Inductive Electronic Label Location via Signal Power Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic shelf tag systems face challenges with material and space consumption due to wiring in wired systems, high power consumption and interference in wireless systems, and high costs, as well as difficulties in efficiently updating product information and accurately locating labels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic label apparatus with inductive communication units, signal processing, and power sources that utilize inductive signals to determine location based on signal power components and ambient energy harvesting, enabling efficient communication and location determination using orthogonal magnetic fields and ambient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If wired tag systems are used, then no electric power storages are required in each separate operational unit, but wiring consumes material resources and space and is complicated to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an inductive coupling system using magnetic fields. Base stations and electronic labels use electromagnetic induction to transfer power and data wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wire connections while maintaining reliable communication and power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer energy and information between base stations and electronic labels. The inductive coupling creates a magnetic field bridge that enables wireless power and data transmission without direct physical contact.
2Device complexity
If wireless tag systems are used, then wiring is eliminated, but power consumption increases and transmissions may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic communication cycles where electronic labels and base stations take turns transmitting and listening. During listening periods, devices can enter low-power states, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable wireless communication without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where transmission power and communication activity are adjusted based on real-time conditions such as distance, signal quality, and data urgency. This dynamic adaptation optimizes power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
3Device complexity
If wireless tag systems are used, then wiring is eliminated, but transmissions may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication spectrum into multiple frequency channels and time slots. By dividing the communication resource space, the system allows multiple base stations and labels to communicate simultaneously without interference, similar to how wired connections provide isolated communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices monitor signal quality and adjust transmission parameters dynamically. When interference is detected, the system automatically adjusts frequency, power, or timing to maintain reliable communication, preventing harmful interference from degrading system performance.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional electronic tag systems are used, then product information can be displayed, but the price per label is rather high and location determination is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables electronic labels to autonomously determine their own locations by measuring signal strength from multiple base stations and calculating position through triangulation. This self-location capability eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure and complex external tracking systems, reducing overall system cost while providing precise location information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes base stations serve multiple functions: they provide wireless power supply, data communication, and location reference points simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, lowering system cost while enabling accurate location determination through the same infrastructure.
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 solution reduces material consumption, minimizes interference, lowers energy costs, and enhances the accuracy and efficiency of product information updates and location determination, making the system more cost-effective and practical for retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
communicates wirelessly using inductive signals
Implementation Method 2
a first ambient energy converter (250) configured to convert ambient energy into an electric form
Implementation Method 3
measuring signal power components of the at least one received inductive signal, the signal power components being orthogonal with respect to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic label apparatus comprises: an inductive communication unit which communicates wirelessly using inductive signals; a processor; memory including a computer program code; and a power source which supplies electric power to the inductive communication unit, the processor, and the memory for enabling their operation. The processor, the memory, the computer program code and the power source with the electric power cause the electronic label apparatus at least to: receive a plurality of inductive signals of known transmission powers from known locations; measure signal powers of the received inductive signals; and determine information about a location of the electronic label apparatus based on the measured signal powers, the known transmission signal powers and the known locations.