RFID Reader Network Slicing for Reliable Inventory Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID tags lack scalable and reliable communication channels for enterprise inventory management, leading to poor visibility and inefficiencies in supply chain operations.
Innovation Solution
A communication channel service is established using a combination of network slices in a telecommunication network, managed by a channel controller that dynamically allocates resources to meet the specific needs of enterprise-supplier interactions, utilizing mobile broadband, machine-to-machine, and mission critical network slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional RFID tags are used for inventory management, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but communication reliability and scalability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network slice types (mobile broadband, machine-to-machine, and mission critical slices) into a unified communication channel for RFID readers. This merging of different network resources provides both the scalability of conventional RFID systems and the reliability of dedicated network slices, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication channel service provides multi-functional support by accommodating different network slice types within a single framework. This universal approach allows the system to serve both cost-sensitive applications (using standard slices) and reliability-critical applications (using mission critical slices) through the same infrastructure, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.
2Device complexity
If static network resources are allocated to RFID readers, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing communication needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the controller continuously monitors communication channel performance and adjusts network slice resource allocation in real-time based on changing traffic patterns and service requirements. This dynamic approach provides adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity, as the complexity is centralized in the network controller rather than distributed across RFID readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors message traffic and communication quality, then uses this information to dynamically adjust network slice allocations. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing conditions automatically, maintaining low device complexity while achieving high adaptability through centralized intelligence.
3Reliability
If multiple network slice types are combined for RFID communication, then communication reliability and scalability are improved, but network resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated controller as an intermediary between RFID readers and the diverse network slice resources. This controller simplifies network management by centralizing the complexity of coordinating multiple network slice types, allowing RFID readers to communicate reliably through standardized interfaces while the controller handles the intricate resource allocation and monitoring across different network slices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic monitoring and adaptation of network resources is implemented, then adaptability to traffic patterns is improved, but use of energy and processing resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the controller automatically monitors communication patterns and adjusts network slice allocations without requiring intensive external intervention. The RFID readers operate with standard protocols while the network controller autonomously optimizes resource allocation based on observed traffic patterns, providing adaptability with minimized additional energy consumption through automated rather than manually-intensive processes.
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 provides a scalable, reliable, and adaptable communication channel for enterprises to manage their supply chains efficiently, enhancing inventory control and order fulfillment processes.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional radio frequency identity (RFID) tags are passive electronic devices that harvest power from ambient electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
a RFID reader that emits suitable electromagnetic waves that the RFID tags can harvest power from
Implementation Method 3
the RFID tag readers are linked to the communication channel by a cellular radio link
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a communication service to a radio frequency identity (RFID) tag reader. The method comprises allocating network slice resources of a telecommunication network for the reader by a controller by sending a first message to a network slice selection function (NSSF) in the network, wherein the controller is an application that executes on a computer system in the network; providing a communication channel between the reader and an enterprise inventory control system via the allocated network slice resources; monitoring messages in the communication channel by the controller; analyzing the messages by the controller; determining by the controller a network slice resource need of the communication channel that differs from a current allocation of network slice resources based on the analyzing; and adapting the communication channel by the controller by sending messages to the NSSF to allocate different network slice resources associated with the communication channel.