Stealth Shipping Tracking Using RFID Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a shipping and delivery system to provide enhanced security for selected shipping items without physically discerning whether they are being handled with increased security measures, as existing systems lack sufficient security for valuable or sentimental items.
Innovation Solution
A method of operating a delivery and stealth tracking system that involves wirelessly gathering information from multiple wireless communications data provider devices coupled to the shipping item, calculating a joint item-device configuration value, and comparing it to a reference value to detect any tampering or security breaches, while maintaining the security level hidden from personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If enhanced security measures are implemented for valuable shipping items, then security level is improved, but personnel can physically discern the security level which compromises stealth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses RFID tags that emit electromagnetic signals creating a digital copy or representation of the shipping item's identity and security status. Instead of physical security markers that can be seen, the system creates an invisible electromagnetic signal copy that carries the security information, allowing tracking without visual detection by personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or visual security identification systems with electromagnetic field-based RFID technology. Instead of physical tags, labels, or visible security markers that personnel can detect mechanically or visually, the system uses electromagnetic signals that are invisible to human senses, substituting a detectable physical system with an undetectable electromagnetic one.
2Reliability
If multiple wireless communications data provider devices are coupled to the shipping item, then tracking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RFID tags (first and second wireless communications data provider devices) into a single shipping item configuration. Rather than using separate tracking systems or multiple independent devices that would increase complexity, the RFID tags are merged into a unified electromagnetic identification system that works together to provide redundant tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of identification from single-point to multi-point by using multiple RFID tags with different inherent properties (such as different electromagnetic characteristics). This allows the system to gather information from multiple sources while maintaining a relatively simple implementation through the use of standard RFID technology rather than complex multi-device integration.
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 approach provides enhanced security for valuable items by detecting tampering attempts and maintaining the security level undetectable to personnel, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the tracking process.
Implementation Method 1
wirelessly gathering information indicative of an inherent property of a first wireless communications data provider device physically coupled to the shipping item with a first wireless communications data reader device
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping and tracking system has a number of tracking stations that are geographically distributed. The tracking stations gather information from shipping items processed by the shipping and tracking system. The shipping and tracking system provides an enhanced level of security for selected shipping items. The enhanced level of security for the selected shipping items is based at least on the information gathered at the tracking stations. The enhanced security is provided in such a way that personnel of the shipping and delivery system cannot physically discern whether or not a shipping item is being shipped with enhanced security.