Mixed-mode Wireless Scanner for Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless tag solutions for asset tracking in industries like construction face limitations in range and data capacity for RFID tags and high battery consumption for BLE beacons, making efficient tracking of equipment and materials challenging.
Innovation Solution
A scanner apparatus that integrates both RFID and BLE receivers, with a processing module and networking interface to convert and transmit data to an external server, and includes a location detection module that enables data transmission based on movement or time periods, supporting multiple protocols and local storage for efficient data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If RFID tags are used for asset tracking, then the system is low cost and requires no battery, but the reading range is limited and data capacity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID and BLE technologies into a single hybrid tag system. The RFID component provides passive, low-cost operation with electromagnetic coupling for short-range communication, while the BLE component adds active transmitting capability for extended range communication, thereby simultaneously improving both data capacity and reading range beyond what either technology could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid tag is designed to support multiple communication protocols (RFID and BLE) within a single device, enabling it to function across different communication ranges and data capacity requirements. This multi-functionality allows the same tag to operate in both passive RFID mode for short-range, high-speed communication and active BLE mode for long-range, lower-speed communication.
2Length of stationary object
If BLE beacons are used for asset tracking, then the reading range and data capacity are improved, but battery consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The BLE transmitter in the hybrid tag operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when needed for communication and remaining dormant otherwise. This periodic operation mode significantly reduces battery consumption compared to continuous transmission, while still maintaining the extended reading range capability when active.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging passive RFID reception with active BLE transmission in a single tag, the system leverages the RFID component for power-free operation during short-range communication, eliminating the need for battery power during those operations and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining extended range capability through BLE.
3Reliability
If the scanner continuously monitors both RFID and BLE signals, then complete data coverage is achieved, but power consumption and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner dynamically switches between RFID and BLE reception modes based on real-time detection needs and signal availability. Rather than continuously monitoring both protocols simultaneously, the system adapts its reception mode to match the active tag type, reducing processing complexity while maintaining complete data coverage through protocol-specific optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning process is segmented into protocol-specific phases, with the scanner dedicating specific time windows and processing resources to RFID reception and other time windows to BLE reception. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complete data coverage across both protocols while managing processing complexity through temporal and functional separation of the two reception modes.
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
Enables efficient tracking of assets across various environments by combining RFID and BLE technologies, reducing power consumption and increasing data transfer rates while ensuring reliable data transmission and location tracking.
Implementation Method 1
RFID tags are passive and are powered by a current induced by the RF field of a scanner
Implementation Method 2
BLE beacons are powered transmitting devices that broadcast their identity to devices within range
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic scanning apparatus comprises a first wireless receiver configured to receive a first data. A second wireless receiver configured to initially be in a disabled mode. The second wireless receiver is enabled to receive a second data in response to reception of the first data by the first wireless receiver. The second wireless receiver returns to the disabled mode in response to receiving the second data. A processing module is coupled to the first wireless receiver and the second wireless receiver. A networking interface is coupled to the processing module. The networking interface is configured to receive the first data and the second data from the processing module and to transmit the first data and the second data to an external server. A Smart Tag includes both a first wireless receiver and a second wireless receiver.