Systems and methods for RFID-enabled dispenser
Inventors
Fink, Patrick W. • Lin, Gregory Y. • Kennedy, Timothy F. • Ngo, Phong H. • Byerly, Diane
Assignees
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Publication Number
US-9031689-B1
Publication Date
2015-05-12
Expiration Date
2033-03-08
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Abstract
Methods, apparatuses and systems for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection are disclosed, including an enclosure, a collector coupled to the enclosure, an interrogator, a processor, and one or more RFID field sensors, each having an individual identification, disposed within the enclosure. In operation, the interrogator transmits an incident signal to the collector, causing the collector to generate an electromagnetic field within the enclosure. The electromagnetic field is affected by one or more influences. RFID sensors respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting reflected signals containing the individual identifications of the responding RFID sensors to the interrogator. The interrogator receives the reflected signals, measures one or more returned signal strength indications (“RSSI”) of the reflected signals and sends the RSSI measurements and identification of the responding RFID sensors to the processor to determine one or more facts about the influences. Other embodiments are also described.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection, monitoring, and management. Specifically, the invention provides RFID-enabled dispensers and other related devices that incorporate an enclosure, a collector coupled to the enclosure, one or more RFID field sensors each with individual identifications distributed within the enclosure, an interrogator to transmit incident signals and receive responses, and a processor to analyze RFID sensor responses affected by various influences within the enclosure.
The disclosed systems function by generating an electromagnetic field inside an enclosure using a collector stimulated by incident signals from an interrogator. This electromagnetic field is influenced by conditions such as the presence and amount of fill materials or mechanical positions within dispensers. The embedded RFID sensors respond by transmitting reflected signals containing their identification; the interrogator measures signal strength indications (RSSI) of these reflected signals and sends this data to a processor, which deduces characteristics about the influences affecting the electromagnetic field.
The problem addressed by the invention includes the difficulty in tracking inventory of small items like pills or grains, where individual RFID tagging is impractical due to size, cost, or safety concerns. Additionally, accurately determining quantity, position, pressure, or presence of items or materials within an enclosure poses challenges. The invention aims to provide fine resolution RFID monitoring without the need for individual item tags, leveraging the effects of influences on electromagnetic fields to infer item counts, positions, or other relevant data in applications such as dispensers and pressure-sensitive devices.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims covering systems and dispensers with RFID-enabled components and methods for determining item quantities and positions using RFID sensor data influenced by electromagnetic fields. The inventive features focus on structural configurations of waveguides, holders, antenna cells, RFID sensors, and processor functionalities.
RFID-enabled dispenser system with waveguide and field sensors
A dispenser system comprising multiple conductive layers forming a waveguide, a dispensing container within the waveguide with openings for dispensing items, a plunger to move items, and a traveler movable by a forcing element. The system includes a collector coupled to the waveguide, one or more RFID field sensors spaced axially within the waveguide, and an interrogator to transmit incident signals and receive reflected signals with RSSI measurements and sensor identifications. A processor uses this data to determine influences affecting the electromagnetic field, such as item number or traveler position.
RFID-enabled dispenser with multiple antenna cells and dielectric traveler
A dispenser having multiple antenna cells with RFID field sensors each having unique identifications arranged as two sets of antenna patterns. A traveler with a dielectric body moves inside the dispenser under force from a forcing element, enabling one of the RFID sensors to respond to incident signals. An interrogator measures RSSI of the responding sensor's signals and forwards data to a processor to determine the traveler's position.
RFID-enabled dispenser method for measuring item amounts based on traveler position
A method involving placing a dispenser with a traveler containing a dielectric body into a holder with multiple antenna cells having RFID sensors. An interrogator transmits an incident signal causing the antenna cells to generate an electromagnetic field affected by item quantity. Based on traveler position within an antenna cell, a single RFID sensor responds. The method includes receiving and measuring reflected signals' RSSI by the interrogator, sending this data and identifications to a processor, and analyzing them to determine item quantities or influences.
RFID-enabled dispenser apparatus with elongated holder and resonant antenna cells
An apparatus with an elongated holder comprising multiple antenna cells each containing an RFID circuit with unique identification, tuned for resonance at operating frequencies. A dispensing container within the holder includes a traveler with a dielectric body that activates the proximate antenna cell RFID circuit. The activated circuit sends responses to an interrogator, including RSSI data and identification, which a processor uses to determine traveler's position and items remaining.
The independent claims cover systems and methods for RFID-enabled dispensers and information collection, emphasizing the use of waveguides or antenna cells with RFID sensors, the role of a movable traveler with dielectric or conductive properties affecting electromagnetic fields, and the use of signal strength and identification data processed to determine item quantities, traveler positions, and other influences affecting the system.
Stated Advantages
Provides moderate to very fine resolution RFID tracking for small items where individual tagging is impractical or undesirable.
Enables remote, battery-free monitoring and management of quantities and positions of items within dispensers using RFID.
Offers the capability to distinguish different types of fill materials and their levels based on electromagnetic field influences sensed by RFID sensors.
Improves accuracy in monitoring fill levels and dispenser status through analysis of returned signal strength indications from RFID sensors.
Allows integration of RFID sensors into various forms including waveguides, holders with antenna cells, and pressure sensing gloves, enabling diverse applications.
Documented Applications
Monitoring and managing inventory of small items, such as pills or grains, particularly when individual tagging is impractical.
Level detection of materials filling a volume inside enclosures or dispensers.
Distributed pressure sensing, including pressure sensing gloves for robotic or human use.
RFID-enabled dispensers for counting and managing dispensing of items, including pill dispensers.
Pressure sensitive keypads that activate RFID tags upon depression to send signals for identification.
Switch devices utilizing RFID ring sensors to signal positional or status changes, such as door open/closed detection.
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