RFID Carrier Structure with Signal-Attenuating Cells for Object Location
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems face challenges in accurately locating specific objects among multiple RFID-tagged items that are visually similar or identical, leading to inefficiencies in identification and selection due to imprecision in instrumentation and manual guesswork.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a carrier structure with cells that attenuate signal propagation, equipped with antennas and indicators communicatively coupled to a control module, which assists an automatic data collection device in selecting and locating RFID-tagged objects by activating indicators to highlight the position of the object of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple RFID tags are attached to objects in close proximity, then data collection capability is improved, but object location identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the carrier structure into multiple cells, with each cell capable of holding one or more objects. By segmenting the storage space, the system can isolate RFID signals from different cells, enabling precise identification of which cell contains the target object even when multiple objects are present in close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a reader, control module, and indicator devices that mediate between the RFID tags and the user. The reader interrogates RFID tags in each cell, the control module processes the responses to identify the target object's cell, and the indicator device provides visual feedback to guide the user to the correct location, thereby solving the difficulty of locating specific objects among many.
2Device complexity
If manual techniques are used to locate objects, then system complexity is reduced, but time consumption and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the RFID tags automatically respond to interrogation signals from the reader, and the indicator devices automatically illuminate to indicate the location of the target object. This eliminates the need for manual searching and guessing, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual inspection is used to differentiate objects, then no additional equipment is needed, but efficiency deteriorates when objects are visually similar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electronic identification system. Instead of relying on human visual capabilities to differentiate visually similar objects, the system uses RFID technology to automatically read and identify objects through their unique tags, substituting mechanical/optical inspection with electronic detection and significantly improving selection efficiency.
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 solution enables precise and efficient selection and location of RFID-tagged objects, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy by visually or audibly indicating the object's location within the carrier structure, thereby enhancing productivity in environments like warehouses and pharmacies.
Implementation Method 1
The cells are adapted to allow objects having respective data carriers affixed thereon to be placed in respective ones of the cells
Implementation Method 2
RFID readers typically emit a radio frequency (RF) interrogation signal that causes the RFID tag to respond with a return RF signal encoding the data stored in the memory
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier structure has a plurality of cells. A corresponding plurality of objects having data carriers, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, is placed in each cell. Each cell has an indicator associated therewith and is defined by walls that substantially prevent waves (such as RF waves) from propagating between cells. A control module is coupled to the carrier structure and is operative to selectively activate individual ones of the indicators. An automatic data collection device (such as an RFID reader) interrogates the data carriers of the objects placed in the cells, and the data carriers can provide response signals to the data collection device. The control module also monitors the response signals using an antenna present in each cell. If the data collection device selects a particular one of the responsive data carriers, the data collection device provides a notification signal to the control module to notify the control module of the selection. The control module then identifies and selects the cell of an object of interest having the selected data carrier affixed thereon, and initiates activation of the indicator associated with the selected cell, thereby identifying the location of the object of interest.