Transponder Access Module for Remote Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sports timing transponders lack the ability for easy configuration and update of functionalities without physically disconnecting them from vehicles, limiting flexibility and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses an access module to securely communicate with transponders via wired or wireless interfaces, allowing configuration and activation based on user rights and access conditions, such as time, location, and usage, without requiring physical disconnection from the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transponders are installed in hard-to-reach locations to ensure reliable signal transmission, then signal reliability is improved, but ease of configuration and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three separate components: the transponder (installed in hard-to-reach locations), the access module (removably mounted in accessible locations), and the controller (user's device). This segmentation allows the transponder to be installed optimally for signal transmission while the access module can be easily located and operated by the user for configuration purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The access module acts as an intermediary between the user and the transponder. It provides a user-friendly interface and communication bridge, allowing users to configure and control transponder functions remotely without needing physical access to the transponder's installation location. The access module communicates with the transponder via wireless signals.
2Reliability
If transponders are made secure and difficult to access physically, then security against unauthorized use is improved, but ease of legitimate configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access module serves as a secure intermediary that authenticates users before allowing configuration of the transponder. It manages authentication credentials and provides a controlled interface for legitimate operations, ensuring that only authorized users can configure the transponder while maintaining physical security and access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical access mechanisms (requiring users to locate and physically access the transponder) with wireless communication and electronic authentication. Users interact with the transponder through wireless signals from their controller, eliminating the need for physical access while maintaining security through authentication protocols.
3Device complexity
If transponders are designed with limited functionality to simplify the device, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different event requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder is designed with a universal architecture that can perform multiple functions through software configuration. The core transponder hardware remains simple, but its capabilities are extended through the access module and controller, which can configure different functions based on event requirements. This allows a single transponder design to serve multiple purposes across different racing events.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where functions and parameters can be changed during operation. The access module allows users to update transponder settings, activate different functions, and modify parameters in real-time or remotely, enabling the transponder to adapt to different event requirements without hardware changes.
4Reliability
If transponders are installed permanently in vehicles, then reliability of timing data is improved, but ease of reconfiguration and firmware updates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical reconfiguration methods (disconnecting and reconnecting the transponder) with wireless communication. The access module communicates with the permanently installed transponder via wireless signals, allowing firmware updates and configuration changes remotely without requiring physical access or disconnection of the transponder from the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder remains continuously installed and operational in the vehicle without requiring physical disconnection for reconfiguration. The wireless communication system enables continuous operation with remote configuration capabilities, allowing firmware updates and setting changes to be applied while the transponder remains permanently installed and functional.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods are described for providing access to one or more transponder functions of sports timing transponder that is configured for transmitting a signal comprising a transponder identifier to a receiver of a timing system that is configured to determine the point in time that said transponder passes said receiver. The method may comprise: establishing a communication link between said transponder and an access module configured to determine time information; determining rights information stored in a memory of said transponder, said rights information comprising one or more access conditions for determining when a user of said transponder has a right to access at least part of said transponder functions; receiving time information from said access module; and, determining whether said user has a right to access at least part of said one or more transponder functions on the basis of at least part of said access conditions and said time information.