Patent Application
20190138874
The present disclosure is generally related to RFID security devices and more particularly is related to tamper-evident RFID fastening substrates.
In the packaging, shipping and transportation industry, it is important to both know where a container is during transit and to ensure that the container is delivered in its original condition. Barcodes, scanners, and the Internet have greatly improved logistics and location tracking. However, they require line-of-sight scanning at close range, which is time-consuming and difficult. Likewise, container integrity can be bolstered by the use of sealing with cellophane, plastic, tapes, zip ties, and other objects. However, seals can be broken and repaired to look intact. A receiving party must still be present to visually inspect a seal upon delivery, and a broken or tampered seal may not indicate which party is liable for any damage. Furthermore, seals only work in practice if the sender, the shipper, and the receiver trust that the seal was installed, used, and inspected correctly.
In another vein, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between authentic consumer goods and counterfeit or knock-off versions. Visual appearance alone can be deceiving, as counterfeiters can manufacture goods that closely resemble the authentic product. With the proliferation of online shopping, it can be even more difficult to guarantee that a purchased product comes from the maker or authorized reseller of the true and authentic product.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an RFID apparatus for securing an object. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. An RFID apparatus for securing an object includes a security indication means having a breakable portion and an RFID transponder connected to the security indication means. The RFID transponder has at least one antenna, a collection of transistors, at least one conductive loop, and at least one RFID chip in electrical communication with a write-once circuit. At least a portion of the at least one conductive loop is positioned within the breakable portion of the security indication means. Breaking the at least one conductive loop causes the write-once circuit to change a signal state of the at least one RFID chip.
The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods of verifying that a container has remained secured. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: providing a security indication means securingly connected to a container; providing an RFID transponder connected to the security indication means, the RFID transponder having at least one antenna, a collection of transistors, at least one conductive loop, and at least one RFID chip in electrical communication with a write-once circuit, wherein at least a portion of the at least one conductive loop is positioned within a breakable portion of the security indication means, wherein breaking the at least one conductive loop causes the write-once circuit to change a signal state of the at least one RFID chip; interrogating the RFID transponder with an RFID reader; and determining whether the RFID transponder is communicating a changed signal state.
The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a package. The package includes a container, a security indication means, and an RFID transponder connected to the security indication means. The RFID transponder has at least one antenna, a collection of transistors, at least one conductive loop, and at least one RFID chip in electrical communication with a write-once circuit. At least a portion of the at least one conductive loop is positioned within a breakable portion of the security indication means. Breaking the at least one conductive loop causes the write-once circuit to change a signal state of the at least one RFID chip.
The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing an RFID tamper-indicating apparatus. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. An RFID tamper-indicating apparatus includes a security indication means having a breakable portion and an RFID transponder connected to the security indication means. The RFID transponder has at least one antenna, a collection of transistors, at least one conductive loop, and at least one RFID chip in electrical communication with a fault detection circuit. At least a portion of the at least one conductive loop is positioned within the breakable portion of the security indication means. The fault detection circuit is configured to indicate when any portion of the security indication means has been re-attached after having been broken.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The security indication means 2 may be any type of material, device, mechanical apparatus, or electrical apparatus used to indicate the security status of an object. In one example, this may include a material, device, mechanical apparatus, or electrical apparatus used to close, seal, lock, mark, or secure a container. The security indication means 2 may serve to close, seal, lock, mark, or secure the container and indicate whether the container is or has remained closed, sealed, locked, marked, or secured. For example, the security indication means 2 may be a tying device, such as a string, rope, zip tie, or wire. As another example, the security indication means 2 may be a tape having an adhesive on one or both sides of a substrate. As another example, the security indication means 2 may be a sticker placed over an opening. The sticker may have text or pictures indicating that the container has been closed. As another example, the security indication means 2 may be a lock, such as a padlock or a cylinder lock. In another example, the security indication means 2 may be a wrapping material, such as cellophane, plastic wrap, shrink wrap, wrapping paper, or a textile. The wrapping material may cover the outer surface of the container in whole or in part. For example, a plastic seal may cover a portion of a medicine bottle, such as the lid and surrounding areas. In yet another example, the security indication means 2 may be an adhesive, such as a glue or epoxy.
In another example, the security indication means 2 may indicate the security status of an object not in a container. For example, the security indication means 2 may be a tag, pin, or security tag, such as may be found on clothing and other products. As another example, the security indication means 2 may be an embedded electrical component implanted in a product to indicate the source or authentic status of the product. As another example, the security indication means 2 may be a tape, sticker, or adhesive substrate placed over a port or opening on electronic equipment such as a computer. As another example, the security indication means 2 may be an electronic plug or dongle that plugs into a port or opening on electronic equipment such as a computer. A computer may be defined as any electronic processing device, including personal computers, servers, smartphones, tablets, wearable mobile devices, televisions, smart appliances, and the like.
An object secured by the security indication means 2 may be a container, apparel, an electronic device, commercial and consumer merchandise, an electronic port, and the like.
A container (shown in
Apparel may include clothing capable of accepting a tag or security tag. Electronic devices may include personal computers, scientific instruments, portable music players, mobile devices, wearables, appliances, and the like. Commercial and consumer merchandise may include any merchandise for which the source or authentic status must be verified. Examples may include designer or luxury goods, such as handbags, sunglasses, luggage, shoes, art, furniture, and the like. Electronic ports may include ports capable of sending or receiving data, such as USB ports, HDMI ports, Ethernet ports, SATA ports, and other serial data or display ports found on electronic devices.
The security indication means 2 may be tied, fastened, applied, embedded within, or otherwise connected to the object. When the object is a container, the security indication means 2 may be connected to the container when it has been fully engaged to secure the container. When the object is apparel, an electronic device, merchandise, or an electronic port, the security indication means 2 may be tagged, inserted, embedded, fastened, or adhesively applied to the object. The security indication means 2 may be disconnected when a breakable portion 3 is less than fully engaged after having been connected. Depending on the design, in implementation, this may vary in a number of ways. For example, when the security indication means 2 is a tape, sticker, or other adhesive, it may be securingly connected when the entirety of the tape, sticker, or other adhesive has been applied to secure an opening or entry point on the container. The security indication means 2 may be disconnected when the breakable portion 3 of the tape, sticker, or adhesive has been removed, broken, or detached. When the security indication means 2 is a lock or a tie, it may be connected when the lock or tie has been engaged through a portion or opening of the container. The security indication means 2 may be disconnected when the breakable portion 3 of the lock or tie has been undone or cut to any degree. When the security indication means 2 is a seal or wrapping, it may be connected when the entirety of the seal or wrapping has been engaged on the container. It may be disconnected when the breakable portion 3 of the seal or wrapping has been unwrapped or cut to any degree.
When the object is not a container, the security indication means 2 may be connected to any portion of the object. For example, when the security indication means 2 is a tag, it may be connected to apparel, merchandise, furniture, and the like by barbs or other puncture methods. When the security indication means 2 is an embedded electrical component, it may be injected, implanted, or embedded in a discreet portion of an object. When the security indication means 2 is a sticker, tape, or adhesive substrate, it may be placed to cover the opening of an electronic port such that the port cannot be accessed without removing the sticker, tape, or adhesive substrate. When the security indication means 2 is an electronic plug or dongle, it may plug into an electronic port to engage mechanically and electronically with the port.
The breakable portion 3 of the security indication means 2 may be any portion of the security indication means 2. For instance, when the security indication means 2 is a tape, the breakable portion 3 may be substantially all of the tape. When the security indication means 2 is a rope or tie, the breakable portion 3 may be substantially all of the rope or tie. As another example, when the security indication means 2 is a padlock, the breakable portion 3 may only be the shackle or shank of the lock that is placed through the container. When the security indication means 2 is a tag or pin, the breakable portion 3 may be the shank, pin, or connecting elements placed through or into the object. When the security indication means 2 is an embedded electrical component, the breakable portion 3 may be any portion in contact with the object. When the security indication means 2 is an electronic plug or dongle that plugs into a port or opening, the breakable portion 3 may be any electronic portion that creates an electrical connection with the object. When the electrical connection is broken, the security indication means 2 may be considered broken.
The breakable portion 3 may be the portion of the security indication means that is likely to be disconnected. In one example, the RFID chips 40, 42, antenna 12, and write-once circuit 50 may not be located on a breakable portion 3 of the security indication means 2.
The RFID transponder 10 may be disposed on the security indication means 2 in a number of ways. In one example, the RFID transponder 10 may be located directly on a side of the security indication means 2 and secured by an adhesive, a screw, a bolt, or other hardware. In another example, the RFID transponder 10 may be disposed on a substrate that is secured to the security indication means 2. In another example, the RFID transponder 10 is formed with the security indication means 2 and is located therein or thereon, such as when the RFID transponder 10 is embedded within a layer of a security indication means.
The RFID transponder 10 may have at least one antenna 12 for receiving a radio signal from an RFID interrogator. The antenna 12 may be sized and shaped to receive and emit one or more radio frequencies. The RFID transponder 10 may have multiple antennas 12 for receiving and broadcasting multiple radio frequencies or to increase reception and transmission. The antenna 12 may utilize any RFID frequencies available, including low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) bands.
The RFID transponder 10 may also have a collection of transistors 20 in electrical communication with one or more conductive loops 30 and a write-once circuit 50. These are discussed in greater detail in
The RFID transponder 10 may have one or more RFID chips 40, 42 in electrical communication with the antenna 12, the collection of transistors 20, and the conductive loop 30. The RFID chips 40, 42 and the conductive loop 30 may be connected by a write-once circuit 50 capable of changing a signal state of the RFID chips 40, 42. In one example, the RFID transponder 10 may have two RFID chips 40, 42. The first RFID chip 40 may control the base signal state of the RFID transponder 10, which may actively indicate a “secure” status of the object. The second RFID chip 42 may control a changed signal state of the RFID transponder 10, which may actively indicate an “unsecure” status of the object. In another example, a single RFID chip may be able to switch from the base signal state to the changed signal state. In another example, multiple RFID chips may be included to actively indicate that different areas of the object are secure or unsecure. For instance, an RFID transponder 10 with four RFID chips may use two RFID chips to indicate the signal state of the top of an object, and two RFID chips to indicate the signal state of the bottom of an object.
The RFID transponder 10 may be designed to be compliant with one or more industry standards, such as ISO, IEC, ASTM, and EPC standards.
The RFID transponder 10 may have additional components. For instance, the RFID transponder 10 may have an integrated or external power supply, such as one or more solar cells, a battery, or a capacitor. A power supply may allow the RFID transponder 10 to be interrogated using lower powered readers that may be less expensive and easier to obtain. As another example, the RFID transponder 10 may have a power amplifier, such as a capacitor. A power amplifier may allow the RFID transponder 10 to temporarily store energy received from a reader, allowing for the use of lower powered readers. As another example, the RFID transponder 10 may also have an additional RFID chip 46 that provides either asymmetric or symmetric key encryption of the signal state before it is communicated. The encryption RFID chip 46 may encrypt the signal state by applying an encryption modulation to a signal generated by an RFID interrogator. The signal may indicate the signal state of the RFID transponder 10. Encryption of the communicated signal state may provide protection from counterfeiting and spoofing, as false transponder devices will not apply the correct encryption modulation due to the absence of the correct authentication keys for authentication. Encryption may also provide increased privacy, as the ability to read the RFID signal will be limited to readers with the correct keys.
The RFID transponder 10 may also work with additional sensors 60 on the security indication means 2. The sensors 60 may detect one or more transport conditions of the object. For example, environmental sensors such as heat sensors and moisture sensors may sense environmental conditions around the object. If the temperature goes beyond a threshold, or if the object is exposed to too much moisture, the sensor may communicate this with the RFID transponder 10, which may store the information using a memory circuit. When the RFID transponder 10 is interrogated, it may communicate this information to the reader. As another example, handling sensors, such as acceleration and tilt sensors, may sense how the object is being handled. If the object is subject to rapid acceleration or to rolling, the sensor may communicate this with the RFID transponder 10, which may store the information using a memory circuit. When the RFID transponder 10 is interrogated, it may communicate this information to the reader. A combination of sensors may be used.
Additionally, the RFID transponder 10 may be capable of operating using one or more near-field communication (NFC) protocols. In one example, the antenna 12 and RFID chip 40, 42 may be configured to operate using NFC. In another example, the RFID transponder 10 may have a separate antenna 12, RFID chip, and related circuitry to allow for dual use of UHF and NFC communication. The use of NFC may allow additional devices, such as consumer smartphones and tablets, to read the RFID transponder 10.
The collection of transistors 20 may be any suitable number and arrangement of transistors. In one example, the collection of transistors 20 may be an array or matrix. The transistors 22, 24, 26, 28 may be connected in serial, in parallel, or in any combination thereof. The number and arrangement of the collection of transistors 20 may be dependent on the size and design of the security indication means 2, which may govern the number and arrangement of conductive loops 30 within the security indication means 2.
The collection of transistors 20 may next be connected to a set transistor 21, which is in turn connected to the write-once circuit 50. The write-once circuit 50 may be a latch or memory circuit that can only indicate a single security state change of the object. Once the security state change has been indicated, the write-once circuit 50 may not be changed back to indicate the original security state. The write-once circuit 50 may be a flip-flop, for example a D flip-flop. The write-once circuit 50 may be connected to the one or more RFID chips 40, 42. The conductive loops 30 may be located on, along, or within the security indication means (not shown). The conductive loops 30 may create a circuit within the RFID transponder 10 that, when intact, engages the RFID chip 40, 42 or portion of the RFID chip 40, 42 that signals the base “secure” state. If the security indication means, including any one or more of the conducting loops 30 has been broken, disconnected, or detached, the latch may engage the RFID chip 40, 42 or portion of the RFID chip 40, 42 that signals the changed “unsecure” state. Any attempts to tamper with the RFID transponder 10 may cause the same reaction. The RFID chip 40, 42 may permanently remain in the changed state once it has been flipped, due to the physical breakage of the conducting loops 30 and the nature of the write-once circuit 50. In one example, the write-once circuit 50 may include flash memory. In this example, the flash memory may have a 1-bit capacity to indicate either the “secure” or “unsecure” state. In one example, the write-once circuit 50 may include a fuse or fuse-like apparatus with a breaking element that interrupts the circuit upon receiving an electrical charge. For instance, when the security indication means 2 is broken, an electrical current may flow to the write-once circuit 50, causing the fuse to break and indicate a changed state. The write-once circuit 50 may also include one or more circuit breaker elements to be used in the same way.
Relative to
Relative to
In one example, the RFID apparatus 1 may be installed on a container. Before installation, an object may be placed inside the container. For instance, a retailer may place a product inside a shipping box for transportation to a customer. The shipping box may be sealed using a tape embodiment of the RFID apparatus 1, with the RFID transponder 10 embedded in the tape substrate. A reader may be used to interrogate the RFID transponder 10, which causes the antenna 12 to be energized. If all of the conductive loops 30 are intact, the write-once circuit 50 may cause the RFID transponder 10 to maintain its base “secure” signal state. If one or more of the conductive loops 30 has been broken, the write-once circuit 50 may cause the RFID transponder 10 to indicate its changed, or “unsecure” signal state. The energized antenna 12 may communicate the signal state back to the reader, which may record or otherwise report any information to a person or a database. The reader may report that the product is inside the shipping box, the shipping box has been secured by the tape, the tape is intact and connected, and the product is therefore designated “secure.” The reader may also report when, where, and by whom the reading was taken. At this point, the shipping box may be ready for transport.
The shipping box may travel through the supply chain, being scanned and read each step of the way. For example, the shipping box with the product inside may originate in a retail distribution center. The box may be scanned as it is loaded onto a truck en route to a sorting facility, then scanned when it has arrived at the sorting facility. After the box has been sorted, it may be scanned again as it is loaded onto a truck for delivery to the customer. Once the box has arrived at the customer's delivery location, it may be scanned one final time. Each time the box is scanned, the antenna 12 communicates the signal state of the RFID transponder 10. If the tape remains intact, the RFID transponder 10 will signal that the shipping box, and consequently the product, is secure. At each scan point, the reader may upload the signal state, along with the time, date, location, and other relevant data, to a database that may be viewed by the sender, the shipper, or the receiver.
If the shipping box arrives with the RFID transponder 10 reading “secure”, the receiver may be certain that the shipping box was not opened or damaged during transport. Therefore, if the RFID transponder 10 reads “secure”, but the product inside the shipping box is damaged, missing, or modified, the sender may be held liable as the only responsible party. This may also help the sender adjust its fulfillment processes to resolve errors of this type.
If, at any point along the chain, the signal state of the RFID transponder 10 in the tape changes to signal “unsecure,” it will be communicated to the reader at the next scan point. For example, if the signal state of the tape changes to “unsecure” at any time during transport of the product, it may be communicated to the reader the next time it is loaded or unloaded from the truck. The reader may communicate this to the sender, the shipper, and the receiver, so each party has knowledge of the event. Should the product arrive damaged, modified, or missing, the shipper may be held liable as the only responsible party. This may also help the shipper locate problem areas in its transportation chain and adjust its shipping processes to resolve issues of this type.
The signal states are actively communicated by the RFID transponder 10. When the RFID transponder 10 is interrogated by a reader, it energizes the antenna 12, which feeds the RFID transponder 10 to emit a return signal based on the state of the device. When the conductive loops 30 are intact, the RFID transponder 10 actively emits a “secure” signal to the reader. Conversely, when one or more of the conductive loops 30 have been broken, the RFID transponder 10 actively emits an “unsecure” signal to the reader. Unlike RFID devices currently used, this may help the sender, shipper, or receiver to differentiate between an RFID transponder 10 signaling an “unsecure” state and one that is malfunctioning, i.e., not emitting a signal. Actively emitting “secure” or “unsecure” signals may provide timely and accurate information to all interested parties.
As shown in box 320, the RFID reader may be connected to a network, such as a local area network or a wide area network. In one example, the RFID reader is connected to the internet via wired, wireless, or cellular networks.
As shown in boxes 330 and 340, information gathered from the RFID reader may be communicated via a software system 330 and database 340, such as a web interface or software program. The software system 330 may provide an end user with a cryptographically secure database 340 containing all of the RFID apparatuses in use or available for use. The database 340 may allow a user to query the status of one or more apparatuses, and it may keep a temporal record of the status of all RFID apparatuses. In one example, a user may also verify the authenticity of an apparatus to ensure that the apparatus has not been counterfeited, faked, or spoofed. The database 340 and software system 330 may allow a user to run more advanced analytics. For example, a user may be able to analyze patterns of mispacked, incorrect, or damaged shipments to determine the conditions under which they occurred. This may be useful for determining where theft or errors occur most frequently and where the user may take steps to prevent them. This may also be useful for determining which shippers handle deliveries most carefully or most thoroughly. The software system 330 may also allow one or more of a sender, shipper, and receiver to receive notifications when shipment data has changed. For example, a sender may wish to receive notifications as soon as any RFID apparatuses signal an “unsecure” state of the container. As another example, a shipper may want periodic updates on the status of all containers along a certain route, for instance, every hour or every minute. Or, a consumer receiver may wish to be notified every time a container is scanned. Notifications may contain information regarding the signal state of a container, the time, date, and location it was scanned, and the identity of the scanner, among others.
The software system 330 may be a standalone application or it may be integrated with other software systems 330. As shown in block 350, information gathered from the RFID reader may be communicated along a user's infrastructure. For example, distribution centers or retail users may have user-end software systems that monitor inventory shipments. The information gathered from the RFID reader may integrate with the user-end software through the use of an Application Programming Interface (API), Software Development Kit (SDK), or other development platform.
As is shown by block 400, a security indication means connected to a container is provided.
As is shown in block 410, an RFID transponder connected to the security indication means is provided, the RFID transponder having at least one antenna, at least one RFID chip in electrical communication with the at least one antenna, the collection of transistors, and at least one conductive loop, wherein the at least one RFID chip and the at least one conductive loop are connected by a write-once circuit, wherein breaking the at least one conductive loop causes the write-once circuit to change a state of the at least one RFID chip.
As is shown in block 420, the RFID transponder is interrogated with an RFID reader.
As is shown in block 430, a determination is made whether the RFID transponder is communicating a changed signal state.
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It should be understood that each of the embodiments of the RFID apparatus 1 discussed relative to
This may allow the electronic components to be integrated with the security indication means 2 while remaining protected from external elements. Security indication means 2 having a tie, rope, zip, or lock form factor may incorporate the electronic components by forming the tie, rope, zip, or lock around the electronic components during manufacture. In one example, the conductive loop 30 may be formed or manufactured with the security indication means 2, while the antenna 12, collection of transistors 20, RFID chips 40, 42, write-once circuit 50, and any other electrical components may be formed separately and electronically connected to the conductive loop 30 when the RFID apparatus 1 is ready to be used. For example, when the security indication means 2 is a wrapping material, the conductive loop 30 may be integrated with the entirety of the wrapping material. The additional electronic components may be connected after the object has been wrapped.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/583,828, “RFID-Based Indicator for use with Fastening Substrates and Related Methods,” filed Nov. 9, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62583828 | Nov 2017 | US |
