RFID Reader with Software Radio in Lighting Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID infrastructure requires numerous antennas and RF cables, leading to high costs, immobility, and difficulty in upgrading, while also overloading data networks with high data rates from RFID tag readings.
Innovation Solution
An RFID reader with a software radio that uses existing electrical systems, integrated into light fixtures, employing a microprocessor, non-standard communications protocol, and omnidirectional antennas to transmit and receive RFID data wirelessly, reducing the need for Power over Ethernet and wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed RFID infrastructure with numerous antennas and RF cables is used, then uniform RF illumination on all tags is achieved, but installation cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RFID antenna elements into a single integrated reader unit with a software-defined radio. This consolidation merges the functions of multiple separate antennas and cables into one device, reducing installation complexity while maintaining the ability to provide uniform RF illumination through software-controlled beamforming and signal distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated RFID reader employs a software-defined radio that can operate across multiple frequencies and protocols, making it a universal device capable of replacing multiple specialized antennas. The software radio can be reconfigured to serve different RFID standards and frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate hardware for each protocol.
2Ease of manufacture
If Power over Ethernet modules are used, then RF cable installation cost is reduced, but Ethernet cable drops and power installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated reader utilizes Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability to combine power delivery and data communication through a single Ethernet infrastructure. This multi-functional approach eliminates separate power wiring requirements, allowing the device to be powered and configured through standard Ethernet cables already present in the network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing Ethernet network infrastructure to provide both power and data communication automatically. The PoE module detects and negotiates power requirements with the network switch, enabling the reader to self-configure and self-power without manual electrical installation or additional wiring.
3Productivity
If RFID readers are connected to data servers, then tag reading capability is achieved, but data networks become overloaded with high data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection and processing functions by implementing local aggregation and filtering at the reader level before transmitting data to the server. The software-defined radio processes and pre-sorts tag readings locally, transmitting only relevant aggregated data rather than raw high-volume streams, thereby reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining full tag reading capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard lighting fixtures are replaced with RFID-enabled fixtures, then RFID functionality is added, but electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates RFID reader functionality into standard lighting fixtures, creating a multi-functional device that provides both illumination and RFID services through a single unit. This consolidation allows the fixture to share its electrical power supply between lighting and RFID operations, eliminating the need for separate power infrastructure and reducing total energy consumption compared to independent RFID installations.
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 reduces electrical power consumption, eliminates the need for extensive cabling, allows for easy relocation and upgrading, and prevents data overload on WiFi networks by using existing light fixtures to power and communicate RFID data.
Implementation Method 1
one or more than one antenna for transmitting and receiving RFID data
Implementation Method 2
a light source
Implementation Method 3
a heat removal means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An RFID reader (500) with a software radio that is aesthetically pleasing and powered using existing electrical systems comprising a component housing (102), a microprocessor (106), a communications protocol IC (108), an RFID interrogator integrated circuit (112), a power source (104), a light source (908), a heat removal means (114) and one or more than one antenna (110) connected to the microprocessor for communicating RDIF data and control data over a non-standard protocol.