RFID Headset Voice Communication via Backscatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile computing devices with integrated RFID interrogators lack effective voice communication solutions that are robust and interference-free, particularly when integrating RFID capabilities with headsets.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an RFID tag within a headset allows for voice communication using a communication channel established between the RFID interrogator in a mobile computer and the RFID tag, enabling both one-way and bi-directional voice communication through established RFID communication channels, avoiding traditional limitations of cable, Bluetooth, and RF communication methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable connection is used for voice communication between mobile computer and headset, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to physical connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the communication function from traditional cable-based or Bluetooth connections and relocates it to the RFID system. The RFID tag in the headset communicates with the RFID interrogator in the mobile computer, eliminating the need for physical cables while maintaining reliable communication through the existing RFID infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system, originally designed for data transmission, is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry voice communication in addition to its standard identification and data transfer functions. This allows the same hardware infrastructure to serve multiple purposes without adding separate communication systems.
2Ease of operation
If Bluetooth wireless technology is used for voice communication, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating cables, but interference and reliability worsen due to wireless signal vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID system is extended beyond its traditional data transmission role to include voice communication capabilities. By modulating the RFID signal carrier with voice data, the system achieves wireless communication without the interference issues associated with Bluetooth, leveraging the established RFID frequency and protocol for more stable transmission.
3Ease of operation
If traditional RF communication is used, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but interference from other RF signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the communication approach by using the RFID system's dedicated frequency and protocol rather than general-purpose RF communication. This segmentation isolates the voice communication from other RF signals, reducing interference by confining the communication to the specific RFID frequency band with its own established protocols.
4Reliability
If RFID system is used for voice communication, then interference-free communication is achieved, but voice communication capability is added to RFID infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID system is transformed into a multi-functional platform that handles both traditional data transmission and voice communication. The RFID tag and interrogator are enhanced with voice processing capabilities, allowing the same hardware to perform identification, data transfer, and voice communication functions simultaneously or alternately.
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 provides reliable and interference-free voice communication between a mobile computer and a headset, enhancing the functionality of mobile computing devices with RFID capabilities by utilizing existing RFID infrastructure for voice data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
RFID tags are constructed to reflected an RF signal ('backscatter') back to the interrogator, a backscatter signal being detected by the interrogator
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable mobile computer communicates with a headset worn by an operator using a communication channel established between the computer and a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag located in the headset. The headset may be configured for receive only (voice travels only from the computer to the headset) or configured for two-way voice communication. For two-way communication backscatter from the RFID tag is used to carry voice signals.