Active RFID Tag Status Signaling via Trigger Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for household appliances lack the ability to efficiently transmit dynamic status information wirelessly, as they are typically limited to passive RFID tags and fixed signaling symbols, failing to accommodate the increasing individualization of the home appliance market and the need for customizable status reporting.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active RFID tags that can autonomously generate trigger pulses to transmit data, allowing for variable and customizable signaling through radio pulses, with the option to use different frequencies, amplitudes, or patterns, and integration with a central server for processing and generating user-configurable signaling tones, optical, or haptic reports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If passive RFID tags are used for identification, then the system is simple and energy-efficient, but the appliance cannot actively transmit status information
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is configured to autonomously transmit status information when triggered by a radio pulse from the appliance, eliminating the need for continuous external power or complex communication protocols. The appliance simply sends a trigger pulse and the tag self-manages the data transmission to the receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static passive RFID identification to dynamic active status reporting. The RFID tag can be triggered multiple times in quick succession in predefined patterns to signal different states, enabling the system to adapt its communication behavior based on the appliance's operational status.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed signaling symbols are used in appliances, then the implementation is simple, but customization and individualization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A central server acts as an intermediary between the appliance and the user's mobile device. The server receives RFID status reports, processes the information, and enables users to configure customized signaling preferences through a web interface or mobile application, separating the simple transmission function from the complex customization logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves from local fixed signaling (lamps or LCD displays on the appliance) to remote customizable signaling through mobile devices and haptic feedback. This adds a new dimension of user interaction where signaling can be personalized and delivered on the user's preferred device rather than being constrained to the appliance's physical location.
3Loss of information
If multiple different signals are to be transmitted, then comprehensive status reporting is achieved, but the transmission protocol becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic trigger pulses sent by the appliance to activate the RFID tag for different status reports. By spacing multiple activations in quick succession in predefined patterns, the system can transmit multiple different signals using the same simple RFID infrastructure without requiring complex protocol variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables wireless, customizable status reporting for household appliances, allowing for complex messaging and user-configurable alerts, enhancing user interaction and appliance management through integration with telecommunications networks and mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
The household appliance easily generates the trigger pulse to activate the transmission of the RFID tag content (this corresponds to the behavior of an RFID tag reader at the beginning of the reading process it controls). This is done by sending out a simple radio pulse according to the RFID specification.
Implementation Method 2
The RFID tag then sends its data. This process takes a few tens to a few hundred milliseconds.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Transmission method for the transmission of status informations involves occurence of a condition with the device and depending on the condition the RFID tags are activated for sending the status information. The device has many RFID tags and depending on the condition one or more tags are activated. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) Application of the RFID tags; and (B) Device for providing status information.