Network Device Middleware for RFID Data Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID networks face challenges with high costs, poor performance in rugged environments, and inadequate data security, along with primitive networking capabilities and unclear data standards, which hinder the effective tracking and management of products using RFID tags and devices.
Innovation Solution
Integration of middleware functionality into network devices like routers or switches, providing application-oriented network services with features such as policy-based services, reader service virtualization, data processing, and security, to manage and optimize RFID data transmission and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If RFID readers transmit large numbers of reads to capture product information, then data collection completeness is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases and redundant data processing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and filters redundant data at the network edge by implementing middleware functionality in network devices. The system identifies and removes duplicate RFID reads based on temporal and spatial proximity, extracting only essential information for business applications while discarding redundant data before it traverses the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing data filtering and deduplication at the network edge before data reaches central servers. The middleware processes reads in advance, pre-filtering redundant information and preparing only necessary data for transmission, thereby reducing overall network bandwidth consumption.
2Productivity
If middleware functionality is deployed as separate servers, then data processing capabilities are improved, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges middleware functionality with network devices by implementing filtering and processing capabilities directly within routers and switches. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate middleware servers, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining data processing capabilities through integrated software modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by enabling network devices to perform multiple functions - both routing/switching and middleware data processing. The same network device simultaneously handles packet forwarding and RFID data filtering, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized servers and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RFID devices are deployed in rugged industrial environments, then operational coverage is improved, but device reliability and performance stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network devices as intermediaries between RFID readers and business applications. These intermediaries provide robust data processing and filtering that compensates for environmental noise and interference, ensuring stable performance by mediating communication through controlled network layers rather than direct point-to-point connections.
4Loss of energy
If data processing occurs at network edge, then bandwidth optimization is improved, but processing latency may increase due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing lightweight filtering algorithms that process only the most critical data attributes at the network edge. Rather than performing complete data analysis locally, the system performs essential filtering and deduplication operations that optimize bandwidth while minimizing processing time, leaving more complex analysis for later stages.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present invention provide middleware functionality integrated into a module of a network device, such as a router or switch, that is configured to provide application-oriented network (“AON”) services. Some preferred implementations of the invention provide policy-based application services for RFID data, such as conditional routing, security (encryption, identification, authentication and authorization), data translation and/or transformation, data compression, data caching, etc. Some preferred implementations can interpret an application request and route to an appropriate network address of an RFID reader. Preferably, ALE (application-level event) aggregation and filtering can also be performed on behalf of the application. Some methods of the invention allow event data to be sent to applications (including but not limited to business applications) as request-response messages. Other methods of the invention allow event data to be sent to applications in the form of asynchronous notifications.