Configuring a target device

Abstract

It is provided a method for configuring a target device (10). The method comprises: downloading (40) a plurality of configuration files (20) for one or more target devices (10) from a server (3), each configuration file comprising an object identifier; storing (42) the plurality of configuration files; deactivating (44) a strict subset of the configuration files that are not to be applied for at least one of the one or more target devices (10), after which there is at least one active configuration file; receiving (46), from a nearby target device a query (24) comprising object selection data; selecting (48), from the at least one active configuration file, a configuration file comprising an object identifier matching the object selection data, yielding a matching configuration file; and transmitting (50) the matching configuration file over a short-range communication channel (6) to the nearby target device (10), for configuring the target device (10).

Description

CONFIGURING A TARGET DEVICETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of configuring a target device and in particular to configuring a target device based on short-range communication between a user device and the target device.BACKGROUND

[0002] In modern access control systems, devices such as electronic locks, security panels, and other configurable components are often deployed in environments where network connectivity is limited or unavailable. For example, locks installed in basements, remote facilities, or temporary setups frequently lack the infrastructure needed for real-time communication with centralised servers. Configuring such devices typically involves the use of dedicated configuration cards, which are physical media containing the necessary data for programming or provisioning the devices. However, this approach presents several challenges.

[0003] Current solutions require installers to manually retrieve specific configuration cards for each type of configuration of target devices, which may involve significant effort, especially in multi-floor or dispersed locations. Moreover, the cards must be updated individually, which can be time-consuming and error-prone, particularly in systems with diverse configurations or a need for frequent updates.SUMMARY

[0004] One object is to provide a way to configure target devices more conveniently.

[0005] According to a first aspect, it is provided a method for configuring a target device. The method is performed by a user device. The method comprises: downloading a plurality of configuration files for one or more target devices from a server, each configuration file comprising an object identifier; storing the plurality of configuration files; deactivating a strict subset of the configuration files that are not to be applied for at least one of the one or more target devices, after which there is at least one active configuration file; receiving, from a nearby target device corresponding to one of the oneor more target devices, over a short-range communication channel, a query comprising object selection data; selecting, from the at least one active configuration file, a configuration file comprising an object identifier matching the object selection data, yielding a matching configuration file; and transmitting the matching configuration file over the short-range communication channel to the nearby target device, for configuring the target device.

[0006] The object selection data may comprise a list of object identifiers, in which case the selecting comprises finding a configuration file comprising an object identifier that is included in the list of object identifiers.

[0007] The selecting the configuration file may comprise matching the object selection data to a portion of the object identifier, the portion being any contiguous sequence of characters within the object identifier.

[0008] The object selection data may be in the form of a prefix or a suffix of an object identifier to be selected.

[0009] The deactivating the strict subset of the configuration files may be based on user input to deactivate certain configuration files.

[0010] The deactivating the strict subset of the configuration files may comprise deactivating configuration files that are not applicable to a particular target device.

[0011] The short-range communication channel may comply with specifications for contactless card communication.

[0012] The configuration files may function as virtual cards, such that in the transmitting the matching configuration file, the transfer of the matching configuration file to the target device occurs in the same way as if the transfer of the matching configuration file would have occurred from a contactless card.

[0013] According to a second aspect, it is provided a user device for configuring a target device. The user device comprises: processing circuitry; and memory circuitry storing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the user device to: download a plurality of configuration files for one or more target devices froma server, each configuration file comprising an object identifier; store the plurality of configuration files locally on the user device; deactivate a strict subset of the configuration files that are not to be applied for at least one of the one or more target devices, after which there is at least one active configuration file; receive, from a nearby target device corresponding to one of one or more the target devices, over a short-range communication channel, a query comprising object selection data; select, from the at least one active configuration file, a configuration file comprising an object identifier matching the object selection data, yielding a matching configuration file; and transmit the matching configuration file over the short-range communication channel to the nearby target device for configuring the target device.

[0014] According to a third aspect, it is provided a computer program for configuring a target device. The computer program comprises computer program code which, when executed on a user device causes the user device to: download a plurality of configuration files for one or more target devices from a server, each configuration file comprising an object identifier; store the plurality of configuration files locally on the user device; deactivate a strict subset of the configuration files that are not to be applied for at least one of the one or more target devices, after which there is at least one active configuration file; receive, from a nearby target device corresponding to one of the one or more target devices, over a short-range communication channel, a query comprising object selection data; select, from the at least one active configuration files, a configuration file comprising an object identifier matching the object selection data, yielding a matching configuration file; and transmit the matching configuration file over the short-range communication channel to the nearby target device for configuring the target device.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect, it is provided a computer program product comprising a computer program according to the third aspect and a computer readable means comprising non-transitory memory in which the computer program is stored.

[0016] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus,component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Aspects and embodiments are now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Fig 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied;

[0019] Fig 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating embodiment where the target device is part of an access control system;

[0020] Fig 3 is a swimlane diagram illustrating embodiments of methods for configuring a target device;

[0021] Fig 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the user device of Fig 1 and 2; and

[0022] Fig 5 shows one example of a computer program product comprising computer readable means.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The aspects of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. These aspects may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of all aspects of invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0024] According to embodiments presented herein, an improved way to configure target devices is provided. A user device downloads multiple configuration files from a server, each file containing an object identifier, and stores these locally. The objectidentifier can be practically unique, e.g. in the form of a large number or alphanumeric string, where there is an extremely low risk of repetition of object identifiers. A subset of these configuration files is deactivated based on input or context, ensuring the availability of only the applicable configuration file(s). When a target device sends a query over a short-range communication channel, the user device identifies and selects a configuration file matching the query based on its object identifier, and transmits the configuration file to the target device to apply its configuration. The user device complies with communication protocols applied for contactless cards, whereby no modification is needed for the target device. Yet, the user device can download multiple configuration files and apply as necessary, eliminating the need for one physical contactless card for each configuration to apply. Additionally, this solution is applicable in situations where the target device is an offline device.

[0025] Fig 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an environment in which embodiments presented herein can be applied.

[0026] A user 5 carries a user device. The user device 2 can be a smartphone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc. The user device 2 is able to communicate with a communication network 7. The communication network 7 can be an internet protocol (IP)-based network, and can be based on any one or more of a local wireless network, a cellular network, a wired local-area network, a wide-area network (such as the Internet), etc.

[0027] A server 3 is provided which can communicate with the user device 2 over the communication network 7. The server 3 makes configuration files available for the user device 2 to download. Each configuration file can be in the form of an application data file (ADF). In this way, the user device can download multiple configuration files that are applicable to one or more target devices 10.

[0028] The target device 10 is any electronic device for which a configuration may need to be applied. The target device 10 supports short-range communication, e.g. with contactless cards, NFC (near-field communication), RFID (radio-frequency identification), BLE (bluetooth low energy), or USB (universal serial bus). For instance, the target device 10 can be a device of an access control system or any other electronicdevice which can be provided in accordance with embodiments presented herein. The communication between the user device 2 and the target device 10 occurs over a short- range communication channel 6, e.g. based on NFC, RFID, BLE, or USB.

[0029] According to embodiments presented herein, the user device 2 downloads multiple configuration files from the server 3 via the communication network 7. When the user device 2 is near the target device 10, which can occur at a later time, the user device 2 can supply a relevant configuration file to the target device 10 for its configuration over the short-range communication channel 6. It is to be noted that during the communication between the user device 2 and the target device, neither the user device 2 nor the target device 10 need to be connected to the communication network 7 or the server 3.

[0030] Fig 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating embodiment where the target device is part of an access control system. In this embodiment, the target device 10 is in the form of an electronic lock 10.

[0031] Access to a physical space 16 is restricted by an openable physical barrier 15 which is selectively unlockable. The physical barrier 15 stands between the restricted physical space 16 and an accessible physical space 14. Note that the accessible physical space 14 can be a restricted physical space in itself, but in relation to this physical barrier 15, the accessible physical space 14 is accessible. The barrier 15 can be a door, gate, hatch, cabinet door, drawer, window, etc. The electronic lock 10 is provided in order to control access to the physical space 16, by selectively unlocking the barrier 15.

[0032] The electronic lock 10 can be provided in the barrier 15 itself (as shown) or in a structure 17 (such as a wall) surrounding the barrier 15 (not shown). The electronic lock 10 is controllable to be in a locked state or in an unlocked state.

[0033] The user 5 carries the user device 2 and can apply a configuration file to the electronic lock 10 by supplying the configuration over the short-range communication channel 6, e.g. by tapping the user device 2 to the electronic lock 10 or by providing the configuration over BLE or USB.

[0034] Fig 2 is a swimlane diagram illustrating embodiments of methods for configuring a target device 10. The swimlane diagrams can be considered to comprise a flow chart for methods in the user device 2 on the left, a flow chart for methods in the server 3 in the middle and a flow chart for methods in the target device 10 on the right. Selected communication between the user device 2, the server 3 and the target device 10 is also shown.

[0035] In a provide configuration) files step 140, the server 3 makes configuration files available for download, e.g. over hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) of file transfer protocol (FTP). This allows the user device 2 to request the configuration files over the communication network 7. Making the configuration files available via standard protocols ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and systems, reducing infrastructure complexity.

[0036] In a download configuration files step 40, the user device 2 downloads a plurality of configuration files 20 for one or more target devices 10 from the server 3. Each configuration file comprises an object identifier. The download of the configuration files can occur over IP over the communication network 7. Optionally, each configuration file comprises, or is provided with, an indication of what type of target device 10 that the configuration file is applicable to. Optionally, each configuration file comprises, or is provided with, description text to enable suitable selection of configuration files by the user 5.

[0037] In a store configuration files step 42, the user device 2 stores the plurality of configuration files. For instance, the configuration files can be stored locally on the user device 2. Local storage of configuration files ensures accessibility even in locations with poor or no connectivity, increasing operational reliability.

[0038] In a deactivate step 44, the user device 2 deactivates a strict subset of the configuration files that are not to be applied for at least one of the one or more target devices 10. After the deactivation, there is at least one active configuration file. The deactivation can be implemented e.g. by setting a deactivation indicator in, or in association with, the configuration file that is deactivated. The deactivation indicator can be a flag, a Boolean indicator or any other data item which can indicate thedeactivated state of a configuration file. Deactivating unnecessary files minimises processing load and ensures that only relevant configuration files are available for the configuration of a target device 10.

[0039] In one embodiment, the deactivation of a strict subset is implemented by first deactivating all configuration files, after which one or more configuration files, that are to be applied for a target device, are activated. This results in that a strict subset of the configuration files being deactivated.

[0040] In one embodiment, the deactivating the strict subset of the configuration files is based on user input to deactivate certain configuration files. For instance, the user input can indicate a particular configuration file, or a set of configuration files, that are to be applied. This can be based on the user knowing the type or identity of the target device. The user device 2 can then present the available configuration files to the user 5 for selection, optionally with an indication of the type of target device 10 that each configuration file is applicable to and / or a short description of the configuration file. In this case, all non-selected configuration files are deactivated.

[0041] In one embodiment, the deactivating the strict subset of the configuration files comprises deactivating (any one or more) configuration files that are not applicable to a particular target device 10. A lookup table can be used to determine which configuration file is to be applied. All other (non-applicable) configuration files are then deactivated.

[0042] In a transmit query step 246, the target device 10 transmits a query 24 to the user device 2. The query 24 comprises object selection data. For instance, the query can be triggered by the user 5 tapping the user device 2 on the target device 10 or providing the user device 2 in the immediate vicinity (e.g. centimetres) of the target device 10. This query is in line with legacy operation, allowing the embodiments presented herein to be implemented without making any changes to the target device 10. Alternatively, if the communication channel is based on BLE, the trigger to start communication could be based on BLE advertisement data. Alternatively, if the communication channel is based on USB, the trigger to start communication could be based on a cable being plugged into the target device or the user device.

[0043] In a receive query step 46, the user device 2 receives, from a nearby target device corresponding to one of the one or more of the target devices 10, the query 24 comprising object selection data. The term corresponding to is here to be interpreted as the nearby target device being of the same type as a target device the configuration file is intended for. For instance, if a configuration file is intended for an electronic lock of type X, then the nearby device corresponds to that configuration file if the nearby target device is of type X. The query is received from the target device 10 over the short-range communication channel 6. The term nearby is here to be interpreted as being sufficiently near that the short-range communication channel 6 can be used.

[0044] In a select configuration file step 48, the user device 2 selects, from the at least one active configuration file, a configuration file comprising an object identifier matching the object selection data. This yields a matching configuration file.

[0045] In one embodiment, the object selection data comprises a list of object identifiers. In this case, the selecting comprises finding a configuration file comprising an object identifier that is included in the list of object identifiers.

[0046] In one embodiment, the selecting the configuration file comprises matching the object selection data to a portion of the object identifier, the portion being any contiguous sequence of characters within the object identifier. For instance, the object selection data is in the form of a prefix or a suffix of an object identifier to be selected. Using partial matching improves compatibility with varied naming schemes and reduces the need for exact matches, increasing robustness.

[0047] In a transmit configuration file step 50, the user device 2 transmits the matching configuration file 26 over the short-range communication channel 6 to the nearby target device 10, for configuring the target device 10. In line with the query 24 mentioned above, the configuration file transmitted to the target device 10 complies with legacy communication, whereby the target device 10 does not need to be modified to support the embodiments presented herein. Optionally, the configuration file that has been transmitted is deactivated.

[0048] In a receive configuration file step 250, the target device 10 receives the configuration file.

[0049] In an apply configuration file step 252, the target device 10 applies the configuration file.

[0050] The short-range communication channel can comply with specifications for contactless card communication, such as RFID (radio frequency identification) and / or NFC (near-field communication).

[0051] In one embodiment, the configuration files function as virtual cards, such that in the transmitting 50 the matching configuration file, the transfer of the matching configuration file to the target device 10 occurs in the same way as if the transfer of the matching configuration file would have occurred from a contactless card. Also, the query in steps 246 and 46 would then comply with a query for to a contactless card.

[0052] Optionally, the method is repeated to apply more configuration files to the target device or to another target device. In the repeating, the downloading and storing of configuration files, i.e. steps 40 and 42, can be omitted.

[0053] According to embodiments presented herein, the deactivation is a first step of reducing applicable configuration files, reducing processing load and ensuring that only relevant configuration files are available for the configuration of a target device. Only subsequently is the query received from the nearby target device, where the query comprises the object selection data. At this stage, the final selection is performed based on the object selection data and the object identifiers of the configuration files. The dual-stage selection based on a query from the target device provides an adaptive, context-aware configuration that reduces unnecessary processing and power consumption and ensures that only the applicable configuration file(s) are active in response to a concurrent local reader interrogation. In this way, the delivery of the configuration file(s) is fast and reliable, even for legacy short-range devices that operate in offline or low-connectivity environments. The result improved reliability and efficiency of configuring target devices via short-range communication.

[0054] Fig 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the user device of Fig 1 and 2. Processing circuitry 6o is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), multiprocessor, neural processing unit (NPU), microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), etc., capable of executing software instructions 67 stored in memory circuitry 64, which can thus be a computer program product. The processing circuitry 60 could alternatively be implemented using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The processing circuitry 60 can be configured to execute methods of the user device 2 described with reference to Fig 2 above.

[0055] The memory circuitry 64 can be any combination of random-access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM). The memory circuitry 64 also comprises non- transitory persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid-state memory or even remotely mounted memory.

[0056] A data memory 66 is also provided for reading and / or storing data during execution of software instructions in the processing circuitry 60. The data memory 66 can be any combination of RAM and / or ROM.

[0057] An I / O interface 62 is provided for communicating with external and / or internal entities using wireless communication. Specifically, the user device 2 can support any one or more of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and / or a cellular network. The I / O interface 62 also supports short-range communication, e.g. with the target device 10, e.g. based on any of the NFC specifications, the RFID specifications, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and / or universal serial bus (USB).

[0058] Other components of the user device 2 are omitted in order not to obscure the concepts presented herein.

[0059] Fig 4 shows one example of a computer program product 90 comprising computer readable means. On this computer readable means, a computer program 91 can be stored in a non-transitory memory. The computer program can cause processing circuitry to execute a method according to embodiments described herein. In thisexample, the computer program product 90 is in the form of a removable solid-state memory, e.g. a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive. As explained above, the computer program product could also be embodied in a memory of a device, such as the computer program product 64 of Fig 3. While the computer program 91 is here schematically shown as a section of the removable solid-state memory, the computer program can be stored in any way which is suitable for the computer program product, such as another type of removable solid-state memory, or an optical disc, such as a CD (compact disc), a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a Blu-Ray disc.

[0060] The aspects of the present disclosure have mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for configuring a target device (10), the method being performed by a user device (2), the method comprising: downloading (40) a plurality of configuration files (20) for one or more target devices (10) from a server (3), each configuration file comprising an object identifier; storing (42) the plurality of configuration files; deactivating (44) a strict subset of the configuration files that are not to be applied for at least one of the one or more target devices (10), after which there is at least one active configuration file; receiving (46), from a nearby target device corresponding to one of the one or more target devices (10), over a short-range communication channel (6), a query (24) comprising object selection data; selecting (48), from the at least one active configuration file, a configuration file comprising an object identifier matching the object selection data, yielding a matching configuration file; and transmitting (50) the matching configuration file over the short-range communication channel (6) to the nearby target device (10), for configuring the target device (10).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the object selection data comprises a list of object identifiers, and wherein the selecting (48) comprises finding a configuration file comprising an object identifier that is included in the list of object identifiers.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selecting (48) the configuration file comprises matching the object selection data to a portion of the object identifier, the portion being any contiguous sequence of characters within the object identifier.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the object selection data is in the form of a prefix or a suffix of an object identifier to be selected.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deactivating (44) the strict subset of the configuration files is based on user input to deactivate certain configuration files.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deactivating (44) the strict subset of the configuration files comprises deactivating configuration files that are not applicable to a particular target device (10).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the short-range communication channel complies with specifications for contactless card communication.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the configuration files function as virtual cards, such that in the transmitting (50) the matching configuration file, the transfer of the matching configuration file to the target device (10) occurs in the same way as if the transfer of the matching configuration file would have occurred from a contactless card.

9. A user device (2) for configuring a target device (10), the user device (2) comprising: processing circuitry (60); and memory circuitry (64) storing instructions (67) that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the user device (2) to: download a plurality of configuration files for one or more target devices (10) from a server (3), each configuration file comprising an object identifier; store the plurality of configuration files locally on the user device (2); deactivate a strict subset of the configuration files that are not to be applied for at least one of the one or more target devices (10), after which there is at least one active configuration file; receive, from a nearby target device corresponding to one of one or more the target devices (10), over a short-range communication channel (6), a query (24) comprising object selection data; select, from the at least one active configuration file, a configuration file comprising an object identifier matching the object selection data, yielding a matching configuration file; and transmit the matching configuration file over the short-range communication channel (6) to the nearby target device (10) for configuring the target device (10).

10. A computer program (67, 91) for configuring a target device (10), the computer program comprising computer program code which, when executed on a user device (2) causes the user device (2) to: download a plurality of configuration files for one or more target devices (10) from a server (3), each configuration file comprising an object identifier; store the plurality of configuration files locally on the user device (2); deactivate a strict subset of the configuration files that are not to be applied for at least one of the one or more target devices (10), after which there is at least one active configuration file; receive, from a nearby target device corresponding to one of the one or more target devices (10), over a short-range communication channel (6), a query (24) comprising object selection data; select, from the at least one active configuration files, a configuration file comprising an object identifier matching the object selection data, yielding a matching configuration file; and transmit the matching configuration file over the short-range communication channel (6) to the nearby target device (10) for configuring the target device (10).

11. A computer program product (64, 90) comprising a computer program according to claim 10 and a computer readable means comprising non-transitory memory in which the computer program is stored.

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