Multi-Modal Construction Site Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems on construction sites rely on single modes of location sensing technology, such as GPS or RFID, which are inadequate for comprehensive tracking of people and assets, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, especially during emergencies or when accessing restricted areas.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal entity tracking system that combines Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies to accurately locate and monitor people and assets on construction sites, utilizing both passive and active RFID tags, and GNSS-enabled devices to provide comprehensive tracking and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single mode location sensing technology (GPS, Wi-Fi, or RFID) is used in isolation for tracking, then device complexity is reduced, but tracking reliability and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location sensing technologies (GPS, Wi-Fi, RFID) into a unified tracking system that integrates data from different sources. This multi-modal approach merges the capabilities of satellite-based GPS, wireless network-based Wi-Fi, and radio frequency-based RFID into a single comprehensive tracking infrastructure, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated platform: it can track entities using GPS for outdoor locations, Wi-Fi for indoor locations, and RFID for access control points. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different tracking scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems, improving reliability across diverse environments.
2Measurement precision
If multiple location sensing technologies are integrated for comprehensive tracking, then tracking precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking system into distinct functional modules: GPS receivers for satellite-based tracking, Wi-Fi access points for network-based tracking, and RFID readers for proximity-based tracking. Each module operates independently with its own sensing technology, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision through specialized components while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that receives, processes, and integrates data from multiple location sensing technologies. This mediator coordinates the information from GPS, Wi-Fi, and RFID systems, reconciling data from different sources to produce accurate location information while shielding users from the underlying system complexity.
3Reliability
If comprehensive tracking of all entities is implemented, then safety and management effectiveness improve, but loss of time for system setup and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of tracking parameters, safety zones, and access control rules during system setup. Entity types, tracking thresholds, and response protocols are pre-defined and stored in the system database, allowing rapid deployment without time-consuming custom configurations for each tracking scenario. This preliminary action enables comprehensive tracking to be activated quickly while maintaining safety effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking an entity is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of messages conveying an identification of an entity are received using a wireless identification component. A geographic location of the wireless identification component is determined by a position determining component wherein the geographic location describes a respective geographic location of the wireless identification component when each of the plurality of messages is received. A geographic position of the entity is determined based upon a known spatial relationship between the position determining component and the wireless identification component.