Integrated RFID Interrogator for Simultaneous Digital and Impedance Data Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current RFID sensor systems require separate readers for digital and analog data, increasing complexity, size, and cost due to the need for dual reader systems to obtain both types of data.

Innovation Solution

An integrated interrogator system that combines a digital reader, an impedance reader, and a controller to coordinate actions, allowing for simultaneous acquisition of both digital and analog data from RFID sensors using a single system, which includes a reader antenna, impedance reader, digital data reader, and controller with an electronic switch to switch between data acquisition modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If separate readers are used to read digital and analog data from RFID sensors, then both types of data can be obtained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition completenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate digital reader and impedance reader functionalities into a single integrated RFID sensor reader. The integrated reader includes a controller that can operate in different modes (digital data reading mode and impedance measurement mode) to acquire both digital identification data and analog sensing data from the RFID sensor, thereby eliminating the need for two separate readers while maintaining complete data acquisition capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If separate readers are used to read digital and analog data from RFID sensors, then both types of data can be obtained, but system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition completenessVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of separate digital reader and impedance reader into a single integrated device. The integrated RFID sensor reader incorporates both digital data reading capabilities and impedance measurement capabilities within one physical unit, reducing the overall system size by eliminating redundant hardware components while maintaining the ability to acquire both digital and analog data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If separate readers are used to read digital and analog data from RFID sensors, then both types of data can be obtained, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition completenessVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates digital reader and impedance reader functionalities into a single RFID sensor reader system. This consolidation reduces system cost by eliminating the need to purchase, deploy, and maintain two separate reader devices. The integrated controller can switch between different operating modes to perform both digital data reading and impedance measurement functions, providing complete data acquisition at a lower overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a single integrated interrogator is used to read digital and analog data from RFID sensors, then system complexity is reduced, but coordination between different data acquisition modes becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcoordination difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic controller within the integrated RFID sensor reader that can switch between different operational modes. The controller dynamically adjusts its functionality based on the required data acquisition mode (digital reading or impedance measurement), enabling seamless coordination between different data types. This dynamic capability simplifies the integrated system while maintaining ease of operation through automated mode switching and coordinated data acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The integrated system simplifies data acquisition, reduces system complexity and cost, while enhancing accuracy and precision by enabling simultaneous collection of digital and analog data from RFID sensors, improving overall system performance.

Implementation Method 1

a reader antenna (pick up coil) that receives and transmits a signal from the RFID sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an impedance reader that measures an impedance spectrum of the RFID sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2588997B1Methods and systems for integrated interrogation of RFID sensors
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECH CORP
  • EP2588997B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2588997B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2588997B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9

AI summary

An integrated interrogator for a RFID sensor is provided. The integrated interrogator comprises a digital reader in communication with the RFID sensor, an impedance reader in communication with the RFID sensor, and one or more controllers that coordinate actions of the digital reader and the impedance reader.