Portable Device Credential Authentication via RFID Power Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID-based access control systems are insecure, inconvenient, and costly to upgrade, especially when transitioning to smartphone technology, as they require close proximity to RFID readers and lack the power and data capacity for long-range communication or intensive computing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses Bluetooth communication between a portable computing device and RFID-enabled readers, where the device harvests power from the RFID field to communicate credentials over Bluetooth frequencies, enabling long-range communication and eliminating the need for battery replacement, while also allowing NFC-powered mobile devices to update access credentials and encryption information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If passive RFID credentials are used for building access control, then the credentials can last for many years without internal power source, but they require close proximity to the RFID reader to receive induced power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive RFID credentials with an active Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transceiver in a single portable computing device. The passive RFID component maintains long lifespan without power source, while the integrated BLE component enables long-range communication. The device can operate in RFID mode for compatibility with existing readers or switch to BLE mode for extended range communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable computing device is designed to support multiple communication protocols (RFID and Bluetooth Low Energy) within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the credential to work with both traditional RFID readers and modern BLE-enabled access control systems, providing universal compatibility while overcoming the proximity limitation of passive RFID.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If RFID readers deliver small amounts of intermittent power for close proximity communication, then passive RFID credentials can operate without internal power source, but they are unsuitable for long range communication or intensive computing tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges passive RFID and active Bluetooth Low Energy technologies in a single portable device. The passive RFID component consumes minimal power for close-range authentication, while the integrated BLE transceiver provides high-speed data communication capability for intensive computing tasks and long-range communication when paired with BLE-enabled readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable computing device acts as an intermediary between passive RFID credentials and BLE-enabled access control systems. It receives power and basic authentication signals from the RFID reader, then uses its internal BLE transceiver to establish high-speed data communication channels for transmitting credentials and handling intensive computing tasks.
3Reliability
If organizations upgrade from 125 kHz RFID card to 13.56 MHz RFID card for improved security, then security is enhanced, but the inconvenience of carrying both RFID card and smartphone remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple credential types (RFID card, smartphone, key fob) into a single portable computing device that supports both 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz RFID protocols along with Bluetooth Low Energy. This integration eliminates the need to carry separate credentials while maintaining enhanced security through support for modern authenticated protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable computing device is designed with universal compatibility across multiple authentication systems and protocols. It can function as a traditional RFID card, a smartphone credential, or a BLE-enabled device depending on the access control system being used, providing a single convenient solution that works across diverse security infrastructures.
4Length of moving object
If Bluetooth communication is used for long-range access control, then communication range and data capacity are improved, but the device requires a power source requiring battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive RFID and active Bluetooth Low Energy technologies in a single portable device. The passive RFID component provides power-free operation for basic authentication, eliminating battery replacement needs, while the integrated BLE transceiver enables long-range communication when activated. The device intelligently switches between modes based on available power and communication requirements.
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
This solution provides secure, efficient, and cost-effective long-range access control by leveraging power harvesting and Bluetooth communication, allowing users to authenticate at greater distances without battery replacement, and enabling secure updates to access credentials.
Implementation Method 1
The power source (3) harnesses and stores power from a magnetic field generated by the RFID reader (5)
Implementation Method 2
the passive device inducts power using magnetic coupling from the RFID reader
Data Source
AI summary
A method of communicating and authenticating credentials between a portable computing device and multiple radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled readers requires a portable computing device, a RFID reader, and user credentials. The portable computing devices stores user credentials unique to the portable computing device and the RFID reader. The RFID reader activates a corresponding building access system. The method begins by inductively harvesting electrical power into the portable computing device from the RFID reader, if the portable computing device is proximal to the RFID reader. The method then sends the user credentials from a radio communication module of the portable computing device to a radio communication module of the RFID reader, if the electrical power is inductively harvested from the RFID reader into the portable computing device. An authentication process is then executed for the set of user credentials with the RFID reader.