NFC Programming of Wireless Temperature Tags for Food Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Food service operations face challenges in efficiently programming wireless temperature sensor tags without the use of computing devices, such as smartphones or tablets, due to operational and financial constraints, and existing methods are prone to human error and inventory management issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for programming wireless sensor tags using NFC-enabled cards or stickers that allow contactless communication, enabling direct association of tags with food items or ingredients, utilizing a display and buttons on the tag for input, and incorporating low-power displays and buttons connected to a processor for programming without external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless temperature sensor tags are pre-programmed at the factory for specific food items, then programming challenges in the field are reduced, but inventory management and logistic issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs multiple wireless sensor tags at the factory with different food item configurations and stores them in inventory. When needed, the appropriate pre-programmed tags are selected and activated, eliminating the need for field programming while maintaining inventory manageability through standardized pre-configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless sensor tags are designed with universal programmability to handle multiple food item types. The tags can be configured for different temperature ranges, monitoring intervals, and food categories, allowing a single tag design to serve multiple purposes across various food service applications
2Manufacturing precision
If manual programming methods using portable computers or handheld devices are used, then wireless sensor tags can be programmed accurately, but the process becomes time-consuming and challenging
Solution Approach 1:
All programming configurations are prepared in advance at the factory during tag manufacturing. The tags arrive pre-programmed with specific food item parameters, eliminating the time-consuming field programming process while maintaining configuration accuracy through controlled factory programming environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service deployment where pre-programmed tags are simply activated and placed on food items without requiring operators to use portable computers or handheld devices. The tags are ready-to-use upon removal from packaging, significantly reducing programming time and operational complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If computing devices or smartphones are used for programming wireless sensor tags, then programming functionality is available, but extra costs and operational restrictions arise
Solution Approach 1:
The programming capability is extracted from external computing devices and integrated directly into the tag programming process during manufacturing. The tags are pre-configured using factory equipment, eliminating the need for expensive portable computers, handheld devices, or smartphones in the field, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining full programming functionality
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 efficient and accurate temperature monitoring of food items and ingredients without the need for computing devices, reducing operational and financial burdens while ensuring precise tag-item associations and minimizing human error.
Implementation Method 1
both the wireless sensor tag and the passive device include structures to implement magnetic field induction, and/or transmission and/or receipt of electromagnetic fields, to allow contact-less communication between the wireless sensor tag and the passive device
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for programming wireless sensor tags, and such programmed wireless sensor tags. Embodiments of the method and apparatus can be utilized in food service operations, without utilizing a computing device or smartphone for programming the wireless sensor tag. Embodiments relate to a method and system for programming wireless temperature sensor tags, and such programmed wireless temperature sensor tags. Embodiments of the subject method use NFC-enabled cards with Near Field Communications (NFC) technology to quickly and simply program a wireless temperature sensor tag to read, collect, and report the temperature of a food item or ingredient. The use of this method enables food service operators, such as: quick-serve restaurants (QSRs), school cafeterias, and food service departments within supermarkets, to simplify the collection of temperature data within the retail space, as well as throughout the supply chain of products. The present invention also uses a display and at least one button on the wireless sensor tag for programming the wireless sensor tag.