RFID Reader Read Range Display Using Fixed Beacon Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
RFID systems face challenges in determining the position and distance of RFID tags relative to the reader, as they cannot provide feedback on their read range, leading to operator difficulties in accurately locating items within a space.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where RFID readers transmit interrogation signals to fixed beacon tags at known locations, allowing the determination and display of read ranges and item locations based on feedback from these tags, enabling accurate coverage verification and item location within a space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID readers transmit interrogation signals without feedback mechanisms, then the system operates simply, but the operator cannot accurately determine read range and item locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where fixed RFID beacon tags respond to interrogation signals from RFID readers. These beacon tags provide feedback information about their locations and read ranges back to the readers, enabling accurate determination of coverage areas without significantly increasing overall system complexity. The beacon tags act as reference points that communicate their status to readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fixed RFID beacon tags as intermediary elements between the RFID readers and the items being tracked. These beacon tags serve as mediators that provide reference information about read range and location, allowing readers to accurately determine coverage areas without requiring complex direct measurement systems.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple RFID readers are deployed throughout a large space, then coverage is improved, but determining individual read ranges becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large space into smaller zones or sectors, each with its own fixed RFID beacon tags. This segmentation allows each RFID reader to independently determine its read range within a specific zone using the beacon tags as reference points, making individual read range determination easier even when multiple readers are deployed throughout the entire space.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed RFID beacon tags serve as intermediary reference points distributed throughout the space, providing each RFID reader with local reference information about read range. This allows accurate individual read range determination for each reader without requiring complex coordination or measurement systems across the entire large space.
3Measurement precision
If manual inventory checking is used, then human intervention is required, but accurate location tracking is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where RFID readers automatically query fixed beacon tags to determine read ranges and item locations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-configures and self-updates its knowledge of coverage areas and item positions, eliminating the need for manual inventory checking while maintaining high location accuracy through automated feedback from the beacon tags.
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 approach enhances operator satisfaction by providing accurate feedback on read ranges and item locations, improving the intuitive use of RFID readers and enabling efficient inventory management without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID reader generates or emits a radio-frequency (RF) interrogation signal... The RFID tag is a miniature device that is capable of responding to the RF interrogation signal by generating an RF response signal that is transmitted back to the RFID reader over an RF channel
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a system, methods and apparatus for displaying read range of a nomadic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader based on feedback from fixed RFID beacon tags. For instance, the nomadic RFID reader can transmit an interrogation signal within a space that includes a plurality of fixed RFID beacon tags at known locations, and can receive response signals from a group of the fixed RFID beacon tags. Based on known locations of the group of fixed RFID beacon tags, a read range of the RFID reader can be determined. The read range is defined by the group of the fixed RFID beacon tags. The read range of the nomadic RFID reader can then be displayed on a display along with other information about the fixed RFID beacon tags and/or RFID item tags that are within the read range of the nomadic RFID reader.