Multi-Modal Entity Tracking System for Construction Site Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracking systems on construction sites primarily use single-mode location sensing technologies, such as GPS or RFID, which are inadequate for comprehensive tracking of people and assets, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, especially during emergencies and in managing access to restricted areas.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal entity tracking system that combines multiple location sensing technologies like GNSS and RFID, using both passive and active RFID systems, to track entities across construction sites, enabling precise location determination and access control through a network of sensors and data receivers, integrated with databases and external data sources for real-time monitoring and reporting.
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 the system complexity is reduced, but the tracking reliability and measurement precision are insufficient for comprehensive entity tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location sensing technologies (GPS, Wi-Fi, RFID) into a unified multi-modal tracking system. The system integrates data from different sensing modes to track entities comprehensively, where GPS provides outdoor location data, Wi-Fi provides indoor positioning, and RFID provides proximity detection. This merging resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable tracking through technology diversification while managing system complexity through centralized data fusion architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated platform. It can switch between different sensing modes (GPS for outdoor, Wi-Fi for indoor, RFID for access control) depending on the environment and tracking requirements. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliability across diverse scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each tracking need.
2Measurement precision
If multiple location sensing technologies are combined for comprehensive tracking, then the measurement precision and tracking reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking function into different sensing modes suitable for different environments: GPS for outdoor open spaces, Wi-Fi for indoor locations, and RFID for restricted access areas. Each segment handles specific tracking scenarios where it excels, and the central server orchestrates data fusion. This segmentation achieves high measurement precision in each context while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A central server acts as an intermediary that receives, processes, and fuses data from multiple sensing technologies. The server reconciles location data from GPS, Wi-Fi, and RFID systems, resolving discrepancies and generating unified tracking information. This intermediary approach enables precise location determination by combining multiple data sources while shielding the complexity of data fusion from end users and simplifying the user interface.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive tracking of all entities is implemented, then the loss of information is reduced, but the quantity of data to be processed and stored increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements selective tracking by prioritizing entities based on their importance and risk factors. High-value assets, restricted access zones, and critical infrastructure receive continuous multi-modal tracking, while less critical entities may use simpler tracking methods. This partial action approach maintains information completeness for essential entities while reducing overall data volume by applying different tracking intensities to different entities based on their operational significance.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-modal entity tracking and display system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a tracking infrastructure comprising at least one data receiver is configured to detect a tracked entity comprising a first asset class using a first sensing technology and a second sensing technology. The at least one tracking data receiver is further configured to generate a tracking data report conveying a location of the tracked entity. A multi-modal entity tracker is configured to receive and store the tracking data report. The multi-modal entity tracker is further configured to receive and store a second tracking data report of a second tracked entity comprising a second asset class which is conveyed via the tracking infrastructure.