Mobile RFID Visual Mapping for Tagged Object Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RFID tracking systems for localizing objects are costly, difficult to scale, and require complex setups, while augmented reality systems face challenges due to the need for line-of-sight and operate in the visual domain.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with an integrated or attached RFID reader is used to detect entry into a geo-fenced area, scan for wireless tags, and provide visual mapping to locate tagged objects, using RFID tags for identification and 3D object models, even when objects are obscured, by transitioning from visual mapping to camera-captured views with overlaid 3D representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional RFID tracking systems use multiple stationary RFID readers with high power antennas to triangulate the position of the wireless tag, then the positioning capability is achieved, but the system becomes costly, difficult to scale, and requires complex setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic triangulation system (multiple stationary RFID readers with high power antennas) with a visual mapping system that uses a mobile device's camera and display to show the location and orientation of tagged objects. This substitution eliminates the need for complex infrastructure while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as an RFID reader to detect tagged objects, a camera to capture visual data, a processor to generate visual mapping information, and a display to present the mapping to the user. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices into a single portable unit.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional augmented reality systems operate in the visual domain with line-of-sight requirements, then visual representation is achieved, but the system cannot locate objects that are obscured or not in direct view
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses RFID tags as intermediaries between the mobile device and the tagged objects. When an object is obscured or not in direct visual view, the RFID tag still transmits its identification and location data to the mobile device, allowing the system to display information about the object even without visual line-of-sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges RFID technology (which works without line-of-sight) with visual mapping capabilities (which provide visual representation). This combination allows the system to overcome the limitations of pure visual systems by using RFID data to supplement and enhance the visual display, providing object information regardless of visual accessibility.
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 efficient, scalable, and cost-effective object localization within geo-fenced areas, allowing users to find objects even when they are not in direct line-of-sight, using a mobile device to integrate RFID scanning and visual mapping for accurate object identification and display.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile device with an integrated or attached RFID reader is used to detect entry into a geo-fenced area, scan for wireless tags
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects of visual mapping of geo-located tagged objects, a mobile device includes a mapping module that receives map data of a geo-fenced area from a controller device of the geo-fenced area. The mobile device can scan for wireless-enabled devices within a geo-fenced area, and receive a designation input of a tagged object that corresponds to one of the wireless-enabled devices. The mapping module is implemented to generate a visual mapping that displays a route from the mobile device to the tagged object based on the map data. The mapping module can receive object metadata about the tagged object as the mobile device approaches the tagged object along the route of the visual mapping, and a 3D visual representation of the tagged object is displayed based on a received 3D object model of the tagged object.