Autonomous Transponder Group Data Exchange via Interrogation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In transponder systems, particularly those used for cargo containers, communication challenges arise when containers are stacked or closely situated, leading to some transponders not receiving interrogation signals or response signals being obstructed, resulting in incomplete data retrieval and signal loss due to phase cancellation or object interference.
Innovation Solution
A transponder system comprising a transmitter, receiver, and controller that can autonomously transmit and receive group interrogation and response signals, allowing each transponder to store and exchange data within the group, ensuring all transponders in a group can communicate and share data without the need for a central interrogator, thereby overcoming signal-loss conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single high-power transmitter interrogates a group of transponders, then the interrogation signal can reach transponders, but response signals from closely situated transponders are obstructed and cannot be received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the central interrogation function into multiple distributed transponders. Each transponder in the group can independently transmit interrogation signals to other transponders, segmenting the monolithic interrogator into multiple functional units that collectively provide complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the interrogator and responder functions into a single transponder unit. Each transponder in the group acts as both an interrogator (transmitting interrogation signals) and a responder (transmitting response signals), merging previously separate functions to enable mutual communication among all transponders.
2Quantity of substance
If transponders are stacked or closely situated to save space, then storage efficiency improves, but some transponders cannot receive interrogation signals or transmit response signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends communication beyond line-of-sight by enabling multi-hop signal transmission through the group. Transponders that are physically blocked from direct communication with the original interrogator can still receive signals via intermediate transponders that relay the interrogation and forward response signals, adding a temporal and logical dimension to signal propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate transponders that act as mediators to relay signals between the original interrogator and transponders that are physically blocked. These intermediary units receive interrogation signals, forward them to blocked transponders, and collect response signals from all transponders, ensuring complete group communication despite physical obstructions.
3Loss of information
If a central controller monitors all transponders, then data retrieval is centralized, but signal loss occurs due to phase cancellation or object interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each transponder to independently monitor and store group data locally rather than relying on a central controller. Each transponder maintains a complete copy of the group database, ensuring that data retrieval is not affected by signal interference on any single communication path and providing local redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where transponders that detect signal loss or communication failures can autonomously re-transmit interrogation signals or request data from other transponders. This feedback loop ensures complete data retrieval by compensating for signal loss through multiple communication attempts and alternative paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A group of associated transponders are respectively attached to a plurality of objects, such as sensors or containers. Each transponder includes a memory, a transmitter, a receiver and a controller. The memory stores group data, which includes data related to the respective attached objects. The controller causes the transmitter to autonomously transmit a group interrogation signal and to transmit a response signal in response to receipt of a group interrogation signal from another transponder of the group. The response signal includes at least some of the stored group data. The receiver receives both the group interrogation signals and the response signals from the other transponders of the group. The controller controls the transmitter and receiver and causes the memory to store data related to the respective object to which the transponder is attached and to store the group data included in the received response signals.