Interactive RFID Tag Switching for Low-Power Direct Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless devices, including RFID systems, face issues such as high power usage, inflexibility in structure and configuration, opacity, large size, and high cost, limiting their user customization and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An RFID tag with an interactive switch and antenna, allowing physical interaction to trigger signal transmission to an RFID reader, enabling user-controlled electronic device operations without the need for direct contact, and allowing for customizable and flexible device configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional wireless devices are used for data transfer and remote control, then wireless communication functionality is achieved, but power consumption is high requiring frequent battery replacement or recharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtime for battery replacement or recharging
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag uses periodic activation through physical interaction (touch or proximity detection) to transmit signals only when needed, rather than continuously transmitting. This on-demand activation dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining communication functionality when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the RFID reader's electromagnetic field to power the passive RFID tag during interaction, eliminating the need for an active power source in the tag. The tag harvests energy from the reader's field to enable signal transmission, making the system self-powered during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional wireless devices are used, then wireless communication is enabled, but the devices are inflexible in structure and configuration requiring users to adapt to fixed configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoiduser adaptation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID system allows dynamic configuration where multiple RFID tags can be attached to different locations or devices, and their functions can be programmed and modified through the reader. Users can reposition, add, or remove tags as needed, creating a flexible system that adapts to changing requirements rather than being fixed in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If RFID tags are made transparent and compact, then aesthetic appeal and ease of integration are improved, but signal transmission capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness and transparencyVSAvoidsignal transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag uses thin film antenna structures and flexible circuit boards that can be made transparent or translucent. These thin-film constructions maintain electromagnetic signal transmission capability while being visually unobtrusive and suitable for integration into transparent surfaces like glass or clear plastic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution reduces power consumption, enhances user interaction flexibility, and lowers costs by enabling efficient control of electronic devices through physical interaction, while maintaining a compact and transparent design.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna is configured to return a modified signal to an RFID reader when a user physically interacts with the interactive switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2932438B1RFID devices configured for direct interaction
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 AVERY DENNISON CORP
  • EP2932438B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2932438B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2932438B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An RFID tag is provided with an RFID chip and an antenna and interactive switch electrically coupled to the RFID chip. When a user physically interacts with the switch (such as by pressing the switch with a finger), the antenna transmits an input signal to an RFID reader of an RFID-based control system. The RFID reader, in turn, transmits a control signal to an electronic device for controlling the device. The RFID tag may be incorporated into any of a number of devices, such as a keyboard or article of clothing, and can function to operate a variety of electronic devices, including audio-visual devices and gaming systems.