RF Energy Harvesting Collector for Delayed RFID Data Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID reader devices face challenges in reading data from RFID tags and sensor AEPH devices due to their movement out of range, wide geographical dispersion, large number of devices, and compatibility issues with different RF bands and communication protocols, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A collector AEPH device that uses ambient electromagnetic power harvesting to collect and store data from RFID tags and sensor AEPH devices, associating IDs with data and transmitting it at a later time to a reader device, and can operate across multiple RF bands and communication protocols, allowing for efficient data collection and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional RFID reader devices are used to read data from RFID tags and sensor AEPH devices, then data collection can be performed, but the reader devices face challenges when devices move out of range, are widely dispersed, or exist in large numbers, leading to reduced productivity and increased system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that acts as a bridge between RFID tags/sensor AEPH devices and the central reader. This intermediary collects data from multiple tags/devices locally, stores it temporarily, and forwards it to the reader when in range, eliminating the need for continuous reader-tag communication and reducing system complexity while improving data collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into multiple independent components: RFID tags, sensor AEPH devices, an intermediary collecting device, and a central reader. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently within its optimal range, with the intermediary handling local data aggregation and the reader handling centralized data processing, thereby improving overall productivity
2Area of stationary object
If multiple reader devices are deployed to cover wide geographical areas and handle large numbers of devices, then data collection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the system's operational dimension by enabling the intermediary device to move through different locations and time periods. Instead of deploying multiple static readers across space, a single mobile intermediary can cover wide geographical areas by moving to different locations, and can accumulate data over time, effectively expanding coverage without increasing the number of reader devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags and sensor AEPH devices operate across different RF bands and communication protocols, then versatility is improved, but compatibility issues arise that reduce ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device is designed with multi-functionality to communicate with RFID tags and sensor AEPH devices across different RF bands and communication protocols. It incorporates multiple communication interfaces and protocols, allowing it to universally interact with diverse devices while presenting a simplified interface to the central reader, thereby maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation
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 and transmission from dispersed or moving RFID tags and sensor AEPH devices, reducing the need for multiple reader devices and improving data management by storing associations and timestamps, thus enhancing inventory control and monitoring applications.
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
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Figure 3A
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.