Consumer RFID Signal Interception Using Software-Defined Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer-based devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are unable to intercept and decode radio frequency signals from RFID tags without requiring expensive or complex hardware, limiting their ability to obtain product-specific data.
Innovation Solution
Modifying consumer devices with a software controller to intercept and decode RF signals from RFID tags, using existing hardware components and leveraging software to filter and decode the targeted frequency, enabling data communication and storage on the device or in the cloud.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If consumer devices are modified to intercept and decode RF signals from RFID tags, then product-specific data access capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that handles the complex tasks of RF signal interception, decoding, and data association. The consumer device only needs to communicate with the server, which performs the sophisticated signal processing and product data matching. This mediator approach enables advanced functionality without burdening the consumer device with complex hardware or software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical hardware modifications with software-based solutions. Instead of adding specialized RF interception hardware to consumer devices, the system uses software applications that leverage existing device capabilities (camera, microphone, network connection) to capture RF signals and communicate with the server for processing.
2Reliability
If expensive and complex hardware is used to intercept RF signals, then signal interception capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copies of RF signals rather than requiring direct physical contact with RFID tags. The system captures RF signals that are already being transmitted in the environment, creates digital copies, and processes them through software. This approach eliminates the need for expensive specialized hardware readers while maintaining the ability to intercept and decode product information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing consumer device components serve multiple functions. The camera, microphone, and network interface are not only used for their primary purposes but also for intercepting and transmitting RF signal data. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to perform RF signal interception without adding dedicated expensive hardware components.
3Ease of operation
If conventional consumer devices are used without modification, then ease of operation is maintained, but RFID tag reading capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where consumer devices can switch between conventional operation modes and RF signal interception modes. The software application allows users to easily activate or deactivate the RF interception functionality, and the system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on whether it is capturing RF signals or performing standard consumer functions. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation while enabling RFID reading capability when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Consumer-used or consumer-based device that in their native or conventional state or configuration are not able to intercept and decipher/decode radio frequency (RF) signals, but upon modification as described herein can intercept an RF signal from one or more excited/interrogated RFID tags, systems containing the same, and methods of use thereof, are described herein. In some embodiments, the device is modified to include a software controller that limits the functionality of the antenna to receive only and modulates and defines the intercepted RF signal generated by an interrogated RFID tag or label. In some embodiments, the software controller modulates the filtering of the receiver to collect the targeted frequency and for data communication.