RFID Tag Mediator for Low-Power Device Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with increasing functionality often lack user-friendly interaction methods due to design constraints such as cost, form factor, and power limitations, leading to frustration and inefficiency for end-users, as they may not be able to perform desired tasks effectively with simple user interfaces like few buttons or no display.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an RFID tag to enable rich user interaction with devices that have minimal or no user interaction means by using a user interaction device with a host connection, allowing operational parameters to be written, read, and updated via an RFID connection, enabling the device to adapt its behavior based on these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device is equipped with rich user interaction means such as a touch screen, then user interaction is intuitive and efficient, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a user interaction device as an intermediary between the controlled device and the user. This intermediary device provides the rich user interface (touch screen, keyboard, etc.) while the controlled device maintains minimal user interaction means. The intermediary handles all user input and communicates operational parameters to the controlled device via RFID tag, eliminating the need for the controlled device to have expensive or power-intensive user interface components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into two functional segments: the controlled device (with minimal user interaction means) and the user interaction device (with rich user interface). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the controlled device for low cost and low power consumption, while the user interaction device provides intuitive and efficient interaction. The RFID tag serves as the communication bridge between these segments.
2Ease of operation
If a device is equipped with rich user interaction means, then user interaction is intuitive and efficient, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user interaction device acts as a mediator that provides the expensive rich user interface functionality externally. The controlled device only needs minimal user interaction means (or none at all), significantly reducing its manufacturing cost. The intermediary device bears the cost of the touch screen, keyboard, or other rich interface components, while the controlled device can be manufactured at low cost with simple or no user interface hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of equipping the controlled device with full user interaction capabilities, the system uses an external user interaction device that copies or replicates these capabilities. The controlled device interacts with a simplified representation of the user interface through the RFID tag, while the external device provides the full-featured interface. This approach allows the expensive user interface functionality to be implemented once in the intermediary device rather than in each controlled device.
3Use of energy by moving object
If simple user interaction means are used, then device cost and power consumption are reduced, but user interaction becomes tedious and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The user interaction device serves as a mediator that translates simple user inputs into complex operations for the controlled device. The controlled device maintains low power consumption with minimal user interaction means, while the intermediary device provides the rich interface that makes interaction intuitive and efficient. The intermediary handles the complexity of parameter configuration, display, and user feedback, eliminating the need for the controlled device to have expensive or power-intensive user interface components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing remote UI solutions are used, then device functionality is extended, but data connection establishment is cumbersome and requires additional user actions
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary that enables automatic pairing and connection between the controlled device and the user interaction device. Instead of requiring cumbersome data connection establishment procedures (as in traditional remote UI solutions), the RFID technology allows for rapid, automatic identification and connection. The user interaction device reads operational parameters from the RFID tag and automatically establishes communication, eliminating the need for manual configuration or additional user actions for connection setup.
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 intuitive and efficient interaction with devices like energy-frugal sensor nodes, household appliances, and time-controlled electric plugs, reducing user frustration and energy consumption while maintaining design constraints, as it enables rich user interaction without the need for costly or power-intensive user interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the controlled device has a host connection to an RFID tag... a user interaction device reads the operational parameters from the RFID tag through an RFID connection
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a controlled device is disclosed, wherein the controlled device has a host connection to an RFID tag, the method comprising the following steps: (s1) the controlled device writes operational parameters to the RFID tag through the host connection; (s2) a user interaction device reads the operational parameters from the RFID tag through an RFID connection; (s3) a user changes the operational parameters via a user interface comprised in the user interaction device; (s4) the user interaction device writes the operational parameters to the RFID tag through the RFID connection; (s5) the controlled device reads the operational parameters from the RFID tag through the host connection and adapts its behavior based on the operational parameters. Furthermore, a corresponding controlled device, a user interaction device and a computer program product are disclosed.