Radio frequency identification method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a radio frequency identification method and device. The method comprises the following steps: an RFID reader sends a first signal to an RFID tag; the RFID reader receives a second signal sent by the RFID tag through at least three receiving antennas; and the RFID reader determines the position of the RFID tag based on the second signals received by the at least three receiving antennas. Wherein the second signal comprises a plurality of sub-signals, each sub-signal in the plurality of sub-signals is a frequency shift signal of the first signal, and the center frequencies of the plurality of sub-signals are different. The RFID tag is positioned based on the second signals received by the at least three receiving antennas, additional equipment such as a mobile robot is not needed, the positioning scheme is simple, and the cost is lower. The second signal comprises a plurality of frequency shift signals with different center frequencies, on one hand, same-frequency interference can be avoided, on the other hand, a plurality of sub-signals can be synthesized into a broadband signal, the bandwidth of the signal for positioning is larger, and the positioning precision is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a radio frequency identification method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification technology that uses RFID tags and RFID readers as carriers. RFID tags and RFID readers engage in contactless, two-way data communication to achieve data exchange and even the location of RFID tags.

[0003] The related technology provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) scheme as follows: an RFID reader is mounted on a mobile robot, which moves using the robot; the RFID reader sends excitation signals to RFID tags at multiple locations during the movement; correspondingly, the RFID reader receives response signals from the RFID tags at multiple locations during the movement; the RFID reader locates the RFID tags based on the response signals received at multiple locations.

[0004] Among the aforementioned related technologies, mobile RFID readers require additional equipment such as mobile robots, making the positioning scheme complex and costly; at the same time, this scheme is implemented during movement, resulting in low positioning accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) method and apparatus, which can simplify RFID positioning schemes and increase RFID positioning accuracy.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) method. This RFID method can be executed by an RFID reader, and includes the following steps: the RFID reader sends a first signal to an RFID tag; the RFID reader receives a second signal sent by the RFID tag through at least three receiving antennas; and the RFID reader determines the location of the RFID tag based on the second signals received by the at least three receiving antennas.

[0007] The second signal comprises multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the center frequencies of the multiple sub-signals are different. A frequency-shifted signal is a signal obtained by shifting (increasing or decreasing the frequency) the first signal, and the multiple sub-signals are shifted by different amounts, thus resulting in multiple sub-signals with different center frequencies.

[0008] The first signal is the excitation signal sent by the RFID reader, and the second signal is the response signal returned by the RFID tag.

[0009] In the implementation of this application, after sending a first signal, the RFID reader receives a second signal sent by the RFID tag through at least three antennas. Since the positions of the at least three receiving antennas are different, the RFID tag can be located based on the second signal received by the at least three receiving antennas. This positioning scheme does not require additional equipment such as mobile robots, making it simple and lower in cost. This scheme does not require moving the RFID reader during implementation, resulting in higher positioning accuracy. Furthermore, the second signal received by the RFID reader for positioning includes multiple frequency-shifted signals with different center frequencies. On the one hand, using frequency-shifted signals avoids co-channel interference; on the other hand, multiple sub-signals can be combined to form a broadband signal, thereby increasing the signal bandwidth used for positioning. A larger bandwidth results in higher positioning accuracy, thus improving positioning precision.

[0010] In some possible implementations of this application, the RFID reader determines the location of the RFID tag based on a second signal received by at least three receiving antennas, including:

[0011] The RFID reader combines multiple sub-signals from the second signal received by at least three receiving antennas into at least three broadband signals;

[0012] The RFID reader determines the distance between at least three receiving antennas and the RFID tag based on at least three broadband signals;

[0013] An RFID reader determines the location of an RFID tag based on the distance between at least three receiving antennas and the RFID tag.

[0014] In this implementation, the RFID reader synthesizes multiple sub-signals in the second signal to obtain a broadband signal with a larger bandwidth. When using signal ranging, the larger the signal bandwidth, the higher the measurement accuracy. The high accuracy of the measured distance between the receiving antenna and the RFID tag enables the final RFID tag positioning accuracy to be higher.

[0015] In some examples of this application, when one receiving antenna of an RFID reader receives the second signal, it can receive multiple sub-signals in a time-division manner, that is, the multiple sub-signals in the second signal are transmitted in a time-division manner.

[0016] In other examples of this application, when one receiving antenna of the RFID reader receives the second signal, it can simultaneously receive multiple sub-signals, that is, multiple sub-signals in the second signal are transmitted simultaneously.

[0017] In this implementation, the second signal can be transmitted in two ways, allowing for greater flexibility.

[0018] In some examples of this application, the first signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of each sub-signal and the center frequency of the first signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

[0019] In this implementation, the RFID reader indicates the frequency interval of the RFID tag's frequency shift, thereby enabling the RFID reader to control the RFID tag and facilitating the implementation of the entire positioning scheme. Furthermore, the indication via the first signal allows for convenient control of the frequency shift interval.

[0020] In other examples of this application, the frequency shift interval is not transmitted through the first signal, and the RFID tag obtains the frequency shift interval in other ways, such as pre-configuring the frequency shift interval in the RFID tag and obtaining the frequency shift interval locally.

[0021] In some possible implementations of this application, the RFID reader and RFID tag include multiple modes, and the RFID tag returns different response signals when operating in different modes.

[0022] The example of the RFID tag returning a second signal as described above is the first mode. In order to ensure that the RFID reader and the RFID tag work in the same mode, the RFID reader can carry mode information in the excitation signal it sends.

[0023] For example, the first signal also includes an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the first signal is a first mode, and the first mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes multiple frequency shift signals.

[0024] In this implementation, by carrying an RFID tag indicating the operating mode in the first signal, the RFID reader and RFID tag can operate in multiple operating modes, expanding the range of application scenarios. Simultaneously, this method ensures that the RFID reader and RFID tag operate in the same mode, guaranteeing normal interaction between them.

[0025] In addition to the first mode mentioned above, the working modes may also include the second and third modes, or even more modes.

[0026] The second mode indicates that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a frequency-shifted signal. In this mode, the response signal consists of only a frequency-shifted signal to avoid co-frequency interference (avoiding tags using the same frequency) and improve identification accuracy.

[0027] The third mode indicates that the signals transmitted by the RFID tag include signals at the same frequency. This mode is compatible with RFID solutions based on related technologies.

[0028] When the RFID reader and RFID tag are operating in the second mode, the method may further include:

[0029] The RFID reader sends a third signal to the RFID tag. The third signal includes an operating mode. The operating mode in the third signal is the second mode. The second mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a frequency shift signal.

[0030] The RFID reader receives a fourth signal transmitted by the RFID tag through at least one receiving antenna. The fourth signal is a frequency-shifted signal of the third signal.

[0031] An RFID reader acquires information about an RFID tag based on a fourth signal received by at least one receiving antenna.

[0032] In the above interaction process, the third signal is the excitation signal, and the fourth signal is the response signal. Through this interaction, RFID tag information can be transmitted via frequency-shifting signals, avoiding co-channel interference and improving identification accuracy.

[0033] When the RFID reader and RFID tag are operating in the third mode, the method may further include:

[0034] The RFID reader sends a fifth signal to the RFID tag. The fifth signal includes the operating mode. The operating mode in the fifth signal is the third mode. The third mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a signal of the same frequency.

[0035] The RFID reader receives a sixth signal transmitted by the RFID tag through at least one receiving antenna. The center frequency of the sixth signal is the same as that of the fifth signal.

[0036] An RFID reader acquires information about an RFID tag based on a sixth signal received by at least one receiving antenna.

[0037] In the above interaction process, the fifth signal is the excitation signal, and the sixth signal is the response signal. Through this interaction, RFID tag information can be transmitted via signals of the same frequency, enabling RFID solutions compatible with related technologies.

[0038] Secondly, this application provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) method. This RFID method can be performed by an RFID tag, and includes the following steps: the RFID tag receives a first signal sent by an RFID reader; the RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal, the second signal including multiple sub-signals, each of the multiple sub-signals being a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the multiple sub-signals having different center frequencies; the second signal is used for RFID tag positioning.

[0039] In the implementation of this application, after receiving the first signal, the RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader. The second signal is used for RFID tag positioning. The second signal includes multiple frequency-shifted signals with different center frequencies. On the one hand, using frequency-shifted signals can avoid co-channel interference; on the other hand, multiple sub-signals can be combined into a broadband signal, thereby making the signal bandwidth used for positioning larger. The larger the bandwidth, the higher the positioning accuracy, thus improving the positioning accuracy.

[0040] For example, the first signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of each sub-signal and the center frequency of the first signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

[0041] In some examples of this application, the RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader based on a first signal, including:

[0042] The RFID tag sends multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader in a time-division manner based on a first signal and a frequency shift interval.

[0043] In other examples of this application, the RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal, including:

[0044] The RFID tag simultaneously sends multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader based on a first signal and a frequency shift interval.

[0045] For example, the first signal also includes an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the first signal is a first mode, and the first mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes multiple frequency shift signals.

[0046] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0047] The RFID tag receives a third signal sent by the RFID reader. The third signal includes an operating mode, and the operating mode in the third signal is the second mode. The second mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a frequency shift signal.

[0048] The RFID tag sends a fourth signal to the RFID reader based on the third signal. The fourth signal is a frequency-shifted version of the third signal and is used to transmit the information of the RFID tag.

[0049] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0050] The RFID tag receives a fifth signal sent by the RFID reader. The fifth signal includes an operating mode, and the operating mode in the fifth signal is the third mode. The third mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a signal of the same frequency.

[0051] The RFID tag sends a sixth signal to the RFID reader based on the fifth signal. The center frequency of the sixth signal is the same as that of the fifth signal. The sixth signal is used to transmit the information of the RFID tag.

[0052] Thirdly, this application provides a radio frequency identification device, which includes:

[0053] A transmitting unit is used to send a first signal to the RFID tag;

[0054] The receiving unit is used to receive a second signal sent by an RFID tag through at least three receiving antennas. The second signal includes multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the center frequencies of the multiple sub-signals are different.

[0055] The control unit is used to determine the location of the RFID tag based on a second signal received by at least three receiving antennas.

[0056] For example, the control unit is configured to synthesize at least three broadband signals from a plurality of sub-signals of a second signal received by at least three receiving antennas; determine the distances between the at least three receiving antennas and the RFID tag based on the at least three broadband signals; and determine the position of the RFID tag based on the distances between the at least three receiving antennas and the RFID tag.

[0057] For example, the first signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of each sub-signal and the center frequency of the first signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

[0058] For example, the first signal also includes an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the first signal is a first mode, and the first mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes multiple frequency shift signals.

[0059] Optionally, the transmitting unit is also used to transmit a third signal to the RFID tag, the third signal including an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the third signal is a second mode, and the second mode is used to indicate that the signal transmitted by the RFID tag includes a frequency shift signal;

[0060] The receiving unit is also used to receive a fourth signal transmitted by the RFID tag through at least one receiving antenna, the fourth signal being a frequency-shifted signal of the third signal;

[0061] The control unit is also used to acquire information about the RFID tag based on a fourth signal received by at least one receiving antenna.

[0062] Optionally, the transmitting unit is also used to transmit a fifth signal to the RFID tag, the fifth signal including an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the fifth signal is a third mode, and the third mode is used to indicate that the signal transmitted by the RFID tag includes a signal of the same frequency.

[0063] The receiving unit is also used to receive a sixth signal transmitted by the RFID tag through at least one receiving antenna, the sixth signal having the same center frequency as the fifth signal;

[0064] The control unit is also used to acquire information about the RFID tag based on a sixth signal received by at least one receiving antenna.

[0065] Fourthly, this application provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, which includes:

[0066] A receiving unit is used to receive the first signal sent by the RFID reader;

[0067] The transmitting unit is used to transmit a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal. The second signal includes multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the center frequencies of the multiple sub-signals are different. The second signal is used for RFID tag positioning.

[0068] For example, the first signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of each sub-signal and the center frequency of the first signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

[0069] In some examples of this application, the transmitting unit is used to transmit multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader in a time-division manner based on a first signal and a frequency shift interval.

[0070] In other examples of this application, the transmitting unit is configured to simultaneously transmit multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader based on a first signal and a frequency shift interval.

[0071] For example, the first signal also includes an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the first signal is a first mode, and the first mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes multiple frequency shift signals.

[0072] Optionally, the receiving unit is also used to receive a third signal sent by the RFID reader, the third signal including an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the third signal is a second mode, and the second mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a frequency shift signal;

[0073] The transmitting unit is also used to transmit a fourth signal to the RFID reader based on the third signal. The fourth signal is a frequency-shifted signal of the third signal and is used to transmit information of the RFID tag.

[0074] Optionally, the receiving unit is also used to receive a fifth signal sent by the RFID reader, the fifth signal including an operating mode, the operating mode in the fifth signal being a third mode, the third mode being used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a signal of the same frequency;

[0075] The transmitting unit is also used to transmit a sixth signal to the RFID reader based on the fifth signal. The sixth signal has the same center frequency as the fifth signal and is used to transmit information from the RFID tag.

[0076] Fifthly, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device is provided. The RFID device includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores software programs and modules. The processor implements the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect by running or executing the software programs and / or modules stored in the memory, or implements the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0077] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0078] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separated from the processor.

[0079] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0080] In a sixth aspect, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device is provided. The RFID device includes an interface and one or more processors, the processors performing the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or performing the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, and transmitting or receiving signals through the interface.

[0081] For example, the radio frequency identification device can be a fiber to the room (FTTR) device, such as an FTTR gateway.

[0082] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code that, when executed by a device, causes the device to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0083] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing program code executed by a processor, the program code including methods for implementing any possible implementation of the first aspect above, or methods for implementing the second aspect above or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0084] A ninth aspect provides a chip including a processor, the processor being configured to retrieve and execute instructions stored in a memory, causing a radio frequency identification device on which the chip is mounted to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect, or to perform the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0085] In a tenth aspect, another chip is provided. The other chip includes an input interface, an output interface, a processor, and a memory. The input interface, the output interface, the processor, and the memory are connected via internal interconnection paths. The processor is used to execute code in the memory, and when the code is executed, the processor is used to perform the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect described above, or to perform the method in the second aspect described above or any possible implementation of the second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0086] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an RFID tag provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an RFID reader provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a radio frequency identification method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a radio frequency identification method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a radio frequency identification method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission of a first signal and a second signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of the transmission of the first and second signals provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of broadband signal synthesis provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a radio frequency identification method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0096] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission of a third and fourth signal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 12 This is another schematic diagram of the transmission of the third and fourth signals provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 13 This is another schematic diagram of the transmission of the third and fourth signals provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a radio frequency identification method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of a radio frequency identification device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of a radio frequency identification device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a radio frequency identification device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0103] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the system architecture includes an RFID reader 10 and an RFID tag 20. The RFID reader 10 and the RFID tag 20 engage in contactless, two-way data communication to achieve data interaction and even the location of the RFID tag.

[0105] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an RFID tag provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the RFID tag 20 includes a control module 21, a storage module 22, a radio frequency module 23, and an antenna 24.

[0106] The control module 21 receives energy and data output from the radio frequency module 23 and outputs data and commands to the radio frequency module 23. The storage module 22 stores programs and data. The radio frequency module 23 converts data and commands into signals for output to the antenna, or converts signals output by the antenna into energy and data. The antenna 24 may include a receiving (Rx) antenna and a transmitting (Tx) antenna, which may be set separately or as a single unit.

[0107] In this application Figure 2 In one example shown, the radio frequency module 23 may include at least three frequency shifting circuits for frequency shifting the signal, thereby outputting at least three frequency-shifted signals. This structure enables the RFID tag to be used in the three operating modes provided in this application.

[0108] In another example of this application, the radio frequency module 23 may also exclude the frequency shift circuit. This structure enables the RFID tag to operate only in the third mode of the operating modes provided in this application.

[0109] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an RFID reader provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the RFID reader 10 includes a control module 21, a storage module 22, a radio frequency module 23, and an antenna 24.

[0110] and Figure 2 The RFID tags shown are different in this application. Figure 3 In one example shown, antenna 24 includes one transmitting (Tx) antenna and three receiving (Rx) antennas. The three receiving (Rx) antennas are located in different positions and are not aligned in a straight line, thereby enabling RFID tag positioning. This structure allows the RFID reader to be used in the three operating modes provided in this application.

[0111] For example, the three receiving (Rx) antennas can be arranged in a triangle. When the RFID reader includes more receiving (Rx) antennas, the multiple receiving (Rx) antennas can be arranged in a triangle or a polygon.

[0112] In another example of this application, antenna 24 includes one transmitting (Tx) antenna and three or more receiving (Rx) antennas, arranged in the same manner as in the first example. This structure enables the RFID reader to also be applicable to the three operating modes provided in this application.

[0113] In another example of this application, antenna 24 includes at least three transceiver antennas, arranged in the same manner as in the first example. This structure enables the RFID reader to also operate in the three working modes provided in this application.

[0114] In another example of this application, antenna 24 includes a receiving (Rx) antenna and a transmitting (Tx) antenna, or a transceiver antenna. This structure enables the RFID reader to operate only in the second and third modes of the operating modes provided in this application.

[0115] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a radio frequency identification (RFID) method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be executed by an RFID reader. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0116] 101: The RFID reader sends the first signal to the RFID tag.

[0117] The first signal is an excitation signal used to activate the RFID tag. It is also a control signal used to control the RFID tag's mode, etc.

[0118] For example, the center frequency of the first signal is f, which can be a value within the range of 920MHz to 925MHz.

[0119] 102: The RFID reader receives the second signal sent by the RFID tag through at least three receiving antennas.

[0120] The second signal is the response signal returned by the RFID tag. The second signal comprises multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted version of the first signal, and these sub-signals have different center frequencies. A frequency-shifted signal is a signal obtained by shifting (increasing or decreasing) the frequency of the first signal, and the different degrees of frequency shifts result in multiple sub-signals with different center frequencies.

[0121] In the implementation of this application, to ensure communication quality, when determining the center frequency f of the first signal within the aforementioned 920MHz to 925MHz frequency range, the following condition must be met: The frequencies of multiple sub-signals are obtained by frequency shifting based on the center frequency f of the first signal, and the channels corresponding to the frequencies of the multiple sub-signals are not occupied. Whether the channel is occupied can be determined by the transceiver unit in the RFID reader and / or RFID tag, which will not be elaborated here.

[0122] 103: An RFID reader determines the location of an RFID tag based on a second signal received by at least three receiving antennas.

[0123] In this embodiment, after sending a first signal, the RFID reader receives a second signal from the RFID tag via at least three antennas. Since the positions of the at least three receiving antennas are different, the RFID tag can be located based on the second signal received by the at least three antennas. This positioning scheme does not require additional equipment such as mobile robots, making it simple and lower in cost. Furthermore, the scheme does not require moving the RFID reader during implementation, resulting in higher positioning accuracy. Additionally, the second signal received by the RFID reader for positioning includes multiple frequency-shifted signals with different center frequencies. Using frequency-shifted signals avoids co-channel interference, and multiple sub-signals can be combined to form a wideband signal, resulting in a larger signal bandwidth for positioning. A larger bandwidth leads to higher positioning accuracy, thus improving positioning precision.

[0124] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a radio frequency identification (RFID) method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be executed by an RFID tag. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0125] 201: The RFID tag receives the first signal sent by the RFID reader.

[0126] The first signal is an excitation signal used to activate the RFID tag. It is also a control signal used to control the RFID tag's mode, etc.

[0127] For example, the center frequency of the first signal is f, which can be a value within the range of 920MHz to 925MHz.

[0128] 202: The RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal.

[0129] The second signal is the response signal returned by the RFID tag. The second signal comprises multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted version of the first signal. These sub-signals have different center frequencies and are used for RFID tag positioning. A frequency-shifted signal is a signal obtained by shifting (increasing or decreasing) the frequency of the first signal, and the different shift amounts result in multiple sub-signals with different center frequencies.

[0130] In this embodiment, after receiving the first signal, the RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader. The second signal is used for RFID tag positioning. The second signal includes multiple frequency-shifted signals with different center frequencies. On the one hand, using frequency-shifted signals can avoid co-channel interference; on the other hand, multiple sub-signals can be combined into a broadband signal, thereby making the signal bandwidth used for positioning larger. The larger the bandwidth, the higher the positioning accuracy, thus improving the positioning accuracy.

[0131] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a radio frequency identification (RFID) method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be executed by an RFID reader and an RFID tag. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0132] 301: The RFID reader sends the first signal to the RFID tag. The RFID tag receives the first signal sent by the RFID reader.

[0133] The first signal is the excitation signal, used to activate the RFID tag. It also serves as a control signal, used to control the RFID tag's mode, etc. The first signal is typically on the order of hundreds of bits in length.

[0134] For example, the center frequency of the first signal is f, which can be a value within the range of 920MHz to 925MHz.

[0135] In some examples of this application, the first signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of each sub-signal transmitted by the RFID tag and the center frequency of the first signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

[0136] In this implementation, the RFID reader indicates the frequency interval of the RFID tag's frequency shift, thereby enabling the RFID reader to control the RFID tag and facilitating the implementation of the entire positioning scheme.

[0137] In other examples of this application, the frequency shift interval is not transmitted through the first signal, and the RFID tag obtains the frequency shift interval in other ways, such as pre-configuring the frequency shift interval in the RFID tag and obtaining the frequency shift interval locally.

[0138] In some possible implementations of this application, the RFID reader and RFID tag include multiple modes, and the RFID tag returns different response signals when operating in different modes.

[0139] The example of the RFID tag returning a second signal as described above is the first mode. In order to ensure that the RFID reader and the RFID tag work in the same mode, the RFID reader can carry mode information in the excitation signal it sends.

[0140] For example, the first signal also includes an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the first signal is a first mode, and the first mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes multiple frequency shift signals.

[0141] The operating mode in the first signal can be indicated by a binary number, such as 00 for the first mode, 01 for the second mode, and 10 for the third mode. Of course, the first signal can also be indicated by other characters or other methods.

[0142] In this implementation, by carrying an RFID tag indicating the operating mode in the first signal, the RFID reader and RFID tag can operate in multiple operating modes, expanding the range of application scenarios. Simultaneously, this method ensures that the RFID reader and RFID tag operate in the same mode, guaranteeing normal interaction between them.

[0143] In addition to the first mode mentioned above, the working modes may also include the second and third modes, or even more modes.

[0144] The second mode indicates that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a frequency-shifted signal. In this mode, the response signal consists of only a frequency-shifted signal to avoid co-frequency interference (avoiding tags using the same frequency) and improve identification accuracy.

[0145] The third mode indicates that the signals transmitted by the RFID tag include signals at the same frequency. This mode is compatible with RFID solutions based on related technologies.

[0146] In this embodiment, the RFID reader can generate and send a first signal to the RFID tag when RFID tag positioning is required. The RFID reader can determine the need for RFID tag positioning based on internal requirements or external instructions.

[0147] This first mode is suitable for scenarios where there is a need to locate and track high-value items, such as the jewelry industry and the electronics industry.

[0148] In addition to frequency shift intervals and operating modes, excitation signals such as the first signal may also include other content, such as frequency modulation channel sequence commands.

[0149] In the embodiments of this application, the frame format of the first signal and other excitation signals may include a frame header, frame data, frame tail, etc.

[0150] For example, the aforementioned operating mode and / or frequency shift interval may be located in the frame header portion of the first signal, or the aforementioned operating mode and / or frequency shift interval may be located in the frame data portion of the first signal.

[0151] 302: The RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal. The RFID reader receives the second signal sent by the RFID tag through at least three receiving antennas.

[0152] The second signal includes multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the center frequencies of the multiple sub-signals are different.

[0153] Among them, at least three receiving antennas can be all the receiving antennas of the RFID reader, or only some of the antennas of the RFID reader.

[0154] For example, the RFID reader receives the second signal sent by the RFID tag through three receiving antennas.

[0155] In this embodiment, both the excitation signal and the response signal in the RFID can be sinusoidal signals. The multiple sub-signals in the second signal can be multiple sinusoidal signals.

[0156] In some examples, the RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal, including:

[0157] The RFID tag sends multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader in a time-division manner based on a first signal and a frequency shift interval.

[0158] In this implementation, the RFID tag generates only one sine wave signal at any given time, that is, it shifts the frequency by only one point at a time.

[0159] For example, the RFID tag is frequency-shifted according to the following formula:

[0160] y = sin(ft) * sin(n) t *Δft)

[0161] Where y is the second signal, f is the frequency of the sub-signal, t is time, Δf is the frequency shift interval, and n t This is the frequency of the sub-signal shift (i.e., an integer multiple of Δf).

[0162] In other examples, the RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal, including:

[0163] The RFID tag simultaneously sends multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader based on a first signal and a frequency shift interval.

[0164] In this implementation, the RFID tag generates sinusoidal signals of multiple frequencies simultaneously, that is, it shifts the frequency of multiple points at the same time.

[0165] For example, the RFID tag is frequency-shifted according to the following formula:

[0166]

[0167] Where n is the sequence number of the multiple sub-signals, and N is the total number of the multiple sub-signals.

[0168] In this embodiment, after receiving the first signal, the RFID tag parses the first signal and determines that the working mode is the first mode. In the first mode, a second signal is generated and sent.

[0169] When an RFID reader receives a second signal, it can determine the frequency of each sub-signal in the second signal using the same formula, and then receive the signal at the corresponding frequency.

[0170] In addition to the method of receiving the second signal at the corresponding frequency point, the RFID reader can also use a broadband reception method to receive the second signal. The broadband reception method covers the frequency range of all sub-signals in the second signal. After the reception is completed, the RFID reader can recover multiple sub-signals in the second signal through a digital filter.

[0171] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission of a first signal and a second signal provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the Tx antenna (transmitting antenna) in the RFID reader sends a first signal with a center frequency of f to the RFID tag as an excitation signal. After receiving the first signal, the RFID tag returns a second signal containing multiple sub-signals with a center frequency of f ± nΔf as a response signal. The three Rx antennas (receiving antennas) in the RFID reader receive the second signal respectively.

[0172] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of the transmission of the first and second signals provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the four TRx antennas (transceiver antennas) in the RFID reader transmit a first signal with a center frequency of f to the RFID tag as an excitation signal. After receiving the first signal, the RFID tag returns a second signal containing multiple sub-signals with a center frequency of f ± nΔf as a response signal. The four TRx antennas in the RFID reader then receive the second signal.

[0173] 303: An RFID reader combines multiple sub-signals from a second signal received by at least three receiving antennas into at least three broadband signals.

[0174] For each second signal, if the RFID tag sends multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader in a time-division manner, step 303 may include: the RFID reader may decode multiple sub-signals from the second signal based on the length of each sub-signal, and then synthesize the decoded multiple sub-signals into a broadband signal.

[0175] When an RFID tag sends multiple sub-signals to an RFID reader at the same time, the second signal is a broadband signal synthesized from the multiple sub-signals. Step 303 may include: the RFID reader can directly use the second signal as the aforementioned broadband signal.

[0176] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of broadband signal synthesis provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 As shown, multiple sub-signals are shifted by frequency Δf, 2Δf, ..., nΔf based on the first signal. In the waveform shown, solid lines represent signals that exist, and dashed lines represent signals that do not exist. The multiple sub-signals on the left are combined to obtain the broadband signal on the right.

[0177] 304: An RFID reader determines the distance between at least three receiving antennas and an RFID tag based on at least three broadband signals.

[0178] In this embodiment of the application, the RFID reader uses time-of-flight (TOF) technology to determine the distance between the receiving antenna and the RFID tag based on the broadband signal.

[0179] 305: An RFID reader determines the location of an RFID tag based on the distances between at least three receiving antennas and the RFID tag.

[0180] In this embodiment of the application, since the positions of at least three receiving antennas are different, after determining the distance between each receiving antenna and the RFID tag, the position of the RFID tag can be determined based on the distance between each receiving antenna and the RFID tag, thus realizing RFID tag positioning.

[0181] In this embodiment, by using synthesized broadband signals for positioning, the ranging resolution and positioning accuracy of RFID tags can be improved, and positioning errors can be reduced. This solution is applied to RFID tag inventory and positioning. For example, it can be applied to Fiber To The Room-Business (FTTR-B) equipment for commercial use. By deploying RFID readers on the FTTR equipment and RFID tags in the environment, intelligent asset inventory of the FTTR equipment can be achieved, reducing the missed detection rate and false detection rate, and providing added value to FTTR-B.

[0182] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a radio frequency identification (RFID) method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be executed by an RFID reader and an RFID tag. Figure 10 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0183] 401: The RFID reader sends a third signal to the RFID tag. The RFID tag receives the third signal sent by the RFID reader.

[0184] The third signal is the excitation signal, used to activate the RFID tag. It also serves as a control signal, used to control the RFID tag's mode, etc. The third signal is typically on the order of hundreds of bits in length.

[0185] For example, the center frequency of the third signal is f, which can be a value in the range of 920MHz to 925MHz.

[0186] In some examples of this application, the third signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of the fourth signal transmitted by the RFID tag and the center frequency of the third signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

[0187] In other examples of this application, the frequency shift interval is not transmitted through a third signal, and the RFID tag obtains the frequency shift interval in other ways, such as pre-configuring the frequency shift interval in the RFID tag and obtaining the frequency shift interval locally.

[0188] The third signal includes the operating mode, and the operating mode in the third signal is the second mode. The second mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a frequency shift signal.

[0189] In this embodiment, the RFID reader can generate and send a third signal to the RFID tag when it is necessary to avoid co-channel interference. The RFID reader can determine the need to avoid co-channel interference based on internal requirements or external instructions.

[0190] The second mode is suitable for scenarios with wide coverage, such as sparse RFID tag deployments, like warehouses, where it can improve sensitivity and coverage.

[0191] 402: The RFID tag sends a fourth signal to the RFID reader based on the third signal. The RFID reader receives the fourth signal sent by the RFID tag through at least one receiving antenna.

[0192] The fourth signal is a frequency-shifted version of the third signal.

[0193] Among them, at least one receiving antenna can be all the receiving antennas of the RFID reader, or it can be part of the antennas of the RFID reader.

[0194] For example, the RFID reader receives a fourth signal sent by the RFID tag through one or three receiving antennas.

[0195] In the embodiments of this application, the RFID reader can interact with one RFID tag or multiple RFID tags. When the RFID reader interacts with multiple RFID tags, all RFID tags can support multiple operating modes; alternatively, some RFID tags can support multiple operating modes while others do not.

[0196] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of a third and fourth signal according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 11As shown, the Tx antenna (transmitting antenna) in the RFID reader sends a third signal with a center frequency of f as an excitation signal to an RFID tag that supports multiple operating modes. After receiving the third signal, the RFID tag returns a fourth signal with a center frequency of f ± nΔf as a response signal. One Rx antenna (receiving antenna) in the RFID reader receives the fourth signal.

[0197] Figure 12 This is another schematic diagram of third and fourth signal transmission provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the Tx antenna (transmitting antenna) in the RFID reader sends a third signal with a center frequency of f as an excitation signal to two RFID tags supporting multiple operating modes. After receiving the third signal, the two RFID tags respectively return a fourth signal with a center frequency of f ± nΔf as a response signal. The Rx antenna (receiving antenna) in the RFID reader receives two of the fourth signals.

[0198] Figure 13 This is another schematic diagram of third and fourth signal transmission provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the Tx antenna (transmitting antenna) in the RFID reader sends a third signal with a center frequency of f as an excitation signal to an RFID tag that supports multiple operating modes and an RFID tag that does not support multiple operating modes. After receiving the third signal, the RFID tag that supports multiple operating modes returns a fourth signal with a center frequency of f ± nΔf as a response signal; the RFID tag that does not support multiple operating modes returns a signal with a center frequency of f as a response signal after receiving the third signal. One Rx antenna (receiving antenna) in the RFID reader receives the fourth signal and the signal with a center frequency of f.

[0199] In the above implementation, the RFID reader can interact with two or more RFID tags simultaneously and is compatible with RFID tags that do not support multiple working modes.

[0200] 403: An RFID reader acquires information about an RFID tag based on a fourth signal received by at least one receiving antenna.

[0201] In this embodiment of the application, after receiving the fourth signal, the RFID reader decodes the fourth signal to obtain the information of the RFID tag.

[0202] RFID readers can perform operations such as RFID tag identification based on the information from the RFID tag.

[0203] In this embodiment of the application, frequency shifting can improve sensitivity, thereby increasing the uplink communication distance of RFID tags.

[0204] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a radio frequency identification (RFID) method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be executed by an RFID reader and an RFID tag. Figure 14 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0205] 501: The RFID reader sends a fifth signal to the RFID tag. The RFID tag receives the fifth signal sent by the RFID reader.

[0206] The fifth signal is the excitation signal, used to activate the RFID tag. It also serves as a control signal, used to control the RFID tag's mode, etc. The fifth signal is typically on the order of hundreds of bits in length.

[0207] For example, the center frequency of the fifth signal is f, which can be a value within the range of 920MHz to 925MHz.

[0208] The fifth signal includes the operating mode, and the operating mode in the fifth signal is the third mode. The third mode is used to indicate that the signals sent by the RFID tag include the same frequency signal.

[0209] In this embodiment, the RFID reader can generate and send a fifth signal to the RFID tag when the scenario requires compatibility with traditional tags. The RFID reader can determine the need for compatibility with traditional tags based on internal requirements or external instructions.

[0210] This third mode is suitable for scenarios where traditional RFID tags have already been deployed in the environment. In addition, this mode is also suitable for short-range reading and writing scenarios, such as supermarket checkouts, where the tag and reader are close together, and inventory needs can be met without increasing sensitivity, and power consumption is low.

[0211] 502: The RFID tag sends a sixth signal to the RFID reader based on the fifth signal. The RFID reader receives the sixth signal sent by the RFID tag through at least one receiving antenna.

[0212] The sixth signal has the same center frequency as the fifth signal.

[0213] Among them, at least one receiving antenna can be all the receiving antennas of the RFID reader, or it can be part of the antennas of the RFID reader.

[0214] For example, the RFID reader receives a sixth signal sent by the RFID tag through one or three receiving antennas.

[0215] 503: An RFID reader acquires information about an RFID tag based on a sixth signal received by at least one receiving antenna.

[0216] In this embodiment of the application, after receiving the sixth signal, the RFID reader decodes the sixth signal to obtain the information of the RFID tag.

[0217] RFID readers can perform operations such as RFID tag identification based on the information from the RFID tag.

[0218] Figure 15 This is a block diagram of a radio frequency identification (RFID) device provided in an embodiment of this application. The RFID device can be implemented as all or part of an RFID reader through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The RFID device may include: a transmitting unit 601, a receiving unit 602, and a control unit 603.

[0219] The transmitting unit 601 is used to send a first signal to the RFID tag;

[0220] The receiving unit 602 is used to receive a second signal sent by an RFID tag through at least three receiving antennas. The second signal includes multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the center frequencies of the multiple sub-signals are different.

[0221] Control unit 603 is used to determine the location of an RFID tag based on a second signal received by at least three receiving antennas.

[0222] For example, the control unit 603 is configured to synthesize at least three broadband signals from multiple sub-signals of the second signals received by at least three receiving antennas; determine the distances between the at least three receiving antennas and the RFID tag based on the at least three broadband signals; and determine the position of the RFID tag based on the distances between the at least three receiving antennas and the RFID tag.

[0223] For example, the first signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of each sub-signal and the center frequency of the first signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

[0224] For example, the first signal also includes an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the first signal is a first mode, and the first mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes multiple frequency shift signals.

[0225] Optionally, the transmitting unit 601 is further configured to transmit a third signal to the RFID tag, the third signal including an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the third signal is a second mode, and the second mode is used to indicate that the signal transmitted by the RFID tag includes a frequency shift signal;

[0226] The receiving unit 602 is also configured to receive a fourth signal transmitted by the RFID tag via at least one receiving antenna, wherein the fourth signal is a frequency-shifted signal of the third signal;

[0227] The control unit 603 is also used to acquire information about the RFID tag based on a fourth signal received by at least one receiving antenna.

[0228] Optionally, the transmitting unit 601 is further configured to transmit a fifth signal to the RFID tag, the fifth signal including an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the fifth signal is a third mode, and the third mode is used to indicate that the signal transmitted by the RFID tag includes a signal of the same frequency.

[0229] The receiving unit 602 is also configured to receive a sixth signal transmitted by the RFID tag via at least one receiving antenna, the sixth signal having the same center frequency as the fifth signal;

[0230] The control unit 603 is also used to acquire information about the RFID tag based on a sixth signal received by at least one receiving antenna.

[0231] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of a radio frequency identification (RFID) device provided in an embodiment of this application. The RFID device can be implemented as all or part of an RFID tag through software, hardware, or a combination of both. The RFID device may include a receiving unit 701 and a transmitting unit 702.

[0232] The receiving unit 701 is used to receive the first signal sent by the RFID reader;

[0233] The transmitting unit 702 is used to transmit a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal. The second signal includes multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the center frequencies of the multiple sub-signals are different. The second signal is used for RFID tag positioning.

[0234] For example, the first signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of each sub-signal and the center frequency of the first signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

[0235] In some examples of this application, the transmitting unit 702 is used to transmit multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader in a time-division manner based on a first signal and a frequency shift interval.

[0236] In other examples of this application, the transmitting unit 702 is used to simultaneously transmit multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader based on a first signal and a frequency shift interval.

[0237] For example, the first signal also includes an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the first signal is a first mode, and the first mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes multiple frequency shift signals.

[0238] Optionally, the receiving unit 701 is also configured to receive a third signal sent by the RFID reader, the third signal including an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the third signal is a second mode, and the second mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a frequency shift signal.

[0239] The transmitting unit 702 is also used to transmit a fourth signal to the RFID reader based on the third signal. The fourth signal is a frequency-shifted signal of the third signal and is used to transmit information of the RFID tag.

[0240] Optionally, the receiving unit 701 is also used to receive a fifth signal sent by the RFID reader, the fifth signal including an operating mode, the operating mode in the fifth signal being a third mode, the third mode being used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a signal of the same frequency;

[0241] The transmitting unit 702 is also used to transmit a sixth signal to the RFID reader based on the fifth signal. The sixth signal has the same center frequency as the fifth signal and is used to transmit information of the RFID tag.

[0242] It should be noted that the RFID device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the functional units described above. In practical applications, the functions described above can be assigned to different functional units as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional units to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the RFID device and the RFID method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0243] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the structure of the radio frequency identification device 150 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 17 The radio frequency identification device 150 shown is used to perform the above. Figures 4 to 14 The operation involved in any of the radio frequency identification (RFID) methods shown in the diagram. The RFID device 150 is the aforementioned RFID reader or RFID tag. The RFID device 150 can be implemented using a general bus architecture.

[0244] like Figure 17 As shown, the radio frequency identification device 150 includes at least one processor 151, a memory 153, and at least one communication interface 154.

[0245] Processor 151 may be, for example, a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor (NP), a data processing unit (DPU), a microprocessor, or one or more integrated circuits for implementing the embodiments of this application. For example, processor 151 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A PLD may be, for example, a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments of this application. A processor may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0246] Optionally, the RFID device 150 also includes a bus. The bus is used to transmit information between the components of the RFID device 150. The bus can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 17 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0247] Memory 153 may be, for example, read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions; random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions; electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM); compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.); magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices; or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto. Memory 153 may exist independently and be connected to processor 151 via a bus. Memory 153 may also be integrated with processor 151.

[0248] The communication interface 154 uses any transceiver-like device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, Radio Access Network (RAN), or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The communication interface 154 can include wired and wireless communication interfaces. Specifically, the communication interface 154 can be an Ethernet interface, a Fast Ethernet (FE) interface, a Gigabit Ethernet (GE) interface, an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) interface, a WLAN interface, a cellular network communication interface, or a combination thereof. The Ethernet interface can be an optical interface, an electrical interface, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the communication interface 154 can be used by the RFID device 150 to communicate with other devices.

[0249] In a specific implementation, as one example, processor 151 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 17 The CPU0 and CPU1 shown are examples of processors. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. A processor here can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0250] In a specific implementation, as one example, the radio frequency identification device 150 may include multiple processors, such as... Figure 17 The processors 151 and 155 shown are illustrated. Each of these processors can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. Here, "processor" can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores used to process data (such as computer program instructions).

[0251] In a specific implementation, as one embodiment, the RFID device 150 may further include an output device and an input device. The output device communicates with the processor 151 and can display information in various ways. For example, the output device may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device communicates with the processor 151 and can receive user input in various ways. For example, the input device may be a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen device, or sensing device, etc.

[0252] In some embodiments, memory 153 is used to store program code 1510 for executing the solution of this application, and processor 151 can execute the program code 1510 stored in memory 153. That is, RFID device 150 can implement the RFID method provided in the method embodiment by executing program code 1510 in memory 153 through processor 151. Program code 1510 may include one or more software modules. Optionally, processor 151 itself may also store program code or instructions for executing the solution of this application.

[0253] In a specific embodiment, the radio frequency identification (RFID) device 150 of this application embodiment can correspond to the controller in the above-described method embodiments. The processor 151 in the RFID device 150 reads the instructions in the memory 153, causing... Figure 17 The radio frequency identification device 150 shown can perform all or part of the operations performed by the controller.

[0254] Specifically, the processor 151 is used to send a first signal to the RFID tag; receive a second signal sent by the RFID tag through at least three receiving antennas, the second signal including multiple sub-signals, each of the multiple sub-signals being a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the multiple sub-signals having different center frequencies; and determine the location of the RFID tag based on the second signal received by the at least three receiving antennas.

[0255] Alternatively, the processor 151 is used to receive a first signal sent by the RFID reader; and based on the first signal, to send a second signal to the RFID reader, the second signal including multiple sub-signals, each of the multiple sub-signals being a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the multiple sub-signals having different center frequencies, the second signal being used for RFID tag positioning.

[0256] Other alternative implementation methods will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0257] in, Figures 4 to 14 Each step of the RFID method shown in any of the illustrations is completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the hardware or by instructions in the software form of the processor of the RFID device 150. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by the hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. Since the storage medium is located in memory, the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method; to avoid repetition, these will not be described in detail here.

[0258] This application also provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) device. The RFID device includes an interface and one or more processors, the processors executing... Figures 4 to 14 The radio frequency identification method shown in any of the diagrams is used to send or receive signals through an interface.

[0259] For example, the radio frequency identification device can be an FTTR device, such as an FTTR gateway.

[0260] This application also provides a chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, a processor, and a memory. The input interface, output interface, processor, and memory are connected via internal interconnection paths. The processor is used to execute code in the memory, and when the code is executed, the processor is used to perform any of the aforementioned radio frequency identification methods.

[0261] It should be understood that the aforementioned processor can be a CPU, or it can be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. General-purpose processors can be microprocessors or any conventional processor. It is worth noting that the processor can be a processor supporting the ARM architecture.

[0262] Further, in an optional embodiment, the processor and the memory may be one or more. Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separately configured from the processor. The memory may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. The memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store reference blocks and target blocks.

[0263] The memory can be volatile or non-volatile, or may include both. Non-volatile memory can be ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory can be RAM, used as an external cache. Many forms of RAM are available by way of example, but not limitation. Examples include SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, ESDRAM, SLDRAM, and DR RAM.

[0264] In this embodiment of the application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by the radio frequency identification (RFID) device, the RFID device performs the RFID method provided above.

[0265] In this embodiment of the application, a computer program product containing instructions is also provided, which, when run on a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, causes the RFID device to execute the RFID method provided above.

[0266] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive).

[0267] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0268] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0269] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “comprising” or “including” and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding “comprising” or “including” encompass the elements or objects listed following “comprising” or “including” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0270] The above is merely one embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A radio frequency identification method, characterized in that, The method includes: The RFID reader sends a first signal to the RFID tag; The RFID reader receives a second signal transmitted by the RFID tag through at least three receiving antennas. The second signal includes multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the multiple sub-signals have different center frequencies. The RFID reader determines the location of the RFID tag based on the second signal received by the at least three receiving antennas.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The RFID reader determines the location of the RFID tag based on the second signal received by the at least three receiving antennas, including: The radio frequency identification reader combines the plurality of sub-signals from the second signal received by the at least three receiving antennas into at least three broadband signals; The RFID reader determines the distance between the at least three receiving antennas and the RFID tag based on the at least three broadband signals; The RFID reader determines the location of the RFID tag based on the distance between the at least three receiving antennas and the RFID tag.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of each sub-signal and the center frequency of the first signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first signal also includes an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the first signal is a first mode, and the first mode is used to indicate that the signal transmitted by the radio frequency identification tag includes multiple frequency shift signals.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The RFID reader sends a third signal to the RFID tag, the third signal including an operating mode, the operating mode in the third signal being a second mode, the second mode being used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a frequency shift signal; The RFID reader receives a fourth signal transmitted by the RFID tag through at least one of the receiving antennas, the fourth signal being a frequency-shifted signal of the third signal; The RFID reader obtains information about the RFID tag based on the fourth signal received by at least one of the receiving antennas.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The RFID reader sends a fifth signal to the RFID tag. The fifth signal includes an operating mode. The operating mode in the fifth signal is a third mode. The third mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a signal of the same frequency. The RFID reader receives a sixth signal transmitted by the RFID tag through at least one of the receiving antennas, the sixth signal having the same center frequency as the fifth signal; The RFID reader acquires information about the RFID tag based on the sixth signal received by at least one of the receiving antennas.

7. A radio frequency identification method, characterized in that, The method includes: The RFID tag receives the first signal sent by the RFID reader; The RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal. The second signal includes multiple sub-signals, each of which is a frequency-shifted signal of the first signal, and the center frequencies of the multiple sub-signals are different. The second signal is used for the positioning of the RFID tag.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first signal includes a frequency shift interval, and the difference between the center frequency of each sub-signal and the center frequency of the first signal is an integer multiple of the frequency shift interval.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The RFID tag sends a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal, including: The RFID tag transmits the plurality of sub-signals to the RFID reader in a time-division manner based on the first signal and the frequency shift interval; Alternatively, the RFID tag may send a second signal to the RFID reader based on the first signal, including: The RFID tag simultaneously sends the multiple sub-signals to the RFID reader based on the first signal and the frequency shift interval.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first signal also includes an operating mode, wherein the operating mode in the first signal is a first mode, and the first mode is used to indicate that the signal transmitted by the radio frequency identification tag includes multiple frequency shift signals.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The RFID tag receives a third signal sent by the RFID reader. The third signal includes an operating mode, and the operating mode in the third signal is a second mode. The second mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a frequency shift signal. The RFID tag sends a fourth signal to the RFID reader based on the third signal. The fourth signal is a frequency-shifted signal of the third signal and is used to transmit information of the RFID tag.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The RFID tag receives a fifth signal sent by the RFID reader. The fifth signal includes an operating mode, and the operating mode in the fifth signal is a third mode. The third mode is used to indicate that the signal sent by the RFID tag includes a signal of the same frequency. The RFID tag sends a sixth signal to the RFID reader based on the fifth signal. The sixth signal has the same center frequency as the fifth signal and is used to transmit information of the RFID tag.

13. A radio frequency identification device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A radio frequency identification device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 12.

15. A radio frequency identification system, characterized in that, The radio frequency identification system includes the radio frequency identification device as described in claim 13 and the radio frequency identification device as described in claim 14.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 12.

17. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer reads and executes the computer program product, it causes the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 12.

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