Wireless Tag Communication Device Polarization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in determining the appropriate polarization direction for radio waves to communicate effectively with wireless tags on sheets, as the orientation of the wireless tags can vary, requiring additional devices for detection.

Innovation Solution

A wireless tag communication device that includes a controller to acquire light reception information, compare it to reference information, and determine the orientation of the wireless tag, thereby controlling the polarization direction of radio waves transmitted to ensure effective communication without external detection devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an additional device is utilized for detecting the polarization direction, then the wireless tag communication device can write information to the wireless tag with the correct polarization direction, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image forming apparatus performs self-detection of the wireless tag's antenna orientation using its own existing photoelectric conversion device. The apparatus detects light blocking caused by the tag during sheet conveyance to determine the polarization direction, eliminating the need for separate detection devices while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The photoelectric conversion device, originally designed for image formation, is repurposed to detect the wireless tag's antenna orientation. This multi-functional use of existing hardware avoids adding dedicated detection equipment while enabling accurate polarization direction determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If light reception information is acquired and compared to reference information to determine wireless tag orientation, then accurate polarization direction can be determined without additional devices, but the measurement precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system acquires light reception information during sheet conveyance, compares it against reference information, and uses this feedback to determine the wireless tag's antenna orientation. This feedback mechanism enables accurate polarization direction identification through signal processing rather than requiring additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Reference information is pre-established for comparing against actual light reception data. This preliminary preparation of reference patterns enables the system to accurately determine tag orientation by matching detected signals against known patterns, reducing the need for complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables accurate determination of the wireless tag's orientation and polarization direction, allowing for efficient communication without additional detection devices, supporting both orthogonal and parallel orientations, and accommodating various tag sizes.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric conversion device 602 that receives the light and outputs a signal in accordance with the received light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The controller 210 is further configured to determine a polarization direction of a radio wave to be transmitted to the wireless tag based on the determined orientation direction of the wireless tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission with polarization: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11334305B1Wireless tag communication device, image forming apparatus, and control method

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 TOSHIBA TEC KK

AI summary

A wireless tag communication device includes a communication interface device configured to communicate with a wireless tag attached to or included in a sheet conveyed along a conveyance direction in a printer, and a controller configured to acquire light reception information indicating a time period in which light emitted towards the sheet has been blocked by the wireless tag during conveyance of the sheet, compare the acquired light reception information to reference information and determine a direction of the wireless tag with respect to the conveyance direction, determine a polarization direction of a radio wave to be transmitted to the wireless tag based on the determined orientation direction of the wireless tag, and control the communication interface device to transmit to the wireless tag the radio wave having the determined polarization direction.