RFID Reader Power State Switching for Transport Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable RFID reader systems face challenges such as limited control over RF signal field size, non-mobility, high power consumption, and the need for human intervention for scanning, which restricts their effectiveness in high inventory areas and mobile settings.
Innovation Solution
An integrated reader system comprising an RFID reader, a processor, sensors, and an energy storage device, which can independently power the RFID reader and switch between low and high power states based on detected events, such as door movement, allowing for optimized power usage and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-held readers are used for RFID scanning, then mobility is improved, but power consumption increases and operation time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning the RFID reader between low power state and high power state based on detected events. The system monitors for events such as door openings or motion detection, then activates the reader only when needed, rather than maintaining continuous operation. This dynamic state switching resolves the contradiction by providing mobility when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods.
2Productivity
If all antenna ports are turned on simultaneously for maximum read rate, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic antenna port management where the system selectively activates antenna ports based on detected events and operational needs. When an event is detected indicating potential RFID tags to be read, the system enables the necessary antenna ports to achieve maximum read rate. When no events are detected, the system reduces the number of active antenna ports or enters low power state, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and minimizing power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring is performed to detect all events, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic event monitoring where the system checks for events at specific intervals rather than continuously. The processor periodically queries sensors for events such as door openings or motion detection. This periodic approach maintains adequate event detection capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and power usage.
4Reliability
If fixed infrastructure is installed for RFID reading, then reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal RFID reader system that can function reliably in both fixed and mobile deployments. The reader is designed with an independent power supply and event-triggered operation capability, allowing it to be deployed in various settings including owned facilities and non-owned facilities like airports. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by providing the reliability of fixed infrastructure while maintaining the adaptability of portable solutions.
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
The integrated reader system enhances the tracking efficiency of RFID tags by optimizing power consumption and enabling mobility, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional systems, particularly in high inventory areas and non-owned facilities like airports.
Implementation Method 1
Radio frequency identification devices (RFID) or RFID tags are increasingly used to track a large number of different articles
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensors including a door sensor operatively connected to the RFID reader
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter disclosed herein relates to an integrated reader system. The integrated reader system comprises a reader that continuously/non-continuously monitors an area within a transport unit of a vehicle including doors of the transport unit. The reader is operatively connected to an energy storage device configured to independently power the RFID reader. The reader system also comprises a processor configured to cause the RFID reader to move from a first state to a second state based on detection of different events by one or more sensors of the integrated reader system.