Yu T Cheng

US Patent:

20170228950, Aug 10, 2017

Filed:

Feb 5, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/017357

Inventors:

- Inglewood CA, US
Suzanne Richmond - San Pedro CA, US
Patrick S. Kochie - Semi Valley CA, US
Yu Jennifer Cheng - Santa Monica CA, US
Eitan T. Bear - Santa Monica CA, US
Nadejda V. Gueorguieva - Lomita CA, US
Emmanuel G. Ceballos - Carson CA, US

International Classification:

G07C 9/00
H04M 15/00
H04W 4/14
H04W 4/02
H04M 1/725

Abstract:

Apparatus and methods for controlling physical access to a location include an entry system including at least one barrier at the physical location, with the barrier configured to selectively permit access into and/or from and/or within the physical location upon proper credentials and/or authorization. A cellular device is connected to or integrated with the entry system and is configured to transmit and receive voice and/or data information to the entry system that includes the credentials and/or authorization. The cellular device can be a retrofit to prior art/installed systems, can be external to an otherwise operational system, and/or can be integrated natively into the entry system. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to determine the power status and network link state of the cellular device and/or to establish communication through/to same, as well as for the cellular device to be connected to and control a plurality of entry systems and/or barriers. A plurality of entry systems and/or barriers can be controlled by one or more cellular devices, and the usage (and associated billing charges from cellular service providers) on any/all of those cellular devices monitored and selected to optimize (reduce) the expense of any data or other charges imposed by a cellular carrier associated with the cellular device. Optimization can include allocation to the aforementioned voice and/or data cellular plans related to specific of the plurality of entry systems and/or barriers.