Switchable Coil RFID Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RFID systems face challenges in reducing the cost and size of RFID transponder circuits due to large and bulky antennas, and require high power consumption for secure communications, which is impractical for implementation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a switchable coil to detect and communicate with RFID tags in the UHF frequency band, allowing for the selection of different inductor coils to increase the probability of detection and enabling near field communication, thereby reducing the size and power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional antennas are used in RFID systems, then reliable communication can be achieved, but the size and cost of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidantenna size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the detection area into multiple zones by using multiple inductor coils arranged in a matrix pattern. Each coil acts as an independent detection element, allowing the system to segment the large detection area into smaller manageable units while maintaining reliable communication through coordinated operation of multiple segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from using a single large antenna to multiple smaller coils arranged in two-dimensional matrix pattern. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to achieve extensive detection coverage without requiring each individual coil to be large, thus reducing overall system volume while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If high power consumption is used for secure communications, then communication security is improved, but the practicality for RFID implementation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic switching of inductor coils in a systematic sequence to scan different detection zones. This periodic action allows the system to achieve secure communication through coordinated coil activation patterns while minimizing continuous power consumption by activating only the necessary coils at any given time rather than maintaining all coils active simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If multiple inductor coils are used to increase detection area, then the probability of detection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection probabilityVSAvoidcoil configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control mechanism that manages multiple inductor coils through a systematic scanning sequence. The same control logic and switching mechanism can be applied to any number of coils in the matrix, providing multi-functionality that reduces the actual complexity increase despite having multiple detection elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes a systematic scanning sequence that determines the order in which inductor coils are activated. This preliminary action plan allows the controller to manage multiple coils in a structured manner, reducing the operational complexity by having a predetermined protocol rather than requiring real-time complex decision-making for coil selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The system effectively locates and communicates with RFID tags over a larger area with reduced power consumption and smaller form factor, enhancing the probability of detection and improving communication efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a magnitude and direction of an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

transmitting a signal, having a transmitter frequency in a UHF frequency band, via the selected inductor coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8165552B2Method and system for identifying radio frequency identification (RFID) tag location using a switchable coil
Publication Date: 2012.04.24 NXP USA INC

AI summary

Aspects of a method and system for identifying a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag location using a switchable coil are presented. Aspects of the systems may include one or more processors that enable selection of an inductor coil from a plurality of inductor coils. The selection of the inductor coil may be based on a change in an electromagnetic field, with respect to an initial electromagnetic field, as detected by the selected inductor coil. The processors may enable transmission of a signal, having a transmitter frequency in the UHF frequency band, via the selected inductor coil.