Hybrid UWB Camera RTLS for Obstructed Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current real-time location systems (RTLS) face limitations in providing accurate and comprehensive location tracking, especially in environments with obstacles or limited visibility, as they rely on either camera-based or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies alone, which have limitations in detecting objects without tags or in obscured conditions.
Innovation Solution
Combining UWB sensors and camera sensors into a hybrid system that uses UWB tags to provide precise location data and camera-based object recognition, allowing for the integration of visual attributes to track objects dynamically and accurately, even in areas where UWB signals are obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If camera-based tracking is used alone, then visual object recognition is achieved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates in environments with obstacles or limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines camera sensors and UWB sensors into a hybrid RTLS that integrates visual object recognition with radio-based location tracking. The camera component detects and recognizes objects visually, while the UWB component provides precise location data through radio signal time-of-flight measurements, compensating for each other's limitations in different environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks location using UWB technology while also recognizing and identifying objects using camera-based computer vision. This multi-functional approach allows the system to operate effectively whether objects are visible or obscured, providing both location precision and object identification capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If UWB tags are used alone, then precise location data is provided, but the ability to track objects without tags or in obscured conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges UWB location tracking with camera-based visual detection. When UWB tags are present, precise location data is obtained; when tags are absent or signals are obscured, the camera component detects and tracks objects using computer vision, ensuring continuous tracking coverage regardless of tagging status or environmental obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system acts as an intermediary that can detect and identify objects even when UWB tags are not visible or present. The visual detection capability serves as a backup and supplement to UWB tracking, allowing the system to maintain tracking functionality in scenarios where tagged items are obscured or tags are absent.
3Reliability
If a hybrid system combining UWB and camera sensors is used, then tracking accuracy and reliability are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates UWB sensors and camera sensors into a unified hybrid RTLS platform. This merging allows the system to leverage the complementary strengths of both technologies—UWB's precise location measurement and camera's visual object recognition—thereby enhancing overall tracking reliability while managing system complexity through integrated architecture.
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 hybrid system enhances tracking accuracy and reliability by leveraging the strengths of both technologies, enabling precise location determination and object recognition in complex environments, including those with obstacles and changing visual attributes.
Implementation Method 1
UWB's inherent wideband signal allows for sharp transitions in the time domain. UWB receivers can then detect signal arrival times with a high level of accuracy, producing precise timestamps that translate to distances with centimeter-level accuracy.
Implementation Method 2
one or more image capture sensors positioned in the environment
Data Source
AI summary
Real time location systems are provided including one or more ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors positioned in an environment; one or more image capture sensors positioned in the environment; and at least one UWB tag associated with an object in the environment to provide a tagged item in the environment. The one or more UWB sensors and the one or more image capture sensors are integrated into at least one location device. The at one location device includes a UWB location device, a combination UWB/camera location device and/or a camera location device. A location of the tagged item is tracked using the at least one location device. and wherein a location of the tagged item is tracked using the at least one location device.