RFID Sensor Tags for Wearable Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable wireless communication systems, such as those using Bluetooth Low Energy, have limited operational lifetimes due to high power consumption, making them unsuitable for long-term monitoring applications in environments like the International Space Station.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags and readers that implement a store-and-forward protocol, allowing RFID sensor tags to transfer data at nearly no power cost, enabling extended operation on small coin cell batteries by exploiting contact opportunities with RFID interrogators for data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is used for wireless communication, then data transmission capability is improved, but operational lifetime deteriorates due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID sensor tag operates in periodic cycles, alternating between low-power sensing mode and data transfer mode. The tag remains in sleep mode most of the time, periodically waking to sense environmental parameters, then transferring accumulated data to RFID readers when in range, and returning to sleep. This periodic operation pattern dramatically reduces average power consumption compared to continuous active transmission like BLE.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces RFID readers as intermediary devices that act as data collection points. Instead of the sensor tag continuously transmitting data (as in BLE), the tag stores data locally and transfers it periodically to intermediaries (readers) when in proximity. This intermediary architecture allows the tag to remain in low-power state while still achieving data transmission through opportunistic contacts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active wireless protocols like BLE are used, then wireless communication flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases, limiting battery life to a few days
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID sensor tag autonomously manages its own power consumption by implementing self-service strategies: it senses environmental parameters continuously or periodically in low-power mode, buffers data locally in memory, and automatically transfers data to readers when in range without requiring active communication protocols. The tag independently determines when to wake, sense, and transfer data, eliminating the need for continuous power-hungry wireless protocol operation.
3Loss of information
If RFID tags continuously transmit data wirelessly, then data availability is improved, but battery life deteriorates due to high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID sensor tag performs preliminary data collection and storage actions while in low-power state. It continuously or periodically senses environmental parameters and stores them in onboard memory before needing to transfer data. This preliminary action of accumulating data in storage allows the tag to remain dormant for extended periods, then quickly transfer accumulated data packets to readers when in range, ensuring data availability without continuous energy consumption.
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 approach significantly extends the operational lifetime of wearable sensors to years, reducing power consumption and maintaining continuous data gathering without explicit user intervention, suitable for mobile and complex environments like the ISS.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method for wearable, ubiquitous RFID-enabled sensing
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags including a first RFID tag. The first RFID tag is configured to perform RFID tag operations that include acquiring one or more samples using a sensor of the first RFID tag. The RFID tag operations also include writing the one or more samples in a memory of the first RFID tag. The RFID tag operations also include transferring custody of the one or more samples to a first RFID reader on request. The system also includes a plurality of RFID readers including the first RFID reader. The first RFID reader is configured to perform RFID reader operations including reading an identifier from each of the plurality of RFID tags in view of the first RFID reader during an inventory management mode.