Internet of Things (IoT) RF Fingerprinting Insights from Patents

Alex G. Lee (alexglee@techipm.com)

https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/2853055

RF (radio frequency) fingerprinting is the process of identifying radio frequency signal transmitters by examining

unique signal characteristics. Many of IoT devices are connected to the Internet by wireless communications, and

thus, RF fingerprinting can be exploited for identifying the IoT devices and users associated with the IoT devices:

Because RF signatures of the IoT devices are uniquely associated with a particular person or a particular group of

people, RF fingerprinting can be used for various security purposes such as authentication, identification and

behaviors over time.

US20150348341 illustrates the security measures using the detected RF emission signature-based personas

(identifying characteristics). The RF fingerprint associated with the RF signal transmission includes a hardware

address of the IoT device that emitted the RF signal or a radio type identifier of a radio of the IoT device. RF

sensor detects RF signals and transmits the indication of the RF fingerprint to a security server. The security server

identifies that the RF fingerprint is associated with a user authorized to be in an area under surveillance within

which the RF fingerprint is detected. The detected RF fingerprint can indicate an expected/unexpected behavior for

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an RF persona; presence of an unknown RF persona; or a security compliance alert upon the detection of particular

predetermined event.

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RF fingerprinting can also be exploited for determining indoor location. US20150099539 illustrates the RF

fingerprinting location finding system. The system includes a set of IoT devices within the building that emits RF

beacon signals. The system detects the RF beacon signals at each of a set of sampling locations within the building.

The system forms the RF fingerprint of the building from the recorded RF signatures based on the received RF

beacon signals. The system determines the location of the user using the RF fingerprint, in conjunction with

readings from the gyroscope, magnetometer and accelerometer information obtained by the device associated with

the user. US20140228649 illustrates the RF fingerprinting location finding system for monitoring the personal

health and physical activities. The determined RF fingerprint can be compared with the database in order to

determine the geolocation of the user.

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Internet of Things (IoT) Business & Technology & Patent Integrated Strategy

IoT Business Insights, Business Models, Samsung/Cisco/Apple/IBM/Qualcomm IoT Strategy, Innovation Strategy,

New Products/Services Development, Platforms, R&D Insights, Networks (5G), Applications (Smart Home,

Connected Car, Smart Healthcare, Smart Grids, Big Date, Fintech), IoT UI/UX, M2M Connectivity, New IoT

Products Development, Patent Development Strategy, IoT Startup Strategy, Implications of Patent Laws to IoT

Business

Link: http://www.slideshare.net/alexglee/internet-of-things-iot-business-technology-patent-integrated-strategy

If you want the pdf copy, please send me (alexglee@techipm.com) your request with your name and affiliation.

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