NFC Refill-Based Firmware Updates for Touch-Free Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-free dispensers for soap, sanitizer, and lotion face challenges in updating firmware/software due to the large volume of units installed worldwide, making it difficult and costly to address bugs or issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a near field communication (NFC) tag in refill units that contain firmware/software update instructions, which are read by the dispenser's processor to autonomously update the dispenser's logic, software, or firmware when the refill unit is installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual firmware/software updates are implemented for dispensers, then firmware/software issues can be corrected, but the cost and complexity increase significantly due to the large volume of dispensers installed worldwide
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system performs firmware and software updates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically detects available updates, downloads them, and installs them during operational periods, enabling the dispenser to self-maintain and self-upgrade its software components.
Solution Approach 2:
Update files are prepared and staged in advance during low-activity periods or overnight. The system performs preliminary validation checks and prepares the update environment before actually applying the firmware or software updates during operational hours, ensuring smooth transitions without disruption.
2Reliability
If manual firmware/software updates are implemented for dispensers, then firmware/software issues can be corrected, but the time and resources required for updates across thousands of locations become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The update process occurs continuously in the background during dispenser operation. The system utilizes operational periods to validate and apply updates seamlessly, and employs low-activity periods or overnight hours for downloading and preparing update files, ensuring continuous improvement without operational interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system checks for available firmware and software updates at periodic intervals and schedules update installations during predetermined low-activity periods or overnight. This periodic approach allows updates to be applied systematically across the dispenser fleet without causing operational disruptions.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous update capability is added to dispensers, then updates can be performed automatically without manual intervention, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser's existing processor and communication interfaces are utilized for multiple purposes, including both normal operational control and autonomous update management. The system integrates update functionality into the existing operational framework, allowing the same hardware components to serve dual roles and minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The update management functions are merged with the existing operational control systems. The processor that manages dispenser operations also handles update detection, download, validation, and installation. Communication interfaces used for operational data exchange are also utilized for update file transmission, consolidating functionality and reducing overall system complexity.
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 cost-effective autonomous updates of touch-free dispensers, ensuring that firmware and software issues are addressed without the need for manual intervention across thousands of installations.
Implementation Method 1
A reader for reading information from a near field communication tag is also included
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of dispensing systems, dispensers, refill units, methods for autonomously updating firmware and/or software in dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser includes a processor, dispenser memory, firmware for controlling one or more operations of the dispenser and a receptacle for receiving a refill unit. A reader for reading information from a near field communication tag is also included. The refill unit includes a near field communication tag secured thereto. Memory is located on the near field communications tag. Data stored on the memory. The data contains firmware update instructions. When the refill unit is installed in the receptacle, the reader reads the data. The processor causes the dispenser firmware to be updated by the firmware update instructions read from the near field communications tag on the refill unit.