Vehicle Identification System Using Merged RFID and Optical Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and maintenance requirements of distributing and maintaining large numbers of radio frequency reading and writing devices for vehicle identification systems, while ensuring security against counterfeiting and fraud, are significant challenges.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle identification system that combines accessible, document, and concealable RFID components with optical data codes, allowing for flexible and secure data access using a radio frequency read/write device, smartphone applications, and a remote database for updating and retrieving vehicle information, reducing the need for extensive device distribution and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio frequency reading and writing devices are distributed to traders, law enforcement agencies, insurers, and other persons for accessing vehicle identification data, then data accessibility and security are improved, but production costs, maintenance costs, and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identification elements (RFID components, optical data codes, barcodes) into a single integrated vehicle identification system. This merging reduces the need for multiple separate reading devices distributed to various users, as a single device can read all types of identification elements, thereby reducing production, distribution, and maintenance costs while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device is designed with universal functionality to read multiple types of identification elements including RFID components at different frequencies (HF, UHF), optical data codes, and barcodes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized devices for each identification type, reducing overall system complexity and costs while improving accessibility
2Reliability
If multiple RFID components are placed on the vehicle at different locations for security and accessibility, then identification security and data access flexibility are improved, but system complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into multiple independent identification elements placed at different locations on the vehicle (accessible identification element, concealable identification element, document identification element). Each element can be manufactured and applied separately, allowing flexible installation while maintaining security through distributed identification points
Solution Approach 2:
Different identification elements are placed at different locations with different security characteristics. The accessible identification element (with optical code and RFID) is placed where it can be easily read, while the concealable identification element (UHF RFID) is placed in a hidden location for enhanced security. Each location receives the appropriate identification type for its specific security and access requirements
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 system provides a cost-effective, secure, and flexible means of vehicle identification and data access, enabling efficient integration with advanced functionalities like image databases, while maintaining high security against counterfeiting and fraud.
Implementation Method 1
A first RFID component (17) is provided, this component being intended for fixing, in use, on an easily accessible point of the vehicle... A second RFID component (19) is provided, this component being intended for fixing, in use, in a concealed location on the vehicle... Each of the first and second RFID components (17, 19) comprises a tag and an antenna
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An identification system for a vehicle comprises at least one accessible identification element (16) to be applied, in use, in an easily accessible or visible position on a vehicle, and on which is reproduced an accessible data code (17), containing at least one unique identification code. The system further comprises a document identification element (24) to be applied, in use, to an identification document of the vehicle, and on which is reproduced a document data code (25) containing in an identical way at least the unique identification code. At least one remote node (34) is connected to a database (36) that can be interrogated via a data network (30) by a user terminal (40) capable of optically reading one of the data codes in order to decode the unique identification code thereof. The database (36) is capable of storing data relating to a plurality of vehicles, each identified by its own unique identification code.