RFID Tag Battery Monitoring via Energy Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID systems lack an effective method to indicate the battery condition of battery-powered electronic devices, leading to unnecessary replacement of batteries in devices that still have remaining useful life, as the battery life is difficult to estimate due to varying usage patterns and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An RFID system that includes an electronic device powered by a battery, an RFID device in electrical communication with the electronic device, and a mechanism for estimating the remaining potential energy of the battery, setting a flag when the energy falls below a predefined threshold, and sending this information via an air interface to a remote device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all batteries are replaced when one device's battery dies, then system reliability is maintained, but resource waste occurs and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the RFID tag continuously monitor and report battery status information to the reader system. This enables the system to receive real-time feedback on individual battery conditions, allowing selective replacement based on actual needs rather than blanket replacement of all batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag performs self-service by autonomously monitoring its own battery status and reporting condition information without requiring manual intervention. The tag independently determines when battery replacement is needed and communicates this information, enabling the system to manage battery resources efficiently without human oversight.
2Loss of substance
If battery monitoring is implemented for each device, then resource optimization is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery monitoring function with the existing RFID tag infrastructure. By combining these previously separate functions into a single integrated system, the patent avoids the complexity of adding standalone monitoring devices while still achieving individual battery status tracking across multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is designed with multi-functionality, serving both its traditional identification/communication role and the additional function of battery status monitoring. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate monitoring hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If RFID tag operates without direct contact, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of battery status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the RFID communication interface as an intermediary to transmit battery status information wirelessly. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain contactless operation while still achieving accurate battery status indication by encoding the monitoring data within the RFID communication protocol.
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 accurate monitoring of battery condition, preventing premature battery replacement and optimizing battery life by providing a clear indication of remaining energy, allowing for timely replacement or recharging.
Implementation Method 1
As an RFID tag operates in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, an electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling can occur between an RFID tag affixed to an item and an RFID tag reader.
Implementation Method 2
As an RFID tag operates in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, an electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling can occur between an RFID tag affixed to an item and an RFID tag reader.
Implementation Method 3
An electronic device being powered by a battery
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID system according to one embodiment includes an electronic device being powered by a battery; an RFID device in electrical communication with the electronic device; and a mechanism for estimating a remaining potential energy of the battery, wherein a flag is set on the RFID device when an estimated remaining potential energy of the battery is below a predefined threshold. In an RFID system according to another embodiment, the RFID device stores an indication of a condition of the battery powering the electronic device. An RFID device according to yet another embodiment of the invention includes an interface for providing a direct physical connection to an electronic device that is powered by a battery; a memory for storing an indication of a condition of the battery powering the electronic device; and circuitry for sending the indication stored in the memory to a remote device via an air interface.