Wireless Credential Reader Eliminates USB Driver Dependency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Credential enrollment readers in access control systems face interoperability issues due to wired communication protocols being operating system and hardware dependent, and are limited by physical tethering, which restricts portability and data security.

Innovation Solution

A reader device that communicates autonomously with a credential management system over a secure wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for driver-level software and allowing bidirectional communication without a PC intermediary, thereby enhancing portability and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If credential enrollment reader uses wired connection to computing device, then data security may be maintained through physical control, but interoperability is reduced due to operating system and hardware dependencies

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoiddriver-level software requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired USB connection with a wireless communication system. The credential enrollment reader communicates with the credential management system via wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular), eliminating the need for physical USB connections and associated driver software. This substitution resolves the contradiction by improving interoperability across different operating systems while maintaining security through encrypted wireless communication channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cloud-based credential management system as an intermediary between the credential enrollment reader and the access control database. The reader communicates wirelessly with this intermediary, which handles authentication, credential storage, and device management. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for direct wired connections and complex driver software on end devices, thereby improving interoperability while maintaining security through centralized control and encrypted communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If credential enrollment reader is physically tethered to computing device, then connection stability is ensured, but physical portability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical portabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical USB tethering with wireless communication infrastructure. The credential enrollment reader uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular connections to communicate with the credential management system, eliminating the need for physical USB cables. This enables the reader to be handheld, portable, or remotely deployed while maintaining reliable communication through established wireless protocols with connection management, authentication, and reconnection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wired USB connection is used for credential enrollment, then direct communication is achieved, but operating system dependency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating system independenceVSAvoidwired communication protocol requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes wired USB communication with wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular). These wireless protocols are more universally supported across different operating systems and devices. The credential enrollment reader communicates wirelessly with the cloud-based credential management system, eliminating the need for USB drivers and wired communication protocols specific to particular operating systems, thereby achieving operating system independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the credential enrollment reader universally compatible with multiple operating systems and devices by using standard wireless communication protocols. The reader can communicate with any device that has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular capability, along with the cloud-based credential management system. This universal compatibility eliminates the need for USB drivers and wired connection infrastructure, allowing the system to function across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and other platforms without modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10893042B2Wi-Fi enabled credential enrollment reader and credential management system for access control

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

A method according to one embodiment includes reading a unique credential identifier of a passive credential device, transmitting the unique credential identifier to a credential management system over a secure wireless connection, receiving credential device data from the credential management system over the secure wireless connection, and transmitting the received credential device data to the passive credential device.