RFID Transponder Feature Set Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing RFID transponder systems face inflexibility due to the need for frequent updates of look-up tables to accommodate new RFID transponder devices with varying feature sets, which is labor-intensive and logistically challenging.

Innovation Solution

The RFID transponder device encodes its feature set directly into its response, allowing the RFID reader to determine the feature set without accessing a look-up table, thereby eliminating the need for updates, especially by utilizing the unique ID and tag identifier for encoding essential features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the RFID reader uses a look-up table to store feature sets of RFID transponder devices, then the system can recognize and communicate with different transponder types, but the look-up table requires frequent updates when new transponder devices are introduced, which is labor-intensive and logistically challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to recognize different transponder typesVSAvoidlogistical complexity of updating look-up tables
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID transponder device autonomously transmits its own feature set information in its response signal to the RFID reader. This self-identification mechanism eliminates the need for the reader to maintain and update look-up tables, as each transponder provides its own characteristics directly during communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transponder sends feedback information about its feature set directly in its response to the reader's query. This feedback mechanism allows the reader to automatically adapt to different transponder types without requiring pre-programmed look-up tables or manual updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the RFID reader maintains a comprehensive look-up table for all possible transponder feature sets, then the system can support a wide range of transponder devices, but the table becomes large and difficult to manage and update

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of supported transponder devicesVSAvoidsize of look-up table
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the reader storing all possible transponder feature sets in a large look-up table, each transponder provides its own feature set information autonomously when queried. This eliminates the need for the reader to maintain a comprehensive database, reducing the quantity of data the reader must process and store.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The feature set information is segmented and provided individually by each transponder in its response, rather than being stored as a complete reference table in the reader. This segmentation approach allows the reader to handle only the necessary information for each specific transponder interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If new RFID transponder devices are introduced with different feature sets, then the system can enhance functionality, but the existing reader systems require updates to accommodate the new features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality enhancementVSAvoidtime required for reader updates
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

New transponder devices automatically provide their own feature set information in their response signals, enabling existing readers to recognize and communicate with them without requiring reader software or hardware updates. This self-identification capability eliminates the time loss associated with system updates when new devices are introduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system transitions from a static look-up table approach to a dynamic interaction where transponders actively provide their feature sets on-demand. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to new transponder types in real-time without requiring pre-programmed support or manual configuration updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances flexibility and reduces the logistical burden of updating look-up tables, enabling seamless integration of new RFID transponder devices into existing systems without requiring prior updates, facilitating faster market introduction and improved communication efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic flux passing through the antenna coil will produce eddy currents in the metal, and these will produce an opposite H-field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

A ferrite foil in-between transponder loop antenna and metal case will allow a part of the magnetic flux to pass through the foil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2337313B1Intelligent RFID tag identifier
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 NXP BV
  • EP2337313B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2337313B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2337313B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to an RFID transponder device (1) configured for responding to a request of an RFID reader device (RW), by sending a response (UID) comprising information (FB) for encoding a feature set (FTRS) of the RFID transponder device (1). The invention further relates to an RFID reader device (RW) and to an RFID system comprising such RFID transponder device (1) and such RFID reader device (RW). The invention also relates to various methods. The invention provides an RFID system, which is more flexible towards introducing new RFID transponder devices (1) that are newly introduced to the market. The invention enables the introduction of such new devices using a sub-set of a prior defined feature set without requiring updating of the look-up tables of the RFID reader devices that are already on the market. This is achieved by directly encoding the feature set of the RFID transponder device (1) in the response, such as in a unique identifier (UID) of the device.