NFC Surface Antenna Array for Precise Tag Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object localization technologies, such as RFID and NFC, struggle to provide precise and cost-effective identification and location of objects on game boards or display stands, often leading to inaccurate positioning and high implementation costs.
Innovation Solution
A near-field communication platform with multiple antennas is used to interrogate electronic tags sequentially, counting responses to determine their positions, utilizing a processing unit to activate one antenna at a time and calculate positions based on response counts, with optional power control and shunt switches to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If RFID technology is used for object identification, then communication range is extended to a few meters, but precise object location cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the communication area into multiple zones, each covered by a specific antenna. By segmenting the large coverage area into smaller regions, the system can determine which zone an object is in based on which antenna detects it, thereby achieving location precision while maintaining extended communication range through RFID.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to RFID by arranging multiple antennas in specific geometric patterns (such as triangles or grids). This allows the system to triangulate or multilaterate object positions based on signal strength or detection patterns across different antenna locations, transforming a 1D communication range into 2D or 3D location information.
2Measurement precision
If NFC technology is used for object identification, then precise location within a few centimeters is achieved, but the magnetic field limits communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges NFC technology with RFID infrastructure by using RFID readers equipped with NFC capability. This combination allows the system to leverage RFID's extended communication range while incorporating NFC's precise location measurement capabilities through magnetic field detection, achieving both long range and high precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the antenna system multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both RFID mode (for extended range communication) and NFC mode (for precise location measurement). The same hardware infrastructure serves dual purposes: RFID provides the communication backbone while NFC mode provides precise positioning when objects are in close proximity to specific antennas.
3Measurement precision
If multiple NFC readers are deployed to achieve precise positioning, then location accuracy is improved, but implementation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes each RFID reader multi-functional by enabling NFC capability on standard RFID readers. This allows a single reader to perform both RFID identification (for presence detection) and NFC positioning (for precise location) functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated NFC readers and significantly reducing system cost while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing RFID readers by configuring them to operate in NFC mode at specific power levels and modulation frequencies. By adjusting these parameters, the readers can provide precise location measurements without requiring additional hardware, thereby reducing device complexity and implementation costs while maintaining positioning accuracy.
4Reliability
If electromagnetic beacons with resonant circuits are used for detection, then object presence can be detected, but precise identification of the associated object is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces electronic tags with unique identifiers as intermediaries between the electromagnetic beacons and the identification system. The tags are powered by the beacon's electromagnetic field and relay unique object identification information to the RFID readers, enabling both reliable detection (through the resonant circuit response) and precise identification (through the unique tag data) simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive resonant circuit detection system with an active electronic tag system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical/electrical resonance characteristics for identification, the system uses electronically stored unique identifiers in RFID tags that are read wirelessly. This substitution maintains the reliable detection capability of resonant circuits while adding the ability to precisely identify specific objects through their unique tag data.
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 precise and cost-effective localization of electronic tags on two-dimensional surfaces by averaging antenna positions weighted by response counts, reducing implementation costs and improving accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
NFC technology uses a magnetic field that allows communication within a few centimeters of the reader
Implementation Method 2
uses an electronic chip coupled with an antenna that communicates with a reader, using the electric or magnetic field produced by the reader to power the electronic chip
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a near-field communication surface (1) intended to communicate with at least one electronic tag D1 or D2. The surface comprises a plurality of antennas A1-A8, each antenna having a position x1-x8 along an axis X, a circuit for reading electronic tags (100) that is connected to said antennas A1-A8 in order to supply them with power and communicate with said electronic tag D1 or D2, and a processing unit (200) controlling the antennas A1-A8 and the circuit for reading electronic tags (100). The processing unit (200) is configured to activate just one antenna at a time and the reading circuit (100) in order to communicate with said at least one electronic tag D1, D2, and to locate a position of the electronic tag D1 or D2 along the axis X according to a number of responses or to a response time from the electronic tag D1 or D2. The invention also relates to the locating method.