Physical Access Control Reader Configuration via IP and NFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physical access control systems (PACS) require significant time and effort to update or configure readers, especially in large systems, due to the need for manual distribution of special configuration tags and the lack of internet protocol communication capabilities in older readers, leading to unnecessary costs and infrastructure requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method where a control unit in a PACS obtains an indication of reader configuration needs, determines the communication protocol of the reader, interprets and transmits necessary configuration information using internet protocol, allowing direct communication between the control unit and reader via a displayed IP address, eliminating the need for special configuration cards and advanced communication infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual distribution of special configuration tags is used to update readers, then configuration information can be transmitted to readers, but the time and effort required increases significantly in large systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile phone with NFC capability) that acts as a mediator between the operator and the reader. The mobile phone stores configuration information and transmits it to the reader via NFC, eliminating the need for manual distribution of special configuration tags to each reader location. This intermediary approach enables efficient bulk configuration updates across large numbers of readers.
2Ease of operation
If readers are equipped with advanced communication capabilities to enable remote server connection, then configuration can be updated remotely, but processing requirements and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile phone as a portable copy of the configuration information storage device. Instead of requiring readers to have advanced communication capabilities to connect to remote servers, the configuration data is copied to the mobile phone and then transmitted directly to the reader via NFC. This copying approach enables remote configuration capability while avoiding the need for complex communication infrastructure and advanced processing capabilities in readers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A physical access control system, PACS, (100) comprises at least one reader (103) and a method performed comprises a number of actions that begin with obtaining a first indication that the at least one reader (103) requires reader configuration information. In response to the first indication, the control unit obtains the required reader configuration information. A protocol (108, 110) with which the at least one reader (103) is capable of communicating with a control unit (101) is determined and the required reader configuration information is then interpreted into protocol specific data. Using the determined protocol, the control unit (101) then transmits the protocol specific data to the at least one reader (103).