Reversible Electronic Circuit for Automated Border Visa Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional visas cannot be electronically read by border control systems, hindering the automation of border control processes despite the use of electronic identification documents.

Innovation Solution

An electronic authorization token with a reversible electronic circuit that transitions between states to authorize entry, transit, exit, and residence, which can be irreversibly converted using an electromagnetic field or mechanical force, integrated with an RFID chip for electronic identification documents, allowing for automatic and efficient visa management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional visas are used in electronic identification documents, then visual verification is possible, but automated electronic reading cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated border controlVSAvoidvisa format complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual verification system with an electronic field-based reading system. The visa authorization is stored in an electronic circuit that can be read by electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while maintaining security through electronic state verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state parameters of the visa authorization from static visual markings to dynamic electronic circuit states. The circuit can transition between conductive and non-conductive states, allowing the authorization status to be electronically modified and verified by border control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If electronic circuits are used to store visa authorization, then automated reading is enabled, but irreversible deactivation becomes necessary for security

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization securityVSAvoidauthorization modification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful aspect of irreversible circuit modification into a beneficial security feature. The ability to permanently alter the circuit state through electromagnetic fields or mechanical force ensures that revoked authorizations cannot be reinstated, preventing fraud while allowing flexible initial authorization granting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields and mechanical forces as intermediaries to control the circuit state transitions. These external agents enable border control systems to remotely and securely modify the visa authorization status without direct physical access to the document.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the electronic circuit is made reversible for flexibility, then authorization modification is easier, but security and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization flexibilityVSAvoidauthorization security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic system where the circuit state can change based on external control signals during the authorization period, but becomes fixed after revocation. This allows flexible management of valid visas while ensuring security once the authorization is revoked, combining operational flexibility with long-term reliability.

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

Enables automated and efficient electronic visa management, allowing border control systems to verify travel permissions electronically and automatically deactivate authorizations, enhancing processing speed and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic circuit can be switched from the first circuit state to the second circuit state by responding to the reception of an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electrically conductive conductor section which can be cut by means of a current induced by an incident electromagnetic field and thereby brought into a non-conducting state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3362949B1Authorisation token, electronic identification document and electronic authorisation control system
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3362949B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3362949B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3362949B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an authorisation token (100) for an electronic identification document of a person, wherein the authorisation token (100) comprises an electronic circuit (101) that has a first circuit state and a second circuit state, wherein the electronic circuit (101) is designed to indicate an entry, exit and/or residence authorisation of the person in the first circuit state, and wherein the electronic circuit (101) is transferable from the first circuit state to the second circuit state in order to erase the entry, exit and/or residence authorisation of the person.