Light-Sensitive RFID Tag for Secure Banknote Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID tags on high-value objects raise privacy and security concerns as they can be used to detect the presence of these objects, potentially leading to undesirable situations.
Innovation Solution
An RFID tag with an electronic identification circuit coupled to an antenna and light-sensitive means, such as a photodiode or solar cell, that inhibits communication with RFID readers in the absence of sufficient light, allowing legitimate use while preventing unauthorized detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an RFID tag is embedded in a high-value object, then the identity and authenticity of the object can be verified, but the object becomes vulnerable to unauthorized detection and privacy breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the RFID tag by introducing light sensitivity. The tag's communication capability is modulated based on light exposure, creating a conditional state where the tag is readable only under specific lighting conditions. This parameter change (from always readable to light-dependent readable) resolves the contradiction by maintaining authenticity verification while preventing unauthorized detection in low-light environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light (or darkness) as an intermediary condition that controls RFID tag readability. This intermediary acts as a gatekeeper between the tag and potential readers, allowing legitimate verification when light is present while blocking unauthorized detection in dark conditions. The light-sensitive component mediates the interaction between the RFID system and the external environment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the RFID tag is made readable only in light, then unauthorized detection is prevented, but legitimate use in low-light conditions (e.g., card in wallet) is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing the RFID tag to remain partially readable in low-light conditions, specifically over very short distances (a few millimeters to centimeters). This partial readability enables legitimate use scenarios like contactless payment when the card is removed from the wallet, while still preventing unauthorized detection when the card remains protected in the wallet. The solution doesn't completely block readability but limits it to acceptable levels for legitimate use.
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
Ensures that RFID tags on high-value objects can only be read when exposed to light, preventing unauthorized detection and allowing use in low-light conditions while maintaining security.
Implementation Method 1
means sensitive to light for inhibiting communication between the RFID tag reader and the RFID tag
Implementation Method 2
the means sensitive to light could solely, mainly or partly be responsible for supplying the energy necessary for communication between the RFID tag and the RFID tag reader
Data Source
AI summary
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag has an electronic identification circuit coupled to an antenna, wherein the RFID tag is arranged to communicate with a RFID tag reader via the antenna, using RF energy. The tag comprises means sensitive to light (such as a photodiode, phototransistor, photocell or a solar cell) for controlling (in particular inhibiting) communication between the RFID tag reader and the RFm tag. The tag can for example be embedded in or on a high-value object such as a banknote. The existence of the banknote cannot be detected e.g. by criminals in the absence of light (e.g. while the banknote is located in a wallet), but the authenticity of the banknote can be verified in legitimate use.