Virtual Receiver Numbering for Security System Model Upgrades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in maintaining consistent receiver and line numbers when replacing older security system models with newer ones, as each model has a different number of physical lines, making it difficult for central station operators to ensure that subscriber account numbers remain the same across system updates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual receiver system that allows for the selection and assignment of virtual receiver and line numbers, which are used in place of actual numbers, ensuring that subscriber account numbers remain constant even if the local security system is connected to a different physical port, and includes a programming means for user interface and automation computer processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an older model receiver is replaced with a newer model, then the receiver can have improved features and capabilities, but the receiver number and line number configuration changes, causing subscriber account numbers to change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the receiver's identification parameters (receiver number and line number) that is independent of the physical hardware. This virtual subscriber number is copied and maintained across different receiver models, allowing the physical receiver to be upgraded while the logical identification remains unchanged. The virtual subscriber number acts as a persistent identifier that decouples the subscriber's account from the specific physical receiver model.
2Loss of information
If the physical receiver and line configuration is maintained, then subscriber account numbers remain the same, but newer receiver models cannot be deployed to replace older models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receiver system into two independent parts: the physical receiver hardware and the virtual identification layer. The physical receiver can be any model with appropriate ports, while the virtual subscriber number (composed of virtual receiver number and virtual line number) provides a separate, stable identification system. This segmentation allows independent evolution of the physical hardware without affecting the logical identification, enabling model upgrades while maintaining account consistency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different receiver models with different numbers of physical lines are used, then each model can be optimized for specific needs, but it becomes difficult to maintain consistent receiver and line numbers across replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual numbering layer as an intermediary between the physical receiver ports and the subscriber account system. The virtual receiver number and virtual line number act as a mediator that translates diverse physical configurations into a unified identification scheme. This intermediary layer absorbs the complexity of different physical models, allowing operators to work with consistent virtual numbers regardless of the underlying physical hardware variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual receiver having multiple communication ports for connecting a link to a plurality of local security systems. The virtual receiver is programmed with a virtual receiver number and a virtual line number for each physical communication port on the receiver. The virtual receiver has a master/slave operational mode such that the data received from the plurality of local security systems by each receiver is transmitted from at least one selected slave receiver to a selected master receiver. The virtual receiver number and virtual line number is used to create a part of a subscriber number. In master/slave operation mode, M number of receivers are linked together and the possible number of virtual receiver lines in a virtual receiver is M times the number in a normal mode of operation.