Mobile Device RFID Interrogation for Equipment Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking mobile communication devices lack the ability to easily transfer information to nearby communication equipment and raise privacy concerns due to constant tracking.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device with an embedded RFID scanner interrogates nearby tags to identify and communicate with nearby equipment, allowing users to seamlessly transfer communications or retrieve information using a remote server, enabling quick and easy printing, conferencing, or data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If RFID tags are used to track user location, then the ability to identify nearby equipment is improved, but privacy concerns increase due to constant tracking
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the system actively tracking the user's location continuously, the patent inverts the approach by having the user's mobile device actively scan for and identify nearby RFID tags. This reverses the tracking dynamic: rather than knowing where the user is and finding equipment, the user's device discovers equipment in their vicinity through active interrogation of tags. This maintains equipment identification capability while reducing privacy concerns by eliminating continuous passive tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile communication device to autonomously scan for, identify, and connect with nearby equipment tagged with RFID tags. The device independently performs equipment discovery and initiation of communication transfer without requiring continuous system-wide tracking or manual user intervention to locate equipment, thus maintaining privacy while enabling convenient equipment access.
2Ease of operation
If manual equipment connection methods are used, then privacy is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex connection procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching RFID tags to communication equipment in advance. These tags contain identification information that enables automatic recognition. When a user approaches the equipment, the mobile device scans and identifies the tagged equipment immediately, eliminating the need for manual connection procedures. The preliminary placement of tags streamlines the connection process while maintaining user control and privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection procedures with automated electronic identification and connection initiation. Instead of requiring users to manually navigate connection menus or physically connect devices, the mobile communication device uses its scanner to automatically detect RFID tags, retrieve equipment identification information, and initiate communication transfer electronically, significantly reducing connection time and effort.
3Measurement precision
If continuous location tracking is implemented, then equipment proximity detection is improved, but device complexity increases due to tracking infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location detection function from a complex centralized tracking infrastructure and places it in the user's mobile device. Instead of requiring a network of interrogators and central tracking servers, the mobile device itself performs the location detection by scanning for RFID tags in its vicinity. This extracts the essential functionality from the complex system, maintaining location awareness while eliminating the need for extensive tracking infrastructure.
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
This solution allows users to efficiently transfer communications or access information by identifying and connecting with nearby devices with minimal user input, enhancing convenience and privacy by reducing the need for manual tracking and equipment connection.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile communication device with an embedded RFID scanner interrogates nearby tags
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile communication device interrogates a tag on nearby communication-type equipment and in cooperation with a remote server causes a communication to be forwarded to the equipment. The mobile communication device may also interrogate a nearby tag and receive information from a remote server concerning a nearby object or activity.