SE1951458A1 - Determining when an unlock procedure should be performed based on distance and proximity - Google Patents

Abstract

It is provided a method for determining when an unlock procedure of an electronic lock should be performed. The electronic lock controls access to a restricted physical space via an openable barrier. The method is performed in an intent determiner and comprises the steps of: obtaining a proximity indicator from a proximity sensor, the proximity indicator indicating when a person is proximate to the barrier in the restricted physical space; obtaining a distance indicator from a distance sensor, the distance indicator being indicative of distance between the electronic lock and a portable key device; determining when there is user intent to unlock only when the proximity indicator indicates that there is no person proximate to the barrier in the restricted physical space and when the distance indicator indicates a distance less than a distance threshold; and triggering an unlock procedure to be performed only when user intent has been determined.

Description

DETERMINING WHEN AN UNLOCK PROCEDURE SHOULD BEPERFORMED BASED ON DISTANCE AND PROXIMITY TECHNICAL FIELD 1. 1. id="p-1" id="p-1"

[0001] The invention relates to a method, an intent determiner, a computer programand a computer program product for determining when an unlock procedure of anelectronic lock should be performed, based on a distance indicator and a proximity indicator.

BACKGROUND 2. 2. id="p-2" id="p-2"

[0002] Locks and keys are evolving from the traditional pure mechanical locks.These days, there are wireless interfaces for electronic locks, e.g. by interacting with aportable key device. For instance, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been used as the wireless interface. 3. 3. id="p-3" id="p-3"

[0003] When RFID is used, the user needs to present the portable key device in closeproximity to a reader connected to the lock. RFID requires a relatively large antenna inthe reader by the lock and uses a large amount of energy. Moreover, RFID is not aninterface which can be used for remote system management of the lock; only systemmanagement using an RFID device in close proximity of the lock can be used for suchtasks. Hence, to allow remote system management, e.g. configuration and monitoring, a second radio interface needs to be added. 4. 4. id="p-4" id="p-4"

[0004] Another solution is to use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or ultra-wideband(UWB), or Ultra High Frequency (UHF). However, for these communication protocols,the range is longer, and it is difficult to determine intent for a particular lock. Oneproblem if the lock unlocks whenever a valid portable key device is within range is thatwhen a person on the inside of an electronic lock walks past the electronic lock, theelectronic lock would open, and an unauthorised person on the outside could gain access to the restricted physical space.

SUMMARY . . id="p-5" id="p-5"

[0005] It is an object of embodiments presented herein to provide a way todetermine user intent of requesting access to a physical space controlled by an electronic lock. 6. 6. id="p-6" id="p-6"

[0006] According to a first aspect, it is provided a method for determining when anunlock procedure of an electronic lock should be performed. The electronic lockcontrols access to a restricted physical space via an openable barrier. The method isperformed in an intent determiner and comprises the steps of: obtaining a proximityindicator from a proximity sensor, the proximity indicator indicating When a person isproximate to the barrier in the restricted physical space; obtaining a distance indicatorfrom a distance sensor, the distance indicator being indicative of distance between theelectronic lock and a portable key device; determining when there is user intent tounlock only when the proximity indicator indicates that there is no person proximate tothe barrier in the restricted physical space and when the distance indicator indicates adistance less than a distance threshold; and triggering an unlock procedure to be performed only when user intent has been determined. 7. 7. id="p-7" id="p-7"

[0007] The proximity indicator may indicate when a person is closer than a proximity threshold to the proximity sensor.[0008] The proximity threshold may be greater than the distance threshold. 9. 9. id="p-9" id="p-9"

[0009] The distance sensor may be based on a radio frequency-based time-of-flight ranging technology to a portable key device. . . id="p-10" id="p-10"

[0010] The distance sensor may be based on time-of-flight-based ultra-wideband ranging to a portable key device.[0011] The proximity sensor may be a passive infrared sensor. 12. 12. id="p-12" id="p-12"

[0012] The proximity sensor may be a radar using radio frequency, infrared signals or ultrasound. 13. 13. id="p-13" id="p-13"

[0013] The proximity sensor may be a thermal sensor. 3 14. 14. id="p-14" id="p-14"

[0014] The proximity sensor may be based on image processing of a captured image. . . id="p-15" id="p-15"

[0015] According to a second aspect, it is provided an intent determiner fordetermining when an unlock procedure of an electronic lock should be performed. Theelectronic lock controls access to a restricted physical space via an openable barrier. Theintent determiner comprises: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the intent determiner to: obtaining a proximityindicator from a proximity sensor, the proximity indicator indicating When a person isproximate to the barrier in the restricted physical space; obtaining a distance indicatorfrom a distance sensor, the distance indicator being indicative of distance between theelectronic lock and a portable key device; determining when there is user intent tounlock only when the proximity indicator indicates that there is no person proximate tothe barrier in the restricted physical space and when the distance indicator indicates adistance less than a distance threshold; and triggering (46) an unlock procedure to be performed only when user intent has been determined. 16. 16. id="p-16" id="p-16"

[0016] The proximity indicator may indicate when a person is closer than a proximity threshold to the proximity sensor.[0017] The proximity threshold may be greater than the distance threshold. 18. 18. id="p-18" id="p-18"

[0018] The distance sensor may be based on a radio frequency-based time-of-flight ranging technology to a portable key device. 19. 19. id="p-19" id="p-19"

[0019] The distance sensor may be based on time-of-flight based ultra-wideband ranging to a portable key device.[0020] The proximity sensor may be a passive infrared sensor. 21. 21. id="p-21" id="p-21"

[0021] The proximity sensor may be a radar using radio frequency, infrared signals or ultrasound.[0022] The proximity sensor may be a thermal sensor. 23. 23. id="p-23" id="p-23"

[0023] The proximity sensor may be based on image processing of a captured image. 4 24. 24. id="p-24" id="p-24"

[0024] According to a third aspect, it is provided a computer program fordetermining when an unlock procedure of an electronic lock should be performed. Theelectronic lock controls access to a restricted physical space via an openable barrier. Thecomputer program comprises computer program code which, when run on an intentdeterminer causes the intent determiner to: obtaining a proximity indicator from aproximity sensor, the proximity indicator indicating when a person is proximate to thebarrier in the restricted physical space; obtaining a distance indicator from a distancesensor, the distance indicator being indicative of distance between the electronic lockand a portable key device; determining when there is user intent to unlock only whenthe proximity indicator indicates that there is no person proximate to the barrier in therestricted physical space and when the distance indicator indicates a distance less than adistance threshold; and triggering an unlock procedure to be performed only when user intent has been determined. . . id="p-25" id="p-25"

[0025] According to a fourth aspect, it is provided a computer program productcomprising a computer program according to the third aspect and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored. 26. 26. id="p-26" id="p-26"

[0026] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to theirordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. Allreferences to "a/ an /the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to beinterpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus,component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of anymethod disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 27. 27. id="p-27" id="p-27"

[0027] Aspects and embodiments are now described, by way of example, with refer- ence to the accompanying drawings, in which: 28. 28. id="p-28" id="p-28"

[0028] Fig 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electronics access control system being an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied; 29. 29. id="p-29" id="p-29"

[0029] Figs 2A-C are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of where the intent determiner can be implemented; . . id="p-30" id="p-30"

[0030] Fig 3 is a flow chart illustrating embodiments of methods for determining when an unlock procedure of an electronic lock should be performed; 31. 31. id="p-31" id="p-31"

[0031] Fig 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the intent determinerof Figs 2A-C; and 32. 32. id="p-32" id="p-32"

[0032] Fig 5 shows one example of a computer program product comprising computer readable means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 33. 33. id="p-33" id="p-33"

[0033] The aspects of the present disclosure will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certainembodiments of the invention are shown. These aspects may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limiting; rather, theseembodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and to fully convey the scope of all aspects of invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description. 34. 34. id="p-34" id="p-34"

[0034] According to embodiments presented herein, a distance indicator to aportable key device and a proximity indicator (indicating when a person is proximate onthe inside of a barrier) are used to determine when there is user intent to unlock andenter a restricted physical space. Specifically, only when the distance indicator is lessthan a threshold distance and the proximity indicator indicates that there is no personproximate to the barrier on the inside, is user intent determined. When user intent isdetermined, an unlock procedure is triggered and the user can access the restrictedspace, as long as access is granted. This procedure is extremely user friendly since theuser only needs to approach the electronic lock in order to show user intent to unlock.There is no need for the user to take the portable key device out of any pocket or bag for the access control to commence. . . id="p-35" id="p-35"

[0035] Fig 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electronics access control system 10being an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied. Access toa physical space 16 is restricted by an openable physical barrier 15, which is selectivelyunlockable. The physical barrier 15 stands between the restricted physical space 16 andan accessible physical space 14. Note that the accessible physical space 14 can be arestricted physical space in itself, but in relation to this particular physical barrier 15,the accessible physical space 14 is accessible. In other words, the restricted physicalspace 16 is inside the physical barrier 15 and the accessible physical space 14 is outsidethe physical barrier 15. The barrier 15 can be a door, gate, hatch, window, drawer, etc. Inorder to unlock or lock the barrier 15, an electronic lock 12 is provided. The electroniclock 12 can be in an unlocked state or locked state. The barrier 15 is provided in a surrounding fixed structure 11, such as a wall or fence. 36. 36. id="p-36" id="p-36"

[0036] The electronic lock 12 is able to receive and send signals from/to portable keydevices 2, 3 over a communication channel which may be a short-range wirelessinterface. Optionally, the electronic lock 12 comprises a separate unit, also known as anaccess control reader, for communicating with the portable key devices 2, 3 andevaluating access. In the example illustrated in Fig 1, there is a first portable key device2 and a second portable key device 3. The portable key devices 2, 3 are implementedusing any suitable device which is portable by a user and which can be used by theelectronic lock 12 to evaluate whether to grant access or not, by communicating over thecommunication channel. The portable key devices 2, 3 can comprise digital cryptographic keys for electronic authentication. 37. 37. id="p-37" id="p-37"

[0037] The portable key devices 2, 3 can be carried or worn by a user and may beimplemented as a smartphone, wearable device, key fob, etc. In this example, the firstportable key device 2 is carried by a first user 4 and the second portable key device 3 iscarried by a second user 5. The first user 4 and the first portable key device 2 are locatedin the accessible physical space 14 and the second user 5 and the second portable key device 3 are located in the restricted physical space 16. 38. 38. id="p-38" id="p-38"

[0038] The short-range wireless interface between the portable key devices 2, 3 andthe electronic lock 12 is a radio frequency wireless interface and could e.g. employ ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, Radio Frequency 7 Identification (RFID), any of the IEEE 802.11 standards, any of the IEEE 802.15standards, wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc. Using the communication channel,the identity of the portable key devices 2, 3 can be obtained and access control can beperformed by the electronic lock 12. The communication over the short-range wireless interface can be encrypted. 39. 39. id="p-39" id="p-39"

[0039] When the access control by the electronic lock 12 results in granted access,the electronic lock 12 is set in an unlocked state. When the electronic lock 12 is in theunlocked state, the barrier 15 can be opened and when the electronic lock 12 is in alocked state, the barrier 15 cannot be opened. In this way, access to a closed space 16 iscontrolled by the electronic lock 12. It is to be noted that the electronic lock 12 can bemounted in the fixed structure 11 by the physical barrier 15 (as shown) or in the physical barrier 15 itself (not shown). 40. 40. id="p-40" id="p-40"

[0040] A distance sensor 13 is provided in proximity to the electronic lock 12. Thedistance sensor 13 can measure distance to a portable key device 2, 3 e.g. using time-of-flight (ToF)-based ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging. Other accurate ranging technologiessuch , such as time-of-flight (ToF) based Bluetooth ranging could also be used tomeasure the distance to the portable key device 2, 3. In short, the distance sensor 13 isused to provide a distance indicator being indicative of distance between the electroniclock and a portable key device, regardless of whether there are intermediate objects (e.g. the barrier 15 or surrounding structure 11) or not. 41. 41. id="p-41" id="p-41"

[0041] A proximity sensor 18 is also provided close to the barrier 15 and/ or theelectronic lock 12, within the restricted physical space 16. The proximity sensors field ofview are directed towards the inside of the restricted space. In other words, theproximity sensor only sense presence of persons and/ or objects inside of the barrier. Inthis way, the proximity 18 sensor can provide a proximity indicator indicating when aperson is proximate to the barrier in the restricted physical space. The proximity sensorcan e.g. be configured to detect objects within a certain angular field of view (e.g. 180 degrees or 90 degrees) and/ or within a certain distance (e.g. 2 metres). 42. 42. id="p-42" id="p-42"

[0042] The electronic lock 12 can perform an access control for any portable key device 2, 3 presented to it. However, according to embodiments presented herein, the 8 unlock procedure is only performed when user intent is determined. The reason for thisis that if an unlock procedure is performed by the electronic lock 12 whenever a portablekey device is within communicable range, the second portable key device 3 in therestricted physical space can result in the electronic lock 12 unlocking when the seconduser 5 is within communicable range of the electronic lock 12, without user intent tounlock the electronic lock 12. An unauthorised person on the outside could then open the barrier 15 and gain access to the restricted physical space 16. 43. 43. id="p-43" id="p-43"

[0043] As explained in more detail below, user intent to unlock the restrictedphysical space 16 is determined based on the distance indicator and the proximityindicator. The user intent can be determined prior to authentication and authorisationof the portable key, to reduce processing if user intent is not shown. Still user intent could also be determined after authentication and authorisation of the portable key. 44. 44. id="p-44" id="p-44"

[0044] The electronic lock 12 optionally contains communication capabilities toconnect to a server 6 for the electronics access control system 10 via a communicationnetwork 7. The communication network 7 can be a wide area network, such as theInternet, to which the portable key devices 2, 3 can connect e.g. via WiFi (e.g. any of theIEEE 802.11x standards) or a cellular network, e.g. LTE (Long Term Evolution), nextgeneration mobile networks (fifth generation, 5G), UMTS (Universal MobileTelecommunications System) utilising W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiplex), BIC. 45. 45. id="p-45" id="p-45"

[0045] Figs 2A-C are schematic diagrams illustrating embodiments of where theintent determiner 1 can be implemented. The intent determiner 1 is used for determining when an unlock procedure of an electronic lock should be performed. 46. 46. id="p-46" id="p-46"

[0046] In Fig 2A, the intent determiner 1 is shown as implemented in the electroniclock 12. The electronic lock 12 is thus the host device for the intent determiner 1.Optionally, the intent determiner 1 is implemented in a separate access control reader forming part of the electronic lock 12. 47. 47. id="p-47" id="p-47"

[0047] In Fig 2B, the intent determiner 1 is shown as implemented in the server 6.

The server 6 is thus the host device for the intent determiner 1. 9 48. 48. id="p-48" id="p-48"

[0048] In Fig 2C, the intent determiner 1 is shown implemented as a stand-alone device. 49. 49. id="p-49" id="p-49"

[0049] Fig 3 is a flow chart illustrating embodiments of methods for determiningwhen an unlock procedure of an electronic lock should be performed. As describedabove, the electronic lock controls access to a restricted physical space via an openable barrier. The method is performed in the intent determiner. 50. 50. id="p-50" id="p-50"

[0050] In an obtain proximity indicator step 40, the intent determiner obtains aproximity indicator from a proximity sensor. The proximity indicator indicates when aperson is proximate to the barrier in the restricted physical space, i.e. when there is person nearby the proximity sensor on the inside of the barrier. 51. 51. id="p-51" id="p-51"

[0051] The proximity sensor can be an infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) sensor,e.g. passive IR, ToF IR, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the proximity sensor is basedon a radar, e.g. radio frequency (RF) radar, IR radar or ultrasound radar. Alternatively,the proximity sensor can be based on a thermal sensor and/ or image processing ofimages from one or more cameras. To avoid sensing of small object such as dogs, thesensors field of view can be limited to only detect objects of a certain height and/ or IIIEISS. 52. 52. id="p-52" id="p-52"

[0052] In one embodiment, the proximity indicator indicates when a person is closerthan a proximity threshold to the proximity sensor. The proximity threshold can beconfigured to achieve desired user intent characteristics and can e.g. be one meter.Alternatively the proximity threshold is fixed based on the proximity sensor that is used.

The proximity threshold is a distance. 53. 53. id="p-53" id="p-53"

[0053] In an obtain distance indicator step 42, the intent determiner obtains adistance indicator from a distance sensor. The distance indicator is indicative ofdistance between the electronic lock and a portable key device, i.e. the distance indicatorcan indicate the distance in metres or millimetres between the distance indicator andthe portable key device. The distance sensor can be fixed in relation to the electroniclock, when the barrier is in a closed state. For instance, the distance sensor can be mounted in the surrounding fixed structure (11 of Fig 1) or on the barrier (15 of Fig 1). 54. 54. id="p-54" id="p-54"

[0054] The distance sensor can measure the distance based on any radio frequency-based time-of-flight ranging technology to a portable key device. For instance, thedistance sensor can be based on using ToF based UWB ranging to the portable keydevice. Such ToF ranging could use so called two way ranging (TWR) principles.Alternatively or additionally, other accurate RF based positioning technologies, such astime-of-flight based Bluetooth ranging could be used. The distance sensor can utilizeencrypted communication with session encryption keys to the key device to mitigate replay attacks. 55. 55. id="p-55" id="p-55"

[0055] In a conditional intent step 44, the intent determiner determines when thereis user intent to unlock (the restricted physical space). Specifically, user intent isdetermined only when the proximity indicator indicates that there is no personproximate to the barrier in the restricted physical space and when the distance indicatorindicates a distance less than a distance threshold. In other words, user intent isdetermined when a portable key device is nearby (less than the distance threshold),while there is not a person nearby on the inside. This implies that the portable keydevice and the user carrying it is nearby on the outside, which is when user intentshould be determined to enable a seamless user experience for entry to the restricted physical space. 56. 56. id="p-56" id="p-56"

[0056] In one embodiment, the proximity threshold is greater than the distancethreshold. This can be applied when the proximity sensor and the distance sensor arecollocated. This prevents user intent from being triggered e.g. if a person is on the insideand approaches the barrier (in the form of a door) from the inside, e.g. when somebodyknocks on the door. Since the proximity threshold is greater than the distance threshold,it is first determined that there is a person on the inside and subsequently, the distanceto the portable key device is less than the distance threshold. In this way, user intent will not be determined when the person on the inside approaches the barrier. 57. 57. id="p-57" id="p-57"

[0057] If user intent is determined, the method proceeds to a trigger an unlockprocedure step 46. Otherwise, the method ends or returns to the obtain proximity indication step. 11 58. 58. id="p-58" id="p-58"

[0058] In the trigger unlock procedure step 46, the intent determiner triggers anunlock procedure to be performed, using the electronic lock. The unlock procedure cancomprise performing access control in relation to the portable key device. Alternatively,access control in relation to the portable key device have been performed prior to this method commencing, in order to save time in the unlock procedure. 59. 59. id="p-59" id="p-59"

[0059] It is to be noted that steps 40 and 42 can be performed in any order relative to each other, or even in parallel, as long as they are performed prior to step 44. 60. 60. id="p-60" id="p-60"

[0060] Optionally, the electronic lock can include a user input device, such as a pushbutton or touch sensor, allowing a user to explicitly show user intent to unlock if theembodiments presented herein on rare occasions fail to automatically determine userintent to unlock of the user. A similar user input device can optionally be provided on the inside to trigger user intent if the user wants the door to be unlocked. 61. 61. id="p-61" id="p-61"

[0061] The presented methods are very robust and are reliable for determining userintent. By evaluating both the movement data and the distance indicator, user intent tounlock the lock of a user can be determined without explicit user indication, allowing the electronic lock to function seamlessly with optimal user experience. 62. 62. id="p-62" id="p-62"

[0062] The embodiments presented herein will now be illustrated with a few scenarios. 63. 63. id="p-63" id="p-63"

[0063] In a first scenario, a guest in a hotel carries a portable key device. The guest walks down a corridor to her room. Nobody is inside her room. When the guest (or morespecifically, her portable key device) is closer than the distance threshold to the distanceindicator, user intent is determined, the unlock procedure is appropriately triggered and the electronic lock is unlocked. 64. 64. id="p-64" id="p-64"

[0064] In a second scenario, the guest in the hotel is in inside the hotel room withthe portable key device on the bedside table. Somebody without a portable key deviceapproaches her room from the corridor (i.e. on the outside) and knocks on the door ofthe hotel room. Since the portable key device of the guest is further away than thedistance threshold from the distance indicator, no user intent is determined, which is the desired behaviour. 12 65. 65. id="p-65" id="p-65"

[0065] In a third scenario, the guest in the hotel is inside the hotel room with theportable key device on the bedside table. Somebody without a portable key deviceapproaches her room from the corridor (i.e. on the outside) and knocks on the door ofthe hotel room. The guest walks up to the door from the inside. Since the proximitysensor detects a person, no user intent is determined even if the guest carries herportable key device close to the inside of the door. If the guest wants the door to unlock, the guest needs to perform a manual unlock operation. 66. 66. id="p-66" id="p-66"

[0066] Fig 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the intent determinerof Figs 2A-C. It is to be noted that one or more of the mentioned components can beshared with the host device, when the intent determiner forms part of a host device. Aprocessor 60 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable centralprocessing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP),etc., capable of executing software instructions 67 stored in a memory 64, which canthus be a computer program product. The processor 60 could alternatively beimplemented using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmablegate array (FPGA), etc. The processor 60 can be configured to execute the method described with reference to Fig 3 above. 67. 67. id="p-67" id="p-67"

[0067] The memory 64 can be any combination of random-access memory (RAM)and/ or read only memory (ROM). The memory 64 also comprises persistent storage,which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid-state memory or even remotely mounted memory. 68. 68. id="p-68" id="p-68"

[0068] A data memory 66 is also provided for reading and/ or storing data duringexecution of software instructions in the processor 60. The data memory 66 can be anycombination of RAM and/ or ROM. 69. 69. id="p-69" id="p-69"

[0069] The intent determiner 1 further comprises an I/ O interface 62 for communicating with other external entities. 70. 70. id="p-70" id="p-70"

[0070] Other components of the intent determiner 1 are omitted in order not to obscure the concepts presented herein. 13 71. 71. id="p-71" id="p-71"

[0071] Fig 5 shows one example of a computer program product 90 comprisingcomputer readable means. On this computer readable means, a computer program 91can be stored, which computer program can cause a processor to execute a methodaccording to embodiments described herein. In this example, the computer programproduct is an optical disc, such as a CD (compact disc) or a DVD (digital versatile disc)or a Blu-Ray disc. As explained above, the computer program product could also beembodied in a memory of a device, such as the computer program product 64 of Fig 4.While the computer program 91 is here schematically shown as a track on the depictedoptical disk, the computer program can be stored in any way which is suitable for thecomputer program product, such as a removable solid-state memory, e.g. a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) drive. 72. 72. id="p-72" id="p-72"

[0072] The aspects of the present disclosure have mainly been described above withreference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilledin the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible withinthe scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. Thus, whilevarious aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects andembodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. A method for determining when an unlock procedure of an electronic lock (12),controlling access to a restricted physical space (16) via an openable barrier (15), shouldbe performed, the method being performed in an intent determiner (1) and comprisingthe steps of: obtaining (40) a proximity indicator from a proximity sensor, the proximityindicator indicating when a person is proximate to the barrier (15) in the restrictedphysical space (16); obtaining (42) a distance indicator from a distance sensor, the distance indicatorbeing indicative of distance between the electronic lock (12) and a portable key device; determining (44) when there is user intent to unlock only when the proximityindicator indicates that there is no person proximate to the barrier (15) in the restrictedphysical space (16) and when the distance indicator indicates a distance less than adistance threshold; and triggering (46) an unlock procedure to be performed only when user intent has been determined.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the proximity indicator indicates when a person is closer than a proximity threshold to the proximity sensor.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the proximity threshold is greater than the distance threshold.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distancesensor is based on a radio frequency-based time-of-flight ranging technology to a portable key device (2, 3).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance sensor is based on time-of-flight-based ultra-wideband ranging to a portable key device(2, 3)-

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximity sensor is a passive infrared sensor.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximity sensor is a radar using radio frequency, infrared signals or ultrasound.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximity sensor is a thermal sensor.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximity sensor is based on image processing of a captured image.

10. An intent determiner (1) for determining when an unlock procedure of anelectronic lock (12), controlling access to a restricted physical space (16) via an openablebarrier (15), should be performed, the intent determiner (1) comprising: a processor (60); and a memory (64) storing instructions (67) that, when executed by the processor,cause the intent determiner (1) to: obtaining (40) a proximity indicator from a proximity sensor, the proximityindicator indicating when a person is proximate to the barrier (15) in the restrictedphysical space (16); obtaining (42) a distance indicator from a distance sensor, the distance indicatorbeing indicative of distance between the electronic lock (12) and a portable key device; determining (44) when there is user intent to unlock only when the proximityindicator indicates that there is no person proximate to the barrier (15) in the restrictedphysical space (16) and when the distance indicator indicates a distance less than adistance threshold; and triggering (46) an unlock procedure to be performed only when user intent has been determined.

11. The intent determiner (1) according to claim 10, wherein the proximity indicator indicates when a person is closer than a proximity threshold to the proximity sensor.

12. The intent determiner (1) according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the proximity threshold is greater than the distance threshold.

13. The intent determiner (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein thedistance sensor is based on a radio frequency-based time-of-flight ranging technology to a portable key device (2, 3).

14. The intent determiner (1) according to any one of claims 10 or 13, wherein thedistance sensor is based on time-of-flight based ultra-wideband ranging to a portable key device (2, 3). 16

15. The intent determiner (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the proximity sensor is a passive infrared sensor.

16. The intent determiner (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the proximity sensor is a radar using radio frequency, infrared signals or ultrasound.

17. The intent determiner (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the proximity sensor is a thermal sensor.

18. The intent determiner (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the proximity sensor is based on image processing of a captured image.

19. A computer program (67, 91) for determining when an unlock procedure of anelectronic lock (12), controlling access to a restricted physical space (16) via an openablebarrier (15), should be performed, the computer program comprising computerprogram code which, when run on an intent determiner (1) causes the intent determiner(1) to: obtaining (40) a proximity indicator from a proximity sensor, the proximityindicator indicating when a person is proximate to the barrier (15) in the restrictedphysical space (16); obtaining (42) a distance indicator from a distance sensor, the distance indicatorbeing indicative of distance between the electronic lock (12) and a portable key device; determining (44) when there is user intent to unlock only when the proximityindicator indicates that there is no person proximate to the barrier (15) in the restrictedphysical space (16) and when the distance indicator indicates a distance less than adistance threshold; and triggering (46) an unlock procedure to be performed only when user intent has been determined.

20. A computer program product (64, 90) comprising a computer program according to claim 19 and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.