Portable RFID Interrogator for Building-Embedded Tag Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for tracking shopping behavior in stores are inefficient due to the high cost of installing stationary RFID interrogators throughout large structures, which is impractical and expensive, especially for emergency situations where backup power is required.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system using passive or active RFID tags placed throughout structures, with a portable RFID transmitter/receiver unit worn by individuals or entities, which receives location data from stationary tags and transmits it to a base unit for tracking, reducing the need for extensive interrogator installations and enabling cost-effective tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If stationary RFID interrogators are installed throughout large structures, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but installation cost and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation tracking accuracyVSAvoidinterrogator installation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having stationary interrogators emit signals to track moving entities, the patent inverts the approach by placing RFID tags on stationary structures and having mobile entities carry interrogators. This reversal reduces installation complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy, as interrogators only need to be carried by moving entities rather than installed throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses RFID tags as simple, inexpensive copies or identifiers attached to structures, replacing the need for multiple expensive stationary interrogators. Each tag provides location identification information that can be read by mobile interrogators, effectively copying the tracking function at a fraction of the cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Area of stationary object

If stationary RFID interrogators are installed throughout large structures, then location tracking coverage is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional RFID architecture by placing tags on structures and carrying interrogators on mobile entities. This allows extensive tracking coverage to be achieved without installing expensive interrogators throughout the entire area, as the mobile interrogators move coverage to wherever they are needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static interrogator installation to dynamic mobile interrogation. Mobile entities carry interrogators that move throughout the structure, providing dynamic coverage that adapts to changing tracking needs without requiring permanent installation infrastructure throughout the entire area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If stationary RFID interrogators are installed throughout large structures, then tracking reliability is improved, but power requirements and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking system reliabilityVSAvoidinterrogator power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the architecture to place tags on structures and interrogators on mobile entities, the system eliminates the need for extensive stationary power infrastructure. Mobile interrogators can use battery power or energy harvesting, significantly reducing overall power requirements while maintaining tracking reliability through mobile operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile interrogators are carried by the entities they track, making the tracking system self-powered through the movement and resources of the tracked entities themselves. This eliminates the need for separate stationary power systems and reduces operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach significantly reduces costs by minimizing the number of interrogators needed, provides accurate location tracking of individuals or assets within structures, and ensures consistency and accuracy across multiple locations, enhancing emergency response efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

emitting an RF interrogation signal using an interrogator relay unit (IRU); receiving, at the IRU, location data from an RFID tag in response to the RF interrogation signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9111157B2System and method for tracking shopping behavior

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 INSIGHT HLDG GROUP

AI summary

A system and method are provided for tracking an interrogator relay unit (IRU) associated with a mobile asset within a structure, comprising: integrating one or more RFID tags within building materials within the structure; emitting an RF interrogation signal using the IRU; receiving, at the IRU, location data from one or more RFID tags in response to the RF interrogation signal; and transmitting the location data, an identification information of the IRU, and timestamp data to a remote server using the IRU.