Communications: electrical – Continuously variable indicating – With meter reading
Reexamination Certificate
1997-02-06
2001-04-17
Zimmerman, Brian (Department: 2735)
Communications: electrical
Continuously variable indicating
With meter reading
C070S278200, C359S107000, C340S870030
Reexamination Certificate
active
06218955
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to the field of door security systems. More particularly, this invention relates to an optical communication system for an integrated lock control system.
Devices which provide programmable access to individual electrically controlled door locks are well known in the field of door security systems. Door security systems generally employ either centrally controlled door locks or stand-alone door locks. Both types of door locks typically operate by requiring a user to enter a personal access code at an access code reader located at the site of the door. Entry of a valid access code initiates an unlocking sequence for passage by the user through the door.
Centrally controlled door locks are typically wired from the door location to a programmable central control console at a remote location. Centrally controlled lock systems generally entail increased installation costs when compared to other door security systems. For centrally controlled lock systems employing electrically controlled mortise and cylindrical locks, wiring is typically installed between the door frame and the door by use of a shielded communication cable at the hinged edge of the door. Lock system reliability can be compromised because communication cables between doors and door frames are susceptible to wear and can be exposed to tampering. Furthermore, for aesthetic reasons, a passage must be provided for the communication cable from the hinged edge through the door to the electrically controlled mortise or cylindrical lock. For solid doors, providing this passage is a relatively time-consuming and expensive requirement.
In response to the increased initial expense and other deficiencies of centrally controlled and wired lock systems, less centralized systems which are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and electronically sophisticated have been widely employed. For example, stand-alone electrically controllable locks may be installed at each door location. Such stand-alone systems are typically not wired through the door and are separately powered by on board batteries associated with the lock. Many stand-alone systems are programmable to provide a number of operational options and are capable of compiling usage information or an audit trail.
While there are a number of advantages of stand-alone systems, there are also a number of disadvantages. Each stand-alone door lock is individually and independently programmed with valid user access codes. Any audit trail information compiled must be individually and independently downloaded from each lock. Because each door lock is independent, security personnel are required to visit each door location. The individual programming and downloading process for each lock of the security system is inefficient.
It may also be desirable to program changes in valid user access codes relatively simultaneously to all locks in the security system so as to preclude inconsistent valid access codes at different doors for a common secured area. Furthermore, in order for the entire security system to remain effective and current, it is desirable to program access code updates as required. Security systems employing independently operable stand-alone locks may therefore prove unwieldy and inefficient for securing larger numbers of doors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention comprises an optical communication system for communicating between a stand-alone electrically controlled lock and a centralized lock control system.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the optical communication system comprises a network communication module having an infrared network transmitter and an infrared network receiver mounted in a fixed position relative to the door frame. The network communication module is integrated with a remote lock network or lock control console. A corresponding lock communication module having an infrared lock transmitter and infrared lock receiver is mounted to the door. The lock communication module is integrated with the stand-alone lock. The pairs of infrared transmitters and receivers are oriented in a manner such that when the door is in a closed position, the respective transmitters and receivers are in opposing line-of-sight relationship. The opposed pairs of transmitters and receivers provide bi-directional wireless communication between the stand-alone lock and the remote lock control console. This optical communication system employs the opposed pairs of infrared transmitters and receivers to transfer lock commands, access codes and audit trail data between the stand-alone lock and the remote lock control console. The stand-alone lock can therefore be programmed, monitored and accessed from the remote location of the lock control console for audit trail data.
The communication system further facilitates networking and the efficient integration of numerous stand-alone locks into a comprehensive lock system. The addition or deletion of user access codes from the entire lock system can be accomplished on a single occasion by the networking function provided by the optical communication system. Furthermore, individual stand-alone locks can be easily and immediately accessed for audit trail data from a central location.
An object of the invention is to provide an optical communication system that provides communication between a stand-alone type door lock and a remote lock control console.
Another object of the invention is to provide a lock communication system that does not require wire communication lines between a door frame and an associated secured door.
A further object of the invention is to provide a lock communication system wherein programming of a stand-alone door lock is accomplished without requiring the presence of security personnel at the door lock site.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a lock communication system capable of both centralized programming and audit trail compilation from multiple units of a stand-alone door lock system.
Another object of the invention is to provide a lock communication system for the networking of multiple independent stand-alone locks from a remote location.
These and other objects of the invention are readily apparent from the specification and the accompanying drawings.
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Alix Yale & Ristas, LLP
Harrow Products Inc.
Zimmerman Brian
LandOfFree
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