Near-Field Communication Reader Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing near-field communication systems for self-service access, such as vehicle sharing and access control, face high energy consumption issues due to permanently active RFID readers, leading to battery discharge and increased maintenance costs, especially in battery-powered applications like electric or non-electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a near-field communication method where the power supply of the communication reader is activated only upon detection of a nomadic object using a proximity sensor, such as an optical proximity sensor, to reduce energy consumption by being active only when necessary, and deactivated when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the RFID reader is permanently active to enable continuous reading of user cards, then the accessibility and service quality are improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly (10mA to 250mA)

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID reader operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active and sleep states. A wake-up signal triggers the reader to become active, perform data exchange, then return to sleep mode. This periodic operation maintains service availability while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential communication by implementing a wake-up mechanism that can quickly activate the RFID reader when needed. The reader remains in a low-power state but can be rapidly awakened by a wake-up signal, ensuring service is available when required without maintaining full power continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the RFID reader is periodically woken up to reduce consumption, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the service reliability deteriorates as the reader may be inactive when a user needs access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidservice availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a detection mechanism that monitors for the presence of a user or wake-up signal. When detected, the system provides feedback to activate the RFID reader, ensuring it is operational precisely when needed. This feedback loop maintains service reliability while allowing the reader to remain in low-power state during normal periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The wake-up mechanism prepares the system for potential communication needs by enabling rapid activation. The reader is pre-configured to respond to wake-up signals, ensuring that service becomes available immediately when a user approaches or triggers the system, eliminating delays associated with cold starts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the RFID reader operates continuously, then the user service quality is optimal, but the battery discharge increases and maintenance costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidbattery discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID reader switches between active and sleep modes periodically, maintaining optimal service quality during active periods while minimizing energy loss during sleep periods. This periodic operation ensures the battery is not continuously drained, extending vehicle operational life between charges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the RFID reader's operational state based on actual service needs. The reader transitions between power states rather than maintaining a fixed continuous operation, optimizing the balance between service quality and energy conservation to reduce battery discharge and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 significantly reduces energy consumption to a few tens of microamperes, minimizing battery discharge and maintenance costs while maintaining optimal user service by ensuring the reader is active only during data exchange, thus offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

Implementation Method 1

the detection step detects the presence of one of the mobile objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2490488B1Method and device for near-field communication and corresponding computer program.
Publication Date: 2014.06.25 KERLINK
  • EP2490488B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2490488B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a near-field communication method, implementing at least one communication reader capable of exchanging data with at least one mobile object. According to the invention, such a method comprises: - a detection step (20) of a presence near said communication reader, delivering an activation signal when a presence is detected; - an activation step (21) of the power supply to said communication reader upon receipt of said activation signal; - a self-service access authorization step based on at least one of said exchanged data.