Encapsulating Commands for Parallel RFID Tag Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tags, particularly those conforming to the Gen2 Specification, require serial interaction with each tag to execute instruction sequences, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially for readers with limited power or in situations where tags are moving, as they cannot simultaneously execute instructions or respond based on results.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of encapsulating commands that allow RFID tags to execute multiple instructions in parallel, store instructions for later execution, and modify instruction sequences based on received parameters, enabling simultaneous execution across a population of tags and decision-making based on results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If serial interaction with each RFID tag is used to execute instruction sequences, then instruction execution can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the instruction execution process by dividing the population of RFID tags into multiple groups. Each group can be executed in parallel batches rather than processing every tag sequentially. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple tags simultaneously within each batch, significantly reducing the total execution time while maintaining manageable interaction sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing RFID tags to store instruction sequences in their memory before actual execution is needed. Tags can pre-load and prepare instruction sets during idle periods or in advance of when they will be executed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time instruction transmission and processing for each tag, thereby reducing execution time and improving overall productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If serial interaction is used for RFID tags, then each tag can be processed, but tags cannot simultaneously execute instructions or respond based on results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tag processing operations by combining several RFID tags into execution groups or batches. These grouped tags can simultaneously execute the same instruction sequence or different instruction sequences in parallel. The reader can manage multiple groups concurrently, allowing simultaneous execution across the tag population. This merging approach maintains the ability to process individual tags while achieving parallel execution efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If readers with limited power are used, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously execute instructions across multiple tags is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by organizing tag execution into discrete time slots or cycles. Instead of continuously interacting with all tags simultaneously (which would require high power), the reader periodically selects and executes batches of tags in alternating cycles. This periodic batch processing allows the limited-power reader to maintain productivity by efficiently managing its power budget across multiple execution cycles, processing different tag groups in each period.
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
This approach significantly speeds up the execution of instruction sequences, allowing multiple tags to operate in parallel, reducing the need for serial interaction and enabling tags to adjust behavior based on executed instructions, thus improving efficiency and practicality for readers with limited resources.
Implementation Method 1
The reader transmitting a Radio Frequency (RF) wave performs the interrogation. The RF wave is typically electromagnetic, at least in the far field.
Implementation Method 2
A tag that senses the interrogating RF wave responds by transmitting back another RF wave. The tag generates the transmitted back RF wave either originally, or by reflecting back a portion of the interrogating RF wave in a process known as backscatter.
Implementation Method 3
In some RFID tags the power management section employs an energy storage device, such as a battery. Regardless of the type, all tags typically store or buffer some energy temporarily in passive storage devices such as capacitors.
Data Source
AI summary
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags may receive one or more encapsulated commands within the payload of an encapsulating command. An encapsulated command includes at least a command code and an instruction. A tag may store the encapsulated command(s) or the instruction portion of the encapsulated command(s) for later execution. A sequence of encapsulated commands may be contained within one encapsulating command or spread across multiple encapsulating commands. The sequence of encapsulated commands, or the sequence of instructions associated with the encapsulated commands, may form a program. The tag may execute the instructions or program upon receipt, upon a trigger event, serially or in parallel, and/or may modify the instructions or program by adjusting parameters. The tag may later be told by a reader to execute the instructions or program via another command which, in some cases, may be sent prior to tag singulation.