Integrated Circuit Card Switching States for Access Control Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems require complex configuration processes due to the presence of user controls and displays in access control terminals, which are rarely used after initial setup, leading to inefficiencies and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit card with an antenna, communication circuit, and electromechanical switches that allow for radio-based wireless data exchange, featuring a secure element with a processor and memory, enabling power management through energy harvesting and selective component activation based on switching states, eliminating the need for user controls and displays in external devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If access control terminals include user controls and displays for configuration, then configuration capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the configuration capability from the access control terminal and relocates it to the integrated circuit card. The card now contains the user controls and display, while the terminal is simplified to only perform authentication functions. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing complexity from the terminal while preserving configuration capability in the card.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional architecture where the terminal had configuration capabilities and the card was simple. Now the card has the complex configuration interface and the terminal is simplified. This inversion resolves the technical contradiction by placing the user controls and display in the card rather than the terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If access control terminals include user controls and displays, then configuration functionality is improved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration functionalityVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting the user controls and display from the terminal and placing them in the integrated circuit card, the patent reduces the bill of materials and manufacturing complexity for the terminal. The card, being a standardized component, can incorporate these elements more efficiently, thereby reducing overall production costs while maintaining configuration functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit card serves multiple functions: it acts as both an authentication credential and a configuration interface for the terminal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate configuration devices, reducing overall system cost while maintaining full configuration capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If access control terminals have user controls and displays, then configuration capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display and user controls in the integrated circuit card are activated only periodically during configuration operations, rather than being continuously active. The card enters low-power states between interactions, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining configuration capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit card autonomously manages its own power consumption by controlling when the display and user controls are active. The card detects when configuration is needed and activates these components only during such events, eliminating the need for continuous power supply and reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless and efficient access control operations by reducing the need for user interaction and device configuration, minimizing energy consumption, and lowering production costs through compact device design.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna (10) connected to the communication circuit (11), wherein the communication circuit (11) is configured for radio-based wireless exchange of data with an external device (2) via the antenna (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

one or more electromechanical switches (12) connected to the communication circuit (11) and configured to set a plurality of more than two switching states

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromechanical switching: Relay

Data Source

PatentEP4711977A1Integrated circuit card
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 LEGIC IDENTSYSTEMS AG
  • EP4711977A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4711977A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4711977A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is an integrated circuit card (1) comprising an antenna (10) and a communication circuit (11) configured for radio-based wireless exchange of data with an external device (2) via the antenna (10). The integrated circuit card (1) further comprises electromechanical switches (12) connected to the communication circuit (11) and configured to set a plurality of more than two switching states and a secure element (14) connected to the communication circuit (11), the secure element (14) configured to exchange data with the external device (2) via the antenna (10) and the communication circuit (11).