Wireless Lock Pairing Automation via Hub Polling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security systems with wireless lock devices require manual updates of pairings on the access control system (ACS) when lock devices are added, deleted, or relocated, which is cumbersome and problematic for large installations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing door controllers that poll wireless hubs to discover connected lock devices and continuously route information and controls between the ACS and wireless locks, allowing automatic adjustments to changes in lock devices without manual updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual updates of pairings are performed on the access control system when lock devices are added, deleted, or relocated, then the system maintains accurate device pairings, but the installation and management process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of device pairingsVSAvoidtime required for manual pairing updates

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The door controller automatically performs device discovery and pairing updates without requiring manual intervention. When lock devices are added, deleted, or relocated, the door controller autonomously detects these changes through polling the wireless hub and updates the access control system accordingly, eliminating the need for installers to manually update pairings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous polling of the wireless hub by the door controller to detect changes in lock device status. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about device additions, deletions, or relocations, enabling automatic pairing updates and maintaining system accuracy without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of each security device is performed, then device settings can be customized, but the installation process becomes complex and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configuration flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door controller automatically discovers lock devices and retrieves their configuration information from the wireless hub without requiring manual installer input. The system self-configures by obtaining device IDs, vectors, and pairing information automatically, reducing installation complexity while maintaining configuration flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless hub pre-stores pairing information and device configuration data before the installer arrives. When the door controller polls the hub, this information is already prepared and available for automatic retrieval, eliminating the need for installers to manually enter configuration details during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If installers travel between different locations to configure security devices, then proper device placement can be ensured, but the installation time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice placement accuracyVSAvoidinstaller travel time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of installer travel with electronic information retrieval. Instead of physically moving to each device location to configure it, the installer remains at one location while the door controller electronically polls the wireless hub to discover and configure devices remotely, eliminating travel time while maintaining placement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless hub acts as an intermediary that centralizes device information. The door controller queries the hub to obtain pairing information and device status without the installer needing to physically access each device location, reducing travel requirements while ensuring proper configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3025460B1Method and system for self-discovery and management of wireless security devices

Publication Date: 2019.09.11 TYCO INTEGRATED SECURITY

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AI summary

A system and method for automated discovery of wireless locks in a security system allows installers to assign each wireless lock to a slot on a wireless hub that provides wireless communications to the wireless locks. Device controllers poll the wireless hubs to discover the communications paths to each wireless lock. The device controllers store the information obtained from the polling, and present the information to a control system that manages the wireless locks. This eliminates the current practice of manually updating assignment information on the control system between wireless hub slots and the wireless locks in response to additions, deletions, or relocations of wireless locks within the security system. This is especially useful in installations that include hundreds or thousands of wireless locks within office buildings, hotels, or conference centers.