RFID Translating Adapter for Mobile Device Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional RFID door readers and other systems are not easily upgradable to accommodate mobile devices, restricting their use as secure access and payment solutions due to compatibility issues and power harvesting challenges, especially when interfacing with legacy systems.

Innovation Solution

A translating adapter that converts Bluetooth communication from mobile devices into RFID protocols, using power harvesting from the RFID reader's low-energy field to enable communication over medium range, and employing modern public-private key technology for secure transactions, with a waveform detection circuit to regulate power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional RFID readers are used with mobile devices, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile device compatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The translating adapter harvests power from the RFID reader's electromagnetic field to operate its own circuitry and Bluetooth communication, making the system self-powered without requiring an external battery or power source in the mobile device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power connection with electromagnetic field-based power harvesting, where the adapter draws energy wirelessly from the RFID reader's field during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a translating adapter is added to enable mobile device communication, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol translation capabilityVSAvoidadapter components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The translating adapter serves multiple functions: it acts as a protocol translator between RFID and Bluetooth, functions as a power harvesting device from the RFID field, and provides Bluetooth communication interface, consolidating these capabilities in a single universal component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary device that mediates communication between the RFID reader and mobile device, translating protocols and managing power harvesting without requiring changes to either the reader or mobile device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If power harvesting is implemented from RFID field, then energy independence is improved, but interference with RFID communication occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower independenceVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power harvesting circuit operates periodically by detecting the RFID reader's communication cycles and harvesting energy during designated time windows, avoiding continuous operation that would cause interference with RFID card communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from detecting the presence and communication state of RFID cards to dynamically adjust or pause power harvesting operations, preventing interference when cards are actively being read

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables secure and efficient communication between mobile devices and traditional RFID readers, allowing mobile devices to emulate contactless credit cards and tickets, enhancing security and convenience while overcoming power and compatibility limitations.

Implementation Method 1

using power harvesting from the RFID reader's low-energy field to enable communication over medium range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A translating adapter that converts Bluetooth communication from mobile devices into RFID protocols

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

with a waveform detection circuit to regulate power consumption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveform detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10229407B2Method of providing a gateway between mobile devices and radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled readers

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 SAFETRUST INC

AI summary

An RFID magnetic field powered translating device that acts as a gateway between mobile devices and radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled readers. The gateway enables the portable device to emulate access credentials for physical access, computer credentials, licenses and payment cards using Bluetooth communication between the portable mobile device and translating device; and RFID emulation at either 125 khz or 13.56 MHz between the translating device and the RFID reader.