RFID Reader Tag Selection to Prevent Response Collisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID systems face limitations in the number of transponders that can be detected due to channel capacity constraints, leading to incomplete data collection and simultaneous response collisions, which are addressed by conventional methods that either limit transponder numbers or require complex synchronization.

Innovation Solution

The method involves selecting specific transponders to respond to request messages by including their IDs in the message, allowing quasi-invisible transponders to communicate, and using whitelist/multicast strategies to optimize channel usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If all transponders respond to each request message, then complete data collection is achieved, but response collisions occur and channel capacity is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection completenessVSAvoidresponse collisions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transponder population into different groups based on their response behavior. Some transponders are assigned to respond to every request, while others respond only to specific request types (e.g., multicast or broadcast messages). This segmentation eliminates response collisions by ensuring that not all transponders transmit simultaneously, while still achieving complete data collection across all transponder groups over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the number of transponders in reception range is limited, then response collisions are reduced, but the number of detectable transponders is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse collision frequencyVSAvoidnumber of detectable transponders
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic request message types (broadcast, multicast, and unicast) that adapt to the current system state. The reader can dynamically switch between different message types and selectively address specific transponder groups, allowing the system to handle varying numbers of transponders without collisions while maximizing the detectable transponder count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If complex synchronization methods are used to ensure equal communication chances, then fair transponder detection is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransponder detection fairnessVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables transponders to self-organize into different response groups based on simple identification rules embedded in the request messages. Each transponder autonomously determines whether to respond based on its ID and the request type, eliminating the need for complex centralized synchronization mechanisms while ensuring fair detection opportunities for all transponders.

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 detection of all transponders, ensuring complete data collection and efficient utilization of communication channels, significantly increasing the number of detectable transponders by up to 50% compared to prior art.

Implementation Method 1

the RFID reader emits electromagnetic waves using at least one antenna, which can be received by transponders (tags, also RFID tags) located in the vicinity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the RFID reader emits electromagnetic waves using at least one antenna, which can be received by transponders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The transponders read this message, generate and then send a response to the reader, also via the air interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4693096A1Method for operating an RFID system and said RFID system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4693096A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4693096A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4693096A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an RFID arrangement comprising an RFID reader and a plurality of RFID transponders located at least temporarily within the radio transmit/receive range of the RFID reader, wherein the RFID reader sends a first request message, in particular in the form of an RFID broadcast message and/or multicast message, to the RFID transponders at at least a first time, wherein at least a first part of the plurality of RFID transponders sends a response message to the RFID reader, wherein the first part is selected by information that can at least be deduced from the request message, and wherein the deducible information is imprinted on the request message by the RFID reader. The invention further relates to an RFID arrangement for carrying out the method.