IC Tag Administration Device Using Local Rule Transformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Noncontact IC tags pose a risk of information theft as data can be read and written without physical contact, allowing unauthorized access to personal or product information, which is undesirable for secure product identification and tracking.

Innovation Solution

An IC tag administration device that includes a reader, a transformation unit, and a writing unit, which applies a local rule to the IC tag's information, stored in a local rule memory unit, to encrypt, mask, or replace original data, preventing unauthorized access and allowing secure rewriting of information within specific areas like homes or shops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If noncontact IC tag data is read/written via electric waves, then data access convenience is improved, but information security deteriorates due to unauthorized theft and sensing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access convenienceVSAvoidinformation theft risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary transformation process between the original IC tag data and the stored information. A transformation unit converts original data into transformed data using transformation information, creating a protective layer that prevents direct access to meaningful information while allowing authorized reading through the reverse transformation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter state of data by transforming original information into transformed information through mathematical or cryptographic functions. The transformation information acts as a key that changes the data representation, making unauthorized reading ineffective while preserving the ability to retrieve original information when authorized

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If IC tag information is erased or detached, then security against theft is improved, but usability for product identification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidproduct identification efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a functional copy mechanism where transformed data serves as a secure representation of the original information. The transformation information acts as a key that allows reconstruction of the original data when needed, eliminating the need to erase or detach tags while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the data state from readable original information to secured transformed information, changing the parameter of data accessibility. This allows the tag to remain attached and functional while preventing unauthorized access, resolving the contradiction between security and usability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If original IC tag information is stored, then product identification accuracy is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct identification accuracyVSAvoidunauthorized access susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces transformation information as an intermediary element between the original data and storage medium. This intermediary layer maintains the integrity and accuracy of product identification while preventing direct unauthorized access to the original information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data representation by transforming original information into transformed information. This parameter change preserves the identification functionality while altering the data form to resist unauthorized access, maintaining accuracy without increasing vulnerability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 unauthorized access to IC tag information, ensuring secure handling and usage of product data while allowing authorized users to transform and rewrite information as needed, maintaining privacy and security.

Implementation Method 1

data is read/written from/to the noncontact IC tag via electric waves in the noncontact state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7298270B2IC tag administration device, robot including the IC tag administration device, and IC tag administration method
Publication Date: 2007.11.20 NEC CORP
  • US7298270B2 patent drawing
  • US7298270B2 patent drawing
  • US7298270B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An IC tag administration device includes an information reader which reads original information from an IC tag added to a product, a transformation unit which transforms the original information read by the information reader to information, to which a predetermined local rule is applied, under the local rule, and an information writing unit which rewrites the original information of the IC tag by using the local rule applied information.