Dual Communication Interface for Portable Data Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices set up for contactless communication with portable data carriers via a single interface face challenges in seamlessly integrating additional interfaces, such as infrared, without requiring additional transponders or modifying hardware, leading to software revision issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with dual contactless communication interfaces, one based on wireless data transmission (e.g., RFID) and another on optical technology (e.g., infrared), connected via software interfaces that allow data translation and routing between the two channels without altering existing application software, enabling secure and efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reading device is equipped with an additional infrared interface for contactless communication, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The existing transponder is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original contactless communication function and a new infrared communication function. The transponder includes both a contactless interface for RFID communication and an infrared interface for optical communication, allowing a single device to handle multiple communication protocols without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the contactless communication interface and the infrared communication interface into a single integrated transponder unit. Instead of requiring separate reading devices for RFID and infrared communication, the invention merges both communication capabilities into one device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reading device is equipped with an additional infrared interface, then communication versatility is improved, but software complexity increases due to requiring additional software interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A single software interface is designed to handle multiple communication protocols. The software interface can dynamically switch between controlling the contactless communication interface and the infrared communication interface, providing a unified access point for applications regardless of which communication channel is being used. This eliminates the need for separate software interfaces for each communication type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing application software is revised to support dual interfaces, then communication capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring software revisions
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary software layer is introduced between the existing application software and the dual communication interfaces. This intermediary handles the complexity of interfacing with both contactless and infrared protocols, allowing existing application software to continue operating without modification. The intermediary translates and routes communications appropriately, shielding applications from the underlying complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a separate transponder is added for data conversion, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring additional transponder hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data conversion function into the existing transponder rather than adding a separate transponder device. The single transponder includes circuitry that can convert between contactless communication signals and infrared signals internally, eliminating the need for external data conversion hardware and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 secure and efficient communication between the device and portable data carriers using dual interfaces without modifying hardware or adding transponders, enhancing security by using different transmission principles and allowing integration of additional channels without software revisions.
Implementation Method 1
RFID systems (Radio Frequency Identification) are used for contactless communication in order to carry out communication between the reading device and the portable data carrier via an alternating magnetic field of the reading device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for communicating with a portable data carrier (3). The device according to the invention comprises a first communication interface (13) based on wireless data transmission technology for receiving and/or transmitting data via a first communication channel, and a second communication interface (14) based on different contactless data transmission technology for receiving and/or transmitting data via a second communication channel. The device further comprises a first software interface (11) to the first communication interface (13) by means of which an application program (10) stored in the device can communicate with the first communication interface (13). Finally, the device according to the invention also comprises a second software interface (12) by means of which the application program (10) can communicate with the first communication interface (13), wherein the communication in both directions between the first software interface (11) and the first communication interface (13) is routed via the second software interface.