RF Tag Power Management for Official Transaction Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF-enabled tags used in ticketing systems face challenges in distinguishing between official and non-official mobile device applications, leading to potential interference and transaction disruptions, especially when non-official applications on nearby devices continuously answer tag data, preventing official transactions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and system that adjusts the emission power level of RF tags using algorithms such as the decreasing ramp or dichotomy algorithm to automatically find the optimal power level for communication with the closest mobile device running an official application, thereby preventing non-official applications from interfering with transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tag power is reduced to limit the risk of non-official applications intercepting transactions, then security is improved, but the reliability of proper operation with mobile devices is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power level adjustment where the tag automatically varies its emission power level based on transaction conditions. The system transitions from static power settings to dynamic adaptation, adjusting power levels in real-time to balance security and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power level parameter dynamically during transactions. By varying the emission power level according to transaction status and device proximity, the system optimizes both security (by limiting range when needed) and operational reliability (by ensuring sufficient power for legitimate transactions).
2Ease of operation
If the tag emits data at high power levels to ensure communication with all mobile devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but non-official applications can intercept and prevent official transactions, worsening security
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power levels based on transaction conditions rather than maintaining a fixed high power level. This allows the tag to ensure communication reliability when needed while limiting interception risks during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag implements periodic power level variations to detect and respond to potential interception attempts. By periodically adjusting power levels and monitoring transaction responses, the system can identify non-official applications and prevent their interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mobile devices are in proximity to the tag, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but transaction conflicts occur when non-official applications continuously answer, worsening reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from transaction responses to identify which mobile device is running an official application. By monitoring answers from multiple devices and analyzing their legitimacy, the tag can distinguish official from non-official applications and prioritize legitimate transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tag dynamically adjusts its communication behavior based on the number and type of devices in proximity. When multiple devices are detected, the system adapts by varying power levels and monitoring responses to identify and prioritize official transactions while blocking non-official interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for managing the emission of data from RF enabled tags. In an example embodiment, data is emitted from a tag via RF communications. An operation can be implemented to detect one or more non-official applications running on a mobile device (e.g., a nearby mobile device). The emission power level for emitting such data can then be automatically varied until an answer is received from an official application running on another mobile device so as to prevent said mobile device running said non-official application from preventing said official application running on said another mobile device from completing a transaction with respect to said data emitted from said tag via said RF communications.