Transponder Package Integrity Monitoring via Segmented Signal Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID-based package monitoring systems are vulnerable to false tampering indications due to easy reconnection of the RFID chip and antenna, and may incorrectly flag intact packages as tampered, leading to unnecessary disposal.
Innovation Solution
A method using a transponder with multiple signal transmission devices that emits distinct output signals to indicate package integrity, with the ability to record and store tampering incidents, ensuring a clear differentiation between genuine tampering and other issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection between the RFID chip and antenna is broken to detect tampering, then tampering detection capability is improved, but false positive rate increases due to non-tampering connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single RFID signal transmission path into multiple separate signal transmission devices (first signal transmission device and second signal transmission device). By monitoring the relationship and signal consistency between multiple independent transmission paths, the system can distinguish between genuine tampering (which would affect both paths) and false conditions (which might affect only one path), thereby reducing false positives while maintaining tampering detection capability.
2Ease of repair
If the RFID chip and antenna connection is easily reconnected, then ease of repair is improved, but security is worsened as tampering can be concealed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors signals from multiple transmission devices and compares their consistency. When the connection is reestablished after tampering, the feedback loop detects signal inconsistencies or mismatches between the multiple transmission paths, alerting the system to the reconnection event. This allows the system to maintain ease of repair while preventing concealed tampering through continuous verification.
3Device complexity
If a single signal transmission device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of tampering detection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission function into multiple independent devices (first and second signal transmission devices with different configurations). This segmentation enables cross-verification of tampering events, as genuine tampering would manifest consistently across all segmented transmission paths, while false positives would show inconsistent patterns. The multiple segments provide redundant verification without requiring overly complex individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs more signal transmission devices than the minimum single device, using an excessive number of transmission paths to enhance detection precision. By having multiple transmission devices with different output signal configurations, the system gains additional verification points that improve measurement precision of tampering detection, accepting the trade-off of increased device complexity for significantly improved reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present invention is a method of monitoring a package. The method includes mounting a transponder on the package, the transponder having at least two signal transmission devices and emitting a first output signal configuration on the signal transmission devices when the integrity of the package is intact and emitting a second output signal configuration on the signal transmission devices if the integrity of the package has been compromised.