Variable Frequency Tag Signal Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tags face challenges such as contention issues when multiple tags respond simultaneously, limited operating range due to radiation-powered designs, and short tag lifetime when reliant on local power sources.
Innovation Solution
A variable frequency tag that adjusts its signature code output rate based on the magnitude of received radiation, using a piezo-electric transformer to enhance power supply and include potential difference limiting to prevent damage, allowing for extended range and reduced power consumption, and employing digital dividing means to synchronize with interrogating devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If tags are powered by local power sources (e.g., button cells), then tag lifetime is extended, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to incorporating power sources into tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power source from the tag structure entirely, extracting the power supply function from the tag device. Tags are powered externally by radiation from interrogating devices, eliminating the need for local power sources and simplifying tag construction while maintaining extended operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interrogating device serves multiple functions: it both interrogates the tags and provides power to them through radiation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power sources in tags, reducing device complexity while ensuring continuous operation.
2Device complexity
If tags are powered by radiation received thereat, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but operating range is limited to a few metres
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic frequency adjustment where tags change their response frequency based on the strength of received radiation. This dynamic adaptation allows tags to maintain effective communication at varying distances, extending the practical operating range beyond static frequency systems while keeping the radiation-powered simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of tag responses based on received signal strength. By adjusting frequency dynamically according to radiation intensity, the system compensates for distance-related signal attenuation, effectively extending operating range without adding local power sources.
3Productivity
If multiple tags respond simultaneously to interrogation, then productivity increases through parallel processing, but contention problems arise making signal detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Tags dynamically adjust their response frequency based on the radiation field strength and detected signals from other tags. This dynamic frequency modulation allows multiple tags to coexist in the same interrogation zone by operating at different frequencies, enabling parallel processing while avoiding contention through frequency diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a frequency dimension to tag responses, allowing multiple tags to be distinguished not just by time or code but by their operating frequency. This dimensional addition enables simultaneous interrogation of multiple tags without signal interference, resolving contention while maintaining high throughput.
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 effectively resolves contention issues, extends the operating range of radiation-powered tags, and increases tag lifetime by optimizing power usage, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the tagging system.
Implementation Method 1
the supplying means includes a transformer for enhancing the potential difference applied to the clocking means and the processing means. It is especially preferable that the transformer is a piezo-electric transformer because such a transformer can be made compact and can provide a suitable impedance at its connection ports for operating the tag
Implementation Method 2
interfacing means for receiving interrogating radiation at the tag and generating a corresponding received signal
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly is operative for receiving interrogating radiation at a variable frequency tag and generating a corresponding received signal, and for receiving a signature signal and radiating corresponding response radiation. A logic unit is operative for receiving the received signal and outputting the signature signal in response, the signature signal including a signature code for use in identifying the tag. A voltage controlled oscillator is operative for controlling a rate at which the signature code is output; and a power supply is operative for providing an electrical potential difference for energizing the tag. The voltage controlled oscillator is operable to output the signature code at a rate which is governed by the magnitude of the received signal.