Abstract: A platform including an always-available theft protection system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a power management logic to selectively power elements of the system, a disarming logic to disarm the platform from an armed mode when a disarming command is received via an interface, the interface powered when the platform is in the armed and suspecting modes to detect the disarming command. The system further comprises, in one embodiment, a risk behavior logic to detect a potential problem via a interface, the interface powered when the platform is in the armed mode to detect the potential problem, and a core logic component to provide logic to analyze the potential problem, and to move the platform to a suspecting mode, when the potential problem indicates a theft suspicion, the core logic powered when the risk behavior logic detects the potential problem.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for automatically linking technical information to a near field communication (NFC) tag comprises programming and/or encoding the NFC tag with a network address of a data source containing technical information, such as maintenance and servicing information, of an object, and then adhering a NFC tag body to that object. When the object is being serviced or maintained by an end user, the end user only needs to tap the NFC tag with a NFC enabled device in order to automatically access the technical information. In some embodiments, the NFC tag body is a tag that typically would otherwise be adhered to the object.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include an attachment with a near field communication antenna, a secure element, a plug capable of connecting the attachment to an audio jack on a mobile device. Further, a system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include receiving a payment initiation instruction from a customer, using a near field communication antenna, sending payment information to a point of sale device, using one or more computer processors, encoding data related to the payment as audio data, and transmitting the data related to the payment through an audio jack.

Abstract: A method includes docking a mobile device in a docking station and providing, by the mobile device, identification information to the docking station, where the identification information identifies a user associated with the mobile device. The method also includes forwarding, by the docking station, the identification information to a network device, and receiving, by the network device, the identification information. The method also includes updating, by the network device, a database based on the received identification information.

Abstract: An access control method is disclosed in which a lock device provides conditional access to a protected environment by short-range wireless communication with a key device having a key device identifier (KD_ID). In the method, the lock device requests the key device to provide a challenge response to a challenge generated by the lock device based on a challenge code kept by the lock device. The lock device receives the challenge response from the key device. The challenge response is generated by a remote administration server and is based on the key device identifier of the key device. The generated response is sent to the key device and forwarded from the key device to the lock device. The lock device then verifies the received challenge response based on the challenge code and on the key device identifier of the key device.

Abstract: A tactical security system can be used to secure a room. For example, such a security system may be contained in a housing sized for shipment to a location for placement in a room in order to secure the room. Various components may be included in the housing, such as a storage device configured to store data received from one or more audio or video recording devices; an access controller configured to interface with a badge reader associated with one or more access points to the room in order to selectively control access to the room; a switch configured to couple the one or more audio or video recording devices with the storage device and to couple the badge reader with the access controller; and/or a power supply configured to supply power to the devices in the housing.

Abstract: A hall monitor system includes a telephone system, a video surveillance system, and an access control system that work together to provide a fully-integrated system that can respond to a number of different emergency events. Interfaces between these systems are defined, emergency events are defined, and each of these systems is programmed with customized functions that support the defined emergency events. The customized functions that support the defined emergency events can include initiating one or more of the emergency events from any of the telephone system, video surveillance system, and access control system, making mass notification of an emergency event by the telephone system, displaying at least one image from at least one camera corresponding to an initiated emergency event from the video surveillance system, and locking or unlocking some or all of the doors by the access control system depending on the emergency event.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for managing access control devices. In overview, an access control device is configured to function on the basis of an applied set of configuration data. For example, the manner in which the device processes an access request is dependent on the configuration data. A device according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to locally maintain plurality of uniquely applicable sets of configuration data. Each set, when applied, causes the device to function in accordance with a respective mode of operation. The device is configured to change which set of configuration data is applied in response to a predetermined command, thereby allowing the device to shift between modes of operation relatively quickly and without the need to download additional configuration data.

Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling access by a series of users to a space and/or particular service. The method includes the following steps for each of the users: requesting access to the space and/or service by the user, issuing an access authorization or denial; opening of an access to the space or the service, if an access authorization was issued; estimating a waiting period prior to accessing the space and/or service when the opening is delayed; and issuing to the user at least one piece of information representative of the waiting period. The estimation step takes account of a number of users having already passed through the access and still waiting in the space and/or the service.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of RFID (radio frequency identification). Some particularly preferred embodiments relate to a high-Q, so-called “full duplex” (FDX) RFID Reader. An RFID tag reader, the reader comprising: an electromagnetic (em) field generator for generating an electromagnetic (em) field for modulation by said tag, said modulation comprising modulated load of said em field by said tag; a detector system responsive to fluctuations in strength of said em field at said reader; a negative feedback system responsive to said detector system to provide a control signal for said em field generator for controlling said em field generator to reduce said detected fluctuations; and a demodulator responsive to said control of said em field to demodulate said em field modulation by said tag.

Abstract: A smart outlet and a smart grid electrical management system, wherein the outlet is adapted to fit in a typical gang box, to swivel, to detect and retain a plug, to automatically respond to a change in electrical demand and to provide a standby mode and includes a circuit board and an operably coupled touch screen GUI display controller, and wherein the management system includes a display controller for receiving user inputs and power data, for controlling the system and for outputting information, a ZigBee enabled load controller and a wired or wireless communication network linking the display controller, the load controller and one or more outlets, power sources, and/or electrical appliances or devices.

Abstract: A portable authentication system includes a security module, that may be a smart card, SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), USB controller with a secure chip, or similar module capable of storing one or more credentials, and an interface module such as a digital badge holder that is able to communicate with the security module, for instance by providing a smart card communication interface. The portable authentication system may be either a single integrated system or a dual system where the security module can be removed or disconnected from the interface system.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus is provided. The door lock apparatus includes a first interface configured to communicate with a plurality of external apparatuses; a near field communicator configured to perform authentication for opening a door; a second interface configured to communicate with a display apparatus; and a controller configured to control the first interface to receive status information on each of the plurality of external apparatuses from the plurality of external apparatuses, control the second interface to transmit the received status information to the display apparatus to be displayed in response to the authentication being performed by the near field communicator.

Abstract: A wireless device access system that employs directional antennas for short-range wireless communication to detect the proximity and orientation of a user device with respect to a structure is disclosed. The access system receives and authenticates an unlock request and confirms the proximity and orientation of the user device prior to transmitting an unlock command to the structure. This authentication may occur through the use of substantially opposing directional antennas separated by a ground plane. Additionally, the wireless device may require the proximity of a user token prior to operation and/or the access system may include an override within the structure blocking any unlock command.

Abstract: A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required.

Abstract: In some implementations a microcontroller is coupled to a storage device, the storage device having a voice-recognition engine stored thereon, and the microcontroller is operably coupled to a device-controller of an automatic door.

Abstract: An at least partially secure communication environment is provided in which accessory devices can be communicated with and controlled in the context of a movable barrier operator system. In one example approach, a gateway device can be configured to coordinate and control such communications in a secure manner. Three example approaches to such a communication environment include: a gateway device's receiving an accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device; receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a command signal to an accessory device; and receiving a rolling code based accessory device control signal and sending a rolling code based accessory command signal to a target accessory device. Combinations are possible. An integrated system provides for automatic functioning of one device in response to status changes of one or more other devices.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to secondary short-range wireless assist for wireless-based access control. According to one aspect, a method can include receiving, at an access control system, a first identifier via a near-field communications (“NFC”) reader associated with an entryway to an area. The NFC reader can receive the first identifier from an NFC component of a mobile device. The method can include receiving, at the access control system, a second identifier via a wireless transceiver associated with the area. The wireless transceiver associated with the area can receive the second identifier from a wireless communication component of the mobile device after the mobile device has entered the area through the entryway. The method can also include determining, by the access control system, that the first identifier and the second identifier constitute an authentication pair that identifies the mobile device as being authenticated to access the area.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning controlled access to a securable device may include a kiosk configured to receive a PIN and to collect payment from a user for rental of a securable device from among multiple securable devices. A lock unit associated with the securable device and in communication with the kiosk may be configured to receive the PIN from said kiosk. After receiving the PIN, the kiosk may be configured to operate autonomously with respect to the kiosk to enable the user to access the securable device in response to the user entering the PIN into the lock unit.

Abstract: A barrier sensor device and associated control device monitor operation of a barrier operator system. The barrier sensor device monitors operation of barrier operators for undesirable amounts of strain without barrier operator force as an input. The barrier sensor device instead detects both motion and tilt of a barrier. By monitoring these two aspects of barrier operation, the barrier sensor device compiles data that can be analyzed by the control device and compared to un-strained or previously compiled barrier operator data to determine whether the barrier operator system is under strain and requires service.

Abstract: A method of controlling access to a real estate property includes installing a dynamic electronically-controlled lockset on an exterior door of a real estate property, maintaining, at a remote location, a reference device adapted to present a value of a second dynamic access code to one or more users located in the real estate office, receiving, at the real estate agent location, a request from a user for a current value of the second dynamic access code, examining the reference device to determine the current value of the second dynamic access code, and providing the current value of the second dynamic access code to the user for input into the electronically-controlled lockset. The lockset is adapted to unlock upon receiving a value corresponding to a first dynamic access code programmed therein. The second dynamic access code is time-synchronized with the first dynamic access code programmed in the electronically-controlled lockset.

Abstract: An electromechanical lock and its operation method is disclosed. The method includes: reading data from an external source; matching the data against a predetermined criterion; providing a fulcrum provided that the data matches the predetermined criterion; holding the lock by a locking pin, when engaged, in a locked state, and, when disengaged, in a mechanically openable state; and if the fulcrum is provided, levering mechanical power with the fulcrum to the locking pin to mechanically disengage the locking pin.

Abstract: A method for teaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes storing the acquired identification code for operating the switching circuit and locking the switching circuit against learning identification codes of any other target prior to reaching an allowed number of reteaching attempts.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric vehicle, a battery charging station, and an electric vehicle battery exchange reservation system including the same. The electric vehicle includes a power level detection unit adapted to detect a power level of a battery mounted on the electric vehicle; a communication unit adapted to communicate with a battery charging station; and a control unit adapted to determine a battery charging station, in which the battery of the electric vehicle is to be exchanged, based on the power level of the battery and a route of travel of the electric vehicle and transmit a battery exchange reservation command to the determined battery charging station. Based on the battery power level of the electric vehicle, a battery charging station existing along the route of travel is requested to provide battery information, and battery exchange is reserved accordingly, so that batteries can be exchanged more efficiently and conveniently.

Abstract: A method for operating a door operator, includes inserting a first functional module into a slot of the door operator. The first functional module includes first information data function to be enabled. The first information data is transmitted to the door operator and, determining which additional functions are to be enabled. A first unique first identification is generated in the door operator. This generated first identification is transmitted back to the first functional module and saved in the first functional module. The determined functions to be enabled are activated, respectively enabled in the door operator.

Abstract: A method for controlling a mobile terminal that includes receiving, at the mobile terminal, a security level of a defined location. The security level is set based on at least one of gate access information indicating a user of the mobile terminal is entering or exiting a gate, global positioning system (GPS) information of the mobile terminal, or an identifier (ID) of a wireless network apparatus scanned by the mobile terminal. The method further includes obtaining location information of the mobile terminal from a source that is determined according to the security level, identifying location of the mobile terminal based on the obtained location information, and applying a security policy to the mobile terminal based on the security level when the identified location corresponds to the defined location.

Abstract: A door usable for after market installation of remotely actuatable locking systems is provided with a spacer element within its interior. The spacer element includes an orifice sized for accommodating a motor and locking mechanism. A tubular element is also provided through the interior of the door body adjacent to the first orifice, the tubular element being usable to accommodate wiring. A motor disposed within the first orifice can be placed in communication with a power source and/or receiver using wiring extending through the tubular element, while a lock assembly can be installed within the first orifice in operative engagement with the motor. Receipt of a remote signal by the receiver causes actuation of the motor, which then actuates the lock assembly. Use of the spacer and tubular elements enables all primary components of the remotely actuatable locking system to be installed within the interior of the door, after market.

Abstract: A moveable barrier operator actuates an actuator thereby causing a message to be formed. The message indicates that the user at the moveable barrier operator requires assistance. A communication channel is established between the moveable barrier operator and an assistance center. The message is transmitted to the assistance center over the communication channel. An assistance action is performed to provide assistance to the user at the moveable barrier operator.

Abstract: A security system comprises a system control panel for arming and disarming the security system. A door sensing unit comprises a first transceiver interconnected with the system control panel over a network. The first transceiver is mounted proximate to a door that defines at least a portion of a perimeter around an area to be monitored by the security system. The first transceiver has an detection field proximate to the door. A disarm device comprises a second transceiver that automatically transmits a disarm device packet. The first transceiver receives the disarm device packet when the second transceiver is within the detection field. The first transceiver sends a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on at least the disarm device packet.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for remotely or wirelessly controlling access to dwellings, buildings and/or properties. In one aspect, an electronic access system comprises: a plurality of independent access control devices (115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165) for controlling entry and/or exit at respective access points and at least one remote control device (170) adapted to wirelessly transmit control signals to the access control devices (115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165) and wirelessly receive feedback signals from the access control devices. The at least one remote control device (170) is adapted to indicate status information based on receipt of the feedback signals. The plurality of access control devices (115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165) may be adapted to operate mechanical, electrical or electro-mechanical devices for enabling and/or disabling access in response to receipt of a wireless control signal.

Abstract: A method controlling access to a door using a merged power-communication cable. An access controlled door lock in door is operated using merged power-communication cable. Access control identification mechanism in door may operate using merged power-communication cable. The access controlled door lock may include a piezoelectric controlled door lock or a standalone door lock or a solenoid controlled door lock. A processing module may operate in door to control access with power interface receiving at least part of the electrical power from the merged power-communication cable. The invention includes a strike plate containing a magnetic sensor aligns by a latch hole to a latch included an access control door lock. The invention also includes using a door conduit to provide the merged power-communication cable to at least the processing module in the door.

Abstract: A smart interlock system and a working method thereof. The smart interlock system includes a lock (1), an unlocking device (2) and a logic generator (3). The logic generator (3) comprises a logic generation module and a logic communication module. The logic generation module generates identity identification logic and state identification logic of the lock, and the two kinds of logic are sent to the unlocking device (2) through the logic communication module. The lock (1) comprises a lock tongue (102), a lock head (106) and an identity and state converting module (104). The unlocking device (2) comprises an unlocking module for starting the lock head to move, an identity identifying module (201) and a communication module.

Abstract: A flow control gate system that comprises a first and second elongated barrier members defining a passageway between a first area and a second area. The gate system also comprises a plurality of narrow beam presence sensors with substantially constant spacing therebetween defining a linear array mounted along the first barrier member and defining a presence detection beam orientation crosswise and substantially perpendicular to the passageway. The gate system further comprises a controller electrically connected to the plurality of narrow beam presence sensors. The controller implements an operating program to process signals from the plurality of narrow beam presence sensors and define valid detection periods to determine that an item is detected when a detection period is equal to or longer than a predetermined value and invalid detection periods interpreted as no detection when a detection period is shorter than the predetermined value. A flow control method is further provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic access apparatus, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic access apparatus provides a wireless power signal and a wireless digital data signal to the electronic lock. The wireless power signal can be the only source of power used by the electronic lock to actuate an electronic lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism includes a piezoelectric latch.

Abstract: An entry/exit controlling system includes a comparison data generating terminal and an entry/exit controlling device. The comparison data generating terminal includes a storing portion storing one or more shared codes shared between visitors as information used in entry/exit authorization evaluations, and a comparison data generating portion generating comparison data including the shared code and personal information of the visitor. The shared code includes an authorization level that indicates regions where the visitors are authorized to enter/exit using the shared code. The entry/exit evaluating portion evaluates entry/exit authorization of the visitor at the region through comparing the shared code included in the comparison data to entry/exit evaluation information stored in the entry/exit controlling device. The comparison data is obtained from a recording medium by a reader disposed at the region.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors.

Abstract: An entryway control and monitoring system includes a remote controller to open and close an entryway and a telematics unit. The remote controller and the telematics unit are each disposed in a vehicle. The system further includes any of i) a vehicle bus that operatively connects the remote controller to the telematics unit, or ii) respective short range wireless connection units disposed in each of the remote controller and the telematics unit that selectively operatively connect the remote controller and the telematics unit. Computer readable code embedded on a non-transitory, tangible computer readable medium is executable by a processor of the telematics unit to at least one of control or monitor an operation of the remote controller.

Abstract: Mustering of persons from a building in an emergency situation is made possible by tagging mustering stations with unpowered, unique tokens which can be read by a user's personal mobile electronic device. The user's device transmits both mustering station identity and user identification to a remote server, where, upon successful validation, the user is removed from a list of persons to be mustered. The system may be part of a physical access security system for the building, in which single-use digital tokens as well as traditional cards may be used to open the doors. The permissions relating to doors or other physical assets may also be used to grant access to logical assets within the building.

Abstract: A system for managing the entry and exit of vehicles is disclosed. The system for managing entry and exit of vehicles includes at least one entering vehicle information reader for correcting Global Positioning System (GPS) location coordinates obtained from signals received through a GPS antenna, based on location coordinate error information transmitted in a wireless manner from a correction base station, setting information of corrected GPS location coordinates to location information of a vehicle in an open storage yard, and transmitting the vehicle location information, together with entering vehicle information detected upon scanning vehicle information, in a wireless manner. A management server displays the entering vehicle information and the vehicle location information in the open storage yard, received from the at least one entering vehicle information reader, on a status board capable of separately displaying information depending on vehicle parking zones.

Abstract: A method of controlling access to a real estate property includes installing a dynamic electronically-controlled lockset on an exterior door of a real estate property, maintaining, at a remote location, a reference device adapted to present a value of a second dynamic access code to one or more users located in the real estate office, receiving, at the real estate agent location, a request from a user for a current value of the second dynamic access code, examining the reference device to determine the current value of the second dynamic access code, and providing the current value of the second dynamic access code to the user for input into the electronically-controlled lockset. The lockset is adapted to unlock upon receiving a value corresponding to a first dynamic access code programmed therein. The second dynamic access code is time-synchronized with the first dynamic access code programmed in the electronically-controlled lockset.

Abstract: One or more media is provided for performing a method of operating an electronic locking mechanism. Initially, a request from a requesting mobile device is received at a computing device via a sensing device. The request includes an identifier utilized in an initial validation sequence having the following steps: identifying a device identity according to the identifier, transmitting the device identity with a request that a message be communicated to a target mobile device, and determining validation data. Upon receiving the request, a communications network identifies the target mobile device, based on the device identity, and communicates a message with validation data therein. The mobile device conveys authentication information to the computing device, where the authentication information is based on the validation data.

Abstract: An anti-tampering protection assembly for sensing tampering with at least one conductor, the anti-tampering protection assembly including unpredictably varying signal generating circuitry, connected to the at least one conductor, for providing unpredictably varying signals on the at least conductor and tampering sensing circuitry for sensing tampering with the at least one conductor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identifying and/or locking system for identifying and/or unblocking a technical system comprising at least one controlling receiver unit which executes at least one control function in accordance with a received signal, said technical system further comprising a mobile transmitter unit suitable for transmitting a signal that causes the controlling receiver unit to execute the control function. The controlling receiver unit is provided with means for testing whether a received signal is to trigger execution of a control function while the mobile transmitter unit is fitted with means which allow the signal that is to be transmitted to the controlling receiver unit to be defined, modified, and stored. Such an inventive system makes it possible especially to digitally transmit and temporally limit keys.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an appliance.

Abstract: A universal system and method for controlling existing garage doors via existing garage door openers. The system includes a module operable both manually and automatically to control the existing garage door, Wifi communication circuitry to receive instructions wirelessly from a remote, circuitry for automatic and remote control of the garage door and circuitry for pushing garage door status information.

Abstract: A key unit for a lock system of a vehicle includes a device for opening and closing a lock system, in particular having a transmitter for the remote control of the lock system and/or a mechanical key. The key unit has a modular design, which includes a key case and an attachment. The key case accommodates the device for opening and closing the lock system. The attachment is releasably joined to the key case and permits various embodiments of the key unit.

Abstract: A cabinet lock for protecting merchandise within a merchandise display cabinet having an inner door and an outer door. The cabinet lock includes a strike plate affixed to the inner door and a lock housing affixed to the outer door such that the cabinet is in a locked configuration that prevents access to the merchandise when the lock housing is operably engaged to the strike plate. A programmable electronic key communicates a security code with the cabinet lock and transfers electrical power to the cabinet lock to operate a lock mechanism between the locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. An indicator is provided for indicating whether the cabinet lock is in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration. The indicator includes a first segment and a second segment that can be energized to visually indicate the status of the cabinet lock.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for managing an opening through gait recognition. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for managing an opening through gait recognition is provided. The method includes capturing imagery, for example through the use of a Web cam, of a moving object as the moving object approaches an automated door. The method additionally, includes determining from the captured imagery a presence or absence of a gait of the moving object. Finally, the method includes managing an automated opening of the door according to the determined presence or absence of a gait of the moving object.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning controlled access to a securable device may include (i) multiple securable devices and (ii) a kiosk configured to enable a user to rent a securable device from among the securable devices. The kiosk may be physically remote from the securable devices.