Master RFID Tag for Wireless Inventory Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID systems face inefficiencies in data retrieval from RFID tags on pallets, leading to incomplete inventory counts due to the brief time pallets are in proximity to readers, resulting in inaccurate or delayed payments.
Innovation Solution
A master RFID tag system that transmits read signals to multiple RFID tags, receives responses, blocks specific tags to prevent redundant data, and compiles contextual information for accurate inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RFID readers are used to retrieve data from RFID tags on pallets, then inventory management is enabled, but the brief time pallets are in proximity to readers causes incomplete data retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The master RFID tag performs preliminary actions by caching inventory data locally in its memory before the pallet is fully scanned. When the pallet passes through the reader, the master tag has already prepared and stored the necessary data, allowing the system to function even with brief proximity to the reader.
Solution Approach 2:
The master RFID tag acts as an intermediary between the RFID tags on the pallet and the external reader. It receives data from multiple RFID tags and consolidates it, then transmits the compiled data to the reader, effectively bridging the gap between the brief reader-pallet proximity and the need for complete data retrieval.
2Loss of information
If multiple RFID tags transmit response signals simultaneously, then complete inventory data is retrieved, but redundant data increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The master RFID tag merges and consolidates data from multiple RFID tags into a single compiled data structure. Instead of processing individual tag responses separately, it aggregates all responses and creates one unified inventory record, reducing the complexity of data processing while maintaining completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The master tag extracts and filters only the relevant inventory information from the responses of multiple RFID tags, separating useful data from redundant signals. It selectively processes only the necessary data fields needed for inventory management, reducing processing complexity.
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
Enhances data retrieval efficiency, reduces errors in inventory counts, and ensures timely and accurate payments by maintaining accurate records and filtering redundant data.
Implementation Method 1
A Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) system, composed of RFID tags and RFID readers, is one example of a wireless electronic tag system being used today
Implementation Method 2
blocking at least a specific one of the plurality of RFID tags from transmitting further RFID response signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. Finally, the method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record. Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to a master RFID tag comprising a first communication unit, a memory unit, a processing unit and a second communication unit.