Object Tracking via Non-Visible Light Emitter and Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for tracking objects in an environment, such as RFID tags and QR codes, do not provide continuous location information and require the object to be within proximity of a tag reader, leading to inaccurate tracking if the object moves away.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an emitter to transmit signals with predefined frequencies or patterns, recorded by a camera device, which identifies and determines the location of objects within the environment using a server system, generating heat maps and recordings of object locations over time, and displays this information on a user device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags or QR codes are used for tracking objects, then object identification is enabled, but continuous location information is not provided and the object must be within proximity of a tag reader
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional RFID tags and QR codes with optical emitters that transmit signals using light (including non-visible spectrum). This substitution enables continuous tracking through optical detection by camera devices, eliminating the proximity requirement of RFID/QR systems and providing continuous location information without mechanical contact or close proximity reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces camera devices as intermediary detectors that capture optical signals from emitters attached to tracked objects. The camera device acts as a mediator between the emitter and the tracking system, recording the position of objects continuously across the environment without requiring direct proximity reading like conventional tag readers.
2Ease of operation
If a tag reader is placed at a central location to read tags, then object identification is achieved, but tracking accuracy is lost when objects move away from the reader
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point centralized reading approach to a distributed spatial detection system. Multiple camera devices are positioned throughout the environment, creating a multi-dimensional detection network that tracks objects across the entire space, not just at a central location. This dimensional expansion of the detection system maintains tracking accuracy regardless of object position.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical emitter attached to each object serves multiple functions: it emits identification signals, provides continuous location information, and enables tracking across the entire environment. This universal approach replaces the single-function centralized tag reader with a multi-functional distributed system that simultaneously achieves identification and continuous location tracking throughout the space.
3Loss of information
If conventional tagging methods are used, then object identification is possible, but no information about object location before and after tagging is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous optical signal transmission from emitters and continuous recording by camera devices, ensuring uninterrupted tracking of object locations. This continuous action captures the object's position before, during, and after any movement or tagging event, providing complete location information that conventional intermittent reading methods cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple camera devices throughout the environment before tracking begins, establishing a comprehensive detection network in advance. This preliminary setup ensures that objects can be continuously tracked and their locations recorded at any moment, including before and after any events, without requiring reactive deployment of reading devices.
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 continuous tracking and location determination of objects within an environment, improving accuracy and coverage by using non-visible spectrum light and a networked system to store and display object locations, applicable to various objects like vehicles and pets.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitted signal may include non-visible spectrum light
Implementation Method 2
recording, by a camera device, the transmitted signal and an environment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for locating and/or tracking objects in an environment are discussed. The system may include non-visible light emitters and a camera and server system including an image geometry module configured to determine the location of an identified object in the environment. Objects may be identified based on a predefined frequency and/or pattern of pulses.