Patent ID: 8102240

Claim:
A method for controlling access to secure areas, comprising: a first reader reading a first portable access card; a first control device determining a validity of the first portable access card; if the first control device determines the first portable access card is valid, providing access to a first secure area via a first door associated with the first reader and the first control device; a second reader reading a second portable access card; a second control device determining a validity of the second portable access card; if the second control device determines the second portable access card is valid, providing access to a second secure area, different from the first secure area, associated with the second reader and the second control device; a third reader reading one of the first or second portable access cards; a third control device communicating with the first and second control devices to receive a validation of the one-of the first or second portable access cards; and if the third control device receives the validation of the one of the first or second portable access cards, providing access to a third secure area, different from the first and second secure areas, associated with the third reader and the third control device wherein access to the first and second secure areas is provided first through the third secure area and then to the first and second secure areas.