RFID Edge Server PLC API for Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID systems lack efficient integration with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to control and interact with electromechanical devices, limiting their ability to initiate device control and data management in supply chain management applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of an RFID edge server with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Application Programming Interface (API) that allows for the control and data exchange with PLCs, enabling the RFID edge server to initiate device control and manage data through PLC triggers, registers, and communication protocols such as OPC XML DA and Ethernet/IP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If RFID systems are integrated with PLCs to control electromechanical devices, then device control capability and automation are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PLC API as an intermediary layer between the RFID system and PLCs. This API provides standardized methods for reading tags, writing tags, and controlling devices, mediating the complex interactions between RFID readers and PLC-controlled electromechanical devices. The API absorbs the complexity of PLC communication protocols and device control logic, presenting a simplified interface to the RFID system while maintaining full device control capability.
2Ease of operation
If PLC API is implemented for device control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PLC API is segmented into distinct functional modules: tag reading methods, tag writing methods, and device control methods. Each method handles a specific operation independently, allowing the system to call only the necessary methods for each task. This segmentation simplifies operation by providing clear, purpose-specific interfaces while organizing the underlying complexity into manageable, independent components.
3Measurement precision
If RFID tags are used for tracking individual packages, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to data management complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The PLC API implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously reads RFID tags and updates device states based on the read information. The API methods provide feedback loops that track package locations through individual RFID tags, automatically updating inventory records and triggering appropriate device responses. This feedback system maintains precise tracking information while automatically managing the complexity of data handling through structured API methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID edge server is adapted to receive RFID data from RFID readers. The RFID edge server can have a PLC API to allow the RFID edge server to control and receive data from devices.