Power Supply Access Control Using RFID Teach-In Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack a simple and effective method for communicating and withdrawing authorization for power supply to electrical devices using basic means.
Innovation Solution
A 'teach-in' method that involves manually selecting an electrical device and establishing its authorization status for power supply, using radio frequency identification (RFID or NFC) tags and a scanner device to update a database with authorization statuses, allowing devices to be authorized or unauthorized for power supply based on a simple authorization card interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID/NFC tags and scanner devices are used to implement authorization systems, then authorization management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using standard RFID/NFC tags and scanner devices that can serve multiple purposes - not only for authorization management but also for device identification and data communication. This allows the system to achieve advanced authorization capabilities while relying on existing multi-functional components rather than dedicated complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that handles complex authorization logic and database management remotely. The local devices (power supply units, plugs, sockets) only need basic RFID/NFC scanning capabilities, while the server mediates the complex authorization decisions, thereby reducing local device complexity while maintaining sophisticated authorization management.
2Ease of operation
If manual teach-in method is used for authorization, then ease of operation is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-provisioning devices with RFID/NFC tags containing unique identifiers before deployment. The teach-in process then becomes a simple matter of bringing the authorization card near the scanner to automatically transfer the identifier, rather than requiring manual configuration or complex pairing procedures during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling automatic authorization status transfer through the teach-in method. When an authorization card is brought near the scanner device, the system automatically detects the tag, retrieves the device identifier, and updates the authorization status without requiring manual intervention or complex user input, thereby simplifying operation at the cost of requiring initial setup time.
3Reliability
If authorization status is stored in database, then reliability of authorization control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a centralized database server as an intermediary that handles all authorization data storage and retrieval operations. Local devices do not need to implement their own database systems or complex authorization logic - they simply query the server for authorization status based on device identifiers obtained through RFID/NFC scanning. This centralizes complexity in the server while keeping local devices simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies copying by storing device identifiers and authorization status as digital data in the database, which can be rapidly copied and transmitted between the server and local devices during authorization checks. This digital copying mechanism provides reliable and consistent authorization control without requiring complex hardware-based security mechanisms at each device.
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 communication and withdrawal of power supply authorization without requiring additional hardware, ensuring authorized devices receive power while unauthorized devices are isolated, using conventional plug connectors and simple authorization card interactions.
Implementation Method 1
The plug connector (10) can incorporate a radio tag which carries a device ID ('identification'), e.g. a RFID tag ('radio frequency identification')
Implementation Method 2
in particular a NFC tag ('near field communication')
Implementation Method 3
Scanning of the authorization status modification entitlement of the radio tag of the authorization card by the scanner device
Data Source
AI summary
In order to grant permission to at least one electrical device to be supplied with power and/or withdraw this authorization from it, according to the invention, a teach-in method is used.