Real-Time Asset Tracking Without Fixed Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional location tracking systems are costly due to the requirement of extensive infrastructure, making them impractical for organizations that need to track minimal equipment or prioritize life safety without breaking the bank.
Innovation Solution
A real-time location tracking system that eliminates most infrastructure by using a network with a cloud-based server, tracking devices with sensors emitting signals to detect surroundings, and unique identifiers to determine precise locations within buildings, correlating raw distance data with computer-hosted floorplan data for accurate tracking without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional location tracking systems use extensive infrastructure including multiple readers, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location determination function from the infrastructure (readers) and relocates it to the mobile device itself through GPS and other sensors. This eliminates the need for extensive fixed infrastructure while maintaining tracking capability, directly resolving the contradiction between accuracy and infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate technologies such as GPS satellites, Wi-Fi networks, and cellular towers as mediators between the mobile device and the tracking system. These intermediaries enable location determination without requiring direct line-of-sight or proximity to fixed readers, reducing infrastructure requirements while preserving tracking accuracy.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional location tracking systems deploy numerous readers across a geographical area, then tracking coverage is improved, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having fixed readers actively scan for tags throughout the area, the patent inverts the approach by having mobile devices actively determine their own locations using GPS and other sensors, then report back to a central server. This eliminates the need for numerous distributed readers while achieving comprehensive area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile device itself multi-functional by integrating GPS receiver, accelerometer, compass, and other sensors into a single unit that performs both navigation and tracking functions. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate infrastructure components, reducing deployment cost while maintaining wide area coverage.
3Speed
If conventional tracking systems install extensive reader infrastructure, then real-time tracking capability is improved, but installation and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to self-determine their locations using built-in GPS receivers and other sensors without requiring external infrastructure assistance. The devices autonomously calculate positions and report them to the tracking server, eliminating the need for installed readers while maintaining real-time tracking capability, thus reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical infrastructure of fixed readers and physical tracking tags with electronic and software-based solutions running on mobile devices. This substitution eliminates physical installation requirements while maintaining real-time tracking response, directly addressing the contradiction between tracking speed and infrastructure complexity.
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 solution provides a cost-effective tracking system capable of accurately locating assets and persons within large areas, scalable for multiple devices and environments, while maintaining minimal infrastructure costs and ensuring continuous tracking even during renovations.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is adapted to emit a signal and detect structures, thereby determining a distance between the sensor and the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A locating system includes a central server to receive and process data; a device to be secured or assigned to a person or asset, the device having one or more sensors configured to detect a distance from a plurality of physical structures, the distance being transmitted as raw data to the central server; a software installed on the server and providing a computer implemented drawing of a building or site, the computer implemented drawing having a database of floorplans associated with the building; and a unique identifier incorporated into one of the physical structures, the unique identifier to be sensed by the device and provide the device with a building information; the raw data is correlated to the database of floorplans to determine a first location associated with the device. Real time tracking is achieved via constantly collecting raw data to be compared to the database of floorplans and site plans.