RFID Read-Write Tag Relay for Reader Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

The incorporation of additional radios in wireless RFID devices increases costs and user expenses associated with wireless network usage, necessitating a method to enhance the utilization of the existing RFID radio for communication.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a first RFID reader with a uniquely assigned RFID read-write tag that communicates with other RFID readers using RF signals, allowing information exchange between RFID readers without relying on additional communication radios, utilizing RF communication modules and circuitry for data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional radios are incorporated in wireless RFID devices to enable communication between readers, then communication capability is improved, but device cost and network usage cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tag is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the traditional identification tag and as a communication relay between RFID readers. By enabling the tag to forward communications, the system achieves reader-to-reader communication capability without adding dedicated communication radios to the readers, thus resolving the contradiction between communication capability and device cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional radios are incorporated in wireless RFID devices, then communication capability is improved, but network usage cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidnetwork usage cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the existing RFID radio and tag infrastructure to provide communication services between readers. Instead of requiring readers to pay for separate wireless network usage, the readers communicate through the RFID tags using the existing RFID radio frequency, effectively making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional network usage costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables efficient communication between RFID readers, reducing the need for additional radios and network costs by leveraging the existing RFID radio for information exchange, thereby enhancing system functionality and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The RFID read-write tag includes an RF communication module for communicating with one or more than one second RFID reader using RF signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF signals: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7944339B2Method and system for RFID communication

Publication Date: 2011.05.17 PSION INC

AI summary

A method and system for RFID communication is provided. The system includes a first RFID reader and an RFID read-write tag uniquely assigned to the first RFID reader. The RFID read-write tag receives information from RFID readers other than the first RFID reader and provides the information to the first RFID reader.