Viscount Systems Awarded New Patent

  • Jan 14, 2015

Viscount Systems has been awarded its third U.S. patent for its Freedom Access Control solution, building on the technology’s already strong intellectual property foundation. U.S. Patent 8907763 B2 outlines the system and method for mustering individuals during an emergency using mobile devices.

Mustering, or accounting for individuals during an emergency, lockdown or evacuation, has traditionally required a manual roll call process or a hard-wired access control panel to help account for individuals, allowing them to use access cards to “report” their location. However, this presents problems for visitors and those without card access. Viscount’s Freedom application changes the way mustering is conducted, allowing organizations to place a QR code at central meeting places. Now, individuals can simply scan the code with a mobile device to account for their whereabouts and system administrators can access a remote, Web-based platform to ensure compliance. QR codes can be placed in a number of locations, providing an inexpensive, easy-to-deploy alternative to traditional hardwired card readers that require power and may be limited to a single location.

“This new patent marks a significant advance in how access control systems can provide value during an emergency,” said Dennis Raefield, president and CEO, Viscount Systems. “Using a unified physical/logical software application with the ability to utilize mobile devices to account for individuals enhances the way companies, schools and governments handle an emergency situation.”

On a school campus, for example, students with a smartphone can scan a QR code that automatically triggers an e-mail to parents letting them know their child is in the school’s safe zone.

“This innovation can mean the difference between life and death, and can allow for peace of mind for parents during an emergency,” Raefield said.

The software-centric Freedom Access Control solution eliminates the need for physical access control panels. Instead, IP encryption bridges receive messages from the software platform to trigger lockdowns, advise personnel locations and monitor doors. Freedom may be used for interfacing facility access with control, particularly for facilities or physical premises, such as buildings, homes, physical infrastructure and restricted areas within buildings.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • OpenAI's GPT-4 Is Capable of Autonomously Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

    According to a new study from four computer scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, OpenAI’s paid chatbot, GPT-4, is capable of autonomously exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities without any human assistance. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises. 3

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols. 3

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3