Passive RF Tag Localization Using Ultrasonic Sideband Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in accurately detecting and localizing passive tags without the use of active components or power sources, as they rely on complex and costly systems for determining distance and presence.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of passive tags equipped with ultrasonic or optical transducers that modulate radio frequency signals using ultrasound or optical signals, allowing for distance determination through sideband detection by a reader system, eliminating the need for active components or power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive tags without active components are used, then cost and simplicity are improved, but detection accuracy and localization precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic transducer as an intermediary component in the passive tag. This transducer modulates the RF signal by converting ultrasonic vibrations into electrical signal variations, enabling detection of passive tags without active components while maintaining localization accuracy through the modulation of RF return signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic active components with a mechanical-ultrasonic-based modulation system. The ultrasonic transducer uses mechanical vibration to modulate the RF signal, substituting complex electronic active tag components with a simpler mechanical-based solution that achieves the same detection and localization function
2Measurement precision
If complex detection systems are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reader system is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified approach: it transmits RF signals, receives modulated return signals, generates ultrasonic signals, and processes modulation detection all through integrated circuitry. This multi-functional design improves detection accuracy while avoiding the need for separate complex specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (impedance, capacitance) of the ultrasonic transducer in response to ultrasonic vibration to modulate the RF signal. By detecting these parameter changes through the modulated RF return signal, the system achieves accurate detection without requiring complex dedicated detection hardware for each parameter
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective detection and localization of passive tags by using sideband modulation, providing accurate distance measurements without the requirement for active components or power sources, thus simplifying the system and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer coupled to the antenna, wherein an ultrasound signal received by the ultrasonic transducer causes a variation of at least one property of the ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 2
an antenna configured to receive a first radio frequency signal and to reradiate a second radio frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
In some example embodiments, there is provided a tag. The tag may include an antenna configured to receive a first radio frequency signal and to reradiate a second radio frequency signal; and an ultrasonic transducer coupled to the antenna, wherein an ultrasound signal received by the ultrasonic transducer causes a variation of at least one property of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the variation of the at least one property imparts a modulation onto at least a portion of the first radio frequency signal, and wherein the modulated first radio frequency signal is reradiated by the antenna as the second radio frequency signal. Related system, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.