RFID-Integrated Camera System for Automated Video Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video tracking systems lack the ability to automatically locate and record images of objects with RFID tags that are not in the camera's field of view, and fail to efficiently mark the location of RFID tags within images, especially in complex environments or when objects are hidden.

Innovation Solution

A system that integrates RFID readers with cameras, including full spectrum cameras capable of capturing infrared and ultraviolet light, to receive signals from RFID tags, determine their location, and automatically adjust the camera's field of view to record images with markers indicating the RFID tag's position, using video tracking software to manage the process and output the marked images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard cameras are used for video tracking, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the camera cannot capture objects outside the visible spectrum such as infrared or ultraviolet light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral rangeVSAvoidcamera system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies full spectrum cameras that can capture multiple spectral ranges (visible, infrared, ultraviolet) simultaneously, making a single device perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate specialized cameras

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If RFID readers are integrated with cameras to automatically locate and track tagged objects, then tracking efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking efficiencyVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges RFID readers with cameras into an integrated system where the RFID component provides automatic object identification and tracking, while the camera captures visual data, combining automated detection with visual recording to improve tracking efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tags serve as intermediaries between the RFID readers and the objects being tracked, enabling automatic identification and location determination without direct visual contact or complex camera-based object recognition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the camera field of view is manually adjusted to capture RFID-tagged objects, then image accuracy improves, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation marking accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tags act as intermediaries that provide precise location information to the system, allowing automatic determination of object positions without manual camera adjustment, thereby maintaining high location marking accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical camera adjustment with an automated system that uses RFID signal processing and software-based field of view adjustment, substituting physical manipulation with electronic control and algorithmic processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effective automatic video tracking of RFID-tagged objects, ensuring they are captured in images even if they are not initially in the camera's view, and allows for precise location marking, enhancing security and inventory management applications.

Implementation Method 1

The RFID signals are received by antennas on the RFID tags and include enough power to cause an integrated circuit in the RFID tag to power up and transmit a response signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A typical full spectrum camera captures infrared, ultraviolet and visible light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared Radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

A typical full spectrum camera captures infrared, ultraviolet and visible light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet Radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS10037451B2Methods, computer program products, and systems for providing automated video tracking via radio frequency identification
Publication Date: 2018.07.31 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P
  • US10037451B2 patent drawing
  • US10037451B2 patent drawing
  • US10037451B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, computer program products and systems for providing video tracking. The method includes receiving a first signal from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. A location of the RFID tag is determined in response to the first signal. An image that includes the location of the RFID tag is recorded. The location of the RFID tag is marked on the image, resulting in a marked image.