Patent Application
20110226849
The present invention relates to access control devices and, more particularly, a mounting bracket for access control devices.
In access control systems, cards or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices are typically used to store data that “uniquely” identifies the device holder or cardholder. To gain access to a resource or asset such as a building, a financial account, information, or a computer, a user presents a card or other device to a reader or interrogator that reads data from the card or device and subsequently transmits the read data to an upstream device such as a panel or a host system. At the upstream device a decision is typically made to either grant access to the card or device holder or not. There are also readers that combine the functionality of a panel/host and the physical reader into a single unit, which makes the decision. These types of devices are sometimes referred to as stand-alone readers.
Over the years, several different technologies have been utilized for storing and transferring data from a card or a device including RFID, bar codes, magnetic stripe, barium ferrite, optical and other biometrics, contact smart cards, and others. RFID has emerged as the access technology of choice for many reasons including convenience, ability to design a vandal and weather resistant reader, ever-increasing data storage capabilities, and generally higher security. Indeed, electronic access control systems have been incorporating RFID transponders, typically but not solely packaged into the convenient form factor of a card, for more than two decades. As used herein, the term card or credential means all kinds of RFID user devices, including proximity cards, contactless smart cards, key fobs, near field communication (NFC) enabled PDAs or cellular phones, or any other device equipped with an antenna and Integrated Circuit (IC) module RFID transponder including coins, adhesive labels, and not just devices in a card like format.
The current generation of cards contain more memory, communicate faster, provide greater security, and cost approximately the same or even less than the previously available technology. Additionally, international standardization of RFID technology allows increasing interoperability among both cards and readers from different manufacturers. This, coupled with the increased security and storage capacities of today's RFID cards, allows a single card to contain multiple applications further increasing user convenience. Moreover, because of the increased security and storage capacities of today's RFID technology, governments and their institutions are mandating their use to replace older less secure identity management technologies and, for the same reasons, businesses are seeking to replace or update there older security access systems with newer, more capable technology. Due to these factors and more, widespread adoption of newer RFID technologies is occurring at an ever-increasing rate.
Since RFID, bar codes, magnetic stripe, and other technologies are mature, there is a large installed base of cards and their associated readers using these older technologies. As new access control technologies are introduced, upgrading every card can be a difficult, time consuming, and costly process. Similarly, the replacement of readers can be a costly and time-consuming process. Thus, it is highly desirable to implement a technology upgrade solution that minimizes the costs and time required to upgrade a system with as little disruption to the on-going activities of the enterprise as possible. Alternatively, it may be desirable to implement a technology upgrade solution that can provide for a step-wise implementation of upgrade rather than requiring a total upgrade all at once.
Several approaches of migrating to the newer technologies are available, each with a unique set of advantages and shortcomings. Ultimately, the best solution will be one that fits the dynamics and idiosyncrasies of a particular site or enterprise. In fact, combinations of several methods may be employed depending upon the circumstances. Accordingly, a need exists for flexibility in adopting and implementing upgraded technologies.
In general, there are three basic approaches to upgrading a system. The first approach is a wholesale replacement of all of the readers and cards. The second approach is to utilize cards with both a current and a new access technology, e.g. dual technology cards. This permits one card to interface with both existing (legacy) technology readers and new technology readers. The third approach is to utilize readers that can read both existing and new technology cards, which eliminates or delays the need to replace existing cards. Replacing all existing cards and readers is typically the most disruptive and expensive approach of the three choices.
The approach of replacing all RFID cards with a card that contains both the existing RFID technology and the new technology also has its downsides. One downside to this particular approach is that the number of existing RFID cards within an overall system is typically much larger than the number of readers. Therefore, relatively speaking, the replacement of the entire population of cards may be a waste of resources if, alternatively, only a few readers existed within the system.
It is believed that that the replacement or upgrade of readers with a new reader that can communicate with both older RFID cards and newer RFID cards is a viable approach that often is less costly and less disruptive than re-badging all users of a secure access system.
In the commercial or business environment, companies or other institutions are frequently acquired, sold, merged or otherwise transitioned out of, into, or with another company or companies. When this occurs, it is difficult, time consuming and costly to combine or otherwise make compatible the reader/credential technologies of the once separate entities. For example, one company may have utilized one manufacturer's access control system and the other company may have utilized another manufacturer's access control system, and the two systems may not be compatible with one another or the business may decide to change to the access system of a new manufacturer all together. As such, it is highly desirable to provide a multi-technology reader system capable of reading different credentials and/or otherwise functioning to transition/update the system so that the impact of replacing some or all of the existing credentials is reduced and that the overall system disruptions are minimized.
In still other environments, it is important to provide a system capable of providing two-factor authentication. That is, in addition to the presented credential (a first factor), a second factor is needed for access to be granted. The second factor can be, among others, a password or personal identification number (PIN), a second credential, or a biometric input, such as a fingerprint, a retinal scan, or voice recognition. For example, before access is granted in a two-factor authentication system, a person would present something physical or tangible, such as an access badge or identification card, and something they know, such as a PIN number or password which is less likely to be lost or stolen. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a flexible system capable of two-factor or multi-factor authentication.
The reader mounting bracket design of at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible device for upgrading and/or transitioning access control technologies. In one embodiment, the reader mounting bracket is configured to provide flexible orientation of multiple technology units that are selectively mountable to the bracket. This flexible orientation has many advantages, including the ability to implement a new technology protocol in a step-wise function, minimizing the costs and time required to upgrade a system, and minimizing disruptions to the on-going activities of the enterprise.
Embodiments of the present invention provide advantages over the prior art in that the reader mounting bracket design facilitates faster and more efficient removal, orientation and reorientation, and/or exchange of technology units associated therewith. Initially, a technology unit may be installed in a variety of orientations to provide optional relative configurations between technology units and the surrounding environment. In addition, after installation the bracket may be reoriented, and one or more technology units may be easily reinstalled using the same interconnections as before. Because the bracket is configurable for multiple relative orientations, the installation of the technology units can be easily customized for the customer, application, and location. Because the technology units may be positioned in a plurality of orientations, developing, manufacturing and inventorying individual models for each orientation or configuration can be eliminated. This results in a more efficient transition process, which decreases disruptions and increases profits.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a multi technology reader having two technology units is provided. The reader mounting bracket is configured to receive the technology units in multiple relative orientations. The technology units may interconnect to the reader mounting bracket by known interconnecting means. In one embodiment, a first technology units is formed integrally with the reader mounting bracket and a second technology unit is removable, replaceable, and otherwise substitutable depending on the desired technology (i.e., keypad, RF or proximity technology). Because one of the technology units is interchangeable, legacy technology can be upgraded or otherwise transitioned in a cost and time efficient fashion. Moreover, the second technology unit is capable of being mounted to the bracket in multiple relative orientations with respect to the first technology unit. The multi-orientable bracket has many advantages, including providing versatile reader configurations that can be implemented in diverse locations and used for numerous applications. In another embodiment, neither technology unit is formed integrally with the mounting bracket, each may be removed, repositioned, reoriented or replaced with a different technology unit.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a multi technology reader having more than two technology units is provided. Again, the reader mounting bracket is configured to receive the technology units in relative orientation. By providing additional technology units, the flexibility and versatility of the system are increased. In an exemplary embodiment, a first technology unit may be formed integrally with the reader mounting bracket and second and third technology units may be removable and reoriented in multiple relative configurations. By including more technology units, the system's overall flexibility and capability are increased. For example, a facility's access control technology may be integrated with additional technologies, such as a video device, speaker, or other electronic devices.
Further, multi technology readers of the present invention are capable of providing two-factor or multi-factor authentication. As a result, increased security protocols can be implemented with minimal cost.
In one embodiment, symmetrically oriented features on the reader mounting bracket enable technology units to be mounted thereto in multiple relative configurations. In one embodiment, the features are symmetrically oriented about two axes of a technology unit such that in any of the possible mounting orientations the features maintain their functionality.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the reader mounting bracket includes a feature activator that is symmetrically positioned to provide multi-orientation capabilities. The feature activator of one embodiment includes two tamper posts configured such that when a technology unit is connected to the mounting bracket, one of the tamper posts interconnect with a tamper switch of the technology unit. The feature activator is further configured such that unauthorized tampering will result in a disconnect of the tamper post with the tamper switch, which consequently may cause the technology unit to shut down or trigger an alarm or other signal. The symmetrical positioning of the feature activator(s) is such that, depending on the orientation of the technology unit, one of the tamper posts is engaged with a tamper switch of the technology unit. In another embodiment of the invention, a detachable feature activator is provided. The detachable feature activator may be directionally oriented such that installation is permitted in one direction. The detachable feature activator may comprise a tamper post interconnected to a screw post via an interconnection arm. Having a symmetrical and detachable feature activator is advantageous because, depending on the orientation of the technology unit, the tamper post is engaged with the technology unit and the screw post is positioned to fasten the technology unit to the reader mounting bracket.
The above-described embodiments and configurations are not intended to be complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more features set forth above or described below.
Several drawings have been developed to assist with understanding the invention. Following is a brief description of the drawings that illustrate the invention and its various embodiments.
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and that in certain instances, the disclosure may not include details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly, by those of skill in the art. Also, while the present disclosure describes the invention in connection with those embodiments presented, it should be understood that the invention is not strictly limited to these embodiments.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards devices, systems, and methods, which are used in association with updating a credential population, integrating existing credential populations, and/or increasing security with heightened authentication requirements. Although well suited for use in devices, systems, and methods employing RF communication protocols, magnetic communication protocols, and keypad communication protocols, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the mounting brackets described herein can be used with multiple different readers or input devices in both access control and non-access control systems.
Referring initially to
In the embodiment of
Alternatively, or in addition, the reader 10 may be configured to provide a cost efficient way of implementing two-factor authentication protocols. For example, users may be required to establish that they both possess a valid credential (e.g., magstripe, RFID, key fob, etc.) and possess knowledge of a password or other secret. The reader 10 would be configured to analyze both factors in connection with making an access control decision. In some embodiments, this requires the reader 10 to include a first technology unit 12 for analyzing a tangible thing possessed by the user (e.g., a reader for reading a machine-readable credential) and a second technology unit 14 for analyzing the second factor, e.g., a keypad which allows a user to enter a non-tangible factor such as password or other secret. In other two-factor authentication systems, the reader may analyze two different things possessed by a particular user in connection with making an access control decision. For instance, the reader may include two different types of technologies for reading two different types of machine-readable credentials. As another example, the reader may include two different types of technologies, one of which reads machine-readable credentials and the other of which reads biometric data (e.g., fingerprint scanner, retina scanner, facial scanner, voice analyzer, etc.) from the user. It should be appreciated that the technology units may be of the same or different technologies and two or more technology units may be utilized.
As can be seen in
As will be explained in greater detail below, the first and second technology units 12 and 14 are interconnected to a reader mounting bracket 16. As used herein, the terms “first technology unit” and “second technology unit” are used in reference to devices or modules used to receive data input. The term “technology unit(s)” may include a stand alone reader or may facilitate data communication to a reader. The term technology unit is not exclusive to reader devices and is also intended to cover other devices, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices, video devices, cameras, screens, speakers, microphones, or any other auxiliary electronic devices that would be desirable to integrate with or into a reader.
Referring to
In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, the reader mounting bracket 16 is configured to receive the first technology unit 12 in a plurality of orientations, thereby providing optional relative configurations between the first and second technology units 12 and 14. The reader mounting bracket 16 may receive the first technology unit 12 in a right, left, top, or bottom orientation. That is, the reader mounting bracket 16 may receive the first technology unit 12 to the left of, the right of, above, or below the second technology unit 14. One advantage to providing a bracket configurable for multiple relative orientations between technology units is that the installation of the reader and the relative orientations of the technology units can be customized on a per-customer or per-installation basis. In particular, it is often desirable to position an access control reader near a door, entryway, gate or some other physical barrier, and depending on the location, it may be further desirable to selectively orient the bracket such that one of the technology units is on one particular side or orientation. For example, if the reader is to be mounted to a mullion or door frame, it is advantageous to be able to mount the reader in a configuration that is easily accessible by the user. In addition, it is advantageous to have a single bracket capable of multiple orientations in order to provide versatile reader configurations that can be used in a wide variety of locations and for a broad range of applications. This is an improvement over conventional reader mounts or brackets because individual models for each orientation or configuration (i.e., left and right models) do not need to be designed, manufactured, or stocked. A multi-orientation reader bracket eliminates the need for developing different models with various orientations and stockpiling inventory of the different models. This results in substantial savings.
Referring to
In
In embodiments where the second technology unit is not integral to the reader mounting bracket, a second feature activator may be provided to ensure that a proper connection is maintained between the second technology unit and the reader mounting bracket.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the reader mounting bracket 16 further includes screw posts 24. The purpose of the screw posts 24 is to securely fasten the first technology unit 12 to the reader mounting bracket 16. Any number of mechanical fastening mechanisms may be used to fasten the first technology unit 12 to the reader mounting bracket 16. Like the feature activators, it is preferable that the screw posts 24 are oriented on the reader mounting bracket 16 in a symmetrical fashion. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, the screw posts 24 also include a threaded bore (not shown). The first technology unit 12 is secured to the reader mounting bracket 16 using one of the screw posts 24 (the orientation of the first technology unit 12 dictates which screw post 24 is used). However, in some environments it may be advantageous to provide additional screw posts to secure the first technology unit 12 to the reader 10. Additional screw posts or similar securing mechanisms may be provided for the second technology unit in the event that the second technology unit is not integral to the reader mounting bracket.
The reader mounting bracket 16 of one embodiment of the present invention may include hooks 26. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reader mounting bracket 16 includes hooks 26 oriented along the top and bottom sides of the bracket 16. The shape of the hooks 26 allows for the first technology unit 12 to be aligned with and secured to the reader mounting bracket 16. The hooks 26 may include any number of additional support members to enhance the structural stability and support of the hooks 26 and may be oriented along any of the sides of the reader mounting bracket 16.
The reader mounting bracket 16 may further include slide rails 28. One purpose of the slide rails 28 is to align the first technology unit 12 before it is secured into place onto the hooks 26. Another purpose of the slide rails 28 is to provide additional structural support for the first technology unit 12. In other embodiments, more or fewer slide rails 28 may be present. The slide rails 28 may be integrated with the reader mounting bracket 16 or they may be connectable with the reader mounting bracket 16.
A plurality of mounting slots 30 may also be provided on the reader mounting bracket 16 to facilitate mounting of the reader 10 to a wall, mullion, door, door frame, gate, or any other structure or surface. For increased versatility, the slots are oriented perpendicular to one another although other orientations will also work. As illustrated in
The reader mounting bracket 16 further includes a centrally positioned recess 32. The recess 32 provides space for the electrical circuitry or other hardware of the first technology unit 12 to reside.
The reader mounting bracket 16 also includes a pathway between the first technology unit 12 and the second technology unit 14. In the embodiment shown, the pathway comprises a cut-out 34 for receiving any wired connections and a wire retainer 36 for securing and directing any wired connections between the first technology unit 12 and the second technology unit 14. The wires are wrapped around and/or secured against the wire retainer 36 such that the wires do not interfere with the other components of the reader 10. In other embodiments of the present invention, a wireless communication link is provided. In still other embodiments, a completely contactless communication link is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the Radio Frequency (RF) signals are used to establish the communication link, in which case both the first and second technology units 12 and 14 comprise RF communication interfaces (e.g., an RF antenna) thereby facilitating the transmission and receptions of RF signals. The first and second technology units 12 and 14 may also comprise modulation/demodulation units for formatting electrical signals and messages consistent with an agreed upon format.
Referring now to
Referring specifically now to
Referring now to
A reader 10 of another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
Referring now to
The reader mounting bracket 16 is configured to receive the first technology unit 12 in a plurality of configurations (i.e., left and right). As discussed above, the reader mounting bracket 16 is versatile and may be installed in multiple orientations and eliminates the need for specific models for each orientation. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the bracket 16 may also be configured to orient the first and second technology units 12 and 14 in a top or bottom configuration as well.
The reader mounting bracket 16 also includes a detachable feature activator 60 of one embodiment of the present invention. The detachable feature activator 60 comprises a tamper post 20 interconnected to a screw post 24 via an interconnection arm 62. The detachable feature activator 60 is adapted to interconnect to the reader mounting bracket 16 in multiple orientations, depending on the chosen orientation of the first technology unit 12. In the embodiment shown, the detachable feature activator 60 snap-fits into the reader mounting bracket 16. The detachable feature activator 60 is directionally oriented such that installation is permitted in only one direction. The tamper post 20 and screw post 24 of the detachable feature activator 60 are tapered to provide this unidirectional orientation. That is, because of their tapered shape, the detachable feature activator 60 cannot be installed in the wrong direction. This unidirectional connection feature may be implemented in other ways known to those of skill in the art which are incorporated into and are part of the present embodiment. In addition, the detachable feature activator 60 is mirrored (or symmetric) about two axes of the first technology unit 12 such that depending on the orientation of the first technology unit 12 the tamper post 20 is interconnected with the first technology unit 12 and the screw post 24 is positioned to fasten the first technology unit 12 to the reader mounting bracket 16. The screw post 24 may optionally include a threaded bore. The detachable feature activator 60 may include additional features, including, but not limited to, optical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical features. The multi-orientation capability is preferably maintained by symmetrically orienting the detachable feature activator 60 about two-axes of the first technology unit 12.
Similar to the reader mounting bracket described above, the reader mounting bracket 16 of the embodiment shown in
The reader mounting bracket 16 may optionally include additional components to facilitate the attachment, securement, functioning, or positioning of the first and second technology units 12 and 14. For example, the reader mounting bracket 16 may include a resistive heating element on the back side of the second technology unit 14. In the event that the second technology unit 14 comprises a magnetic stripe reader then the addition of a resistive heating element would increase the operating temperature limits of the device.
Referring now to
The reader devices discussed herein may be made of a polycarbonate material. However, any number of durable and resilient materials may be used, such as other thermoplastic polymers or metals. For readers used in outdoor environments, it may be desirable to treat the materials with a waterproofing or weatherproofing material treatment.
The features identified and discussed above are scalable in size such as to accommodate a wide range of reader/electronic devices.
The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing description for example, various features of the invention have been identified. It should be appreciated that these features may be combined together into a single embodiment or in various other combinations as appropriate for the intended end use of the band. The dimensions of the component pieces may also vary, yet still be within the scope of the invention. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g. as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.
The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.
