Book-like Document Transponder Security via Magnetoresistive Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing book-like documents, such as identification documents, face the challenge of preventing undesired electronic reading of data from the transponder module when the document is closed or partially closed, as existing solutions do not effectively secure the data against unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a magnetoresistive sensor activated by a control element, such as a permanent magnet, which switches the transponder module to an inactive state when the document is closed or partially closed, preventing electronic reading by interrupting the antenna circuit or changing the resistance state, thus ensuring data security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a transponder module is integrated into a book-like document for data storage, then data accessibility is improved, but data security against unauthorized electronic reading deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidunauthorized electronic reading
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the transponder module to be in a blocked state by default, and using a magnetoresistive sensor that automatically detects the closed/open state of the document to control the reading permission. The sensor is positioned to detect the presence/absence of a magnet in the cover, and based on this detection, it automatically enables or disables the transponder module's readability before any unauthorized access attempt can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetoresistive sensor as an intermediary element between the physical state of the document (closed/open) and the electronic state of the transponder module (readable/blocked). This sensor acts as a mediator that translates mechanical movement into electrical control signals, automatically managing the security state without requiring direct human intervention or complex electronic authentication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a shield is used to prevent electronic reading when the document is closed, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic reading preventionVSAvoidshielding structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic shielding systems with a simple magnetoresistive sensor-based solution. Instead of using physical shields, metallic layers, or complex electronic switching mechanisms, the invention uses a magnet-sensitive component that passively detects the document's state and automatically controls the transponder module's accessibility through changes in its electrical resistance, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the magnetoresistive sensor's electrical resistance in response to magnetic field changes. When the document is closed, the magnet's position changes the sensor's resistance, which in turn changes the electrical state of the transponder module from readable to blocked. This parameter-based control mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to manage data security without adding structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a magnetoresistive sensor is used to control the transponder module state, then data security is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidsensor positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a system where the magnetoresistive sensor and magnet are positioned such that the natural movement of the book cover (opening and closing) automatically generates the magnetic field changes needed to control the sensor's state. The system uses its own operational movement to trigger the security mechanism, eliminating the need for external actuators, complex positioning systems, or additional control electronics, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution effectively prevents unwanted electronic reading of data by automatically deactivating the transponder module when the document is closed, ensuring data security and integrity, while allowing data access when the document is opened for inspection.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetoresistive sensor (33), in particular a switching element, which assumes a first switching state when a magnetic field is present and a second switching state when a magnetic field is weakened or removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetoresistive effect: Magnetoresistance

Implementation Method 2

the control element is arranged in the back of the book cover (14) and the sensor (33) is arranged in the personalization data page (21) or in the front of the book cover (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3341215B1Book-like document, in particular an identification document, with a transponder module and method for securing data in a book-like document
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3341215B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3341215B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a book-like document, in particular an identification document, having a book cover (12) which comprises a book cover front side (13) and a book cover rear side (14), having one or more data sides (19) and/or having a personalisation data side (21) and having a transponder module (28) which is arranged in the book cover (12) or the personalisation data side (21) and which comprises an antenna (31) and an IC chip (32), wherein a sensor (33) is provided which is placed in contact with the transponder module (28) and activates and deactivates the transponder module (28), and at least one control element (39) is provided which, in a closed or partially closed arrangement of the book cover front side (13) with respect to the book cover rear side (14), places the sensor (33) in a switched state which deactivates the transponder module (28).