TW201339984A - Radio-frequency identification reader - Google Patents

Abstract

An RFID reader comprises a memory having a first data for identifying the reader and a second data associated with the first data stored therein; a communication interface; and a microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit is configured to transmit the first data via the communication interface; receive a first request for transmitting the second data; transmit the second data via the communication interface; receive a third data via the communication interface; overwrite the second data stored in the memory with third data.

Description

Radio frequency identification reader

The present invention relates to a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, and more particularly to a secure RFID reader and system and method for authenticating such security readers.

The efficiency, convenience, and safety of systems, devices, and methods that are provided by producers and consumers, and that provide product information, continue to improve. For example, a producer can use a reader to scan an electronic tag of a product and upload product information of the product to a server. Alternatively, a consumer can use a reader to scan an electronic tag of the same product to obtain product information uploaded by the producer from the server. Security features for uploading and downloading product information are typically implemented in electronic tags, laser tags, or Quick Response (QR) codes scanned by the reader.

However, this method does not provide a security feature on the reader. In particular, the reader is not certified during the information upload or download process. Thus, a reader mimetic can be designed to bypass the security features implemented in the electronic tags, laser tags or QR codes and upload fake product information or illegally download product information. In other words, the traditional information uploading and downloading system using the reader is not secure.

An example of the present invention may provide an RFID reader including a memory having a first data for identifying the reader and a second data associated with the first data stored therein; Interface; and a microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit is configured to transmit the first data via the communication interface; receive a first request to transmit the second data; transmit the second data via the communication interface; receive a third data via the communication interface; The second data stored in the memory is overwritten by the third data.

Some examples of the invention may also provide a system including a first reader and a server. The first reader includes a first memory having a first reader ID for identifying the first reader and a first associated with the first reader ID stored therein A security code. The server includes a second memory in which a plurality of reader IDs and a plurality of security codes are stored. Each reader ID is associated with one of a plurality of readers, and each security code is associated with one of the plurality of reader IDs. The system is arranged to transmit the first reader ID to the server by the reader; the first reader ID from the plurality of reader IDs is recognized by the server; Receiving, by the server, a request for transmitting a security code associated with the first reader ID; transmitting, by the reader, the first security code to the server; determining, by the server, whether the first security code is Corresponding to the security code stored in the second memory associated with the first reader ID; if the first security code conforms to the security code stored in the second memory associated with the first reader ID, A new security code is generated by the server; the new security code is transmitted by the server to the reader; and the first security code is overwritten by the reader with the new security code.

Some examples of the present invention may also provide a server including a first module for generating a security code and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of reader IDs and a plurality of security codes, wherein each reader ID is associated with one of the plurality of readers, and each security code is associated with the plurality of reader IDs One of them. Wherein the server is configured to receive a first reader ID; to identify the first reader ID from the plurality of reader IDs; to transmit a security code associated with the first reader ID Receiving a first security code; determining whether the first security code conforms to a security code stored in the memory associated with the first reader ID; and if the first security code is stored in the memory The security code associated with the first reader ID is: generating a new security code; overwriting the security code stored in the memory associated with the first reader ID by using the new security code; And transmit the new security code.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in the <RTIgt;

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the It must be noted that the drawings are of a simplified form and are not drawn to exact scale.

1 is a block diagram of a system 10 for authenticating an RFID reader 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. System 10 includes an RFID reader 100 and a server 107. The RFID reader 100 communicates with the server 107 via a mobile communication network or the Internet.

The RFID reader 100 can include an analog front end 101 for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals to and receiving radio frequency signals from an RFID tag. The analog front end 101 is managed by a digital processor 102 and is arranged to transmit the received RF signals to the digital processor 102 and a microcontroller unit (MCU) 103.

Each RFID reader 100 is associated with a unique reader identification (ID) and each reader identification is associated with a security code. The reader identification associated with each reader and the security code can be pre-specified by the manufacturer and stored in a memory of the RFID reader 100. For example, the reader identification can be stored in a first memory block 104 of the MCU 103, and the security code can be stored in a second memory block 105 of the MCU 103. In another example in accordance with the present invention, the reader recognizes that the security code can be stored in a memory external to the MCU 103.

The MCU 103 is electrically connected to a communication interface 106. The communication interface 106 is configured to allow the RFID reader 100 to communicate with the server 107 via a mobile communication network or the Internet. For example, the communication interface 106 can include an antenna for communicating with the server 107 via a mobile communication network, such as a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a second generation (2G) action. Communication network, a third-generation (3G) mobile communication network, and a fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication network.

In accordance with another example of the present invention, communication interface 106 can include hardware for connecting RFID reader 100 to the Internet via an on-road communication line, fixed-line telecommunications, or a wireless protocol.

The server 107 stores a list 108 of reader identification IDs 01, ID02, ID03, and their security codes SC01, SC02, SC03, and includes a security code generator 109. The security code generator 109 is arranged to generate a new security code. For example, the new security code can be generated based on a reader identifying the associated security code.

2 illustrates a signal flow diagram of a reader authentication procedure in the system 10 of FIG. First, in step 201, the RFID reader 100 can transmit a first data including the reader identification to the server 107 via the communication interface 106, so that the server 107 can receive the received reader. The identification recognizes the RFID reader 100 in contrast to the reader identification ID01, ID02, ID03 in the list 108.

According to an example of the present invention, a second data for identifying the reader can also be transmitted to the server 107. For example, the RFID reader 100 can be placed in an NFC-type mobile device. Thus, the second material transmitted to the server 107 can include the telephone number of the mobile device. In another example, the RFID reader 100 can be placed in an computing device that is connected to the Internet. In this example, the second data may include an internet protocol address (IP address) of the computing device. In still another example according to the present invention, the RFID reader 100 is implemented in a mobile device that is also connected to the Internet, and the second data transmitted to the server 107 can simultaneously include the mobile phone number of the mobile device. With the IP address.

The server 107, upon receiving the data from the RFID reader 100, identifies the RFID reader 100 via the list 108 based on the data received in step 202, and if the RFID reader 100 is identifiable from the list 108, in step 203 A request to request the associated security code is transmitted to the RFID reader 100. In step 204, in response to a request from the server 107, the MCU 103 of the RFID reader 100 retrieves the security code from the second memory block 105 and transmits the security code to the server 107. After receiving the security code, in step 205, the server 107 checks the manifest 108 to determine whether the received security code conforms to the list. The security code associated with the identified RFID reader in 108. If the received security code conforms to the security code associated with the identified reader in list 108, in step 206, server 107 generates a new security code and updates the list with the new security code. 108. The new security code is transmitted to the RFID reader 100 in step 207, and in step 208 the RFID reader 100 replaces the security code stored in the second memory block 105 with the new security code.

On the other hand, if the received security code does not match the security code associated with the identified reader in list 108, the reader is determined to be an imitation. Action can be taken to deny further access by the reader to the server.

One embodiment of the authentication of the RFID reader 100 as described above can be performed before a producer uploads product information using his reader, or before a consumer downloads product information using his reader. Therefore, the security code is updated each time the user starts a session for uploading or downloading product information, thereby increasing the security of the information uploading and downloading system.

Figure 3 illustrates a signal flow diagram of a product information download program in the system 10 of Figure 1. The signal transmission flow for authenticating the RFID reader 100 in FIG. 3 is similar to the signal transmission flow in FIG. In addition to the steps in FIG. 2, in order for a user to download product information from the server 107, first in step 301, the RFID reader 100 transmits a request to the server 107 to download product information. In response to a request from the RFID reader 100, the server 107 transmits a request for identification information to the RFID reader 100, such as a reader ID, and may additionally include a telephone number and IP address of the RFID reader 100. At least one of them. Then, the procedure for authenticating the RFID reader 100 described with reference to FIG. 2 is performed. After the security code in the second memory block 105 is replaced by the new security code generated by the server 107, the RFID reader 100 can begin to download product information from the server 107 in step 303. In other examples in accordance with the present invention, the product information requested by the RFID reader 100 in step 301 can be transmitted to the RFID reader 100 in step 207 along with the new security code.

4 illustrates a signal flow diagram of a product information uploading procedure in the system 10 of FIG. Signal transmission for authenticating RFID reader 100 in FIG. The delivery process is similar to the signaling process in Figure 2. In addition to the steps in FIG. 2, in order for a producer to upload product information to the server 107, first in step 401, the RFID reader 100 transmits a request to the server 107 to upload product information. In response to a request from the RFID reader 100, the server 107 transmits a request for identification information to the RFID reader 100, such as reader identification, and may further include a telephone number and IP bit of the RFID reader 100. At least one of the addresses. Then, the procedure for authenticating the RFID reader 100 described with reference to FIG. 2 is performed. After the security code in the second memory block 105 is replaced by the new security code generated by the server 107, the RFID reader 100 can begin uploading product information to the server 107 in step 403.

Figure 5 is a block diagram of a reader 500 in accordance with another example of the present invention. The reader 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 is similar to the RFID reader 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the reader 500 of FIG. 5 includes a communication interface 506 for establishing communication with a mobile or computing device 600. The mobile or computing device 600 includes a communication interface 601 for communicating with the reader 500 via the communication interface 506. For example, communication interfaces 506 and 601 can include a wireless communication interface, such as a Bluetooth interface or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, including but not limited to micro USB, mini USB, and USB connectors.

The mobile or computing device 600 further includes a communication interface 603 for establishing communication with a mobile communication network or the Internet, and an MCU 602 for managing signal transmission between the two communication interfaces 601 and 603.

The reader 500, together with the action or computing device 600 illustrated in FIG. 5, may be authenticated by the same or similar methods as illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 2, in the same or similar manner as the RFID reader 100 illustrated in FIG. A user may be allowed to download or upload product information to the server 107 in the same or similar manner as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

In describing a representative example of the present invention, the present specification may represent the method and/or process of the present invention as a specific sequence of steps; however, since the scope of the method or process is not tied to the particular steps set forth herein The order or process should not be limited to the particular order of steps described. As a familiar artist It will be possible to understand the order of other steps. Therefore, the specific order of steps set forth in this specification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the application. In addition, the scope of application for the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the implementation of the order of the steps in the written form, which is readily understood by those skilled in the art, and the order may be changed and still It is intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Those skilled in the art should be aware that changes can be made to the above examples without departing from the broad inventive concepts. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific examples of the invention, but is intended to cover the modifications of the invention and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

10‧‧‧System

100‧‧‧RFID reader

101‧‧‧ analog front end

102‧‧‧Digital Processor

103‧‧‧Microcontroller unit

104‧‧‧First memory block

105‧‧‧Second memory block

106‧‧‧Communication interface

107‧‧‧Server

108‧‧‧list

109‧‧‧Security code generator

500‧‧‧Reader

506‧‧‧Communication interface

600‧‧‧Action or computing device

601‧‧‧Communication interface

602‧‧MCU

603‧‧‧Communication interface

The foregoing summary of the invention, as well as the above detailed description For the purposes of illustration of the present invention, various drawings are illustrated in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and devices disclosed.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 10 for authenticating an RFID reader 100 in accordance with an example of the present invention.

2 illustrates a signal flow diagram of an RFID reader 100 authentication procedure for system 10 as shown in FIG.

Figure 3 illustrates a signal flow diagram of a product information download program for system 10 as shown in Figure 1.

4 illustrates a signal flow diagram of a product information uploading process of the system 10 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an RFID reader 500 in accordance with another example of the present invention.

10‧‧‧System

100‧‧‧RFID reader

101‧‧‧ analog front end

102‧‧‧Digital Processor

103‧‧‧Microcontroller unit

104‧‧‧First memory block

105‧‧‧Second memory block

106‧‧‧Communication interface

107‧‧‧Server

108‧‧‧list

109‧‧‧Security code generator

Claims (18)

An RFID reader, comprising: a memory having a first data for identifying the reader, and a second data associated with the first data stored therein; a communication interface; and a a microcontroller unit, wherein the microcontroller unit is configured to: transmit the first data via the communication interface; receive a first request for transmitting the second data; transmit the second data via the communication interface; The communication interface receives a third data; and the third data is used to overwrite the second data stored in the memory. The reader of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller unit is further configured to: receive a second request for transmitting the identification information of the reader; and respond to the second request to a fourth data And transmitting with the first data, wherein the fourth data includes at least one of a phone number and an IP address. The reader of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller unit is further configured to: transmit a request for uploading information to a server; and the second data stored in the memory has utilized the After the third data is overwritten, the information is uploaded to the server. The reader of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller unit is further configured to: transmit a request for downloading information from a server; and the second data stored in the memory has utilized the After the third data is overwritten, the information is downloaded from the server. The reader of claim 1, wherein the communication interface is configured to communicate with a mobile communication network or the Internet. News. The reader of claim 5, wherein the communication interface comprises an antenna or a wireless network interface or a wired connection. The reader of claim 1, wherein the communication interface is configured to communicate with a mobile device or an arithmetic device. The reader of claim 7, wherein the communication interface comprises a USB interface or a Bluetooth interface. A system comprising: a first reader, wherein the first reader comprises a first memory having a first reader ID for identifying the first reader, and an association a first security code stored in the first reader ID; and a server, wherein the server includes a second memory, wherein the plurality of reader IDs and the plurality of security codes are stored, each A reader ID is associated with one of the plurality of readers, and each security code is associated with one of the plurality of reader IDs, wherein the system is configured to: transmit the first by the reader Reading the ID of the reader to the server; identifying, by the server, the first reader ID from the plurality of reader IDs; receiving, by the reader from the server, for transmitting the first Retrieving one of the security codes of the reader ID; transmitting, by the reader, the first security code to the server; determining, by the server, whether the first security code is consistent with being stored in the second memory a security code of the first reader ID; if the first security code matches the association stored in the second memory a security code of the first reader ID, a new security code is generated by the server; the new security code is transmitted by the server to the reader; and the new security is utilized by the reader The code overwrites the first security code. The system of claim 9, wherein the first reader is further configured to: receive a request for transmitting the identification information of the reader; and respond to the request to place a phone number or an IP address It is transmitted together with the first reader ID. The system of claim 9, wherein the first reader is further configured to: transmit a request for uploading information to the server; and after the first security code has been overwritten with the new security code Then upload the information to the server. The system of claim 9, wherein the reader is further configured to: transmit a request for downloading information from the server; and the first security code stored in the memory has utilized the new The security code is overwritten and the information is downloaded from the server. The system of claim 9, wherein the new security code is generated based on the first reader ID and the first security code. The system of claim 9, wherein the first reader communicates with the server via a mobile network or the Internet. A server comprising: a first module for generating a security code; and a memory storing a plurality of reader IDs and a plurality of security codes, wherein each reader ID is associated with a plurality of One of the readers, and each security code is associated with one of the plurality of reader IDs, wherein the server is configured to: receive a first reader ID; from the plurality of readers Identifying the first reader ID in the ID; transmitting a request for transmitting a security code associated with the first reader ID; Receiving a first security code; determining whether the first security code conforms to a security code stored in the memory associated with the first reader ID; and if the first security code is consistent with the storage in the memory associated with The security code of the first reader ID is: generating a new security code; overwriting the security code stored in the memory associated with the first reader ID by using the new security code; and transmitting the new Security code. For example, the server of claim 15 is further configured to: transmit a request for identifying information; and receive at least one of a telephone number and an IP address. The server of claim 15 is further configured to: receive a request for uploading information to the server; and utilize the security code associated with the first reader ID stored in the memory The new security code is overwritten to give permission to upload information. The server of claim 15 is further configured to: receive a request for downloading information from the server; and utilize the security code associated with the first reader ID stored in the memory The new security code is overwritten to give permission to download the information.