Wireless tag reading device and wireless tag information processing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless tag reading devices in open spaces often incorrectly read radio signals from nearby tags, leading to erroneous registration of commodities not intended for purchase, as they lack effective means to distinguish between target and non-target tags.
Innovation Solution
A wireless tag reading checkout apparatus with an antenna and radio wave reflector under the conveyor, calculating phase differences between interrogation and response waves to identify whether the tag is on the conveyed object, using reference data to determine if the tag is being conveyed, and prompting user confirmation for uncertain cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the wireless tag reading device operates in an open space without enclosure, then the reading coverage is improved, but the reliability of tag identification deteriorates due to receiving signals from non-target tags
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors phase difference between transmission and response waves, using this feedback to dynamically determine whether a tag is on a conveyed object. The controller adjusts identification decisions based on real-time phase difference data, improving reliability while maintaining open-space operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter used for tag identification from simple signal presence detection to phase difference analysis. By measuring and analyzing phase difference variations over time, the system can distinguish target tags on conveyed objects from non-target tags in the open space, resolving the contradiction between coverage and accuracy
2Ease of manufacture
If the antenna device structure is simplified without a tunnel-like cover, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to distinguish target from non-target tags deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical enclosure structure (tunnel-like cover) with a signal-based identification method. Instead of using physical structures to isolate and identify tags, the system uses phase difference analysis of radio waves to determine tag position, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The phase difference measurement acts as an intermediary between the simplified antenna structure and the tag identification function. This intermediary parameter enables the simplified structure to achieve precise tag position determination without requiring complex mechanical enclosures
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
Effectively differentiates between target and non-target wireless tags, reducing erroneous registrations and ensuring accurate checkout processing by using phase difference analysis and user confirmation for ambiguous cases.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna arranged along a portion of the conveyor is configured to transmit an interrogation wave for reading wireless tags and receive a response wave from the wireless tags
Implementation Method 2
a radio wave reflector is under the antenna so as to partially cover a lower surface of the antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
In an embodiment, a wireless tag reading checkout apparatus checkout apparatus includes a conveyor to convey objects with wireless tags attached thereto. An antenna is arranged along a portion of the conveyor and is configured to transmit an interrogation wave for reading wireless tags and then to receive a response wave from the wireless tags. A controller calculates changes in a phase difference between the interrogation wave and a response wave from a wireless tag over a time period corresponding to the conveyance of an object by the conveyor. The controller can identify whether the wireless tag responding to the interrogation wave is on an object being conveyed by the conveyor by using the calculated changes in the phase difference.