Reflected Light Identification Structure for Long-Range Tagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID systems face challenges in reading multiple tags simultaneously due to interference and have limited range, with active tags being expensive and requiring maintenance, necessitating a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative for long-distance communication.
Innovation Solution
The use of reflected light identification (RLID) systems that employ light sources and reflective structures to encode and transmit information using light signals, allowing for long-distance communication with minimal interference, including both passive and active RLID structures that utilize layered reflective films and energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If active RFID tags are used to extend transmission distance, then transmission range is improved, but cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic RFID system with an optical system using light sources and reflective surfaces. The RLID tag uses a reflective surface with encoded patterns instead of electronic components, eliminating batteries and complex circuitry while achieving long-range identification through optical reflection and modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The RLID tag employs a simple reflective surface structure that is inexpensive to manufacture and requires no maintenance. The passive optical design eliminates expensive batteries and electronic components, making the system economically viable for widespread deployment.
2Ease of operation
If RFID tags are used for wireless communication, then contactless identification is achieved, but signal interference occurs when reading multiple tags simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radio frequency electromagnetic signals with optical signals (light). The light-based communication system uses reflected light patterns and optical modulation to transmit data, eliminating the radio frequency interference problems that plague RFID systems while maintaining contactless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The RLID system uses different light patterns, intensities, and temporal modulations to encode information on reflective surfaces. By varying optical properties rather than using fixed radio frequencies, the system can distinguish between multiple tags simultaneously without interference.
3Length of stationary object
If passive RFID tags are used to reduce cost, then transmission distance is limited, but active tags extend range at higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic power transmission model with an optical reflection model. The RLID tag uses a reflective surface that modulates incident light to encode information, eliminating the need for power sources entirely. The system achieves long-range communication by optimizing optical path efficiency and using sensitive photodetectors rather than increasing transmission power.
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, low-cost, and low-maintenance communication over long distances with minimal interference, allowing for the identification of objects and information across distances of up to half a mile or more without the need for a power source or frequent maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the incident light is split into a first portion that is reflected and a second portion that is refracted
Implementation Method 2
the incident light is split into a first portion that is reflected and a second portion that is refracted
Implementation Method 3
harvest energy from the incident light signal
Data Source
AI summary
A reflected light identification (RLID) system uses light to communicate stored information across long distances with minimal interference. The RLID system may include a light source that directs an incident light signal to an RLID structure, which then transmits an encoded light signal to a sensor. The RLID system may include a passive RLID structure (i.e., a structure that does not include power source) such as an RLID reflection surface that includes layered reflective films that reflect the incident light signal back in multiple reflections that serially encodes data. The RLID system may also include an active RLID structure (i.e., a structure that includes power source) that uses energy harvesting to extract and accumulate power from an incident light signal, and then uses the harvested energy to transmit a return signal.