RFID Tag With Capacitive Touch Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of household and office items are limited to the information provided in manuals or on the items themselves, making it difficult to access additional information or perform tasks associated with these items without resorting to manual searches or online inquiries.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag with a capacitive touch interface on items, allowing users to interact with a receiver via voice commands or gestures to retrieve information or perform tasks, such as adding items to a shopping list or obtaining nutritional information, by communicating with a remote computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags and network interfaces are integrated into ordinary items, then access to item-specific information and task execution capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the RFID tag itself serve multiple functions: it acts as both the identification element and the network interface. The tag includes integrated circuitry that enables bidirectional communication over a network, allowing it to both identify the item and provide information exchange capabilities, thereby eliminating the need for separate network interface hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the RFID tagging function with network interface functionality into a single integrated component. The RFID tag incorporates network communication circuitry that allows it to establish bidirectional communication sessions with remote devices, combining what would traditionally be separate systems into one unified device.
2Ease of operation
If RFID tags with network interfaces are integrated into items, then ease of operation and user convenience are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is designed as a universal platform that handles both item identification and network communication, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the overall system architecture, which can offset manufacturing costs despite the enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where users can interact with items through natural interfaces like voice commands or gestures without requiring manual intervention or complex setup procedures. The RFID tag autonomously manages network connections and data exchange, reducing operational complexity for end users.
3Loss of information
If bidirectional communication sessions are established between RFID tags and remote devices, then information access and task execution are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or on-demand communication sessions rather than continuous data transmission. The RFID tag establishes bidirectional communication sessions only when triggered by user interaction with the item, allowing it to remain in a low-power state between interactions and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining information accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual information access methods (such as physical manuals or online searches) with automated electronic communication through the RFID tag. This substitution enables direct digital communication between the item and user devices, improving information access efficiency while the tag's integrated power management optimizes energy usage during these electronic interactions.
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 seamless access to item-specific information and task execution through a network-enabled interface, enhancing user convenience and efficiency by providing a hands-free method to interact with items and retrieve relevant data or perform actions.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver is configured to identify a radio-frequency signal emitted from a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or transponder
Implementation Method 2
The RFID tag may include a capacitive touch interface that, when manipulated by a person, causes the RFID tag to emit an identifier
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for making ordinary objects network-enabled interfaces. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag may be fixed or detachably attached to an item capable of being manipulated by a person to obtain information about the item or to cause a performance of a task associated with the item. The RFID tag may include a capacitive touch interface that, when manipulated by a person, causes the RFID tag to emit an identifier associated with a corresponding item. A receiver, having the identifier and an instruction from a person, may communicate with a remote computing device to process the instruction and to generate a response to the instruction.