RFID Module Electronic State Switching for Security Documents

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security and valuable documents with RFID modules face issues of unintended activation or deactivation due to mechanical switching, which can lead to unauthorized data access and potential damage from rough adjustments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a higher-level circuit and sensor unit that electronically switches the RFID module between states based on detected events, with a display to indicate the module's status, and an independent power supply to prevent unwanted reading, using sensors like gyrosensors, acceleration sensors, or biometric scanners for secure activation and deactivation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical switching mechanism is used to activate/deactivate the RFID module, then the switching operation is simple and direct, but unintended activation or deactivation occurs due to vibrations and the module may be damaged by rough adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching operationVSAvoidswitching reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switching mechanism with an electronic switching system controlled by a higher-level circuit and sensor unit. Instead of physically moving the RFID module relative to the antenna, the system uses electronic control signals to activate or deactivate the RFID module, thereby eliminating mechanical wear and vibration-related unintended switching while maintaining ease of operation through button presses or other simple user inputs.

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

2Device complexity

If the RFID module is moved relative to the antenna to switch states, then the switching mechanism is simple and direct, but the module itself can be damaged by adjusting it too roughly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching mechanismVSAvoidmodule durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need to physically move the RFID module by implementing an electronic switching mechanism. The higher-level circuit receives control signals and electronically activates or deactivates the RFID module without any physical displacement, thus preserving the module from mechanical damage while keeping the switching mechanism simple in terms of user interaction.

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

3Reliability

If a display means is added to show the RFID module status, then user confidence and security awareness are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity assuranceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a display means that utilizes color changes or visual indicators to communicate the RFID module's activation state to the user. For example, the display can show green when activated and red when deactivated, providing immediate and intuitive security status information without requiring complex interfaces or additional user interaction, thus enhancing security assurance with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4160479B1Value or security document and method for operating a value or security document
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP4160479B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4160479B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4160479B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a security document (100) with a carrier body (102) comprising an RFID module (103) including an antenna, which can be switched between an inactive state and an activated state. The RFID module (103) is configured to prevent data transmission with a reader located within the antenna's reception range in the inactive state and to enable data transmission with the reader located within the antenna's reception range in the activated state. The carrier body (102) includes a display element (105) that indicates the current state of the RFID module (103). Switching between the inactive state and the activated state of the RFID module (103) is effected by an element (111), which simultaneously causes the display element (105) to indicate the state of the RFID module (103).