RFID Transponder Acceleration Sensor for Exclusive Reader Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In logistical applications using ultra-high frequency RFID systems, it is challenging to establish exclusive communication with a specific RFID transponder when multiple transponders are within the reception area of the RFID reader, making it difficult to individually address and communicate with a particular object, such as during sorting or reloading processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an acceleration sensor into the RFID transponder unit that measures accelerations and sends a unique identifier and status signal when the acceleration exceeds a threshold value, allowing the RFID reader to uniquely identify and communicate with the transponder, even in the presence of other transponders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If ultra-high frequency RFID systems are used to achieve long range communication, then the reading distance is improved, but the ability to uniquely identify and communicate with a single transponder among multiple transponders deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading distanceVSAvoidtransponder identification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The acceleration sensor continuously monitors acceleration values before any identification request is made. When a transponder experiences acceleration exceeding the threshold, the system proactively prepares by storing the identifier and generating the status signal in advance, so that when the reader needs to identify a specific transponder, the information is already ready and the correct transponder can be uniquely selected among multiple transponders in range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If multiple RFID transponders are within the reception area of an RFID reader, then the coverage area is improved, but the ability to establish exclusive communication with a specific transponder deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception area coverageVSAvoidexclusive communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The acceleration sensor acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the transponder and the reader. By detecting physical acceleration events, it creates a unique signal (status signal with identifier) that distinguishes one transponder from others in the reception area, enabling the reader to establish exclusive communication with the specific transponder that experienced the acceleration event

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 targeted, exclusive communication between the RFID reader and a specific transponder, allowing for precise data logging and instruction output related to the moving object, enhancing the ability to track and manage individual items within a group of RFID-tagged objects.

Implementation Method 1

an acceleration sensor for measuring accelerations experienced by the RFID transponder unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

The contactless communication between the RFID transponder and the writing or reading device takes place via electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2263196B1RFID system
Publication Date: 2014.06.25 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2263196B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an RFID system comprising an RFID reader (1) and an RFID transponder unit (2) that can be read by the RFID reader (1). In order to allow a targeted exclusive communication between a specific RFID transponder unit (2) and the RFID reader (1), in which other RFID transponders (12, 13) are arranged in the captive range, the RFID transponder unit (2) comprises an acceleration sensor (3) for measuring accelerations that drive the RFID transponder unit (2), a memory (4) for a threshold value, a processing unit (5) for comparing measured accelerations to the threshold value and an emitting unit (6) for emitting an identification clearly identifying the transponder unit and a status signal that signals when the threshold value has been exceed by means of a measured acceleration value. The RFID reader (1) is designed to clearly identify the transponder unit when capturing the indicated status signal using the identification.