Biometric Template RFID Association via Cryptographic Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no standardized method for establishing a relationship between Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and biometric data associated with individuals, raising concerns about privacy and data security.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for associating a biometric reference template with an RFID tag, involving the creation of unique identifiers and attributes, and cryptographic binding using hashes, digital signatures, or Message Authentication Codes, to securely link the RFID tag with the biometric data of an individual.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If biometric data is associated with RFID tags without a standardized method, then the ability to identify and locate individuals is improved, but privacy and data security are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification reliabilityVSAvoidprivacy risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the association mechanism into standardized components: RFID tag with unique identifier, biometric reference template with unique identifier, and a structured association record containing relationship type. This segmentation enables controlled, privacy-preserving associations while maintaining identification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary association structure that mediates between the RFID tag and biometric template. This intermediary contains standardized fields for relationship type and cryptographic binding, allowing secure associations without direct exposure of sensitive biometric data, thus protecting privacy while enabling reliable identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If biometric data is exposed and aggregated with other information, then a footprint of individual activities and locations is created, but individual privacy is threatened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivity tracking capabilityVSAvoidprivacy invasion

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes preliminary standardized associations between RFID tags and biometric templates before activity tracking begins. By pre-defining relationship types and cryptographic bindings, the system enables consistent activity footprinting while maintaining privacy through standardized, controlled access mechanisms that prevent unauthorized aggregation and exposure of biometric data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8289135B2System, method and program product for associating a biometric reference template with a radio frequency identification tag

Publication Date: 2012.10.16 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A system, method and program product for associating a biometric reference template with a RFID tag embedded in or attached to a physical object. The method includes coupling a RFID tag having a unique tag identifier to a physical object to be associated with an individual, providing a reference template having a unique reference template identifier that uniquely identifies biometric data pertaining to the individual and forming an association between the reference template and the tag, where the association provides a relationship, including a relationship type, between the object and the individual. In an embodiment, the forming step includes creating a biometric attribute in the tag for identifying the template identifier for the reference template or creating a tag attribute in the reference template, where the biometric attribute created in the tag and the tag attribute in the biometric application form an association between the object and the reference template.