RF Phase Tracking for Mobile Asset Location Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset tracking systems lack precision in locating and managing inventory and assets within complex commercial environments, relying on manual scanning and passive RFID tags which are inefficient and limited in specificity.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a handheld mobile ID reader with a master radio-based scanner location tracking system, where the mobile reader captures identifying information from assets and transmits it to the tracking system, allowing for precise location determination using RF signals and multiple receiver antennae to calculate the mobile reader's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual scanning and passive RFID tags are used for asset tracking, then the system is simple to implement, but the location precision and tracking specificity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mobile computing devices with RFID scanning capabilities and integrated navigation systems into a unified tracking system. The mobile reader integrates multiple functions (scanning, location tracking, data processing) into a single portable device, resolving the contradiction by merging previously separate simple components into a sophisticated integrated system that achieves high location precision without requiring complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile readers as intermediary devices between passive RFID tags and the central tracking system. These mobile readers actively scan RFID tags, determine their own precise locations using integrated navigation, and transmit data to the central system, serving as a mediator that enhances location precision while maintaining system manageability
2Loss of information
If passive RFID tags are used, then the tagging process is simple, but the tracking specificity and data collection capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection by scanning multiple RFID tags and gathering location information before final processing. The mobile reader proactively collects data from multiple sources (visual inspection data, RFID tag data, sensor data) in advance, enabling comprehensive tracking specificity while maintaining ease of operation through automated data aggregation
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile reader is designed as a universal device that can read multiple types of identifiers (barcodes, RFID tags), collect various data types (visual, sensor, location), and function in diverse environments. This multi-functionality enhances data collection capability while preserving operational simplicity through a single versatile tool replacing multiple specialized devices
3Measurement precision
If multiple receiver antennae are deployed for precise location tracking, then the location accuracy improves, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having fixed infrastructure emit signals for mobile devices to detect, the patent inverts the approach by having mobile readers actively transmit or modulate signals that are detected by receiver antennae. This inversion allows the mobile device to be the active element in the tracking pair, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining position accuracy through the mobile device's own transmission characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile reader determines its own position using integrated navigation systems (GPS, inertial sensors, Wi-Fi positioning) without requiring extensive external infrastructure. The device serves itself by autonomously calculating its location, which reduces the burden on the tracking system's infrastructure while maintaining high position accuracy through self-contained positioning capabilities
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 tracking and association of data with physical locations, improving inventory management and asset location specificity across various environments, enhancing operational efficiency in industries.
Implementation Method 1
calculating, for each of the at least two receiver antennae, a phase of the RF signal received by each receiver antennae; calculating, based on the calculated phases, a physical location from where the mobile device transmitted the RF signal
Implementation Method 2
calculating, for each of the at least two receiver antennae, timing information of the RF signal received by each of the at least two receiver antennae; calculating, based on the calculated timing information, a distance from where the mobile device transmitted the RF signal to the at least two receiver antennae
Data Source
AI summary
A method of associating data with a physical location comprises receiving, by at least two receiver antennae, a radiofrequency (RF) signal transmitted by a mobile device, the RF signal conveying data collected by the mobile device from an external source; calculating, for each of the at least two receiver antennae, a phase of the RF signal received by each receiver antennae; calculating, based on the calculated phases, a physical location from where the mobile device transmitted the RF signal; and associating the data conveyed by the RF signal and the external source from which the data were collected with the calculated physical location from where the mobile device transmitted the RF signal.