sleep mode  106  is a deep sleep mode with a low leakage stop (LLS) that provides a low level of power to enable wakeup operations, memory retention, and state retention of peripherals while preventing peripheral operation in the sleep mode. Other power retention and shutdown schemes are also contemplated so long as adequate battery life is preserved and/or power consumption is minimized for access device  20 . When a wakeup signal is received over RF network  24 , access device  20  returns to wakeup operation under run mode  104  and powers WI-FI module  50   b  to establish WI-FI connection  26  and power up logic-memory module  40 . The run mode  104  can include a low leakage wakeup module that flags the wakeup source and logs the wakeup source and time in memory of logic-memory module  40 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  shows a flow diagram for one embodiment of a procedure  200  for entry of access device  20  to sleep mode  106 . Procedure  200  begins at sleep mode indicator  202  and continues at conditional  204  in which an operating mode of access device  20  is determined. In one embodiment, access device  20  is operable in either an on-line mode or an off-line mode. The on-line mode discussed hereinabove provides real time communications between access control device  30  and access devices  20  through WI-FI connection  26  by providing a wakeup signal over RF network  24  to the particular access devices  20  targeted for communication by access control device  30 . As a result, access devices  20  can be updated in the on-line mode with user credentials and other information in real time by pushing the data to the targeted access devices  20  whenever desired. Battery life of access devices  20  is preserved and/or power consumption is minimized since access devices  20  can otherwise remain disconnected from computer network  12  by shutting down WI-FI connection  26  in the sleep mode. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 1 , certain access devices  20 , designated as access devices  20 ′ in  FIG. 1 , are configured to operate in an off-line mode since they are not connected to or operable to receive radio signals transmitted over RF network  24 . Rather, access devices  20 ′ are configured to communicate with access control device  30  solely through wireless connections  22  when the wireless connection is established. In order to preserve battery life and/or minimize power consumption, access devices  20 ′ only establish WI-FI connections  22  at predetermined intervals, such as once a day, to receive updates of user credentials and other data, from access control device  30 . 
         [0034]    Referring back to  FIG. 7 , in procedure  200  if it is determined at conditional  204  that access device  20  is to operate in an off-line mode, procedure  200  continues at operation  206  in which an alarm is set that establishes a predetermined time or time interval for access device  20  to wake up and connect to computer network  12  for updates through WI-FI connection  26 . If it is determined at conditional  204  that the access device  20  is to operate in an on-line mode, no alarm is set. Procedure  200  continues at operation  208  to shut down WI-FI module  50   b  and the WI-FI connection  26 . Procedure  200  then continues at operation  210  where access device  20  enters a sleep mode until a wakeup signal is received, either via alarm or by an RF signal, depending on whether access device  20  is operating in an off-line mode or an on-line mode, respectively. Procedure  200  then continues at operation  212  where access device  20  continues in a wakeup mode of operation to communicate with computer network  12  and access control device  30  trough WI-FI connection  26 . 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a flow diagram for a wakeup procedure  300  for operation of access device  20  and system  10  in the on-line mode discussed above. Procedure  300  begins upon receipt of a wakeup signal at one or more of the access devices  20 . At conditional  304  the wakeup source is determined. If the wakeup source is from keyless entry system  44 , such as an entry to a reader of access device  20 , an access code entered by keypad  44   a,  or an input/output (I/O) change from entry system  44  or logic-memory module  40  to change settings associated with access device  20 , procedure  300  continues at conditional  306  to identify whether the wakeup source is a credential entry or an I/O change. If the wakeup source is associated with a credential entry, procedure  300  continues at operation  308  to search for the credential in the data stored in logic-memory module  40 . Procedure  300  continues at conditional  310  to determine if the credential is found. If the credential is found at operation  308 , procedure  300  continues at operation  318  where logic-memory module  40  sends a motor control command to open locking mechanism  48  of access control device  20 . Procedure  300  then continues at operation  320  to update audit data associated with the unlocking of access device  20 . Such audit data can include, for example, the identification of the access device, identification of the user credentials, and time of access. Alternatively, if at conditional  310  a user credential is not identified on the database of access device  20 , procedure  300  proceeds directly to operation  320  to update audit data to record the time of attempted access with the access control device  20 . After updating the audit data in logic-memory module  40  at operation  320 , access control device  20  returns to sleep mode  328 . 
         [0036]    If at conditional  306  it is determined that the wakeup source is an I/O change, notification of the change is provided. Procedure  300  continues to operation  320  to update the audit data indicating, for example, the time of the I/O change and the particular I/O change that was made. After updating the audit data in logic and memory unit  40  at operation  320 , access control device  20  returns to sleep mode  328 . If the wakeup source determined at conditional  304  is from an access code entry or input/output (I/O) change WI-FI connection  26  is not established with computer network  12 , preserving battery life of access device  20 . 
         [0037]    If at conditional  314  it is determined that the wakeup source was initiated by a radio signal from RF network  24 , procedure  300  continues at operation  312  and access device  20  receives the radio signal and reads the packet transmitted to the access device  20 . Procedure  300  continues at conditional  304  and determines the type of packet received by the access control device  20 . If the packet is a wakeup signal indicating a download from access control device  30  is requested, access control device wakes up and restarts to power WI-FI module  50   b  at operation  324 . The data from access control device  30  is then downloaded over WI-FI connection  26  at operation  326  to logic-memory module  40 . Furthermore, audit data stored in logic-memory module  40  of access control device  20  is downloaded to access control device  30 . Upon completion of downloads at operation  326 , access control device  20  then returns to sleep mode  328 . 
         [0038]    If at conditional  304  it is determined the packet is a lock/unlock command from access control device  30 , procedure  300  continues at operation  318  and logic-memory module  40  sends a motor control command to locking mechanism  48  to lock or unlock the lock of access control device  20 . In one embodiment, the lock command is a command that over-rides user credentials and prevents any unlocking of access device  20 . Procedure  300  then continues at operation  320  to update audit data associated with the locking and/or unlocking of access device  20 . After updating the audit data in logic and memory unit  40  at operation  320 , access control device  20  returns to sleep mode  328 . If is determined at conditional  304  the packet is a lock/unlock command from access control device  30 , WI-FI connection  26  is not established with computer network  12 , preserving battery life of access devices  20 . 
         [0039]    For operation of access device  20  in an off-line mode, procedure  300  is modified since a radio signal from RF network  24  is not interrogated by access device  20 . Rather, at conditional  304 , if the modified procedure determines the wakeup source is from entry system  44  or I/O change, the procedure continues as discussed above. If the wakeup source is determined to be the alarm settings of access device  20 , wireless module  50   b  is automatically powered on and connected to computer network  12  via WI-FI connection  26  to receive data download from access control device  30  and to transmit audit data to access control device  30  through WI-FI connection  26 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , one example of a boot-up procedure  400  for access control devices  20  is shown. Boot-up procedure  400  begins at  402  upon initial power on or reset of the access control device  20 . Procedure  400  continues at operation  402  and initializes the hardware of access device  20 . Operation  402  also configures the wakeup interrupts that can be used based on the operating mode for access device  20 , either on-line or off-line as discussed above. Procedure  400  continues at operation  406  and further configures the access device identification, the internet protocol address required to communicate with the access control device  30 , and the logic-memory module  40  of access device  20 . Procedure  400  then continues at operation  408  to start the access device connection client with access control device  30 , and to connect with access control device  30 . The starting of the connection client may include, for example, opening a TCP/IP client connection for communication with computer network  12  through WI-FI connection  26 . 
         [0041]    Procedure  400  continues at conditional  410  to determine if access device  20  is connected to access control device  30 . Once access device  20  is connected, procedure  400  continues at operation  412  and retrieves the operating mode (on-line or off-line) and synchronizes with the access control software on access control device  30 . Via a download  414 , procedure  400  continues at operation  416  where the user and credential data is downloaded from the access control device  30  and stored in internal memory of logic-memory module  40 . At conditional  418 , it is determined if the download is successful. If the download  414  fails, a database error is indicated at output  420  and procedure  400  stops at  422 . If download  414  is successful, procedure  400  continues at operation  424  to upload audit data to access control device  30 . At conditional  426  it is determined whether the upload is successful. If the upload fails, procedure  400  continue by indicating a connection failure  428  with the access control device  30 , and procedure  400  stops at  430 . If the upload is successful, procedure  400  continues where access control device  20  enters a sleep mode at  432  for saving power. 
         [0042]    According to one aspect, a method includes transmitting a first signal from an access control device via a first network to a radio frequency bridge device; in response to the first signal, transmitting a wake up signal from the radio frequency bridge device to at least one electronic access device that is operating in a sleep mode; waking the at least one electronic access device from the sleep mode in response to receiving the wake up signal; wirelessly connecting the electronic access device to the first network with a WI-FI connection in response to waking the at least one electronic access device with the wake up signal; and transmitting operating parameters to the electronic access device from the access control device through the WI-FI connection with the first network. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the method includes updating the electronic access device with user credentials that authorize one or more users to unlock the electronic access device and/or updating software of a logic and memory unit of the electronic access device. In another embodiment, the method includes unlocking or locking the electronic access device in response to an unlocking command or a locking command, respectively, associated with the wake-up signal. In yet another embodiment, the method includes transmitting a second signal from the electronic access device to the access control device through the WI-FI connection with the first network. In a refinement of this embodiment, the second signal includes at least one of: whether the electronic access device is locked or unlocked, whether the electronic access device has been accessed, an identity of a user who has accessed or attempted to access the electronic access device, and whether a distress code has been entered. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, the method includes configuring a plurality of electronic access devices to interrogate the wake up signal. In one refinement of the embodiment, only a portion of the plurality of electronic access devices wake in response to interrogating the wake up signal from the radio frequency bridge device. In a further refinement, each electronic access device of the portion of the plurality of electronic access devices that wake wirelessly connect to the first network through the WI-FI connection in response to receiving the wake up signal. In another refinement of the embodiment, the first network is a local area network and further comprising connecting the local area network to the radio frequency bridge device with an Ethernet connection. 
         [0045]    In another aspect, a system is disclosed. The system includes an access device with a locking mechanism movable between a locked and unlocked position, a keyless entry system operably connected to the locking mechanism, a logic and memory module connected to the keyless entry system, a multi-frequency transceiver connected to the logic and memory module, and a power source. The system also includes a radio frequency bridge device with a radio frequency transmitter and a transceiver configured to receive signals from a computer network. The transceiver is operatively connected to the radio frequency transmitter to cause the radio frequency transmitter to output a radio signal in response to the signals from the computer network. The multi-frequency transceiver of the access device is configured to receive the radio signal from the transmitter. The system also includes an access control device operatively connected to the computer network. The access control device includes a database with user credentials and access device identification information. The access control device is configured to transmit the signals over the computer network to the radio frequency bridge device, and the access control device is further configured to transmit database information to the access device via a WI-FI connection of the multi-frequency transceiver of the access device to the computer network. The WI-FI connection is established in response to the access device interrogating the radio signal from the radio frequency bridge device. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, the access device further includes a user interface. In another embodiment, the access device includes a keyed entry mechanism for manually operating the locking mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the keyless entry system includes a keypad for entering an access code to the logic and memory module. In a further embodiment, the multi-frequency transceiver includes a radio frequency module configured to receive the radio signal from the radio frequency bridge device and a WI-FI module configured to establish a WI-FI connection with the computer network in response to interrogation of the radio signal. 
         [0047]    In another embodiment, the transceiver of the radio frequency bridge device is an internet protocol transceiver. In yet another embodiment, the radio frequency transmitter is configured to transmit the radio signal at sub-1 GHz. In another embodiment, the system includes a router connecting the radio frequency bridge device with the computer network. In a further embodiment, the power source of the access device is a battery. In another embodiment, the radio frequency bridge device includes a network interface card connected to the transceiver and a microcontroller connected to the radio frequency transmitter and the network interface card. 
         [0048]    In another aspect, a system is disclosed that includes a computer network and a plurality of access devices. The computer network includes an access control device with a database including at least user credentials and access device identification information. The computer network also includes a wireless routing device connected to the access control device and to a radio frequency transmitter configured to transmit a radio signal. The access devices each include a locking mechanism movable between a locked and unlocked position, a keyless entry system operably connected to the locking mechanism, a logic and memory module connected to the keyless entry system, a multi-frequency transceiver connected to the logic and memory module, and a power source. The multi-frequency transceiver is operable to receive the radio signal from the radio frequency transmitter to transition the access device from a sleep mode of operation to a wake mode of operation. When in the wake mode of operation the multi-frequency transmitter is configured to establish a WI-FI connection with the wireless routing device for data transmission between the access device and the access control device. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, the multi-frequency transmitter includes a radio frequency module that is configured to interrogate the radio signal before transitioning the access device from the sleep mode of operation to the wake mode of operation. In another embodiment, the access control device is configured to identify a portion of the plurality of access devices and configure the radio frequency transmitter to transmit the radio signal to targeted access devices. In yet another embodiment, the radio frequency transmitter is part of a bridge device that is connected to the routing device with an Ethernet connection. In a further embodiment, the multi-frequency transceiver of each of the plurality of access devices is operable to receive the radio signal from the radio transmitter and unlock or lock the access device in response to the radio signal. 
         [0050]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. 
         [0051]    In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8