Workflow Server for Multi-System Security Automation
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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 inefficiencies and increased burden on administrators when configuring workflows across disparate systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a workflow server coupled with various security systems, allowing administrators to create and automate workflows across multiple systems using a user-friendly interface, where triggers detected by devices like cameras and access control systems can automatically generate and implement workflows, reducing the need for extensive knowledge of individual systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If administrators configure workflows separately in each security system (access control, video security, etc.), then each system can be configured independently, but the complexity of configuration increases significantly and requires in-depth knowledge of multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized workflow server as an intermediary component that receives workflow definitions from administrators and distributes them to multiple security systems. This mediator eliminates the need for administrators to configure each system separately, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining the ability to implement workflows across diverse security systems including access control, video security, and alarm systems.
2Reliability
If administrators manually configure each security system individually, then system-specific configurations can be optimized, but the time required for configuration and maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration functionality of multiple security systems into a single centralized workflow server. Instead of administrators separately configuring access control systems, video security systems, and alarm systems, the workflow server consolidates these configurations into unified workflow definitions that are distributed to all relevant systems, dramatically reducing configuration time while maintaining system-specific optimization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow server enables preliminary configuration of workflows that can be stored and reused across multiple security systems. Administrators can define workflows in advance with all necessary parameters and logic, then deploy them to multiple systems simultaneously. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repetitive manual configuration for each system, reducing both configuration time and potential errors.
3Productivity
If a centralized workflow server is introduced to manage multiple security systems, then administrator efficiency improves and configuration time reduces, but the system architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow server is designed as a universal platform that can manage multiple types of security systems through standardized interfaces. It provides multi-functional capabilities including workflow definition, distribution, monitoring, and modification across access control, video security, alarm systems, and other security infrastructure. This universality improves administrator efficiency while containing architecture complexity through standardized protocols and interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and apparatus for implementing workflows across multiple differing systems and devices is provided herein. During operation, a workflow is automatically generated based upon a camera detecting denial of entry of an individual. The workflow can then be implemented or suggested as a newly-created workflow at other various entry points.