Transponder Reader Time Slot Reorganization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reader/transponder systems face inefficiencies in data collection due to data collisions when multiple transponders within a radio range send data simultaneously, leading to prolonged reading procedures and wasted time in identifying all transponders.
Innovation Solution
A method where the reader device and transponders independently reorganize time slots based on observed seizure patterns, adjusting the number of time slots without explicit communication, ensuring only non-transmitting or incorrectly received transponders participate in reorganization to minimize data collisions and empty slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transponders transmit data simultaneously in the same time slot, then the reading process can be faster, but data collisions occur causing transmission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The reading process is divided into multiple time slots, with each transponder assigned to a specific time slot for data transmission. This segmentation prevents simultaneous transmissions and eliminates data collisions while maintaining efficient parallel processing capability across different time slots.
Solution Approach 2:
Data transmission occurs in periodic time slots rather than continuously. Each transponder transmits data in its assigned periodic time slot, creating a structured rhythm that prevents collisions while allowing multiple transponders to be read efficiently over the complete periodic cycle.
2Reliability
If the number of time slots is increased to avoid data collisions, then transmission reliability improves, but the reading process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of time slots based on the actual number of transponders detected in the reading area. When few transponders are present, fewer time slots are used to maintain speed. When many transponders are detected, more time slots are allocated to prevent collisions, optimizing the balance between reliability and productivity in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of time slot quantity adaptively based on transponder density. The reader determines the optimal number of time slots as a parameter and adjusts it dynamically, allowing the system to maintain high reading speeds when transponder density is low while ensuring reliable collision-free transmission when density is high.
3Reliability
If empty time slots are used to prevent data collisions, then transmission reliability improves, but time is wasted reducing reading efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of time slots based on actual transponder presence. When the number of active transponders is low, fewer time slots are allocated, eliminating empty slots and wasting time. When transponder density increases, the system expands to use more time slots, ensuring that time resources are fully utilized without creating unnecessary empty slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by detecting the number of transponders in the reading area and automatically determining the optimal time slot configuration. This self-service capability allows the system to optimize its own time slot allocation, preventing both data collisions and unnecessary empty time slots, thereby maximizing reading efficiency.
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 approach significantly reduces the processing time of inventory procedures by optimizing time slot usage, avoiding multiple transmissions and data collisions, thus shortening the overall reading process.
Implementation Method 1
Reader devices are needed for all these systems (except for NFC, as the devices may also act as readers), which are to communicate with transponders within the radio range. Therefore, a reader device sends out radio signals, which may comprise commands or data and which can be received by a transponder.
Implementation Method 2
A passive transponder uses the energy of the electromagnetic field to power itself, whereas an active transponder has its own power source, e.g. a battery.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
A method of reading data (DAT1..DAT4) from transponders (T1..T4) by means of a reader device (RD) during a number (N) of time slots (TS) is disclosed, wherein the seizure of said time slots (TS) by the transponders (T1..T4) is observed in both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 ..T4). A reorganization (REORG) is performed in dependence on said seizure, wherein both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (Tl ..T4) choose a new number (N) of time slots (TS). In addition, the transponders (T1..T4) select one of the new time slots (TS) in which to send data (DAT1..DAT4) back to the reader device (RD) so as to adapt the system's capacity to the real demands. Preferably, said reorganization (REORG) takes place without communication between the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 ..T4). The invention further relates to a transponder (T1..T4) and to a reader device (RD) for implementing the inventive method.