RFID-Powered Communication Gateway for Wireless Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-machine interfaces for wireless sensor networks, such as those using Zigbee or Zigbee Green Power protocols, require multiple communication gateways and an electrical power supply, making them impractical and costly, especially for mobile devices that do not support these protocols.
Innovation Solution
A communication gateway that recovers electrical energy from a mobile terminal using near-field communication or RFID technology, powering a microcontroller and wireless communication interface, allowing data exchange between the mobile terminal and external devices without an internal power source, and supporting protocols like Zigbee or Zigbee Green Power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate communication gateways are used to support various communication protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a human-machine interface and a communication gateway by integrating near-field communication capability with Zigbee protocol support. This allows a single device to replace multiple separate gateways, achieving protocol compatibility without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the human-machine interface function and the communication gateway function into a single mobile terminal. By merging these previously separate functions, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate gateways while maintaining support for various communication protocols
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated human-machine interface with multiple communication gateways is provided, then protocol support is improved, but cost and practicality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal is designed as a universal device that can function as both a human-machine interface and a communication gateway. By making the mobile terminal multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for dedicated, expensive human-machine interfaces while maintaining full protocol support capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring expensive dedicated hardware interfaces, the patent uses software-based protocol implementation on standard mobile terminals. This copying approach allows protocol support to be achieved through software rather than expensive hardware, significantly reducing costs
3Reliability
If each human-machine interface is equipped with an electrical power supply, then operational reliability is improved, but energy efficiency and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The communication gateway function is designed to be self-powered through near-field communication energy harvesting. The mobile terminal itself provides the necessary power through its near-field communication module, eliminating the need for separate power supplies while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical power supply system with wireless energy transfer through near-field communication. This substitution eliminates physical power cables and separate power supplies, improving portability while maintaining operational reliability through contactless power delivery
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 easy interaction with external devices like sensors without a dedicated human-machine interface or electrical power supply, supporting various communication protocols and eliminating the need for power cables, thus enhancing energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy recovery means arranged for recovering electrical energy supplied by the mobile terminal
Implementation Method 2
the first communication interface comprises an RF tag equipped with an antenna and operating according to a near-field communications technology or of the RFID type
Implementation Method 3
a second wireless communication interface for communicating, over a second communication network, with at least one external device
Data Source
AI summary
A communication gateway including: a first communication interface for communicating, over a first communication network, with a mobile terminal; a second wireless communication interface for communicating, over a second communication network, with at least one external device. The communication gateway; an electrical energy recovery mechanism configured to recover electrical energy supplied by the mobile terminal; and a non-volatile memory powered by the electrical energy recovered and a microcontroller connected to the non-volatile memory and configured to exchange data with the mobile terminal over the first communication network and with the external device over the second communication network.