Movable RFID Scanner for Blind Spot Elimination in Multi-Layer Shelves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanning systems for display cases with RFID tags are costly due to fixed antennas and cables, result in long scanning times, and have blind areas, especially when scanning complex or liquid materials, and require significant reconfiguration efforts when the display case shape changes.
Innovation Solution
A scanning apparatus with a scanner that moves horizontally and vertically, equipped with adjustable antennas and a control unit, which includes a distance sensor and a horizontal driving unit to ensure complete scanning without blind areas and reduce installation and reconfiguration costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fixing-typed antennas are installed on the rear plates of storage sections, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the material cost and installation cost are necessarily increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed antennas with a movable scanner that can dynamically reposition itself to scan different storage sections. The scanner moves along rails and can extend its scanning arm to reach various positions, transforming the static scanning system into a dynamic one that reduces the number of antennas needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable scanner serves multiple storage sections with a single device, making it a universal scanning solution. Instead of requiring dedicated fixed antennas for each storage section, one scanner can service multiple sections by moving to different positions, thereby reducing overall material and installation costs.
2Ease of operation
If multiple layers of storage sections are scanned individually and sequentially, then the scanning operation is simplified, but the scanning time is necessarily increased to three or more minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner performs continuous scanning operations as it moves through different storage sections. Instead of completing one section entirely before moving to the next, the scanner continuously sweeps through articles while in motion, maintaining uninterrupted scanning action across all layers and significantly reducing total scanning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner dynamically moves through storage sections while simultaneously performing scanning operations. The combination of horizontal movement along rails and vertical scanning motion allows the system to cover multiple layers in a continuous, efficient manner rather than sequential switching, reducing scanning time while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed antennas are used in storage sections, then the installation is straightforward, but there are non-scanned blind areas or the scanning rate necessarily decreases depending on product features
Solution Approach 1:
The movable scanner can dynamically adjust its position and scanning arm extension to adapt to different product configurations and storage section layouts. This flexibility allows the scanner to reach areas that fixed antennas cannot cover, eliminating blind spots while maintaining reliable scanning across diverse product types including liquid materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner can change its operational parameters such as scanning arm extension distance, scanning speed, and position coordinates to optimize coverage for different product features. This adaptability ensures complete scanning coverage regardless of whether the products are solid, liquid, or have irregular shapes, overcoming the limitations of fixed antenna systems.
4Area of stationary object
If fixed antennas are installed to scan display cases, then the scanning coverage is ensured, but the cost for remodeling or changing display case shape is significantly increased due to individual separation and refixing of antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The movable scanner is designed to be reconfigurable and can adapt to different display case shapes and configurations. When remodeling is needed, the scanner can be repositioned along new rail paths or its scanning arm parameters adjusted, without requiring physical reinstallation of multiple fixed antennas. This dramatically reduces remodeling costs and increases flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single movable scanner serves as a universal scanning solution that can accommodate various display case shapes and configurations. Instead of requiring custom-fixed antennas for each specific layout, the scanner can be programmed and positioned to scan different arrangements, making the system highly adaptable to remodeling needs.
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 enables rapid and accurate scanning of RFID tags across multiple layers of a display case, reduces material and installation costs, and simplifies reconfiguration by eliminating the need for extensive antenna repositioning, while ensuring high recognition rates and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID tag uses local RF wireless communication in the bands of UHF and VHF, non-contact recognition is possible
Implementation Method 2
A scanning apparatus according to the present invention may include: a scanner that has a plurality of antennas for scanning articles and is disposed to face the storage spaces of the display case; a horizontal driving unit that is connected to the scanner for moving the scanner in the horizontal direction of the display case
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a scanner, a scanning apparatus, and a scanning method for a shelf, capable of scanning articles stored in accommodation spaces of a plurality of layers in the shelf. The scanning apparatus for a shelf is configured in that a scanner having an antenna scans the accommodation spaces in the shelf without a shadow zone while moving along the shelf, thus accurately acquiring location information on the articles in the accommodation spaces.