Transparent Support Element RFID Antenna Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing document detection devices face a reduction in communication quality and data rate due to the increased distance between RFID readers and transponders when the RFID reading device is placed outside a transparent support element, leading to reduced electromagnetic coupling.

Innovation Solution

Integrating at least part of the RFID reading device, particularly an antenna, into or on the transparent support element to enhance electromagnetic coupling between the reading device and the transponder device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the RFID reading device is placed outside the transparent support element, then the optical image capture is not interfered with, but the communication quality and data rate are reduced due to increased distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidoptical image capture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RFID reading device with the transparent support element by integrating the antenna into the support element itself. This combination allows the RFID reading function to be performed at optimal distance from the transponder while the transparent material ensures that optical image capture is not interfered with, thus resolving the contradiction between communication quality and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If the RFID reading device is integrated into the transparent support element, then electromagnetic coupling is enhanced, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure where the transparent support element serves both as the physical support for documents and as the housing for the RFID antenna. This merging eliminates the need for separate RFID reading devices and reduces overall device complexity while enhancing electromagnetic coupling for faster data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent support element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for documents, allows optical image capture through its transparency, and houses the RFID antenna for wireless communication. This multi-functionality increases productivity by enabling simultaneous document imaging and RFID reading while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

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

3Reliability

If the antenna is made opaque to improve RFID signal reception, then communication quality improves, but optical image capture through the support element is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic couplingVSAvoidoptical transparency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the antenna from opaque to transparent by using transparent conductive materials or transparent encapsulants. This parameter change allows the antenna to maintain its electromagnetic coupling capabilities for RFID communication while simultaneously allowing optical light to pass through for image capture, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and illumination intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This integration improves communication quality and data rate, enabling faster writing and reading processes while minimizing the impact on optical image capture.

Implementation Method 1

the RFID reading device is placed outside the transparent support element, leading to reduced electromagnetic coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3005674B1Method and device for scanning document
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3005674B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a document acquisition apparatus and method, the apparatus (1) comprising at least one support element, said support element having a support surface (4) for supporting a document (5) to be acquired, and the support element being made of a transparent material. The apparatus (1) comprises at least one receiving unit (7a, 7b, 7c) for receiving RFID signals of a transponder unit (6) arranged on the document side, and at least part of the receiving unit (7a, 7b, 7c) is arranged in or on the support element.