RFID Head Tracking for Hands-Free Command Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

RFID systems face challenges in user interaction due to the need for fine motor skills to input commands, especially in portable devices with small input interfaces, and the complexity of interoperation with fixed RFID equipment, which can be cumbersome and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of head tracking techniques to detect user movements and gestures, allowing for the transmission of RFID interrogation signals and adjustment of signal strength and direction based on head movements, enabling intuitive command input and improved interaction with both portable and fixed RFID systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual input devices (stylus, keypad) are used in portable RFID readers, then the device can perform RFID operations, but the small input interface requires fine motor coordination and can lead to errant inputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput operationVSAvoidinput accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input devices (stylus, keypad) with a camera-based optical recognition system. The camera captures images of barcodes or RFID tags, and image processing algorithms automatically extract and input data, eliminating the need for manual typing or scanning with small input interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation where the RFID reader automatically captures images, processes them to extract information, and inputs data without requiring manual intervention. The device performs data entry autonomously by recognizing visual markers in the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual input is required to operate RFID readers and interact with fixed RFID equipment, then commands can be entered, but fine motor skills are required and input efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput efficiencyVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input operations with automated optical recognition and image processing. The camera continuously captures images, and software automatically processes them to generate commands for RFID operations, eliminating manual input steps entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by constantly capturing images with the camera and processing them in real-time. This continuous automatic input generation eliminates interruptions for manual data entry, maintaining uninterrupted RFID interrogation and data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Weight of moving object

If portable RFID readers are made diminutive for portability, then mobility is improved, but input interfaces become proportionally smaller and harder to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidinput interface usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual input interfaces with an optical camera system that captures images for data input. This substitution allows the device to remain small and portable while eliminating the need for large physical keypads or input screens, as the camera module is compact and requires no manual dexterity to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8890657B2System and method for operating an RFID system with head tracking

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A method of transmitting radiofrequency identification (RFID) interrogation signals is disclosed. The method comprises detecting a first movement of a user in a first direction, determining a command from the first movement, and transmitting a RFID interrogation signal in response to the command.