RFID tag pairing method and device based on near-field coupling

Abstract

This invention proposes a method and device for pairing RFID tags based on near-field coupling. This method configures a flag in a flag storage unit to set an RFID tag as either a master or slave tag. Tag pairing is achieved through near-field coupling communication between the master and slave tags. A reader only needs to perform a normal inventory to obtain tag pairing information. This method enables accurate and efficient batch pairing of RFID tags.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of RFID tag communication, and in particular to a RFID tag pairing method and device based on near-field coupling. Background Art

[0002] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a contactless, automatic identification technology. Accurately and efficiently pairing tags in a multi-tag environment has become a key challenge in the development of RFID technology. Existing RFID tag-to-tag pairing methods rely on wired connections, with a master tag driving a slave tag. The reader then simultaneously counts information from both the master and slave tags. This approach results in poor connection stability, inaccurate counts, and low pairing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose of the invention: The present invention aims to provide a method and device for RFID tag pairing based on near-field coupling, so as to at least partially overcome the defects of the prior art.

[0004] Summary of the invention: To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for pairing RFID tags based on near-field coupling is provided, wherein the RFID tag includes a short-range communication antenna, a long-range communication antenna, and a flag storage unit, wherein the long-range communication antenna is used to communicate with other RFID tags, and the long-range communication antenna is used to communicate with a reader; the method includes:

[0006] After the RFID tag is powered on, the RFID tag checks whether a flag bit exists in the flag bit storage unit. If so, the local end role is determined to be a master tag or a slave tag according to the flag bit; if not, the RFID tag enters a normal inventory working mode;

[0007] After determining the local role, the RFID tag pairs with other RFID tags through the local short-range communication antenna; after successful pairing, the master tag obtains and stores the EPC data information of the slave tag, and then switches to the normal inventory working mode; if the pairing fails, the master tag or the slave tag enters the normal inventory working mode;

[0008] In the normal inventory working mode, the RFID tag responds to the inventory signal of the reader and sends the EPC data information stored on the local end to the reader, wherein the master tag that is successfully paired sends the EPC data information of the local end and the EPC data information of the corresponding slave tag.

[0009] As an optional implementation of the method described in the first aspect, the flag bit in the flag bit storage unit is pre-written from the outside.

[0010] As an optional implementation of the method described in the first aspect, the flag storage unit is a non-volatile memory.

[0011] As an optional implementation of the method of the first aspect, after determining the local role, the RFID tag pairs with other RFID tags through the local short-range communication antenna, specifically including:

[0012] The master tag sends a detection signal to the slave tag, and the slave tag returns a response signal after receiving the detection signal;

[0013] In response to receiving the response signal, the master tag sends a pairing request command and enters a data reception waiting state;

[0014] The slave tag sends the EPC data information of the local end to the master tag in response to the request pairing command;

[0015] The master tag stores the EPC data information of the slave tag to complete the pairing.

[0016] Specifically, if the master tag does not receive the response information from the slave tag within a preset time period after entering the waiting data reception state, the pairing fails and the master tag switches to the normal inventory working mode.

[0017] In a second aspect, an RFID tag pairing device based on near-field coupling is provided, comprising: a plurality of RFID tags and a reader, wherein the RFID tags include a short-range communication antenna, a long-range communication antenna, and a flag storage unit, the long-range communication antenna being used to communicate with other RFID tags, and the long-range communication antenna being used to communicate with the reader;

[0018] The RFID tag is configured to check whether a flag bit exists in the flag bit storage unit after power-on, and if so, determine whether the local end role is a master tag or a slave tag according to the flag bit; if not, enter a normal inventory working mode;

[0019] The RFID tag is further configured to pair with other RFID tags via its own short-range communication antenna after determining its own role; upon successful pairing, the master tag acquires and stores the EPC data information of the slave tag and then enters a normal inventory working mode; if pairing fails, the master tag or the slave tag enters a normal inventory working mode;

[0020] The RFID tag is also configured to send the EPC data information stored on the local end to the reader in response to the inventory signal of the reader in a normal inventory working mode, wherein the master tag that is successfully paired sends the EPC data information of the local end and the EPC data information of the corresponding slave tag.

[0021] As an optional implementation manner of the device described in the second aspect, the flag bit in the flag bit storage unit is pre-written from the outside.

[0022] As an optional implementation of the device described in the second aspect, the flag storage unit is a non-volatile memory.

[0023] As an optional implementation manner of the device described in the second aspect, when pairing, the master tag sends a detection signal to the slave tag, and the slave tag returns a response signal after receiving the detection signal; the master tag sends a request pairing command in response to receiving the response signal, and enters a waiting state for data reception; the slave tag responds to the request pairing command and sends the EPC data information of the local end to the master tag; the master tag stores the EPC data information of the slave tag to complete the pairing.

[0024] Specifically, if the master tag does not receive the response information from the slave tag within a preset time period after entering the waiting data reception state, the pairing fails and the master tag switches to the normal inventory working mode.

[0025] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the RFID tag pairing method and device based on near-field coupling proposed in the present invention have the following advantages:

[0026] 1. In the above-mentioned RFID tag pairing method based on near-field coupling, the RFID tag is set as a master tag or a slave tag by configuring the flag bit in the flag storage unit, and the tag pairing is achieved through near-field coupling communication between the master and slave tags. The reader only needs to perform normal inventory to obtain the tag pairing information.

[0027] 2. In the above-mentioned RFID tag pairing method based on near-field coupling, when the flag storage unit does not store the flag, the RFID tag is in a normal inventory working mode, so that the RFID tag can be applied to other scenarios that do not require pairing.

[0028] 3. The master tag and the slave tag detect each other's presence during power-on initialization to ensure the accuracy and stability of the pairing process, enabling the tags to flexibly adapt to the needs of different application scenarios, expanding the application scope of RFID technology and meeting more scenarios that require tag pairing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1The figure is a schematic structural diagram of an RFID tag involved in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 The figure is a flow chart of an RFID tag pairing method based on near-field coupling involved in an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the workflow after the main tag involved in the embodiment is powered on.

[0032] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the workflow after the tag is powered on according to the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of an RFID tag pairing device based on near-field coupling according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, it should be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various forms, and the following exemplary and non-limiting embodiments shown in the drawings and described below are not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments described.

[0035] It should be understood that, where technically feasible, the technical features listed above for different embodiments may be combined with each other to form additional embodiments within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the specific examples and embodiments described in the present invention are non-limiting, and the structures, steps, and sequences described above may be modified accordingly without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an RFID tag is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the RFID tag includes a short-range communication antenna, a long-range communication antenna, and a flag storage unit. The long-range communication antenna is used to communicate with the reader, specifically receiving commands and harvesting energy. The short-range communication antenna communicates data with other RFID tags through near-field coupling. The short-range communication antenna provides a near-field communication range of 1-2 cm.

[0037] It should be noted that the above RFID tag should obviously also have a chip / microprocessor for instruction processing / data processing. To simplify the drawings, Figure 1 Not shown in the figure.

[0038] against Figure 1 The RFID tag shown in this embodiment provides an RFID tag pairing method based on near-field coupling. Figure 2 , Figure 2 A flow chart of a RFID tag pairing method based on near-field coupling is given as an example. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes steps S200 to S204:

[0039] S200: After the RFID tag is powered on, it checks whether there is a flag bit in the flag storage unit. If so, the local role is determined as a master tag or a slave tag according to the flag bit; if not, the RFID tag enters a normal inventory working mode.

[0040] The above-mentioned RFID tag powering up means that the RFID tag collects energy from the electromagnetic waves emitted by the reader through the long-distance communication antenna and converts it into electrical energy to supply its own work.

[0041] The flag storage unit mentioned above can be a non-volatile memory. The flag in the flag storage unit can be written in advance from the outside before executing this step S100. According to the written flag, the above-mentioned RFID tag can be divided into a master tag and a slave tag. If the flag is not written in the flag storage unit of the RFID tag, the RFID tag directly enters the normal inventory working mode after power-on. Through this design, the above-mentioned RFID tag can be flexibly adapted to different application scenarios, and can be used in scenarios requiring tag pairing as well as in single-tag scenarios.

[0042] It should be noted that the flag bits of the master tag and the slave tag can be set according to requirements, as long as the master tag and the slave tag can be distinguished.

[0043] S202: After determining its local role, the RFID tag pairs with other RFID tags through its local short-range communication antenna. After successful pairing, the master tag obtains and stores the EPC data information of the slave tag, and then enters the normal inventory working mode. If the pairing fails, the master tag or the slave tag enters the normal inventory working mode.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 Shows the workflow after the main tag is powered on. Figure 4 The following figure shows the workflow after the tag is powered on.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown in Figure 1, the master tag reads the flag bit after power-on and then starts pairing.

[0046] The master tag sends a detection signal to the slave tag, and the slave tag returns a response signal after receiving the detection signal. After receiving the response signal, the master tag issues a request pairing command and enters the waiting data reception state. If the slave tag successfully receives the request pairing command, it will reply with a confirmation signal to the master tag and send its own EPC data information. After the master tag determines that the request pairing command has been received based on the confirmation signal, it receives and stores the EPC data information sent by the slave tag. At this time, the pairing is completed and the master tag enters the normal inventory working mode. If the master tag does not receive a response information from the slave tag within the preset time period after entering the waiting data reception state, the pairing fails. At this time, the master tag still switches to the normal inventory working mode.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, after powering on, the slave tag reads the flag bit and waits for a detection signal from the master tag. Upon receiving the detection signal, it sends a confirmation signal to the master tag, at which point pairing begins. After pairing begins, the slave tag enters a state called "Waiting for Data Reception." If, during this state, the slave tag receives a request for pairing from the master tag, it sends a confirmation signal and its own EPC data to the master tag, then transitions to normal inventory mode. If, after entering the "Waiting for Data Reception" state, the slave tag does not receive a request for pairing from the master tag within a preset time period, pairing fails and the slave tag transitions to normal inventory mode.

[0048] S204: In the normal inventory working mode, the RFID tag responds to the inventory signal of the reader and sends the EPC data information stored on the local end to the reader. Among them, the successfully paired master tag sends the EPC data information of the local end and the EPC data information of the corresponding slave tag.

[0049] During the pairing process described above, the successfully paired master tag obtains the slave tag's EPC data and stores it. Upon receiving the reader's count command, the master tag sends two EPC data messages to the reader: one for the master tag and one for the slave tag. Unpaired master tags or slave tags, as well as ordinary tags without a written flag, only send their own EPC data to the reader after receiving the reader's count command. The reader then filters the received EPC data to obtain the RFID tag pairing information.

[0050] In this method, the master and slave tags can perform normal tag inventory regardless of whether they are paired successfully. Once paired, the master tag returns the pairing result, and the slave tag returns normal EPC data. The reader only needs to perform a normal inventory to obtain the tag pairing information.

[0051] In this method, the NFC antenna of an RFID tag provides a near-field communication range of 1-2 cm, so communication between the master and slave tags is possible only when they are in close proximity. After receiving the EPC data from a slave tag, the master tag enters normal inventory mode, preventing multiple slave tags from responding to a single master tag. This ensures the accuracy and stability of the pairing process, preventing invalid pairings.

[0052] Corresponding to the above method, this embodiment also provides an RFID tag pairing device based on near-field coupling, which is used to implement the above RFID tag pairing method based on near-field coupling. Figure 5 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an RFID tag pairing device based on near field coupling, which includes multiple RFID tags and readers. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a short-range communication antenna, a long-range communication antenna, and a flag storage unit. The short-range communication antenna is used to communicate with other RFID tags, while the long-range communication antenna is used to communicate with the reader and harvest energy. The short-range communication antenna provides a near-field communication range of 1 to 2 cm.

[0053] It should be noted that Figure 5 The computer control terminal and antenna are shown for exemplary purposes only. The reader described in this embodiment is a device that can perform the corresponding functions in this embodiment. In actual operation, the computer control terminal of the reader can be built into the reader or independently set and connected to the reader. The antenna of the reader can be directly integrated into the reader or independently set and connected to the reader.

[0054] The RFID tag is configured to check whether a flag bit exists in the flag bit storage unit after power-on. If so, the local role is determined as a master tag or a slave tag according to the flag bit; if not, the RFID tag enters the normal inventory working mode.

[0055] The RFID tag is also configured to pair with other RFID tags through its own short-range communication antenna after determining its own role; after successful pairing, the master tag obtains and stores the EPC data information of the slave tag, and then enters normal inventory working mode; if pairing fails, the master tag or the slave tag enters normal inventory working mode.

[0056] The RFID tag is also configured to send the EPC data information stored on this end to the reader in response to the reader's inventory signal in normal inventory working mode, wherein the successfully paired master tag sends the EPC data information of this end and the EPC data information of the corresponding slave tag.

[0057] Specifically, the RFID tag being powered on means that the RFID tag collects energy from electromagnetic waves emitted by the reader through the long-distance communication antenna and converts the energy into electrical energy for its own operation.

[0058] The flag storage unit mentioned above can be a non-volatile memory. The flag in the flag storage unit can be written in advance from the outside before executing this step S100. According to the written flag, the above-mentioned RFID tag can be divided into a master tag and a slave tag. If the flag is not written in the flag storage unit of the RFID tag, the RFID tag directly enters the normal inventory working mode after power-on. Through this design, the above-mentioned RFID tag can be flexibly adapted to different application scenarios, and can be used in scenarios requiring tag pairing as well as in single-tag scenarios.

[0059] It should be noted that the flag bits of the master tag and the slave tag can be set according to requirements, as long as the master tag and the slave tag can be distinguished.

[0060] Specifically, during the pairing process, the steps performed by the master tag and the slave tag may refer to the corresponding content in the above step S202, which will not be repeated here.

[0061] During the pairing process described above, the successfully paired master tag obtains the slave tag's EPC data and stores it. Upon receiving the reader's count command, the master tag sends two EPC data messages to the reader: one for the master tag and one for the slave tag. Unpaired master tags or slave tags, as well as ordinary tags without a written flag, only send their own EPC data to the reader after receiving the reader's count command. The reader then filters the received EPC data to obtain the RFID tag pairing information.

[0062] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0063] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these variations and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A RFID tag pairing method based on near-field coupling, characterized in that: The RFID tag includes a short-range communication antenna, a long-range communication antenna, and a flag storage unit. The long-range communication antenna is used to communicate with other RFID tags, and the long-range communication antenna is used to communicate with a reader. The short-range communication antenna provides a near-field communication distance of 1 to 2 cm. The method includes: After the RFID tag is powered on, the RFID tag checks whether a flag bit exists in the flag bit storage unit. If so, the local end role is determined to be a master tag or a slave tag according to the flag bit; if not, the RFID tag enters a normal inventory working mode; After the RFID tag determines the local role, the master tag sends a detection signal to the slave tag, and the slave tag returns a response signal after receiving the detection signal; in response to receiving the response signal, the master tag sends a request pairing command and enters a waiting state for data reception; in response to the request pairing command, the slave tag sends the EPC data information of the local end to the master tag; after receiving the EPC data information of a slave tag, the master tag enters a normal inventory working mode and stores the EPC data information of the slave tag to complete the pairing; if the master tag does not receive the response information of the slave tag within a preset time period after entering the waiting state for data reception, the pairing fails, and the master tag enters a normal inventory working mode; In the normal inventory working mode, the RFID tag responds to the inventory signal of the reader and sends the EPC data information stored on the local end to the reader, wherein the master tag that is successfully paired sends the EPC data information of the local end and the EPC data information of the corresponding slave tag; The reader obtains RFID tag pairing information after screening the received EPC data information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The flag bits in the flag bit storage unit are written in advance from the outside.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The flag storage unit is a non-volatile memory.

4. An RFID tag pairing device based on near-field coupling, characterized in that: include: Multiple RFID tags and readers, wherein the RFID tags include a short-range communication antenna, a long-range communication antenna, and a flag storage unit. The long-range communication antenna is used to communicate with other RFID tags, and the short-range communication antenna provides a near-field communication distance of 1 to 2 cm. The long-range communication antenna is used to communicate with the reader. The RFID tag is configured to check whether a flag bit exists in the flag bit storage unit after power-on, and if so, determine the local end role as a master tag or a slave tag according to the flag bit; If it does not exist, it will enter the normal inventory working mode; After the RFID tag determines the local role, the master tag sends a detection signal to the slave tag, and the slave tag returns a response signal after receiving the detection signal; in response to receiving the response signal, the master tag sends a request pairing command and enters a state of waiting for data reception; The slave tag responds to the pairing request command by sending the EPC data information of the local end to the master tag; after receiving the EPC data information of a slave tag, the master tag enters the normal inventory working mode and stores the EPC data information of the slave tag to complete the pairing; if the master tag does not receive the response information of the slave tag within a preset time period after entering the waiting data reception state, the pairing fails and the master tag enters the normal inventory working mode; The RFID tag is further configured to, in a normal inventory working mode, send the EPC data information stored on the local end to the reader in response to the inventory signal of the reader, wherein the master tag that is successfully paired sends the EPC data information of the local end and the EPC data information of the corresponding slave tag; The reader is configured to obtain RFID tag pairing information after screening the received EPC data information.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The flag bits in the flag bit storage unit are written in advance from the outside.

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The flag storage unit is a non-volatile memory.

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