Laser Line Asset Tracking System for Real-Time Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a quick and reliable means to identify the real-time or near real-time location of multiple physical assets in a two-dimensional area, such as vehicles in a parking lot, as they frequently change positions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple tracking stations that emit vertical laser lines with unique identifiers and angles, which are detected by tracking tags attached to assets, allowing the calculation of their precise 2D location using known station positions and transmitted angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If manual tracking methods are used to identify asset locations, then system complexity is reduced, but tracking speed and real-time accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated optical detection system. Tracking stations emit laser lines that are detected by tags on assets, automatically calculating positions without human intervention. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with optical-electronic systems resolves the contradiction by enabling fast real-time tracking while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables assets to self-report their locations automatically. Each asset with a tracking tag independently detects laser lines from multiple tracking stations, calculates its own position, and transmits location data without requiring manual tracking by employees. This self-service capability dramatically improves tracking speed while keeping the system simple through distributed autonomous operation.
2Measurement precision
If frequent position checks are performed to track moving assets, then location accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous periodic tracking where assets automatically report positions at defined intervals or upon movement detection. This periodic measurement approach maintains high location accuracy for moving assets while minimizing time consumption by not requiring constant continuous monitoring. The balance between accuracy and time efficiency is achieved through optimized reporting frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where asset positions are continuously monitored and reported back to the central system. When assets move or at scheduled intervals, their new locations are automatically fed back, enabling real-time tracking accuracy without manual re-checking. This automated feedback loop resolves the contradiction by providing accurate position data efficiently.
3Reliability
If multiple tracking stations are deployed to improve coverage, then tracking reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking area into zones covered by multiple independent tracking stations. Each station operates semi-independently, emitting laser lines and detecting tags within its coverage area. This segmentation of the tracking system into distributed stations improves reliability through redundancy and coverage overlap while managing complexity by using standardized modular units that can be replicated.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tracking station is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can operate independently or in coordination with other stations. The same hardware and software architecture serves multiple purposes: emitting laser lines, detecting tags, calculating positions, and communicating with the central system. This universality improves reliability through redundancy while preventing complexity escalation by reusing identical standardized components across all stations.
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
Enables accurate and efficient tracking of assets in real-time or near real-time, providing their location in a user-friendly format, such as row and space numbers, with the ability to detect movement and alert on changes.
Implementation Method 1
Each tracking station is configured to selectively emit a vertical laser line upon which is embedded an identifier unique to the corresponding tracking station
Implementation Method 2
Each tracking tag may comprise one or more IR receivers. Each IR receiver may comprise an IR photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying a location of one or more assets in a predefined two-dimensional area comprises at least three tracking stations and one or more tracking tags. Each tracking station selectively emits a vertical laser line upon which is embedded a unique identifier, selectively sweeps its laser line about its central axis such that each tracking station's laser line sweeps across at least a portion of the predefined 2-D area, and selectively transmits a current angle of its laser line as its laser line sweeps about its central axis. Each tracking tag detects a laser line from at least three tracking stations within its line of sight. Each tracking tag decodes the unique tracking station identifier, receives the current angle from the tracking station corresponding to the detected laser line, and stores the decoded unique tracking station identifier and the received current angle.