Tunable Retro-Reflector Tag for High SNR Data Readout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
RF antennas used in sensor nodes or tags face challenges with small footprints and low signal-to-noise ratios, making it difficult to efficiently reflect signals back to the reader without interference from background laser light.
Innovation Solution
A data readout device with a reflective base and sidewalls, actuated to modify its position to reflect incoming radiation either towards or away from the reader, enhancing signal-to-noise ratios and accommodating a wide range of angles for efficient data readout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If RF antennas are used in sensor nodes with small footprints, then the tag size can be reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of a laser source and optical detector to mediate the communication between the reader and the tag. Instead of using RF antennas that suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios in small footprints, the system uses optical signals that can be efficiently reflected by micro-mirrors on the tag, enabling reliable data transmission from small tags without the interference problems associated with RF background noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic RF antenna system with an optical reflection system. The tag uses micro-mirrors (mechanical/optical elements) to reflect laser beams back to the reader, substituting the RF electromagnetic field-based communication with optical beam-based communication. This substitution enables small footprint tags to achieve high signal-to-noise ratios through precise optical reflection control.
2Ease of operation
If RF signals are used for data transmission, then wireless communication can be achieved, but background laser light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential interference from background laser light into a beneficial signaling mechanism. By using the presence or absence of reflected laser light (rather than RF signals) to encode data, the system turns what could be interference into the primary information carrier. The micro-mirrors on the tag modulate the reflected laser light to represent binary data, effectively using optical reflection to achieve wireless communication without RF interference problems.
3Area of moving object
If micro-mirrors are used on small tags, then data reflection can be achieved, but the mirror size becomes too small for efficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the limitation of small mirror sizes by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar reflection problem to a three-dimensional angular control problem. Instead of relying on large mirror area for efficient reflection, the system uses precisely controlled micro-mirrors that can tilt and rotate to direct reflected laser beams at specific angles. This angular control in the third dimension compensates for the limited mirror area, enabling efficient optical communication from small tags.
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 improves signal-to-noise ratios and allows for efficient data readout over a large range of angles, enabling reliable operation even with small tags and reducing noise interference, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of sensor nodes.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation system is configured to modify relative positioning of one of the reflective base and the reflective sidewalls to either reflect incoming radiation back toward an origin thereof
Implementation Method 2
The actuation system is configured to modify relative positioning of one of the reflective base and the reflective sidewalls to assume first and second relative positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A data readout device is provided and includes a reflective base, reflective sidewalls disposed about the reflective base and an actuation system. The actuation system is configured to modify relative positioning of one of the reflective base and the reflective sidewalls to either reflect incoming radiation back toward an origin thereof or to reflect the incoming radiation away from the origin thereof.