RFID Interrogator with Optical Signaler for Tag Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID tags struggle to accurately identify and locate specific items among many due to their inability to selectively interrogate individual tags without also reading neighboring tags, making them inconvenient for use in applications like warehouse picking, especially when items are on high or low shelves or handled by forklift operators.
Innovation Solution
A system combining RF signaling with optical signaling, where an interrogator uses an optical signaler, such as a laser or LED, to designate and pinpoint the specific RFID tag, allowing the processor to distinguish and respond only to the intended tag, reducing interference from neighboring tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID reader interrogating range is reduced to read only single tag, then tag identification accuracy is improved, but working distance is reduced making it inconvenient for high/low shelves and forklift operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tag identification process into two distinct phases: (1) RF-based preliminary scanning to detect multiple tags in the field, and (2) optical signaling to selectively identify and confirm the specific target tag. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a wide RF interrogating range while achieving precise single-tag identification through the secondary optical confirmation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical signaler (laser or LED) as an intermediary between the RF interrogator and the target tag. The optical signal serves as a mediator that narrows down the selection from multiple RF-detected tags to the specific intended tag, enabling the system to maintain long working distance while achieving precise identification accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If RFID reader interrogates multiple neighboring tags, then working distance and ease of operation are improved, but tag identification accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish specific tag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tag identification process into RF-based preliminary detection (maintaining ease of operation with wide range) and optical-based selective confirmation (ensuring identification accuracy). This allows the system to interrogate multiple tags from a distance while still being able to precisely identify the specific target tag through optical signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical signaler acts as an intermediary that resolves the ambiguity of multiple neighboring tags detected by RF. By introducing the optical confirmation step, the system maintains the ease of operating with wide interrogating range while eliminating the uncertainty of which specific tag was intended.
3Measurement precision
If optical signaler is used to designate specific tag, then tag identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical signaling components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two existing technologies - RF identification and optical signaling - into a unified hybrid system. By combining the strengths of both technologies (RF's long-range detection capability and optical's precise targeting capability), the system achieves high identification accuracy while utilizing well-established, relatively simple components from both domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the interrogator can perform both RF-based preliminary scanning and optical-based selective identification. This universal approach allows the same device to handle both wide-area detection and precise single-tag confirmation, reducing the need for separate specialized devices.
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
Enables precise location of specific RFID-tagged items even when on high or low shelves or being handled by forklifts, improving the accuracy and convenience of RFID technology in picking applications by reducing the need for close proximity and minimizing errors.
Implementation Method 1
an optical signaler, such as a laser or LED, to designate and pinpoint the specific RFID tag
Implementation Method 2
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are now in common use with many goods or items. An RFID tag is an electronic device attached to an item or object and contains a unique identifier, e.g., an identification (ID) number, that can be interrogated and read remotely using a radio frequency (RF) signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for, and method of, locating a particular item from among a plurality of items identifiable by radio frequency identification (RFID) tags associated with the items, includes an interrogator for radio frequency (RF) signaling the tags to detect unique identifiers associated with the tags in a field of view of the interrogator; and an optical signaler for optically signaling one of the tags in the field of view to designate the particular item to be located.