Dynamic QR Code Device Configuration for Building Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device configuration methods in building system technology and door communication are error-prone and time-consuming due to the need for manual entry of numerous parameters, and existing automatic methods compromise security by sharing configuration information with all network participants.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a code generator to dynamically create visual, machine-readable codes, such as QR codes, for data transmission between devices, leveraging existing display and image recording units, allowing secure and intuitive configuration without requiring all devices to be on the same network, and enabling secure authentication through dynamic code generation and decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of configuration parameters is used, then device configuration can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual typing process with an optical data transmission system. Configuration data is visually displayed as a machine-readable code (barcode or QR code) and automatically captured by the second device's camera, eliminating manual entry entirely and resolving the contradiction between accuracy and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the configuration data in the form of a machine-readable code. Instead of manually transcribing data from one device to another, the system generates a visual representation that can be automatically read and transferred, significantly reducing both time and error rates.
2Loss of time
If automatic configuration methods (UPnP, Bonjour) are used, then configuration time is reduced, but security is compromised as all network participants can access configuration information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual machine-readable code as an intermediary carrier for configuration data. This intermediary allows direct peer-to-peer data transfer between two devices without requiring network infrastructure or exposing data to other network participants, thus maintaining security while achieving fast automatic configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the configuration data transfer process from the network-dependent automatic configuration methods. By using visual display and camera capture, the system removes the requirement for network access and common network protocols, enabling secure direct communication between devices without exposing data to the broader network.
3Productivity
If additional transmission and reception units are implemented for data transfer, then configuration speed improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing device components multi-functional. The display unit, originally intended for user interaction, now also serves as a data transmission interface. The camera, originally for capturing images, now captures machine-readable codes for configuration data transfer. This eliminates the need for dedicated transmission hardware while maintaining configuration speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to use their own existing components for data transmission and reception. Each device's display and camera serve dual purposes - both user interface functions and configuration data transfer functions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional specialized hardware, reducing complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
The mechanism has a code generator (2) for dynamically generating visual machine-readable code i.e. quick response code. A display unit (3) displays the generated machine-readable code. An image pickup unit (12) i.e. camera, reads amount of data transmitted by the machine-readable code. The pickup unit is connected with a downstream evaluation unit (11) for decoding and extracting the data. The code generator is connected to a data memory (4) from which the data for dynamic creation of the machine-readable code is removed.