Integrated Switch Virtualization Core for ID Tag Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale environments using multiple ID tag technologies require integrated switch systems capable of enabling applications to operate with various tag technologies and methods for locating ID tags, as existing systems struggle to efficiently manage and communicate with diverse tag readers and technologies.
Innovation Solution
An integrated switch system with reader adapters and a virtualization core that normalizes signals from different tag readers, enabling communication with multiple tag technologies and applications, and a method for receiving and transmitting compatible signals to determine the location of ID tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different tag reader technologies are deployed to support various ID tag types, then the system's ability to track different categories of assets and individuals is improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of integration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an integrated switch as an intermediary device that sits between multiple tag readers and the application. This switch includes a virtualization core that creates a common interface layer, allowing different tag reader technologies (RFID, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) to communicate with the application through a standardized protocol without requiring the application to handle each technology's specific communication requirements directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switch is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple ID tag technologies simultaneously. It includes multiple reader adapters that can connect to different types of tag readers and a virtualization core that provides universal interface capabilities, enabling a single device to perform the functions of multiple specialized interfaces.
2Measurement precision
If multiple location and ID technologies are used to improve tracking accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple location and ID technologies into a single integrated switch system. Instead of having separate systems for RFID tracking, WiFi tracking, and Bluetooth tracking, the integrated switch combines these technologies and their corresponding readers into one unified platform that manages all location tracking functions through a common interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switch provides universal support for multiple location technologies (RFID, WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) within a single device. This multi-functional approach allows the system to improve location tracking accuracy by utilizing multiple technologies simultaneously while avoiding the complexity of managing them as separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tag readers are deployed for different tag technologies, then the system's coverage and functionality are improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated switch acts as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of multiple tag reader types from the end user. Users interact with a single unified interface to manage all tag readers, regardless of their underlying technology. The switch handles the technology-specific communication protocols and data formats, presenting a consistent operational experience.
4Ease of operation
If an integrated switch with virtualization core is implemented to provide a common interface, then the ease of operation and integration are improved, but the device complexity at the switch level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtualization core within the integrated switch serves as an internal intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple tag reader interfaces. It creates a virtualized layer that translates between different reader protocols and the unified application interface, containing the complexity within the switch itself while maintaining simplicity for external users and applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated switch systems and methods for locating ID tags are disclosed. One system includes an application, a plurality of different tag readers in communication with the ID tags, and an integrated switch configured to enable the application to receive tag information from the different tag readers. An integrated switch includes multiple reader adapters, an application adapter, and a virtualization core. The virtualization core is configured to provide a common interface between each tag reader and the application. One method includes receiving a first signal from a first tag reader and receiving a second signal from a second tag reader, the first and second signals having information related to first and second ID tags, respectively. The method also includes normalizing the first and second signals such that the signals are compatible with the application and transmitting an ID tag report based on the normalized first and/or second signal to the application.