RFID Reader Antenna Sequencing for Secure Multi-Tag Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID data collection systems face challenges in ensuring secure communication, achieving high directivity for reliable tag interaction, and efficiently collecting data from multiple tags without interference, especially in environments where communication can be intercepted or obstructed.
Innovation Solution
An RFID data collecting device equipped with multiple antennas, a system control unit with encryption/decryption functionality, and a SIM card for secure key storage, allowing remote control data operations and simultaneous communication with multiple tags while minimizing interference through optimized antenna arrangement and diverse connection options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple antennas are used to collect data from multiple RFID tags, then data collection efficiency is improved, but interference between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs time-division multiplexing where the RFID reader alternates between transmitting and receiving states across multiple antennas. Each antenna is activated in sequence rather than simultaneously, allowing the system to collect data from multiple tags using multiple antennas while preventing interference by ensuring only one antenna transmits at any given moment.
2Reliability
If encryption is implemented to secure communication, then security is improved, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a dedicated encryption/decryption unit as an intermediary component that handles all cryptographic operations. This separate module receives plaintext from the RFID reader, encrypts it using stored encryption keys, and transmits the encrypted data to tags. During reception, it decrypts incoming data before passing it to the reader. This intermediary approach secures communication while isolating the complexity within a specialized component rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption keys are pre-stored in the encryption/decryption unit before communication begins. The system performs preliminary setup by storing encryption keys in advance, so that during actual RFID communication, the encryption and decryption operations can proceed efficiently without requiring key exchange or setup during the communication process itself.
3Reliability
If antenna directivity is improved for reliable tag communication, then communication reliability is improved, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coverage area into multiple zones, each served by a different antenna. Instead of using a single high-directivity antenna that covers one narrow area, the system employs multiple antennas with moderate directivity, each responsible for a specific spatial zone. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable communication within each zone while collectively covering a larger overall area through the combination of multiple antennas.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a safe RFID data collecting device and an RFID data collection system with which there is no leakage of information being written to an RFID tag or information being read from the RFID tag, even if communication with the RFID tag is intercepted. This RFID data collecting device includes an RFID reader 10, a wired and wireless LAN connecting unit 20, a portable telephone communication unit 30, and a system control unit 40 including a processor 41 and a memory 42, wherein: the system control unit 40 is provided with a common key system encryption/decryption function; data written to an RFID tag 80 are encrypted before being written; data read from the RFID tag 80 are decrypted after being read; and a common key for encryption/decryption is saved in a SIM card 32 provided in the portable telephone communication unit.