Multi-Protocol RFID Sensor Tags for Universal Wireless Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID tag systems are limited by their inability to communicate through multiple protocols, lack of universal compatibility with wireless devices, and inability to efficiently monitor physical, biological, and chemical characteristics, such as biomarkers or pathogens, making them inconvenient and costly for diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A system combining low-cost wireless RFID tags with diagnostic sensors that can be read by modified cell phones using multi-protocol RFID readers, enabling universal communication and remote analysis via devices like cellular telephones, which also incorporate GPS for geolocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RFID readers use preprogrammed single protocols, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different RFID tags deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RFID reader capable of operating with multiple communication protocols (HF, UHF, microwave, millimeter wave) through a single device. The system includes a reconfigurable transceiver that can be programmed to support different protocols, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated readers and enabling one device to serve multiple diagnostic functions across diverse RFID tag types.
2Ease of manufacture
If RFID tags are made passive without internal power sources, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but transmission range and memory capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing different frequency bands (HF, UHF, microwave, millimeter wave) to extend the transmission range of passive RFID tags. By operating at higher frequencies with longer wavelengths, the system achieves extended communication distances without requiring active power sources in the tags, maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RFID systems lack sensor integration, then device complexity is reduced, but diagnostic capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RFID tag technology with diagnostic sensors into an integrated system. The RFID tags are combined with sensors capable of detecting chemical, biological, and physical parameters, allowing the same wireless device to perform both identification and diagnostic functions. This integration enables comprehensive monitoring without requiring separate sensor systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices lack RFID reader capability, then device simplicity is maintained, but operational versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms standard wireless devices into universal diagnostic tools by integrating multi-protocol RFID reader capabilities. The system can communicate with RFID tags across multiple frequency bands and protocols, enabling smartphones and similar devices to perform diverse diagnostic functions including chemical sensing, biological detection, and physical parameter monitoring through a single unified interface.
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 low-cost, flexible, and efficient diagnostics by allowing any type of sensor to be combined with RFID tags, enabling on-spot analysis and remote monitoring of various stimuli, including chemical and biological threats, using standard wireless devices.
Implementation Method 1
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and sensor module responds to a stimulus by wirelessly transmitting and receiving, through the use of an antenna, signals that correspond to the stimulus
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated passive wireless chip diagnostic sensor system is described that can be interrogated remotely with a wireless device such as a modified cell phone incorporating multi-protocol RFID reader capabilities (such as the emerging Gen-2 standard) or Bluetooth, providing universal easy to use, low cost and immediate quantitative analyses, geolocation and sensor networking capabilities to users of the technology. The present invention can be integrated into various diagnostic platforms and is applicable for use with low power sensors such as thin films, MEMS, electrochemical, thermal, resistive, nano or microfluidic sensor technologies. Applications of the present invention include on-the-spot medical and self-diagnostics on smart skin patches, Point-of-Care (POC) analyses, food diagnostics, pathogen detection, disease-specific wireless biomarker detection, remote structural stresses detection and sensor networks for industrial or Homeland Security using low cost wireless devices such as modified cell phones.