Electronic Bridge for Access Control Protocol Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems require frequent updates and replacements of hardware due to the need for centralized credential management and compatibility with multiple protocols, limiting flexibility and increasing maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A network-based system using an electronic bridge that interfaces legacy and future access devices with the internet protocol suite, allowing for different protocols and eliminating the need for control panels, enabling transparent data processing and transmission without requiring hardware upgrades or replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If control panels are distributed at multiple entrance points, then access control functionality is provided at each location, but considerable work is required to ensure all control panels are up to date

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts credential verification functionality from distributed control panels and relocates it to a centralized server. Control panels retain only basic access control functions while credential verification, policy enforcement, and database management are performed centrally, eliminating the need to update credential lists at multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized server provides universal credential verification services to all control panels across multiple entrance points. A single credential database and verification system serves the entire facility, allowing centralized management while supporting distributed access control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If access control devices are connected via serial Wiegand or RS485 connections to control panels, then device connectivity is established, but the system requires field upgrades and replacement of hardware

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoidhardware compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical connection system (serial Wiegand or RS485 connections to control panels) with a network-based communication system. Access control devices communicate directly over IP networks, eliminating the need for proprietary control panel hardware and enabling easier upgrades and replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network intermediary layer that translates between various access control device protocols and the centralized server communication protocol. This intermediary enables different device types and protocols to communicate through the network without requiring dedicated control panel hardware for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If control panels store full or partial credential lists, then credential verification can be performed locally, but centralized credential management becomes complex across multiple panels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess verification speedVSAvoidcredential management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts credential storage and verification functionality from distributed control panels and consolidates it in a centralized server. Control panels send authentication requests to the server, which performs verification against the central credential database, simplifying credential management while maintaining fast local verification through network communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If a single vendor's protocol is used for access control devices, then device compatibility is ensured, but building managers are tied to a single vendor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidvendor flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized server provides universal protocol translation and credential verification services that work with multiple vendor devices. The system can handle different access control device protocols and formats, allowing building managers to mix and match devices from different vendors while maintaining centralized control and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8836470B2System and method for interfacing facility access with control

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 VISCOUNT SECURITY SYST

AI summary

A system for interfacing facility access with control employs an electronic bridge that transparently conveys data between functional devices, such as remotely located card readers and door strikes, and a network incorporating a control and monitor computer that has access to a database of user identifications and permissions. The electronic bridge is flexibly configured to accept a wide range of protocols used by the devices and converts messages to data packets without prior knowledge of the length of the message.