RF-Harvesting Tag Indicators for Faster Counting and Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless ID tags require multiple interrogations and complex reader devices to count or locate tags, making these applications time-consuming and costly, especially for inventory and order-picking purposes.
Innovation Solution
The development of indicator ambient electromagnetic power harvesting (AEPH) devices, which respond to interrogations with physical indicators such as visual or auditory signals, allowing for efficient counting and location through simpler systems that can detect and respond with RF signals and physical emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless ID tags use RF signal responses for identification, then tag identification function is achieved, but multiple interrogations and complex reader devices are required making counting and location applications time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the RF signal-based response system with a physical indicator system (visual, auditory, or tactile indicators) that can be directly detected by simple sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for complex RF interrogation and response protocols, allowing for efficient counting and location using straightforward detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces physical indicators as intermediaries between the tag and the detection system. These indicators (visual, auditory, or tactile) serve as a mediator that translates the tag's presence into a form that can be easily detected by simple sensors, eliminating the need for complex RF communication protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless ID tags harvest power from ambient electromagnetic fields, then battery-free operation is achieved, but power availability for additional components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the AEPH device to perform multiple functions using the same harvested power source. The single ambient electromagnetic power harvesting circuit simultaneously powers the RF communication components, the physical indicator system, and the control logic, eliminating the need for separate power sources for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs power management techniques that dynamically adjust operational parameters based on available harvested power. The controller monitors power availability and adjusts the operation of physical indicators and communication functions accordingly, ensuring reliable operation within power constraints.
3Ease of operation
If physical indicators are added to AEPH devices for easy detection, then counting and location become simpler, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple physical indicator components (such as LEDs, piezoelectric elements, or basic audio transducers) that replicate the tag's presence in a form easily detectable by external sensors. These indicators are low-complexity components that can be driven by the existing AEPH circuitry without requiring additional complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the physical indicator components and their control logic directly into the existing AEPH device structure. The indicator control data memory and controller are merged with the power harvesting and RF communication components, creating a unified system that adds detection capability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
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
AEPH devices enable faster and more cost-effective counting and location of tags by allowing visual or auditory indicators to be detected from a distance, reducing the need for complex reader devices and enabling efficient inventory management and order-picking processes.
Implementation Method 1
The AEPH circuit is coupled to the antenna and configured to receive RF energy that is collected by the antenna and to convert the RF energy into electrical power
Implementation Method 2
respond to interrogations with physical indicators such as visual or auditory signals
Data Source
AI summary
An ambient electromagnetic power harvesting (AEPH) device having an indicator is provided. The AEPH device includes a substrate having fabricated thereon an antenna, an AEPH circuit, a controller, a physical indicator, and an indicator control data (ICD) memory. The AEPH circuit receives RF energy collected by the antenna and converts it into electrical power. The controller receives electrical power from the AEPH circuit and an RF signal from the antenna. The controller receives from an RF signal via the antenna information that includes interrogation data. The controller compares data stored in the ICD memory with the interrogation data to generate comparison information and causes the physical indicator to emit a physical signal that is based on the comparison information. A second AEPH device having a second antenna and a second AEPH circuit, where the indicator is mounted separate from the substrate.