Mobile EMID Reader Portal for Dynamic Asset Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic identification (EMID) tag asset management systems cannot determine the final location of tagged assets within a changing area of interest, such as a warehouse, as they rely on fixed readers and do not provide accurate zone information for assets delivered or installed.
Innovation Solution
A mobile EMID tag reader portal system that uses antennas to receive signals from EMID tags, transmit ID information to access points, and determine the location of the portal through triangulation, trilateration, or ranging, allowing association of tags with specific locations and zones, and stores metadata for tracking and health monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed readers are used to track EMID tags, then the system structure is simple and readers are easy to install, but the final location of tagged assets within dynamic areas cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed reader system into a dynamic mobile reader portal system. The reader portal is mounted on mobile platforms (vehicles, forklifts, robots) that can move throughout the facility, enabling location tracking in dynamic areas while maintaining the ability to determine final asset locations through triangulation and signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces access points as intermediary devices that receive signals from both the mobile reader portal and EMID tags. These access points act as mediators that relay information between the moving reader and the central processing system, enabling location determination without requiring direct line-of-sight communication between all components
2Loss of information
If mobile reader portals are deployed to track assets in dynamic areas, then final location information can be obtained, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile reader portal is designed as a multi-functional device that combines EMID tag reading capabilities with location determination functionality. The same antenna system used for reading EMID tags also receives location signals from access points, eliminating the need for separate location tracking hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing EMID tag on the asset to provide location information. The tag serves dual purposes: identifying the asset and providing location data through the signal exchange between the mobile reader, access points, and processing system. The asset's own tag becomes the location identifier
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 tracking and location determination of EMID tags within dynamic areas, providing the final location and zone information for assets, enhancing asset management by using a mobile unit that can be moved to read tags in various zones, improving operational efficiency and data management.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna to receive at least one first signal from at least one of the EMID tags, where at least one first signal comprises identification (ID) information
Implementation Method 2
an antenna to transmit at least one second signal comprising the ID information to at least one access point
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for identifying parts with electromagnetic identification (EMID) tags are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method involves receiving, with a first antenna(s) on a mobile EMID reader portal, a first signal(s) from an EMID tag(s). The method further involves transmitting, with a second antenna(s) on the mobile EMID reader portal, a second signal(s) to an access point(s). Also, the method involves transmitting, with the access point(s), a third signal(s) to an EMID processing system and a location processing system. In addition, the method involves determining, with the location processing system, the location of the mobile EMID reader portal. Additionally, the method involves transmitting, by the location processing system, the location of the mobile EMID reader portal to the EMID processing system. Further, the method involves associating, by the EMID processing system, the EMID tag(s) with the location of the mobile EMID reader portal.