Remote Sensor Optical Targeting for Precise Product Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote identifier technologies face challenges in accurately selecting a specific product from multiple tagged items due to the wide wavelength of microwave signals, leading to cumbersome user interfaces and memory overload in devices like mobile phones when trying to control or read data from nearby products.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using a reader that either brings the reader close to the tag or uses a secondary optical signal, such as infrared or visible light, synchronized with the radio frequency to selectively activate desired remote identifiers, allowing for precise selection and control of products or devices using a mobile station as a reader.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If microwave radio frequency signals are used for remote identification, then reading distance can be several meters, but the long wavelength causes inability to selectively aim at specific products among multiple tagged items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the selection process into two independent stages: first using microwave RF signals for long-distance reading, then using optical signals (laser/infrared) for precise spatial selection. This segmentation allows each signal type to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary mechanism between the microwave RF reader and the target product. The optical signal serves as a mediator that provides directional precision while the RF signal handles the wireless communication, resolving the contradiction between range and precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all nearby products are read and data is stored in mobile telephone memory, then product data can be accessed, but memory space is consumed and user interface becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the product selection function from the mobile telephone's memory system. Instead of storing data from all nearby products in phone memory, the system uses optical targeting to extract and select only the specific product needed, eliminating the need for extensive memory usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service selection where the user simply points the device at the desired product, and the system automatically identifies and activates only that specific product's data transmission, without requiring manual navigation through stored product lists.
3Ease of operation
If menu-based selection is used to control products, then specific products can be selected, but operation becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical menu navigation system with an optical pointing mechanism. Instead of manually navigating menus to select products, users simply point the device at the target product, and the optical signal automatically identifies it, substituting mechanical interaction with optical targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary optical targeting and identification before data transmission begins. By pre-selecting the target product through optical pointing, the system eliminates the need for subsequent menu navigation, saving time and effort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote identifiers are within reading range, then data from any product can be read, but it becomes difficult to distinguish and select the desired product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using optical signals with specific spatial characteristics (directionality, focus) to create a localized reading zone. This allows the system to maintain broad RF reading capability while adding local optical precision to distinguish between multiple nearby identifiers based on their spatial position.
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 approach enables efficient selection and control of desired products or devices, reducing the need for extensive menu navigation and memory usage, while allowing for a cost-effective implementation of remote identifiers and user-friendly interfaces like TouchMe and PointMe concepts.
Implementation Method 1
a remote identifier is a tag that is read remotely using a radio signal, and which includes an antenna, a voltage-generation circuit, rf-signal modulation/demodulation circuits, and a memory
Implementation Method 2
the remote identifier or sensor is targeted using a different frequency to the reading frequency, typically using infrared or visible light
Implementation Method 3
the remote identifier according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing portion of Claim 1... a photosensitive element, the conductivity of which changes as a result of irradiation by a light signal
Data Source
AI summary
This publication discloses a remote identifier, a reader, and a method for activating a desired remote identifier. The remote identifier (2) includes a microcircuit (7), in which there is a memory and means for processing a radio-frequency signal, an antenna (6) connected to the microcircuit (7), by means of which both the signal and also electric power for the operating voltage of the microcircuit (7) can be received. According to the invention, a component (3), the electrical properties of which change due to the effect of infrared, or visible light, is electrically connected to the microcircuit (7) of the remote identifier and in the microcircuit (7) there are means, by which the combined effect of a change in the radio-frequency signal and the electrical component (3) can be expressed by a correlation method for the signals, in order to activate the remote identifier (2) for two-way data transmission.