All-Around Package Security Using Radio Frequency Identification Threads

Abstract

There is a need to secure packages that can provide non-contact detection of package tampering using an approach that is simple and low cost. We expect this solution to provide an all-around tamper detection along all sides and edges of a package which is lacking in current solutions. In this paper, we propose novel radio-frequency identification (RFID) threads, which can be wrapped around an entire package covering all sides and edges. In RFID threads, long flexible silver conductive threads serve as feed lines from the RFID chip to the dipole antenna. Opening of the package leads to breaking of the feed lines, which shuts off the radiation from the antenna and results in loss of signal at an RFID reader thus providing wireless tamper detection. This paper presents fabrication of such RFID threads and validation of 100% tamper detection of several packages.