Capacitive Touch Screen Memory Tag for Low-Cost RFID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID and NFC tags cannot be manufactured using cost-effective mass-printing methods due to the requirement of complex circuitry for data communication via electromagnetic field modulation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a memory element and a switching element that can be switched from a first state to a second state in response to an input signal from a capacitive touch screen, allowing information to be read from the memory element, which can be used as an identification tag or smart label, and includes features like sensors for environmental monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex circuitry is used to enable data communication via electromagnetic field modulation, then data communication capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex electromagnetic field modulation circuitry from the tag/label and replaces it with a simplified capacitive coupling mechanism. The memory element is directly coupled to the capacitive touch screen without requiring traditional RFID/NFC communication circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining data communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a capacitive touch screen interface as a simplified copy of traditional electromagnetic communication interfaces. Instead of implementing full RFID/NFC protocol stacks, the system uses capacitive coupling to replicate the essential data transfer function, reducing circuit complexity while achieving the same communication goal.
2Reliability
If complex circuitry is used for electromagnetic field modulation, then data communication is enabled, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex electromagnetic modulation circuits from the manufacturing process, leaving only simple memory elements and capacitive coupling structures. This extraction enables the use of low-cost mass-printing methods while preserving the essential data communication function through capacitive coupling to the touch screen interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a disposable, low-cost tag/label design that sacrifices the reusability and long lifespan of traditional RFID tags. By using simple memory elements that can be mass-printed, the system achieves cost-effectiveness for applications where tags are used once or briefly, trading durability for manufacturability.
3Ease of manufacture
If mass-printing methods are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but device complexity must be simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential data storage function from traditional RFID tags, removing all complex communication circuits. The remaining simple memory elements and capacitive structures are compatible with mass-printing methods, achieving low-cost manufacturing while maintaining sufficient functionality through the capacitive touch screen interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of RFID tag functionality using mass-printable memory elements and capacitive coupling. Instead of replicating the full electromagnetic communication system, the invention copies only the data storage and basic interface functions, which can be achieved through low-cost printing technologies.
4Reliability
If traditional RFID/NFC circuitry is used, then data communication via electromagnetic field is enabled, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data storage function from traditional RFID/NFC tags and separates it from the expensive electromagnetic communication circuits. The memory elements are implemented using low-cost mass-printing methods, while data communication is achieved through simple capacitive coupling to the touch screen, dramatically reducing overall system cost while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a cost-effective, disposable tag/label approach using mass-printed memory elements. These low-cost tags are intended for single-use or brief applications where the savings in manufacturing cost outweigh the limitations in reusability and lifespan, achieving cost-effectiveness for price-sensitive applications.
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 the production of RFID and NFC tags using low-cost mass-printing methods while allowing for the reading of information via capacitive touch screens, enhancing their functionality and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a switching element which is configured to be switched from a first state to a second state in response to an input signal provided by a capacitive touch screen
Implementation Method 2
The switching element may be configured to be switched from the first state to the second state by light emitted from the capacitive touch screen
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method and electronic device, the apparatus comprising: a memory element configured to store information; a switching element coupled to the memory element; wherein the switching element is configured to be switched from a first state to a second state in response to an input signal provided by a capacitive touch screen and wherein when the switching element is in the second state the information can be read from the memory element by the capacitive touch screen.