Methods to combine and auto-configure wiegand and RS485

An access control reader includes a credential interface and a network interface. The access control reader includes a processor coupled to the credential interface and the network interface and computer memory coupled with the processor and comprising instructions that are executable by the processor. The instructions comprise instructions to determine that the access control reader has been connected to a power source, and instructions to monitor activity at the credential interface after the access control reader has been connected to the power source. The instructions comprise instructions that cause the access control reader to enter either a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation dependent upon whether or not activity is detected at the credential interface within a threshold amount of time after the access control reader has been connected to the power source.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally directed toward a physical access control system and methods of operating the same.

BACKGROUND

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is used in a variety of applications including physical access control systems (e.g., contactless physical access control systems). Such physical access control systems usually include RFID readers that wirelessly communicate with RFID tags (or credentials) according to a communications protocol to allow or to deny access to a secured area such as a building, a room, etc. In some cases the reader is connected to a control panel that assists the reader in making access control decisions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Two illustrative protocols used for RFID physical access control systems include Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) and the Wiegand protocol. The Wiegand communications interface is a predominant standard in connecting access control readers with access control panels but OSDP is gaining market share; often panels support both. The Wiegand protocol uses an open collector signaling wiring standard [SIA AC-01-1996.10] whereas OSDP uses twisted-pair balanced line RS485 wiring standard [TIA/EIA-485]. The type of communications protocol and wiring standard of an RFID system is often chosen at the time of installing the system depending on the system requirements and which is supported by the access control panel. In such cases, it may be desirable for the reader to automatically detect what type of protocol is being implemented within the physical access control system and to inform the associated access control panel of the type of protocol being used. However, the operating voltages of the circuitry associated with each wiring standard are incompatible. Typically, Wiegand is 0V or 5V whereas RS485 is +/−6V unloaded (and can be as low as +/−1.5V when loaded). Therefore, to physically combine the two, an analog multiplexer (MUX) may be used. This introduces costs and a control line for path control. The MUX may have supply voltages of +6V and −6V to support +/−6V input/outputs. To achieve the negative supply voltage, a charge pump may be included in the circuitry.

One way to determine a protocol of the reader is to auto-sense whether it's externally connected to a Wiegand interface or an RS485 interface. This is accomplished by including a voltage comparator on the Wiegand/RS485 lines and looking for a negative voltage. If negative, then the reader can determine that it is connected to a RS485 interface. If not negative, then the reader can determine that it is connected to a Wiegand interface. Advantages of this approach are that configuration is simplified and is less prone to errors. However, there are technical challenges. For example, in order for the RS485 line to go negative, a message needs to be sent from the connecting device (e.g., control panel, or laptop trying to connect to the reader). If a 0V/5V FTDI USB cable (An FTDI cable is a USB to Serial (TTL level) converter which allows for a simple way to connect TTL interface devices to USB. The I/O pins of this FTDI cable are configured to operate at 5V) is used for the RS485 interface, it may be difficult to distinguish these levels from a Wiegand interface, since the levels are the same. One way around this is to prohibit these 0V/5V FTDI USB-to-RS485 cables, and only use the industrial FTDI USB cables which generate proper positive/negative RS485 voltage levels instead.

In lieu of enabling a reader to auto-sense the type of network to which it is connecting, another option is to enable manual configuration via dipswitches, Bluetooth, or a configuration card.

Yet another option is auto-configuration, in which the reader enters the correct configuration based upon a pre-determined flow of states, or an external event (such as presentation of either a credential or RS485 message).

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a reader is provided with a Default Mode, which sets the path for RS485 (or OSDP mode). The reader is configured to remain in its Default Mode until it receives one of two possible events, an RS485 Message or Credential Presentation. If the reader receives an OSDP (or other) message over RS485, then the reader knows it has an RS485 connection. In this scenario, the connection path remains the same as in the Default Mode, but the reader is now officially in an OSDP Mode of operation. It should be noted that the initial RS485 message must precede a credential presentation. However, if at any point, a credential is presented to the reader before an RS485 message is received, then the reader assumes it is connected to a Wiegand interface (since it never received an RS485 message) and, in response to detecting such an event, the reader switches to a Wiegand Mode of operation.

To summarize, at any given moment, the reader is in one of three possible serial communication modes, Default Mode (path=RS485), OSDP Mode (path=RS485), and Wiegand Mode (path=Wiegand). Once a reader establishes its mode of operation, then the reader saves and retains that configuration in its local memory (e.g., a non-volatile memory co-located in a housing of the reader). Accordingly, if a reader experiences a reset, then the reader can be configured to return to its previous configuration upon reboot. This addresses the case of a power outage in a building.

Several scenarios exist that can complicate the straightforward concept described above. To handle these scenarios, after a reset, the reader can be configured to boot-up with the RS485 path enabled for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., a predetermined number of seconds). Scenarios that can be solved by utilizing auto-configuration include the scenario in which a new reader from the factory is mounted to a wall for the first time, a scenario in which the reader is reset on the wall, a scenario in which a factory configuration of the reader is adjusted in the field, a scenario in which the reader is re-purposed in the field from Wiegand to OSDP, a scenario in which the reader is re-purposed in the field from OSDP to Wiegand, a power-fail/recovery cycle, a tamper condition, and a scenario in which a reader is mounted but the control panel is not yet connected.

Embodiments of the present disclosure propose the following reader behavior to address the above-identified scenarios and other related scenarios. In some embodiments, the default factory configuration for the reader is set to be a Default Mode (path=RS485). If a credential (e.g., any compatible card, smartphone, etc. and not necessarily an authorized one) is presented to the reader before an OSDP message is received, the reader will switch to Wiegand Mode (path=Wiegand) and save the new configuration. If an OSDP message is received at the reader before a credential is presented to the reader, the reader will switch to OSDP Mode (path=RS485) and save that configuration. Once configured for OSDP or Wiegand, the reader retains configuration after reset by virtue of storing its configuration information in non-volatile memory. After the reader is reset, the reader will remain in Default Mode (path=RS-485) for a predetermined amount of time (this amount of time may be configuration and may further be different between Wiegand and OSDP configurations). As a non-limiting example, after reset the reader will remain in the Default Mode for the predetermined amount of time. After the predetermined amount of time has expired, and no OSDP message has come from the control panel, the reader restores previously saved configuration (e.g., the reader either enters the Wiegand Mode of operation or the OSDP mode of operation and does not remain in the Default Mode of operation beyond the predetermined amount of time after the reset). If the reader reverts back to the Wiegand Mode of operation, the reader will send an “I'm Alive” signal to the control panel. If tampered with, the reader will send an “Invert I'm Alive” signal to the control panel. If an OSDP message is received at the reader prior to the predetermined amount of time expiring, then the reader enters the OSDP Mode of operation. If a credential is presented to the reader prior to the predetermined amount of time expiring without receiving an OSDP message, the reader enters the Wiegand Mode of operation.

The above behavior has the following advantages: (i) simple for the reader manufacturer to implement because the reader is by default listening for RS485 messages; (ii) simple reader installation—if a fresh mount is Wiegand, present any card to switch the reader to Wiegand mode, if it is OSDP, do not do anything; (iii) simple to reconfigure the reader from OSDP to Wiegand by simply presenting any credential to the reader after reset within the predetermined amount of time after the reader is reset; and (iv) simple to reconfigure the reader from Wiegand to OSDP because the control panel simply sends an OSDP message to the reader within the predetermined amount of time after the reader is reset.

Various aspects of the example embodiments will be described herein with reference to drawings that are schematic illustrations of idealized configurations. It should be appreciated that while particular circuit configurations and circuit elements are described herein, example embodiments are not limited to the illustrative circuit configurations and/or circuit elements depicted and described herein. Specifically, it should be appreciated that circuit elements of a particular type or function may be replaced with one or multiple other circuit elements to achieve a similar function without departing from the scope of example embodiments.

It should also be appreciated that example embodiments described herein may be implemented in any number of form factors. Specifically, the entirety of the blocks or circuits disclosed herein may be implemented in silicon as a fully-integrated solution (e.g., as a single Integrated Circuit (IC) chip or multiple IC chips) or they may be implemented as discrete components connected to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

FIG. 1illustrates an access control system100according to at least one example embodiment. The access control system100may be for providing access to a building130through a security door140for a user102(or installer of the access control system100). The system100includes a reader network110, an access control reader (or reader)105, a credential (or mobile device)112, an access control panel (or control panel)115, an operator124, and a communication network150. It should be appreciated that the operator124and access control panel115may be provided as a common component, although such a configuration is not required. In some embodiments, the operator124and/or access control panel115are owned and/or operated by a hospitality management entity. In particular, the operator124may generate keys for use in a multi-room facility130(e.g., hotel, cruise ship, dorm, motel, etc.) and the access control panel115may be used to distribute the keys generated by the operator124to various credentials or mobile devices112(e.g., purpose-built cards and/or key fobs). The control panel115may assist the access control reader105in making access control decisions with respect to credentials112presented to the credential interface220of the access control reader105. The access control panel115is described in more detail below with reference toFIG. 3.

The reader network110may be a Physical Access Control System (PACS) network to facilitate communication between the network interface215and the access control panel115. For example, the reader network110may adhere to RS485 wiring standards to communicate using OSDP and/or adhere to Wiegand wiring standards to communicate using Wiegand protocol. It should be understood that example embodiments are not limited to the reader network110operating according to the two wiring standards and protocols (and the reader105that auto-configures itself accordingly) described above. For example, the reader network110may support three or more protocols in which case the reader105may auto-configure itself to operate according to any one of the three or more protocols depending upon events.

The credential112may correspond to one or multiple devices that are carried by a user and/or guest of the multi-room facility being managed by the operator124. The credential112may correspond to a movable device capable of being operated by a user or multiple users. When fully functional, the credential112may be capable of communicating with the access control panel115via the communication network110using any of the protocols supported by the communication network110. In some embodiments, a first communication interface144of the credential112may be used to connect the credential112directly to the communication network110, thereby enabling an exchange of keys between the access control panel115and credential112.

However, there may be instances where the first communication interface144is disabled or otherwise prohibited from connecting to the communication network110. For instance, when the credential112is administered by its user to avoid roaming (e.g., if the credential112is a mobile phone having cellular service disabled due to international travel), the first communication interface144may be limited or completely disabled to avoid roaming and any charges incurred in connection therewith. In such a scenario, the mobile communication device112may rely upon a second communication interface148to facilitate communications with nearby devices via a proximity-based communication channel116. Illustrative credentials112include, without limitation, smartphones, contactless cards, magstripe cards, Wi-Fi-enabled devices, key fobs, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, smart clothes), etc.

In some embodiments, the communication channel116may correspond to a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication channel. In some embodiments, the communication channel116may correspond to a near field communication (NFC) channel. In some embodiments, the communication channel116may correspond to an Infrared communication channel. In some embodiments, the communication channel116may correspond to an Ultrasonic communication channel. Any other type of communication protocol that is dependent upon proximity and/or line-of-sight may be utilized between the credential112and reader105. Other protocols may also be used to exchange information between the credential112and the reader105. For instance, the reader105may include a barcode or Quick Response (QR) code dynamically displayed on a screen thereof, or affixed by a sticker or the like to a surface of the reader105. The credential112may obtain information from the reader105by taking one or more images of the reader's105screen or sticker and decoding the barcode and/or QR code. Another type of communication channel116that may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure is a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection. When possible (e.g., when BLE or NFC is used as the channel116), no manual pairing process is needed, thereby making it possible to simply tap the reader105with the credential112to establish the communication channel116. It should be appreciated, however, that access to the communication channel116(and more specifically the device interface220of the reader105) may be restricted to credentials112having a valid mobile access application152stored thereon. A credential112without the mobile access application152may not be allowed to establish a communication channel116with the device interface220. Thus, the mobile access application152may be used to perform an automated mutual authentication with the reader105before establishing the communication channel116or as part of establishing the communication channel116.

The credential112may include computer memory (e.g., volatile and/or non-volatile) that stores one or more Operating Systems (O/S) and the mobile access application152, among other items. The credential112may also include a processor (e.g., a microprocessor or collection of microprocessors), one or more drivers, a user interface, and a power module. The credential112may further include a first communication interface144(e.g., a communication network interface) and a second communication interface148(e.g., a credential interface) as well as a secure element156for storing the one or more access control keys.

The memory of the credential112may correspond to any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, the memory may include volatile or non-volatile memory and a controller for the same. Non-limiting examples of memory that may be utilized in the credential112include RAM, ROM, buffer memory, flash memory, solid-state memory, or variants thereof.

The processor of the credential112may correspond to one or many microprocessors that are contained within the housing of the credential112with the memory. In some embodiments, the processor incorporates the functions of the credential's112Central Processing Unit (CPU) on a single Integrated Circuit (IC) or a few IC chips. As with other processors disclosed herein, the processor may be a multipurpose, programmable device that accepts digital data as input, processes the digital data according to instructions stored in its internal memory, and provides results as output. The processor may implement sequential digital logic as it has internal memory. As with most known microprocessors, the processor may operate on numbers and symbols represented in the binary numeral system.

The communication network150may facilitate communication between the first communication interface144and the credential interface220. The communication network150may include any type of communication medium or collection of communication equipment that enables remote communication devices to exchange information and/or media with one another using any type of known or yet-to-be developed transport protocol. The communication network150may facilitate wired and/or wireless communication technologies. The Internet is an example of a communication network150that constitutes an Internet Protocol (IP) network consisting of many computers, computing networks, and other communication devices located all over the world, which are connected through many telephone systems and other means. Other examples of the communication network150include, without limitation, a standard Plain Old Telephone System (POTS), an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) network, a Voice over IP (VoIP) network, a cellular network (e.g., 3G, 4G, LTE, etc.), and any other type of packet-switched or circuit-switched network known in the art. In addition, it can be appreciated that the communication network150need not be limited to any one network type, and instead may include a number of different networks and/or network types. Moreover, the communication network150may include a number of different communication media such as coaxial cable, copper cable/wire, fiber-optic cable, antennas for transmitting/receiving wireless messages, and combinations thereof.

The driver(s) of the credential112may correspond to hardware, software, and/or controllers that provide specific instructions to hardware components of the credential112, thereby facilitating their operation. For instance, interfaces144,148, may each have a dedicated driver that provides appropriate control signals to effect their operation. The driver(s) may also include the software or logic circuits that ensure the various hardware components are controlled appropriately and in accordance with desired protocols. For instance, the driver of the second communication interface148may be adapted to ensure that the second communication interface148follows the appropriate proximity-based protocols (e.g., BLE, NFC, Infrared, Ultrasonic, peer-to-peer Wi-Fi, etc.) such that the second communication interface148can exchange communications with the reader105. Likewise, the driver of the first communication interface144may be adapted to ensure that the first communication interface144follows the appropriate network communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP (at one or more layers in the OSI model), UDP, RTP, GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi, etc.) such that the interface144can exchange communications via the communication network150. As can be appreciated, the driver(s) may also be configured to control wired hardware components (e.g., a USB driver, an Ethernet driver, etc.).

The second communication interface148may correspond to the hardware that facilitates communications via the communication channel116. The second communication interface148may include a Bluetooth interface (e.g., antenna and associated circuitry), a Wi-Fi/802.11N interface (e.g., an antenna and associated circuitry), an NFC interface (e.g., an antenna and associated circuitry), an Infrared interface (e.g., LED, photodiode, and associated circuitry), and/or an Ultrasonic interface (e.g., speaker, microphone, and associated circuitry). In some embodiments, second communication interface148is specifically provided to facilitate proximity-based communications with a reader105via communication channel116or multiple communication channels116.

The first communication interface144may include hardware that facilitates communications with other communication devices over the communication network150. As mentioned above, the first communication interface144may include an Ethernet port, a Wi-Fi card, a Network Interface Card (NIC), a cellular interface (e.g., antenna, filters, and associated circuitry), or the like. The first communication interface144may be configured to facilitate a connection between the credential112and the communication network150and may further be configured to encode and decode communications (e.g., packets) according to a protocol utilized by the communication network150.

The optional secure element/data storage156may correspond to one or multiple secure memory devices that are capable of storing data in an encrypted and secure manner. Communications between the secure element156and the interfaces144,148may also be secured, thereby ensuring that data received at the credential112is securely stored in the secure element156without exposure. The secure element156may be integrated into the credential112or it may be removable in nature. Suitable examples of secure elements156include, without limitation, a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC), an embedded SE, and microSD.

The power module of the credential112may include a built-in power supply (e.g., battery) and/or a power converter that facilitates the conversion of externally-supplied AC power into DC power that is used to power the various components of the credential112. In some embodiments, the power module may also include some implementation of surge protection circuitry to protect the components of the credential112from power surges.

The reader105may correspond to a purpose-built reader/writer or similar type of device. In some embodiments, the reader105includes a device interface or credential interface220and a network interface215. As shown inFIG. 1, the reader105may communicate with the access control panel115through reader network110using either one of paths A and B according to an operational mode of the reader105and/or a type of protocol used by the reader network110between the reader105and access control panel115. For example, the network interface215conducts communication via path A in a first mode of the reader105(e.g., using RS485 wiring standards), and the reader105conducts communication via path B in a second mode of operation (e.g., using Wiegand wiring standards).

The reader105may further include a processor205, memory210, a timer,230and a power source120. The processor205may be similar or identical to the processor described in connection with the credential112. For instance, the processor205may correspond to a microprocessor or the like. Similarly, the memory210may correspond to any type of computer memory such as the memory described with respect to the credential112. The memory210may include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor205, enable certain functions of the reader105to be performed.

The timer230may include any necessary hardware and/or software for functions associated with keeping or counting time, such as starting, stopping, and resetting. The memory210may store a changeable threshold value or threshold amount of time. The threshold value or threshold amount of time may be a design parameter set based on empirical evidence and/or user defined.

Example operations of the reader105are described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 2-7.

A reader208according to at least one example embodiment is depicted inFIG. 2. It should be understood that the reader208ofFIG. 2illustrates additional details of the reader105inFIG. 1. Thus, like the reader105inFIG. 1, the reader208includes a power source120, a timer230, and a memory210storing instructions for execution by the processor205. Such instructions, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to carry out needed functions, including, for example, auto-configuration of the reader's mode of operation.

The access control reader105may communicate (e.g., wirelessly communicate) with credential112according to a communications protocol to allow or to deny access to a secured area such as a building, a room, etc. The wireless (or contactless) communication may be achieved by antennas built into the reader105and the credential115. The reader105and the credential112may exchange data signals and/or power signals through respective antennas. The reader105may communicate with the access control panel115through reader network110using one or more communication protocols.

The protocol used by the reader network110may be of a particular type. For example, the protocol may be a first type, which allows for the reader105to conduct bidirectional (or two way) communications with the control panel115over the reader network110. In this case, the reader105may be operating in a first mode corresponding to an OSDP Mode of operation in which the communication protocol for the network110is carried out in accordance with OSDP standards and RS485 wiring standards. In another example, the protocol may be a second type, which allows for the reader105to conduct unidirectional (or one way) communications with the control panel115over the reader network110. In this case, the reader105may be operating in a second mode corresponding to a Wiegand Mode of operation in which the communication protocol for the network110is in accordance with Wiegand protocol and wiring standards.

The access control panel115assists the reader105in making access control decisions with respect to a credential112. In order for the control panel115to do so, the control panel115should be informed of which communications protocol is being employed by the reader105. Accordingly, it is desired for the reader105to easily inform the control panel115of the communications protocol being employed by the reader105.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the access control reader105is coupled to the access control panel115via the reader network110. The access control reader105comprises circuitry that enables the access control reader105to detect (e.g., automatically detect) the type of protocol used by the reader network110based on whether or not a credential112is presented to the access control reader105within a threshold amount of time of the access control reader105being installed and then operate in a mode of operation consistent with the detected type of protocol. For example, the access control reader105detects the first type of protocol (e.g., OSDP Mode) if the credential is not presented to the access control reader105within the threshold amount of time, and operates in a first mode of operation. In another example, the access control reader105detects the second type of protocol (e.g., Wiegand Mode) if the credential112is presented within the threshold amount of time, and operates in a second mode of operation.

The reader208ofFIG. 2also includes one or more device interfaces232a-e(collectively the credential interface220inFIG. 1) for communicating with credentials112of different types, for example. To increase the number of credentials112with which the reader208can communicate, the reader208may include, for example, a BLE device interface232a, an NFC device interface232b, an ultrasonic device interface232c, an infrared device interface232d, and a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi device interface232e. Thus, as long as a credential112has a communication interface248a-ecompatible with at least one of the communication interfaces232a-eof the reader208, the credential112will be able to communicate with the reader208. The reader208also includes a network interface215for communicating with access control panel115via the reader network110.

As depicted inFIG. 2, a credential112including a BLE communication interface248amay establish a BLE communication channel216awith the BLE device interface232aof the reader208. The credential112can then transmit a key update request to the reader105via the communication channel216aand receive a key update from the reader208via the same communication channel216a. Likewise, a credential112including an NFC communication interface248bmay establish an NFC communication channel216bwith the NFC device interface232bof the reader208. A credential112including an ultrasonic communication interface248cmay establish an ultrasonic communication channel216cwith the ultrasonic device interface232cof the reader208. A credential112including an infrared communication interface248dmay establish an infrared communication channel216dwith the infrared device interface232dof the reader208. A credential112including a peer-to-peer WiFi communication interface248emay establish a peer-to-peer WiFi communication channel216ewith the peer-to-peer WiFi device interface232eof the reader208. In embodiments, the reader208is capable of communicating with a plurality of credentials112simultaneously (e.g. over multiple device interfaces232), while in other embodiments the reader208is capable of communicating over only one device interface232at a given time. In embodiments, the reader208is configured to initiate communications with a credential112after it is tapped by the credential112, while in other embodiments the reader208is configured to initiate communications with any credential112in response to a signal from the credential112. In still other embodiments, the reader208is configured to scan for credentials112and to initiate communications (or at least attempt to initiate communications) with any credential112within communication range.

FIG. 3illustrates an example structure of the access control panel115ofFIG. 1.

According to at least one embodiment, the access control panel115includes a network interface235. The network interface235may provide a go-between for the access control panel115and the reader network110.

The access control panel115may further include a processor240, memory245, and a power source250. The power source250may provide power for the access control panel115. The processor240may be similar or identical to the processor described in connection with the credential112and/or the reader105. For instance, the processor240may correspond to a microprocessor or the like. Similarly, the memory245may correspond to any type of computer memory. The memory245may include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor240, enable certain functions of the reader access control panel115to be performed.

As shown inFIG. 1, the access control panel115may conduct communication with reader network110either one of paths A and B according to a mode of the reader105. For example, in a first mode of the reader105, the network interface235conducts communication via path A, and in a second mode of the reader105conducts communication via path B. Additional example operations of the access control panel115and processor240are described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 4-7.

FIG. 4illustrates example instructions stored in the memory210ofFIGS. 1 and 2. The memory210may include power source detecting instructions400for causing the processor205to detect connections and disconnections of the power source120to the reader105. The memory210may include environment monitoring instructions405for causing the processor205to monitor an environment of the reader105(e.g., an environment of the credential interface220) to determine whether the credential112has been placed within a read range of the reader105. The memory210may include timer control instructions410that cause the processor205to control operation of the timer230(e.g., threshold values/amounts of time, start, stop, and reset operations). The memory210may include reader control instructions415that cause the processor205to control the reader105to operate in either a first mode or a second mode. The memory210may include indicator setting and reference instructions420that cause the processor205to set and/or reference an indicator that indicates a mode of operation of the reader105. The effect of instructions400,405,410,415, and420when carried out by the processor205are discussed in additional detail below with reference toFIGS. 5A to 7.

FIG. 5Aillustrates an example structure of the network interface ofFIGS. 1 and 2according to at least one example embodiment.

InFIG. 5A, transceiver500and level shifters505may be included in the network interface215A of the reader105. As shown inFIG. 5A, the transceiver500and the level shifters505are coupled to the processor205. The transceiver500may be controlled by a control signal CON from the processor205and may communicate (e.g., exchange access control messages) with the control panel115over the reader network110through path A of the network interface215A when the reader105is in a first mode of operation. According to at least one example embodiment, the transceiver500and path A adheres RS485 standards so that the first mode of operation is an OSDP Mode of operation.

As also shown inFIG. 5A, the processor205controls the operation of level shifters505to communicate (e.g., exchange access control signals) with the control panel115over the reader network110through path B of the network interface215A when the reader105is in a second mode of operation. According to at least one example embodiment, the level shifters505and path B adhere to Wiegand standards so that the second mode of operation is a Wiegand Mode of operation. As shown inFIG. 5A, the level shifters505are powered by a 5V power source and also connected to ground GND1.

Still further shown inFIG. 5Ais the ability of the reader105to relay Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) messages by sharing I/O ports to the processor205with level shifters505. Thus, an example embodiment according toFIG. 5Ahas three pins or connections for the processor205to send/receive signals to/from the transceiver500and level shifters505, and four pins or connections to send/receive signals to/from the reader network110.

FIG. 5Billustrates another example structure of the network interface ofFIGS. 1 and 2according to at least one other example embodiment. The network interface215B is similar to network interface215A fromFIG. 5Awith the addition of a selector510, a charge pump515, and a selection signal SEL. Compared toFIG. 5A, an example embodiment according toFIG. 5Bincreases the number of pins or connections of the processor205to the network interface from three to four and decreases the number of pins or connections of the network interface to the reader network110from four to two.

The selector510may be, for example, a multiplexer or other circuitry capable of switching between multiple inputs. The selector510may have an operating voltage of +/−6V, where the −6V is supplied by charge pump515. As shown inFIG. 5B, the processor205controls an output of the selector510according to a selection signal SEL. For example, the processor205sends the selection signal SEL to select the output of the selector510to be in accordance with a first mode (or OSDP Mode) or a second mode (or Wiegand Mode). Thus, paths A and B use the same two pins or connections between the network interface215B and reader network110.

FIG. 6illustrates example operations of the processor205ofFIGS. 1 and 2according to at least one example embodiment. It should be understood that the operations described with respect toFIG. 6may be implemented by executing the instructions discussed with reference toFIG. 4.

In operation600, the processor205determines that the access control reader105has been connected to the power source120.

In operation605, the processor205starts the timer230, which has an initial value (e.g., zero seconds).

In operation610, the processor205monitors an environment of the reader105to determine whether a credential112has been placed within a read range of the reader105. That is, the processor205monitors activity at the credential interface220(e.g., after the access control reader105has been connected to the power source120). The read range corresponds to a distance between the credential112and the reader105at which the credential112and the reader105conduct communication through their respective interfaces144/148and220. The read range may be a design parameter set based on empirical evidence and/or may vary according to what type of communication and device interfaces fromFIG. 2are employed.

In operation615, in the event that the credential112is determined to be within the read range of the access control reader105prior to the timer reaching a threshold value (or threshold amount of time), the processor205causes the access control reader105to operate in a second mode of operation rather than a first mode of operation which corresponds to a default mode of operation. That is, the processor205causes the reader105to enter either a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation dependent upon whether or not activity is detected at the credential interface220within a threshold amount of time after the access control reader105has been connected to the power source120, where the activity is the presence of a credential within a read range of the reader105. For example, the access control reader105enters the second mode of operation in response to detecting activity at the credential interface220within the threshold amount of time, and the access control reader105enters the first mode of operation in response to failing to detect activity at the credential interface220within the threshold amount of time. The threshold value or threshold amount of time may be a changeable design parameter based on empirical evidence and/or user defined. For example, the threshold value or threshold amount of time may be on the order of seconds (e.g., 10 seconds).

According to at least one example embodiment, the first mode of operation corresponds to a mode of operation in which the network interface215is used to conduct bi-directional communications with at least one other network device (e.g., the control panel115). For example, the first mode of operation corresponds to an OSDP Mode of operation.

According to at least one example embodiment, the second mode of operation corresponds to a mode of operation in which the network interface215is used to conduct unidirectional communications with at least one other network device (e.g., the control panel115). For example, the second mode of operation corresponds to a Wiegand Mode of operation.

In operation620, the processor205sets an indicator that indicates whether the reader105is in the first mode or the second mode. For example, if the reader105enters the first mode, then the processor205sets the indicator to a value that indicates the first mode, and if the reader105enters the second mode, then the processor205sets the indicator to a value that indicates the second mode. The indicator may be stored in a nonvolatile memory, such as the memory210. That is, the processor205sets the indicator in the memory210to reflect whether the access control reader105enters the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation. The indicator may be a binary value(s) stored in a register of the memory210. For example, a ‘0’ may indicate the first mode and a ‘1’ may indicate the second mode.

In operation625, the processor205resets the timer230to the initial value.

It should be appreciated that the operations ofFIG. 6may relate to operations for an initial boot-up of the reader105or a first boot-up after a factory restore of the reader105.

FIG. 7illustrates example operations of the processor205ofFIGS. 1 and 2according to at least one example embodiment. It should be understood that the operations described with respect toFIG. 7may be implemented by executing the instructions discussed with reference toFIG. 4. It should also be appreciated thatFIG. 7may relate to a situation that occurs for boot-ups of the reader105subsequent to the initial boot-up or first boot-up after factory restore (e.g., after accidental power interruption).

In operation700, the processor205detects that the access control reader105has been disconnected from the power source120. The access control reader105may become disconnected from the power source120as a result of a power outage or other accidental power interruption, or as a result of a purposeful power interruption. The processor205may detect the disconnection as a result of detecting that power supply voltage from the power source120of the access control reader105drops below a threshold voltage value. The threshold voltage value may be a design parameter set based on empirical evidence and/or user defined.

In operation705, the processor205detects that the access control reader105is reconnected to the power source120or to another power source (not illustrated). For example, the processor205detects that the power supply voltage of the access control reader105exceeds the threshold voltage value.

In operation710, the processor205restarts the timer230in response to detecting the reconnection to a power source in operation505(recall that the timer230was reset in operation625ofFIG. 6).

In operation712, the processor205monitors the environment of the reader105to determine whether a credential112has been placed within the read range of the reader105.

In operation715, the processor205determines whether the credential112has been placed within the read range prior to the timer230exceeding the threshold value. That is, the processor205determines whether activity at the credential interface215has been detected within the threshold amount of time, where the activity is the presentation of the credential112to the reader105. The threshold amount of time may be the same as the threshold amount of time referred to in operation615.

In operation720, the processor205enters the second mode of operation if the credential112is placed within the read range within the threshold amount of time in operation715(i.e., activity at the credential interface220is detected). The second mode of operation may be the same as the second mode of operation discussed with reference toFIGS. 1-6.

In operation725, the processor205sets an indicator to indicate that the second mode has been entered. The indicator may be the same indicator as discussed above with reference to operation620.

If, in operation715, the processor205does not detect that the credential112has been placed within the read range prior to the timer230exceeding the threshold value (i.e., activity at the credential interface220is not detected), the processor205proceeds with operation730and references the indicator that was set by operation620. That is, subsequent to the reconnecting of operation705, the processor205references the indicator after the timer230exceeds the threshold value. In other words, the indicator set is in the memory210(which is a non-volatile memory) and is referenced after the access control reader105is disconnected from the power source120and then connected to another power source or reconnected to the power source120.

Then, in operation735, the processor205causes the access control reader105to operate in either the first operation mode or the second operation mode based on the referenced indicator. For example, with reference to operation620, if the indicator has a value of ‘0’ then the processor205causes the reader105to enter the first mode. If the value of the indicator is a ‘1’ then the processor205causes the reader105to enter the second mode.

In operation740, the processor205shortens the threshold amount of time. For example, the processor205references the indicator, and based on the reference to the indicator, shortens the threshold amount of time (or decreases threshold value) for making subsequent decisions of whether or not to operate the access control reader105in the first mode of operation or the second mode of operation. However, example embodiments are not limited thereto as the processor205may lengthen the threshold amount of time (or increase the threshold value) based on the reference to the indicator. For example, in addition to indicating a mode of the reader105, the indicator may include information about how many times the indicator has been referenced since a most recent change between modes of the reader105. For example, if the indicator has been referenced more than a threshold number of times without changing values, then the processor205may shorten the threshold amount of time (or decrease the threshold value) so that subsequent determinations of the operation mode are resolved faster (e.g., after power interruptions). In another example, if the indicator has been referenced less than a threshold number of times (or changes from a first value (e.g., 0) to a second value (e.g., 1), thereby indicating a change in mode), then the processor205may lengthen the threshold amount of time (or increase the threshold value) so that more time is allowed for determining possible changes to the operation mode.

Although the operations ofFIGS. 6 and 7have been described with respect to the processor205of the reader105, it should the understood that the operations may be carried out by other elements of the system100, for example, by the processor240of the access control panel115. In this case, the instructions shown inFIG. 4are stored on memory245and the access control panel115may further include a timer identical to the timer230of reader105.

In view of the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that example embodiments provide methods and devices to combine and auto-configure two types of protocols/wiring standards (OSDP/RS485 and Wiegand) for an RFID system.

While illustrative example embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations.