RFID Card Movable Shield for Selective Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID technologies lack a user-friendly method for selective access to RFID functionality, particularly in scenarios like cash machines, where external modifications to the card are not feasible, and current solutions require additional user actions or modifications that hinder card functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer RFID card design with internal electromagnetic shielding and a movable lever mechanism allows for selective access to RFID communication, enabling the card to be used in standard readers without external modifications, by moving a shield between open and closed positions to allow or block communication between the RFID antenna and chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure-activated mechanism is used to connect the antenna wire to the RFID chip, then RFID cloning is prevented when no pressure is applied, but the user must perform additional actions (pressing the card) to use the RFID functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID card automatically detects its environment and activates or deactivates RFID functionality without user intervention. The card self-regulates by detecting whether it is in a cash machine (where RFID should be active) or in a pocket/wallet (where RFID should be inactive for security), eliminating the need for manual user actions while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pressure-activation system is replaced with an environmental detection system. Instead of requiring physical pressure to activate the RFID chip, the card uses sensors to detect environmental characteristics (such as presence in a cash machine) and automatically activates or deactivates RFID functionality, substituting mechanical user action with automated environmental sensing.
2Reliability
If a protective sleeve with shielding material is used to shield the RFID tag, then RFID reading is prevented when surrounded by the sleeve, but the sleeve requires additional user actions and cannot be used in cash machines
Solution Approach 1:
The card is divided into functional segments with selective RFID activation. Instead of using a sleeve that covers the entire card, the invention implements RFID functionality only in specific zones (such as a designated communication area) while other areas remain non-RFID. This segmentation allows the card to function in cash machines while maintaining security in other contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID functionality dynamically adapts to the environment rather than being statically blocked by a sleeve. The card changes its RFID state based on environmental detection, being active when in a cash machine and inactive when in a pocket or wallet, providing both security and versatility without requiring physical sleeves or modifications.
3Ease of operation
If external modifications are made to the card surface to enable selective access, then RFID functionality can be controlled, but the card cannot be used in standard readers
Solution Approach 1:
The selective access mechanism is nested within the card's internal structure rather than being applied externally. The environmental detection system and RFID activation mechanism are integrated into the card layers, with the detection layer positioned to sense environmental conditions and the RFID chip positioned to activate only when appropriate conditions are met, maintaining external card appearance and reader compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the card surface (two-dimensional external modification), the invention adds a functional dimension by incorporating environmental sensing capabilities within the card structure. This third dimension of environmental awareness allows the card to selectively activate RFID functionality based on context while maintaining full compatibility with standard readers.
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 provides secure, user-friendly selective access to RFID functionality, preventing unauthorized use while maintaining compatibility with existing card readers and payment systems, ensuring the card can be used in various payment machines without additional user actions.
Implementation Method 1
a first, internal, electromagnetic shield (121) fixed on one side of the antenna (132) and a second, internal, electromagnetic, movable shield (180) on the other side of the antenna (132)
Implementation Method 2
passive tags have no battery as they draw power from the reader, which sends out electromagnetic waves that induce a current in the tag's antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 2C~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A device (100) comprising a Radio Frequency Identification transponder and means for selectively controlling the Radio Frequency Identification communication, the device (100) comprising: a first, internal, electromagnetic shield fixed on one side of the Radio Frequency Identification transponder's antenna and a second, internal, electromagnetic, movable shield (180) on the other side of the Radio Frequency Identification transponder's antenna wherein the device (100) comprises an internal actuator (170) configured to operate a movable mechanism (150), influencing the position of the movable shield, such that when the internal actuator is in a first position, the movable shield is in a first position allowing communication with the Radio Frequency Identification transponder and when the internal actuator is in a second position, the movable shield is in a second position, in which it blocks all contactless communication with the Radio Frequency Identification transponder.