RFID Reader Kinematic Parameter Measurement via Backscatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems lack the capability to accurately determine kinematical parameters such as position, speed, and acceleration of physical objects using RFID tags, as they primarily focus on identification rather than motion analysis.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an RFID reader to instruct a selected RFID tag to backscatter interrogating electromagnetic waves, allowing the reader to measure kinematical parameters by combining the backscattered signal with the transmitted signal, utilizing phase and frequency shifts to calculate position, speed, acceleration, and jerk, while other tags are silenced to reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags are used for identification purposes, then the system can uniquely identify tagged objects, but the system cannot accurately determine kinematical parameters such as position, speed, and acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling RFID tags to serve dual purposes: traditional identification and kinematical parameter measurement. The system achieves this by having the RFID tag reflect interrogating electromagnetic waves, allowing the reader to extract both identification data and motion information (position, speed, acceleration) from the same tag-reader interaction, thus resolving the contradiction between identification specificity and measurement versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by analyzing variations in the reflected electromagnetic wave characteristics (phase, frequency, amplitude) to determine kinematical parameters. By monitoring changes in these wave parameters over time, the system can calculate position, velocity, and acceleration, transforming the static identification function into a dynamic measurement capability
2Productivity
If multiple RFID tags are present in the system, then more objects can be tracked simultaneously, but noise and interference increase making kinematical parameter determination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the RFID system into active measurement modes and silent modes. When kinematical parameter measurement is required, the system segments the tag population by instructing selected tags to reflect interrogating waves while silencing others, creating temporal and functional separation that reduces interference and improves signal accuracy for individual tag tracking
3Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags operate in traditional identification mode, then the system remains simple and reliable, but the system cannot provide motion analysis capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the existing RFID tag infrastructure and electromagnetic wave interactions to enable motion analysis without adding separate sensing systems. The system leverages the tag's natural reflection of interrogating waves, processing the returned signals to extract kinematical parameters, thereby achieving enhanced functionality while maintaining relative system simplicity
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 method enables precise determination of kinematical parameters, improving the accuracy of motion analysis for tagged objects, enhancing applications like inventory management, toll systems, and military tracking.
Implementation Method 1
one of a population of RFID tags is selectively instructed by an RFID reader to backscatter the interrogating electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
The RFID reader combines the signal representing the backscattered interrogating electromagnetic wave and the signal representing the interrogating electromagnetic wave transmitted by the RFID reader to determine or monitor one or more of the kinematical parameters
Implementation Method 3
utilizing phase and frequency shifts to calculate position, speed, acceleration, and jerk
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to determine kinematical parameters of physical objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to the objects. In one embodiment, one of a population of RFID tags is selectively instructed by an RFID reader to backscatter the interrogating electromagnetic wave and thus allow the RFID reader to measure the position, speed, acceleration, and/or jerk of the object to which the tag is attached. The RFID reader combines the signal representing the backscattered interrogating electromagnetic wave and the signal representing the interrogating electromagnetic wave transmitted by the RFID reader to determine or monitor one or more of the kinematical parameters of the object.