RFID Base Station Selection for Tag-Specific Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior RFID networks lack the ability for base stations to transmit data specifically to a particular tag, leading to inefficiencies and 'blind spots' due to concurrent broadcasting.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where only one base station, chosen based on the tag's location or signal strength, transmits information to a specific tag, with a processor assigning this task and allowing for acknowledgement of successful transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If all base stations broadcast information to tags concurrently, then information delivery coverage is improved, but interference and blind spots increase due to overlapping transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base station population into different groups that transmit in alternating time slots. Instead of all base stations transmitting concurrently, the system divides them into multiple sets where each set transmits during its designated time slot, preventing overlapping transmissions while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the coordinated effort of all base stations across different time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic transmission cycles where base stations alternate between transmitting and listening phases. Each base station transmits information to tags during its assigned time slot and then switches to listening mode during subsequent slots. This periodic action ensures that transmissions are distributed evenly over time, preventing interference while maintaining continuous information delivery coverage through the cyclic rotation of active transmitters.
2Productivity
If base stations transmit data specifically to particular tags, then transmission efficiency and accuracy are improved, but system complexity increases due to tag location tracking and base station selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where tags autonomously determine their own location and identify which base station should transmit to them. Instead of requiring the system controller to track and manage every tag's position and assign transmitters, each tag independently calculates its location based on received signals and selects the appropriate base station for communication. This shifts the computational burden from the central system to the individual tags, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary location determination and base station identification by tags before actual data transmission occurs. Tags continuously monitor signals from multiple base stations, pre-calculate their positions, and identify suitable transmitters in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when transmission is needed, the tag can immediately initiate communication with the correct base station without requiring real-time system coordination, thereby improving transmission efficiency while keeping system complexity manageable.
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 reduces interference and increases accuracy in location determination and data transmission, enabling efficient communication with individual tags without creating blind spots.
Implementation Method 1
each tag repetitively transmits information about itself, and the transmitted signal is received by one or more (it is hoped) of the base-stations
Implementation Method 2
Based on the received signal power, or on time-of-flight information, the network of base stations determines, or rather estimates, the location of the tag
Implementation Method 3
at the beginning of each frame there is a beacon time interval, and the base stations employ this time interval to each send out a synchronizing beacon
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID system with a plurality of tags and base stations where transmission of information to a specific tag is carried out by one of the base stations, where said one of the base stations is selected based on received signal power of the tag relative to the plurality of the base stations.