Cloud-Based Access Control Device Configuration via RFID Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control devices require laborious pre-configuration and are inflexible, leading to inefficient on-site configuration, especially in environments with diverse types and sizes of doors and gates.

Innovation Solution

A method and computer system that utilize a cloud-based system to store and transmit configuration data, including connectivity and timing information, via an RFID reader or visual media identifier, allowing for efficient and flexible mapping and configuration of access control devices at installation sites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If access control devices are pre-configured for specific door types, then configuration accuracy is improved, but device management complexity and inflexibility increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating configuration data templates and storing them in a database according to door type specifications. When a device is installed, the corresponding configuration data is automatically retrieved and applied, eliminating manual pre-configuration while maintaining accuracy. This resolves the contradiction by preparing configuration data in advance without requiring complex device management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If access control devices are configured on-site, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but configuration time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy of configuration data from the database and transmits it wirelessly to the access control device during on-site installation. This copying mechanism allows rapid deployment of pre-prepared configuration templates, maintaining flexibility while dramatically reducing configuration time compared to manual setup. The configuration data is copied rather than manually entered, resolving the time-labor contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration methods are used, then device adaptability is improved, but error rate and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access control device automatically receives and applies configuration data from the system through wireless communication without requiring manual intervention. The device self-configures by receiving parameters such as door type, connection interface details, and control signals automatically. This self-service approach eliminates manual configuration errors while maintaining adaptability to different door types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If diverse door types are supported, then system versatility is improved, but configuration complexity and potential for errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor type coverageVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal configuration approach by creating standardized configuration data templates in the database that can accommodate multiple door types and access control device models. A single template structure serves multiple purposes, allowing the system to handle diverse door types without increasing configuration complexity. The universal template is automatically adapted to specific door types during deployment.

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

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 efficient and flexible configuration of access control devices, reducing on-site labor and errors by using a cloud-based system to manage and transmit configuration data, ensuring accurate and timely setup of access control systems across various door types and sizes.

Implementation Method 1

a card reader for reading identification and/or authorisation information from a user's card through an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification), magnetic, or contact-based interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency IDentification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3469558B1Method and devices for configuring access control devices at an installation site
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 DORMAKABA SWITZERLAND LTD
  • EP3469558B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3469558B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For configuring and installing access control devices at an installation site, configuration data for unidentified access control devices of the installation site is stored (S10) in a cloud-based computer system (1). The cloud-based computer system (1) receives (S2) a registration assigning the installation site to a media identifier stored in a setup media device. A particular one of the access control devices (4) at the installation site reads (S40) the media identifier stored in the setup media device (5). The media identifier from the particular access control device (4) is received (S5) in the cloud-based computer system (1). In the cloud-based computer system (1), the particular access control device (4) is mapped to one of the unidentified access control devices of the installation site. The configuration data of the mapped access control device is transmitted (S80) from the cloud-based computer system (1) to the particular access control device (4).