RFID Protocol Extension via Header Error Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems face challenges in extending protocols to support multiple customers and manufacturers, as current approaches are inflexible and require customer-specific commands, limiting their multiprotocol capability and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
Modifying the header section of information packets to trigger an error condition in unsupported remote units, allowing for protocol extensions without conflicts, and using a pseudo-data stream to differentiate capable and incapable tags, enabling seamless protocol changes and full-duplex operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customer-specific commands are used to extend protocol functionality, then protocol adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring separate logic circuits for each customer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single set of logic circuits that can handle multiple customer protocols through a common command structure. The base station and tag use a unified protocol framework where the same hardware logic can be configured to support different customers' specific commands without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each customer, thereby achieving multi-functionality and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying protocol parameters such as command codes, modulation patterns, and data formats to distinguish between different customers' protocols. Instead of changing the hardware logic circuits, the system changes operational parameters (like command identifiers and data packet structures) to adapt to different customers' requirements, allowing the same physical hardware to serve multiple customers through software or configuration changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol extensions are added to support multiple customers, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of command conflicts with existing protocols increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the command structure into distinct segments that clearly differentiate between existing protocol commands and new customer-specific extensions. The command protocol is segmented into reserved areas for standard commands and dedicated areas for customer-specific commands, with clear delimiters and identification markers that prevent ambiguity and ensure reliable recognition of command types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a command interpretation layer that mediates between the transmitted command signals and the execution logic. This intermediary layer analyzes command prefixes, identifiers, and parameters to determine whether a command is part of the existing protocol or a customer extension, thereby preventing direct conflicts and ensuring reliable command routing to the appropriate processing logic
3Productivity
If full-duplex operation is implemented, then transmission productivity is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flexible protocol that can dynamically switch between half-duplex and full-duplex operation modes based on system requirements. The protocol includes dynamic command structures and timing mechanisms that allow the system to adapt its operational mode without requiring separate dedicated protocols for each mode, thereby achieving full-duplex capability when needed while maintaining simplicity for standard operations
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 cost-effective protocol extensions and multiprotocol capability in RFID systems, allowing for flexible operation modes like full-duplex, while maintaining high reuse rates of logic circuits and avoiding the need for customer-specific commands.
Implementation Method 1
data transmission by means of an electromagnetic wave, onto which information packets of different symbols are modulated
Implementation Method 2
in a subsequent data section, data are encoded by means of the symbols and transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting data between a base station and at least one remote unit is provided. Conventional approaches to communication based on a predefined uniform transmission protocol do not function especially in open RFID systems with at least one base station and tags of a different (and variable) type and number, in which different customers are provided with one and the same tag solution. Primarily if several customers each wish to use a customer-specific solution, this can no longer be represented by a single uniform code. The method of the present invention makes it possible to introduce new, protocol-extending instruction sequences (protocol extensions) and to recognize these reliably as such, whereby these are not in conflict with the existing protocol.