Utilizing a laser to securely communicate with radio frequency identification tags

• US 20060127097A1
• Filed: 12/14/2004
• Published: 06/15/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Pitney Bowes Incorporated (Böwe Systec AG)
• Original Assignee: Pitney Bowes Incorporated (Böwe Systec AG)
• Inventors: Obrea, Andrei, Foth, Thomas J.
• Application Number:
  US11/011,982
• Publication Number:
  US 20060127097A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 398/115
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0704 the battery being rechargeable, e.g. solar batteries
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0723 the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0728 the arrangement being an optical or sound-based communication interface
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10336 the antenna being of the near field type, inductive coil
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/1141 One-way transmission

Abstract

A method for providing a secure communications channel for the transmission of large amounts of information between a RFID tag and a RFID reader. A laser beam is utilized to carry information and power from the RFID reader to the RFID tag. Thus, the laser beam has a dual use as an information carrier and a source of power for the RFID tag. Thus, only individuals and/or equipment that can both see the laser transmission and hear the RFID transmission can eavesdrop on the RFID tag RFID reader transmissions. This invention allows the use of complex algorithms to protect data being communicated because they can use the increased level of power available to the RDIF tag.

Claims

11. A system for securely communicating between a radio frequency identification device and a reader, said system comprises:

A) means for generating a light beam that carries power and information to the radio frequency identification device, and

B) identification device in response to the information carried by the light beam.

12. The system claimed in claim 11, further comprises means for requesting the identity of the radio frequency identification device, said requesting means transmits radio frequency signals from the reader to the radio frequency identification device.

13. The system claimed in claim 12, wherein the means for generating a light beam comprises:

A) a laser beam generator that transmits modulated information via a laser beam; and

B) a photocell and demodulator that is coupled to the laser beam, said photocell and demodulator supplies information and power to the radio frequency identification device.

14. The system claimed in claim 13, further comprising means for encrypting information carried by the laser beam.

15. The system claimed in claim 13, further comprising means for signing information carried by the laser beam.

16-1. The system claimed in claim 16, wherein said digital signal processor retrieve calculated information.