Capacitive Card Identification via Dynamic Signal Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitive surface sensor technologies for card-like object identification are vulnerable to forgery due to static input patterns that can be easily imitated, and they have limited data density and user-friendliness issues, particularly in mass-produced applications where security and space efficiency are concerns.

Innovation Solution

A method for generating a time-dependent signal on a capacitive surface sensor using a card-like object with an electrically conductive structure comprising multiple individual elements, where the signal is created by the relative movement between an input means and the card-like object, allowing for high data density and secure identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a static input pattern is used for card identification, then the system is simple to operate, but the security against forgery is weak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against forgeryVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static input pattern into a dynamic time-dependent signal. The capacitive data carrier generates different signal patterns based on its movement across the sensor surface, creating a dynamic identification mechanism that is inherently more secure against forgery while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from evaluating spatial patterns (static) to evaluating temporal signal characteristics (dynamic). By analyzing parameters such as signal duration, frequency, and time-dependent variations, the system achieves higher security without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If geometric encoding is used for data storage, then the system is easy to manufacture, but the data density is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata densityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional geometric patterns to one-dimensional temporal signal patterns. By encoding data in the time-dependent characteristics of the signal generated during movement, the system achieves higher data density within the same physical space on the card surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system encodes multiple data bits in temporal parameters such as signal duration, frequency, and amplitude variations over time. This allows significantly more information to be stored in the same physical area compared to static geometric encoding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the entire contact surface generates an input signal, then the system is user-friendly, but the counterfeit protection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterfeit protectionVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains full contact surface usability while adding dynamic temporal analysis to the signal evaluation. The time-dependent signal characteristics provide counterfeit protection without requiring users to follow complex contact instructions, preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 method provides enhanced security against forgery, enables the storage of large amounts of data in a small space, and improves user-friendliness by generating a dynamic signal that changes with the movement of the card-like object, enhancing data density and security.

Implementation Method 1

capacitive area sensor (22) and a method for generating a capacitance signal on the capacitive area sensor (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3355246B1Method for producing a time-dependant signal on a capacitive area sensor and a method for identifying a card-like object, and a card-like object and use thereof
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 PRISMADE LABS GMBH
  • EP3355246B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3355246B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3355246B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for generating a time-dependent signal (16) on a capacitive area sensor and a method for identifying a map-like object (10), as well as a map-like object and its use.