NFC Sticker Firmware Updates for Lighting Driver Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firmware updating processes for driver devices in lighting applications are cumbersome and costly, requiring physical transportation and manual intervention, which increases time and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a near field communication (NFC) interface in driver devices to detect and update firmware using a passive NFC tag, allowing automated updates without physical removal or network connection, and enabling secure, localized firmware updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware updates are performed using traditional methods (physical transportation to manufacturer), then firmware can be updated, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical transportation and manual firmware installation with an electromagnetic field-based NFC communication system. The driver device's NFC interface wirelessly communicates with an NFC-capable sticker to transfer firmware update data, eliminating the need for physical device return to manufacturer and significantly reducing update time while maintaining reliable firmware update capability.
2Ease of operation
If firmware updates are performed using NFC interface with service technician, then update can be done in field, but technician must remain present during entire process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the driver device autonomously performs firmware updates by detecting and communicating with an NFC-capable sticker automatically. The device initiates the update process, transfers firmware data wirelessly through NFC, and completes installation without requiring continuous technician presence or manual intervention, thereby maintaining ease of field operation while eliminating technician time constraints.
3Reliability
If driver device returns to manufacturer for firmware update, then firmware can be updated securely, but transportation and handling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC-capable sticker as an intermediary carrier that stores firmware update data and enables secure wireless transfer to the driver device. This intermediary system maintains firmware security through encrypted NFC communication while eliminating the need for expensive physical transportation and handling, thereby reducing update costs while preserving security requirements.
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
Facilitates rapid, cost-effective, and secure firmware updates at the user's site, reducing downtime and resource requirements while ensuring privacy and security, without the need for specialized technicians.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver (8) configured to perform near field communication via an antenna (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A driver device for driving at least one lighting device comprises a driving circuit, a control circuit configured to control the driving circuit based on a firmware stored in a memory of the driver device, and a transceiver configured to perform near field communication via an antenna. The control circuit is configured to control the transceiver to detect presence of a passive near field communication tag within range of the antenna. Preferably, the driver device includes the control circuit is configured to control the transceiver to acquire a data file from the detected passive near field communication tag, and to perform at least one of updating the firmware or controlling the light driving circuit based on the acquired data file.