Systems and methods for programming a credential reader

A method for updating a credential reader that is operable to read a presented credential at a credential reader frequency, the method comprising:

• transferring a credential reader update to a portable update device via a cellular telephone interface, the portable update device movable into and out of a credential reader interface range;
• detecting the portable update device within the credential reader interface range of the credential reader;
• determining if the credential reader is a particular credential reader that is to be updated;
• and
• transferring the credential reader update to the credential reader via the credential reader interface in response to a positive determination that the credential reader is the particular credential reader that is to be updated, wherein the credential reader operates consistent with the credential reader update, and wherein the credential reader update includes firmware instructions that cause the credential reader to perform communications with the presented credential at a second frequency in addition to the credential reader frequency.

A remote access system comprising:

• a credential reader;
• a credential having a first communication interface that communicates using a cellular telephone network and a second communication interface that is different than the first communication interface, the credential operable to receive authorization information and to communicate with the credential reader;
• a server operable to receive an authorization request for the credential and to access the credential to provide the authorization information;
• a portable device operable to send the authorization request to the server from the credential;
• and
• a reader authorization application included in the credential, wherein the credential is operable to transfer an authorization code to the credential reader via the second communication interface that is different than the first communication interface, wherein the portable device is separate from the credential.

A method for remotely authorizing access, the method comprising:

• transferring a request for access from a credential to a portable device which is separate from the credential;
• determining a grant of access;
• sending an authorization request from the portable device to a server, the authorization request identifying the grant of access;
• uploading authorization information for a credential reader to the credential;
• initiating a communication with a credential reader interface in response to positioning the credential within a credential reader interface range of the credential reader;
• requesting authorization information from the credential;
• and
• transferring the authorization information from the credential to the credential reader via the credential reader interface.