In one aspect, an in-vehicle device is provided that includes a sensor configured to detect a vehicle characteristic indicative of the vehicle being in proximity to a location associated with a movable barrier operator. The in-vehicle device includes communication circuitry to communicate an open command to the movable barrier operator that causes the movable barrier operator to open a movable barrier connected to the movable barrier operator. A memory is configured to store a vehicle arrival condition indicative of whether the vehicle arrived at the location associated with the movable barrier operator. A processor is configured to determine satisfaction of the vehicle arrival condition and, upon the vehicle arrival condition not being satisfied, cause the communication circuitry to communicate a close command to the movable barrier operator that causes the movable barrier operator to close the movable barrier.

In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided that provide for facilitating delivery, via autonomous ground vehicles, of products ordered by customers of a retailer to customer-specified restricted areas accessible by an entryway openable via an access code.

A movable barrier operator comprising a motor, communication circuitry configured to receive a control signal and communicate with a door lock associated with a passageway door, and a controller. The controller is configured to authenticate the control signal, wherein authenticating the control signal includes associating the signal with a first level of access or a second level of access. The controller is further configured to communicate with the door lock via the communication circuitry to permit opening of the passageway door in response to associating the control signal with the first level of access and inhibit opening of the passageway door in response to associating the control signal with the second level of access. The controller is configured to cause the motor to open the movable barrier regardless of association of the control signal with the first level of access or the second level of access.

The invention relates to a method and system for controlling access from a communications network (2) to any device (4) that is opened automatically, said system comprising a mobile device (2) and a remote control (1). The remote control (1) is characterised in that it: obtains the signals that control the automatic opening devices (4), either by means of cloning via antenna or using other means, and transmits said signals to the communications network (3), by means of its connection to any mobile device (2). Access can then be controlled from the communications network (3), simply by transmitting the signal that actuates the automatic opening device (4), via the mobile device (2) to which the remote control (1) is connected, to another requesting remote control (1). The remote control (1) then transmits the signal allowing the actuation thereof. Any remote control (1) can be used to actuate any automatic opening device (4).

In one aspect, a portable electronic device is provided for accessing a secured area to deliver a package therein. The portable electronic device includes a sensor configured to detect an indicium of the package and communication circuitry configured to communicate a message to a server computer associated with the package upon the sensor detecting the indicium. The communication circuitry is further configured to receive delivery information from the server computer, the delivery information including at least a location of the secured area. The portable electronic device further includes a processor operatively coupled to the sensor and the communication circuitry. The processor is configured to cause, via the communication circuitry, the movable barrier operator to open a movable barrier associated with the secured area.

A method of operating a door system includes receiving a signal from a pressure sensor disposed in a sill or a frame of the door system, authenticating the user after receiving the signal, shifting the lock from a locked configured to an unlocked configuration in response to receiving the signal after authenticating the user, and moving the door panel from a closed position to an ajar position in response to receiving the signal.

An authorization controller on a first side of a two-sided system communicates with an accelerometer on the second side for tracking the second side by inertial navigation. The authorization controller activates a radar transmitter and receiver installed on a car to include a plurality of spaced apart transmitting and receiving radar antennas to track the second side by radar. Coherent pulse or Doppler radar waveform tracks motion of an approaching user carrying a tag on the second side that is paired with the car on the first side. The authorization controller uses the radar to look for a pre-programmed pattern of user movement such as a “step in, wait, step out” pattern. Recognition of the programmed pattern activates an associated action from the authorization controller, such as opening or closing a tailgate or side door of the car. The same radar technology can be used with different programmed movement patterns to trigger the opening or closing of side doors, opening/closing of regular doors, deployment of a handicap ramp, deployment of side steps, or other chosen functions that can be initiated by electronic response. Reversing this functionality, the tag may be stationary in a garage and the car may approach the garage, causing operation of the garage door. Other functions inside a house are similarly controlled.

The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for authorizing the use of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) charging apparatus by a short-term renter. In an example method, a processor provides an authorization for use of a BEV charging apparatus by a first individual. The BEV charging apparatus is located on the premises of a building. The processor further enables access to the BEV charging apparatus over a designated period of time for use by the first individual and configures a first lock to prevent unauthorized entry by the first individual into a first portion of the building. In one scenario, the first individual is a short-term renter, the BEV charging apparatus is located in a garage of the building, the first portion of the building is a first room of the building, and the first lock is installed in a door leading into the first room of the building.

An access control method and system that uses a physical proximity interface on a token dispenser device to obtain tokens on a blockchain which are used for subsequent access to a local network. The tokens are authenticated on the local network using proof of authority authentication. A client device can present a token to the local network from anywhere in the world in order to access at least one device on the local network. In an example, the method includes receiving, from the physical proximity interface of the token dispenser device, a token on a blockchain layer; presenting, to a node of the local network, the token; and receiving, from the node, successful authentication of the token by way of proof of authority authentication. The method can include, after the successful authentication of the token, authorizing the client device to access a device on the local network.

A package delivery system for secured delivery of packages without the need for a person to be present to accept them in person is disclosed. The package delivery system includes a vertical structure such as a wall, a door, and a garage door; a package delivery door dispositioned within the vertical structure; and one or more user devices in communication with the package delivery door via a network.