RFID Object Zone Management via Spatial Tag Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional checkout methods in marketplaces, such as infrared code scanning and manual input, are time-consuming, and while RFID technology reduces this time by allowing non-contact wireless communication, it still requires scanning objects one by one, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing machine-readable object identification tags attached to objects and a storage unit with its own identification tag, allowing multiple spaced reading units to remotely read these tags within a predefined spatial range, enabling efficient tracking and management of objects within the storage unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If infrared code scanning is used for checkout, then the expenses of the marketplace are reduced and service convenience is provided, but the checkout process is still time-consuming because objects must be scanned one by one
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical one-by-one scanning process with an electromagnetic field-based RFID system. Multiple reading units create overlapping electromagnetic fields that simultaneously detect multiple RFID tags within their combined coverage area, eliminating the sequential scanning requirement and dramatically reducing checkout time while maintaining low infrastructure costs
2Productivity
If RFID technology is used to scan multiple objects simultaneously, then checkout speed is significantly quickened, but the system requires multiple reading units and complex spatial arrangement to achieve complete coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear scanning to three-dimensional spatial coverage by arranging multiple reading units in a distributed 3D configuration. The overlapping spherical coverage zones of multiple reading units create comprehensive spatial coverage, allowing objects at various positions and orientations to be detected simultaneously without requiring complex mechanical coordination
3Loss of time
If multiple spaced reading units are used to remotely read tags, then simultaneous scanning of multiple objects is enabled, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coverage zones of multiple reading units to create overlapping detection areas. This merging approach allows any object within the combined coverage volume to be detected by at least one reading unit, achieving comprehensive simultaneous detection without requiring each reading unit to independently cover the entire space, thus reducing overall system complexity
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 significantly reduces checkout time by allowing multiple objects to be scanned simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and customer service quality in marketplaces.
Implementation Method 1
multiple spaced reading units capable of remotely reading the multiple machine-readable object identification tags and the at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for managing multiple objects in an object zone. The system comprises multiple machine-readable object identification tags configured to be respectively attached to the multiple objects; a storage unit moving through the object zone to store the selected objects which are respectively attached with the machine-readable object identification tags; at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag attached to the storage unit; and multiple spaced reading units capable of remotely reading the multiple machine-readable object identification tags and the at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag, wherein the objects attached with the machine-readable object identification tags within a predefined spatial range defined based on the at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag are associated with the storage unit. A method thereof and a storage unit are also disclosed.