Multi-Device RFID System with Master-Slave Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID systems face limitations in extending communication areas and managing the installation of multiple readers/writers, which can lead to reduced communication distances, interference issues, and limited flexibility in designing optimal communication zones.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multi-device RFID system comprising a master reader/writer and slave reader/writers connected via a hub, allowing for flexible installation and extended communication areas, with the master controlling communication processing and enabling reliable reading/writing of IC tags even when their position varies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a plurality of readers/writers is arranged to extend communication area, then communication area is extended, but device complexity increases and control becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication areaVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the communication area into multiple zones, each covered by a separate reader/writer. Each reader/writer independently manages its own communication zone, segmenting the overall control function and reducing the complexity burden on any single device while collectively extending the total communication area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A host device acts as an intermediary that coordinates communication between multiple readers/writers and IC tags. The host device receives communication requests, determines which reader/writer should handle each tag, and manages the overall control logic, thereby simplifying individual reader/writer complexity while enabling extended communication coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If readers/writers are connected via wireless communication, then installation flexibility is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to potential interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where readers/writers continuously monitor communication quality and interference levels. Based on feedback information about channel conditions, the host device can dynamically adjust communication parameters, select optimal readers/writers for specific tasks, and reconfigure the network to maintain reliable communication despite wireless interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If communication distance is reduced to improve reliability, then communication reliability is improved, but communication area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the communication capabilities of multiple readers/writers to collectively cover a large area. Each reader/writer maintains a reliable short-to-medium range communication zone, and by strategically positioning and coordinating multiple devices, the system achieves both high reliability within each zone and extensive overall coverage through the combined effect of all zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration allows for reliable and flexible communication with IC tags across a wider area, enabling free installation of communication devices and optimizing communication zones, even during high-speed movements or when tags are positioned variably.

Implementation Method 1

a reader/writer to be a communication device configured to execute communication processing with the IC tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2782045B1RFID system, communication device and communication program
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 OMRON CORP
  • EP2782045B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2782045B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2782045B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention provides an RFID system capable of freely installing a plurality of communication devices and designing a desirable communication area, and a communication device configured to implement the system. In the RFID system, a first communication device (10) configured to communicate with a control device (1) includes a command receiver (102) configured to receive a command from the control device (1), a first communication processing unit (104) configured to perform communication with an IC tag in order to read/write tag information of the IC tag based on the received command, an instruction output unit (108) configured to output a communication instruction to another communication device (20) in response to a first communication result obtained by the first communication processing unit, and a response processing unit (112) configured to generate response information to the control device (1) based on the first communication result and a second communication result obtained by a second communication device.