Active Data Tag Self-Expiration Mechanism for Privacy Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data tag devices persistently store information that can be accessed by unauthorized third parties, raising privacy concerns, as existing methods to disable them are either industry-specific, costly, or require user intervention.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a self-expiration mechanism in active data tag devices, where a clock or counter initiates a process to disable access to tag data after a predetermined time or expiration event, including erasing data, ceasing responses, or disabling interface circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tags are disabled at retail points of sale, then privacy concerns are addressed, but additional equipment cost and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The tag device performs self-expiration automatically based on pre-programmed time conditions without requiring external intervention from retailers or consumers. The tag's internal clock compares against stored expiration dates and autonomously disables itself when the condition is met, eliminating the need for manual deactivation processes at retail points of sale.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag is pre-programmed with expiration dates and time conditions during manufacturing before being deployed. This preliminary configuration allows the tag to automatically expire at the appropriate time without requiring any setup or intervention later, resolving the contradiction by preparing the solution in advance rather than requiring active management.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tags are disabled at retail points of sale, then privacy concerns are addressed, but additional time is required for deactivation process
Solution Approach 1:
The tag device performs self-expiration automatically based on pre-programmed time conditions without requiring external intervention from retailers or consumers. The tag's internal clock compares against stored expiration dates and autonomously disables itself when the condition is met, eliminating the need for manual deactivation processes at retail points of sale.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If consumers use RFID zapper to destroy tags, then tag data is secured, but consumer knowledge and intervention are required
Solution Approach 1:
The tag device performs self-expiration automatically based on pre-programmed time conditions without requiring external intervention from retailers or consumers. The tag's internal clock compares against stored expiration dates and autonomously disables itself when the condition is met, eliminating the need for manual deactivation processes at retail points of sale.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of persistent tag data into a benefit by implementing automatic expiration. Instead of requiring consumers to actively destroy or secure tags (which assumes knowledge and effort), the system automatically secures data by disabling tags after their intended use period, turning a passive security problem into an active self-resolving solution.
4Reliability
If tags persist indefinitely, then data is always accessible, but privacy concerns arise from unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The tag is pre-programmed with expiration dates and time conditions during manufacturing before being deployed. This preliminary configuration allows the tag to automatically expire at the appropriate time without requiring any setup or intervention later, resolving the contradiction by preparing the solution in advance rather than requiring active management.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag transitions from a static permanent state to a dynamic time-dependent state. The tag's accessibility is not fixed but changes over time based on programmed expiration conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the tag to be accessible during its intended use period and automatically becomes inaccessible afterward, resolving the contradiction between permanent accessibility and privacy protection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an active data tag device (100) which includes an expiration event generator (108), and a memory (106) which has tag data (116) stored therein. Upon the occurrence (614) of and expiration event, the tag disables access to the tag data.