RFID Wand Control Device for Home Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT technologies lack efficient methods for controlling environmental aspects using short-range communication signals, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and near-field communication (NFC), which limits their integration into user-friendly home automation systems.
Innovation Solution
A universal receiver system that utilizes short-range communication signals, including RFID and NFC, to control devices in a user's environment by communicating with a master control device, such as an elongated magic wand, which includes a passive transponder and a control circuit, allowing for pre-programmed actions to be performed based on received signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RFID and NFC technology are implemented in IoT systems, then device control capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal receiver that can handle multiple short-range communication protocols (RFID, NFC, Bluetooth) through a single device interface. This allows the system to control various devices using different communication standards without requiring separate control devices for each protocol, thereby improving adaptability while managing system complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal receiver acts as an intermediary device between the master control device and the target devices. It receives signals from the master control device, interprets them, and executes the appropriate actions on connected devices. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the communication handling logic.
2Ease of operation
If a universal receiver is used to control multiple devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal receiver is designed to control multiple types of devices (lights, locks, appliances) through a single interface. Users can operate various devices using one unified control mechanism rather than multiple separate controls, significantly improving ease of operation while the internal complexity is managed through standardized processing protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-programmed actions and lookup tables that define device behaviors in advance. When a user activates a control signal, the universal receiver references pre-configured action sets associated with specific device identifiers, executing the appropriate control sequence without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic during operation.
3Productivity
If short-range communication signals are used for device control, then productivity is improved, but reliability may worsen due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The universal receiver incorporates feedback mechanisms to verify successful signal reception and device response. The system monitors communication outcomes and can request retransmission or alternative communication methods if signal reliability is compromised, thereby maintaining productivity while mitigating interference issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can dynamically adjust communication parameters such as signal frequency, power level, and modulation scheme based on detected interference conditions. By changing these parameters in response to environmental conditions, the system maintains reliable communication for device control while preserving operational efficiency.
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 seamless control of devices using a user-friendly wand-like interface, enhancing home automation by allowing users to control various aspects of their environment through short-range communication, including device activation, data transmission, and monetary transactions, such as dispensing drinks, with efficient data management and billing.
Implementation Method 1
The transponder may be located within the master control device, for example as part of a control circuit. The UWR may transmit and/or receive data via a compatible microchip reader of the same frequency and protocol as the signals being transmitted from the master control device.
Data Source
AI summary
A master control device in the configuration of a wand may control pre-programmed aspects of the user's environment using RFID/NFC tags and RFID/NFC readers to initiate pre-programmed behavior in a computer database. This pre-programmed behavior be the control of items that rely on electricity and/or gas, such as lights, electric fireplaces, electric valves, activating the listening feature on a home assistant, accruing a balance, paying for items with a topped-up balance, and locking and unlocking doors. This master control device can be used in the connected home or business, such as a pub, restaurant, hotel, or immersive experience.