Book scanning system and scanning method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a book scanning system and a scanning method thereof, and relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and the scanning system comprises a workbench, an antenna array, an RFID chip and a control processing unit. The radiation characteristic of the antenna, the physical adjustment of the workbench and the systematic design of the layout structure of the RFID chip work cooperatively to solve the technical problem of thick stack scanning; the antenna array integrates multiple advanced designs of antenna miniaturization, beam forming, interference shielding and the like, the combination of the specific characteristics generates the technical effect of concentrating radio frequency energy to penetrate through a book pile of tens of centimeters, and compared with an existing wide-beam library RFID antenna, the wide-beam library RFID antenna can penetrate and scan many to dozens of books at a time, and the recognition rate is improved; according to the scanning system, one-time, high-speed and high-accuracy batch scanning of multiple stacked books is achieved through the high-directivity antenna array, the intelligent adjusting workbench cooperating with the high-directivity antenna array and the targeted book chip layout.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a book scanning system and scanning method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, libraries and large-scale book and archive management institutions widely use RFID technology for book management, enabling self-service borrowing and returning as well as rapid inventory. However, existing technologies have significant bottlenecks: traditional RFID readers (such as handheld terminals or fixed readers) have limited identification range and weak signal penetration, typically only able to accurately identify a few stacked or closely placed books at a time. For scenarios requiring batch processing of multiple books tens of centimeters thick (such as in book return boxes, transport vehicles, or densely packed bookshelves), existing solutions are inefficient, requiring manual batch operations and failing to achieve truly "seamless" rapid scanning.

[0003] The root of the problem lies in traditional antenna design: on the one hand, its radiation pattern is not concentrated enough, and the energy is dispersed, resulting in insufficient penetration depth; on the other hand, existing systems lack a dedicated worktable that matches the antenna characteristics and can optimize the scanning environment and book orientation, causing severe signal attenuation and interference when multiple books are stacked. In addition, the installation position and structure of the built-in tags (chips) in the books have not been optimized for thick stacking scenarios, further reducing the reliability of recognition. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to propose a book scanning system and method to achieve one-time through-scanning of multiple to dozens of books and improve the recognition rate.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of this application provides a book scanning system, the scanning system comprising:

[0006] At least one worktable for holding and positioning multiple books to be scanned; At least one antenna array is disposed at a set position on the workbench for directionally transmitting RFID excitation signals of a set frequency to the multiple books and receiving feedback signals from the RFID chips. The RFID chip is used to be installed on the book; The control processing unit connected to the antenna array; The control processing unit is used to control the workbench so that the side of the book on the workbench with the RFID chip is aligned with the radiation main lobe direction of the antenna array; and to determine the thickness of the multiple books based on the feedback signal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the workbench includes a support panel and an adjustment module integrated below the support panel; The adjustment module is used to dynamically adjust the tilt angle or height of the antenna array at the bottom of the support panel according to the thickness and placement of the multiple books, so that the side of the multiple books containing the RFID chip is aligned with the radiation main lobe direction of the antenna array. The antenna array includes a multilayer printed circuit board substrate, a radiating patch unit fabricated on the upper surface of the multilayer printed circuit board substrate, a feeding network integrated inside the multilayer printed circuit board substrate, and a shielding cavity; the radiating patch unit is composed of multiple slotted patches arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner, and the feeding network uses a power divider to feed the multiple slotted patches with equal amplitude and a preset phase difference to form a directional circularly polarized beam concentrated along the direction perpendicular to the carrier panel. The RFID chip is encapsulated inside the book. The antenna terminal on the chip substrate of the RFID chip is connected to a strip coupling antenna extending along the direction in which the RFID chip is encapsulated in the book. The two ends of the strip coupling antenna extend to the front and back covers of the book.

[0008] In some embodiments, the adjustment module includes a distance sensor, a drive motor, and a height adjustment rod; The distance sensor is used to detect the thickness of the top surface of the multiple books; The control processing unit is used to control the operation of the drive motor according to the thickness, and to adjust the tilt angle or height of the antenna array at the bottom of the support panel through the height adjustment rod.

[0009] In some embodiments, the shielding cavity is a metal shell that is closed at the bottom and around the sides and open toward the support panel, used to shield rear and side interference in order to concentrate radio frequency energy.

[0010] In some embodiments, the power supply network integrates a component matching circuit for dynamically compensating the input impedance of the strip-coupled antenna in the 920-925MHz UHF operating frequency band, thereby expanding the operating bandwidth and improving radiation efficiency.

[0011] In some embodiments, the groove path of the slotted patch is used to guide the flow of surface current, thereby effectively extending the current path.

[0012] In some embodiments, the strip-coupled antenna is printed on a flexible thin film substrate and fitted into the spine liner in a predetermined shape, wherein the length of the strip-coupled antenna is at least 80% of the book thickness.

[0013] In some embodiments, the chip substrate is integrated by stacking radio frequency front-end, digital logic unit and memory. The input buffer circuit, output buffer circuit, register group and bus control circuit of the chip substrate are arranged in a set sequence along the edge of the chip substrate to minimize the area of ​​the chip substrate and optimize the connection impedance with the strip coupling antenna.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control processing unit is further connected to a visual auxiliary sensor for acquiring images of the multiple books and, in conjunction with the data read by the RFID chip, identifying the quantity of the multiple books.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of this application proposes a scanning method for a book scanning system. The scanning method is applied to the aforementioned book scanning system and includes the following steps: The control processing unit controls the workbench so that the side of the book encapsulated with the RFID chip on the workbench is aligned with the radiation main lobe direction of the antenna array. The antenna array transmits RFID excitation signals of a set frequency to multiple books on the workbench and receives feedback signals from the RFID chip. The control processing unit determines the thickness of the multiple books based on the feedback signal. The embodiments of this application include at least the following beneficial effects: This application provides a book scanning system and its scanning method. The solution of this application systematically designs the antenna radiation characteristics, the physical adjustment of the worktable, and the layout structure of the RFID chip, with the three working together to solve the technical problem of scanning thick stacked books. The antenna array integrates multiple advanced designs such as antenna miniaturization, beamforming, and interference shielding. The combination of these specific features produces the technical effect of concentrating radio frequency energy to penetrate stacks of books tens of centimeters thick. Compared with existing wide-beam library RFID antennas, it can penetrate and scan multiple to dozens of books at once and improve the recognition rate. The scanning system achieves one-time, high-speed, and high-accuracy batch scanning of multiple stacked books (tens of centimeters thick) through a highly directional antenna array, a coordinated intelligent adjustment worktable, and a targeted book chip layout. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a book scanning system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A front view of a book scanning system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A top view of a book scanning system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A side view of a book scanning system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit it. In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this application; they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0020] This application provides a book scanning system, the scanning system comprising: At least one worktable for holding and positioning multiple books to be scanned; At least one antenna array is disposed at a set position on the workbench for directionally transmitting RFID excitation signals of a set frequency to the multiple books and receiving feedback signals from the RFID chips. The RFID chip is used to be installed on the book; The control processing unit connected to the antenna array; The control processing unit is used to control the workbench so that the side of the book on the workbench with the RFID chip is aligned with the radiation main lobe direction of the antenna array; and to determine the thickness of the multiple books based on the feedback signal.

[0021] Optionally, the workbench includes a support panel and an adjustment module integrated below the support panel; The adjustment module is used to dynamically adjust the tilt angle or height of the antenna array at the bottom of the support panel according to the thickness and placement of the multiple books, so that the side of the multiple books containing the RFID chip is aligned with the radiation main lobe direction of the antenna array. The antenna array includes a multilayer printed circuit board substrate, a radiating patch unit fabricated on the upper surface of the multilayer printed circuit board substrate, a feeding network integrated inside the multilayer printed circuit board substrate, and a shielding cavity; the radiating patch unit is composed of multiple slotted patches arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner, and the feeding network uses a power divider to feed the multiple slotted patches with equal amplitude and a preset phase difference to form a directional circularly polarized beam concentrated along the direction perpendicular to the carrier panel. The RFID chip is encapsulated inside the book. The antenna terminal on the chip substrate of the RFID chip is connected to a strip coupling antenna extending along the direction in which the RFID chip is encapsulated in the book. The two ends of the strip coupling antenna extend to the front and back covers of the book.

[0022] Optionally, the adjustment module includes a distance sensor, a drive motor, and a height adjustment rod; The distance sensor is used to detect the thickness of the top surface of the multiple books; The control processing unit is used to control the operation of the drive motor according to the thickness, and to adjust the tilt angle or height of the antenna array at the bottom of the support panel through the height adjustment rod.

[0023] Optionally, the shielding cavity is a metal shell that is closed at the bottom and around the sides and open towards the support panel, used to shield rear and side interference in order to concentrate radio frequency energy.

[0024] Optionally, the power supply network integrates a component matching circuit for dynamically compensating the input impedance of the strip-coupled antenna in the 920-925MHz UHF operating frequency band, thereby expanding the operating bandwidth and improving radiation efficiency.

[0025] Optionally, the slotted patch's slot path is used to guide the flow of surface current, effectively extending the current path. It is understood that this embodiment can achieve lower frequency resonance under physically limited conditions, thereby enhancing the penetration capability of signals from chips within the stacked book.

[0026] Optionally, the strip-shaped coupling antenna is printed on a flexible thin film substrate and fitted into the spine liner in a predetermined shape, wherein the length of the strip-shaped coupling antenna is at least 80% of the thickness of the book.

[0027] Optionally, the chip substrate is integrated by stacking radio frequency front-end, digital logic unit and memory. The input buffer circuit, output buffer circuit, register group and bus control circuit of the chip substrate are arranged in a set sequence along the edge of the chip substrate to minimize the area of ​​the chip substrate and optimize the connection impedance with the strip coupling antenna.

[0028] Optionally, the control processing unit is also connected to a visual auxiliary sensor for acquiring images of the multiple books and, in conjunction with the data read by the RFID chip, identifying the quantity of the multiple books.

[0029] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of this application proposes a scanning method for a book scanning system. The scanning method is applied to the aforementioned book scanning system and includes the following steps: The control processing unit controls the workbench so that the side of the book encapsulated with the RFID chip on the workbench is aligned with the radiation main lobe direction of the antenna array. The antenna array transmits RFID excitation signals of a set frequency to multiple books on the workbench and receives feedback signals from the RFID chip. The control processing unit determines the thickness of the multiple books based on the feedback signal.

[0030] In some optional implementations, the scanning method may specifically include the following steps: Place multiple books on the workbench's support panel; The adjustment module is activated, and the thickness of the multiple books is detected by the distance sensor. This drives the antenna array at the bottom of the support panel to adjust its tilt angle or height, so that the spines of the multiple books are tilted to face the antenna array. The control processing unit controls the operation of the antenna array, and then drives the radiating patch unit to transmit RFID excitation signals of a set frequency to the multiple books through the feeding network; The RFID chip inside the spine of each of the multiple books receives an excitation signal and is activated via a strip coupling antenna. The stored book identification information is transmitted back via backscattering through a strip-coupled antenna using each of the RFID chips. Receive the transmitted signal using an antenna array; The control processing unit decodes, performs anti-collision processing, and analyzes the received feedback signal to separate and identify the unique identification information of each book. Output a list of all book information identified based on the unique identifier to the book management system; Once the scan is complete, the control module is reset.

[0031] The following sections will provide a detailed description and explanation of some optional embodiments of this application, using specific application examples.

[0032] This embodiment provides a complete system solution that can achieve one-time scanning of stacks of books up to 40 cm thick.

[0033] Specifically, this embodiment includes the following technical solutions: 1. Overall system composition.

[0034] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The book scanning system of this embodiment includes: a workbench, a support panel, a display screen, a distance sensor, a camera, support feet, and an RFID antenna and a height adjustment rod inside the workbench. It should be noted that the control processing unit and the RFID chip in the book are not shown in this embodiment, but it is understood that each book in this embodiment is equipped with an RFID chip, and the control processing unit can control the aforementioned workbench, support panel, display screen, distance sensor, camera, RFID antenna, height adjustment rod, and other necessary mechanisms. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The dimensions of the book scanning system in this embodiment are also provided.

[0035] Understandable Figure 1 The embodiment shown is an optional embodiment of the present application. Other embodiments of the present application are not shown.

[0036] 2. The specific structure of the intelligent workbench.

[0037] The main body of the workbench is a metal frame structure. Its core is a load-bearing panel that can support up to 50 kg, and the panel surface is covered with a non-slip silicone pad. An adjustment module is integrated beneath the load-bearing panel.

[0038] The adjustment module includes a laser rangefinder sensor, two silent stepper motors, and a linkage support mechanism. The rangefinder sensor, mounted on top, scans the outline of the top surface of the stack of books. The control processing unit calculates the optimal tilt angle (typically within the range of 0-30 degrees) based on the outline data, then drives the motors to precisely adjust the pitch angle of the antenna array via the linkage mechanism, ensuring that the spines of the entire stack of books face the antenna array in the best possible orientation relative to the horizontal plane.

[0039] 3. Detailed design of high-directivity antenna array.

[0040] The antenna array in this embodiment operates in the UHF RFID band (920.5-924.5MHz).

[0041] Physical Structure: The antenna array is encapsulated in an aluminum shielding cavity with dimensions of 60 cm × 40 cm × 5 cm. The cavity is only open on the front side (the side facing the workbench). The internal core is a four-layer FR4 printed circuit board (PCB) substrate with dimensions of 55 cm × 5 cm.

[0042] Radiating Elements: On the upper layer of the PCB substrate, 4 radiating patch elements arranged in a 2×2 matrix are etched. Each radiating patch is square, and a specific "hui" - shaped meandering slot is etched on its surface. This design enables each patch to generate right - hand circularly polarized radiation at the center frequency of 924 MHz. This slot structure equivalently extends the current path, achieving good low - frequency resonance characteristics within a limited size, which is beneficial for signal penetration through the medium.

[0043] Feeding Network: In the middle two layers of the PCB substrate, a feeding network composed of microstrip lines is integrated. The network adopts a three - stage Wilkinson power divider structure to equally distribute the input signal from the RF port, and by precisely designing the transmission line lengths, a continuous phase difference of 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° is applied to the signals fed to the 4 radiating patches. This phase relationship enables the radiation fields of the 4 patches to coherently superpose in the direction of the front - face normal and partially cancel in other directions, thus forming a sharp directional beam with a half - power beam width of approximately 30°. A non - Foster circuit based on a negative impedance converter is incorporated into the network, effectively broadening the impedance matching bandwidth of the antenna to 15 MHz, ensuring efficient radiation throughout the operating frequency band.

[0044] 4. Encapsulation form of the book chip.

[0045] The RFID chip in this embodiment uses an ultra - high - frequency chip compliant with the EPC Global C1G2 standard.

[0046] Chip Design: The chip adopts system - in - package (SiP), vertically stacking and encapsulating the analog RF front - end, digital processing core, and 2Kbit non - volatile memory, with a size of only 0.8 mm × 0.8 mm. Its I / O pins are symmetrically arranged along both sides of the chip to minimize lead inductance.

[0047] Antenna and Encapsulation: The chip is soldered onto a flexible polyimide film about 12 cm long and 2 mm wide, on which a "gong" - shaped strip - type coupling antenna formed by printing silver paste is printed. During the production of book binding, this film label is pre - pasted on the lining paper inside the book spine, such that the strip - type antenna extends longitudinally along the book spine. For a book with a thickness of 2 cm, the antenna length covers more than 60% of the book spine length. This layout ensures that regardless of how the book is placed in the stack, its long - strip antenna has a high probability of effectively coupling with the RF beam transmitted from the workbench direction.

[0048] 5. Specific working process of the scanning method.

[0049] In conjunction with the aforementioned hardware, the scanning method of this embodiment is performed according to the following steps: Initialization and Placement: The operator places a stack of books (approximately 70 books) about 35 cm thick in the center of the workbench support panel. The system is powered on, and the control processing unit initializes the various sensors and actuators.

[0050] Attitude adaptive adjustment: A distance sensor scans the stack of books, generating 3D point cloud data. The control processing unit calculates that the spines of the books have a natural tilt of approximately 10 degrees.

[0051] Then, the stepper motor is controlled to drive the antenna array at the bottom of the support panel to adjust counterclockwise first, and then clockwise by 15 degrees to compensate for the tilt and make the spine of the book roughly vertical.

[0052] Targeted batch scanning: The control processing unit sends a transmit command to the antenna array. The antenna array's feed network operates, driving the four radiating patch elements to transmit a right-hand circularly polarized radio frequency signal at a frequency of 922.5 MHz and a power of 30 dBm (compliant maximum power). Due to the antenna array's directivity, most of the radio frequency energy is concentrated within a beam with an approximately 30-degree cone angle, directed perpendicularly towards the spine of the stack of books.

[0053] The radio frequency beam penetrates the outermost book cover and enters the stack of books. Inside the stack, the RFID chips within the spines of each book are activated by their strip-coupled antennas capturing enough energy.

[0054] Signal processing and recognition: The activated chip sequentially backscatters and transmits the unique EPC code stored in its memory according to the anti-collision algorithm (such as the time-slotted ALOHA protocol).

[0055] The antenna array receives these weak reflected signals, amplifies them through an internal low-noise amplifier, and then transmits them to the control processing unit.

[0056] The control processing unit runs a decoding algorithm to separate and successfully decode 68 unique book EPC codes from the complex mixed signal. The system's built-in vision sensor (located on the side of the worktable, not shown in the figure) confirms the outline of the stack of books. The auxiliary algorithm eliminates a "missed read" caused by complete chip damage and corrects a "misread" caused by signal multipath interference.

[0057] Output and Reset: The control processing unit uploads the final list of 68 identified book IDs to the library management system via the network, completing the entry registration. Subsequently, the support panel returns to its horizontal position under motor drive, and the system issues a prompt sound, preparing for the next scan.

[0058] Through the specific structural design and process coordination described above, this embodiment successfully completed the batch scanning of a stack of 70 books, 35 cm thick, within 3 seconds after a single trigger, with a recognition rate of over 97%. Compared with the existing technology, which requires manual division into more than 10 scans, the efficiency is improved by more than 10 times, fully verifying the effectiveness and inventiveness of the technical solution of this application.

[0059] The preferred embodiments of the present application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this does not limit the scope of the claims of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and substance of the embodiments of the present application shall be within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A book scanning system, characterized in that, The scanning system includes: At least one worktable for holding and positioning multiple books to be scanned; At least one antenna array is disposed at a set position on the workbench for directionally transmitting RFID excitation signals of a set frequency to the multiple books and receiving feedback signals from the RFID chips. The RFID chip is used to be installed on the book; The control processing unit connected to the antenna array; The control processing unit is used to control the workbench so that the side of the book on the workbench with the RFID chip is aligned with the radiation main lobe direction of the antenna array; and to determine the thickness of the multiple books based on the feedback signal.

2. The book scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workbench includes a support panel and an adjustment module integrated below the support panel; The adjustment module is used to dynamically adjust the tilt angle or height of the antenna array at the bottom of the support panel according to the thickness and placement of the book, so that the side of the book containing the RFID chip is aligned with the radiation main lobe direction of the antenna array. The antenna array includes a multilayer printed circuit board substrate, a radiating patch unit fabricated on the upper surface of the multilayer printed circuit board substrate, a feed network integrated inside the multilayer printed circuit board substrate, and a shielding cavity. The radiating patch unit is composed of multiple slotted patches arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner. The power supply network uses a power divider to feed the multiple slotted patches with equal amplitude and a preset phase difference to form a directional circularly polarized beam concentrated along the direction perpendicular to the bearing panel. The RFID chip is encapsulated inside the book. The antenna terminal on the chip substrate of the RFID chip is connected to a strip coupling antenna extending along the direction in which the RFID chip is encapsulated in the book. The two ends of the strip coupling antenna extend to the front and back covers of the book.

3. A book scanning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment module includes a distance sensor, a drive motor, and a height adjustment rod; The distance sensor is used to detect the thickness of the top surface of the multiple books; The control processing unit is used to control the operation of the drive motor according to the thickness, and to adjust the tilt angle or height of the antenna array at the bottom of the support panel through the height adjustment rod.

4. A book scanning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shielding cavity is a metal shell that is closed at the bottom and around the sides and open towards the support panel. It is used to shield rear and side interference in order to concentrate radio frequency energy.

5. A book scanning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power supply network integrates a component matching circuit to dynamically compensate the input impedance of the strip-coupled antenna in the 920-925MHz UHF operating frequency band, thereby expanding the operating bandwidth and improving radiation efficiency.

6. A book scanning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The groove path of the slotted patch is used to guide the flow of surface current, thereby effectively extending the current path.

7. A book scanning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The strip-shaped coupling antenna is printed on a flexible thin film substrate and is attached to the spine lining in a predetermined shape. The length of the strip-shaped coupling antenna is at least 80% of the thickness of the book.

8. A book scanning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The chip substrate is integrated by stacking radio frequency front-end, digital logic unit and memory. The input buffer circuit, output buffer circuit, register group and bus control circuit of the chip substrate are arranged in a set sequence along the edge of the chip substrate to minimize the area of ​​the chip substrate and optimize the connection impedance with the strip coupling antenna.

9. A book scanning system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The control processing unit is also connected to a visual auxiliary sensor, which is used to acquire images of the multiple books and, in combination with the data read by the RFID chip, identify the number of the multiple books.

10. A scanning method for a book scanning system, characterized in that, The scanning method is applied to a book scanning system as described in claim 1, and the scanning method includes the following steps: The control processing unit controls the workbench so that the side of the book encapsulated with the RFID chip on the workbench is aligned with the radiation main lobe direction of the antenna array. The antenna array transmits RFID excitation signals of a set frequency to multiple books on the workbench and receives feedback signals from the RFID chip. The control processing unit determines the thickness of the multiple books based on the feedback signal.

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