Dual RFID and Barcode Tag for Secure Data Redundancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing product tagging technologies, such as barcodes and RFID transponders, face limitations in security, storage capacity, and durability, with barcodes having limited storage and being prone to damage, and RFID transponders being sensitive to environmental factors and mechanical breakdowns, leading to potential data loss.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an item with two data storage elements: an RFID transponder and a non-visible printed code, such as a 2D barcode, which serves as a backup and can be applied directly onto the item, enhancing security and flexibility by providing redundant data storage that is less susceptible to damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a barcode is used for product marking, then the marking is simple and reliable with low cost, but the storage capacity is limited and insufficient for certain purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity and low cost of barcode applicationVSAvoidstorage capacity of the marking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a barcode (optical data storage) with an RFID transponder (electronic data storage) into a single composite labeling system. The barcode provides simple, low-cost visual marking capability, while the RFID transponder embedded in the same label provides extended storage capacity and wireless communication capabilities, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a barcode is used for product marking, then the marking is easy to read and decode, but the information cannot be added or modified after application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reading and decodingVSAvoidability to add or modify information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The composite label merges a static barcode with a dynamic RFID transponder. The barcode maintains its ease of reading and decoding for initial identification, while the RFID transponder provides the capability to store additional information and allow for data modification or updates, thus achieving both ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a barcode is used for product marking, then the marking is visible and easily readable, but it becomes unreadable through partial surface damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility and readability of the markingVSAvoidreadability under damage conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a redundant copy of the data storage function by implementing both optical (barcode) and electronic (RFID) data storage mechanisms in the same label. If the visible barcode becomes damaged and unreadable, the RFID transponder maintains an identical copy of the data that can be read wirelessly without physical contact, ensuring continued reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Quantity of substance

If an RFID transponder is used for product labeling, then the storage capacity is extended and information can be modified, but the device is sensitive to environmental factors and mechanical breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity of the labelingVSAvoidsensitivity to environmental and mechanical factors

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RFID transponder with a traditional barcode in a single label assembly. The RFID transponder provides extended storage capacity and wireless communication, while the barcode serves as a robust, environmentally resistant backup that requires no power source and is less sensitive to electromagnetic interference, mechanical breakage, and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Speed

If an RFID transponder is used for product labeling, then the read-out range is extended and optical opacity is overcome, but the mechanical resistance is low and connections are prone to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveread-out range and coverageVSAvoidmechanical resistance of the labeling

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a mechanical backup by embedding both an RFID transponder and a barcode in the same label. The barcode provides a mechanically robust copy of the data that can withstand physical damage, while the RFID transponder provides extended read-out range and wireless capability. This redundancy ensures that if the RFID connections fail mechanically, the barcode remains accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This dual storage system ensures secure and flexible information handling, preventing irrecoverable data loss by providing a robust backup mechanism that remains accessible even if one storage element is compromised, and allows for decentralized data management and authentication verification.

Implementation Method 1

In the reading/writing process of a passive transponder, the transponder is supplied with energy by a Radio frequency (RF) field from the reader device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Inks comprising UV- or IR-active dyes are known in the art... UV- or IR-absorptive dyes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV- or IR-absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

UV- or IR-luminescent, as well as UV- or IR-absorptive dyes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV- or IR-luminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentUS7798403B2Item carrying at least two data storage elements

Publication Date: 2010.09.21 SICPA HOLDING SA

AI summary

An item according to the invention comprises at least two data storage elements such as e.g. an RFID transponder 2 and a barcode 5, wherein the latter is non-visible for the unaided human eye and comprises coded information. The invention allows for a backup of information between the two data storage elements, in order to prevent inadvertent or malicious data loss. Further aspects of the invention are related to the interdependent or the cooperative use of both storage elements in the framework of a product security tracking and tracing scheme.