Programmable RFID Tag with Display for Retail Price Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current inventory and anti-theft systems in retail are inefficient due to the need for manual price changes on products, which is time-consuming and prone to human error, and existing RFID systems have delicate tags with short battery lifespans.
Innovation Solution
A programmable RFID-based merchandise management and security system that includes tags with an on-board display for price and attribute updates, a system controller, RFID readers, and a database for remote authorization and secure data management, utilizing solar power to extend tag lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual price changes are implemented on products, then price updates can be made, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical price change processes with an automated electronic system. RFID tags with displays are attached to products, and a central controller with verification module automatically updates prices wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual physical price changes and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service price updates where the RFID tags on products automatically receive and display price information from the central controller without requiring manual intervention. The tags autonomously update their display content based on wireless communications from the system controller.
2Reliability
If RFID tags are used for inventory monitoring, then merchandise can be tracked, but the tags are very delicate and have very short battery lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power source parameter of the RFID tags from conventional batteries to solar power cells. This parameter change extends the operational duration of the tags by utilizing renewable solar energy, thereby solving the short battery lifespan problem while maintaining reliable merchandise tracking 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 efficient, error-free price updates and inventory tracking, reducing manual processes and enhancing security by allowing authorized remote changes and extending tag battery life through solar power, thus improving retail operations.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage unit that may be connected to a solar panel that provides energy to the electronic circuit and makes it readable to an RFID reader
Implementation Method 2
The electronic circuit may be an RFID circuit that communicates with external devices, e.g., a controlling unit and/or an RFID reader. The RFID reader is capable of reading the security sensor through radio frequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system for merchandise tagging is described that includes a plurality of programmable RFID security tags, a controller, and a plurality of RFID readers. The attributes associated with the RFID security tags are assigned and changed remotely by an authorized request from the system. Any unauthenticated request to access or change the data associated with the RFID is ignored by the system.