RFID Repeater Coupled to Passive Tag for Wireless Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of deploying specialized RFID infrastructure to track passive RFID tags as they move around in large areas, due to the need for multiple antennas and readers, can be substantial.

Innovation Solution

An RFID repeater is coupled with an RFID tag using existing wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, UWB, Zigbee, or cellular networks, allowing data from the RFID tag to be read and transmitted over these networks, thereby reducing the need for extensive specialized infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple RFID antennas and readers are deployed to track passive RFID tags in large areas, then tracking coverage is improved, but deployment cost increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking coverage areaVSAvoiddeployment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a repeater device as an intermediary component that couples with the passive RFID tag. This repeater actively receives signals from the tag and retransmits them to remote readers, enabling long-range tracking without requiring expensive infrastructure deployment across the entire area. The repeater acts as a signal amplifier and relay, bridging the gap between the passive tag and distant readers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The repeater device serves multiple functions: it acts as both an RFID tag extender and a wireless communication node. By integrating RFID reception capabilities with wireless transmission capabilities, the system can track tags using existing wireless infrastructure (Wi-Fi, cellular networks) rather than requiring dedicated RFID infrastructure throughout the entire coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If passive RFID tags are used without self-contained batteries, then device simplicity is improved, but reading range is limited to close proximity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag structure simplicityVSAvoidreading range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The repeater serves as an intermediary that extends the reading range of passive tags. It receives weak signals from distant tags and amplifies/retransmits them to the reader, effectively breaking the proximity limitation without modifying the passive tag itself or requiring active components in the tag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the passive RFID tag functionality with an active repeater device. The passive tag maintains its simplicity while the repeater provides the active signal amplification needed for long-range communication. This combination allows the tag to remain simple while achieving extended range through the coupled repeater system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8633822B2Method and apparatus for a radio frequency identification repeater which is coupled to a radio frequency identification tag

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 AT&T CORP

AI summary

The present method enables an RFID repeater to be used in conjunction with an RFID tag to allow data in the RFID tag to be read using wireless packet switched technologies. For example, the present method enables an RFID repeater to be coupled with an RFID tag. The RFID repeater reads and records the data from the RFID tag and then transmits the retrieved data from the RFID tag over a wireless packet network.