Audio Tag Localization in Obstructed Inventory Environments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inventory systems face challenges in accurately identifying and locating RFID tags due to physical obstructions blocking camera vision and the inefficiency of RSSI-based location methods, which are inaccurate and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Enhance inventory systems with audio detection devices to receive audio signals from tags, using classification models to determine precise locations based on audio attributes, and refine RSSI-based locations with audio-based data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera-based visual attribute detection is used to locate tags, then location precision can be improved, but the system fails when physical obstructions block the camera's line of sight to the tag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces audio signals as an intermediary detection mechanism that can penetrate physical obstructions where visual methods fail. The audio detection device captures sound waves emitted by tags, providing an alternative pathway for location determination when direct visual access is blocked by shelves, containers, or other obstacles in the inventory environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating both visual (camera-based) and audio (sound wave-based) detection capabilities. This allows the same location determination system to operate effectively in both line-of-sight conditions and obstructed environments, making the system universally applicable across diverse inventory storage configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RSSI-based location methods are used, then the system can operate without visual line of sight, but location accuracy deteriorates and computational resources are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radio frequency signal-based RSSI method with an acoustic wave-based detection system. Audio signals propagate differently through inventory environments, providing more stable and accurate location data without the computational overhead and accuracy degradation associated with RSSI-based approaches in obstructed settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from electromagnetic signal strength (RSSI) to acoustic signal characteristics (audio attributes). This parameter transformation enables location determination that is both accurate and computationally efficient, as audio attribute analysis requires fewer computational resources while delivering superior precision in obstructed environments.
3Measurement precision
If audio detection devices are added to the system, then location accuracy in obstructed environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection functionality into separate visual and audio subsystems. The audio detection device operates as an independent module that can be selectively activated based on environmental conditions, allowing the system to maintain simplicity in open environments while providing enhanced accuracy when obstructions are detected or when visual methods fail.
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
Achieves more accurate and resource-efficient tag location determination, even in obstructed environments, by correlating tag data with audio attributes and refining RSSI-based locations using audio-based data.
Implementation Method 1
an audio emitting device configured to emit an audio signal having an audio attribute
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by an audio application of an audio detection device in the inventory system, the audio signal having the audio attribute from the tag
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises registering, by an application executing at a computer system in an inventory system, a tag identifier received from a tag in an inventory environment with location data indicating a location of the tag based on an audio attribute of an audio signal received from the tag, initiating, by the application, a scan of the tag to obtain tag data from the tag and to receive the audio signals from the tag by transmitting a signal to the tag after registering the tag identifier with the location data of the tag, and triggering, by the application, activation of an audio emitting device of the tag to emit an alert signal indicating whether a reader device is in a read range of the tag.