Wireless RFID Reader Update via Portable Cellular Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID readers are cumbersome and costly to update, often requiring physical modifications or replacement, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A portable update device with a cellular telephone interface, NFC interface, and memory is used to transfer RFID reader updates to the RFID reader, allowing for wireless communication and modification of authorization codes or firmware instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical opening and memory replacement is used to update RFID reader, then firmware can be updated, but the process becomes costly and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the firmware update capability from the physical device by implementing a wireless communication interface. This allows firmware to be received and installed remotely without physical access to the RFID reader's internal memory components, eliminating the need for manual memory replacement and reducing update time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the external environment and the RFID reader's internal memory system. This intermediary enables firmware transmission without physical disassembly, serving as a bridge that eliminates the time-consuming physical update process while maintaining reliable firmware update capability.
2Reliability
If physical opening and memory replacement is used to update RFID reader, then firmware can be updated, but the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the firmware update operation from physical manipulation by implementing wireless communication capability. This allows firmware to be updated through software-based wireless transmission rather than physical memory replacement, making the operation simple and eliminating the need for physical disassembly and reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary that simplifies the update operation. This intermediary enables remote firmware installation through wireless protocols, transforming a complex physical process into a simple software-based operation that can be performed without physical access to the device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current RFID reader is replaced with new model, then functionality can be upgraded, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the existing RFID reader to perform both traditional RFID operations and firmware update operations through a single wireless communication interface. This allows functionality upgrades without requiring new hardware, as the same device can be remotely reprogrammed to acquire new capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the firmware software parameters rather than replacing physical hardware. This allows functionality upgrades through software updates that change operational parameters, frequencies, and protocols, eliminating the need for expensive hardware replacement while achieving the same functional improvements.
4Ease of manufacture
If physical opening is used to modify RFID reader, then internal memory can be replaced, but the process becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the memory replacement function from the physical domain by implementing wireless communication capability. This allows firmware to be transferred and installed remotely through wireless protocols, eliminating the need for physical memory card replacement and reducing costs associated with manual intervention and device disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary that enables remote firmware installation. This intermediary eliminates the need for physical memory replacement by providing a direct wireless pathway to the device's memory system, reducing costs associated with manual memory replacement procedures.
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 and cost-effective updating of RFID readers by allowing remote modification of authorization codes and firmware, enhancing their functionality without physical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The nfc interface operates at 13.56 MHz and the memory is a non-volatile memory
Data Source
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.