RFID Reader Automatic Power Level Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID systems require manual adjustment of power levels to detect RFID tags, which is time-consuming and prone to human error, especially in large assemblies like vehicles, where automated systems are not efficiently utilized due to the trial-and-error nature of tag detection.

Innovation Solution

An RFID reader that automatically adjusts its power level based on the number of detected tags, integrating configuration and location information to confirm the location of objects with RFID tags, using a transmitter/receiver module and control module to optimize power transmission and data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual power level adjustment is used to detect RFID tags, then the system can adapt to different tag locations, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different tag locationsVSAvoiddetection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically adjusting the power level through a control module before RFID tag detection is completed. The control module receives the number of detected tags and autonomously modifies the power level, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and significantly reducing detection time while maintaining adaptability to different tag locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If trial and error method is used to adjust power level, then RFID tags can be detected, but human error increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidtime for power level adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by having the control module continuously receive information about the number of RFID tags detected and automatically adjust the power level accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates manual trial and error, prevents human error, and significantly improves detection reliability while reducing the time required for power level adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automated RFID system is used, then labor intensity is reduced, but detection accuracy decreases due to trial and error nature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidtag detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by enabling the control module to autonomously adjust the power level based on the number of tags detected, without requiring manual intervention. This automated self-adjustment mechanism maintains high detection accuracy by systematically optimizing power levels, while simultaneously reducing labor intensity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables efficient and accurate detection of RFID tags, reducing manual labor and error by automatically controlling power levels and confirming object locations within assemblies, such as aircraft, thereby enhancing the reliability and speed of RFID system operations.

Implementation Method 1

transmit a radio signal at a plurality of different power levels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2763075B1Systems and methods for RFID inspection
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2763075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2763075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2763075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader (102) is provided. The RFID reader (102) includes a transmitter/receiver module (202) configured to transmit a radio signal at a plurality of different power levels, and a control module (204) coupled to the transmitter/receiver module (202) and configured to control the power level at which the radio signal is transmitted based on a number of RFID tags (104) detected when transmitting the radio signal at an initial power level.