Patent ID: 7940179
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: G06F,G06K,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a radio-frequency identification system, the system including a tag, a reader and a third party authority, wherein the tag has a tag name, the tag name comprising a tag identity and a secret value, wherein the secret value is mapped to the tag identity, the method comprising the steps of: (i) the reader interrogating the tag, (ii) the tag sending in response a pseudonym comprising an encryption of the secret value, (iii) the reader sending a request to the third party authority for release of a decryption key, the request including the pseudonym received from the tag, (iv) the third party authority, having determined that the reader is authorized to receive the decryption key, sending to the reader the decryption key, and (v) the reader using the decryption key to obtain the tag identity, wherein the decryption key can be used by the reader to obtain the tag identity a pre-determined plurality of times without further contact between the reader and the third party authority after the request for release of the decryption key.