Smart Label Encoding Activation for Automatic Identifier Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional process of activating radio transmitting labels is time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring manual intervention and battery-powered devices with limited lifespans, and lacks efficient energy management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for activating radio-enabled labels using sensors, light impulses, and contact operations to detect and assign identifiers, activate power sources, and manage communication protocols, including RFID, Bluetooth, and cellular technologies, to optimize energy usage and reduce manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual activation and identification assignment is used for radio enabled labels, then the activation process can be controlled and verified, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating identifier lists and preparing activation data before the label activation process. The identifier assignment is prepared in advance and automatically transmitted to the label during activation, eliminating the need for manual identifier assignment and significantly reducing the time required for the activation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio enabled label automatically receives and processes activation signals and identifier assignments without requiring manual intervention. The system enables self-service activation where the label is activated and configured automatically through wireless communication, eliminating the need for operators to manually wave readers or assign identifiers, thereby increasing productivity while reducing time loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery-powered radio transmitters are used in smart labels, then wireless communication is enabled, but the battery life cycle is limited and charging is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by activating the radio transmitter only when needed for communication events rather than keeping it continuously active. The label enters low-power states between transmissions, and the identifier transmission is triggered periodically or event-driven based on location changes or detection events, thereby extending battery life while maintaining wireless communication capability.
3Extent of automation
If radio readers continuously monitor and detect labels, then automatic detection and logging is achieved, but large amounts of time and devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the detection and identification assignment functions from complex centralized radio reader systems and distributes them to individual radio enabled labels. Each label independently stores its identifier and can be detected by simple readers, eliminating the need for multiple complex readers and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic detection capability.
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 efficient, automated activation and communication of smart labels with reduced energy consumption and resource requirements, enhancing tracking efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a change in a light impulse via a light sensor embedded in a radio enabled label, activating a power source embedded in the radio enabled label
Data Source
AI summary
One example may include detecting a radio enabled label is within a range of a sensor as the radio enabled label moves through an area, identifying an identifier to assign to the radio enabled label, transmitting a radio signal with the identifier to the radio enabled label to activate the radio enabled label, and determining via a microcontroller embedded in the radio enabled label whether to store the identifier when the identifier has new information compared to an existing identifier stored in a memory embedded in the radio enabled label.