Network Edge Controller for RFID Asset Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for mobile environments are not optimized to efficiently operate and effectively utilize RFID systems for asset tracking and data sharing, lacking integration and efficiency in multiple input-output ports.
Innovation Solution
A network edge controller system that includes a first computer server on a home network coupled with a home agent and a second computer server on a foreign network, utilizing a controller unit with antennas to receive radio signals from RFID tags, processing and transmitting data through a proprietary cloud-based Asset Management software for enhanced asset and inventory tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing communication systems are used for mobile environments, then basic connectivity is provided, but efficiency in RFID system operation and asset tracking is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a mobile computing device with RFID reader capabilities, a separate database system for asset information storage, and communication interfaces for network connectivity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve efficient asset tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as an RFID reader for tag detection, a computing platform for processing asset information, a communication device for network connectivity, and a user interface for interacting with the asset management system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each task.
2Reliability
If RFID systems are deployed for asset tracking, then tracking capability is provided, but interference and coverage limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device serves as an intermediary between RFID tags and the central asset management system. It reads RFID tags locally, processes the information, and transmits it via network communication, thereby isolating the RFID reading function from potential interference issues and enabling reliable tracking even in environments with RFID signal challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct line-of-sight RFID communication with a two-stage process: local RFID reading followed by network-based data transmission. This substitution allows asset tracking information to be transmitted reliably over networks even when direct RFID communication is affected by interference or coverage limitations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input-output ports are integrated, then data sharing capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device provides multiple communication interfaces (wireless network interface, wired network interface, RFID reader interface) that can interact with various assets and systems. These diverse interfaces are managed through a unified software platform that handles data sharing and coordination, enabling versatile data exchange without requiring complex manual configuration for each interface.
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
The system achieves heightened performance and efficiency in field-based asset and inventory accounting, supporting location, telematics, and data collection, with improved RFID coverage and reduced interference, enabling real-time tracking and management of assets across a wider geographic area.
Implementation Method 1
The controller unit is coupled to one or more antennas that receive radio transmitted signals from radio tags
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is machine-to-machine (M2M) mobile platform that has a controller that can communicate with RFID tags and receives RFID information into a mobile vehicle foreign network with an all-in-one mobile solution and also communicates with a home network having a computer server. The present invention provides an integrated command and communication platform to support communications by cell phone, WiFi, GPS, RFID controller, vehicle information controller, and real-time integration to optimize performance of the remote tracking network. With the use of the present invention, fleet services, mobile inventory, and asset tracking can be efficiently organized and conducted across a fleet of vehicles, a multitude of remote tracking devices, and geographically around the world.