Wireless RFID Reader Update via Portable NFC Device

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID readers are cumbersome and costly to update, as they often require physical modifications or replacement, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The use of portable update devices, such as cellular telephones with NFC interfaces, to transfer RFID reader updates wirelessly, allowing for modifications to authorization codes and communication frequencies, enabling remote and efficient updates of RFID readers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID reader updates are performed using physical modifications or replacement, then the RFID reader functionality can be updated, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID reader update capabilityVSAvoidupdate time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical update methods (opening the reader, replacing memory chips) with wireless communication methods. The portable update device uses wireless protocols to transfer firmware updates to the RFID reader remotely, eliminating the need for physical intervention and significantly reducing update time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a portable update device as an intermediary between the update source and the RFID reader. This portable device acts as a mediator that receives update files and wirelessly transmits them to the RFID reader, enabling updates without direct physical connection or replacement of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If RFID reader updates are performed using physical modifications, then the RFID reader functionality can be updated, but the process becomes cumbersome and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFID reader update capabilityVSAvoidupdate ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical update methods (opening the reader, replacing memory chips) with wireless communication methods. The portable update device uses wireless protocols to transfer firmware updates to the RFID reader remotely, eliminating the need for physical intervention and significantly reducing update time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID reader is equipped with the capability to receive and install updates autonomously through wireless communication. The reader can initiate and complete the update process without requiring physical disassembly or manual intervention, making the system self-updatable and significantly easier to maintain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional RFID reader update methods are used, then updates can be applied, but the process requires physical access and modification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate capabilityVSAvoidupdate operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical update methods (opening the reader, replacing memory chips) with wireless communication methods. The portable update device uses wireless protocols to transfer firmware updates to the RFID reader remotely, eliminating the need for physical intervention and significantly reducing update time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a portable update device as an intermediary between the update source and the RFID reader. This portable device acts as a mediator that receives update files and wirelessly transmits them to the RFID reader, enabling updates without direct physical connection or replacement of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This method allows for quick, cost-effective updates of RFID readers, enhancing their functionality and authorization capabilities without the need for physical modifications, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The nfc interface operates at 13.56 MHz and the memory is a non-volatile memory

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11163547B2Systems and methods for programming a credential reader

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 XCEEDID CORP

AI summary

A credential reader update system includes a server operable to provide a credential reader update via a cellular telephone interface, and a plurality of credential readers. Each credential reader communicates with a presented credential at a credential reader frequency, wherein each credential reader has a credential reader interface having a range. A portable update device is movable into and out of the range, and is operable to receive the credential reader update via the cellular telephone interface. A credential reader update application is included in the portable update device, and is operable to uniquely identify the particular credential reader to be updated. The portable update device transfers the credential reader update to the credential reader via the credential reader interface, and the credential reader update includes firmware instructions that cause the credential reader to perform communications with the presented credential at a second frequency different than the credential reader frequency.