RFID Tag Reader Minimum Power Detection Without Host Iteration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tag reading systems require a series of commands from the host device to determine the minimum output value for reading an RFID tag, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A tag reader with a communication controller, communication interface, and processor that autonomously determines the minimum output level for reading an RFID tag and transmits this value to the host device, allowing for repeated reading attempts with incremental changes to the output level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the host device supplies commands to change the output value gradually, then the minimum output value can be determined through reading results, but the process requires significant time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveminimum output value determinationVSAvoidtime to identify minimum output value
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tag reader performs preliminary actions by autonomously executing a series of reading attempts at different output levels and storing the results in memory. This preliminary determination of the minimum output value eliminates the need for time-consuming interactive command sequences with the host device, as the tag reader has already performed the necessary measurements and stored the optimal value for future use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the tag reader autonomously determines the minimum output level, then the time required is reduced, but the tag reader must perform multiple reading attempts with incremental changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of tag reading processVSAvoidreading attempt process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tag reader serves itself by autonomously controlling its own output level through the communication controller and performing repeated reading attempts without requiring continuous intervention from the host device. The processor independently analyzes reading results, determines the minimum output value, and stores it in memory, enabling the tag reader to self-optimize its performance while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the host device controls the output value changes, then the system follows a standardized command protocol, but the processing load on the host device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand protocol adherenceVSAvoidprocessing load on host device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the complex processing function of determining the minimum output value from the host device and relocates it to the tag reader. The host device retains its simple role of issuing basic reading commands and receiving results, while the tag reader independently handles the iterative reading attempts, output level adjustments, and minimum value determination, thereby reducing the processing load on the host device while maintaining protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3872686B1Tag reader and tag reading system
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3872686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3872686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3872686B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tag reader includes a communication controller, a communication interface, and a processor. The communication controller controls an output level of an output signal to be output from an antenna for reading an RFID tag. The communication interface communicates with a host device. The processor specifies a minimum output level of the output signal at which the RFID tag can be read and transmits the minimum output level to the host device through the communication interface.