A narrow space adaptive antenna array and a fiber tray label reading method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of narrow space self-adapting antenna array and its optical fiber tray label reading method, it is related to radio frequency identification antenna technical field.The antenna array includes shell frame, small patch antenna, flexible hinge, miniature angle sensor, flexible circuit board, preprocessing unit, main controller, beam driving unit and array antenna.By flexible hinge forming bendable chain structure, the bending information is obtained in combination with angle sensor, and the phase compensation parameters are calculated by main controller after conversion by preprocessing unit, and adaptive beam is formed by adjusting array antenna by beam driving unit, the adaptation to narrow space and curved tray environment is realized.On this basis, in combination with RSSI feedback, beam dynamic correction is realized, and label reading and terminal display device data output are completed by RFID handset.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of radio frequency identification antenna technology, and in particular to an adaptive antenna array in a confined space and a method for reading tags on a fiber optic tray. Background Technology

[0002] During the manual collection of fiber optic tray tags, the RFID reader antenna needs to be inserted into a narrow space (usually less than 10mm) to complete tag identification.

[0003] Existing technologies commonly employ rigid structures or traditional circularly polarized antennas. These antennas suffer from drawbacks such as high structural rigidity, inability to fit into narrow gaps, and poor bending capability. Furthermore, in serrated or curved tray environments, antenna polarization is prone to mismatch, and near-field reflection interference is strong, leading to decreased tag reading stability.

[0004] In addition, traditional antennas do not have the ability to dynamically adjust the beam direction with spatial deformation, which can easily lead to reading blind spots or cross-reading, and cannot meet the stable acquisition requirements in complex tray environments.

[0005] Therefore, existing technologies suffer from poor adaptability to confined spaces, non-adaptive beams, and low readout success rates. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problem in existing technologies of how to provide an RFID antenna array and its reading method that can adapt to confined spaces and automatically adjust beam direction with structural bending to improve the stability and adaptability of tag reading in complex environments such as fiber optic trays, this application provides a confined space adaptive antenna array and its fiber optic tray tag reading method. The technical solution is as follows: On the one hand, a confined space adaptive antenna array is provided, comprising: The shell frame (1) is used to support the functional modules and form an array structure shell; A small patch antenna (2) is disposed inside the housing frame (1) for transmitting and receiving RFID signals; Flexible hinges (3) are used to connect adjacent shell frames (1) to form a flexible chain structure; A miniature angle sensor (4) is installed inside the flexible hinge (3) to detect the bending angle; A flexible circuit board (5) runs through each housing frame (1) and is used for radio frequency power supply and angle signal transmission. The preprocessing unit (202) is used to filter, amplify, and perform analog-to-digital conversion on the angle sensor signal; The main controller (203) is used to calculate the phase compensation parameters of each small patch antenna (2) based on the angle data; A beam drive unit (204) is used to adjust the feed phase of each antenna element according to the phase compensation parameters; An array antenna (205) is used to perform RFID signal transmission and reception; Among them, each shell frame (1) is connected in sequence through flexible hinges (3) to form a chain array structure. The main controller (203) controls the beam drive unit (204) according to the output signal of the angle sensor (4) to form an adaptive beam direction, so that the array antenna can adapt to the narrow space and the curved tray structure.

[0007] Optionally, the housing frame (1) is a multi-section independent encapsulation structure, and a corresponding small patch antenna (2) is fixedly installed inside each housing frame (1).

[0008] Optionally, the flexible hinge (3) is used to restrict the connection degree of freedom of adjacent shell frames (1), so that they only have bending degree of freedom.

[0009] Optionally, the miniature angle sensor (4) is used to detect the bending angle of the flexible hinge (3) in real time and output the angle signal to the preprocessing unit (202).

[0010] Optionally, the preprocessing unit (202) includes a filtering module, a signal amplification module, and an analog-to-digital conversion module.

[0011] Optionally, the flexible circuit board (5) is a PI substrate FPC structure and includes radio frequency feed lines and sensing signal lines.

[0012] Optionally, the array antenna (205) is used to receive the radio frequency signal output by the beam drive unit (204) during operation and form a directional radiation beam.

[0013] On the other hand, a method for reading fiber optic tray tags based on the aforementioned confined space adaptive antenna array is provided, including: Insert the array antenna (205) into the gap of the fiber optic tray, so that the antenna array bends and fits the tray structure; The bending angle data of the miniature angle sensor (4) is collected, processed by the preprocessing unit (202), and then transmitted to the main controller (203). The main controller (203) calculates the phase compensation parameters based on the angle data and adjusts the feed phase of the array antenna (205) through the beam drive unit (204); The RFID tag is read under the adjusted beam direction; During the reading process, the RSSI value is calculated based on the returned signal and fed back to the main controller (203). The main controller (203) corrects the phase compensation parameters and updates the beam control parameters based on RSSI feedback; The RFID handheld device (303) controls the RFID handheld device antenna reader (301) to enter the fiber optic tray gap and read the RFID plug tag (302); In response to the RFID handheld device (303) reading the RFID plug tag (302), the tag information is sent to the terminal display device (304) via Bluetooth for display.

[0014] The above technical solution has at least the following technical effects.

[0015] This invention discloses an adaptive antenna array for confined spaces and a method for reading tags on fiber optic trays, relating to the field of radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna technology. The antenna array includes a housing frame, a small patch antenna, a flexible hinge, a miniature angle sensor, a flexible circuit board, a preprocessing unit, a main controller, a beam drive unit, and an array antenna. A flexible chain structure is formed through the flexible hinge. Bending information is acquired by the angle sensor, converted by the preprocessing unit, and then the main controller calculates phase compensation parameters. The beam drive unit adjusts the array antenna to form an adaptive beam, achieving adaptation to confined spaces and curved tray environments. Based on this, RSSI feedback enables dynamic beam correction, and tag reading and data output to the terminal display device are completed via an RFID handheld device. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the adaptive antenna array in a confined space according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the signal and control link structure based on angle sensing and beam adaptive control of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of the fiber optic tray label handheld reading method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the technical solution of the present invention clearer and more complete, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Where there is no conflict, the technical features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. For those skilled in the art, equivalent substitutions, simple modifications, or combinations made based on the disclosure of the present invention, as long as they do not depart from the concept of the present invention, should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] In this article, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0019] Example 1

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a small space adaptive antenna array, the structure of which is composed of a shell frame (1) as the basic bearing unit, and each shell frame (1) is connected in sequence by a flexible hinge (3) to form a chain array structure.

[0021] In this structure, small patch antennas (2) are fixed inside each housing frame (1) to form a distributed RFID radiation unit, so that the antenna no longer works in a single array form, but operates in a segmented independent radiation and unified phase control manner.

[0022] The flexible circuit board (5) runs through the entire chain structure, simultaneously carrying the RF power supply path and the angle signal transmission path in space, thus decoupling the electrical connection from the mechanical bending.

[0023] The main controller (203) collects the bending information output by the miniature angle sensor (4), performs phase calculation on each patch antenna (2), and controls the array antenna (205) to form a directional radiation beam through the beam drive unit (204).

[0024] This structure transforms a traditional rigid array antenna into a deformation-driven distributed phased array system. Since each element achieves angular freedom through flexible hinges (3), the antenna array undergoes nonlinear deformation after entering a confined space. The main controller (203) reconstructs the phase relationship in real time through angle feedback, converting the "physical deformation" into a "phase modulation variable." Therefore, this structure achieves a direct mapping relationship between spatial deformation and the electromagnetic beam, which is impossible with traditional fixed phased arrays.

[0025] Example 2

[0026] In the structure of Example 1, the flexible hinge (3) is not only used for mechanical connection, but also constitutes the basic degree of freedom unit for the deformation control of the entire array.

[0027] When the array enters the fiber tray or narrow gap, each shell frame (1) bends sequentially under the action of external force, and the flexible hinge (3) provides the only bending degree of freedom, so that the overall structure forms a continuous curve.

[0028] The local curvature of the continuous curve directly corresponds to the output change of the micro angle sensor (4), thus forming a quantifiable expression of the spatial morphology.

[0029] The flexible hinge (3) plays a dual role in spatial geometric constraint and deformation encoder in this system: on the one hand, it restricts the degree of freedom of the structure and ensures that the array will not be twisted in a disorderly manner; on the other hand, it converts mechanical bending into a stable angle signal input, making the structural changes calculable.

[0030] Therefore, the hinge is no longer just a connecting component, but a "physical coding layer" of the beam control system.

[0031] Example 3

[0032] The miniature angle sensor (4) is located inside the flexible hinge (3) and corresponds one-to-one with the bending point of the structure.

[0033] When the array deforms, each angle sensor (4) outputs a continuous analog signal, which enters the preprocessing unit (202) through the flexible circuit board (5).

[0034] The preprocessing unit (202) filters and amplifies the signal, converts it into digital angle data, and transmits it to the main controller (203).

[0035] This process establishes a complete conversion chain from mechanical deformation, analog signals, digital angles, and control parameters. The key is that the angle signal is not a simple measurement value, but a "spatial state input variable" of the beam control system, enabling the antenna array to have real-time spatial sensing capabilities.

[0036] Example 4

[0037] The preprocessing unit (202) includes a filtering module, an amplification module and an analog-to-digital conversion module, which is used to eliminate high-frequency noise and drift error generated by the angle sensing signal under bending conditions.

[0038] When the array bends sharply or moves rapidly, the original angle signal fluctuates significantly. The preprocessing unit (202) converts it into a stable digital input through a three-level signal processing link.

[0039] The core function of this module is not simply to "improve accuracy," but to construct stable input boundary conditions for the control system. Because beamforming algorithms are extremely sensitive to changes in input, unprocessed signals can cause phase calculation oscillations. Therefore, this module is essentially a "pre-filter layer for beam control stability."

[0040] Example 5

[0041] The main controller (203) establishes a bending angle and phase compensation mapping model based on the input angle data, which is used to calculate the feed phase of each small patch antenna (2). This phase parameter is not a fixed value, but is updated in real time with the bending state of the array and is sent to the beam drive unit (204) through the digital control bus.

[0042] This mechanism enables a mapping transformation from "geometric spatial transformation" to "electromagnetic phase space," allowing antenna arrays to no longer rely on fixed geometric structures but instead rely on real-time morphological calculations of the beam.

[0043] Example 6

[0044] After receiving the phase parameters output by the main controller (203), the beam drive unit (204) adjusts the phase of each feed channel of the array antenna (205). This adjustment directly changes the RF superposition result, thereby forming a directional radiation beam.

[0045] By performing phase control at the radio frequency layer, the digital control signal can directly affect the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves, thus realizing a cross-domain control structure from digital control to radio frequency execution.

[0046] Example 7

[0047] The array antenna (205) forms a spatial directional radiation structure under the control of the beam drive unit (204).

[0048] When the array is in a bent state, the distance between array elements changes, but the system maintains the stability of the main lobe direction through phase compensation.

[0049] This design breaks through the traditional array's "geometric fixed dependence" and achieves adaptive radiation capability that "structural changes do not affect the stability of the main lobe".

[0050] Example 8

[0051] Based on the system in Example 1, this example describes the method for reading fiber optic tray tags, such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0052] Step 101: The main control unit (S1) first establishes a cascaded communication link with the transmission unit (S2) through the RS-485 bus, and at the same time establishes an address encoding communication link through the address encoding bus (A6) to enable the system to enter the initialization running state.

[0053] In this step, the RS-485 link is used to carry the data stream of device cascade communication, and the address encoding bus (A6) is used for address identification signal transmission. The two links are independent of each other.

[0054] Step 102: The main control unit (S1) sends the address encoding signal through the address encoding bus (A6) and transmits it to each inspection port unit (S3) level by level, so that each inspection port unit (S3) completes the communication address pre-matching.

[0055] This process corresponds to Figure 3 The system initialization and link establishment status before the handheld device enters the tray area provides a basic communication environment for subsequent handheld operations.

[0056] Step 103: The inspection port unit (S3) completes local address matching based on the received address encoding signal and enters the handshake waiting state.

[0057] This step corresponds to Figure 3 After the device completes basic identification, it enters a standby state, providing an accessible node for the RFID handheld device (303) to enter the scanning process.

[0058] Step 104: The main control unit (S1) sends a unified handshake command to each inspection port unit (S3) through the data communication bus.

[0059] This handshake command is used to activate devices that have completed address matching and trigger them to return response information. This process is as follows: Figure 3 The system preparation stage before the RFID handheld device (303) starts reading.

[0060] Step 105: The inspection port unit (S3) returns a response message containing the device's unique hardware code to the main control unit (S1).

[0061] This response information is used to establish... Figure 3 The mapping relationship between the RFID plug tag (302) shown and the device logic node enables subsequent handheld reading to locate the target tag.

[0062] Step 106: The main control unit (S1) establishes the topology of the devices in the cascaded link based on the response information and completes the communication address allocation according to the preset address allocation rules.

[0063] This step corresponds to Figure 3 The RFID handheld device (303) enters the system topology determination stage before the tray point-by-point scanning, so that each tag node has a unique identifiable communication identifier.

[0064] Step 107: The main control unit (S1) sends the communication address to the inspection port unit (S3) through the data communication bus, so that each inspection port unit (S3) completes the network registration.

[0065] This step and Figure 3The RFID handheld device antenna reader (301) enters the gap of the fiber optic tray point by point and performs the tag reading action accordingly, providing stable communication support for subsequent real-time reading.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the RFID handheld device (303) controls the RFID handheld device antenna reader (301) to enter the gap of the fiber optic tray and read the RFID plug tag (302) point by point.

[0067] During the reading process, the RFID handheld device (303) moves according to the location on site, driving the antenna reader (301) to cover each tag area in sequence and acquire tag data in real time.

[0068] After reading, the RFID handheld device (303) sends the tag information to the terminal display device (304) via Bluetooth and displays it visually on the display interface.

[0069] By combining the system initialization process (steps 101-107) with Figure 3 The handheld reading process shown is designed collaboratively so that after the system completes automatic topology identification and address allocation, it can directly support the RFID handheld device (303) to read the fiber optic tray tag (302) point by point.

[0070] in, Figure 3 The handheld mobile reading method and the system-level address allocation mechanism work together to achieve a consistent data mapping between "system-level topology recognition" and "on-site manual scanning behavior", thereby ensuring stable and continuous tag recognition and data transmission even under complex tray structures.

[0071] In addition, through the collaboration between the RFID handheld antenna reader (301) and the system-level communication link, the manual scanning process can directly utilize the established topology of the system to complete tag identification without relying on additional address configuration, thereby improving on-site operation efficiency and data consistency.

[0072] The above are merely optional embodiments of this application and are 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 confined space adaptive antenna array, characterized in that, include: The shell frame (1) is used to support the functional modules and form an array structure shell; A small patch antenna (2) is disposed inside the housing frame (1) for transmitting and receiving RFID signals; Flexible hinges (3) are used to connect adjacent shell frames (1) to form a flexible chain structure; A miniature angle sensor (4) is installed inside the flexible hinge (3) to detect the bending angle; A flexible circuit board (5) runs through each housing frame (1) and is used for radio frequency power supply and angle signal transmission. The preprocessing unit (202) is used to filter, amplify, and perform analog-to-digital conversion on the angle sensor signal; The main controller (203) is used to calculate the phase compensation parameters of each small patch antenna (2) based on the angle data; A beam drive unit (204) is used to adjust the feed phase of each antenna element according to the phase compensation parameters; An array antenna (205) is used to perform RFID signal transmission and reception; Among them, each shell frame (1) is connected in sequence through flexible hinges (3) to form a chain array structure. The main controller (203) controls the beam drive unit (204) according to the output signal of the angle sensor (4) to form an adaptive beam direction, so that the array antenna can adapt to the narrow space and the curved tray structure.

2. The confined space adaptive antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing frame (1) is a multi-section independent encapsulation structure, and a corresponding small patch antenna (2) is fixedly installed inside each housing frame (1).

3. The confined space adaptive antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible hinge (3) is used to restrict the connection degree of freedom of the adjacent shell frame (1), so that it only has the degree of freedom of bending.

4. The confined space adaptive antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The miniature angle sensor (4) is used to detect the bending angle of the flexible hinge (3) in real time and output the angle signal to the preprocessing unit (202).

5. The confined space adaptive antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preprocessing unit (202) includes a filtering module, a signal amplification module, and an analog-to-digital conversion module.

6. The confined space adaptive antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible circuit board (5) is a PI substrate FPC structure and includes radio frequency power supply lines and sensing signal lines.

7. The confined space adaptive antenna array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The array antenna (205) is used to receive the radio frequency signal output by the beam drive unit (204) during operation and form a directional radiation beam.

8. A method for reading fiber optic tray tags based on a confined space adaptive antenna array according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, include: Insert the array antenna (205) into the gap of the fiber optic tray, so that the antenna array bends and fits the tray structure; The bending angle data of the miniature angle sensor (4) is collected, processed by the preprocessing unit (202), and then transmitted to the main controller (203). The main controller (203) calculates the phase compensation parameters based on the angle data and adjusts the feed phase of the array antenna (205) through the beam drive unit (204); The RFID tag is read under the adjusted beam direction; During the reading process, the RSSI value is calculated based on the returned signal and fed back to the main controller (203). The main controller (203) corrects the phase compensation parameters and updates the beam control parameters based on RSSI feedback; The RFID handheld device (303) controls the RFID handheld device antenna reader (301) to enter the fiber optic tray gap and read the RFID plug tag (302); In response to the RFID handheld device (303) reading the RFID plug tag (302), the tag information is sent to the terminal display device (304) via Bluetooth for display.

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