Systems and methods for redundant access control systems based on mobile devices and removable wireless buttons

A method for controlling access to a lock, the lock comprising a hardware processor, a cylinder comprising a cam to engage a bolt, a button for engaging the cam to unlock the bolt, the button comprising a power source, a recharge interface, a storage medium for storing access information, a plurality of redundant access channels and a wireless transceiver configured to communicate to a network device over a short range wireless connection, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving user authentication information from the lock over the short range wireless connection, the authentication information for obtaining access to a first redundant access channel of the plurality of redundant access channels, the plurality of redundant access channels comprising a biometric scan, a passcode, or a token;
• transmitting the authentication information over a network connection to an administrator device or central access server for validation based on a set of configurable rules;
• validating the authentication information at the administrator device or central access server;
• receiving an instruction from the administrator device or central access server to grant or deny access to the user;
• and
• transmitting to the lock the instruction to grant or deny access to the user, and when the instruction grants access to the user, unlocking the bolt,
• allowing access through a second channel of the plurality of redundant access channels when the user cannot open the lock through the first channel,
• receiving entry of valid credentials at the button that enable the button to be removed, and
• coupling the recharge interface to a power outlet or recharge station to recharge power to the button, and transmitting the access information from the storage medium upon coupling the recharge interface to the power outlet or recharge station.

A method for controlling access to a lock, the lock comprising a hardware processor, a cylinder comprising a cam to engage a bolt, a button for engaging the cam to unlock the bolt, the button comprising a power source, a recharge interface, a storage medium for storing access information, a plurality of redundant access channels and a wireless transceiver configured to create a cellular broadband connection for communicating directly to an administrator device or a central access server, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving user authentication information for obtaining access to a first redundant access channel of the plurality of redundant access channels, the plurality of redundant access channels comprising a biometric scan, a passcode, or a token;
• transmitting the authentication information to an administrator device or central access server for validation over the cellular broadband connection based on a set of configurable rules;
• validating the authentication information at the administrator device or central access server;
• receiving an instruction from the administrator device or central access server to grant or deny access to the user;
• and engaging the cam to open or close the bolt of the lock based on the decision to grant or deny access to the user, and when the instruction grants access to the user, opening the bolt, allowing access through a second channel of the plurality of redundant access channels when the user cannot open the lock through the first channel, receiving entry of valid credentials at the button that enable the button to be removed, and coupling the recharge interface of the button to a power outlet or recharge station to recharge power to the button, and transmitting the access information from the storage medium upon coupling the recharge interface to the power outlet or recharge station.