Multi-Protocol Transponder Reader for Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The slow adoption of access control systems using transponders is hindered by the need for proprietary protocols, resulting in additional costs and effort for users, as each system requires a specially designed transponder, limiting the versatility and compatibility of transponders across different manufacturers.

Innovation Solution

A transponder reading device that can support various types of transponders by sending different activation commands during programming to activate and read unique identifiers, using programmable flash memory to store multiple protocols and cyclically send activation commands to detect and learn transponder types, allowing for efficient querying and response.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If proprietary protocols are used for each access control system, then the access control system can be secured, but users must carry multiple specially designed transponders, increasing costs and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control securityVSAvoidtransponder compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transponder reading device is designed to support multiple proprietary protocols simultaneously, enabling a single device to read various types of transponders (125kHz, 134kHz, and other frequencies) that were previously incompatible. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain security through protocol-specific reading while eliminating the need for users to carry multiple transponders for different access control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocols are supported in the transponder reading device, then transponder compatibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransponder protocol supportVSAvoidreading device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple protocol support capabilities are integrated into a single transponder reading device, combining what would traditionally require separate devices into one unified system. The device merges multiple reading circuits and protocol processing units into a single integrated structure, reducing the need for users to manage multiple separate devices while maintaining protocol-specific security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reading device dynamically adjusts its operating parameters (frequency, modulation type, protocol type) based on the detected transponder type. This parameter adaptation allows the device to handle multiple protocols without requiring permanently dedicated hardware for each protocol, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If transponders are queried using multiple protocols, then more transponder types can be read, but the interrogation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransponder type coverageVSAvoidinterrogation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reading device employs periodic polling with different protocols in a structured sequence, attempting readings at 125kHz, 134kHz, and other frequencies in rapid succession. This periodic multi-protocol polling allows the system to quickly identify and read the appropriate transponder type without exhaustive testing, significantly reducing interrogation time compared to sequential single-protocol attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs preliminary detection to identify the transponder type and protocol before executing the full reading sequence. By detecting frequency and modulation characteristics in advance, the system can prepare the appropriate reading protocol beforehand, avoiding unnecessary protocol attempts and reducing overall interrogation time while maintaining comprehensive transponder support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the use of a single transponder reading device with different types of transponders, accelerating interrogation speed by only querying previously taught transponders, reducing costs and effort, and ensuring secure communication through protocol-specific querying.

Implementation Method 1

a reading device (6) which transmits and receives electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1835436B1Transponder reading device
Publication Date: 2014.07.16 TERATRON
  • EP1835436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1835436B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The device has a control device for controlling a selection device sending and receiving electromagnetic waves (18). The control device controls the selection device in a programming mode such that the selection device sends two different transponder activating activation commands over the electromagnetic waves. The control device controls the selection device such that the selection device senses a feedback signal of a transponder (16) indicating the type of the transponder, after sending the activation commands.