Mobile Antenna Tag Localization for Low-Infrastructure Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional asset tracking systems require a large number of fixed Radio Frequency (RF) antennas, which are costly to install and maintain, especially in large facilities, making it impractical for tracking sporadically moving assets.
Innovation Solution
A mobile antenna system that moves around the environment, using distance measurements via time of arrival, signal strength, and angle of arrival to determine the location of tags, reducing the need for numerous fixed antennas by utilizing a combination of UWB transceivers, mobility means, and location awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of fixed RF antennas are distributed throughout the facility to precisely track asset locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna system dynamic by enabling mobile antennas to move throughout the facility instead of using numerous fixed antennas. The mobile antenna changes position over time to collect location data from assets, transforming a static infrastructure into a dynamic measurement system that achieves comparable precision with fewer devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile antenna performs periodic measurements by moving to different locations and collecting distance data from assets at discrete time intervals. This periodic sampling approach allows the system to build up location information over time, achieving accurate asset tracking without requiring continuous presence of multiple fixed antennas simultaneously.
2Reliability
If hundreds of RF antennas are installed in a large yard or warehouse to track assets, then location tracking capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates due to high installation cost
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile antenna serves multiple functions: it acts as both the tracking device and the measurement instrument, eliminating the need for separate fixed antenna infrastructure. By combining localization capability with mobility, the system achieves reliable tracking while reducing installation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile antenna system is self-sufficient, carrying its own transceiver and processing capabilities. It independently measures distances to assets and computes locations without requiring connection to a complex fixed antenna network, thereby simplifying installation and reducing infrastructure costs.
3Productivity
If fixed antennas are used to constantly monitor asset locations, then productivity of location updates is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile antenna system performs location measurements periodically as it moves through the facility, rather than continuously monitoring all areas. This periodic measurement approach maintains adequate tracking capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to constant monitoring by fixed antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its measurement strategy based on the mobile antenna's position and movement. By concentrating measurements when the mobile antenna is near assets and reducing measurements when far away, the system achieves adequate tracking productivity with lower overall energy consumption.
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
This approach allows for precise tracking of relatively stationary assets with significantly fewer fixed antennas, reducing installation costs and maintaining accurate location updates, suitable for large facilities like warehouses and yards.
Implementation Method 1
sends and receives messages including at least one of time of arrival, time of departure, signal strength and angle of arrival
Implementation Method 2
sends and receives messages including at least one of time of arrival, time of departure, signal strength and angle of arrival
Implementation Method 3
sends and receives messages including at least one of time of arrival, time of departure, signal strength and angle of arrival
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided for determining location of tags in an environment. The system includes at least one mobile antenna that moves around the environment. The absolute location associated with the mobile antenna is known and it sends and receives messages including at least one of time of arrival, time of departure, signal strength and angle of arrival. A measurement module performs distance measurement between the at least one mobile antenna and at least one tag in the environment to obtain at least. The distance measurements are associated with at least two locations of mobile antenna. A storage module records the distance measurements at the at least two locations and the at least two locations. A location module computes a location of each of the at least one tags based on the recorded distance measurements at the at least two locations and the recorded locations of the mobile antenna.