Aircraft RFID Tracking via Distributed Antenna System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft tracking and inventory systems face challenges due to the weight and complexity of active RFID systems, high costs of active RFID tags, and limited accuracy of passive RFID systems in aircraft environments, which require efficient and accurate real-time location tracking of items.
Innovation Solution
A distributed antenna system (DAS) integrated with passive RFID tags and a wireless distribution system for real-time locating, enabling accurate and cost-effective tracking of items onboard aircraft by optimizing signal strength and reducing nulls, allowing for simultaneous wireless communication and RFID coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active RFID tags are used for tracking, then the read range is extended and tracking capability is improved, but the cost per tag increases significantly and the system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive active RFID tags with inexpensive passive RFID tags. Passive tags have no battery and are much cheaper, though they require closer proximity for reading. The system compensates for the shorter individual read range by using multiple readers positioned throughout the aircraft, achieving comprehensive coverage with low-cost tags.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the aircraft into multiple zones, each monitored by a separate RFID reader. This segmentation allows passive tags to be read by the nearest reader, effectively extending the overall coverage area while maintaining low tag costs. The aircraft is divided into surveillance zones that collectively provide full coverage.
2Quantity of substance
If passive RFID tags are used for tracking, then the cost per tag is reduced, but the read range is limited and location accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is divided into multiple surveillance zones, each with a dedicated RFID reader. This segmentation ensures that passive tags are always within read range of at least one reader, maintaining accurate location tracking throughout the entire aircraft volume despite the limited individual reader range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a zone management system that acts as an intermediary between passive RFID tags and the central tracking system. This intermediary processes signals from multiple readers, determines which zone a tag is in based on signal strength and reader identification, and translates this into accurate location information, compensating for the passive tag's limited direct read range.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated RFID tracking systems are implemented, then real-time location tracking is achieved, but the system complexity and weight increase due to separate wiring infrastructure and dedicated components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RFID readers multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as RFID tracking devices and as access points for wireless communication systems. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated tracking infrastructure, reducing system complexity and weight while maintaining real-time location tracking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the RFID tracking system with the aircraft's existing wireless communication infrastructure. By combining these functions into a unified system, the patent eliminates redundant components and wiring, reducing overall system complexity while achieving real-time location tracking.
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 system achieves high accuracy in locating passive RFID tags to within a single seat or seat group, extending read range and reducing costs, while integrating multiple wireless services over a common infrastructure, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The distributed antenna system is operable for transmission and reception of signals associated with the RFID reader and RFID tags
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft communications and item tracking system is described. The system includes an RFID reader and a communications device located at fixed locations within the aircraft, a plurality of passive RFID tags operable for association with items within the aircraft, and a distributed antenna system comprising a plurality of antenna units and a wireless distribution system. The wireless distribution system is communicatively coupled to an aircraft communications network. The antenna units are communicatively coupled to the wireless distribution system and disbursed about the aircraft such that the RFID tags within the aircraft may be activated by signals output by at least one of the antenna units. The RFID reader and communications device are communicatively coupled to the wireless distribution system. The distributed antenna system is operable for transmission and reception of signals associated with the RFID reader and RFID tags. The distributed antenna system is further operable for transmission and reception of signals associated with the communications device.