Method and apparatus for controlling access to a home using visual cues

Abstract

An apparatus and method that controls access to a dwelling is provided. An image capturing device captures an image representing an individual attempting to access the dwelling. An access database includes data identifying individuals known to a user and access level data associated with each individual known to the user, the data identifying individuals known to the user including image data representative of the individual. A controller receives the captured image data from the image capturing device and determines a level of access associated with the individual attempting access by comparing the captured image data with the image data representative of individuals stored in the access database. Upon determining that the access level indicates that access should be granted, the controller controls a locking mechanism to move from a first locked position to a second unlocked position enabling access to the dwelling.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.