Software-Based RFID Tag Emulator for Context Identity Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID technologies lack a software-based solution that can efficiently emulate RFID tags, provide multiple identities, and offer advanced security features such as context-based identity selection and secure authentication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A software-based RFID tag emulator integrated into user equipment (UE) that stores multiple RFID identities and responds to RFID reader interrogation signals based on context, using a processor to select and send the appropriate identity, and implementing a handshake protocol for secure authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a software-based RFID tag emulator is implemented to provide multiple identities and context-based identity selection, then the adaptability and security features are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software-based copy of RFID tag functionality that emulates multiple tag identities without requiring multiple physical tags. The software emulator replicates the behavior of hardware RFID tags, storing and transmitting multiple identity data sets based on contextual criteria, thereby providing adaptability while avoiding the complexity of managing multiple physical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The software-based RFID tag emulator is designed to perform multiple functions within a single system. It can store multiple RFID identities, select identities based on context (location, time, user profile), and communicate with different RFID readers using appropriate identities. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate tags or systems into one universal solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RFID identities are stored in non-transitory memory for context-based selection, then the versatility is improved, but the memory requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiple RFID identities into distinct data structures within the non-transitory memory. Each identity is stored as a separate record with associated metadata (such as context conditions, validity periods, and access rights). This segmentation allows the system to efficiently manage and retrieve specific identities based on contextual criteria without requiring the entire memory to be accessed simultaneously, thereby reducing the practical memory burden despite storing multiple identities.
3Reliability
If a handshake protocol is implemented for secure authentication, then the security is improved, but the communication time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring authentication credentials, cryptographic keys, and handshake protocols in the software-based RFID tag emulator before actual communication occurs. The system prepares multiple authentication methods and identity verification mechanisms in advance, allowing the handshake protocol to execute efficiently during actual authentication events. This pre-preparation reduces the time required during actual authentication while maintaining high security standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing a software-based (SB) radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is disclosed. The method comprises storing first RFID identity data in a memory of the SB RFID tag, storing second RFID identity data in the memory of the SB RFID tag; and receiving via an antenna coupled to the SB RFID tag an RFID interrogation signal from an RFID reader and, in response determining by a processor of the SB RFID tag a status of an RFID identity selection criterion, selecting one of the first RFID identity data and the second RFID identity data, based on the status of the RFID identity selection criterion; and sending the selected one of the first RFID identity data and the second RFID identity data to the RFID reader via an antenna coupled to the SB RFID tag.