RFID Tag Tamper Detection via Infrared and Light Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID tag tamper detection methods, such as cut-band technology and capacitance sensing, are prone to false alarms, difficult to manufacture, and can be easily bypassed, especially when used on objects with unusual shapes or for monitoring sensitive individuals like newborn infants, and they often compromise the sealing of the tag enclosure.
Innovation Solution
An RFID tag equipped with an infrared radiation sensor and a light sensor, activated upon placement on a person or object, which signals an alarm condition if the radiation or light levels change significantly, using a wireless network interface, processor, and power supply, and optionally paired with an optical or infrared transmitter/receiver for tamper detection, and a secure holder mechanism like a hook and loop connection or adhesive for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cut-band technology is used to detect tag removal, then tamper detection capability is provided, but false alarms occur and the system can be easily bypassed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cut-band detection with optical sensing. An optical sensor detects the presence or absence of a cover over the sensor window, providing tamper detection without the false alarms and bypass vulnerabilities of mechanical cut-band systems. The optical sensor remains covered during normal operation and detects tampering when the cover is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical cover as an intermediary element between the optical sensor and the external environment. This cover blocks light during normal operation and its removal allows light to reach the sensor, triggering tamper detection. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable detection without the false alarms of mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If capacitance sensing technology is used to detect tag placement, then tamper detection is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases and detection precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex capacitance sensing electronics with a simple optical sensor and cover mechanism. The optical sensor detects tampering by sensing light when the cover is removed, providing reliable detection with significantly reduced manufacturing complexity and cost compared to capacitance sensing technology.
3Reliability
If mechanical pin solutions are used for object tamper detection, then removal detection is provided, but the tag enclosure cannot be fully sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pin-based detection with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor and cover provide tamper detection for objects without requiring mechanical pins or openings in the enclosure, enabling full sealing of the tag enclosure while maintaining detection capability.
4Ease of operation
If double-sided tape is used to attach tags to surfaces, then easy attachment is provided, but secure attachment to irregular surfaces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal attachment system that works on both flat and irregular surfaces. The tag holder with elastic band provides secure attachment to irregular surfaces like wrists and ankles, while the optical sensor/cover mechanism provides universal tamper detection across all attachment scenarios, replacing the limited double-sided tape approach.
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
The solution provides reliable and secure tamper detection with reduced false alarms, allowing for full enclosure sealing and effective attachment to irregularly shaped objects, ensuring accurate tracking and security without the limitations of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared radiation sensor, the radiation sensor sensitive to changes in infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor and be covered by a light blocking material such that when the RFID tag is removed from a person, or a wrap positioning the tag is lifted away from the person, the light sensor is exposed to light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an RFID tag with means for determining when such tag has been tampered and means for securing the tag to an object. The tag may use an optical or infrared transmitter/receiver pair for detecting active tag removal from the object to which it is attached; and a method of attaching the tag holder to rounded objects regardless of object diameter while still preserving tamper capability of the active tag. Alternatively the tag may use an infrared radiation sensor to determine a change infrared radiation that occurs when the tag is removed from a person, and a light sensor to determine when tag has been tampered.