Rewritable RFID Tag with Context-Specific Identity Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID tags in near field communication (NFC) domains present a single identity and cannot dynamically change identities based on different circumstances or contexts, limiting their functionality in scenarios where multiple identities are needed.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a rewritable RFID tag, an RFID reader, an RFID writer, and a controller that processes identification selection rules and location information to dynamically assign an identification number to the RFID tag based on the identity of the RFID interrogator and context, allowing the tag to present different identities to different reading devices or in different contexts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an RFID tag uses a single fixed identification number, then the tag structure is simple and reliable, but the tag cannot adapt to different contexts or present multiple identities
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag system dynamically changes its identification number based on context parameters such as location, time, and RFID interrogator identity. The controller monitors these parameters and switches between different identification numbers stored in the tag, allowing the same physical tag to present different identities in different contexts without changing the physical structure of the tag.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identification numbers are pre-loaded into the RFID tag during manufacturing or initial configuration. The controller is pre-programmed with logic to select appropriate identification numbers based on context parameters. This preliminary preparation allows the tag to immediately present the correct identity when encountered with different RFID interrogators or in different locations, without requiring real-time computation or external intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an RFID tag dynamically changes identities based on context, then the functionality and adaptability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and processing logic
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is designed with multi-functionality, capable of presenting different identification numbers for different applications and contexts. The same physical tag can serve multiple purposes by switching identities based on the RFID interrogator type, location, or time, eliminating the need for multiple separate RFID tags for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the identification number parameter of the RFID tag based on context parameters such as location coordinates, time of day, and RFID interrogator identity. This parameter switching is controlled by comparing current context parameters with stored reference data and selecting the appropriate identification number from a predefined set, allowing flexible adaptation without hardware changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identification numbers are stored in the RFID tag for different contexts, then the versatility is improved, but the memory requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple identification numbers are pre-loaded into the RFID tag during manufacturing or initial configuration. The controller is pre-programmed with logic to select appropriate identification numbers based on context parameters. This preliminary preparation allows the tag to immediately present the correct identity when encountered with different RFID interrogators or in different locations, without requiring real-time computation or external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag stores a predefined set of identification numbers that covers most expected contexts and scenarios. Rather than computing identities in real-time or storing an exhaustive list of all possible identities, the system uses a curated subset of commonly needed identification numbers, balancing memory usage with coverage of typical use cases.
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 RFID tag to dynamically change its identity based on predefined rules, such as location or time, enhancing its functionality by allowing it to present different identities to various RFID interrogators, thereby expanding its application in tracking and identification tasks.
Implementation Method 1
Some RFID tags are powered by and read at short distances, for example a few meters, via electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 2
Other RFID tags may utilize a local power source, for example a battery, and may transmit radio signals comprising stored information
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device. The device comprises a rewritable radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag to store an identification number and to transmit the identification number via a radio transmitter, an RFID writer, configured to write an identification number into the RFID tag based on selection by a controller, and a memory storing identification selection rules and a list of identities of RFID interrogators. The device further comprises a controller, configured to read the identity of the RFID interrogator from the RFID reader, analyze the identification selection rules and the list of identities of the RFID interrogators in the memory, select an identification number for the RFID tag based on the list of identities of the RFID interrogators, the identification selection rules stored in the memory, and the identity of the RFID interrogator, and command the RFID writer to write the selected identification number into the RFID tag.