RFID Sensor Tag Integrating Static ID and Dynamic Condition Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID technologies are limited in their ability to track dynamic conditions such as location, temperature, humidity, and other measurable parameters alongside traditional identification data without requiring significant changes to existing infrastructure or increasing tag complexity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of RFID sensor tags that measure and transmit variable data, using a format compatible with conventional RFID tags, allowing them to coexist within existing systems and include non-variable data identifiers to distinguish measurement data from identification data, enabling the association of condition data with tag identification data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags transmit only static identification data, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility with existing infrastructure, but the ability to track dynamic conditions such as temperature, humidity, and location is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines static identification data and dynamic sensor data into a single RFID tag structure. The tag integrates both a static identification component and variable sensor components that measure conditions like temperature, humidity, and location, allowing one tag to perform multiple functions without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag is designed to serve multiple purposes: it functions as both an identification device and a multi-sensor measurement device. The universal tag can transmit both its unique identifier and real-time environmental data, making it adaptable to various tracking applications without requiring different tag types
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags are designed to transmit variable sensor data, then tracking of dynamic conditions is enabled, but compatibility with existing RFID infrastructure and data collection systems may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The data transmitted by the RFID tag is segmented into distinct components: a static identification portion and variable sensor data portions. This segmentation allows existing RFID infrastructure to continue processing identification data while new components can handle and interpret the additional sensor information, maintaining backward compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure and processing layer that translates the combined identification and sensor data into formats compatible with existing RFID systems. This intermediary approach allows variable data transmission without requiring fundamental changes to the underlying infrastructure
3Device complexity
If passive RFID tags are used, then the tags remain small and inexpensive, but they cannot transmit data at higher power levels or longer distances compared to active tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sensor components within the passive RFID tag that can be activated on-demand. The sensor array includes multiple sensing elements that can be selectively powered and activated based on the specific measurement needed, allowing the tag to maintain a low-power passive structure while enabling high-power transmission when required
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
Enables the collection, storage, and association of additional information representing measured conditions with RFID tag identification data using a common data collection system, enhancing tracking capabilities without altering existing infrastructure or increasing tag complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID reader device transmits a radio frequency interrogation signal in order to detect RFID tags positioned within a range of the radio frequency interrogation signal
Implementation Method 2
The sensor array can include a plurality of sensing elements, each sensing element can be configured to sense a different physical condition
Implementation Method 3
Variable data representing the measured condition is transmitted from the RFID sensor tag
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for tracking variable conditions using radio frequency identification (RFID) are disclosed. In embodiments of the present invention, an RFID sensor tag is used to measure a condition. The condition can be any measurable condition such as location, temperature, humidity, pressure, time, date, inertial measurements, etc. Variable data representing the measured condition is read from the RFID sensor tag in order to track the measured condition. The variable data can be read from RFID sensor tags in addition to reading tag identification data from RFID tags, so that the variable data can be associated with tag identification data.