Apparatus and method for effecting covert continuous reading and logging of a radio frequency identification tag

摘要

Apparatus (2) for effecting covert continuous reading and logging of a radio frequency identification tag (4), comprising a reader (6) for continuously reading the radio frequency identification tag (4), logging means for logging information obtained by the reader (6), at least one battery (8) for the reader (6), an antenna (10) for enabling the reader (6) to communicate with the tag (4), and a container (12) which contains the reader (6) and the battery (8), and the covert reading apparatus (2) being such that the battery (8) is in a condition in which it is supplying electrical power to the reader (6), whereby the reader (6) is able continuously to read the tag (4). The container (12) and the antenna (10) are packaged together (14) for delivery by transport whereby the reader (6) is able to operate in a covert manner, without manual operation and continuously read the radio frequency identification tag (4) without unauthorized personnel knowing that the reading of the radio frequency identification tag (4) is taking place and the reader (6) and the battery (8) are mounted in the container (12) such that they do not become damaged during transportation. A method of effecting covert continuous reading and logging of a radio frequency identification tag (4) is also disclosed.