RFID Tag Writing Control via Antenna Polarization in Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in reliably writing tag information to RFID tags on print media due to high and low gain regions in the emission region, leading to potential writing failures, and increasing the number of antennas is not preferable as it increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a sheet conveyance unit, an antenna that emits radio waves with a polarization direction set according to the type of print medium, and a controller that adjusts the polarization direction based on user input and stored information to optimize tag information writing, using a single antenna to reduce manufacturing costs while enhancing writing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of antennas is increased to cover both high gain and low gain regions, then the reliability of tag information writing is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization direction parameter of the radio waves emitted by a single antenna to match the orientation of the RFID tag antenna. By adjusting the polarization direction (horizontal or vertical) according to the tag's antenna orientation, the system achieves reliable communication in both high gain and low gain regions without needing multiple physical antennas, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing cost
2Ease of manufacture
If a single antenna is used to reduce manufacturing cost, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of tag information writing deteriorates due to high and low gain regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the polarization direction parameter of the emitted radio waves to optimize communication with RFID tags in different regions. By detecting the tag's antenna orientation and adjusting the polarization direction accordingly, a single antenna can effectively communicate with tags regardless of their position in high gain or low gain regions, maintaining reliability while reducing manufacturing cost
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
The solution effectively reduces tag information writing failures by adjusting the polarization direction of radio waves in accordance with the type of print medium, ensuring reliable data transfer without the need for multiple antennas, thus maintaining cost efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna configured to emit radio waves towards a predetermined portion of the conveyance path
Implementation Method 2
writes tag information to an RFID tag that has been attached to the print medium
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a sheet conveyance unit that is configured to transport a print medium along a conveyance path. An antenna is configured to emit radio waves towards a predetermined portion of the conveyance path. A controller is configured to control the antenna to emit the radio waves towards the predetermined portion with a polarization direction set according to a type of the print medium being transported by the sheet conveyance unit. The print medium may have, for example, one or more wireless tags thereon or therein.