Abstract:
An RFID chip is modified with set data before being disposed in an electronic label so as to allow the electronic label to be selectively used with different types of RFID systems. The RFID chip includes a first data storage zone for storing first data set accessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system; and a second data storage zone for storing second data set inaccessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system. The second data set includes a modifiable code for indicating a type of the electronic label and with which of the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system the electronic label is to be used.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip, and more particularly to an RFID chip adapted to various RFID systems. The present invention also relates to a setting method and an operating method of an RFID chip to be selectively used with different RFID systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Barcodes are commonly used in markets. By scanning the alternate black and white stripes with different widths in each barcode, the barcodes can be differentiated so as to identify goods or objects. The barcode is scanned with a barcode reader which performs optical-to-electronic conversion of the stripes, thereby realizing specific data carried by the barcode. The specific data, for example, may be used for product management, consumption monitoring, stock filing, etc. Nevertheless, data contents and size carried by a barcode are limited and unsatisfactory for advanced uses. Moreover, a user has to scan respective barcodes one by one with a barcode reader when a number of goods or objects are to be identified. It is apparently time-inefficient. 
     For advanced applications, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) techniques are developed along with the enhancement of IC designs, semiconductor manufacturing processes and wireless communication techniques. An RFID electronic label is a tiny chip optionally recorded therein detailed information of products or objects. The data recorded in the chip can be transmitted wirelessly to be received and verified by a remote reader. Since the data transmission between the RFID electronic label and the reader is implemented wirelessly. It is some kind of non-contact sensing and identifying technique. Therefore, the effective access range of an RFID electronic label depends on the signal power of the reader. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 1 , in which a reader  10  and an RFID electronic label  11  are illustrated. For wirelessly reading information contained in the RFID electronic label  11 , the RFID electronic label  11  should lie in a range accessible by the reader  10 . After obtaining data from the RFID electronic label  11 , the reader  10  passes the data to a remote server  12  linking thereto to have the data checked and verified according to a database  13 . Due to the wireless transmission feature, it is unnecessary to scan the products or objects piece by piece any more. Instead, the information of all the products or objects lying in the accessible range can be read at the same time so as to save time and laboring. 
     In addition, an RFID electronic label system exhibits a variety of advantages. For example, stock can be strictly controlled, logistics can be well managed, cashier efficiency can be raised, consuming behaviors can be readily collected and analyzed. Therefore, it is applicable to a variety of work procedures such as cargo delivery, vehicle maintenance, electronic charge, etc. 
     For preventing from identifying errors and rejecting fake labels, the reading operation of an RFID electronic label involves a critical checking and verifying process. Currently, there are two means for identifying an RFID electronic label. One directs to a closed system and the other directs to an open system. A closed RFID system is applicable to a highly secured system such as an entrance guard system or a mass transportation system. When an article or an object with an RFID electronic label passes the accessible range of a reader, the reader sends a pin code to the RFID electronic label by way of a wireless signal with a specified communication format. After the RFID electronic label receives the pin code, it checks if the received pin code conforms to the one stored therein. Once the pin code is verified, the RFID electronic label is allowed to send the requested data to the reader. As the above-mentioned pin code is transmitted under an encryption state, a decryption operation is required for the RFID electronic label to extract the pin code so as to secure the verification process. Generally, the reader in the closed RFID system is under well protection. 
     On the other hand, the open RFID system is applicable to publicly available articles or commercial products. Since these articles or products need be transferred among various stations, e.g. factories, logistic centers, retailers, etc., an RFID electronic label is required to be identifiable by readers of those stations. Furthermore, the reading operation of the RFID electronic label has to be fast and efficient. As a result, it is hard to strictly control the data safety. One possible way to verify the RFID electronic label is to link the readers to an information system (e.g. the backend remote server  12  and database  13  of  FIG. 1 ) via Internet so that specific information, e.g. name of manufacturer, manufacturing place or producing date and time, read from the RFID electronic label can be checked according to the data recorded in the information system. 
     Security is critical to a closed RFID system, while efficiency is a key factor for an open RFID system. Due to the different requirements, electronic labels generally used in these two systems are different in design concepts. In other words, these two kinds of labels have to be produced by different specifications of production lines. As a result, the production cost is increased. Furthermore, the label-verifying information applicable to an open RFID system is generally recorded into the labels by the label users. It is highly risky that others might easily copy or alter the information so as to cause loss of products or money. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, the present invention provides an RFID chip adapted to various RFID systems. 
     The present invention also provides a setting method of an RFID chip to enable the use with a specified one of various RFID systems. 
     The present invention further provides an operating method of an RFID chip adjusted depending on a set data of the RFID chip. 
     In an embodiment, the present invention provides an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip to be disposed in an electronic label. The RFID chip is modifiable to allow the electronic label to be selectively used with a first type of RFID system or a second type of RFID system. The RFID chip includes a first data storage zone for storing first data set accessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system; and a second data storage zone for storing second data set inaccessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system; wherein the second data set includes a modifiable code for indicating with which of the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system the electronic label is to be used. 
     In an embodiment, the RFID chip further comprises a first circuit for communicating with the first type of RFID system; a second circuit for communicating with the second type of RFID system; and a discriminating circuit for actuating one of the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system according to the modifiable code included in the second data set. 
     In an embodiment, the RFID chip further comprises a calculating circuit for obtaining a checking code according to a first data included in the first data set, a second data included in the second data set. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a setting method of an RFID chip to be disposed in an electronic label which is selectively used with a first type of RFID system or a second type of RFID system. The setting method comprises: storing a first data set in a first data storage zone of the RFID chip, wherein the first data storage is accessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system; storing a second data set in a second data storage zone of the RFID chip, wherein the second data storage zone is inaccessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system; and modifying a modifiable code included in the second data set depending on which type of RFID system the electronic label is to be used with. 
     In an embodiment, a second code included in the second data set is modified depending on whether an identification procedure of the electronic label is to be executed by the RFID chip or the RFID system the electronic label is to be used with. 
     A further aspect of the present invention relates to an operating method of an RFID chip to be disposed in an electronic label, which includes referring to a security code stored in a secured data storage zone of the RFID chip; selectively actuating a first circuit of the RFID chip when the security code indicates the RFID chip is to be used with a first type of RFID system; and selectively actuating a second circuit of the RFID chip when the security code indicates the RFID chip is to be used with a second type of RFID system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating means for identifying an RFID label according to prior art; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating means for identifying an RFID label according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an RFID chip with an RFID system of  FIG. 3  according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an RFID chip with an RFID system of  FIG. 3  according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an RFID chip with an RFID system of  FIG. 3  according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating an RFID chip used with an RFID system for identifying an RFID label according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an RFID chip with an RFID system of  FIG. 6  according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an RFID chip with an RFID system of  FIG. 6  according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Please refer to  FIG. 2 , which is a schematic diagram showing means for identifying an electronic label according to an embodiment of the present invention, including an RFID chip and an RFID system with which the electronic label is currently used (hereinafter, “the current RFID system”). The current RFID system  200  includes a reader  201 , a remote server  202  and a database  203  linking to one another via cables, wireless signals or internet for communicating with an RFID chip  20  embedded in an electronic label  2  in a wireless manner when the RFID electronic label  2  lies within a range accessible by the reader  201 . The reader  201  exchanges data with the RFID chip  20 , and the remote server  202  searches data in the database  203  or accesses data from the database when required. 
     In the RFID chip  20 , a memory device is disposed and includes a data storage zone  21  accessible by a common RFID system or a common reader and a data storage zone  22  secured from access by a common RFID system or a common reader. The data storage zone  21  includes a product ID zone  211 , a chip maker zone  212  and a product data zone  213 . The data storage zone  22  includes a control zone  220 . The product ID zone  211  is provided for a product maker to record a product ID, i.e. a code specifically representing a product where the electronic label  2  is attached. The chip maker zone  212  is a read-only memory zone in which data are written in advance by a chip maker and cannot be modified or changed. The data, for example, include a tag series ID that is a code specifically representing the chip and/or a remote server IP provided by the product maker. The product data zone  213  allows the product maker to write therein a variety of information associated with the product where the electronic label  2  is attached, e.g. name, price, producing date and/or producing place of the product. On the other hand, the control zone  220  records therein a security code  221  consisting of one bit in this embodiment, a direction code  222  consisting of one bit in this embodiment, and a calculation code  223  consisting of plural bits in this embodiment. The control zone  220  is a zone hidden from free access so that the security code  221 , direction code  222  and calculation code  223  cannot be set or changed by the product maker or seller. 
     The RFID chip  20  further includes a first circuit  241 , a second circuit  242  and a discriminating circuit  23 . The first circuit  241  and the second circuit  242  are selectively actuated by the discriminating circuit for working with different RFID systems such as an open RFID system and a closed RFID system, respectively. The discriminating circuit  23  determines which of the first circuit  241  and the second circuit  242  to be actuated according to the security code  221  recorded in the control zone  220 . For example, if the electronic label  2  with the RFID chip  20  is to be used in an open system that does not require a high security level, the chip maker will set the security code  221  in the control zone  220  of the RFID chip  20  to be “0” in order that the RFID electronic label  2  can be identifiable by readers of various stations including factories, logistic centers, retailers, etc. according to a common communication protocol. Under this circumstance, the direction code  222  and calculation code  223  in the control zone  220  of the RFID chip  20  are disregarded. Detecting that the security code is “0”, the discriminating circuit  23  actuates the first circuit  241  to accomplish the data transmission and identification required for an open RFID system. On the other hand, if the electronic label  2  with the RFID chip  20  is to be used in a closed system that requires a high security level, the chip maker will set the security code  221  in the control zone  220  of the RFID chip  20  to be “1”. Meanwhile, the direction code  222  and calculation code  223  in the control zone  220  of the RFID chip  20  are additionally checked. Then the discriminating circuit  23  actuates the second circuit  242  to accomplish the data transmission and identification required for a closed RFID system. In this way, with the same RFID chip modified with different security codes, the RFID chip can be selectively used with an open RFID system or a closed RFID system. 
     Even with the same security code  221  to be used in a closed system, the RFID chip can be further modified to be used in different closed systems by differentially setting the direction code  222 . The direction code  222  is used to indicate whether the identification procedure of the electronic label is to be performed by the reader  201  of the current RFID system  200  or the discriminating circuit  23  of the RFID chip  20 . For example, the direction code “0” indicates that the identification procedure of the electronic label is to be performed by the discriminating circuit  23  of the RFID chip  20 , e.g. payment cards, electronic tickets, etc., while direction code “1” indicates that the identification procedure of the electronic label is to be performed by the reader  201  of the current RFID system  200 , e.g. entrance-guarding card readers, safe-unlocking card readers, etc. In order that the identification procedure of the electronic label can be performed by the discriminating circuit  23 , identification-related data should be transmitted from the current RFID system  200  to the RFID chip  20  wirelessly. On the other hand, in order that the identification procedure of the electronic label can be performed by the reader  201 , identification-related data should be transmitted from the RFID chip  20  to the current RFID system  200  wirelessly. 
     The identification-related data mentioned above includes the product ID and/or tag series ID, and additionally, a checking code. For further assuring of security in a closed system, a primitive checking code is previously generated and stored in a database of an RFID system with which the electronic label is to be used (hereinafter, “the associated RFID system”) during the production of the RFID chip  20 . On the other hand, an identifying checking code is generated by a calculating circuit  25  of the RFID chip  20  during the identification procedure of the electronic label  2 . The generation of the primitive checking code and the identifying checking code for the same RFID chip are both performed by the calculating circuit  25  based on a specific operating formula. First of all, a random value is generated according to the calculation code  223 . The random value is then operated with the product ID or tag series ID by the calculating circuit  25  to obtain the primitive checking code or the identifying checking code. The primitive checking code is stored in the database of the associated RFID system in advance as well as the product ID and tag series ID. Afterwards, when an identification procedure is performed, an identifying checking code is generated and compared with the previously stored primitive checking code. If the two checking codes comply with each other under a specified product ID or tag series ID, the electronic label is successfully identified. 
     Hereinafter, the operations of RFID chips in an open system and a closed system are respectively illustrated with reference to the flowcharts of  FIGS. 3˜5 . 
     An identification procedure of an electronic label according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with reference to the flowchart of  FIG. 3 . It is to be noted that before the identification procedure is performed, product ID as that stored in the product ID zone and tag series ID as that stored in the read-only chip maker zone of the RFID chip are stored into a database of the associated RF system in advance. Afterwards, when the electronic label is used with an open RFID system, the identification procedure as illustrated in  FIG. 3  is performed. In response to a checking signal issued by a reader of the current RFID system, the discriminating circuit checks the security code of the RFID chip. If the security code is “0”, it indicates that the present RFID chip is to be used with an open RFID system. Accordingly, the discriminating circuit actuates the first circuit for data transmission and identification. Meanwhile, the discriminating circuit transmits product ID, tag series ID and server IP to the reader. The reader links to the remote server according to the server IP recorded in the electronic label. The remote server then searches the database to confirm whether the product ID and tag series ID recorded in the electronic label are correct and really exists. If yes, the identification of the electronic label is completed. Since the server IP and tag series ID are given by chip maker as read-only data, the identification of the electronic label involving these data are quite reliable. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an identification procedure of an electronic label according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Likewise, before the identification procedure is performed, product ID as that stored in the product ID zone or tag series ID as that stored in the read-only chip maker zone of the RFID chip are stored into a database of the associated RFID system in advance. In addition, the primitive checking code is also generated and stored into the database. When the electronic label is used with a closed RFID system, the identification procedure as illustrated in  FIG. 4  is performed. In response to a checking signal issued by a reader of the current RFID system, the discriminating circuit checks the security code and direction code of the RFID chip. If the security code is “1” and the direction code is “0”, it indicates that the present RFID chip is to be used with a closed RFID system, and the identification procedure is to be executed by the discrimination circuit. In this case, the discriminating circuit actuates the second circuit to transmit the product ID or tag series ID to the reader, and the reader transfers the information to the remote server. The remote server then searches a corresponding primitive checking code in the database according to the product ID or tag series ID. The primitive checking code is transmitted to the discriminating circuit via the reader. The discriminating circuit compares the primitive checking code with the identifying checking code newly obtained by the calculating circuit. If the two checking codes comply with each other under a specified product ID or tag series ID, the electronic label is successfully identified. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an identification procedure of an electronic label according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Likewise, before the identification procedure is performed, product ID as that stored in the product ID zone or tag series ID as that stored in the read-only chip maker zone of the RFID chip are stored into a database of the associated RFID system in advance. In addition, the primitive checking code is also generated and stored into the database. When the electronic label is used with a closed RFID system, the identification procedure as illustrated in  FIG. 5  is performed. In response to a checking signal issued by a reader of the current RFID system, the discriminating circuit checks the security code and direction code of the RFID chip. If the security code is “1” and the direction code is “1”, it indicates that the present RFID chip is to be used with a closed RFID system, and the identification procedure is to be executed by the reader. In this case, the discriminating circuit actuates the second circuit to transmit the identifying checking code newly obtained by the calculating circuit to the reader. The reader further realizes a corresponding primitive checking code by having the remote server search the database according to the product ID or tag series ID. The reader compares the primitive checking code with the identifying checking code. If the two checking codes comply with each other under a specified product ID or tag series ID, the electronic label is successfully identified. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 6  which is a schematic diagram showing means for identifying an electronic label according to an embodiment of the present invention, including an RFID chip and an closed RFID system with which the electronic label is currently used (hereinafter, “the current RFID system”). In this RFID system, the reader  601  is not connected to the database  603 . Therefore, there is no primitive checking code previously stored to be referred for identification. Instead, the reader  601  is disposed therein a calculating circuit. In other words, there are two calculating circuits, i.e. a first calculating circuit  65  disposed in the RFID chip  60  and a second calculating circuit  604  disposed in the reader  601 , involved. In the RFID chip  60 , the first calculating circuit  65  performs a first checking-code operation of production ID or tag series ID and a random value generated based on the calculation code  623  according to a first operation formula. Accordingly, a first identifying checking code is obtained. Meanwhile, the production ID or tag series ID and random value generated based on the calculation code  623  are also provided for the reader  601  by the discriminating circuit  63  to perform a second checking-code operation by the second calculating circuit  604 , thereby obtaining a second checking code. Once a certain correlation of the first identifying checking code to the second identifying checking code is satisfied, e.g. the first checking code is equal to the second checking code when the first operation formula is identical to the second operation formula, the electronic label is successfully identified. 
     It is understood that the logic operation formula is preferably set by the chip maker and kept as a secret for security. If the reader  601  and the electronic label  6  are not a valid pair, the first operation formula may not be identical to the second operation formula. Thus the identification of the electronic label fails because the first identifying checking code and the second identifying checking code are not equal to each other. 
     Hereinafter, without liking to the database  603 , an example of the use of an RFID chip with security code “1” and direction code “0” and an example of the use of a RFID chip with security code “1” and direction code “1” are illustrated. 
     Refer to the flowchart of  FIG. 7 . If the security code  621  is “1” and the direction code  622  is “0”, the comparison of the first identifying checking code with the second identifying checking code is performed by the RFID chip  60 . In other words, both the first calculating circuit  65  and the second calculating circuit  604  perform calculation of checking codes based on the same data with respective operation formulae. The discriminating circuit actuates the second circuit  642  to transmit the product ID or tag series ID to the reader  601  for calculating the second checking code. Afterwards, the reader  601  transmits the second checking code calculated by the second calculating circuit  604  to the RFID chip  60  to be compared with the first checking code calculated by the first calculating circuit  65 . Once the two checking codes comply with each, the electronic label  6  is successfully identified. 
     Refer to the flowchart of  FIG. 8 . If the security code  621  is “1” and the direction code  622  is “1”, the comparison of the first identifying checking code with the second identifying checking code is performed by the reader  601 . In other words, both the first calculating circuit  65  and the second calculating circuit  604  perform calculation of checking codes based on the same data with respective operation formulae. The discriminating circuit actuates the second circuit  642  to transmit the product ID or tag series ID to the reader  601  for calculating the second checking code. In addition, the discriminating transmits the first checking code obtained by the first calculating circuit  65  to the reader  601  via the second circuit  642 . Afterwards, the reader  601  compares the first checking code with the second checking code. Once the two checking codes comply with each, the electronic label  6  is successfully identified. 
     In this embodiment, since an additional calculating circuit  604  is disposed in the reader  601 , the calculation code  623  is not needed and thus can be floating or set as a constant. 
     In view of the foregoing, it is understood that an electronic label with an RFID chip according to the present invention can be flexibly used in various RFID systems, closed or open, by providing enough circuitry required for data transmission and identification in these systems, and using different codes, e.g. security code, direction code and calculation code, in the control zone to distinguish and differentially operate the systems. In addition, with the specific operation mechanism, fake readers or electronic labels can be screened out. Furthermore, by constraining access and forbidding modification of the control codes and the logic operation formula, which for example can be provided by the chip maker, the reliability of the systems can be further confirmed. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.