NFC Security System Detecting Unauthorized Tags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current NFC-enabled RFID systems are vulnerable to vandalism and malicious information transmission due to the ease with which unauthorized or pirate RFID devices can be placed in proximity to authorized NFC tags, leading to the dissemination of deceptive or malicious data to users.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an authorized NFC tag within a smart poster framework that includes a security system capable of detecting and mitigating unauthorized tags by using a combination of high dielectric constant and magnetic permeability substrates, along with a security controller and NFC antenna to scan for and disable or jam unauthorized tags, and trigger appropriate actions such as visual cues or alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an authorized NFC tag is placed in a designated area on an advertisement or product, then consumers can obtain desired information by placing their NFC-enabled device in close proximity, but unauthorized or pirate RFID devices can be placed in the same area to transmit deceptive or malicious information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of information accessVSAvoidmalicious information transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and validation of NFC tags before allowing communication. The reader device scans the designated area, identifies authorized tags through cryptographic verification, and blocks unauthorized tags from transmitting information, thereby preventing malicious information transmission before it can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary validation layer between the NFC tag and the reader device. This intermediary system verifies the authenticity of tags through cryptographic protocols and authentication mechanisms, allowing only authorized tags to communicate with user devices, thus blocking pirate RFID devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If security measures are implemented to detect and block unauthorized RFID devices, then security against malicious information is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized devicesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service security where authorized NFC tags contain embedded cryptographic credentials and authentication logic. The tags automatically prove their authenticity through cryptographic verification protocols when approached by a reader, eliminating the need for complex external validation infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the NFC reader device including scanning, cryptographic verification, authentication, and blocking capabilities in a single unified system. This multi-functionality approach consolidates security operations that would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity through integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3214572B1System and apparatus for NFC security
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 AVERY DENNISON CORP
  • EP3214572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3214572B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3214572B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A security system for detecting unauthorized NFC tags, comprising a NFC radio detection system having a NFC controller with scanning or interrogating abilities, a structure for housing the NFC radio detection system and at least one authorized NFC tag, a display provided on the housing and containing the at least one authorized NFC tag, at least one unauthorized NFC tag emitting a RF signal applied on or near the display or structure, the controller interrogating an area including the display and the structure to detect whether the at least one unauthorized NFC tag is present and an alarm to signal the presence of the at least one unauthorized tag based on results from interrogating the area.