RFID Tag Configuration via Unique Identifier Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

RFID tag devices without non-volatile memory face challenges in storing device-specific information, such as calibration data and user-specific readings, which can lead to loss of data when the device is disposed, and require reliable methods to associate unique identifiers with corresponding information.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where RFID tag devices generate a unique identifier, which is used by the reader device to retrieve and store configuration parameters, allowing sensor readings to be wirelessly transmitted and stored on the reader device or a networked database, eliminating the need for non-volatile memory on the tag device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If RFID tag devices include non-volatile memory to store device-specific information, then data retention is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retentionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the non-volatile memory component from the RFID tag device, eliminating the need for on-tag data storage. Instead, configuration parameters and sensor readings are stored externally in the reader device or cloud database, allowing the tag to remain simple while maintaining data retention capabilities through external storage infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary storage layer between the RFID tag and the final data destination. The reader device acts as a mediator that receives configuration parameters for the tag and stores sensor readings, bridging the gap between the simple tag and the need for data persistence without requiring complex tag hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If RFID tag devices include non-volatile memory to store calibration data, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration data accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the power-consuming non-volatile memory from the RFID tag device. Calibration data and configuration parameters are stored externally in the reader device or cloud infrastructure, eliminating the need for the tag to maintain power for data storage while preserving measurement precision through external calibration data management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If RFID tag devices are designed as disposable without non-volatile memory, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but data loss occurs when device is disposed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddata loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the data storage function from the disposable RFID tag, allowing the tag to be manufactured without expensive non-volatile memory components. The tag remains simple and disposable, while data is preserved externally in the reader device or cloud database, eliminating data loss concerns when the tag is disposed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a copying mechanism where sensor readings from the disposable tag are transferred to persistent external storage. The tag itself remains temporary and disposable, but its data is copied to the reader device or cloud infrastructure, preserving information without requiring the tag to have permanent storage capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Device complexity

If configuration parameters are stored externally and retrieved via unique identifier, then tag device complexity is reduced, but data retrieval time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetag device complexityVSAvoiddata retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing configuration parameters in the reader device or cloud database using the unique identifier as a key. When the tag needs configuration data, the reader can quickly retrieve it using the identifier, reducing retrieval time compared to searching or generating data on-demand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces the power budget for the tag device, allows for disposable devices without data loss, and enables efficient tracking of sensor readings over time by storing information externally, ensuring user-specific data is protected and accessible.

Implementation Method 1

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems implement wireless transference of data utilizing radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio-frequency electromagnetic fields: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3036690B1Using unique identifiers to retrieve configuration data for tag devices
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC
  • EP3036690B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3036690B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3036690B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Methods and systems for using unique identifiers to retrieve configuration data for tag devices are described herein. An example method may involve obtaining a unique identifier associated with a tag device. The tag device may include an antenna and a sensor configured to obtain sensor readings that can be wirelessly transmitted to a reader device via the antenna. The method may also involve determining configuration parameters associated with the tag device based on the unique identifier. The method may further involve storing, in at least one memory, at least a portion of the configuration parameters in association with the unique identifier.