Biometrically Activated RFID Tag Identity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

RFID tags lack verification of the bearer's identity, as mere possession does not prove authorization, allowing potential misuse such as theft or loss.

Innovation Solution

A biometrically activated RFID tag system that acquires and compares user biometric data, such as fingerprints, to authorize the activation or deactivation of the tag, ensuring only authorized users can activate it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RFID tag activation is based on mere possession of the tag, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary biometric verification before activating RFID tag functionality. The biometric sensor captures user characteristics (fingerprint, iris, or voice) and compares them against stored authorized data before allowing the RFID tag to respond to interrogators, preventing unauthorized use while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A biometric verification intermediary layer is introduced between the user and the RFID tag activation. This intermediary checks user identity through biometric characteristics before permitting RFID communication, thus enhancing security without significantly complicating the user experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If biometric verification is added to RFID tag activation, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag system is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating biometric sensing and processing capabilities into the existing RFID architecture. The same device performs both traditional RFID communication and biometric verification, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate systems while improving security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The biometric sensor, processing unit, and RFID tag components are merged into a single integrated device. This consolidation allows the system to perform both biometric verification and RFID activation functions within one unit, managing complexity through integration rather than separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8875996B2Biometrically activated radio frequency identification tag

Publication Date: 2014.11.04 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A biometrically activated radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a fingerprint detection matrix, an antenna control circuit, and a biometric identification chip. The fingerprint detection matrix acquires biometric data indicative of a user's identity and passes it to the biometric identification chip. The biometric identification chip compares the biometric data acquired by the fingerprint detection matrix to biometric data stored thereupon. The antenna control circuit activates the RFID tag selectively dependent upon the result of the comparison of the acquired and stored biometric data.