RFID Timing System Offset Reader Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In RFID-based timing systems for sporting events, determining a definitive timing location becomes challenging when multiple systems are used in redundancy, as each system records a unique time stamp, making it difficult to identify a single reference point, especially in configurations where systems are placed side by side or one behind the other.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second tag reader systems with processors, memories, and communication interfaces, positioned at offset distances from a reference line, wirelessly transmitting and receiving tag read requests and messages, and calculating an average delta time to determine the time of passing and elapsed time of an RFID tag, allowing for accurate timing even when systems are variably spaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple RFID tag reader systems are deployed side by side or behind each other to expand the read zone and provide redundancy, then the coverage area and reliability of tag reading are improved, but it becomes difficult to determine a single definitive timing location and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the timing measurement function into multiple distributed tag reader systems, each independently reading tags at different spatial positions. Each reader system operates as an independent unit with its own processor and communication interface, allowing the overall system to achieve redundancy and expanded coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
A central timing system acts as an intermediary that receives timing data from multiple distributed tag reader systems. This intermediary coordinates the data from various readers, applies normalization parameters to account for different reader positions and offset distances, and determines the definitive timing location, thereby resolving the complexity of integrating multiple reader systems.
2Reliability
If multiple RFID tag reader systems are placed at different positions to provide redundancy, then the probability of successful tag reading is improved, but the difficulty of determining a single definitive timing location increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing system receives timing data from multiple tag reader systems and uses this feedback to determine the definitive timing location. By analyzing timing data from readers at different positions and applying normalization parameters, the system iteratively refines the timing location determination, ensuring both redundancy and precision are achieved through continuous feedback processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as offset distances and normalization factors based on the specific configuration of tag reader systems. By adjusting these parameters according to the actual deployment geometry, the timing system can accurately determine the definitive timing location even when readers are positioned at various distances and angles from the reference line.
3Area of stationary object
If tag reader systems are positioned at offset distances from the reference line to expand coverage, then the area of monitored zone is improved, but the accuracy of determining the time of passing at the reference line deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a one-dimensional measurement approach to a multi-dimensional solution by considering offset distances and spatial positions of tag reader systems perpendicular to the reference line. By incorporating these additional spatial dimensions and applying appropriate normalization parameters, the system can accurately determine timing at the reference line even when readers are positioned at offset distances, thus expanding monitored zone area without sacrificing accuracy.
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 solution enables precise determination of the time of passing and elapsed time of an RFID tag across a monitored zone, resolving the ambiguity of multiple time stamps and ensuring accurate timing even with varied system configurations, thus improving the reliability of RFID-based timing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining a time of a passing at a reference line of an RFID tag traveling along a route and a time of lapsing of the tracked RFID tag on the route, the system have a plurality of spaced apart tag reader systems for wirelessly obtaining tag reads, wherein at least one of the tag reader systems is space apart from the reference line. The timing system receives a plurality of tag reads and determines the time of passing of the RFID at the reference line responsive to the plurality of received tag read messages received from the plurality of tag reader systems.