Dual-Function Communication Apparatus for Accurate Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID-based position management systems face significant errors in estimating the position of RFID tags when the reference tag cannot be detected, leading to inaccurate tracking of articles.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with dual communication functions, allowing it to obtain position information from both a reference tag and external RFID readers using different communication methods, such as UHF and UWB/Bluetooth, to enhance position management accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position estimation is performed using only reference tag detection, then the system is simple to operate, but position accuracy deteriorates when reference tag is not detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus is equipped with multiple communication functions (first communication function for RFID reference tag detection, second communication function for external apparatus communication) enabling it to perform position measurement through multiple methods. This multi-functionality ensures the system can maintain position accuracy regardless of whether reference tag is detectable, while the selecting unit chooses the most appropriate method based on current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
External apparatuses serve as intermediary elements that provide alternative position measurement capability when the primary reference tag detection method fails. The communication apparatus uses the second communication function to communicate with these external apparatuses, obtaining position information through triangulation or other measurement methods, thus mediating the position determination when RFID reference tag is unavailable.
2Measurement precision
If dual communication functions are used for position measurement, then position accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between first and second communication functions based on detectability conditions. The selecting unit determines which communication function to use based on whether the reference tag can be detected, making the system adaptable to different operational environments. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain simplicity when possible while achieving high accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different communication protocols and measurement methods. When reference tag detection is available, the system uses RFID-based position measurement; when unavailable, it transitions to using the second communication function with external apparatuses. This parameter change enables the system to maintain position accuracy across varying conditions without permanently increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If position information from multiple sources is integrated, then reliability of position management is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selecting unit implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the detectability of reference tags and automatically selects the appropriate position information source. When reference tag detection succeeds, the system uses first position information; when it fails, the system switches to second position information from external apparatuses. This feedback-based selection ensures reliable position management while keeping information processing logic manageable through clear conditional branches.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus obtains first position information by performing communication with a wireless device serving as a reference for identifying a position, using a first communication function, measures a positional relationship with an external apparatus based on communication with the external apparatus performed using a second communication function different from the first communication function, obtains second position information based on the measured positional relationship, and selects either the first position information or the second position information, for position management of another wireless device with which communication is to be performed using the first communication function.