RFID Tag Coupling for Non-RFID Mobile Device Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy non-RFID scanners are unable to obtain data from RFID-tagged items without additional RFID reader functionality, posing a significant expense for wholesale purchasers who have not invested in RFID equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables non-RFID mobile devices to obtain RFID tag data by using an integrated or coupled RFID tag on the device, which cooperates with an RFID reader to interrogate nearby RFID tags and relay their data, allowing the device to function as if it had native RFID capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-RFID scanners are used to read RFID tags, then compatibility with existing scanners is maintained, but the ability to obtain data from RFID-tagged items is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary RFID tag coupled to the mobile device that acts as a mediator between the non-RFID scanner and RFID-tagged items. The intermediary tag receives RF energy and interrogation signals from RFID readers, processes the data, and relays it back to the mobile device, enabling compatibility without requiring native RFID capabilities in the scanner.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFID reader functionality is added to non-RFID scanners, then the ability to read RFID tags is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex RFID reader functionality from the mobile device and places it in a separate, dedicated RFID tag coupled to the device. This allows the mobile device to maintain its simple non-RFID scanner architecture while gaining RFID capability through the external tag, significantly reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, low-cost RFID tag as an intermediary component that can be easily coupled to and decoupled from mobile devices. This inexpensive tag provides the necessary RFID functionality without requiring expensive upgrades to the mobile device itself, making the solution economically viable for widespread adoption.
3Area of stationary object
If RFID readers are deployed throughout the environment, then the coverage and detection range are improved, but the system cost and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to perform RFID scanning operations independently without requiring a complex infrastructure of fixed RFID readers. The mobile device carries its own intermediary RFID tag that can interact with existing RFID tags in the environment, allowing the system to leverage existing infrastructure while providing mobile scanning capability.
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 legacy scanners to read RFID tags without the need for upgrading to full RFID readers, providing cost-effective access to RFID data for non-RFID devices, enhancing their functionality in environments with RFID-tagged items.
Implementation Method 1
The tag is configured to generate a reflected RF signal in response to the RF signal emitted from the reader. The reflected RF signal is modulated in a manner that conveys identification data back to the reader.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless scanning system for obtaining data related to items includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to interrogate RFID tags and obtain tag data from interrogated RFID tags, and a mobile wireless device that is incapable of interrogating RFID tags. The system uses a device RFID tag in close proximity to the mobile wireless device, where the device RFID tag is configured to convey data that identifies the mobile wireless device when interrogated by the RFID reader. When the mobile wireless device is within close proximity to an item of interest having a corresponding item RFID tag, the RFID reader interrogates the device RFID tag and the item RFID tag. Thereafter, the RFID reader routes the item tag data in a manner destined for the mobile wireless device. This system enables the mobile wireless device to obtain the item tag data even though the mobile wireless device has no native RFID reader capabilities.