RFID Reader Coordination for Power-Outage Data Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID systems fail to communicate data during power outages due to reliance on backbone networks, leading to data loss and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a master RFID reader with battery power and communication modules, along with slave RFID readers that store data locally and transmit using battery power or RF signals, allowing concurrent data transmission and interference reduction through phase shifting and noise cancellation circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID systems rely on backbone networks for data communication, then normal operation is efficient, but the system fails during power outages causing data loss
Solution Approach 1:
Slave RFID readers perform preliminary actions by storing data locally in their memory units during normal operation. This pre-positioning of data ensures that when power outages occur, the data is already available for transmission to the master reader without requiring real-time backbone network connectivity, thus preventing data loss
Solution Approach 2:
The master RFID reader acts as an intermediary that coordinates communication between slave readers and the backbone network. During power outages, the master reader uses its battery power to facilitate data transmission from slave readers to the backbone network when power is restored, bridging the gap between local storage and network connectivity
2Productivity
If multiple RFID readers transmit interrogation commands concurrently, then system productivity increases, but signal interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful interference from concurrent transmissions into a beneficial feature by using the interference pattern to identify and isolate specific signal paths. The noise cancellation circuit uses the known interference characteristics to filter out unwanted signals while preserving desired transmissions, allowing concurrent operations without mutual interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of signal transmission by allowing concurrent transmissions to occur at different times within the same frame structure. The master reader transmits interrogation commands to different slave readers at different time slots, and the noise cancellation circuit processes these overlapping signals by adjusting timing parameters to separate useful signals from interference
3Reliability
If RFID readers use battery power for operation, then autonomy during power outages is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master RFID reader uses periodic action by transmitting interrogation commands in structured frames with specific timing patterns. This allows the system to maintain operational autonomy during power outages while managing battery consumption through efficient, periodic communication cycles rather than continuous transmission, balancing reliability with energy usage
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 by reducing reliance on backbone networks, minimizing data loss, and maintaining operational efficiency in environments with limited WiFi coverage.
Implementation Method 1
removing the interference comprises: phase shifting a signal carrying the second interrogation command; and adding the phase shifted signal to another signal carrying the first interrogation command
Data Source
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AI summary
A method comprising: transmitting, by a processor in a first radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, a first interrogation command to a first RFID tag associated with a second RFID reader; receiving, by the processor in the first RFID reader, a first response signal from the second RFID reader; and transmitting, by the processor in the first RFID reader, a second interrogation command to one or more second RFID tags, wherein transmitting the second interrogation command is concurrent to receiving the first response signal or transmitting the first interrogation command.