Wireless Device Security System Using Interference Tag
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shielding products are inadequate for preventing unauthorized reading of wireless devices using low-frequency (LF) RFID tags due to the excessive amount of shielding material required, which is either cost-prohibitive or impractical for various reasons such as added weight and ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device security system comprising a device holder with an interference tag and a layer of shielding material that interferes with wireless communications between the device and a reader, detuning LF signals to prevent unauthorized access, while allowing authorized communication when the device is removed from the holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shielding products are used to prevent unauthorized reading of wireless devices, then security is improved, but the amount of shielding material required becomes excessive, leading to increased cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interference tag as an intermediary element that actively generates radio frequency interference signals. Instead of relying solely on passive shielding material to block signals, the interference tag acts as an active mediator that creates electromagnetic noise, making it difficult for readers to obtain clear data from the wireless device while using minimal physical material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/passive shielding approach (relying on physical barriers to block signals) with an electronic/active approach (using an interference tag to generate RF interference signals). This substitution reduces the need for extensive shielding material while maintaining or improving security effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional shielding products are used to block LF signals, then unauthorized reading is prevented, but the shielding material becomes impractical due to weight and ergonomic concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The interference tag serves as an active intermediary that generates RF interference signals to prevent unauthorized reading. This active electronic approach replaces the need for heavy passive shielding material, significantly reducing weight while maintaining security effectiveness against LF signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from passive physical parameter (shielding material thickness and density) to active signal parameter (RF interference signal generation). By changing the frequency and intensity parameters of the interference tag's emitted signals, effective security is achieved without the weight penalty of substantial shielding material.
3Reliability
If excessive shielding material is used to prevent unauthorized reading, then security is improved, but cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The interference tag acts as a cost-effective intermediary device that generates RF interference signals. This electronic solution is significantly cheaper to manufacture and deploy than extensive shielding material, while providing equivalent or superior security against unauthorized reading of wireless devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The interference tag represents a low-cost, potentially disposable or easily replaceable component that provides effective security without the high manufacturing costs associated with extensive shielding material. The tag can be programmed and configured as needed, offering flexibility and cost efficiency.
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
Effectively prevents unauthorized reading of wireless devices by weakening or blocking LF signals, ensuring secure storage and use of sensitive data without the need for excessive shielding material, thus addressing the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
an interference tag that emits radio frequency interference signals that interfere with radio frequency communication between the wireless device and the reader
Implementation Method 2
The device holder preferably includes a layer of shielding material adjacent to or near the wireless device during storage to further prevent unauthorized wireless communications with a reader
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device security system for preventing the unauthorized reading of wireless devices by a reader. The wireless device security system generally includes a device holder that is adapted to receive a wireless device for storage, access and removal. The device holder includes an interference tag that interferes with the wireless communications between the wireless device and a reader when the wireless device is positioned at least partially within the device holder. The device holder preferably includes a layer of shielding material adjacent to or near the wireless device during storage to further prevent unauthorized wireless communications with a reader.