RFID Reader Architecture for Communication During Network Outages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID systems fail to communicate data during power outages and lack of WiFi coverage, leading to data loss and increased implementation costs.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a master RFID reader with a battery-powered communication module and slave RFID readers that can interrogate tags and store data locally, allowing data transmission to a central server via battery power or RF signals, independent of backbone networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID systems use backbone networks for data transmission, then communication coverage is extended, but system reliability deteriorates during power outages or network failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into master RFID readers with battery-powered communication modules and slave RFID readers. This segmentation allows independent operation during power outages, where slave readers can continue interrogating tags using local power while master readers maintain communication with central servers through alternative means, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Battery-powered communication modules in master RFID readers act as intermediaries between slave RFID readers and the central server. These intermediaries enable data transmission during power outages or network failures by providing an alternative communication path, thus improving system reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If RFID systems rely on backbone networks for data transmission, then implementation costs are reduced, but data loss increases during power outages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata lossVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Slave RFID readers perform preliminary actions by storing tag data locally in their memory during normal operation. When power outages occur, this pre-stored data can be transmitted to master readers or the central server without loss, ensuring continuous data availability. This preliminary data storage action prevents data loss while the system transitions to alternative power/communication modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by providing backup power sources (batteries) in master RFID readers and local storage capabilities in slave readers. These cushioning measures protect against data loss during power outages by maintaining operational capacity, thereby reducing information loss without requiring excessive energy consumption during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If RFID systems use battery-powered communication modules, then continuous communication during power outages is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous communication capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Master RFID readers are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as slave readers during normal operation and as communication hubs during power outages. The battery-powered communication modules in master readers can operate in multiple modes: normal network communication, backup communication during outages, and coordination with slave readers. This universality improves continuous communication capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing hardware components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures continuous data communication during power outages and reduces reliance on backbone networks, minimizing data loss and implementation costs.

Implementation Method 1

a RFID reader and a system including the RFID reader. The RFID reader may include a battery-powered communication module configured to communicate with a central server

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

slave RFID readers that can interrogate tags and store data locally, allowing data transmission to a central server via battery power or RF signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF electromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4287065B1Methods and systems of radio frequency identification (RFID) communication

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 INTERMEC IP CORP

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AI summary

A first radio-frequency identification, RFID, reader (102) comprising: a first antenna element (114), wherein the first antenna element (114) is configured to facilitate a first transmission of a first interrogation command to a first RFID tag (110) associated with a second RFID reader (104, 600), and in response to the first transmission of the first interrogation command, receive a first response signal; and a second antenna element (116), wherein the second antenna element (116) is configured to facilitate a second transmission of a second interrogation command to one or more second RFID tags (112), wherein transmitting the second interrogation command is concurrent to receiving the first response signal or concurrent to transmitting the first interrogation command.