System Applications
 
           
 
























































































































































































All STE systems are developed to serve as intelligent, distributed control and monitoring systems operating on the concept of True peer-to-peer communications. This allows each component of the network to hold all the necessary information to intelligently communicate directly with other like components. This concept is drastically different from standard "host-dependant" systems where each transaction depends on the host for instructions. Because advanced Neural technology used by STE operates in this manner, every device in the network, whether it is part of a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) communicates directly with one another distributing the intelligence throughout the system. Once a system is programmed and uploaded to the network, each panel receives the entire set of programmed instructions for its set of responsibilities within the system. This provides an unprecedented level of reliability by allowing each control panel to operate as a stand-alone device in the event of catastrophic network failure making it ideal for emergency response systems where functionality is critical. Intelligent Distributed Networking, (IDN) has arrived, satisfying the need for intelligent, reliable, self-healing systems that provide the flexibility and dependability required for sophisticated security automation applications.

We are specifically involved in the emergence of Neural Technology as a backbone communications platform from which programmable logic controller (PLC) ladder programming can be launched through peer-to-peer communications and free topology implementation. The result is an intuitively simple networked system capable of consolidating a multitude of other stand-alone systems, enabling the entire complex to think and react as one. This "Many-to-One", "One-to-Many" approach to security is the technological pinnacle sought after for so many years. It is now so.

Features:

1. Full feature, Access control (including all biometrics and smartcard applications)
2. Complete integrated Badging system (with video comparison)
3. Complete Intrusion detection capabilities
4. Intercom
5. Event-driven, Voice messaging (over two-way radio or public address)
6. Text-to-speech (any event can have written message which is announced to the operator or broadcast to any media)
7. Scripted output for any event (event-driven serial outputs for control of and communication with serial devices such as electronic signs and other computer systems)
8. Interactive Graphical Control
9. Peer-to-Peer communications (requiring no host intervention)
10. LonTalk compatible for direct communications with Lon-based building automation systems

Download Feature Comparison Chart

Download White Papers for complete features description

Download Architect/Engineering Specifications

System Summery:
Considering the above capabilities and combining them with you imagination and system requirements and you begin to see the implications of such an intelligent system. Now it is possible for you to monitor your facility, react instantaneously and have a system that performs to your exact specifications without settling for what a manufacturer say you can have. Having the ability to control access, detect intrusion, communicate over intercom, two-way radio and public address, lock down a facility, close dampers, shut down fans, close parking gate, display electronic signage and control anything else you can think of using one unified system reduces maintenance cost and down time while increasing effectiveness.
Access Control:
STE engineers approach access control in the most gracious and seamlessly integrated manner possible using the latest technology. Cutting-edge, Neuron chip microprocessor electronics provides intelligent systems capable of digital conversation among devices on a network. This is not a standard network where peripheral devices depend on a central server but a network of intelligent devices talking amongst themselves creating an intelligent distributed network. The concept of neural intelligence is to have a network of devices performing automated (intelligent) decisions based on inputted information from sensors and to do so without outside (host) intervention. In this way, program information is spread over the entire network with each component retaining its own personal piece of the overall program. Distributing the program information in this manner avoids a "single-point-of-failure" creating a system where each component will perform in a stand-alone manner if disconnected from the network reliably carrying out it's portion of the program. This allows access control, intrusion detection, camera control, intercom operation, emergency response, radio notification, e-mailing, paging, badge creation, electronic sign control, annunciation, monitoring, graphical controls, lighting control, HVAC control and practically anything else that employs logical interfacing, all to reside on a secure, self-contained intelligent distributed LAN. See "Neural White Papers" for more information on intelligent neural automation systems.

Intrusion Detection:
Intrusion detection is an integral part of any STE security system. One of the most frustrating things for a customer after purchasing an access control system is to learn that for intrusion detection capabilities a separate system will be needed. This is both redundant and unnecessary. Having two different systems causes complications in wiring and rarely performs to the satisfaction of the customer. Neural technology alleviates this by allowing any standalone or combination keypad/reader to serve as an intrusion detection keypad.

This method of combining access control and intrusion arming and disarming results in another advantage. Because neural circuitry allows unlimited logical matrix combinations, a user can be required to enter a PIN number along with presenting an authorized access card to perform a command. No longer do you need to give personnel separate PIN numbers to identify who arm or disarmed a system, at what time and where. This greatly reduces the number of PIN number issued by requiring only one common PIN for each command such as arming, disarming override, etc. Now everyone can have the same PIN numbers because by presenting a valid card with the PIN number, the user has identified himself/herself to the system. Now that everything is connected to the same system, reports can be generated, schedules can be changed, privileges can be controlled by access card authorization, and rights to arm and disarm can be granted or removed at the host computer.

Cardholder Database:
Relational Database:
Database Import/Export Using ODBC
Database Partitioning:

Search on Any Field:
Automatic Download to Controllers on Changes:
User Definable Fields:
Automatic Card Activation/Deactivation:
Support of Multiple Badges per person:
Support for Badge Status (Lost, etc.)

Bulk Card Addition/Deletion by Card Number:
Disability Designation for Extended Shunt:
Extended Shunt by Cardholder and Door:
Audit Trail:
Badge Imaging System:



Relational Database:

Intelli-Site Software uses a Structured Query Language (SQL) database.

Database Import/Export Using ODBC

You can import/export cardholder file information using a variety of formats including SQL and Microsoft Access databases.

Database Partitioning:

Intelli-Site Software uses database filters and Project Selection to implement functions equivalent to database partitioning.

Search on Any Field:

You can search on fields in the cardholder database including card number, last name, first name, and department, activate date, deactivate date, access level, site code, card group, or card type.

Automatic Download to Controllers on Changes:

Any time the user makes changes to the cardholder data Intelli-Site software will automatically download the affected cards to the affected RTU panels only.

User Definable Fields:

The user may define additional data fields and assign data types to each field and add these fields to the cardholder database and add these fields to the badge as desired.

Automatic Card Activation/Deactivation:

The user may choose to enable or disable automatic card activation date and deactivation date and to determine the period of time between activation and deactivation based on card type or department.

Support of Multiple Badges per person:

One person may have several badges with several different access levels.

Support for Badge Status (Lost, etc.)

Lost or stolen badge status is a "no-access" group that maintains the card in the database but does not allow access as long as the lost or stolen status is active. The lost or stolen card is not assigned to any reader connected to any Access Control RTU panel.

Bulk Card Addition/Deletion by Card Number:

A user defined range of card numbers may be added or deleted by simply specifying the beginning card number and the ending card number for the group. Card numbers can be in the range of 1-2,147,483,646.

Disability Designation for Extended Shunt:

A card of the type "disability" can be selected causing the shunt time to be extended by a user programmable disability time. Disability time is adjustable from 1-255 seconds. Cards may be of the type normal-disabled, visitor-disabled, guard-disabled, or supervisor-disabled.

Extended Shunt by Cardholder and Door:

A cardholder can be designated as a member of an extended shunt card group (1-255) and the cardholder group can be used in a Neural Access Control panel ladder program rung to extend the shunt time individually for any door in the entire system with maximum flexibility.

Audit Trail:

Any modification to the cardholder database or other changes made by any user to the system is recorded in a write only log file automatically without the possibility of user intervention.

Badge Imaging System:

Electronic Camera Pan, Tilt, and Zoom*:
Batch Mode Printing:
Allows Printing of User Defined Fields:
Monitor Alarms during Badge Design:
Monitor Alarms during Image Capture & Print:
Image Importing:
Signature Capture:
Finger Print Capture*:

Intelli-Site Software implements both civilian and military badge design features, including images, patterns, signatures, IR masked bar codes, overlays, and text.

Electronic Camera Pan, Tilt, and Zoom*:

Intelli-Site Software provides camera image capture with full control of camera positioning, focus, field of view, and lighting for you. After capturing an image Intelli-Site Software provides advanced image editing features including two-dimension cropping, brightness, contrast, and color spectrum.

Batch Mode Printing:

Intelli-Site Software provides batch mode printing of picture badges through the host or badge workstation computer parallel port to any printer with a Windows 2000/XP printer driver.

Allows Printing of User Defined Fields:

The Intelli-Site software badge mode provides any number of user defined data fields for the card including any photograph image in JPEG or BMP format, CAD file image in WMF, DXF, or VSD format, Microsoft compatible text fonts, color bands, color patterns, transparent overlays, signatures, bar-code fonts and IR masking.

Monitor Alarms during Badge Design:

The Intelli-Site software alarm queue is active (configured based on User Rights) while the user is in the badge design mode even on a workstation devoted to badge design.

Monitor Alarms during Image Capture & Print:

The Intelli-Site software alarm queue is active (configured based on User Rights) while the user is capturing images in the badge design mode even on a workstation devoted to badge design.

Image Importing:

You can import floor plan images from CAD drawings in WMF, DXF, or VSD formats for an unlimited number of floor plan background screens.

Signature Capture:

Signature capture is provided through TWAIN interface.

Finger Print Capture:

You can interface to fingerprint capture equipment to capture finger print files for storage in the Intelli-Site software database. The fingerprint file can then be rewritten at any time to a Smart Card using a Smart Card programming device connected to a serial port on the host computer or on the badge workstation. Smart Card reader/fingerprint integration devices or stand-alone fingerprint or other biometric devices can be used to compare measured biometric data with biometric data stored in the host computer to grant/deny access to a facility. Smartcard/biometric combo devices can also be used to make comparison between the biometric data stored on the smart card and measured biometric data so that when a comparison is valid the combo device can issue a valid Wiegand output card number to a Neural Access Control RTU panel for biometric verification without host intervention.

Networked Intercom
Networked intercom systems use the latest in Voice-Over-IP technology together with specially formulated software and hardware. Great advantages are realized when voice intercom functions are digitized and transmitted over Ethernet. Advanced features are enabled when connected to a Neural Security Management System such as Graphical controls, Hands-Free operation and Distributed Processing.
Voice-Over-IP Technology
Graphical Intercom Controls

Intercom Capabilities:

  • Network Capable
  • Full Duplex
  • Hands free operation
  • Graphical screen controls
  • Logic flexibility
  • Automated features

 

Specifications

Asset Management
Asset management is a major concern to anyone responsible for preventing critical or expensive property from being removed from the premises or allowing only authorized personnel to do so. STE believes Elpas, Life Protection Systems by Visonic Technologies, provides the most cost-effective and technologically sound solution on the market today for tracking assets, implementing "AND/OR" functions between items or persons, infant abduction or personal safety systems. New revolutionary IRFID™ triple technology that combines IR, RF (UHF), and LF (RF low frequency transponder) signals allows not only tracking capabilities but the ability to match an item to a person. This unique triple technology combines the advantages of each technology providing the exact room location IR (infrared), the wide range and constant communication of RF (radio frequency), and the tailored range sensitivity of LF (low frequency), providing a scalable, powerful and cost effective tracking and identification solution.

Scalable and flexible, Elpas LPS system's serves enterprises in leading markets including healthcare, educational and correctional facilities, intelligent buildings, and museums.

Elpas™ solutions provide WWWW™ information as follows:

Who .......is wearing the tag/badge? (Identifies the person or equipment)
When Is the tag/badge holder in a certain location?
Where ....was the tag/badge last detected?
What, .....a unique feature of Elpas, enables the LPs system to provide vital status information about tagged entities.

This includes equipment information, such as plugged/unplugged, on/off, in use/at rest, and motion/motionless status, and the equipment's utilization level, remaining battery level, temperature, and more. Elpas products are completely compatible with neural technology due to their adherence to LonWorks standards.

IR Readers:

The RF reader serves as an interface unit between various tags and badges to the LonTalk™ network. The reader is a ceiling or wall mounted device capable of receiving coded Infra Red (IR) transmissions from badges or tags. The IR RDR is also capable of decoding, processing and storing the data received, and then transmitting the required information over a free topology wired LonTalk™ network to the central PC.

RF Readers:

The RF reader serves as an interface unit between various tags and badges to the LonTalk™ network. The reader is a ceiling or wall mounted device capable of receiving coded RF transmissions from badges or tags. Some RF Readers are also capable of decoding, processing and storing the data received, and then transmitting the required information over a free topology wired LonTalk network to the central PC. RF readers are available in 315, 433 and 919 MHz. Long range readers enable extended communication range. Smart readers can communicate with each other to execute smart rules.

LF Readers:

The LF reader is a ceiling-mounted device, which enables tag detection in exit locations or other specific zones of a building. The device transmits low frequency signals detected within a range of 2 to 3 meters by low frequency receivers of IRFID tags. As soon as LF RDR signals are identified, an IRFID data message including the ID number of the RDR is triggered and transmitted. This information enables the precise location of the tag.
In order to enlarge the range of detection, an enhanced system employing two LF RDRs in the same area is used working in conjunction as Master and Slave.

Digital Video Recorders

STE works closely with several manufacturers of Digital Video Recorders or DVR's. We carefully evaluate each product to ensure it meets our stringent requirements concerning feature richness, reliability and the ability to integrate smoothly with other STE products lines.

Our current line of DVR manufacturers include (but is not limited to):

  • March
  • GE Interlogix
  • Pelco
  • Panasonic

Each customer and project requires a different set of features and capabilities making STE's experience and expertise an invaluable tool when selecting the right recorder for your application. Please Call or E-mail us today for free site visit and evaluation.

When DVR's are connected to an STE Security Management System, they acquire many of the intelligent features associated with it, far beyond that found in the DVR alone. Video recorders used by STE use Alarm Inputs to activate many features within the DVR including; full screen viewing, increased record rate, Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera preset position activation and many others. Because all STE provided SMS systems operate in a "Distributed Processing" or 'Stand Alone Capable" manner, these features are available even if the network or host computer are off-line. This is a very important feature considering the valuable nature of video in the event of an incident. Many of the DVR's we use are able to control Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera positioning and record rates controlled directly from the SMS panel without a host computer connection. If the network is lost or the host computer is down the SMS panel will continue to issue intelligent commands based on facility, real-time activities. DVR's will continue to control cameras and record during the network/host connection failure retaining all valuable video recordings.

CCTV Interface:
Intelli-Site Software provides several ways to interface with CCTV. Intelli-Site software has several drivers built in that provide a means of direct camera call-up from an event or selection from the screen to a serial port in the host computer. Intelli-Site software provides scripted output (up to 128 ASCII characters plus STX/ETX, LF/CR) from change of state of any point reported to Intelli-Site software that can be used to provide CCTV interfaces from a serial port in the host computer. Neural provides an ASCII translation device called "Commander Module" that allows translation of any ASCII string up to 32 characters to interface with the Neural Network directly anywhere on the Neural Network with up to 32,000 translation devices. Commander Module processes inbound active/inactive and outbound active/inactive command strings and translates them to general (virtual) points in the Neural Network domain. Intelli-Site software provides a software interface to Commander Module that allows you to enter the ASCII command strings from either side (the Neural Network or the Serial Cable). Commander Module is also a pass-through device that allows you to read and store to/ from command strings. For those devices that are LonTalk compatible with standard network variable types (SNVT) direct communication through the LonTalk bus is possible using network binding. Neural Access Control RTU panels also have 16 open-collector outputs that are easily interfaced to inexpensive CCTV Matrix switchers that have hardwired alarm inputs. These outputs are controlled by alarm activation directly from the panel to the switcher without host intervention, but with automatic reporting to the host and logging to the log file. Additionally, because the camera are switched from board-level outputs, the way in which they are switched is determined in the ladder programming. This means you have extended the unlimited flexibility of the ladder programming to the camera system. It is a very simple matter now to have camera positions automatically adjust not for alarm conditions but for different times of day and for automatic default positioning.

 

Digital Video Interface:
Intelli-Site Software provides several ways to interface with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). Intelli-Site software provides scripted output (up to 128 ASCII characters plus STX/ETX, LF/CR) from change of state of any point reported to Intelli-Site software that can be used to provide DVR interfaces from a serial port in the host computer. Neural provides an ASCII translation device called "Commander Module" that allows translation of any ASCII string up to 32 characters to interface with the Neural Network directly anywhere on the Neural Network with up to 32,000 translation devices. Commander Module processes inbound active/inactive and outbound active/inactive command strings and translates them to general (virtual) points in the Neural Network domain. Intelli-Site software provides a software interface to Commander Module that allows you to enter the ASCII command strings from either side (the Neural Network or the Serial Cable). Commander Module is also a pass-through device that allows you to read and store to/ from command strings. For those devices that are LonTalk compatible with standard network variable types (SNVT) direct communication through the LonTalk bus to more than 4000 other manufacturer's devices is possible.

Mouse-over image to enlarge view
Networked Digital Video Recording
As security threats increase, so does the need to maintain and store high volumes of video surveillance information in a flexible and intelligent manner. While Digital Video Recorders (DVR’s) partially satisfy these needs, NDVR’s or Networked Digital Video Recording systems take video surveillance to the next level. These systems transcend conventional standalone solutions by offering an intelligent, fully distributed networked system with global management capabilities. A multitasking, multithreaded, multi-user system provides a solution that allows the user to manage video information in the same manner as other network information. Multiple locations, users and requirements are seamlessly managed and controlled forming a virtual video media center accessible to all authorized users while providing centralized or distributed management.
When connected to Global Facility Manager Elite, intelligent communications is established creating a unified, event-based system. Sensor devices connected to Intelli-Site automatically control camera views, record rates, preset views and video e-mail's with pre and post alarm streaming video clips. As with all of our solutions, the system is an open architecture, fully distributed system using the latest technology

For more information Download STE Brochure:

or E-mail us today for a free site visit

Voice Alert:
STE uses voice messaging for notification in a number of ways. There are two sources of voice messages available to the operator or user of an STE designed neural system "Text-to-Speech" and "Natural Voice Recordings". Text-to-Speech is the ability to open the property box of any point in Intelli-Site, both input and output, and enter a typed message. When a message is entered and the "Announce" box checked, the system speaks the message in a clear synthesized voice whenever that point is activated. This is a very useful tool for announcing alarm information, providing the operator with an audible description of the alarm event. By routing the audible signal through an 8-IC-12V-intercom board, these messages can be intelligently routed to various locations in the building for other uses. For instance, if a speaker is located over a reader, feedback messages or instructions can be announce to greet people with valid cards or instruct them to see the front desk in the event of an invalid card. Intelligent routing of messages is accomplished by controlling audio relays of the intercom module to route messages based on the location of the event. If reader #1 is used, the audio relays route the feedback message to reader #1. This is also a perfect way to warn personnel of entering a restricted area. Museum applications for instance might include a visitor warning when they are too close to an art object, motion or load sensors can detect someone entering a restricted area warn them that further encroachment will summons security personnel.

Natural voice messages:
A unique and extremely powerful feature of neural systems is the ability to record a natural voice message and attach it to an event point. This done by simply recording any desired message at the Intelli-Site computer or any other computer for that matter. Almost all computers have a WAV recorder built in as part of the operating system. Microsoft operating systems generally have this option under "Accessories" where a recording dialog box can be found. By simply clicking on record and speaking a message into the microphone, a custom WAV file message is created in any language desired. Intelli-Site attaches this message to an alarm event where we can instruct the system to play the message whenever that alarm point is initiated. This message is sent from the computer to the radio system where it is broadcast to all radios. This creates a very powerful and fast response to any alarm condition in facility. So fast in fact, in many cases the message is being heard before the event has finished taking place. This reduces the possibility of human error in the event of emergency, automate the process so security personnel can concentrate on other duties, Ensures instantaneous response, alerts all personnel at the same time, and even allows someone patrolling in a vehicle to receive the notification.

STE approaches Garage Duress Systems very different from most other companies. Standard duress systems currently on the market are typically nothing more than telephone intercom systems connected via a local telephone or PBX system to a central operator. This has never proven to be an ideal approach. Duress system are for just that, to be used under duress conditions.

  • How long can you wait for a dial-up connection through the phone system to take place? (This can typically take anywhere from 20-40 seconds)
  • What happens if no one answers?
  • How long of a conversation can you have when someone is attempting to accost you?
  • How long will it take for the operator to dispatch help?

These are all concerns and limitations of standard garage duress systems currently available form most manufacturers and suppliers.

STE duress systems are designed to provide instant notification and hands-free operation. By activating a station, several activities are put in motion:

  • Strobe is activated
  • Two-way, hands-free, full duplex intercom connects to a central operator (Voice-over-IP intercom feature can connect to remote locations)
  • Detailed Voice Message describing exact location is broadcast over two-way radio to all response personnel
  • Cameras are automatically focused on alarm area
  • Digital record rate is adjusted to maximize record resolution

Electronic Sign Control:
STE neural systems support electronic "Vacuum Florescent Displays" (VFD), allowing the user to assign electronic messages to signs throughout a facility whether it be for emergency notification or to display the next train pulling into a subway station. With neural technology it is possible to insert an ASCII command for every input and/or output point. The ASCII message contains instruction for the sign to adjust display parameters, the message itself, as well as a digital address. This allows custom messages to be assigned to specific signs throughout a facility displaying event driven messages. User-defined messages, displayed for different events, at specific locations, all controlled from a central location create a seamless electronic sign information system capable of directing and/or notifying.

STE uses Noritake Vacuum Florescent Displays because of their high brightness, wide angle view, and ability to be easily seen in full daylight. Because these displays can accept serial data, Intelli-Site is able to communicate directly, allowing the operator to issue new displays and control how and when they will be displayed.
Graphical Maps:
In addition to intelligent communications, Neural systems provide another innovation know as graphical maps providing Instantaneous maps, instructions and notices based on alarm events. Any type or style of map may be used ranging from facility site maps to control screens with active buttons. Interactive graphical interface is used to control the entire system by simply clicking on an image. Any image (even the background) can be programmed to control Any device connected to the system, both local and remotein Any Sequence or combination. This provides the end-user a simple graphical screen for operating the system. No pull-down menus to navigate means virtually zero training of operators. The screens are designed to the customer's specifications so the system operates exactly as the customer chooses. Any style and combination of screen maps are possible from control screens with rows of control buttons to full color graphical representations of facility campuses. Drill-down maps are inherent to Neural systems providing instantaneous switching of screens based on events or operator commands. Screen icons show both "live" actions of system devices such as doors for status and provide control of these devices by interacting with the icons by use of the computer mouse. What an icon does as a result of clicking on it is fully programmable. A single click of the mouse could control a thousand different operations simultaneously.
Roll-over image with mouse to see "Video Compare" Feature
Actual Screen-Print

Biohazard/Terrorist Preparedness System:
Government, Healthcare, Corporations and Industry are finding it increasingly necessary to implement a system that performs an instantaneous sequence of operations in the event of a Biohazard or Terrorist alert condition. Using a COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) Neural system, a single pushbutton, keypad action, click of a mouse or sensor activation can set in motion a series of building relational sequences difficult to perform in a timely manner by traditional means. Lock all perimeter doors (to reduce the chance of cross-contamination), close fresh-air dampers, shut down or reverse HVAC fans, close all parking gates (especially to underground garages), broadcast natural voice messages over existing two-way radios for guard notification, send e-mail notification, activate paging list for on and off-site personnel notification, generate custom electronic sign messages for public notification, announce text-to-speech messages for operators, display maps and instructions, drive graphical annunciator, switch cameras and monitors, send emergency messages to central command centers or any combination or
portion of these operations.

It is worth noting that once a device, door lock, fan, radio system etc. is connected to an STE Neural system, it is forever configurable making future changes and modifications a matter of a few keystrokes. As inclusive as this system is, it is only one of the many inherent features of a Neural based system. Controlling a device such as a door lock to lock-on-command for an alert condition is a matter of issuing a few lines of instruction. Once uploaded, these instructions become part of the hard-coded program residing in the control panel. Even in the event of computer or communications failure the system will perform all of it instructions instantaneously.

Fire Alarm Auxiliary Notification and Monitoring:
A major concern among multistory building and large campus environments is the safe and efficient evacuation of a facility in the event of an alarm condition. In order for the evacuation process to take place in an orderly and timely fashion, quick and efficient delivery of accurate information to responding personnel is essential. In the event of an alarm condition safety/security personnel are often needed to provide crowd control, directing occupants to staging areas away from the building as well as floor monitoring to ensure all occupants have evacuated the building. To do this effectively the security and/or safety staff must be coordinated by providing them with all the pertinent information including location and type of alarm as well as any special instructions ensuring all respondents are operating on the same page. In a campus or multiple-building complex it is often necessary not only to know what floor and device type is in alarm but also what building the alarm is in. In many cases people begin exiting a building before security and safety personnel have a chance to react because of the time delay in relaying the information. Even when a system is monitored from a central command center the information has to be relayed describing details of where the alarm originated and what type of device has been activated, inviting the possibility of human error. By making this an automatic feature of the fire alarm system, valuable time is saved and accuracy is assured with all the pertinent information relayed in a nearly
instantaneous fashion.

A building with automation features such as those offered by STE allows the fire alarm system to be monitored both graphically, as well audibly over two-way radios or a public address system. In many cases, one control card (32 input card) is all that's required to monitor an entire fire system for a multistory building, announcing the location and type of alarm condition directly and instantaneously over existing two-way radio and/or public address systems. These features combined with the command center computer generated graphical alarm maps and interactive graphical controls create the most advanced notification system available for any type of alarm condition. The 32-input module shown above accepts dry-contact closures or analog outputs from any fire system. Once an input is detected this information is transformed into detailed floor plans and custom, natural voice messages generated over an new or existing two-way radio or public address system. Voice messages are recorded at the Intelli-Site host computer or can be imported as a standard .wav file format. With one 32-IN-12V module, thirty-two fire alarm points can be monitored, generating thirty-two graphical maps and custom voice messages.

Multi-Department monitoring:
Neural technology communicating over a Neural-Net network provides typical Host/workstation arrangements much the same as any TCP/IP network. A host computer running on a Neural-Net network can have a virtually unlimited number of workstations attached which can be assigned different portions of the network. These workstations can monitor only selected panels within the system taking advantage of the existing neural network. Each workstation can have a custom screen creating a virtual stand-alone system controlling only the panels assigned to that department. In such architecture it is not possible to access other departments controls from any other department workstation. Security can monitor and control only security related concerns while engineering sees only engineering monitor points and control outputs.


Many departments can exist on a network creating their own subsystem within the facility-wide system such as security, engineering, nursing, computer information and facility management creating a truly integrated facility management system. With different departments running on the same network information can be relayed through programming when cross-communications is desired. For instance, a Bio/terrorism alert is issued and security receives a radio message informing them of the alarm condition and instructing them to man their assigned stations meanwhile engineering receives a different set of instructions. Computer room alarm conditions may be monitored by the IT department during the day but reported to security after hours. An integrated system has many benefits when dealing with the complicated issues that arise daily in a large complex, having all department operating compatible hardware and software reduces troubleshooting and spare parts inventory while providing cross-communications between departments for a fully integrated system.

Ladder-Logic:
Ladder logic has been around for many years traditionally used for PLC or "Programmable Logic Controller" configuration. Ladder programming is quite different from traditional programming method but vastly more logical and versatile. PLC's are used for controlling complex logical sequences where finite accuracy and flexibility are needed. For this reason, industries such as factory automation and correctional institutions have long adopted this technology for controlling thousands of operations in a reliable and accurate manner. This inherent ability to configure, control and combine input and output points is extremely useful when dealing with security automation applications. The entire idea behind these systems is to have the ability to take information from the field (sensor, switches, etc.) and control something else with them. How better to do this than with a system that offers nearly unlimited flexibility and control than with PLC ladder programming. Ladder logic gets it's name from the appearance of the programming screen. The screen is arranged in a ladder-like manner where vertical lines form the side rails and logic is inserted as ladder rungs. These logical "Rungs" are very similar to electrical circuits in the way they are treated and thought of. Consider the following ladder program for a typical access control door setup using a proximity card reader OR a request-to-exit button for unlocking a door.

Consider the drawing above; the left-hand ladder-rail is considered positive and right negative. We are essentially trying to get power to the door lock on the right-hand side to release it.
· Presenting a valid access card to "Reader #1" "virtually" closes reader #1 contacts (in a software respect).
· This sends a signal to a "Pulse" function, creating a 6-second pulse.
· This 6-second pulse is applied to the door lock, unlocking it for that amount of time.
Additionally, we have inserted an <OR> function to perform the same logic sequence when the "Request-to-Exit" button is pressed.

We have logically stated in this ladder program that; [When a valid access card is presented, "OR" the request-to-exit button is pressed, the door lock will release for six seconds]. We could just as easily have inserted a "Time Zone" with another "OR" function to unlock the doors during certain hours. As you can see from this example, ladder programming is extremely logical and Straight forward offering an unlimited number of possibilities regarding configuration, allowing an unprecedented level of control and flexibility. Because this programming is applied using a "drag-and-drop" technique, any number of devices could have been dropped in the ladder, in any arrangement and with any type of attribute. Having the ability to bring a device into a ladder from anywhere in the system, provides an incredible level of powerful flexibility when designing a custom application for use in building controls. Whether it be access control, intercom routing, CCTV, electronic sign control, HVAC, lighting or any other device requiring logical, sequential control, no other system can surpass ladder programming for enabling a system to be configured to the exacting needs of the customer.

STE uses SpiderAlert personal locating systems to achieve tremendous flexibility and interoperability with all STE product lines. Leveraging a dual-technology approach, SpiderAlert provides an unprecedented level of accuracy for pinpointing personnel location and identification. When combined with the flexible programming capabilities of neural technology, SpiderAlert systems offer the ultimate in personal protection. Spider dual technology utilizes RF (Radio Frequency) and IR (Infrared) to locate personnel in distress. RF has the ability to detect an alarm transmission over large areas even through walls and floors while IR is used to further pinpoint a location. When this information is transmitted to an STE Security Management System, maps are displayed giving the operator visual location information as well as automatically transmitting a voice message over two-way radio notifying mobile security personnel. This technology is ideal for Schools, Campus environments, Corporate offices, Healthcare facilities as well as many other applications.

Dual technology receivers placed throughout the facility receive alarm transmissions from small ergonomic, handheld transmitters. Download Transmitter and Receiver information.

Applications
Personal security in buildings
Accurate location of caller in a multi-floor or multi-room facility
Interface units between various SpiderAlert RF+IR
transmitters and the SpiderBus
Features
Dual technology, for accurate location of the caller
Microprocessor-controlled
Unique 8-bit ID number on a single SpiderBus
Continuous supervision for trouble indication
Tamper event reporting
Ceiling or wall mounting
Internal RANGE control for sensitivity adjustment
PC-controlled output to sound alarm, switch on lights, open doors, etc.
Optional plastic cover fits vandal-proof housing

Command centers are the heart of every operation. STE offers a variety of solutions to fit any application and will help guide you through the process by offering professional selection and design services together with expert installation to ensure many years of satisfaction. Because consoles act as the nerve center receiving and disseminating information, particular attention is paid during the design and selection process. A console should provide as a minimum the following attributes:

1. Be ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and efficiency

2. Provide the necessary space to contain present as well as future equipment

3. Project a professional image.

4. Provide accessibility for equipment servicing

5. Be designed to offer maximum viewing and proficient use of equipment

Custom Designs
Pre-Assembled Systems
 
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