Chipless RFID label system, associated computer-implemented method, computer program product and related machine-readable means

Abstract

The invention relates to a chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system (100) comprising at least one chipless label (10), a generator and reader apparatus (20), a cloud server (25). The generator and reader apparatus (20) form an incident wave beam (1), generated by a reader subsystem (23), focused by a beamforming subsystem (21) and transmitted through an antenna array (22) over a label area (15). Each label (10) reflects the incident wave beam (1) creating a reflected wave beam (2), which on its turn is received by the antenna array (22). The reflected wave beam (2) is analysed by processing unit within the reader subsystem (23). The data resulted from this analyses is sent by means of a communication module (24) to the server (25) for storage and / or comparison. The invention also relates to a computer-implemented method for the identification of chipless RFID labels (10).

Description

CHIPLESS RFID LABEL SYSTEM, ASSOCIATED COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT AND RELATED MACHINE-READABLE MEANS

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of identifying labels and labels by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.

[0002] Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology has a history that spans several decades. It evolved from early concepts of using radio waves to remotely identify and track objects. Early discoveries dating from the 19thcentury involving radio waves and wireless communications paved the way for wireless data transmission and reception. The concept of using radio waves to remotely identify objects dates back to the 1940s, and in the decades of 1970s and 1980s, the development and commercialization of RFID technology gained momentum. Over time, RFID technology found widespread adoption in a variety of industries, including retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. It offered benefits such as improved inventory management, increased supply chain visibility, and enhanced security.

[0003] Also, RFID technology has seen significant advancements in label design, reader capabilities, and the use of various frequency bands (LF, HF, UHF, and microwave) to accommodate different applications and environmental conditions.

[0004] RFID technology continues to evolve, with innovations such as battery-free passive RFID labels, flexible and printable RFID antennas, and integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time tracking and data analysis.Prior Art

[0005] Currently, there are various solutions for label reading. In general, the following can be named:

[0006] RFID labels (with chip) – this technology is widely available on the market allows identification features. Having a chip allows the labels to create different modulations and even to have dynamic encoding of information. The big advantage is also its big disadvantage, once due to the chip, they have significantly higher cost and cannot be 100% “green”.

[0007] RFID readers (with chip) – it allows the decoding of chip RFID labels which can have a better performance than system based on chipless labels. However, they don’t have the decoding elements needed to decode chipless labels.

[0008] Beamforming systems – beamforming solutions are available to focus beams of energy on certain locations. Nevertheless, they are not designed to work with chipless labels which makes them particularly inefficient to integrate in these systems.

[0009] The prior art document WO2021165422 A1, by INKJET ENGINE TECHNOLOGY (FR), published on the 26thAugust 2021, discloses a chipless radio frequency identification devices, preferably chipless RFID labels, characterized in that they comprise a particular dielectric substrate surmounted by pattern (s) consisting of a layer of conductive material; preferably a dielectric substrate of solid foam, foam board, corrugated board, honeycomb board or fabric (for example a material consisting of threads or fibers interwoven in cotton, hemp, linen or synthetic such as nylon, polyamide or viscose), topped with pattern (s) made up of a layer of conductive material. In this patent document, the inventors claim that the dielectric substrate and conductor pattern assembly made it possible to obtain devices which not only exhibited optimal resonance characteristics while exhibiting superior radiation efficiency and also performance, being at least the sum of the two layers, dielectric and conductive pattern, which define the resonance characteristics of the device object of this invention.

[0010] The European patent EP3631689 B1, by the Univ. Autonoma de Barcelona (ES), published on the 7thSeptember 2022, discloses a chipless RFID label, comprising a dielectric substrate and electromagnetic resonators excitable by an external electromagnetic field and respectively arranged on separate spatial locations of the dielectric substrate forming a row, and configured to resonate at a common resonant frequency. It also discloses a system comprising the chipless RFID label and a RFID reader reading an encoded code by detecting the presence / absence of attenuation peaks on an electromagnetic wave providing the external electromagnetic field to the electromagnetic resonators.

[0011] None of the above-mentioned prior art documents solves the technical problem the present application is able to solve. Namely, the ability to identify multiple labels in a label area and in a more sustainable way, with high accuracy, is not addressed by the prior art.

[0012] Therefore, there is still the need for a RFID label system capable of overcoming the deficiencies presented by the prior art.

[0013] The technological solution provided by the present invention presents a sustainable and highly effective chipless radio-frequency identification (RFID) label system that uses radio-frequency (RF) modulation for unique identification and precise sensing. In preferred embodiments of the invention, an associated reader apparatus employs advanced beamforming and signal processing techniques to further enhance system performance.

[0014] The RFID labels according to the present invention comprise a conductive layer deposited over a sustainable substrate, wherein said conductive layer is configured to reflect RF waves at varying frequencies and amplitudes, creating a distinctive signature for identification, in the reflected wave.

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a chipless RFID label system comprising one or more chipless labels comprising a sustainable substrate made from environmentally friendly materials and a conductive layer comprising a plurality of different or similar inks applied to said sustainable substrate, wherein said conductive layer modulates reflected RF waves in response to an incident RF wave, enabling unique identification and sensing of the chipless RFID label or labels. The system also comprises a generator and reader apparatus comprising an antenna, a reader subsystem and a communication module, and a cloud server. In preferred embodiments, the system further comprises a beamforming subsystem configured to focus radio-frequency wave beams, and, in certain embodiments, the system further includes a memory.

[0016] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a computer-implemented method for reading chipless RFID labels carried out by the system according to the first aspect.

[0017] In a third aspect, the invention relates to computer program product comprising sequential and logical instructions which, when executed by a computer, for example, the processing unit according to the system of the first aspect, causes the computer to carry out the method steps according to the second aspect.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising the installation of the computer program product according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0019] The present invention solves the problem of using chipless labels in identification and sensing applications. It does it by combining a unique set of technologies that allow the system to work as a single unit.

[0020] By means of a novel technology, the present invention provides:

[0021] Use of a sustainable substrate made from eco-friendly materials for chipless RFID labels without performance prejudice. This is possible due to the combination of materials and ink characterization and its simulation for backscattering purposes.

[0022] Dynamic beamforming subsystem, a departure from traditional RFID systems, which continuously optimizes its RF energy beam in real-time. This innovation significantly improves label localization accuracy and enhances power delivery efficiency.

[0023] An advanced algorithm enabling the deciphering of backscatter signals generated by chipless labels. The algorithm uses multiple techniques like digital signal filters, pattern recognition, spectral analysis, frequency, amplitude and phase demodulation and error correction codes.Industrial Applications

[0024] The technological solution of the present invention can be used in multiple commercial applications. For example, it can be used as a replacement for barcodes due to its negligible costs, or as a biodegradable sensor to place in a remote location.

[0025] The main advantages of the present technological solution can be summarized as follows:

[0026] Use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials without performance prejudice;

[0027] Sensing capabilities provided by the combination of conductive inks with inks modulating their electromagnetic response due to modifications on the chemical, physical and mechanical properties under a external stimulus.

[0028] The beamforming system provides a dynamic and continuously optimized beam forming, leading to a higher accuracy both in focusing the beam and interpreting the reflected wave;

[0029] By the use of multiple techniques like digital signal filters, pattern recognition, spectral analysis, frequency, amplitude and phase demodulation and error correction codes, the system of the present invention is able to accurately decipher or decode the backscatter signals, that is, the reflected wave.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, which are to be construed as non-limiting the invention scope, which scope is defined by the appended claims, and wherein:Fig.1A

[0031] represents a schematic view of a first embodiment of the chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system according to the invention;Fig.1B

[0032] represents a schematic view of a second embodiment of the chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system according to the invention;Fig.2

[0033] represents a schematic view of an embodiment of the chipless radio-frequency identification label according to the invention;Fig.3

[0034] represents a diagram of an embodiment of the reader subsystem according to the invention;Fig.4

[0035] represents a diagram of an embodiment of the beamforming subsystem according to the invention;Fig.5A

[0036] is a schematic representation of a measurement set using the system and method according to the invention;Fig.5B

[0037] is a graph showing the measurement results of the test represented in; andFig.6

[0038] shows a schematic representation of a pineapple fruit wherein the chipless label according to the invention is applied for identification.Detailed description of the Invention

[0039] The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly chipless RFID label system that comprises at least one chipless RFID label utilizing a sustainable substrate made from eco-friendly materials. Deposited on said substrate, there is a conductive layer comprising lines, which lines can be straight lines and / or curved lines, made of one or more conductive inks.

[0040] Additionally, the system according to the invention includes a generator and reader apparatus that, in preferred embodiments, the system includes also RF beamforming capabilities. This apparatus is capable of generating and precisely directing RF energy to a specific area containing the one or more chipless RFID labels. The reader apparatus is also equipped with an antenna array, or at least one antenna, for transmitting and receiving RF waves, and a processing unit for analysing the reflected RF waves and identifying the chipless RFID label based on its modulation characteristics or features. Said generator and reader apparatus further comprises a communication module configured to communicate with a cloud server. Such cloud server is also making part of the system according to the invention.

[0041] The sustainable substrate is made of non-polluting materials, i.e., environmentally friendly materials, preferably one or more biodegradable materials selected from the group consisting of paper-based material, a cardboard-based material, a wood-based material, a cotton-based material, a bamboo-based material, a natural rubber-based material, a natural cork-based material, a polymer-based material, a polylactic acid-based material, a jute-based material, a coconut coir-based material, a natural fabrics-based material, a leather-based material, a glass-based material, a composite-based material, and any combination thereof.

[0042] The conductive layer can comprise either one type of conductive ink or more than one type of conductive ink. This conductive layer modulates reflected radio frequency (RF) waves in response to an incident RF wave, enabling the unique identification and sensing of the chipless RFID label. This modulation is essential for unique identification and sensing of the chipless RFID label.

[0043] The at least one conductive ink according to the invention comprises one or more of: metal-based particles, preferably silver-, copper- or aluminium-based particles, graphene particles, conductive polymers, transparent conductive oxides, carbon-based particles, or a combination thereof.

[0044] The conductive layer is designed to reflect RF waves at different frequencies and amplitudes, creating a distinctive signature that allows for precise identification and sensing of the label. The sustainable substrate and the conductive layer with distinct modulation characteristics form part of the core of this innovative system.

[0045] Variable RF Reflection: the conductive layer is configured to reflect RF waves at varying frequencies and amplitudes. This variability contributes to create a distinctive signature for identification and sensing purposes.

[0046] Concerning the generator and reader apparatus included in the system according to the invention, such generator and reader apparatus has RF beamforming capabilities. This generator and reader apparatus is equipped with at least one antenna for transmitting and receiving RF waves, a processing unit for analysing reflected RF waves to identify the chipless RFID label based on its modulation features, a communication module to communicate with a cloud server and, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the system also comprises a beamforming subsystem for focusing RF energy, or RF wave beams, on a specific area containing one or more chipless RFID labels.

[0047] Adjustable Beamforming:the beamforming system within the reader apparatus includes one or more adjustable phase shifters and one or more power controllers. These components enable precise steering and shaping of the RF incident beam.

[0048] More specifically, for the beamforming achieved through said adjustable phase shifters and adjustable power controllers, advanced signal processing algorithms are employed by the processing unit in the generator and reader apparatus to differentiate and decode single and multiple chipless RFID labels within the RF beam focus area. Furthermore, the generator and reader apparatus can determine the angle or direction from which the reflected RF wave originated, providing directional sensing capabilities.

[0049] The incident radio-frequency waves have a frequency ranging between 500 MHz and 10 GHz, preferably the frequency is within 1 GHz and 6 GHz, and even more preferably within 1 GHz and 4 GHz.

[0050] The antenna or array of antennas used in the system according to the invention is of a conventional type of antennas commercially available.

[0051] The processing unit used in the system according to the invention is of one of the following types: Software Defined Radio (SDR) type and / or File Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) type.

[0052] The communication module used in the system according to the invention is of a conventional communication module type suitable for communications between the processing unit and the cloud server, wherein the communication means is selected from the group consisting of radio wifi, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), among others known to the skilled person in the art.

[0053] The phase shifter used in the system according to the invention is a conventional one commercially available. Examples of phase shifters suitable for the system of present invention are MAPS-010144 and MAPS-011019 from MACOM.

[0054] The power controller function is digitally carried out by the processing unit, by controlling the signal power, or incident wave beam power. Afterwards, the power may be amplified by power amplifiers. Examples of a power controller according to the invention are Software Defined Radio (SDR), wherein the processing unit used is, for example, Adalm-Pluto from Analog Devices.

[0055] The system according to the invention is able to continuously optimize the RF wave beams created, focused and transmitted by the generator and reader apparatus in real-time. In order to do so, when the generator and reader apparatus receives a reflected radio-frequency wave beam from an n+1 incident wave beam, the processing unit compares the amplitude of the n+1 reflected wave beam (power of the signal) with the power of a previous one, i.e., the n reflected wave beam from an n incident wave beam, wherein the n+1 incident wave beam differs from the n incident wave beam by a change cn+1. When said comparison results in a higher reflected wave beam power, then the system learns that the signal reflection has been improved by the change cn+1operated in the second incident wave beam. Otherwise, the system learns that the change cn+1had been a not successful change in terms of optimization of the system.The mentioned changecn+1can be a change in the antenna focus and / or power due to a phase shift or a power change in the transmitted wave beam.

[0056] The processing unit runs an advanced algorithm that enables the deciphering of backscatter signals generated by chipless labels, by reflecting the incident wave beam. The algorithm uses multiple techniques like digital signal filters, pattern recognition, spectral analysis, frequency, amplitude and phase demodulation and error correction codes.

[0057] Said advanced algorithm may be selected from the group consisting of Band Pass Filters, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Pearson correlation and Convolution in Neural Networks. By focusing the incident wave beam onto the label area, the power transmitted will be more concentrated and thus reducing any waste of power. Therefore, any label therein located is able, in a passive way, to reflect the incident wave creating a reflected wave beam also having more power than when the incident wave would be somewhat scattered, or not focused, not concentrated. Thereby, preferred embodiments of the system of the invention, with beamforming capabilities, are able to obtain better results in the reflected wave beams and thus in the identification process of the chipless labels according to the invention.

[0058] Also, due to this surprising technical effect of the system according to the invention, it is possible to identify labels correctly and accurately and also their spatial orientation and angle, from larger distances, when compared to a system without a beam focusing capacity.

[0059] In the following the figures accompanying the present application will be described in that they represent embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting. The invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0060] represents a schematic view of a first embodiment of the chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system (100) according to the invention.shows a set of three chipless labels (10) or tags according to the invention. Also,shows a generator and reader apparatus (20) according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising one antenna (2) Tx / Rx, that is, an antenna suitable for transmitting and for receiving a signal, in this case an radio-frequency wave beam. In other words, the antenna (22) is able to transmit an incident wave beam (1) and to receive a reflected wave beam (2), i.e., the wave beam reflected by a chipless label (10) or tag according to the invention. Asillustrates, the generator and reader apparatus (20) also comprises a reader subsystem (23), which will be discussed hereinafter in reference toand a communication module (24). The communication module (24) is configured to communicate with a cloud server (25) wherein a database is stored with data obtained by the generator and reader apparatus (20) by reading chipless labels (10), according to the invention.

[0061] Both the antenna (22) and the communication module (24) where discussed above and will not be discussed herein in greater detail.

[0062] The cloud server (25) is a conventional server in a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet or in any other suitable type of computational unit, as a skilled person in the art will understand. In the cloud server (25), a database with data from the readings of the generator and reader apparatus (20) is stored. The communication module (24) communicates with the cloud server (25) via wired or wireless means, preferably via wireless means and, for example, via the Internet.

[0063] As illustrated in, the generator and reader apparatus (20) generates, in the beam generator (231) (see), an incident radio-frequency wave beam (1) which incident wave beam (1) is transmitted via the antenna (22) as an incident wave beam (1) over a chipless label (10). The chipless label (10) reflects the incident wave beam (1) in the form of a reflected wave beam (2), through the lines (12) of the conductive layer (see). The reflected wave beam (2) is received by the antenna (2) and through an electrical connection the reflected wave beam (2) is transmitted to the processing unit (232) (see) comprised in the reader subsystem (23) for processing. The reflected radio-frequency wave beam (2) contains unique modulation features related to the chipless label (10) which reflected the incident wave beam (1). Said unique modulation features are selected from the group consisting of a spectral signature of the respective one or more chipless labels (10), angle, frequency, amplitude, direction, power received, phase, among others. By decoding said spectral signature of the reflected wave beam (2), the processing unit (232) will be able to determine an identification number or code related to the unique chipless label (10) it pertains.

[0064] The processing unit (232) analyses said unique modulation features by signal conditioning, frequency demodulation, amplitude demodulation, decoding and data processing, performed through advanced algorithms like Band Pass Filters, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Pearson correlation and Convolution in Neural Networks, for example.

[0065] The processing unit (232) next determines the unique chipless label (10) which have reflected the incident wave beam (1). In certain embodiments of the present invention, this determination of chipless label (10) includes a comparison of the one or more unique modulation features related to that unique label (10) with a database stored in a local memory or in the cloud server (25). This comparison may include the necessary communications with the cloud server (25) as a skilled person in the art will understand.

[0066] The reader subsystem (23) includes, in preferred embodiments of the invention, a memory to store data obtained from the readings and / or related to the incident wave beams (1) created.

[0067] represents a schematic view of a second embodiment of the chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system (100) according to the invention, in which the generator and reader apparatus (20) additionally comprises a beamforming subsystem (21). This beamforming subsystem (21) is configured for continuously optimize the incident wave beam (1) in real-time, as described above. This innovation significantly improves label localization accuracy and enhances power delivery efficiency.

[0068] With the beamforming subsystem (21) included in the generator and reader apparatus (20), the incident wave beam (1) is focused onto the label area (15). Said focusing step includes steering and shaping the incident wave beam (1), both in terms of amplitude and in terms of frequency and direction. The phase and the amplitude of the incident wave beam (1) are adjusted as already described above, through a learning advanced algorithm. For the phase adjustment there is a phase shifter (211), for the power control there is a power controller (212), and for the amplification of the wave beam, there is one or more beam amplifier (213) within the beamforming subsystem (21) according to the invention.

[0069] With the preferred embodiment illustrated in, the reading of each label (10) can achieve a better accuracy.

[0070] represents a schematic view of an embodiment of the chipless radio-frequency identification label (10) according to the invention. Said label (10) comprises a label substrate (11) made of one or more sustainable materials as already discussed above. Over the substate (11) there is a conductive layer comprising conductive lines (12). The conductive lines (12) are made of at least one conductive ink. The lines (12) can be all made of the same ink or they can be made of different conductive inks. The inks used in the present invention are discussed above.shows the conductive lines (12) as 3 parallel lines with different lengths, but these lines can assume many other shapes, straight or curved. They can also be a mix of straight and curved lines (12) with similar of different lengths and thicknesses.

[0071] represents a diagram of an embodiment of the reader subsystem (23) according to the invention, wherein the beam generator (231) and the processing unit (232) are illustrated. The reader subsystem (23) is configured to be connected directly to an antenna (22) or to a beamforming subsystem (21). Also, the communication module (24) represented in figures 1A and 1B can be provided inside the reader subsystem (23) (not shown).

[0072] represents a diagram of an embodiment of the beamforming subsystem (21) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The beamforming subsystem (21) comprises at least one phase shifter (211) and at least one power controller (212). As discussed above, the phase shifter (211) and the power controller (212) cooperate to focus the incident wave beam (1) onto the label area (15). The beamforming subsystem (21) also comprises one or more beam amplifiers (213) which cooperate in the amplification of the beam power controlled by the power controller (212). This focusing step will cause the reflected wave beam (2) to be more accurate and precise and thus providing better information about the chipless label (10) which reflected the incident focused wave beam (1).

[0073] The beamforming subsystem (21) is configured to be connected to an antenna (22) and to the reader subsystem (23).

[0074] shows a schematic representation of a measurement set using the system (100) and method according to the invention. In the measurement performed with the set represented in, two chipless labels (13,14) are being read by the system. An incident wave beam (1) has been created and focussed by a generator and reader apparatus (20) according to the invention, which incident wave beam (1) hit each of the labels (13,14). The respective reflected wave beams (2) have been detected by a generator and reader apparatus (20) according to the invention. The measurement set has been assembled inside a semi anechoic chamber to avoid any interference.shows a graph plotting the measurement results of the test represented in, wherein the two chipless labels (13,14) according to the invention were reflecting different wave beams (2). The reflected wave beams (2) were in the range of approximately 1 GHz to 4.0 GHz and their respective ratio between the power of the incident wave beam (1) and the power of the reflected wave beam (2) ranged between approximately -35 dB and 10 dB. With this measurement test, it is possible to determine the spectral signature of each of the read labels (13,14).

[0075] The first incident wave beam (1) was in the range of 30-32 dB and it was clearly reflected by both chipless labels (13,14). The purpose here is to reduce down to the lowest possible amplitude of the incident wave beam (1) until the reflected wave beam (2) is still being received. This represents the establishment of the longest distance of labels to be possible to be read by the system and the method according to the invention. For example, possible distances are 40 and 60 cm. In the graph of, RCS stands for Refraction Convolution Section.

[0076] shows a schematic representation of a pineapple fruit wherein a chipless label (10) according to the invention is applied underneath the paper label for identification. Depending on the fruit or another application, the attachment of the chipless label (10) can be glued, for example, or coupled like it is shown in the figure, with a ribbon, plastic ribbon, raffia, twine, cord strip / ribbon / string, among others.Definitions

[0077] As used in this application, the term “label” means a label in general, including “tag”, “ticket”, and “sticker” and unless otherwise explicitly indicated, these terms are used in an interchangeable way throughout this application.

[0078] As used in this application, the acronym “RFID” means “radio-frequency identification”, which, as a skilled person in the art will understand, refers to a technology wherein electromagnetic fields are used to automatically identify and track labels attached to objects. “RFID” and “radio-frequency identification” are used in an interchangeable way throughout this application.

[0079] "As used in this application, the term “beam amplifier” means "power beam amplifier" or "power amplifier" or "Radio Frequency (RF) power amplifier", these terms being interchangeable. The term "beam amplifier" was chosen for the sake of simplicity."

[0080] As used in this application, the term “or” is to be interpreted in an inclusive meaning instead of the exclusive meaning, unless otherwise clearly stated. That is, an expression like “X utilizes A or B” shall be interpreted as including all possible combinations, i.e., “X utilizes A”, “X utilizes B”, and “X utilizes A and B”.

[0081] As used in this application, the indefinite article “a”, “an”, shall be interpreted as including “one” or “one or more”, unless otherwise clearly stated.

[0082] Throughout this application, the examples provided shall be interpreted as having the purpose to illustrate one or more examples of embodiments of the present invention and shall not be interpreted as preferences, unless otherwise clearly stated.

[0083] As used throughout the present application, the terms “comprise / comprises”, “comprising”, “include / includes”, “including” specify the presence of the features, elements, components, steps, and related operations, and do not exclude whatsoever the presence of further features, elements, components, steps, and related operations.

[0084] The subject-matter above-described is provided as an illustration of the present invention and shall not be interpreted as limiting it. The terminology used with the purpose of describing specific embodiments according to the present invention, shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the invention.

[0085] 1 – incident radio-frequency wave beam

[0086] 2 – reflected radio-frequency wave beam

[0087] 10 – chipless label

[0088] 11 – label substrate

[0089] 12 - conductive lines

[0090] 13 – first chipless label in a measurement set

[0091] 14 – second chipless label in a measurement set

[0092] 15 – label area

[0093] 20 - generator and reader apparatus

[0094] 21 – beamforming subsystem

[0095] 211 – phase shifter

[0096] 212 - power controller

[0097] 213 – beam amplifier

[0098] 22 – antenna array

[0099] 23 – reader subsystem

[0100] 231 – beam generator

[0101] 232 - processing unit

[0102] 24 - communication module

[0103] 25 – cloud server

[0104] The citations list follows:

[0105] WO2021165422 A1, by INKJET ENGINE TECHNOLOGY (FR), published on the 26th August 2021.

[0106] EP3631689 B1, by the Univ. Autonoma de Barcelona (ES), published on the 7th September 2022.

Claims

A chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system (100) comprising:at least one chipless label (10);a generator and reader apparatus (20);a cloud server (25)characterised in thatthe at least one chipless label (10) comprisesa label substrate (11);an electrically conductive layer comprising a plurality of conductive lines (12) applied over the label substrate (11); andthe generator and reader apparatus (20) comprisesat least one antenna (22);a reader subsystem (23), comprising a beam generator (231); and a processing unit (232), anda communication module (24), configured to communicate with the cloud server (25);whereinthe at least one chipless label (10) is configured to reflect an incident radio-frequency wave beam (1) creating a reflected radio-frequency wave beam (2) comprising unique modulation features related to the at least one chipless label (10); andthe generator and reader apparatus (20) is configured to receive said reflected radio-frequency wave beam (2) and to process the unique modulation features related to the at least one chipless label (10).The chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system (100) according to the precedent claim,characterised in thatthe generator and reader apparatus (20) further comprises:a beamforming subsystem (21);whereinthe beamforming subsystem (21) is configured to focus radio-frequency wave beams and comprises at least one phase shifter (211), at least one power controller (212), and at least one beam amplifier (213);whereinthe beamforming subsystem (21) is connected with the reader subsystem (23).The chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system (100) according to any one of the precedent claims,characterised in thatthe generator and reader apparatus (20) further comprises a memory configured to store data received by the generator and reader apparatus (20).The chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system (100) according to any one of the precedent claimscharacterised in thatthe label substrate (11) is made of one or more non-polluting materials, preferably one or more biodegradable materials selected from the group consisting of paper-based material, a cardboard-based material, a wood-based material, a cotton-based material, a bamboo-based material, a natural rubber-based material, a natural cork-based material, a polymer-based material, a polylactic acid-based material, a jute-based material, a coconut coir-based material, a natural fabrics-based material, a leather-based material, a glass-based material, a composite-based material, and any combination thereof.The chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system (100) according to any one of the precedent claimscharacterised in thatthe plurality of conductive lines (12) is made of at least one conductive ink comprising metal-based particles, preferably silver-, copper- or aluminium-based particles, graphene particles, conductive polymers, transparent conductive oxides, carbon-based particles, or a combination thereof.The chipless radio-frequency identification label reading system (100) according to any one of the precedent claimscharacterised in thatthe incident radio-frequency wave beam (1) transmitted by the generator and reader apparatus (20), and the reflected radio-frequency wave beam (2) reflected by the at least one chipless label (10) have a frequency belonging to the interval 500 MHz and 10 GHz, preferably 1 GHz and 6 GHz, and even more preferably 1 GHz and 4 GHz.A computer-implemented method for reading chipless radio-frequency identification labels, carried out by the system as defined in any one of claims 1 – 6,characterized in thatthe method comprises the following steps:a. creating an incident radio-frequency wave beam (1), by the beam generator (231);b. transmitting, by means of the antenna (22), the incident radio-frequency wave beam (1) onto a label area (15);c. reflecting, by one or more chipless labels (10), the incident radio-frequency wave beam (1), thereby creating a reflected radio-frequency wave beam (2), wherein said reflected radio-frequency wave beam (2) contains unique modulation features related to the one or more chipless labels (10);d. receiving, through the at least one antenna (22), the reflected radio-frequency wave beam (2), by the processing unit (232);e. analysing, by the processing unit (232), the one or more unique modulation features selected from the group consisting of a spectral signature, which spectral signature relates to a unique identification number of the respective one or more chipless labels (10), angle, frequency, amplitude, direction, power received, phase, wherein said analysing comprises signal conditioning, frequency demodulation, amplitude demodulation, decoding and data processing;f. determining, by the processing unit (232), the unique one or more chipless labels (10), including determining the angle or direction from which the reflected radio-frequency wave beam (2) originated; andg. sending the label (10) identification information obtained in the previous step.The computer-implemented method according to the precedent claim, carried out by the system as defined in any one of claims 2 – 6,characterised in thatthe method further comprises the following step:a1. focusing, by the beamforming subsystem (21), the incident radio-frequency wave beam (1) onto said label area (15); wherein said focusing comprises the following substeps:a11. steering and shaping the created incident radio-frequency wave beam (1), by adjusting phase and amplitude thereof, by the phase shifter (211) and power controller (212); anda12. amplifying the wave beam by the at least one beam amplifier (213);wherein step a1. is performed after step a.The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 7 - 8,characterisedin thatthe method step f. determining the unique one or more chipless labels comprises the following substep:f1. comparison of the one or more unique modulation features related to the one or more labels (10) with a database stored in a local memory or in the cloud server (25).The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 7 - 9,characterisedin thatthe method further comprises the following step:h. distinguishing between multiple chipless labels (10) within the label area (15) of focus using advanced signal processing algorithms comprising signal conditioning, frequency demodulation, amplitude demodulation, decoding and data processing.The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 7 - 10,characterised in thatthe method step g. sending comprises at least one of the following:sending to a database stored in the cloud server (25);sending to a database locally stored in a memory,sending to a monitor to display the information related to the identification of the one or more labels (10).A computer program productcharacterized in thatit comprises a set of sequential and logical instructions which, when executed by a computer, for example, the processing unit (232) of the system as defined in claims 1-6, causes the computer to carry out the method as defined in claims 7 to 11.A computer-readable storage mediumcharacterized in thatit comprises the installation of a computer program product as defined in claim 12.

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