Patent Application
20090121831
The present invention relates to a system for updating a control device, and more specifically, a system for updating a control device having a computer using a portable programmable medium including data.
Currently, control devices such as access control panels for a security access device or a door locking device are reprogrammed by an operator utilizing a desktop or laptop computer connected either directly to an access control panel or connected via a computer network. The reprogramming may include changing or adding access information pertaining to access credentials. Utilizing the physical or network connection, the operator can reprogram the access control panel's configuration information or even the control panel's firmware. A disadvantage of this approach is that a technician and a computer are required. Other disadvantages include the time required for a technician to complete the upgrade or installation, and requiring operator proficiency with the requisite software for interfacing with the control panel.
Therefore, a need exists for a system or method to increase the efficiency and frequency of updates to a control device or a control panel, e.g., an access control panel, managing, for example, a security system.
In an aspect of the invention, a system for updating a control device includes at least one remote control device including a processor and a memory device for storing data. A network provides access to the remote control device, and a portable programmable medium includes data. A local reader communicates with the remote control device via the network, and the local reader reads the data on the portable programmable medium and transfers at least part of the data to the remote control device. The system may also include the network providing communication to a plurality of remote control devices each including a processor. Additionally, the system may include the local reader connected to at least one local control device, and the local control device communicates with the remote control device via the network.
In a related aspect, the local reader communicates with a plurality of remote control devices via the network and the remote control devices are remotely located with respect to the local reader. In another embodiment, at least one remote control device manages entry and exit of a secure area, which may be a building. Alternatively, at least one remote control device may manage temperature in a building. Further, at least one remote control device may manage lighting in a building, or a building automation system.
In another aspect of the invention, a system for updating a control device of a security system includes a network for transferring data, and at least one remote control device for managing access of a secured area, where the remote control device includes a processor and a memory device for storing data. A portable programmable medium includes specified data, and a local reader is for authenticating and communicating the specified data of the portable programmable medium. The local reader is located locally with respect to the remote control device and communicates via the network. The local reader reads the specified data in the portable programmable medium and transfers the specified data via the network to the memory device of the remote control device. The system may also includes a plurality of remote control devices. Further, the system may include a plurality of remote control devices communicating with the local reader via the network, where at least one local control device is located locally with respect to the local reader and communicating with the local reader.
In another aspect of the invention, a method for updating a control device includes: providing a remote control device remotely located with respect to a local reader, and the remote control device including a processor and a memory device for storing data; providing communication between the remote control device and the local reader via a network; programming a portable programmable medium; storing data on the portable programmable medium; reading the portable programmable medium data using the local reader; and communicating the data to the remote control device via the network.
In a related aspect, the method includes: transferring the data between the local reader and a local control device; and transferring the data between the local control device and a plurality of remote control devices communicating via the network.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
An illustrative embodiment of a system 10 for updating control devices embodied as local control panel 14 and remote control panels 52, 62 according to the present invention is shown in
The smart card 20 may also include a card identification (ID) managed by the processor 22 and used for authentication of the smart card 20, and thereby, the user presenting the smart card 20. The data in the smart card 20 may include data particular to a software application such as access rules for security purposes, or upgrading control panel firmware. Alternatively, the portable programmable medium may be embodied for example, as a card having a magnetic strip, or a universal serial bus (USB) memory device, or a cell phone.
The system 10 further includes a network 50 communicating with a plurality of remote control panels 52, 62 and the local reader 30. In alternative embodiments, for example, the network may connect to only one remote control device or many remote control devices. The local reader 30 communicates with processors 54, 64 of the remote control panels 52, 62, respectively via network connection 16 connecting the local control device 14 to the network 50. The network connection 16 may be, for example, wired or wireless communication. Similarly, network connection 51, 61 to the remote control panels 52, 62, respectively, may be wired or wireless. Further, the network 50 may include, for example, the Internet, or other wired or wireless networks.
The remote control panels 52, 62 include data storage devices 56, 66 connected by communications links 55, 65 to processors 54, 64, respectively, for receiving and sorting the data 40. In an alternative embodiment, the data may not be stored in data storage device 18 or processed using processor 16 in the local control panel 14, but transferred from the local reader 30 to the remote control panels 52, 62 using the connection provided by the local control panel 14 and the network 50.
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Further, in an alternative embodiment, the smart card 20 may include data storage capacity for a programmer (e.g., at the manufacturer, distributor, system integrator, or remote end-users' facility) to program one or more smart cards with necessary programming, configuration, and/or firmware files for upgrading an access control device or panel. When the card is scanned by a compatible smart card reader connected either directly or via a network to a compatible access control panel, the programming information, configuration information, and/or firmware files stored on the card are automatically transferred to the access control device or panel and used to reprogram, reconfigure, or update the device's firmware. Additionally, the smart card could be programmed to limit its use to a single use, or use on a specific or limited set of access devices.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in forms and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. It is therefore intended that the present invention not be limited to the exact forms and details described and illustrated herein, but falls within the scope of the appended claims.
