RFID Master Tag Hierarchy for Secure Supply Chain Data Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID systems face challenges in secure and efficient delivery of passwords and information across the supply chain, including misdelivery, rerouting, and security concerns, as well as delays and privacy issues due to the need for electronic password retrieval and transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchy of RFID tags where higher-level 'master' tags contain information about lower-level tags, allowing physical transfer and secure storage of passwords and identification information, with security features like password protection and kill passwords to ensure secure and efficient data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electronic password retrieval and transmission is used, then information delivery speed is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to misdelivery, rerouting, and transmission vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy of the password information by printing it on a label that travels with the goods through the supply chain. This physical copy serves as a backup to electronic transmission, ensuring that even if electronic delivery fails or is compromised, the password information remains accessible and secure alongside the physical goods.
2Ease of manufacture
If barcode technology is used, then cost is reduced, but functionality and information storage capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of barcodes with additional information storage capabilities by incorporating both barcode elements and human-readable password text on the same label. This combination maintains the low cost and visual identification benefits of barcodes while adding the versatility to store and display password information directly on the physical label.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags are used, then information storage and security are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive printed labels as a cost-effective alternative to expensive RFID tags. These disposable labels provide sufficient information storage and security for the supply chain application without requiring the high-cost electronic components of RFID technology, achieving a balance between functionality and affordability.
4Measurement precision
If manual scanning of each item is performed, then accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional label that serves both as a visual reference for manual scanning verification and as a source for automated data capture. The label contains barcode elements for machine reading, human-readable text for operator verification, and password information for security validation, enabling both accurate manual processes and efficient automated operations simultaneously.
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 solution enhances security and efficiency by ensuring that passwords and information are physically delivered with the goods, reducing errors and delays, while maintaining privacy and security throughout the supply chain.
Implementation Method 1
The system uses reflected or 'backscattered' radio frequency (RF) waves to transmit information from the tag 102 to the reader 104
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a hierarchy of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and the resultant system include associating each of a plurality of first RFID tags with an individual object of a plurality of objects, each first RFID tag storing identification information about the object with which it is associated. Identification information about each of the first RFID tags is stored in a second RFID tag that can physically accompany the first RFID tags during transportation.