JP2010186387A - Data management system, data management method, reader, and rfid tag - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data management system which is easily constructed and improves security. <P>SOLUTION: In the data management system, time is measured by a timer 29, and whether a prescribed period of time passes is determined (S12). When the prescribed period of time passes (Yes in S12), whether a data holding signal from a reader/writer 12 is received via an antenna 26 is determined (S13). When it is not determined that the data holding signal is received (Yes in S15), data stored in a memory 22 are deleted by using the energy of a battery 23 embedded in an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag 21 (S17). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data management system and a data management method, and more particularly to a data management system and a data management method using an RFID tag and a reader capable of communicating with the RFID tag.

  Conventionally, in a data management system using an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, an IC tag, an IC card, etc., for example, a reader / writer capable of communicating with the RFID tag is used to store data in a memory included in the RFID tag. Or reading stored data. Since an RFID tag or the like can be carried, such a system is effective in utilizing data in a remote place.

  On the other hand, it is desirable to carefully manage such portable IC cards from the viewpoint of unauthorized use of IC cards such as data tampering and data leakage and improvement of security. Here, from the viewpoint of promoting unauthorized use prohibition, etc., a technology relating to an IC card passenger transport ticket alarm system in which an alarm function is provided in an IC card serving as a slave is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-175355 (Patent Document 1). Has been. According to Patent Document 1, an IC card long-distance type wireless tag receives information from a transmitting device installed at a boarding station or the like, determines where the IC card user is currently, “Unauthorized boarding warning” will be performed. Also, the short-distance type wireless tag of the IC card receives information from the personal portable transmission device paired with the IC card, determines that the IC card has been separated from the user by a certain distance, “Alarm” is to be performed.

  Also, a technique relating to a false display prevention method using a rewritable label or an IC chip label is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-94510 (Patent Document 2). According to Patent Document 2, a label writing apparatus capable of reading, erasing and writing labels is used to erase a purchase form written on a rewritable label simultaneously with the creation of a shipping form. By doing so, reuse of data such as double use, that is, illegal use of data is prevented.

JP 2002-175355 A JP 2004-94510 A

  According to Patent Document 1, when a reception signal from a transmission device or the like as a parent device is not received for a predetermined time, the above-described alarm is issued. However, data is still stored on the IC card even in the situation where an alarm is issued. Therefore, there is a possibility that the data is misused.

  According to Patent Document 2, purchase form data written on a rewritable label serving as a slave unit is erased simultaneously with the creation of shipment form data. In such a configuration, the timing for erasing data, the transmission of a data erasing command, and the like depend on the label writing device serving as the master unit, and the system may be complicated. Further, in a situation where radio waves from the base unit cannot be received, data cannot be erased using radio wave energy transmitted from the base unit, and there is a problem from the viewpoint of security.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a data management system in which the system can be easily constructed and security can be improved.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a data management method that is easy to configure and can improve security.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a reader capable of improving security.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide an RFID tag that can improve security.

  A data management system according to the present invention includes a reader capable of communicating with an RFID tag. The reader includes transmission means for transmitting a data holding signal for holding data stored in the RFID tag to the RFID tag. The RFID tag has storage means for storing data, power holding means for holding predetermined power, receiving means for receiving a data holding signal transmitted by the transmitting means, and whether the data holding signal is received by the receiving means. A determination means for determining whether or not, a data erasure means for erasing data stored in the storage means using energy of a predetermined power held by the power holding means, and a data holding signal is not received by the determination means The control means for controlling the data erasing means to operate.

  Preferably, the data erasing unit rewrites a part of the data stored in the storage unit.

  More preferably, it includes first notifying means for notifying that the data erasing means is not operating before the data erasing means is operating after the determining means determines that the data holding signal has not been received.

  More preferably, it includes a second notifying means for notifying that the data erasing means has been operated.

  More preferably, the RFID tag includes a light source unit that turns on light, and at least one of the first and second notification means operates the light source unit.

  The RFID tag may include a sound output unit that outputs sound, and at least one of the first and second notification units may be configured to operate the sound output unit.

  More preferably, the determination means increases the reception sensitivity of the signal by the receiving means unless the data holding signal is received by the receiving means for a predetermined time.

  More preferably, the power holding means includes a battery attached to the RFID tag.

  In a more preferred embodiment, the battery is detachable from the RFID tag.

  In a further preferred embodiment, the RFID tag is a semi-passive tag.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a data management method is a data management method for managing data stored in storage means included in an RFID tag, and causes the RFID tag to retain data stored in the storage means A transmission step for transmitting a data holding signal, a receiving step for receiving the transmitted data holding signal by a receiving means included in the RFID tag, and whether or not the data holding signal is received by the receiving means are sent to the RFID tag. If it is determined by the included determination means and the determination step determines that the data holding signal is not received, the storage means uses the energy of the predetermined power held by the power holding means included in the RFID tag. A data erasure step of erasing the stored data.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the reader is a reader capable of communicating with an RFID tag including storage means for storing data, and transmits a data holding signal for holding the data stored in the storage means to the RFID tag. Including transmission means.

  In still another aspect of the present invention, the RFID tag is an RFID tag including storage means for storing data, and is a signal transmitted by a power holding means for holding predetermined power and a reader, and storing the RFID tag. Receiving means for receiving a data holding signal for holding the data stored in the means, judging means for judging whether or not the data holding signal is received by the receiving means, and energy of predetermined power held by the power holding means And a data erasing unit for erasing data stored in the storage unit, and a control unit for controlling the data erasing unit to operate when it is determined that the data holding signal is not received by the determining unit.

  According to the data management system and data management method configured as described above, if the RFID tag determines that it does not receive the data retention signal from the reader, the energy of the predetermined power held in the power holding means included in the RFID tag is obtained. Use to erase the data stored in the storage means included in the RFID tag. Then, for example, even when the RFID tag is stolen and taken away in a range where the data holding signal transmitted from the reader cannot be received, it is possible to prevent data misuse such as leakage of data stored in the storage means. it can. In this case, since the data is erased using the energy of the predetermined power held in the power holding means included in the RFID tag, the load on the reader and other devices can be reduced and the data is securely erased. can do. Therefore, such a data management system can be easily constructed and can improve security.

  Moreover, according to such a reader and RFID tag, security can be improved.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the data management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when data is managed in the data management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the case where an RFID tag is outside the detection range of a reader / writer.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of a data management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, thick lines indicate signal lines, and double lines indicate power supply lines.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a data management system 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reader / writer 12 that can communicate with an RFID tag 21 described later. The reader / writer 12 writes data to the RFID tag 21, that is, stores data and reads data.

  The reader / writer 12 is connected to a computer 13 having a display 14 and is controlled by the computer 13. The reader / writer 12 transmits a signal to the RFID tag 21 and receives a signal reflected from the RFID tag 21. The reader / writer 12 can read / write data from / to the RFID tag 21 arranged in the detection range 15 of the reader / writer 12, that is, in the range where radio waves emitted from the reader / writer 12 reach. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 to be described later, the detection range 15 of the reader / writer 12 is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  The RFID tag 21 includes a memory 22 as a storage unit for storing data, a battery 23 as a power holding unit that is attached to the RFID tag 21 itself and holds predetermined power, and a reader / writer 12. An antenna 26 that receives a signal to be transmitted and reflects the signal, an RF circuit 25 that controls a command included in the signal, and a control circuit 24 that controls the entire RFID tag 21 are included. In addition, the RFID tag 21 is capable of measuring time, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 27 as a light source unit that turns on light in a part of the RFID tag 21, an audio output unit 28 that emits sound such as a buzzer sound, and the like. Timer 29.

  Various data are stored in the memory 22. The data stored in the memory 22 is erased by a data erasure command from the control circuit 24.

  The RFID tag 21 is a semi-passive tag that operates with the energy generated when a signal transmitted from the reader / writer 12 is received and the energy of the battery 23. The data stored in the memory 22 can be erased using the energy generated when the signal transmitted from the reader / writer 12 is received or the energy of the battery 23.

  The battery 23 can be attached to and detached from the RFID tag 21. That is, the battery 23 can be removed from the RFID tag 21 body.

  Next, a method for managing data in the data management system 11 according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in this case. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, first, RFID tag 21 whose data has already been stored in memory 22 is set at a predetermined position (in FIG. 2, step S11, hereinafter, steps are omitted). Here, the predetermined position is within the detection range 15 in which a signal from the reader / writer 12 can be received. In this case, under the control of the computer 13, the reader / writer 12 instructs to hold the data stored in the memory 22, that is, to hold the data stored in the memory 22 at all times or at predetermined time intervals. A signal including a data holding signal is transmitted.

  Thereafter, the timer 29 included in the RFID tag 21 measures the time, and determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed (S12). For example, the predetermined time may be several seconds or several minutes.

  If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S12), it is determined whether or not the data holding signal transmitted from the reader / writer 12 is received via the antenna 26 (S13). In this case, the control circuit 24 operates as a determination unit.

  Here, consider a case where the RFID tag 21 is taken away by someone who is not a legitimate user, such as a malicious third party. When the RFID tag 21 is taken away by someone, the RFID tag 21 is disposed outside the detection range 15 of the reader / writer 12 as shown in FIG. In this case, the RFID tag 21 cannot receive the data holding signal transmitted from the reader / writer 12.

  If it is determined that the control circuit 24 does not receive the data holding signal for a predetermined time (YES in S13), the signal reception sensitivity of the RFID tag 21 is improved (S14). Specifically, the gain in the RF circuit 25 is improved.

  Thereafter, it is determined again whether or not a data holding signal has been received (S15). If it is determined that the data holding signal is not received even after the reception sensitivity is improved (YES in S15), it is determined that the data holding signal has not been received, and that it is before erasure of data to be described later. Notification is made by blinking of light by the LED 27 and output of sound by the sound output unit 28 (S16). Here, the control circuit 24 and the like operate as first notification means.

  Thereafter, after the elapse of a predetermined time, the data stored in the memory 22 is erased by the control circuit 24 (S17). For the predetermined time, a time of about several seconds or several minutes is selected. In this case, the energy of the built-in battery 23 is used when erasing data. Here, the control circuit 24 and the like operate as data erasing means.

  After erasing the data, the LED 27 is turned on and a sound such as a buzzer sound is output by the sound output unit 28. In this way, it is notified that the data stored in the memory 22 included in the RFID tag 21 has been deleted (S18). Here, the control circuit 24 and the like operate as second notification means.

  On the other hand, if the RFID tag 21 is within the detection range 15 of the reader / writer 12 as shown in FIG. 1, the data holding signal transmitted from the reader / writer 12 is received (NO in S13 and S15) and received. The signal is reflected (S19). As a result, the reader / writer 12 and, in turn, the computer 13 that controls the reader / writer 12 recognizes that the RFID tag 21 is within the detection range 15. Then, the display 14 included in the computer 13 displays that it is within the detection range 15 of the RFID tag 21 and notifies it (S20). That is, it notifies that the RFID tag 21 is within the detection range 15 of the reader / writer 12. For example, the ID number of the RFID tag 21 is displayed.

  As described above, if the RFID tag 21 determines that the data holding signal from the reader / writer 12 is not received, it is stored in the memory 22 included in the RFID tag 21 using the energy of the battery 23 included in the RFID tag 21. Erase the data. Then, as described above, for example, even when the RFID tag 21 is stolen and the data holding signal transmitted from the reader / writer 12 cannot be received, that is, when it is taken out of the detection range 15 of the reader / writer 12, Misuse of data such as leakage of data stored in the memory 22 can be prevented. In this case, since the data is erased using the energy of the battery 23 included in the RFID tag 21, the load on the reader / writer 12 and other devices can be reduced and the data can be securely erased. That is, data can be erased without receiving a data erase signal transmitted from the reader / writer 12. Therefore, such a data management system 11 can be easily constructed and can improve security.

  Moreover, according to such a reader / writer 12 and the RFID tag 21, security can be improved.

  In this case, the fact that the data has been erased can be notified by the lighting of the LED 27 and the buzzer sound by the audio output unit 28. Therefore, when the RFID tag 21 returns to the legitimate user again, It can be grasped by hearing that the data stored in the memory 22 has been erased.

  Even when it is determined that the data holding signal is not received, since it is determined whether or not the data holding signal is received again after improving the signal receiving sensitivity, the RFID tag 21 is more surely received. The data can be erased by identifying whether or not the user has been stolen. That is, the RFID tag 21 is not stolen but is located slightly away from the detection range 15, or the RFID tag 21 is within the detection range 15, but between the reader / writer 12 and the RFID tag 21. Even when there is a shield and it is difficult for radio waves emitted from the reader / writer 12 to reach the RFID tag 21, the data holding signal can be received by improving the reception sensitivity.

  Further, since the determination is made based on whether or not the data holding signal has been received, it can be more reliably determined whether or not the RFID tag 21 has been stolen. That is, even when a signal is received from a reader / writer other than the reader / writer 12, specifically, a reader / writer 12 not controlled by the computer 13, in this case, the signal does not include a data holding signal. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the RFID tag 21 has been stolen and data is deleted. In this way, data can be erased more reliably based on whether or not the RFID tag 21 has been stolen.

  Here, the data management method according to the present invention is a data management method for managing data stored in storage means included in an RFID tag, wherein the RFID tag holds data stored in the storage means. The RFID tag includes a transmission step for transmitting a holding signal, a receiving step for receiving the transmitted data holding signal by a receiving unit included in the RFID tag, and whether or not the data holding signal is received by the receiving unit. If the determination step is determined by the determination unit and the determination step determines that the data holding signal has not been received, the data is stored in the storage unit using the energy of the predetermined power held by the power holding unit included in the RFID tag. A data erasing step of erasing the recorded data.

  The reader according to the present invention is a reader capable of communicating with an RFID tag including a storage means for storing data, and has a transmission means for transmitting a data holding signal for holding data stored in the storage means to the RFID tag. Including.

  The RFID tag according to the present invention is an RFID tag including storage means for storing data, which is a signal transmitted by a power holding means for holding predetermined power and a reader, and is stored in the storage means. Using a receiving means for receiving a data holding signal for holding the data, a judging means for judging whether or not the data holding signal is received by the receiving means, and energy of a predetermined power held by the power holding means, A data erasing unit for erasing data stored in the storage unit; and a control unit for controlling the data erasing unit to operate when it is determined that the data holding signal is not received by the determining unit.

  In the configuration described above, the battery 23 can be attached to and detached from the RFID tag 21. Therefore, when the RFID tag 21 is unavoidably taken out of the detection range 15 of the reader / writer 12 by the action of a regular user, or when the data holding signal is not transmitted from the reader / writer 12 due to the stop of the computer 13 or the like, the RFID tag 21 If the battery 23 is removed from the battery, it is possible to avoid erasing data based on the unwilling behavior of a legitimate user. Here, for example, even when the battery 23 is not removable, a switch may be provided in the RFID tag 21 so that the data can be erased by the energy of the battery 23 only when the switch is on. By doing so, erasure of data by carelessness of a legitimate user can be avoided by turning on or off the switch.

  In the above embodiment, if it is determined that the data holding signal is not received, the data stored in the memory is erased. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and if it is determined that the data holding signal is not received. Alternatively, it may be controlled to rewrite a part of the stored data. Specifically, for example, password data stored in the password area is rewritten. This also prevents data leakage since the data stored in the memory cannot be viewed from the outside as it is. In this case, when data is rewritten, the LED may be turned on or the sound output unit may output sound.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when erasing data, the LED is turned on and the sound is output. However, when the data is held, the LED is turned on and the data is erased. The LED may not be turned on later. Further, for example, when the reception sensitivity is improved, an LED or the like may be blinked to notify that the signal reception sensitivity is improved. Of course, only one of light and sound may be notified, or depending on the situation in which data is erased or the signal reception sensitivity is improved, the blinking state of light or the color of emitted light, The pattern and sound may be changed.

  In the above embodiment, the power holding means for holding the predetermined power includes the battery attached to the RFID tag. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the energy of the radio wave received from the reader / writer side is predetermined. For example, a capacitor may be used as a power holding unit for holding the time, and data may be erased using radio wave energy held in the capacitor.

  In the above embodiment, when an RFID tag is placed outside the detection range, the data is erased because the data holding signal is not received. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the RFID tag is within the detection range. Even if the data exists, if the data holding signal is not received, the data may be erased. That is, if the data holding signal from the reader / writer side is simply not received, the data may be deleted.

  In the above embodiment, the reader / writer capable of communicating with the RFID tag is provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a reader capable of only reading data by communicating with the RFID tag may be provided. . The storage means for storing data is a memory. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any means having a function for storing data, such as a hard disk, may be used. Further, although the RFID tag is a semi-passive tag, the RFID tag is not limited to this, and any RFID tag may be used as long as it includes power holding means for holding power.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described with reference to drawings, this invention is not limited to the thing of embodiment shown in figure. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment within the same range or equivalent range as the present invention.

  The data management system and the data management method according to the present invention are effectively used when important data is stored in the RFID tag.

  11 Data management system, 12 Reader / writer, 13 Computer, 14 Display, 15 Detection range, 21 RFID tag, 22 Memory, 23 Battery, 24 Control circuit, 25 RF circuit, 26 Antenna, 27 LED, 28 Audio output unit, 29 Timer .

Claims (13)

A data management system comprising a reader capable of communicating with an RFID tag,
The reader includes transmission means for transmitting a data holding signal for holding data stored in the RFID tag to the RFID tag,
The RFID tag includes storage means for storing data;
Power holding means for holding predetermined power;
Receiving means for receiving the data holding signal transmitted by the transmitting means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the data holding signal is received by the receiving means;
Data erasing means for erasing data stored in the storage means using energy of predetermined power held by the power holding means;
A data management system including control means for controlling the data erasing means to operate when the judgment means judges that the data holding signal has not been received. The data management system according to claim 1, wherein the data erasing unit rewrites a part of data stored in the storage unit. And a first notifying unit for notifying that the data erasing unit is not operating before the data erasing unit is operated after the determining unit determines that the data holding signal is not received. The data management system according to 1 or 2. The data management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising second notifying means for notifying that the data erasing means has been activated. The RFID tag includes a light source unit that turns on light,
The data management system according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second notification means operates the light source unit. The RFID tag includes an audio output unit that outputs audio;
The data management system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one of the first and second notification means operates the voice output unit. The data management system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit increases the signal reception sensitivity of the reception unit when the reception unit does not receive the data holding signal for a predetermined time. The data management system according to claim 1, wherein the power holding unit includes a battery attached to the RFID tag. The data management system according to claim 8, wherein the battery is detachable from the RFID tag. The data management system according to claim 1, wherein the RFID tag is a semi-passive tag. A data management method for managing data stored in storage means included in an RFID tag,
A transmission step of transmitting a data holding signal for holding the data stored in the storage means to the RFID tag;
A reception step of receiving the transmitted data holding signal by a receiving means included in the RFID tag;
A determination step of determining by the determination means included in the RFID tag whether or not the data holding signal is received by the reception means;
If it is determined in the determination step that the data holding signal has not been received, the data stored in the storage unit is erased using energy of a predetermined power held by the power holding unit included in the RFID tag. A data management method including a data erasing step. A reader capable of communicating with an RFID tag including storage means for storing data,
A reader comprising: a transmission means for transmitting a data holding signal for holding data stored in the storage means to the RFID tag. An RFID tag including storage means for storing data,
Power holding means for holding predetermined power;
Receiving means for receiving a data holding signal which is a signal transmitted by a reader and holds data stored in the storing means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the data holding signal is received by the receiving means;
Data erasing means for erasing data stored in the storage means using energy of predetermined power held by the power holding means;
An RFID tag comprising: control means for controlling to activate the data erasing means if the judging means judges that the data holding signal has not been received.

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