RF Energy Harvesting Collector for Multi-Protocol Data Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID and sensor AEPH devices face challenges when they are attached to moving objects, spread out over a wide area, or use different RF bands and communication protocols, making it difficult for readers to read data efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A collector AEPH device that collects and forwards data by transmitting RF signals, receiving data from devices, storing it, and transmitting it to a reader at a later time, while handling multiple RF bands and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple readers are deployed to read data from dispersed devices across wide areas, then data collection coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces collector AEPH devices as intermediary nodes between reporter AEPH devices and readers. These collectors receive data from multiple dispersed reporters via RF signals, store the data locally, and forward it to readers when in range, enabling wide-area data collection without deploying multiple readers across the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the data collection function into two distinct roles: reporter devices that collect data from targets, and collector devices that aggregate data from multiple reporters. This segmentation allows the system to cover wide areas by distributing simple reporter devices while using fewer collector devices to aggregate data, reducing overall system complexity compared to deploying multiple full-featured readers.
2Productivity
If conventional RFID readers continuously scan for devices, then data collection speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collector AEPH devices operate by periodically attempting to establish RF connections with reporter devices and readers rather than continuously scanning. Data transmission occurs in periodic bursts when connections are established, maintaining data collection productivity while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs opportunistic data collection where collectors automatically capture data from reporters when RF connections are available, without requiring active continuous scanning. The AEPH circuits harvest ambient RF energy to power operations, making the devices energy-autonomous and eliminating the need for continuous high-power scanning while maintaining data collection effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reporter devices use different RF bands and communication protocols, then system versatility is improved, but reader complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments protocol handling responsibilities: reporter devices maintain their native RF bands and communication protocols, while collector devices handle protocol translation and conversion. This segmentation allows reporters to remain simple and protocol-specific, while collectors provide universal compatibility, eliminating the need for readers to support multiple protocols directly.
Solution Approach 2:
Collector AEPH devices serve as intermediary translation layers between reporter devices using different RF bands and protocols. The collectors receive data from reporters via their native protocols, convert and standardize the data format, then transmit to readers using a unified protocol, thereby enabling multi-protocol support without increasing reader complexity.
4Loss of information
If data is collected and stored locally at reporter devices, then data availability is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the storage function: reporter AEPH devices perform minimal local buffering of data until collection opportunities arise, while collector AEPH devices provide the primary data storage and management functionality. This segmentation reduces the storage burden and complexity at reporter devices while ensuring data availability through collector aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
Collector devices act as intermediary storage nodes, receiving data from reporters when connections are available and holding the data until readers can be contacted for upload. This intermediary storage approach ensures data availability without requiring reporter devices to maintain complex local storage systems, as collectors assume the primary storage role.
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 data collection from dispersed devices by reducing the need for multiple readers, supporting various RF bands and protocols, and providing historical data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an AEPH circuit coupled to the antenna and configured to receive radio frequency (RF) energy collected by the antenna and convert the RF energy into electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A collector ambient electromagnetic power harvesting (AEPH) device for collecting and forwarding data is disclosed. The device includes an antenna, an AEPH circuit converting RF energy from the antenna into electrical power, and a memory and a controller powered by the AEPH circuit. The controller receives in a first RF signal information from a reporter AEPH device, including data and the reporter ID. The controller stores the data in the memory with an association to the reporter ID. The controller receives in a second RF signal an interrogation signal. In response, the controller transmits a response via the antenna including the reporter ID and data in the memory associated with the reporter ID. The interrogation signal may be received and the response transmitted in a first RF band and/or communication protocol, and the information may be received in a second RF band and/or communication protocol.