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This category of modules includes EnterpriseSMS software modules that support user interaction with EnterpriseSMS. Each module
provides a specific, distinct set of capabilities through the screens, windows and menus it provides. The screens, windows and menus
supported by a specific module is called its graphicaluser interface. Each distinct module is referred to as an EnterpriseSMS User Station, referring to the duty stations where they are normally deployed.
Our Definition: A User Station is a software module that supports a graphical user interface (GUI).
There are two types of EnterpriseSMS User Stations. The first, known as Control Stations, manage the data through which the
automatic functions of EnterpriseSMS software are controlled. THe second, known as Command Stations, support the user's ability to
issue commands to the system. Control type user stations update the Database Support Module. They must connect to the Oracle
database to operate. Command stations are implemented in real-time, connecting directly to the Alarm Management Module (AMM), the system's transaction processing engine.
Control Stations
Control Stations interact with the Oracle kernel, the EnterpriseSMS instance, and SQL*Net to permit station users to update, add,
delete, query, and report upon all data stored in the instance. It is through these stations that changes in system operation are
implemented. All system processes refer to the underlying data instance to determine how they operate and how they respond to
events. Control Stations automatically ensure that changes are propagated to all other software modules that require modified
information, eliminating the need for human interaction.
When a part of a redundant system, these types of stations do not automatically re-connect to a redundant host if their current
connection is lost. They are not self routing as are command type stations.
Access to a Database Support Module requires the user to specify a user's name and password correct for a data table instance.
Typically, the default logon includes an instance name and path specification so that the logon is very easy.
Our Definition: A Control User Station operates through the Database Support Module (DSM). Control type user stations provide a user
interface to the underlying EnterpriseSMS data tables controlled by the Oracle database kernel. Data values established in the data
tables establish the pre-planned system response to system events.
Control Type User Stations are as follows:
- Data Control Station (DCS) – The primary user interface for managing the data stored in the Oracle data base. The system
administrator and data base operators are the most frequent users of this station.
- Integrated Badging Station (IBS) – A specialized user interface for the creation and management of badges including badge
manufacturing when installed on a properly equipped server or workstation. Personnel department or badge issuing personnel are the typical users of the IBS.
- Visitor Registration Station (VRS) – A specialized user interface that supports the registration and management of visitors and
employees to a facility. Security personnel or information personnel at visitor entrances or desks are typical VRS users.
COMMAND STATIONS
Our Definition: A Command User Station operates through an Alarm Management Module (AMM). Command type user stations provide an
interface to the transaction processing capabilities of the EnterpriseSMS software, providing command capabilities to the system user.
Command Type User Stations are as follows:
- Operator Command Station (OCS) – The primary user interface for receiving alarm events and issuing commands to the system. The system operators in a monitoring center are
typical users of this station.
- Activity Monitoring Station (AMS) – A specialized user interface that present a real-time display of user specified event. Supervisors, managers, and maintenance personnel
typically use the AMS.
- Image Verification Station (IVS) – A specialized user interface that displays the image of a badge holder when that badge is
used at user specified locations. Special facilities requiring special attention to security often establish security points where this station is used.
- Status Monitoring Station (SMS) – A specialized user interface that permits the user to continuously monitor the detailed
state activity at one, many or all devices known to the system. This station is often used by maintenance personnel
assisting field technicians as they configure the system or repair problems.
Command Type Stations operate with the AMM to provide a user interface to the transaction processing capabilities of EnterpriseSMS,
in particular its command processing capabilities.
All command type stations are available in a self re-routing configuration called a Smart Station. When a connection is lost, the
smart station detects the loss of connection and, using its connection list, attempts to re-route connection to another
authorized AMM. Smart stations are required for all redundant systems and are sometimes used in host-subhost configurations, depending on the application requirements.
Upon start up, command type stations connect to the AMM. The user logs into the station which in turn logs the user into AMM.
Station information is downloaded to the station based on the privilege set common to the user and the station. If a particular
station is not allowed to perform a particular function even though the logged in user is permitted the capability, the privilege will be
denied. The reverse is also true; should a connection between a station and the AMM be lost without valid log out, the AMM will
notify other stations of this event. Similarly, the lost station will be advised of his/her loss of connection.
Stations are context sensitive. When a user selects an event at a station, all subsequent user actions will occur in the context of that
event unless overridden by the user.
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