RFID Interrogator for Automatic Conference Call Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current conference call management systems require participants to remember and manually enter substantial information, leading to delays and increased risk of unauthorized access, as well as difficulties in seamlessly joining or rejoining calls across different locations within a building.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that uses an interrogator to read person-specific attributes, such as RFID tags or biometric data, to automatically connect participants to conference calls, eliminating the need for dial-in numbers and passwords, and providing real-time participant lists.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If participants manually enter call-in telephone number, session code and password to access conference calls, then access control is maintained, but access time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoidaccess speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses RFID tags and interrogators to enable automatic authentication. Participants simply present their RFID-tagged identification to the interrogator, which automatically verifies their identity and connects them to the conference call without manual entry of credentials. This self-service approach maintains security while dramatically improving access speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manually dialing telephone numbers and entering codes with an automated RFID-based system. The interrogator automatically detects RFID tags, retrieves stored conference call information, and initiates connections without human intervention, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conference call information is sent by email or fax for distribution, then participants can receive call details, but security risk increases due to potential unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation distributionVSAvoidunauthorized eavesdropping

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces RFID tags as an intermediary between the participant and conference call information. Instead of distributing sensitive call details through email or fax, the RFID tag stores authentication data locally on the participant's identification card. The interrogator reads this data and uses it to authenticate the participant, eliminating the need to transmit sensitive information through vulnerable communication channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a secure copy of conference call authentication data stored on RFID tags attached to participant identification cards. Rather than distributing sensitive information via email or fax, the system copies essential authentication data to secure RFID storage, which can be read by authorized interrogators but cannot be easily intercepted or misused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If participants leave their office during a conference call to access files or meet colleagues, then workflow flexibility improves, but reconnection complexity increases requiring redialing of call-in number and reentry of codes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoidreconnection procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous conference call participation through automatic reconnection. When a participant leaves their office with an RFID-tagged identification, the portable interrogator continuously monitors for conference calls. Upon returning or attempting to reconnect, the interrogator automatically detects the RFID tag, retrieves the stored conference call information, and reestablishes the connection without requiring the participant to manually redial or reenter credentials, ensuring continuous participation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If multiple participants call in simultaneously during a conference call, then participant engagement increases, but monitoring entry tones becomes difficult and security decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticipant engagementVSAvoidentry monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback through the interrogator, which continuously monitors for RFID tags and automatically manages conference call connections. The interrogator provides real-time feedback about conference call status and automatically connects or disconnects participants based on RFID detection, eliminating the need for manual monitoring of entry tones while maintaining security through automated authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8406403B2Conference call participant management system and method

Publication Date: 2013.03.26 SIGNAL POINT NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A participant may join a conference call whenever a person specific attribute is read by an interrogator and verified as being authorized to participate in the call. The interrogator may be integrated into a telephone and manually activated or periodically activated. The attribute is an RFID tag, bar code, fingerprint, etc. Conference calls may be joined and rejoined when moving from room to room. Further, real-time participant lists may be accessed during the call and archived.