RFID Tag Communication Apparatus with Dual-Mode Loop Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems require separate reader and writer devices for managing products, leading to increased equipment complexity and costs, as well as inefficiency in using antennas and command-information generating portions when not producing RFID labels.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional apparatus that uses a single loop antenna for both internal and external communication with RFID circuit elements, enabling information transmission and reception, and switching between scan mode for external RFID tag reading and tag-label production mode for internal RFID tag writing, thus simplifying equipment configuration and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate reader device is prepared for product management, then the reader function is available, but the equipment complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The writing apparatus is designed to perform both writing operations to RFID tags and reading operations from RFID tags. The control unit switches between writing mode and reading mode, allowing a single device to fulfill multiple functions. This eliminates the need for separate reader and writer devices, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining full functionality for both product management and RFID label production
2Reliability
If separate reader and writer devices are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reader and writer functions into a single integrated apparatus. The writing apparatus includes an antenna system and control unit that can perform both writing operations to RFID tags during label production and reading operations from RFID tags for product management. This merging reduces system cost by eliminating duplicate hardware components while maintaining the ability to perform both functions effectively
3Manufacturing precision
If the apparatus antenna and command-information generating portion are dedicated only to RFID label production, then the RFID label writing function is optimized, but the apparatus efficiency decreases when not producing RFID labels
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system and command-information generating portion are designed to serve dual purposes. During RFID label production, these components perform writing operations to RFID tags. When not producing RFID labels, the same components are utilized for reading operations from RFID tags, enabling product management functions. This multi-functionality ensures continuous utilization of the apparatus, improving productivity and eliminating idle time
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 allows for versatile, efficient, and cost-effective communication with RFID tags, both inside and outside the apparatus, improving convenience and reliability by eliminating the need for separate devices and optimizing the use of antenna and command-information generating components.
Implementation Method 1
a loop antenna configured to perform radio communication with a RFID circuit element provided inside and outside the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag that can improve versatility of the apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag, and further simplify equipment configuration and reduce costs of users by enabling information transmission/reception with a RFID circuit element in and outside the apparatus is provided. The apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag is provided with a housing constituting an outer profile of an apparatus main body and communicable regions both inside and outside the housing and has a loop antenna LC that can transmit/receive information with a RFID circuit element for a label production and a RFID circuit element for an information reading provided with an IC circuit part storing information and a loop antenna that transmits/receives information and a driving roller provided in the housing and configured to feed a tag label tape with print.