Power Adapter Indoor Location Tracking via RFID Socket Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location tracking systems for devices and equipment face challenges such as high maintenance requirements for battery recharging and inaccuracy in indoor environments, particularly with GPS-based solutions.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter with integrated location tracking capabilities, including a communication circuit module, tag reader, and beacon circuit, which determines its engagement with a power source and broadcasts/beacons its ID, allowing for remote tracking and location estimation using a network connection and socket ID mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based tracking systems are used, then location tracking capability is provided, but maintenance requirements increase and indoor accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary infrastructure consisting of wall sockets with embedded RFID tags and a centralized server system. Instead of relying solely on GPS satellites, the system uses this intermediary network to provide location information. The RFID tags in wall sockets act as mediators that transmit location data to the server, which then provides accurate indoor positioning without requiring battery-powered GPS devices in tracking objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/battery-based GPS tracking system with an electromagnetic field-based RFID communication system. Instead of using batteries and physical GPS receivers in mobile tracking devices, the system uses passive RFID tags embedded in wall sockets and wireless communication to transmit location information, eliminating the need for battery maintenance while improving indoor accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If battery-powered GPS trackers are used, then location tracking is enabled, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or long-life passive RFID tags embedded in wall sockets that do not require batteries. These tags are inexpensive, have no moving parts, and never need recharging or replacement. The tracking devices themselves become passive consumers of location information from the infrastructure, eliminating battery maintenance requirements entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall socket infrastructure with embedded RFID tags serves as a permanent intermediary that provides location services without requiring battery power in the tracking devices. The system transfers the energy and computational burden to the fixed infrastructure rather than to mobile tracking devices, eliminating maintenance requirements.
3Measurement precision
If GPS tracking is used in indoor environments, then location information is obtained, but accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wall sockets with embedded RFID tags as intermediaries throughout the indoor environment. These tags create a distributed network of known location references that enable accurate positioning indoors. The server system processes RFID tag identification data to provide precise location information, overcoming GPS's inability to function accurately indoors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of physical location information through the RFID tag infrastructure. Instead of relying on satellite-based geographic coordinates that fail indoors, the system creates a localized database of wall socket positions and uses RFID communication to provide accurate location copies within the indoor environment.
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 accurate and efficient tracking of devices and equipment, both plugged and unplugged, with reduced maintenance needs and improved accuracy in various environments, including indoors.
Implementation Method 1
a tag reader, configured to detect and receive a tag signal containing at least a wall socket identification (ID) from a tag circuit of an AC power output wall socket
Implementation Method 2
a beacon circuit module, configured to wirelessly broadcast a beacon signal corresponding to the power adapter and to wirelessly receive a further beacon signal corresponding to a further power adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a power adapter and a system for determining a location of the power adapter are provided. The method includes: determining whether the power input plug is engaged with an AC power output wall socket of a power source; if the power input plug is not engaged with the AC power output wall socket, instructing the beacon circuit module to broadcast tag information corresponding to the power adapter; else if the power input plug is engaged with the AC power output wall socket, enabling the tag reader to read a tag circuit of the power source; identifying an identification number detected from the tag circuit; determining a location of the power adapter according to the identification number and a location mapping table; sending a plug notification to a remote control center; and instructing the beacon circuit module for receiving a further tag information of a further power adapter.