RFID Master Tag with Conductive Coupling for Shielded Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems face challenges in accurately tracking items within shielded boundaries due to the high cost and size of active RFID tags, and the difficulty in distinguishing between multiple active tags, leading to potential confusion and errors in inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a master tag operable within an RF field of an RFID reader, conductively coupled with marker tags, allowing for automatic 'on the fly' reading and control of multiple marker tags through a wired connection system, enabling efficient tracking and identification of items within shielded enclosures without the need for direct access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active RFID tags are used for tracking items within shielded boundaries, then the items can be tracked, but the size and cost of the tags increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses passive RFID tags instead of active RFID tags. Passive tags are simpler, smaller, and cheaper copies that still provide tracking functionality by reflecting RF signals rather than generating them independently. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining tracking capability while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a master tag as an intermediary between the RFID reader and multiple passive marker tags. The master tag actively communicates with the reader while passively relaying information from multiple marker tags, enabling reliable tracking without requiring each individual item to have an active tag, thus reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If multiple active RFID tags are used within shielded boundaries, then all items can be tracked, but confusion arises between the items and their IDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into a master tag that represents a group and multiple individual marker tags. Each marker tag is uniquely associated with a specific item, and the master tag manages communication with the RFID reader. This segmentation allows clear distinction between items and their IDs, preventing confusion while maintaining comprehensive tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The master tag serves as an intermediary that consolidates information from multiple passive marker tags and presents it to the RFID reader. This intermediary role ensures that the system can reliably distinguish between multiple items and their respective IDs by organizing the data flow through a structured master-tag-to-reader communication path, eliminating identification confusion.
3Measurement precision
If manual reading of serial numbers is performed, then items can be identified, but errors are introduced and time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic reading of RFID tags without requiring manual intervention. The RFID reader automatically detects and reads marker tags as items pass through a designated area, and the system automatically associates readings with corresponding master tags and items. This self-service approach eliminates manual reading errors and significantly reduces identification time while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automatic feedback mechanisms where the RFID reader continuously monitors for tag presence and automatically processes identifications. The master tag provides feedback about the status of multiple marker tags, enabling the system to automatically track items without manual reading, thus improving both accuracy and efficiency while eliminating time loss.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If items are placed within shielded boundaries, then they are protected, but access to read serial numbers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The master tag acts as an intermediary that bridges the shielded boundary. It is positioned within the shielded enclosure and communicates with the RFID reader outside the enclosure. This allows items to remain protected within the shielded boundary while still enabling easy access to their identification information through the master tag's mediating communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically opening or accessing items within shielded boundaries with an electromagnetic field-based RFID communication system. The RFID reader uses RF signals to communicate with marker tags through or around the shielded boundary, eliminating the need for physical access while maintaining protection and enabling easy operation.
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 enhances the accuracy and efficiency of item tracking by allowing for simultaneous multiple access and automatic reading of marker tags through a single entry point, reducing errors and costs associated with active RFID tags, while enabling tracking of items within shielded enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
The second antenna is inductively coupled with the first antenna so that the tag module is readable through the conductive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
An RFID based monitoring system and method is provided. A tag module is allocated to an item to be traced, which is operable by an RFID reader. In the system, the tag module is accessed through conductive coupling with an entry point that is operable in an RF field of the RFID reader.