NFC Inventory Monitoring for Interference-Free Product Restocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product monitoring systems in enclosed environments, such as refrigerators, require manual scanning of barcodes and suffer from interference issues with multiple antenna systems, leading to inefficiencies and incomplete tracking of product removal and location.
Innovation Solution
A product monitoring system utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) readers integrated with a control system that automatically reads NFC labels on products without human intervention, compares product identification data to inventory data to track removals, and orders replacements, while using a detunable antenna array to minimize interference and ensure accurate tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual barcode scanning is used for product tracking, then product identification can be achieved, but user effort and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic product identification by having products carry their own NFC tags that are read automatically by NFC readers in the refrigerator. The products serve themselves by providing identification data without requiring user intervention for scanning or alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical barcode scanning process (requiring physical alignment and manual operation) with an electromagnetic NFC communication system that automatically reads product identifiers through near-field electromagnetic coupling between the NFC reader and product tags.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are used for RF tag detection, then detection coverage is improved, but antenna interference and reduced tag read performance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection space into multiple zones, each served by a dedicated NFC reader with its own antenna. Each reader is responsible for a specific spatial region, eliminating interference between antennas while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the distributed arrangement of multiple segmented readers.
Solution Approach 2:
Each NFC reader is equipped with an antenna optimized for its specific local detection zone. The antenna characteristics (frequency, gain, pattern) are tailored to the local requirements of each refrigerator compartment or shelf area, providing optimal performance without interfering with other zones.
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 system enables automatic and accurate tracking of product removal and location within enclosed environments, reducing user effort and interference issues, allowing for efficient restocking and optimized storage conditions without the need for precise barcode alignment or orientation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one Near Field Communication (NFC) reader associated with a storage device; control each NFC reader to read one or more NFC labels associated with one or more products
Implementation Method 2
each antenna has associated a plurality of product locations therewith such that in response to a product sensor detecting insertion or removal of a product from a product location all antenna not associated with that product location are detuned or deactivated
Data Source
AI summary
A product monitoring system including: one or more Near Field Communication (NFC) readers associated with a storage device; and a control system including a processor, a memory, and a communication interface, the control system being in communication with the one or more NFC readers, wherein the memory has stored therein executable instructions, wherein the processor is configured, without human intervention and via execution of the executable instructions, to: control the one or more NFC readers to read one or more NFC labels associated with one or more products stored by the storage device; receive, from the one or more NFC readers, product identification data identifying the one or more products stored by the storage device; compare the product identification data to inventory data, stored in the memory, to determine at least one product which has been removed from the storage device, wherein the inventory data is indicative of a most recently determined inventory of the storage device; and transfer, via the communication interface, order data to a server processing system to order at least one new product to replace the at least one product which had been removed from the storage device.