Remote NFC Data Exchange via Intermediary Relay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio tags using near field communication (NFC) are limited by a short range, making it difficult to access and exchange data with tags placed in inaccessible or closed locations, such as electrical cabinets.
Innovation Solution
A system employing a first assembly with a reading interface and communication means powered by a battery or electrical network, capable of magnetically coupling with the radio tag and using ZIGBEE, ZIGBEE Green Power, or BLUETOOTH protocols to establish a wireless connection, along with a second assembly housing a remote radio tag that can communicate with the first assembly via wired or wireless protocols, allowing data exchange over a greater range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC technology is used for data exchange with radio tags, then communication reliability is improved, but communication range is limited to less than 10 centimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (first assembly) that acts as a mediator between the reading station and the radio tag. This intermediary is positioned close to the radio tag to establish reliable NFC communication, while simultaneously establishing a wireless connection (ZIGBEE, BLUETOOTH) with the reading station to extend the overall communication range beyond the limitations of direct NFC.
2Speed
If the reading station is positioned close to the radio tag for data exchange, then communication speed is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when the tag is in inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three functional components: the reading station (for user interaction), the intermediary first assembly (for local NFC communication), and the radio tag (for data storage). This segmentation allows the user to interact with the reading station from a distance while the intermediary handles the close-range communication requirements, thus maintaining communication speed without compromising ease of operation.
3Length of moving object
If a wireless connection protocol like ZIGBEE or BLUETOOTH is used instead of direct NFC, then communication range is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless connection between the first assembly and the reading station is established periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The intermediary maintains NFC proximity to the radio tag only when data exchange is required, and the wireless connection is activated only when needed, thus reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous wireless communication.
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
Enables secure and efficient data exchange with radio tags located in hard-to-reach places, providing an almost energy-independent solution with secure communication protocols, ease of installation, and compatibility with existing communication standards.
Implementation Method 1
Their antenna allows them to capture the electromagnetic signals emitted by a read/write station placed within range (within 10 centimeters) and transforms these signals using inductive technology into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The first assembly is positioned close to the radio tag, so that the reading interface can exchange data with the radio tag. The reading interface comprises an antenna making it possible to magnetically couple with the antenna of the radio tag
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention concerns a system for exchanging data, remotely, between a reading station (ST) and a radio tag (R1), said system comprising; a first assembly (E1) comprising a reading interface (10) arranged to read data (D1) stored in the radio tag (R1) and first communication means (11) for transmitting a signal representative of said data read in the radio tag (R1), a second assembly (E2) comprising second communication means (21) connected to the first communication means (11) and arranged to receive said signal, and a so-called offset radio tag (R2), comprising a memory (M20) arranged to store data representative of the received signal.