Portable RFID Interrogator for Shopping Cart Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for tracking entities within structures, such as buildings or subways, are costly due to the high expense of stationary RFID interrogators and require extensive installation, making it impractical for large structures, and lack efficient emergency backup power solutions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a network of stationary RFID tags positioned throughout structures, with a limited number of portable RFID transmitter/receivers worn by personnel, using RF signals to determine location and transmit data to a base unit, which can include GPS for external location determination, reducing the need for extensive interrogator installation and providing cost savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary RFID interrogators are deployed throughout a structure for tracking entities, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional RFID tracking architecture by making tags stationary and interrogators portable. Instead of deploying fixed interrogators throughout a structure, the system places RFID tags at fixed locations and moves portable interrogators to track entities, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple portable interrogators that can be moved to different locations to replicate the function of fixed interrogators. This allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage without installing permanent equipment at every location, reducing overall system complexity
2Area of stationary object
If stationary RFID interrogators are deployed throughout a structure for tracking entities, then location tracking coverage is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic, portable interrogators that can be moved to different locations to provide tracking coverage. This dynamic approach allows a single interrogator to serve multiple areas over time, reducing the total number of interrogators needed compared to a static deployment where each area requires its own fixed interrogator
Solution Approach 2:
The portable interrogator is designed to be a universal device that can operate in multiple locations and serve multiple tracking functions. This multi-functionality allows one interrogator to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed interrogators, thereby reducing system cost
3Reliability
If stationary RFID interrogators are deployed throughout a structure for tracking entities, then real-time location monitoring is improved, but emergency backup power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable interrogator is designed with mobile power sources such as batteries, eliminating the need for connection to stationary power infrastructure. This dynamic power solution provides inherent backup capability since the device can operate independently of building power systems, improving reliability during power outages without requiring extensive backup power infrastructure
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 and ensures consistent, accurate location tracking across structures, with enhanced emergency response capabilities through real-time location monitoring and reduced reliance on expensive stationary equipment.
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
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for tracking an interrogator relay unit disposed on a shopping cart within a store. The method comprises emitting an RF interrogation signal using the IRU; receiving, at the IRU, location data from an RFID tag in response to the RF interrogation signal; transmitting the location data, an identification information of the IRU, and timestamp data to a remote server using the IRU; and generating a behavior report using the transmitted location data, the identification information, and the timestamp data.