RFID Tag Reader Reprogramming for Supply Chain Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for tracking items using read/writable RFID tags face delays when items are in motion, as they require time to consult the database for reprogramming, which disrupts the flow in supply chains.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves a control entity sending a next identifier to tag readers, which reprogram the tags upon detection, allowing for remote and efficient updating of tag identifiers without needing to query the database in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system consults the database to obtain new information for reprogramming a tag, then the tag can be updated with accurate and up-to-date information, but the item's progress along the supply chain is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The control entity pre-loads the next identifier into the tag reader before the item arrives. This preliminary action allows the tag reader to immediately reprogram the tag upon detecting the item, eliminating the need to consult the database at the moment of reprogramming and thus avoiding delays in the item's progress while ensuring accurate information transfer.
2Productivity
If the system reprograms the tag in real-time when the item is in motion, then the tracking remains continuous, but the time required for database consultation and reprogramming causes delays
Solution Approach 1:
The control entity identifies which tag reader the item will encounter and pre-loads the next identifier into that reader in advance. When the item arrives at the tag reader, the reprogramming occurs immediately without database consultation delays, maintaining continuous tracking while minimizing reprogramming time impact on item progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the reprogramming process by using the item's trajectory information to determine the next tag reader it will encounter. This dynamic approach allows the control entity to proactively prepare the correct identifier at the appropriate location, enabling seamless real-time tracking without fixed delays.
3Device complexity
If the system uses one-time programmable tags, then the tag structure is simpler, but the same tag cannot be reprogrammed with different identifiers at different supply chain points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reprogramming capability from the tag itself and places it in the tag reader system. The tag reader is configured to receive next identifiers from the control entity and automatically reprogram the tag when the item is detected. This separates the complexity of reprogramming logic from the tag, keeping the tag structure simple while enabling versatile reprogrammability through the external reader system.
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 delays by enabling on-the-fly reprogramming of tags as they move, maintaining efficient tracking and flow in supply chains without interrupting the progress of items.
Implementation Method 1
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags have many uses, one of which is to track the progress of goods across a supply chain
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for tracking an item associated with a read/writable tag programmed with a current identifier. The system comprises a plurality of tag readers and a control entity configured to send to at least one of the tag readers a next identifier associated with the tag. Upon receipt of the next identifier, the at least one of the tag readers is configured to reprogram the tag with the next identifier when a presence of the tag is detected. The control entity may be further configured to identify each of the at least one of the tag readers as being a tag reader that the item has a potential to encounter.