RF-Powered Tag Indicator Control 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
Indicator ambient electromagnetic power harvesting (AEPH) devices that respond to interrogations with physical indicators such as light or sound, allowing for efficient counting and location through visual or auditory signals, reducing the need for complex reader devices and enabling faster data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless ID tags use RF signal responses for identification, then tag identification is achieved, but multiple interrogations and complex reader devices are required making counting and location time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic RF signal response system with a physical indicator system (visual or auditory) that can be directly observed by humans or simple sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for complex reader devices to interpret RF signals, allowing for faster and simpler tag counting and location while maintaining identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a physical indicator as an intermediary between the tag and the observer/reader device. This intermediary converts the invisible RF communication into visible or audible signals that can be detected by simple means, thereby simplifying the reader device while improving data collection efficiency for counting and location applications.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wireless ID tags harvest power from ambient electromagnetic fields, then battery-free operation is achieved, but the tags lack the power storage component needed for multiple interrogations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the tag to harvest its own operating power from the ambient electromagnetic field during the interrogation process. The AEPH circuit converts RF energy from the reader or environment into electrical power, allowing the tag to operate without an external battery while maintaining sufficient power for both RF communication and physical indicator operation during each interrogation event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by designing the AEPH circuit to continuously harvest ambient RF energy, accumulating power over time to support multiple interrogations and physical indicator operations. This continuous energy harvesting approach eliminates the need for battery recharging or replacement while maintaining operational capability throughout the tag's service life.
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 efficient counting and location of tags by providing visual or auditory responses, simplifying the process and reducing the complexity and cost of reader devices, facilitating faster data collection and improved inventory management.
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
Data Source
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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.