Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, an integrated reader device for installation near a controlled access entrance is disclosed as well as a method for forming and installing an integrated reader device. The integrated reader device includes a non-metallic mounting frame, a glass insert mounted on an inside edge of the non-metallic frame, a proximity reader mounted to one side of said mounting frame and over the glass insert, and a plurality of LED strips mounted on the inside edge of the non-metallic mounting frame, wherein the integrated reader device is installed to the edge of an opening.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/461,837 filed Apr. 11, 2003 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention is directed to an integrated reader device that provides access control with regard to a secured area, and more specifically to a method of assembling the integrated reader device for easy and efficient installation adjacent the secured area.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    In today&#39;s quickly evolving society, the ability to provide a secure business environment is becoming more and more important. Many organizations are spending millions of dollars purchasing very sophisticated access control systems to ensure that their employees, equipment and intellectual property is safe from theft and bodily harm from interests external to the organization. Additionally, companies are spending large amounts of money to protect employees, equipment and intellectual property from interests internal to the organization. For example, employees that do not need access to a location due to their position in the organization may be prevented access to certain areas of the organization&#39;s facility. Thus, many physical locations within an organization&#39;s building or campus have varying amounts of security to prevent improper access by both employees and non-employees. As these systems become more complex, additional expense is required to install the systems, as well as to ensure their reliability.  
           [0004]    While the access control systems purchased by organizations are intended to provide selective access to physical areas for certain individuals, the organizations usually want to minimize and downplay the fact that security measures have been implemented. This is done for several reasons. With regard to visitors, many businesses and organizations would like to evoke feelings of comfort and security without the visitor feeling intimidated or uncomfortable. Additionally, the businesses and organizations do not want the full extent of its security measures readily apparent to potential intruders. As a result, most organizations wish to ensure that any visible security measures either blend in to the environment or are as aesthetically pleasing as possible to the passerby. To ensure this, the manner in which the viewable hardware of these systems is put together and installed has become much more important.  
           [0005]    With the various technical backgrounds necessary for the installation of security systems and, more specifically for reader devices, it is not uncommon for different sub-contractors to be employed in installing different parts of the reader devices used in security systems. For example, one sub-contractor having expertise in drywall installations may be needed to insure that any modifications to the walls adjacent to secure entrances are minimized as well as making any necessary penetrations and framing in the drywall for installation of reader devices. Another sub-contractor, with expertise in installing the hardware associated with the security system such as door locks, reader devices and the like might be needed to install the specific reader devices in the walls and integrate the reading devices to the remainder of the system. Additional personnel may be needed to install the controllers such as computers and the like.  
           [0006]    Due to the number of different people that may be required to install such a system, this can invariably lead to large expenses as well as errors in the installation of the reader device. For example, the contractor creating the opening in the wall for the reader device might make the necessary opening, then move on to his/her next job. When the contractor responsible for installing the reader device attempts to install the reader device, it is quite possible that the reader device might not fit (due to measurement errors, for example). Most likely the person hired to install the reader device will now be required to modify the hole in the wall as well as the required framing. Thus, a person with no experience could be modifying an opening and associated frame in the drywall in order to properly position the reader device. These required additional tasks demand additional time and invariably reduce the aesthetics surrounding the reader and the entire security system.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    Accordingly, the present invention solves the aforementioned problems by providing an integrated illuminated reader device that includes a non-metallic frame directly attached to the reader prior to installation that can be easily installed in a wall and emits a visually appealing light when activated.  
           [0008]    More specifically, and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an integrated reader device for installation near a controlled access entrance is provided that includes a non-metallic mounting frame, a glass insert mounted on an inside edge of the non-metallic frame, a proximity reader mounted to one side of said mounting frame and over the glass insert, and a plurality of LED strips mounted on the inside edge of the non-metallic mounting frame, wherein the integrated reader device is installed.  
           [0009]    In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming and installing an integrated reader device that includes a proximity reader, a glass panel and a non-metallic frame is employed. The steps of forming and installing the integrated reader device include inserting the glass panel into the non-metallic frame, wherein the glass panel is formed by attaching a first glass section to a second glass section with an adhesive. An acrylic layer is then attached to the second glass section. A plurality of LED strips are attached to the non-metallic frame and the integrated proximity reader is formed by attaching the proximity reader over the acrylic layer of the glass panel and to the frame. Finally, the integrated proximity reader is installed on the edge of an opening of a predetermined size.  
           [0010]    In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the non-metallic frame is attached at the carved step in the edge of the second glass panel. In an additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive is applied to a front the non-metallic frame, and the adhesive covered frame is attached to the edge of the opening.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 depicts a system for providing secure access in which a proximity reader can be employed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the integrated reader device provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and side views, respectively, of the glass insert portion of the integrated reader device provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIGS. 4A, 4B and  4 C illustrate front, side and rear views, respectively, of the non-metallic mounting frame portion of the integrated reader device provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate flow diagrams describing the manner in which the integrated reader device is constructed and installed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate front and side views, respectively, of the proximity reader device installed in a wall, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]    The exemplary systems and the methods of this invention will be described in relation to an integrated reader device, its assembly and its installation. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention, the following description omits well-known structures and devices that may be shown in block diagram form or otherwise summarized. For the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated however that the present invention may be practiced in variety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a security access system  100  that employs the integrated reader device of the present invention. In accordance with the present invention, the security access system  100  includes an integrated reader device  120 , an illumination module  125 , a door locking mechanism  130 , a power supply  180  and a control system  150  which includes an local controller  140  and a host computer  160 .  
         [0020]    The reader device  120  can be mounted within a wall or similar non-metallic structure such as a stanchion, pylon, or the like adjacent to an entrance to a secure area. The exact make-up and assembly of which is discussed in more detail below with regard to FIGS. 2-5. Any person that wishes to enter the secure area, through an entrance such as a door or the like, must present an access card to be read by the proximity reader of the reader device and receive authorization to enter the secure area. With most proximity readers, data received from the access device such as a card, a key ring element, or the like is validated and either permits the person presenting the access device to enter the secure area by unlocking the entrance or denies entry and does not unlock the entrance.  
         [0021]    More specifically, with regard to the function of the reader device  120 , a radio frequency (RF) field is generated that surrounds the reader device  120 . When an access device is passed through the RF field, a chip inside the access device is excited and transmits data such as an access device number or identification code to the proximity reader device  120 . After reading a card, the reader transmits the card information to the local controller  140 , in the form of a 32-bit signal.  
         [0022]    The local controller  140  controls access to the secure area for a specific proximity reader device  120  and door lock mechanism  130 . Since it is not unusual for secure areas to have multiple entrances, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the local controller also has the ability to control additional reader devices and associated door lock mechanisms.  
         [0023]    The local controller  140  receives the 32-bit signal and determines that the received data is from a proper card. This is done, for example, by the local controller  140  verifying the format of the received signal. If the received signal does not include the format required by the system, the signal is rejected and no access is permitted. Once the local access controller determines that a card is properly associated with the system, the data is forwarded to host computer  160 . The host computer  160  determines whether the owner currently associated with the card is allowed access to the secure area. If the use is permitted access to the secure area, a confirmation signal is sent to the local controller  140 .  
         [0024]    Once the local controller  140  receives the confirmation from the host computer  160 , an activation signal is sent to the door lock mechanism  130  to unlock the entrance and to the illumination module  125  to illuminate the integrated reader device  120 .  
         [0025]    The door lock mechanism  130  can include a bolt mechanism to securely lock the entrance to the secure area. The door lock mechanism  130  can also include any other type of locking device such as a latch lock, or the like, that can be remotely actuated from a locked position to an unlocked position. When the activation signal is received at the door lock mechanism, the bolt mechanism is automatically actuated to an unlocked position, thereby unlocking the entrance and permitting access. When the entrance is once again closed, the bolt mechanism moves back into the locked position to again secure the entrance.  
         [0026]    When a confirmation signal is received from the host computer  160  indicating that a person seeking entry to a secure area has proper authorization, a signal is also sent to the an illumination module  125  to illuminate the front face of the integrated reader device  120 .  
         [0027]    The illumination module  125 , which can be a hard wired circuit, receives the confirmation signal from the local access controller  140  and controls the manner in which the integrated reader device  120  is illuminated. As will be discussed in more detail below, the integrated reader device  120  includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate the glass panel located on the integrated reader device  120 . While the LEDs in accordance with the present invention are white, it should be understood that different color LEDs could be employed depending upon, for example, the location of the reader device  120  or the level of security required for entry. Upon receipt of the activation signal, the LEDs can be activated to provide a visual indication to the person attempting to gain entry to the secure area, that access has been granted. The power supply  180  supplies power to the proximity reader device  120  and can also include back-up batteries.  
         [0028]    Additionally, the illumination module  125  includes a timer. The timer can be utilized to limit the amount of time the reader device is illuminated. Many known visual indicators are tied into the door lock mechanism which can lead to the indicator being illuminated for unusually long periods of time. For example, if the entrance is kept open for a long period of time after authorization for entry has been granted the visual indicator will be activated for the same length of time. The use of the illumination module  125  with a timer makes the integrated reader device  120  more aesthetically pleasing, saves energy and reduces attention that might be drawn to the open door. The timer device may be implemented to turn the LEDs off after a predetermined amount of time such as five seconds.  
         [0029]    In accordance with the present invention, the control system  150  includes the local access controller  140  and the host computer  160  can be implemented via one or more programmed computer systems or devices. While the present invention is embodied by a host computer and a separate local access controller  140 , the system of the present invention could also include a system that has a single computer that can be programmed to perform the functions the local access controller  140  and the host computer  160 . Accordingly, principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as redundancy, replication, and the like, also can be implemented, as desired, for example, to increase the robustness and performance of the local access controller  140  and the host computer  160 .  
         [0030]    Additionally, the local access controller  140  and the host computer  160  information relating to various processes described herein can be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and the like, of the devices and sub-systems of the exemplary systems. One or more databases of the devices and subsystems can store the information used to implement various aspects. The databases can be organized using data structures, such as records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like, included in one or more memories, such as the memories listed above.  
         [0031]    As depicted in the side view illustration of FIG. 2, the integrated reader device  120  of the present invention includes a proximity reader  210 , a glass panel  220  (shown in detail in FIGS. 3A and 3B), and a non-metallic frame  230  (shown in detail in FIGS. 4A, 4B and  4 C).  
         [0032]    The proximity reader  210  can be any off-the-shelf proximity reader, (e.g., by HID, model MaxiProx™) that is able to generate an RF field sufficiently surrounding the proximity reader device so as to be excited by the presentation of an associated access device in the generated RF field.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIGS. 3A and 3B provide front and side views of the glass panel  220  employed in accordance with the present invention. The glass panel  220  is comprised of two separate glass pieces, a front glass section  222  that can include a beveled edge  223  and a rear glass section  224 , that are bonded together. The glass panel  220  additionally includes an acrylic rear piece  226  that provides a black background in the glass panel and provides contrast when the glass panel  220  is illuminated. While the acrylic rear piece, in accordance with the present invention is black, it should be understood that a different color acrylic rear piece could be employed depending upon, for example, the amount of illumination that the reader device is chosen to provide.  
         [0034]    The front glass section  222 , and the rear glass section  224  (that is larger in size than that of the front glass section) are bonded together with an adhesive. Any conventional adhesive can be employed to bond the front glass section to the rear glass section. However, to ensure the brightest and clearest presentation when illuminated, an optically clear ultra-violet (UV) activated adhesive should be employed. Additionally, the bonding of the two glass sections requires considerable attention in order to avoid trapping any air bubbles between the two glass pieces, thereby reducing the illumination. The rear surface of the rear glass section  224  can, for example, include any kind of custom artwork such as a logo as illustrated in FIG. 3A or other artwork, so that when the glass is illuminated, the artwork is highlighted. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front glass section  222  and the rear glass section  224  comprise an optically clear glass such as Borofloat™ or an ofboro-silicate substance. It should also be understood that, in addition to clear glass, different colored glass could also be employed depending upon the desired illumination effects.  
         [0035]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rear glass section  224  includes a step  228  carved or milled into the exterior edge of the rear glass section  224 . The step  228  carved into the rear glass section of the glass panel provides a support or “catch” so that the glass panel can be mounted within the non-metallic frame  230 . In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the top edge of the step  228  could also be beveled.  
         [0036]    The non-metallic frame  230 , illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and  4 C is mounted on the outer periphery of the glass panel (at the step  228 ). The frame  230  should be non-metallic, or the proximity reader  210  will not read properly. If the frame  230  is metallic, the RF field generated by the proximity reader  210  will be distorted, and the ability to detect access devices will be markedly reduced. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the frame  230  is constructed of medium density fiberboard, although other types of non-metallic materials could be employed to construct the frame. Additionally, while the frame is shown as a unitary device, one of ordinary skill would understand that the frame could be constructed from multiple base elements and assembled in order to construct the frame. The various parts of the frame could be bonded together by an adhesive and/or screws.  
         [0037]    The frame  230  includes a step  232  located on its rear side (indicated by hashed lines in FIG. 4A). The step  232  can be created by milling or any other suitable method. FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the frame shown in FIG. 4A when viewed from the A-A vantage point depicted in FIG. 4A. In the side view of FIG. 4B, the hashed lines represent the interior sides of the frame. The lower area of the frame  230 , adjacent to the step  232 , is created in order to accommodate placement of LED strips  234  around the sides of the glass panel  220 , illustrated in FIG. 4C. Each of the LED strips  234  further includes six (6) individual LEDs  235  which are placed into individual locations in a PC board  236 . The placement of the LEDs on the PC board is efficient since this provides a convenient manner of electrically connecting the LEDs, via wires to the LED module  125 .  
         [0038]    In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and as depicted in the flow diagrams of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the individual elements described above are assembled to create the integrated reader device  120 .  
         [0039]    The flow diagram of FIG. 5A is directed to assembly of the integrated reader device of the present invention. In step  510 , the assembled glass panel is inserted into non-metallic frame  230 . Next, in step  520 , LED strips  234  are inserted into the milled portion of the frame. As discussed above, the individual LEDs  235  are attached to a PC board  236  to enable electrical connection to exterior circuits. Caution should be taken to ensure that the lenses of the LEDs  135  are laid flat against the edges of the glass and that the strips  234  are centered on the sides and edges of the glass in order to provide the best illumination possible. In step  530 , the proximity reader  210  is attached to the rear of the frame  230 . The proximity reader  120  can be attached with adhesive as well as with screws. Wires associated with LED strips  234 , can be fed through a hole (not illustrated) drilled in the center of the proximity reader covering and the covering can be attached with screws centered on the back of the inner frame. In step  540 , the integrated reader device  120  can be installed by attaching the frame of the reader device to the edge of an opening that fits the size of the front glass section.  
         [0040]    The flow diagram of FIG. 5B is directed to assembly of the glass panel (with respect to step  510  of FIG. 5A) in accordance with the present invention. In step  512 , to assemble the glass panel  220 , the first glass section  222  is attached to the second glass section  224  and secured by an adhesive. Next, in step  514 , an acrylic layer  226  is attached, through the use of an adhesive, to the second glass section.  
         [0041]    Once the procedures described above with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B are performed, the reader device  120  can be mounted to a wall  600 , as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. When viewed from the front, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, only the front glass section  222  and the rear glass section  224  of the glass panel  220  are seen by users. The remainder of the reader device  120  is obscured by the wall. Although from the side, illustrated in FIG. 6B, the proximity reader  210  is attached to the frame  230  and the rear piece  226  while the frame is affixed to the wall and to the step located in the rear glass section. A small gap resides between the proximity reader  210  and the glass panel  220 . Additionally, FIG. 6B also shows a non-metallic rear access panel that is sometimes needed when the area behind the wall is not large enough for human access. In this situation, the reader device is installed through a rear access panel  610  with the glass centered in a prepared exterior wall cut out.  
         [0042]    It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, an integrated reader device that provides access control with regard to a secured area, and more specifically to a method of assembling the integrated reader device for easy and efficient installation adjacent the secured area. While this invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.