Passive RFID Baggage Tracking via Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current baggage systems lack the ability to accurately track baggage to precise intermediate locations between origin and destination checkpoints, making it difficult to identify deviated or lost baggage and determine the responsible party.
Innovation Solution
A baggage system that incorporates a Data Collection Engine (DCE), RFID chips on baggage items, handlers, and transport devices, and a server device, utilizing machine learning techniques to model events, predict deviations, and classify risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If passive-type RFID tags are used on baggage items, then cost and weight are reduced, but power source requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A power transfer device acts as an intermediary between the stationary power source and the passive RFID tag on the moving baggage item. This mediator enables wireless power transfer through electromagnetic fields, allowing the RFID tag to function without onboard batteries while maintaining cost and weight advantages. The power transfer device communicates with both the power source and the RFID tag, resolving the contradiction between mobility and power requirements.
2Measurement precision
If RFID tags are placed on all baggage items, then tracking capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the baggage tracking function into distributed components: RFID tags on individual baggage items, power transfer devices at strategic locations, and a centralized server. This segmentation allows precise tracking of each item independently while distributing the system complexity across multiple manageable components rather than requiring a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive RFID tags automatically respond to interrogation signals from power transfer devices without requiring active communication protocols or complex control mechanisms. The tags self-identify and transmit their location data automatically when powered, reducing the complexity of active management systems while maintaining precise tracking capability.
3Measurement precision
If intermediate checkpoints are added to track baggage location, then tracking precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power transfer devices serve multiple functions: they provide power to passive RFID tags, act as communication nodes for location tracking, and function as checkpoints for monitoring baggage movement. This multi-functionality achieves precise location tracking without adding separate complex checkpoint infrastructure, as each power transfer device simultaneously performs tracking, power supply, and monitoring roles.
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 enables accurate tracking of baggage, predicts potential deviations, and classifies risks, thereby reducing baggage loss, improving service recovery, and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the RFID chip (304) is a passive-type RFID chip that receives power from a power transfer device (204)
Data Source
AI summary
A baggage system includes a plurality of RFID tags affixed to baggage items, a data collection engine, client devices and backend devices. The backend devices include trained machine learning models, business logic, and attributes of a plurality of events. A plurality of data collection engines and baggage terminal systems send attributes of new events to the backend devices. The backend devices can track the baggage items and predict particular outcomes of new events based upon the attributes of the new events utilizing the trained machine learning models.