Abstract:
An access control system including a remote station that is in communication with both a base station and an access control device, whereby a user located at the remote station can effect the actuation of an access control device directly if the user possesses the proper authorization, or, indirectly, by requesting and receiving an authorization signal from the base station which then allows the user to directly effect actuation of the access control device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to the field of controls for access control devices, and, in particular, to the field of access control systems and methods used to safely control remote operation of access control systems. More particularly, this invention relates to a keypad controller that may be in wired or wireless communication with both a base station located remotely from the keypad and an access control device located proximate to the keypad such that the base station can communicate a first level of authorization to the keypad and the keypad can separately and discretely communicate a second level of authorization to an access control device. This system and method provides increased safety and security for persons and property in the vicinity of an access control device by providing the final control of the actuation of such an access control device to a user located in proximity to the controlled device.  
         [0002]     One example of a typical access control device is a gate operator used to open and close a gate that may allow for ingress and/or egress of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Such a gate operator generally includes an electric motor, a gearbox, a transmission or drive mechanism, and a controller that is usually electronic. In response to a wide variety of inputs, an “open” or “close” signal is communicated to the electronic controller and actuation of the gate from the open-to-closed, or the closed-to-open position may be effectuated. Typically, inputs to the electronic controller may come from a variety of sources. Such sources include an input from transmitter being activated (such as a portable, hand-held type transmitter that may be located in an automobile or attached to a key chain), a keypad or card reader located in close proximity to a gate operator that requires the entry and validation of a security code, the possession of a card with an embedded code, or from a telephone based entry system allowing, for example, the occupant of a home to remotely actuate an access control device in response to a request from a visitor. Other types of access control devices include but are not limited to garage door openers and electronic door strikes.  
         [0003]     Typical telephone entry systems allow a person remote from a gate operator or other entry control system to directly authorize actuation of the gate controller or other access control system. In almost all such cases, the person authorizing activation of the gate operator or other access control system is remotely located and does not have direct visual contact with the gate operator or entry control system. Thus, remote activation of gate operators or entry control systems substantially increases the risk of damage to persons or property that may be in close proximity to the access control device when such a device is actuated. Further, such access control devices may themselves be damaged by encountering a variety of obstructions that may interfere with the normal operation of the gate operator or other access control device and that are unseen by a person remotely authorizing actuation.  
         [0004]     It is also known in the art to provide a keypad controller, usually located proximate to an access control device, which is capable of communicating an actuation signal to an access control device. These prior art keypad controllers require a person desiring access to enter some form of security code that must be validated by the keypad controller prior to the keypad controller generating and transmitting an authorization signal that authorizes the access control device to actuate. However, if such a person does not have possession of a valid security code, that person cannot cause the access control device to change state. While this functionality is important for preventing unauthorized access, it hinders otherwise authorized users from gaining access. Further, the power supply for these types of keypad controllers is typically hard-wired, significantly increasing the time and expense associated with installation and maintenance. While it is also known to provide a power supply through the use of a battery, such power supplies are typically used only in back-up mode. These battery back-ups are generally subject to only occasional use and, as a result of hysteresis and the normal discharge of battery charge over time, often are non-functional at the very time they are needed. Further, these controllers provide no simple and effective method to test the readiness of the battery power supply without the use of specialized tools and/or disassembly of the controller.  
         [0005]     In many circumstances legitimate, one-time access through an access control point is needed by service providers, guests, or delivery persons. Many property owners are reluctant to provide a security code that is effective for more than a one-time use to such persons, or wish to avoid the time and inconvenience of separately pre-programming limited duration codes into the controller. If such a one-time use code is not available or this functionality is not supported by the access control system, a property owner is required to either: 1) provide a valid, long-term security code; 2) leave the access point in a state that allows free access; or 3) to be physically present to actuate the access control device.  
         [0006]     To address these problems, some keypad controller entry systems are known to be co-located with a separate telephone or intercom system that allows a person seeking access to establish communications with the owner of, or other person having control over, the access control device. In the event that a person seeking access does not possess or remember a valid security code for inputting into the keypad controller, communications may be established over the separate telephone or intercom system and the owner/controller of the access control device is empowered to directly cause actuation of the access control device.  
         [0007]     However, these prior art systems suffer from a number of disadvantages. First, a party remotely authorizing actuation of the access control device is typically located distant from the access control device and does not have any visual indication of the status of the access control device or whether any potential damage to persons or property may occur if the access control device is actuated. Thus, these prior art systems inherently increase the risk of damage to persons or property in proximity to the access control device. Second, the separate, communications portions of these systems are typically hard-wired resulting in substantial installation costs, particularly where the communications systems is retrofitted into an existing facility. Third, these systems do not allow a person remotely located from an access control device to easily provide one-time actuation control to the person located at the keypad controller without providing a valid long-term access code or to expend the time and suffer the inconvenience of establishing and maintaining a list of one-time, or limited duration, use codes. Thus, these systems make it more likely that an unauthorized entry through a controlled access point will occur. Further, these systems lack a reliable back-up or primary battery based power supply, as well as a simple and efficient method for determining the operating status of any such battery power supply. Thus, users of these prior art systems are required to replace batteries more frequently than necessary and/or to suffer untimely battery power failures.  
         [0008]     For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a simple, effective, low-cost, system that: 1) allows the owner/controller of an access control device to remotely authorize a person in proximity to, and generally within sight of, an access control device to effect actuation of the access control device; 2) increases the safety to persons and property in proximity to an access control device by providing a first level of access control system authorization remotely and a second, operational level of access control system authorization locally; 3) allows the owner/controller of an access control device to simply and efficiently provide remote authorization to a person located at a keypad controller for one-time access through an access control device; 4) provides a reliable, real-time indication of keypad controller battery status; and 5) provides a system that accommodates secure wireless communications to reduce the time and expense associated with installation or retrofit of such systems.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for controlling an access control device that includes a keypad controller located proximate to an access control device, with such keypad controller capable of receiving and verifying security codes, and upon receipt of a valid security code, transmitting an actuation signal to an access control device controller in communication with the keypad controller. It is a further object of the invention to provide a base station located remotely from the keypad controller that is in voice and data communication with the keypad controller and that can provide an authorization signal to the keypad controller. It is a further object of the present invention to provide the keypad controller with two separate, discrete communications systems, such that the keypad controller uses a first communications system to communicate with an access control device and a second communications system to communicate with the base station. It is a further object of the invention to allow all communications to and from the keypad controller to be either wired or wireless and to be securely encrypted. It is also an object of the present invention to allow a person located at the keypad controller, upon receipt of the authorization signal from the base station, to transmit an independent, operational level authorization signal to an access control device without requiring the entry of a standard, valid security code. Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery monitoring system that provides a real-time indication of keypad controller battery status.  
         [0010]     These objects are achieved, in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the invention, by providing an access control system made up of a weather resistant keypad controller, suitable for and designed for mounting on a post or other stationary facility in proximity to an access control device that is to be controlled, and a remote, base station unit that is in communication (wired or wireless) with the keypad controller. The keypad controller contains two, discrete communications systems. The first communication system provides secure, encrypted data communication (wired or wireless) to the controller of an access control device to authorize actuation of the access control device. The second communications system provides secure, encrypted voice and data communications between the keypad controller and a base station located remotely from the keypad controller. These communications channels may be wired, wireless, or a combination of the two. Wireless communication between the keypad controller and the access control device may operate at a different frequency than wireless communications between the keypad controller and the base station. The keypad controller further provides a battery status communication to the base station upon establishing communications between the keypad controller and the base station. The base station then provides a visual indication to a user located at the base station of the keypad controller&#39;s battery status.  
         [0011]     Because all communications from the keypad controller to the base station and to the access control device may be performed wirelessly, the present invention greatly reduces the installation time and expense associated with running wire from the keypad controller to other devices. Further, this feature allows for the simple, efficient, and inexpensive retrofit of an access control system to include the functionality in the present invention.  
         [0012]     A user desiring access through an access control device enters a security code directly into the keypad controller. The keypad controller, through an integrated central processor and memory, validates the entered security code. Upon successful validation, the keypad controller transmits a control signal to the access control device, thereby causing the access control device to actuate. In the event the user does not have a valid security code, the user may initiate voice communications between the keypad controller and the base station. These communications may either be hard-wired or wireless. If the owner/controller of the base station desires to grant the user access permission the owner/controller initiates a data communication from the base station to the keypad controller providing authorization. Upon receipt of this authorization, the keypad controller provides the user a visual indication (typically through an LED) that authorization has been received, and the user may then, by depressing any key on the keypad control (i.e., without having to enter a standard, valid security code) transmit an actuation command from the keypad controller to the access control device and thereby effect a one-time actuation of the access control device. This actuation command may be transmitted to the access control device through either a hard-wired communication route, or through a wireless communication route. 
     
    
     DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating elements of an access control system according to an embodiment of the present invention  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a front isometric view of the keypad controller (remote station) of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the base station of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the keypad controller (remote station) of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the base station of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the keypad controller (remote station) of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is an electrical schematic of the base station;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is an electrical schematic of the keypad controller (remote station);  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is an electrical schematic of the transceiver deployed in the base station and the keypad controller (remote station). 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]     It is to be understood that the elements or functional modules described in this patent application may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these things. It is to be further understood that because some of the components of the present invention are to be implemented as software modules, the actual connections as shown on the figures may differ, depending on the manner in which the invention is programmed. Special purpose processors may also be utilized to implement the invention. Given the teachings of the invention in this patent application, one of ordinary skill in the related art will be able to contemplate these and similar implementations of the elements of the invention.  
         [0024]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram illustrating elements of the access control device is shown. Base station  101  is shown in wireless communication, at 900 MHz, with keypad controller  102 . Alternatively, communications between base station  100  and keypad controller  101  may be hard wired. Access control device  103  represents any of a variety of access control devices that may be controlled through keypad controller  102 . Typical access control devices include gate openers, garage door openers, electronic door locks, and the like. Access control device  103  is capable of receiving wireless communications, at 318 MHz, from keypad controller  102 . Communications from keypad controller  102  to access control device  103  may also be through a hard wired communications connection. As is known to those skilled in the art, the frequency at which the above described wireless communications occur may readily be varied to suit the needs of a particular application or as required to comply with government regulation.  
         [0025]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a front isometric view of keypad controller  102  is shown. Keypad controller  102  includes housing  200 , which is constructed of plastic or other weather resistant material suitable for outdoor installation. Keypad  201  provides a user interface for entry of security codes. Alternatively, the data entry element of the user interface provided by keypad  102  could be provided by other means such as a magnetic card reader, RFID reader, touch screen, biometric data reader, or the like. Call button  202  is used to establish voice communications with base station  101 . In this embodiment, a half-duplex circuit is employed providing push-to-talk type functionality. Alternatively, a full-duplex communications link between base station  101  and keypad controller  102  may be employed. Program mode button  202  allows a user to place keypad controller  102  in program mode such that security codes may be stored in memory (not shown) internal to housing  200 . Status LED  204  provides a visual indication to a user, i.e., the LED emits, whenever an individual key on keypad  201  is depressed. Antennae  205  connects through coaxial connection  209  and housing  200  to a transceiver (not shown) disposed within housing  200  and is used for wireless communications between base station  101  and keypad controller  102 . In the embodiment where hard wired communications between base station  101  and keypad controller  102  are provided, antennae  205  is removed and a coaxial cable (not shown) is connected between coaxial connection  209  and base station  101 . Calling LED  206  provides a visual indication that call button  202  has been depressed. Permission granted LED  207  provides a visual indication to a user when a valid security code has been entered or when the owner/controller of base station  101  has authorized access from base station  101 . Speaker  208  is integrated into housing  200  and provides audible voice communications transmitted from base station  101 .  
         [0026]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a top view of base station  101  is shown. Base station  101  includes base station housing  401  molded from plastic or other suitable material. Speaker  402  provides the audio for voice communications from keypad controller  102 . Grant permission button  403  allows the owner/controller of base station  101  to provide an authorization command to keypad controller  102 . Grant permission LED  404  provides a visual indication and grant permission speaker  411  provides an audio indication that the authorization command has been communicated to keypad controller  102 . Answer/talk button  405  enables voice communications between base station  101  and keypad controller  102 . In this embodiment, a half-duplex voice communications circuit is employed. Base station antennae  409  connects through base station coaxial connector  410  and housing  401  to base station transceiver (not shown) disposed within base station housing  401 .  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a block diagram of keypad controller  102  is shown. CPU  401  controls the overall operation of keypad controller  102 . Memory  402  is operatively connected to CPU  401  and is capable of storing up to 25 four digit security codes in non-volatile memory. Transceiver  403  is operatively connected to CPU  401  and preferably operates at 900 MHz to provide voice and data communications between keypad controller  102  and base station  101 .  
         [0028]     In a preferred embodiment, user interface  405  consists of keypad  201  which allows a user to directly enter a security code into keypad controller  102 . Program module  406  allows for the creation and storage in memory  402  of up to 25 unique, four digit, security codes. Each such security code is programmable to have either a limited or a permanent duration. Program module  406  also allows a user to delete security codes that have been programmed and stored in memory  402 .  
         [0029]     Power supply  408  provides operational power to keypad controller  102  and is, in a preferred embodiment, 6V DC supplied by batteries internal to keypad controller  102 . Alternatively, power supply  408  accepts a hard wired 6V DC power from an external source such as access control device  103 . In this configuration, the on-board batteries within keypad controller  102  function as back-up to the hardwired source. Battery status circuit  407  monitors the voltage status of on-board batteries  607  within keypad controller  102 . In the event keypad controller  102  battery voltage drops below a predetermined threshold, a data signal is communicated to base station  101 , and keypad battery status LED  407  emits.  
         [0030]     318 MHz transmitter  404  provides wireless communications with access control device  103 . Upon entry of a valid security code, 318 MHz transmitter  404  is authorized to transmit a data signal to access control device  103  to effect actuation of access control device  103 . Alternatively, upon receipt of an authorization signal from base station  101 , 318 MHz transmitter  404  may be authorized by a user located at keypad controller  102  to transmit an actuation signal to access control device  103 .  
         [0031]     Keypad controller  102  is also configurable to provide hard wired communications to access control device  103 . In this embodiment, relay output  409 , which is operatively connected to CPU  401 , is hardwired to access control device  103 . Upon receipt of a valid security code through user interface  405 , or upon receipt of a first level authorization signal from base station  101  and input from a user located at keypad controller  102 , relay output  409  changes state and communicates an actuation command to access control device  103 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , a rear view of keypad controller  102  is shown. Relay output contact  604  is controlled by the position of jumper  603 . In the “jumper on” position, 318 MHz transmitter  404  is disabled and communication from keypad controller  102  to access control device  103  is through a hard wired connection (not shown). DIP switch  601  is a trianary DIP switch used to encode wireless communications from 318 MHz transmitter  404  to access control device  103 . A matching trinary DIP switch in access control device  103  must be identically set to receive and decode such communications or, alternatively, access control device  103  must be programmed to decode the signal transmitted by 318 MHz transmitter  404 .  
         [0032]     Batteries  607  provide power for keypad controller  102 . Alternatively, a hard wired power source can be connected at power in terminal  602 . In this circumstance, batteries  607  function as back-up power.  
         [0033]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram of base station  101  is shown. Base station CPU  501  controls the overall operation of base station  101 . Base station 900 MHz transceiver  502  is operably connected to CPU  501 . Base station transceiver  502  provides secure, encrypted voice and data communications with keypad controller  102 , and is provided in a matched pair with keypad controller transceiver  403  to ensure that communications are secure and can only occur between a base station  101  and a keypad controller  102  that form a matched set.  
         [0034]     Memory  503  is operably connected to CPU  501  and stores a unique identification for the matched pair of transceivers in base station  101  and keypad controller  102 . Communications between transceivers  502  and  403  may only occur if keypad controller transceiver  403  communicates the unique identification stored in base station memory  503 . Keypad controller battery status indicator LED  504  is operably connected to CPU  501 . In the event that the battery voltage of keypad controller  102 , as sensed by battery status circuit  407 , is below a predetermined threshold, a corresponding signal is generated by keypad controller  102  and transmitted to base station  101 . Upon receipt of such a signal, keypad controller battery status indicator LED  504  emits to provide the owner/controller of base station  101  a visual indication of a low voltage condition at keypad controller  102 . This feature helps ensure timely replacement of batteries used in keypad controller  102  and avoids the common condition of keypad controller failure due to a lack of battery voltage.  
         [0035]     Answer/talk switch  505  is operably connected to CPU  501  and is used to establish voice communications between base station  101  and keypad controller  102 . In this embodiment, voice communications are through a half-duplex circuit such that the owner/controller of base station  101  must actuate answer/talk switch  505  to “answer” a call from keypad controller  102 , and must de-actuate answer/talk switch  505  to listen to voice communications from keypad controller  102 . Answer/talk LED  509  provides a visual indication of the position of answer/talk switch  505  by emitting in two, distinct colors depending upon the position of answer/talk switch  505 .  
         [0036]     Grant permission switch  506  allows the owner/controller of base station  101  to remotely provide an authorization command to keypad controller  102 . Upon actuation of grant permission switch  506 , a data signal is transmitted to keypad controller  102  and permission granted LED  411  on keypad controller  102  emits indicating to a user located at keypad controller  102  that access has been granted. At that point and in this embodiment, a user located at keypad controller  102  may effect actuation of access control device  103  by pressing any single button on keypad  201 . Grant permission LED  510  provides a visual indication and grant permission speaker  507  provides an audible indication to the owner/controller of base station  101  that grant permission switch  506  has been actuated.  
         [0037]     Base station power supply  508  provides operational power to base station  101  and is, in a preferred embodiment, a transformed AC input with a rechargeable battery back-up. Power LED  512  provides the owner/controller of base station  101  with a visual indication of power source by emitting in a first color when base station  101  is powered by transformed AC power and emitting in a second color when base station  101  is powered by back-up battery power.  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8 , and  FIG. 9 , an electrical schematic of the base station, the remote station, and the transceiver deployed in the base station and remote station, respectively, are provided.  
         [0039]     Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.