Workflow Server for Integrated Security Ecosystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing multiple devices within a security ecosystem is time-consuming and requires in-depth knowledge of each system, leading to a burden on administrators due to the lack of continuity across systems.
Innovation Solution
A workflow server allows users to create workflows across multiple disparate systems, including video surveillance, private radio, and access control systems, with a connector application interfacing with public safety networks to execute actions without sharing agency private information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If administrators configure workflows in each security system separately, then each system can be controlled independently, but the administrative burden increases and requires in-depth knowledge of multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a workflow server as an intermediary component that mediates between administrators and multiple security systems. The workflow server provides a unified interface for configuring workflows and automatically translates these workflows into system-specific configurations for access control, video surveillance, and radio systems. This eliminates the need for administrators to directly configure each system separately, reducing the administrative burden while maintaining independent system control.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow server implements a universal configuration interface that can manage multiple different security systems through a single platform. It provides multi-functional capabilities including workflow creation, trigger detection across various systems, and automatic translation to system-specific commands. This universal interface allows administrators to configure workflows without needing in-depth knowledge of each individual security system.
2Productivity
If a unified workflow server is introduced to manage multiple systems, then administrative burden is reduced and workflow automation is enhanced, but system complexity increases due to the need for integration across disparate systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex integration task into distinct functional modules within the workflow server. These modules include: a workflow definition module for creating unified workflows, a trigger detection module that monitors multiple systems independently, a translation module that converts unified workflows into system-specific configurations, and an execution module that sends commands to individual systems. This segmentation reduces integration complexity by organizing functions into manageable, independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow server acts as an intermediary layer between administrators and the complex network of security systems. It abstracts away the integration complexity by providing a simplified workflow configuration interface while handling the complex translation and coordination tasks internally. This mediator approach allows high productivity through automation without exposing the underlying integration complexity to administrators.
3Speed
If public safety networks are integrated into the security ecosystem, then response times are improved and actions can be automated, but privacy concerns arise due to potential sharing of agency private information
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow server serves as a privacy-protecting intermediary between the security ecosystem and public safety networks. It enables automated workflows that can trigger public safety responses without directly exposing agency private information. The workflow server translates internal security events into standardized public safety notifications, allowing fast response times while maintaining information privacy through controlled information disclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different levels of information access for different systems. Public safety networks receive only the specific information needed for their response functions (such as alert notifications and location data), while sensitive agency private information (such as detailed operational procedures and internal communications) remains protected within the organization's internal systems. This selective information sharing achieves fast response times without compromising privacy.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector application is provided. A trigger is received from a workflow server. The trigger includes an action ID. A public safety device is identified from a plurality of public safety devices based on agency private information. The identified public safety device is to perform an action in response to the trigger. No agency private information is shared with the workflow server. An indication is sent to the identified public safety device to execute the action.