RFID Tag Network Address Mapping for Multi-Site Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices are limited by their short range, restricting their application to single sites and preventing coordination across multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that maps RFID tags to network routable addresses, allowing them to be recognized and communicated with over a data network, enabling communication beyond line-of-sight and across distances through the use of a virtual network address interface and IPv6 addressing scheme.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RFID tags use short-range radio frequency electromagnetic waves for identification, then they can achieve non-line of sight communication and simple operation, but their transmission range is confined to a relatively short distance within a physical facility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces network infrastructure (routers, switches, data network) as an intermediary between RFID readers at different locations. The RFID tag identification data is transmitted via this intermediary network infrastructure, enabling communication across geographical distances while maintaining the simplicity of RFID operation. The network acts as a mediator that extends the effective range without requiring changes to the RFID tags themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions RFID communication from a single-dimensional physical proximity model to a multi-dimensional model that includes network address space. By mapping RFID tag IDs to network routable addresses (IPv4 or IPv6), the system adds a network dimension to the traditional RFID communication space, allowing tags to be accessed remotely through the network infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If RFID applications are developed for site specific usage, then they can maintain simple system architecture and low cost, but they have little or no capability to coordinate across multiple sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RFID system universal by enabling it to function both as a local identification system and as a networked tracking system. The same RFID tags can be used across multiple sites and industries, with the network address mapping layer providing the flexibility to coordinate across different locations while maintaining the original simple RFID operation at each site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the RFID system into independent components: local RFID readers that maintain simple site-specific operation, and a network address mapping service that handles multi-site coordination. This segmentation allows each component to remain simple while the integrated system achieves multi-site capability through the network infrastructure.
3Length of stationary object
If RFID tags are mapped to network routable addresses, then they can achieve communication across multiple sites and extended range, but it requires additional address mapping infrastructure and network protocol integration
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated address mapping where RFID tag IDs are automatically assigned network routable addresses without manual configuration. The mapping service automatically resolves tag IDs to network addresses, and the system self-configures the routing infrastructure, reducing the burden on operators while enabling extended communication range.
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 extends the range of RFID technology, enabling tracking and monitoring of assets across multiple sites, enhancing the capability for inventory control and other applications by providing network presence to RFID tags, regardless of their physical location relative to the reader.
Implementation Method 1
When a passive RFID tag is within range of the RFID reader, the antenna of the tag receives energy from the broadcast signals of the reader
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for mapping a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to a network routable address.