Self-contained programmable terminal for security systems

Abstract

A security system is disclosed which utilizes plural remote terminals for controlling access at plural locations throughout a secured area or building. Each of these remote terminals is capable of independent functioning, and includes a memory for storing plural independent identification numbers which define the personnel who will be granted access. These numbers stored in the terminal memories may be different from terminal to terminal, or may be uniform throughout the system, and may be the same as a list stored at a central processing location. Thus, access may be limited to the same group of individuals regardless of whether it is provided by a central memory list or a remote memory list. The remote memories provide total memory flexibility, so that the deletion of identification numbers from the list does not reduce the memory size. The memory, in addition to identification numbers, stores data defining real time access limitations for each of the individuals who will be granted access, so that flexibility in time of day access control is provided on a programmable basis.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A security access system, comprising: a central processor, comprising: a programmable memory storing data specifying personnel access at plural remote terminals; and   means for communicating with said plural remote terminals; and     plural remote terminals connected by said communicating means with said central processor, each comprising: a programmable memory within said terminal storing data specifying personnel access for said remote terminal; and   means within said terminal for providing selective, programmable access at n remote location in response to either said central processor memory data or said remote terminal memory data.     
     
     
       2. A security access system, as defined in claim 1, wherein said remote terminal additionally comprises: means for programming said memory for storing different personnel access data in an ordered stack comprising: means for deleting individual access data from said stack;   means for compressing said stack whenever said stack comprises memory locations from which access data has been deleted; and   means for maintaining the order of said stack.     
     
     
       3. A security access system, as defined in claim 1, wherein said remote terminal additionally comprises: means for storing data specifying times of day for access for said same personnel; and   means for comparing said stored time of day data with real time to provide selective access.   
     
     
       4. A security access system, as defined in claim 3, wherein said means storing time of day access data is programmable. 
     
     
       5. A security access system, as defined in claim 4, wherein said comparing means comprises plural realtime clocks, each of which is independently setable to provide access at different times of day. 
     
     
       6. A security access system, as defined in claim 1, wherein said remote terminal means for providing access at a remote location in response to either said central processor memory data or said remote terminal memory data comprises means for determining the integrity of communication lines with said central processor and for providing access in response to said remote terminal memory data if said communication lines are faulty. 
     
     
       7. A security access system, as defined in claim 1, wherein said remote terminal additionally comprises: keyboard means;   means connecting said keyboard means to program said memory; and   means connected to said keyboard means and said memory for providing selective access at said remote location in response to data entered on said keyboard means by personnel requesting access.   
     
     
       8. A security access system, as defined in claim 7, wherein said data entered on said keyboard means for providing access is a predetermined permutation and combination of data stored in said memory. .Iadd. 
     
     
       9.  A security access system, as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said remote terminals is a unit comprising said programmable memory and said means for providing selective, programmable access. .Iaddend..Iadd.10. A security access system, as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said remote terminals also includes a card reader. .Iaddend..Iadd.11. A security access system, as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said remote terminals additionally comprises means responsive to magnetically coded indicia on a card for reading and storing an identification number peculiar to the holder of said card. .Iaddend..Iadd.12. A security access system, as defined in claim 10 or 11, wherein at least one of said remote terminals is a unit. .Iaddend..Iadd.13. A security access system, as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said remote terminals additionally comprises a door access control. .Iaddend..Iadd.14. A security access system as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said remote terminals additionally comprises a keyboard. .Iaddend.