Cost-Effective Wireless Sensors for Detection of Package Opening and Tampering

• Published in: IEEE access Vol. 8; pp. 117122 - 117132
• Main Authors: Wang, Wei, Sadeqi, Aydin, Nejad, Hojatollah Rezaei, Sonkusale, Sameer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Piscataway IEEE 2020; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Antennas; Battery-free; blockchain; Data logging; Deactivation; Dipole antennas; Electronic devices; flexible antenna; flexible electronics; intelligent package; Memory devices; package monitoring; Radio frequency identification; RFID; RFID tags; security; Sensors; smart package; smart threads; Switches; Wireless communication; zero power sensors
• ISSN: 2169-3536; 2169-3536
• DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3004438

There is a need to develop a simple cost-effective approach for wireless detection of whether package is or was open en route during transportation. Existing approaches rely on electronic devices that need sensors with on-board and continuous power source for sensing and data logging. This paper presents three different battery-free, cost-effective, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based solutions for the detection of tampering or package opening. The first solution is for real-time opening detection. Opening or closing the package leads to unfolding or folding of the flexible -based antenna, which activates or deactivates the RFID tag. The second solution is for recording and memorizing package opening using a printed switch that shunts the antenna of the RFID tag. Opening causes a permanent disconnection of this switch activating the RFID. This change is irreversible; thus, the sensor memorizes the specific opening event without any additional electronic memory device. The third solution is for all-around package security using an RFID-based thread. Opening the package from any side allows changes in the radiation profile so the package condition can be wirelessly sensed. The approaches have been simulated and validated experimentally.