Systems and methods for RFID-enabled pressure sensing apparatus
Inventors
Fink, Patrick W. • Lin, Gregory Y. • Kennedy, Timothy F. • Ngo, Phong H.
Assignees
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Publication Number
US-9785877-B1
Publication Date
2017-10-10
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
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection are disclosed. These include an enclosure, a collector coupled to the enclosure, an interrogator, a processor, and one or more RFID field sensors, each with an individual identification, disposed within the enclosure. The interrogator transmits an incident signal to the collector, causing the collector to generate an electromagnetic field within the enclosure, which is influenced by one or more environmental factors. The RFID sensors respond by transmitting reflected signals containing their identifications to the interrogator, which measures signal strength indications and sends this data to the processor for analysis to determine facts about the influences.
The invention applies RFID technology to scenarios such as inventory monitoring and management, including for small items where individual RFID tags are impractical to attach, level detection of materials filling a volume, and distributed pressure sensing. RFID-enabled dispensers are disclosed that track such items by sensing changes in electromagnetic fields within waveguides or cavities formed by the dispensers, influenced by the presence or position of items or related components.
The problem addressed is the difficulty in tracking and monitoring small or numerous items, such as pills or grains, for which individual RFID tagging is impractical or impossible. Existing RFID systems may not provide resolution or sensing capability regarding item quantities, position, or pressure-related conditions. Also, there is a need to detect levels or quantities of materials inside enclosures and to sense pressure or applied forces remotely and wirelessly. This invention solves problems of sensing and identifying material presence, quantities, positions, and pressure effects within enclosures without requiring individual tags on each small item.
Claims Coverage
The patent discloses two independent claims directed to radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled pressure sensing apparatus. The main inventive features include the structural composition of the apparatus and the configuration enabling RFID-based pressure sensing.
RFID pressure sensing apparatus configuration
An apparatus comprising multiple RFID tags each attached to a near field loop positioned on ring elements. The ring elements are mounted on foam pads attached to a compressible and operatively insulating substrate. The apparatus includes a collector comprising a microstrip patch antenna on the substrate's distal side connected via microstrip lines to the ring elements, the lines each terminating in load elements near the end of each extension to prevent standing wave patterns.
Glove-based RFID pressure sensing apparatus
A glove having a palm side and a back side with digits, including multiple ring elements mounted on foam pads attached to the glove's palm side, each ring element having an RFID sensor connected to a near field loop. A microstrip patch antenna on the glove's back side connects via microstrip lines to the ring elements, with each line ending in load elements near each digit, preventing standing wave development. Pressure on a ring element activates its RFID sensor, enabling signal transmission to an interrogator.
The independent claims cover RFID-enabled pressure sensing apparatuses featuring a substrate or glove with RFID tags configured via near field loops and microstrip patch antenna collectors arranged to detect pressure-induced activations. These features enable RFID-based measurement of pressure in a sensing apparatus.
Stated Advantages
Enables RFID tracking and sensing of small items, such as pills or grains, for which individual RFID tagging is impractical.
Allows determination of material level, type, pressure, or position within a volume or enclosure through analysis of electromagnetic fields and RFID sensor signals without external power requirements on the sensors.
Provides moderate to very fine resolution RFID tracking and pressure sensing capability in various form factors including dispensers and gloves.
Facilitates remote, wireless, and non-invasive monitoring of inventory and physical conditions like pressure and fill level.
Documented Applications
Inventory management, including RFID-enabled dispensers to track small items like pills or grains.
Level detectors for sensing the level of material filling a volume within an enclosure.
Distributed pressure sensors such as RFID-enabled pressure sensing gloves capable of detecting pressure on fingers and palms.
RFID-enabled pressure sensitive keypads that detect depression of keys via RFID tags on compressible substrate.
Systems for determining positions and quantities of items dispensed from RFID-enabled dispensers with traveling components monitored via RFID holder cells.
Sensors for detecting door positions (open/closed) and mechanical switches using ring sensors coupled with RFID integrated circuits.
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