Multi-Antenna IC Tag Reader Using Periodic Switching for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IC tag reading apparatuses face challenges in accurately reading IC tags due to orientation issues and interference between tags, leading to incorrect readings and increased power consumption when using multiple antennas.
Innovation Solution
An article registration apparatus that employs multiple antennas to read IC tags, using a control unit to switch between antennas based on reading results to ensure accurate identification, with a judgement unit determining the validity of readings and a determination unit combining data from multiple antennas for output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple antennas are simultaneously driven for RFID reading, then the reading rate of IC tags is improved, but power consumption increases and interference with peripheral devices occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by sequentially activating antennas in a time-divided manner rather than simultaneously. The control unit switches between first and second antennas at different time periods, allowing each antenna to operate independently without continuous power consumption from all antennas. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high reading throughput through rapid sequential scanning while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to simultaneous operation.
2Productivity
If multiple antennas are simultaneously driven for RFID reading, then the reading rate of IC tags is improved, but interference with another peripheral device occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic activation of antennas with time division, the patent ensures that only one antenna transmits radio waves at any given moment. This eliminates radio wave interference between multiple antennas and prevents harmful interference with peripheral devices, while still achieving high reading rates through the rapid sequential operation of the antennas.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single antenna is used for reading IC tags, then power consumption is reduced, but reading accuracy decreases due to tag orientation and stacking issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching between multiple antennas to achieve both low power consumption and high reading accuracy. The control unit sequentially activates the first antenna, then the second antenna, allowing the system to read IC tags from multiple angular perspectives without continuously powering all antennas. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining energy efficiency while improving reading accuracy through multi-angle detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using multiple antennas that can each independently perform reading operations from different spatial orientations. This allows a single reading system to handle various IC tag orientations and stacking configurations that a single antenna cannot accommodate, thereby improving reading accuracy without proportionally increasing power consumption.
4Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used to read IC tags from different directions, then reading accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages device complexity through periodic control of antennas via a control unit that switches between antennas in a time-divided manner. This approach allows the system to maintain multiple antennas for improved reading accuracy from different directions, while the sequential activation strategy simplifies the control logic and reduces the complexity of simultaneous multi-antenna coordination.
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 approach improves the accuracy of IC tag reading by ensuring that tags are read from multiple angles, reducing the likelihood of incorrect readings and minimizing power consumption by only using additional antennas when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
An IC tag is electrified by receiving a radio wave from a reader
Implementation Method 2
An IC tag is electrified by receiving a radio wave from a reader
Data Source
AI summary
An article registration apparatus includes: a reading unit that reads article identification information from an IC tag associated with an article by using at least one of antennas; a control unit that controls the reading unit; a judgement unit; and a determination unit, wherein the control unit causes the reading unit to read the article identification information by using a first antenna, the judgement unit judges whether a reading result of the first antenna satisfies a criterion, the control unit causes the reading unit to read the article identification information by using a second antenna different from the first antenna when the reading result of the first antenna satisfies the criterion, and the determination unit determines the article identification information to be output, by using the article identification information read by using the first antenna and the second antenna.