Asset Tracking Terminal Using Magnetic Position Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset management systems face challenges in accurately tracking asset movement and location due to limitations in dynamic information capture, increased costs from installing multiple reading devices, and privacy concerns, especially in environments with blind spots or insufficient lighting, leading to unclear asset histories and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
An asset management system utilizing a terminal unit with a tag communication unit and position information acquisition unit that acquires and manages position information based on communication thresholds with attached tags, integrating magnetic field-based positioning and other technologies to track assets accurately and dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tag reading devices are installed in each room to track asset position, then asset location management is improved, but cost burden increases according to the number of reading devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field information as a copy or representation of physical space to create a virtual map that replicates the spatial environment. This magnetic map serves as a digital twin of the physical space, allowing position tracking without installing reading devices in every location. The magnetic field distribution acts as a surrogate for physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of installing physical reading devices in each room with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Instead of using electromagnetic reading devices that require installation infrastructure, the system uses the Earth's magnetic field or artificial magnetic fields to determine position, substituting mechanical installation requirements with field-based detection.
2Loss of information
If cameras are installed to capture asset movement, then visual tracking is improved, but privacy problems and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary positional information from the environment by using magnetic field measurements to determine location and movement. Instead of capturing comprehensive visual information including personal identifiers and private activities, the system extracts solely the spatial coordinates and movement trajectories needed for asset tracking, leaving out all privacy-sensitive data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field information as an intermediary between the asset and the tracking system. Rather than using cameras that directly observe and record visual information about people and assets, the magnetic field acts as an indirect mediator that provides positional data without revealing identity or private information, thus mediating between tracking needs and privacy protection.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple reading devices are installed to cover all areas, then asset tracking coverage is improved, but installation time and effort increase during layout changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal magnetic field-based positioning system that functions across the entire facility without requiring location-specific reading devices. The magnetic map provides universal coverage throughout the space, and the same terminal device can track assets in any location within the magnetic field coverage area, making the system adaptable to any layout configuration without reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the terminal device can move freely throughout the facility while continuously tracking asset positions. The system adapts to layout changes dynamically without requiring physical reconfiguration of reading devices. The magnetic field-based approach allows the tracking capability to move with the terminal device rather than being fixed to specific locations.
4Ease of manufacture
If static tag reading is used to determine asset presence, then simple detection is achieved, but dynamic movement information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous position acquisition that continuously tracks asset movement throughout the facility. Instead of taking discrete snapshots of asset presence at fixed reading points, the system continuously acquires position information as the terminal device moves through the space, providing an unbroken chain of positional data that captures the complete movement trajectory of assets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by acquiring position information at multiple intermediate points along the asset's movement path. Rather than only detecting when an asset enters or leaves a zone, the system proactively collects positional data at each location where the terminal device passes, building up a complete movement history through preliminary measurements at each step of the journey.
Data Source
AI summary
An asset management system that manages an asset employing a terminal unit including a tag communication unit that communicates with the tag and a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information. The position information acquisition unit starts to acquire the position information when a first condition is satisfied, such that the first condition is at least one of a condition that communication between the tag communication unit and the tag is established and the distance between the tag communication unit and the tag is equal to or less than a first threshold value. The position information acquisition unit ends acquisition of the position information when a second condition is satisfied, such that the second condition is at least one of a condition that the wireless communication is not established and the distance between the tag communication unit and the tag is more than the second threshold value.