RFID and LED Tracking for Fine Object Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately tracking the fine position and orientation of small RFID-enabled objects on a surface, as RFID technology alone is insufficient for precise location and orientation determination.
Innovation Solution
A mat with overlapping RFID antenna loops and an LED-based tracking system that uses light emitters on the objects to provide optical signals to cameras, allowing for precise positioning and orientation determination, while also enabling actuation of movable objects through RF links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID technology is used to track objects on a surface, then object identification and coarse location are enabled, but fine position and orientation precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RFID technology with LED-based optical tracking systems into a unified tracking platform. The RFID component provides object identification and coarse location, while the LED-based system adds fine position and orientation precision. This merging allows the system to achieve high measurement precision without requiring a completely new complex system, as it builds upon the existing RFID infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces LEDs as intermediary elements attached to tracked objects. These LEDs serve as mediators that carry optical signals from the objects to the camera system, enabling precise position and orientation measurement without directly modifying the RFID tags. The LEDs act as an intermediate layer that bridges the gap between RFID identification and optical precision tracking.
2Measurement precision
If LED-based tracking system is added to RFID system, then tracking precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the LED-based tracking system to serve multiple functions: providing fine position information, determining object orientation, and working in conjunction with RFID for comprehensive object tracking. The same LED markers and camera system are used for both location and orientation sensing, reducing the need for separate systems and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite the enhanced precision capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If RFID antenna loops are used for object detection, then object identification is enabled, but fine position determination is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the RFID electromagnetic field-based position detection method with an optical measurement system using LEDs and cameras. The RFID system continues to handle object identification, while the optical system substitutes for RFID's position determination function, providing significantly finer position accuracy. This substitution leverages the strengths of optical systems for precise spatial measurement while maintaining RFID's object identification 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 and precise tracking of objects on a surface, overcoming the limitations of RFID technology alone by combining RFID with LED-based tracking for enhanced location and orientation sensing, and allowing for object actuation.
Implementation Method 1
A surface or mat with a plurality of RFID exciter/sense coils
Implementation Method 2
light emitters associated with the RFID tags that can optically signal to one or more cameras
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided by which objects with RFID tags can communicate with a surface containing exciting and sensing antennas so as to actuate optical emission from those objects. That light emission can then be used for fine position and orientation sensing by an array of cameras placed around the surface.