Software-Enabled RFID Decoding on Consumer Devices Without Added Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional consumer-based devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, are unable to intercept and decode radio frequency (RF) signals from RFID tags, necessitating expensive or complex hardware for obtaining product-specific data, which limits their utility in applications like inventory management and brand authentication.
Innovation Solution
Modifying consumer devices with software controllers to intercept and decode RF signals from RFID tags, using existing hardware components to receive and process data without additional complex equipment, enabling the devices to associate product data with known information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional consumer devices are used without modification, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to intercept and decode RFID signals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables conventional consumer devices to perform multiple functions by adding software capability to intercept and decode RFID signals. The existing hardware components (antenna, receiver, processor) are made multi-functional by configuring them through software to handle RFID communications in addition to their original purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated RFID reading hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumer device serves itself by using its own existing hardware resources (antenna, receiver, processing capabilities) to intercept and decode RFID signals. The device leverages its inherent capabilities rather than requiring external specialized equipment, making the RFID interception function self-contained within the conventional device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized RFID reading hardware is added to consumer devices, then the ability to read RFID tags is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes existing hardware components multi-functional by configuring them through software to handle RFID communications. The antenna, receiver, and processor that already exist in consumer devices are repurposed to intercept and decode RFID signals, eliminating the need for additional specialized hardware components and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing hardware architecture of conventional consumer devices as a template for RFID interception. Rather than creating entirely new specialized hardware, the invention copies and adapts the existing receiver and processing pathways to handle RFID signals, reducing development and manufacturing expenses.
3Ease of operation
If QR code scanning is used to obtain product information, then device simplicity is maintained, but the direct product data retrieval capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical process of QR code scanning with electronic RFID signal interception. Instead of using a camera to capture and process visual QR code patterns, the device uses its receiver to electronically intercept RFID signals and extract product data directly, eliminating the intermediate steps of image capture, decoding, and web redirection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces software as an intermediary layer that enables the existing hardware to perform RFID signal interception and decoding. This software mediator translates RFID radio frequency signals into usable product information, bridging the gap between the physical RFID tag and the consumer device's data processing capabilities without requiring hardware modification.
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 consumer devices to obtain product-specific data from RFID tags without requiring expensive hardware, facilitating applications like inventory management, brand authentication, and theft prevention through efficient data interception and decoding.
Implementation Method 1
intercept a radio frequency (RF) signal from an RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
Consumer-used or consumer-based device that in their native or conventional state or configuration are not able to intercept and decipher/decode radio frequency (RF) signals, but upon modification as described herein can intercept an RF signal from one or more excited/interrogated RFID tags, systems containing the same, and methods of use thereof, are described herein. In some embodiments, the device is modified to include a software controller that limits the functionality of the antenna to receive only and modulates and defines the intercepted RF signal generated by an interrogated RFID tag or label. In some embodiments, the software controller modulates the filtering of the receiver to collect the targeted frequency and for data communication.