RFID Basket Reading with Position-Based Radio Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID tag reading devices face issues with inaccurate reading due to antenna movement outside the placement area, leading to erroneous readings and reduced efficiency when shopping baskets of varying sizes are used.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tag reading system with a movable body and magnetic sensor that adjusts radio wave strength based on the position of the shopping basket, ensuring the antenna only radiates waves within the basket's opposite area, thereby preventing erroneous readings and optimizing reading efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the antenna is moved relative to the placement area to improve reading accuracy, then reading accuracy is improved, but erroneous readings of tags outside the placement area occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting the radio wave strength based on the antenna's position relative to the placement area. When the antenna is at the edge or outside the placement area, the radio wave strength is reduced to prevent erroneous readings of tags outside the intended area, while maintaining full strength when the antenna is within the placement area to ensure accurate reading of tags inside the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the radio wave strength adjustable and position-dependent. The system dynamically changes the radio wave emission strength based on real-time antenna position detection, transitioning between high strength (when antenna is within placement area) and low strength (when antenna is at or outside edge), thereby adapting to different operational conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is moved to read tags outside the placement area, then more tags can be read, but reading efficiency decreases due to unnecessary movement to areas without tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the radio wave strength parameter based on antenna position. This allows the system to maintain adaptability by reading tags both inside and outside the placement area when needed, while improving efficiency by reducing radio wave strength when the antenna is positioned where no tags are present, thereby minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and movement.
3Quantity of substance
If a shopping basket is placed partially outside the placement area, then the basket can accommodate more items, but RFID tags outside the placement area cannot be read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the system to adapt to different basket placement scenarios. When a basket is placed partially outside the placement area, the antenna can move to follow the basket's position, and the radio wave strength is adjusted dynamically to ensure tags are read regardless of their position relative to the original placement area boundaries, thereby maintaining reading reliability while accommodating increased item capacity.
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
The system reliably and efficiently reads RFID tags by minimizing unnecessary radio wave emission outside the basket, ensuring accurate reading regardless of basket size, thus enhancing reading accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna to emit radio waves to communicate with wireless tags
Implementation Method 2
a sensor capable of detecting the objects
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless tag reading system includes a container to which a plurality of objects are attached and in which items can be stored, the objects being disposed along an outer periphery of the container, a table on which the container can be placed, a movable body movable under the table along a first rail and including an antenna and a sensor capable of detecting the objects, and a controller configured to cause the antenna to emit radio waves to communicate with wireless tags while controlling the movable body to move along the first rail, so that information about the items stored in the container can be read from wireless tags attached to the items. The controller is configured to adjust a strength of the radio waves upon detection of one of the objects by the sensor.