RFID Tag Reader Range Adjustment for Moving Consumables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately reading information from wireless tags attached to consumable units within accommodating units that move during operation, requiring a high degree of accuracy while maintaining an inexpensive structure.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a wireless tag reader with adjustable reading ranges and strategically positioned passive RFID tags, including a cover tag, drawer tags, and cartridge tags, to ensure accurate information retrieval as the accommodating unit slides, using a control system to set and adjust reading ranges based on the unit's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reading portion is used to read information from wireless tags on moving consumable units, then information retrieval is enabled, but reading accuracy deteriorates due to unit movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the accommodating unit into multiple sections (first accommodating section, second accommodating section, etc.) and places reading portions at different locations. Each reading portion is responsible for reading wireless tags in its specific section, ensuring accurate reading even when units move within their designated areas. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reading accuracy while accommodating unit movement through structured zoning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions wireless tags on consumable units at predetermined locations before the units are placed in the accommodating unit. The reading portions are also pre-positioned at optimal locations within the accommodating unit. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when units are loaded, the tags are already in readable positions, maintaining reading accuracy despite subsequent movement during operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reading portions are added to cover moving units, then reading coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different reading portions to different local sections of the accommodating unit, with each reading portion optimized for its specific area. Rather than using a single omnidirectional reading portion, the system employs multiple focused reading portions positioned at strategic locations. This local quality approach ensures comprehensive coverage while keeping each individual reading portion simple and targeted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent structures the reading portions and accommodating sections in a nested manner, where reading portions are integrated within or adjacent to specific accommodating sections. This nesting allows the reading functionality to be embedded within the existing structure, adding reading capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The reading portions work in conjunction with the sectional structure already present in the accommodating unit.
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 configuration ensures high accuracy in reading information from consumable units even as they move, minimizing power consumption and maintaining a cost-effective design by using standardized RFID tags and adjusting reading ranges dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
a reading portion configured to read information from a wireless tag attached to a consumable unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking consumables associated with an image forming device is described. An RFID reader is positioned to read RFID tags associated with the consumables when the consumables are inserted into, stationary in, or removed from the image forming device.