Mobile RFID Tag Location Tracking Using Timestamped Reads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID systems in retail environments face challenges in accurately locating tags due to low read rates from fixed readers and the inefficiency of handheld inventorying processes, which are time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
Implementing mobile RFID readers that analyze timestamped tag read information to determine physical locations within a facility, using algorithms to enhance location accuracy by considering the proximity and similarity of other tags, and generating graphical maps for precise inventory tracking without the need for extensive fixed infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed RFID readers are placed around the retail store to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fixed readers to determine tag locations, the patent inverts the approach by using mobile tags (RFID tags attached to handheld devices) to determine their own locations by reading from fixed infrastructure points. This inversion allows accurate location tracking without deploying numerous fixed readers throughout the store.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a virtual representation of the physical store environment where tag locations are mapped to virtual coordinates. This virtual copy allows for accurate location tracking and inventory management without requiring physical fixed readers at every location in the real store.
2Device complexity
If handheld readers are used to track inventory, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and measurement precision worsen due to time consumption and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile RFID reader device combines multiple functions: it reads RFID tags, determines its own location through the virtual environment mapping, tracks inventory automatically, and reduces human error through automated data capture. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate inventory tracking processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service inventory tracking where the mobile reader automatically determines its own location and captures tag information without requiring manual data entry or human intervention for location recording, thereby improving productivity and eliminating human error.
3Measurement precision
If handheld inventorying is performed frequently to improve inventory accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile RFID reader system enables continuous inventory tracking as employees move through the store during normal operations, rather than requiring periodic stoppage for manual counting. The virtual environment continuously updates tag locations, providing real-time inventory accuracy without interrupting store operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining a physical location of a first Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tag. The methods involve: analyzing timestamped tag read information acquired during multiple tag reads to determine a first physical location for the first RFID tag read by the mobile reader while moving through a facility; identifying second RFID tags from a plurality of RFID tags read by the mobile reader that are located in proximity to the first RFID tag and that are coupled to objects similar to an object to which the first RFID tag is coupled; selecting an RFID tag from the second RFID tags that has a first location confidence value associated therewith which is greater than second location confidence values associated with other RFID tags of the second RFID tags; and modifying the first physical location based on a second physical location of the RFID tag selected from the second RFID tags.