Buffered Multi-Head Measuring System for Parallel RFID Readout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring systems in industrial automation lack flexibility and efficiency in controlling and transmitting measurement data from multiple RFID read/write heads, as they require serial data transmission and can only have one active element per channel, limiting parallel operation and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where measuring elements determine and buffer measurement data simultaneously, allowing for parallel operation and fragmented data transmission via an evaluation module, which reads out the buffered data from each element independently, reducing data loss and enabling targeted data retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If serial data transmission is used with one active element per channel, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to inability to operate multiple measuring elements in parallel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel operation capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the data transmission system into multiple independent parallel channels, each capable of simultaneous operation. Measuring elements are segmented into groups that can operate independently, allowing multiple elements to determine and transmit measurement data simultaneously without interfering with each other, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional serial transmission approach to a multi-dimensional parallel transmission architecture. By adding the dimension of parallelism across multiple channels, the system enables simultaneous operation of multiple measuring elements while maintaining manageable complexity through structured channel organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If complete data chain transmission is required from all measuring elements, then measurement data completeness is improved, but loss of time increases due to sequential transmission requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data completenessVSAvoiddata transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary buffering of measurement data at each measuring element before transmission. Each element stores its measurement data in an internal buffer, preparing it for simultaneous transmission across multiple channels. This preliminary action eliminates the need for sequential data collection, reducing transmission time while ensuring complete data capture from all elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes continuous parallel data transmission across multiple channels, allowing measurement data to be transmitted simultaneously from all active measuring elements. This continuous parallel action eliminates the time loss associated with sequential transmission while maintaining complete data capture, as each channel operates independently and continuously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If targeted separate transmission of information from individual measuring elements is enabled, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to required independent control channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeted data transmission capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into multiple independent channels, each capable of targeted communication with specific measuring elements. This segmentation enables selective activation and control of individual elements or groups, providing adaptability while managing complexity through modular channel design. Each channel can be independently configured and controlled, allowing flexible data transmission without requiring complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3683639B1Measuring system and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 TURCK HOLDING GMBH
  • EP3683639B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3683639B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3683639B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for operating a measuring system (10) with an evaluation module (12) and several measuring elements (16), wherein the evaluation module (12) and the measuring elements (16) are connected via a communication line (14). The method comprises determining measurement data using the several measuring elements (16), wherein at least two of the measuring elements (16) determine the measurement data at least partially simultaneously, as well as temporarily storing the determined measurement data in the respective measuring element (16) and reading the measurement data temporarily stored in the measuring elements (16) via the communication line (14) using the evaluation module (12). The invention further relates to a measuring system (10).