RFID Tag Segmentation for Product Specimen Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product price verification systems using bar codes are limited in providing specific information about individual product specimens, as they primarily serve as indices to databases storing category information, which is not conducive to efficient storage and retrieval by retailers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a price verification and information display system that utilizes RFID devices to store and retrieve specific product information, allowing each product specimen to have an RFID tag with detailed information, and combines this with bar code data to provide comprehensive product details to customers through a network of display stations and a server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If bar code scanners are used to retrieve product information from centralized databases, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to provide specific information about individual product specimens is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the information storage function into two segments: bar codes store standardized category information for centralized database retrieval, while RFID tags store specific product specimen information locally. This segmentation allows the system to provide both comprehensive category data and specific specimen details without requiring complete centralization, thereby reducing information loss while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary devices that bridge the gap between bar code limitations and the need for specific product information. These tags act as local information repositories that supplement the centralized database, providing specimen-specific details without requiring the entire system to become more complex. The RFID tags mediate between the simple bar code scanning interface and the need for detailed product information.
2Loss of information
If RFID tags store specific product specimen information, then information completeness is improved, but storage and retrieval efficiency deteriorates due to decentralized data distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information into two categories: standardized product category information stored in centralized databases for efficient bulk retrieval, and specific product specimen information stored locally in RFID tags for immediate access. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high productivity for category information while providing complete specimen-specific details without compromising overall retrieval efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having manufacturers pre-program specific product specimen information into RFID tags before products reach retailers. This advance preparation eliminates the need for retailers to store and manage detailed specimen information centrally, maintaining data retrieval efficiency while ensuring complete product information is available at the point of sale.
3Reliability
If manufacturers program specific information in RFID tags before delivery, then product traceability and authenticity verification are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal applicability of RFID tag technology, which can be integrated into existing manufacturing workflows across different product types. The same RFID tagging infrastructure serves multiple functions: product identification, authenticity verification, supply chain tracking, and consumer information delivery. This multi-functionality justifies the manufacturing complexity by providing comprehensive reliability benefits without requiring separate systems for each function.
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 the display of specific product information to customers without the need for central database storage, allowing for efficient retrieval and presentation of detailed product data, including manufacturer-programmed details like authenticity verification, directly at the point of sale.
Implementation Method 1
the invention relates to improved systems and techniques for reading product information stored in a radio frequency identification (RFID) device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for automated customer display of product information. A price verification and product information station broadcasts a radiofrequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal and receives an RFID return message from an RFID tag affixed to a product in the immediate vicinity of the station. The station relays the return message to a server, which generates information responsive to the return message, for example, by decoding the RFID return message to extract product information included in the RFID return message. The server organizes and formats the product information extracted from the return message, and the retrieved information, and transmits it to the station, which displays the information.