Distributed RFID Transponder Data Propagation via Mobile Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data access and storage systems are costly and complex due to the need for wired or wireless networks and manual data input, with high costs associated with data access points and infrastructure, and lack positional awareness of users or items within the network.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing transponders with data receiving, storage, and transmission capabilities, where data is migrated between transponders through relative movement of scanners, eliminating the need for a network infrastructure, and using RFID tags and scanners to write and read data without user intervention, with positional awareness achieved through limited communication range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wired or wireless networks are used to connect data access points, then data can be accessed at multiple locations, but the system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data storage function into multiple distributed transponders placed throughout the area, eliminating the need for centralized data storage and complex network infrastructure. Each transponder independently stores and transmits data, reducing system complexity while maintaining multi-location access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the network infrastructure from the system by using mobile scanners that directly communicate with transponders via short-range wireless communication. This removes the need for wired or wireless networks connecting multiple access points, significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If data access points with terminals are deployed at multiple locations, then data access is enabled across the network, but the cost of each access point becomes relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive data access points with terminals with low-cost transponders that can be mass-produced. The transponders use simple memory and wireless communication capabilities, eliminating the need for keyboards, displays, and complex processing units, thereby significantly reducing the cost per access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile scanner serves multiple functions: it reads data from transponders, writes data to transponders, tracks user position, and propagates data between transponders. This multi-functional device replaces multiple specialized access points, reducing overall system cost while maintaining data access availability.
3Ease of operation
If manual data input is used at data access points, then data can be entered into the system, but the process requires user intervention and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic data input through mobile scanners that read transponder identifiers and automatically write data to transponders without requiring manual keyboard entry. The scanners autonomously perform data collection, processing, and propagation, eliminating user intervention and reducing data input time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data input methods (keyboards, barcode scanners) with automated wireless communication between mobile scanners and transponders. This substitution of mechanical interaction with electronic wireless communication eliminates the time required for manual data entry.
4Ease of manufacture
If transponders are distributed throughout an area without network connection, then system cost is reduced, but data propagation between locations becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile scanners that move dynamically throughout the area to propagate data between stationary transponders. This dynamic data propagation method replaces static network connections, maintaining low system cost while enabling data to spread throughout the area as scanners visit different transponder locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile scanner acts as an intermediary that carries data between transponders without requiring direct communication links between them. The scanner reads data from one transponder, stores it temporarily, and writes it to subsequent transponders, enabling data propagation through the distributed system without network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for propagating data among multiple locations in an area. The method includes using a plurality of transponders distributed throughout the area, each able to receive, store, and transmit data. The method further includes using scanners moving relative to the transponders, and able to transfer data to and from these transponders over a wide or limited range. When a scanner encounters a transponder (becomes close enough for data communication), it reads data from the transponder and writes data to the transponder, including data read from prior encounters with other transponders. Data written to a transponder by a scanner may include data associated with that scanner, including but not limited to one or more of identification, speed, direction, and time stamp. The method thus propagates data among transponders and makes this transponder data available to scanners as they encounter these transponders. The method propagates data throughout an area without a requirement for a wired or wireless connection between and among the transponders, at a speed dependent on the number of and speed of scanners moving within the area. The method further includes optionally connecting a subset of transponders with a wired or wireless network to more quickly propagate data over the area, while still not requiring every transponder be connected to this network. The method further includes using RFID tags, both adapted and non-adapted to the specific application, as the transponders, and RFID scanners to write to and read from these RFID tags.