Communication Server for Access Control Modem Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for secured facilities face challenges in simplifying data transfer between an end-user's computer and a remote target system, particularly due to the complexity of direct modem-to-modem communication, compatibility issues with varying modem models, and the slow speed of analog modems.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a central/main server to facilitate communication between the end-user's computer and the remote access control system, eliminating the need for direct modem-to-modem communication and allowing standard Internet hardware/software to be used, with the server managing modem compatibility and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct modem-to-modem communication is used between end-user computer and remote access control system, then data transfer can be established, but communication complexity increases and compatibility issues arise with varying modem models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication server as an intermediary component that mediates between the end-user's computer and the remote access control system. The server handles all modem-to-modem communication directly, while the end-user only needs standard Internet connectivity. This intermediary approach eliminates compatibility issues with varying modem models, as the server manages the complex modem protocols and adapts to different remote systems, thereby reducing communication complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If analog modems are used for remote communication, then existing telephone lines can be utilized, but data transfer speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path into two distinct parts: (1) the end-user's connection to the communication server via standard high-speed Internet protocols (cable, DSL, fiber), and (2) the server's connection to the remote access control system via analog modem over telephone line. This segmentation allows the bulk of the data transfer to occur at high speed through the Internet connection, while only the final transmission to the remote system uses the slower analog modem, thereby maximizing overall speed while maintaining compatibility with existing telephone line infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom modem settings are configured for each installation, then modem compatibility can be achieved, but installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication server is designed to automatically detect and adapt to different remote access control systems without requiring custom configuration. The server performs self-testing, automatic protocol selection, and adaptive modulation to match the capabilities of the remote system. This self-service capability eliminates the need for installer customization of modem settings, significantly simplifying installation while maintaining broad compatibility across different systems.
4Device complexity
If end-user computer directly communicates with remote target system, then system simplicity is maintained, but data transfer reliability decreases due to modem compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The communication server acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures consistent data transfer between the end-user and remote system. The server performs error checking, data validation, and protocol adaptation that significantly improves data transfer reliability. By centralizing the communication logic in the server, the system maintains simplicity for the end-user while achieving high reliability through the server's sophisticated communication management.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simplifying and improving the reliability of communication between end users and access control systems such as those that include door and/or gate controllers, tenant access to buildings, and the like. In certain embodiments using an analog modem at the controller end of the system, the corresponding remote analog modem (which communicates with that analog modem at the controller end) is not within the direct control of the end user, and the end user's communicates instead via the user's standard hardware/software for communicating generally, such as via the Internet. Depending on the application, the control data can be maintained and/or synched at any selected combination or sub-combination of several locations: (1) the user's local system; (2) an intermediate server system; and/or (3) the controller end system. Preferred communication connections between the components provide improved ease of installation and use and reliability, as compared to prior art systems in which an end user's analog modem must be configured to directly communicate with a corresponding analog modem on a selected control device (such as a gate or door controller). Corresponding telephone/voice control preferably is also provided within the system, via POTS, a cellular telephone connection, VoIP, etc.