Access Control Device Local Configuration Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transferring configuration data to access control devices across an entire environment is a time and resource-intensive process, leading to complications when rapid changes are needed.

Innovation Solution

Access control devices are configured to locally maintain multiple sets of configuration data, allowing them to quickly switch between modes of operation without downloading new data, enabling rapid changes in threat levels with minimal bandwidth requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If configuration data is transferred from a central server to individual access control devices via network, then devices can be updated with new configuration data, but the process is time and resource intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to update configuration dataVSAvoidtime required for configuration transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sets of configuration data are pre-loaded into each access control device during initial setup or maintenance windows. When a threat level change is needed, the system simply activates a pre-loaded configuration set rather than transferring new data, enabling immediate response to security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration data is divided into multiple discrete sets, each corresponding to a specific threat level. This segmentation allows the system to quickly switch between predefined configurations rather than transferring or generating new configuration data in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If configuration data is transferred across an entire access control environment, then all devices can be updated, but extensive bandwidth and resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to update environment-wide configurationVSAvoidbandwidth and computational resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

All possible configuration sets for different threat levels are pre-loaded into devices during off-peak times. This eliminates the need for continuous data transfer across the network, as devices already contain all necessary configurations locally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts configuration data from the network environment and stores it locally in each access control device. This extraction eliminates dependency on network bandwidth for configuration changes, as all configuration sets are self-contained within each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If new configuration data is downloaded to devices, then devices can function with updated settings, but the process is resource intensive and slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to change modes of operationVSAvoidspeed of implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple configuration sets are pre-loaded into devices during initial setup or maintenance periods. When operational changes are needed, the system activates a pre-existing configuration set instantaneously, eliminating download delays and enabling rapid response to changing security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The access control devices dynamically switch between pre-loaded configuration sets based on activated threat levels. This dynamic switching capability allows rapid adaptation to different operational modes without the overhead of data transfer or processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2408984B1Systems and methods for managing access control devices
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2408984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2408984B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2408984B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Described herein are systems and methods for managing access control devices. In overview, an access control device is configured to function on the basis of an applied set of configuration data. For example, the manner in which the device processes an access request is dependent on the configuration data. A device according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to locally maintain plurality of uniquely applicable sets of configuration data. Each set, when applied, causes the device to function in accordance with a respective mode of operation. The device is configured to change which set of configuration data is applied in response to a predetermined command, thereby allowing the device to shift between modes of operation relatively quickly and without the need to download additional configuration data. In some cases, the modes of operation correspond to threat levels, and the use of such access control devices allows a change in threat level to be applied across an access control environment quickly and with minimal bandwidth requirements.