Multi-Region Tag Antenna Layout for Polarization Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in communicating with wireless tags due to differences in frequency bands and polarization planes, limiting their compatibility with various types of wireless tags used across different countries and regions.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus equipped with a wireless tag communication device featuring an antenna with multiple radiation regions and a controller that emits polarized radio waves, allowing for communication with a wide variety of wireless tags by adjusting the radiation regions' lengths and overlaps to match the polarization planes of the tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna radiates radio waves in a particular frequency band and polarization plane, then communication with wireless tags of that specific type is achieved, but compatibility with wireless tags of different frequency bands and polarization planes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple radiation regions (first, second, third, and fourth radiation regions) with different orientations and dimensions. Each radiation region is designed to radiate radio waves in specific polarization planes, allowing the antenna to communicate with wireless tags of different types by selectively activating appropriate regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating radiation regions that can radiate radio waves in different polarization planes (first and second directions perpendicular to each other). This multi-functional antenna can communicate with various types of wireless tags without requiring separate antennas for each tag type.
2Device complexity
If the antenna structure is simplified to a single radiation region, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to communicate with diverse wireless tag types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radiation regions with different polarization capabilities are merged into a single integrated antenna structure. The first and second radiation regions extend in a first direction, while the third and fourth radiation regions extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, creating a unified antenna that combines multiple radiation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure incorporates radiation regions extending in multiple dimensions and orientations. The first radiation region has a first length in the first direction, the second radiation region has a second length different from the first, the third radiation region has a third length in the second direction, and the fourth radiation region has a fourth length different from the third, creating a multi-dimensional radiation structure.
3Device complexity
If radiation regions are made non-overlapping to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but radiation coverage and communication reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different radiation regions are designed with specific local characteristics - each region has optimized dimensions and orientations for particular polarization planes. The first and second radiation regions are configured for one polarization plane while the third and fourth radiation regions are configured for another polarization plane, allowing selective activation based on tag type.
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 solution enhances the compatibility of the image forming apparatus with diverse wireless tags, reducing the likelihood of communication errors and ensuring effective information exchange regardless of tag type or location.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna with a plurality of radiation regions from which a polarized radio wave is emitted
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless tag communication device for communicating with a wireless tag conveyed by a conveyance mechanism, includes radiation regions from which a radio wave is emitted. The radiation regions include a first region extending along a first direction crossing a conveyance direction of the tag and having a first length in the first direction, a second region extending along the first direction and having a second length in the first direction, a third region extending along the conveyance direction and having a third length in the conveyance direction, and a fourth region extending along the conveyance direction and having a fourth length in the conveyance direction. The device further includes a controller configured to cause at least one of the first, second, third and, fourth regions to emit a polarized wave towards the tag. Each of the first and second regions partially overlaps the third and fourth regions.