Multilevel Location Sensor Mounting for Precise Asset Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking systems using RF methods face accuracy issues, leading to difficulty in pinpointing specific objects, and human-dependent tracking systems are prone to error and inefficiency, often requiring excessive inventory to compensate for lost items.
Innovation Solution
A location sensor system incorporating optical and acoustic identification features, including flashing indicators and audible sounds, coupled with premise and cloud mapping technology, uses multiple location technologies to enhance accuracy and reduce human error, integrating 2D mapping with 3D digital twin representations for precise object tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If RF methods are used for location tracking, then tracking coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination technologies (RF, optical, acoustic, barcode/QR code) into a single integrated system. The location sensor device can switch between different technologies or use them simultaneously to determine object locations, thereby maintaining broad tracking coverage while achieving high measurement precision through technology complementarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The location sensor device is designed with multi-functional capabilities, incorporating RF receivers, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, and barcode/QR code readers. This universal device can adapt to different tracking scenarios and maintain both wide coverage and high accuracy by selecting or combining appropriate technologies based on environmental conditions.
2Ease of operation
If human-dependent tracking systems are used, then operational flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated tracking where location sensor devices independently determine and report object locations without human intervention. The devices autonomously switch between tracking technologies, process sensor data, and update the central system, eliminating human error while maintaining operational flexibility through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where location data is continuously collected, processed, and used to update the central system in real-time. The system can provide feedback to operators through the user interface, enabling them to monitor and intervene when necessary, thus combining automated reliability with human operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If automated location tracking is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: location sensor devices with multiple sensors, a central processing system, and a user interface. Each module performs specific functions and can be developed, maintained, and scaled independently. The location sensor devices contain segmented sub-components (RF receiver, optical sensor, acoustic sensor, barcode reader) that operate independently but contribute to the overall tracking function.
4Measurement precision
If multiple location technologies are integrated, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The location sensor device employs a nested architecture where multiple sensing technologies are integrated within a single device housing. The RF receiver, optical sensor, acoustic sensor, and barcode/QR code reader are nested components that share common processing resources and communication interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-technology capabilities for high-precision location determination.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a sensor that is used to determine the location of an object with additional features that create human-recognizable feedback that identifies an individual object, solving the problem of needing a specialized device to perform the identity step. The location data is sent to Edge or Cloud devices that contain the raw location data. This data has location information that is used to automatically update an Enterprise Manufacturing System (EMS) or other system critical location. This invention integrates multiple location technologies to overcome the limitations of a single method. In addition to updating business systems (EMS), the cloud devices display location data in a multimodal (maps & digital twin) system, allowing operators to visualize and track the movement and location of objects. The combination of coordinated 2D mapping and 3D digital twin representations creates a superior understanding of an object's location and orientation with respect to other objects in its vicinity leading to exact identities within the workflow.